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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Your source for weekly news and views in the Robson Valley

Volume 1 Issue 25

TRC mill to restart production in January

While TRC mill has been shut down for over three weeks now, company owner Tom Ryan says the mill will likely re-open in January after internal restructuring.

“We have a good group of employees who are supportive and understanding,” he says. “The markets are coming through. We do have some good sized deal coming in for next year now.”

Ryan says although there is still reason for optimism ahead, the fall has proven to be extremely frustrating for him and his mill administration staff.

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Photo: Laura Keil Vancouver world fusion group Delhi 2 Dublin rocked the crowd in Valemount Nov. 28 when they performed at the high school to a nearly-packed house.

More Inside: Clemina Cabin back online

Senior girls make provincials

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Valemount senior girls head to Provincials Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

It was a tense home game and the season was on the line for both teams, but on Nov. 23, Valemount’s senior girls volleyball team pulled through, winning three of five rounds against Hazelton.

“They totally fell apart in the third and fourth round, but we pulled through for the fifth,” says Coach Cheri Dehnke.

Valemount capitalized on home court advantage taking an early lead right from the beginning. The first round ended by a comfortable margin of 25-17 in favour of Valemount. Round two was closer, ending 25-23 in favour of Valemount.

Hazelton pulled off their first win during the third round 23-25. The fourth round brought Valemount’s fear out and ended with a score of 25-27. Hazelton had tied the match! With a home crowd buzzing, Valemount pulled through with a final round score of 15-13, much to the delight of over 80 local fans who showed up to enjoy the high stakes game.

Coach Dehnke says that because both teams placed second in their respective zones, they were required to play the onetime game for the third and final position in the provincial tournament which will be held in Abbotsford starting Dec. 2. Dehnke says that the first place finish in the Northwest and North-Central zones both automatically qualify for pro-

Photo: Joseph Nusse

vincials, but every year the second place finishers battle it out for the third seating.

“There is always a wildcard battle like this. It bounces back and forth. We had the wildcard this year, so they had to come here to challenge us,” she explains.

According to Hazelton coaching staff, eight of 10 players made the one-game trip leaving Hazelton at 7:30am in order to make the game in Valemount at 5:30pm. They returned to Prince George on the same night.

Dehnke says that the team will be leaving for Provincials on Dec.1. She says all but one of her remaining 15 senior girls will be making the trip to compete.

Atom team wins tournament in Clearwater

Photos: Dan Lawless

The Valemount McBride Atom hockey team won gold last weekend at a tournament in Clearwater. Coaches Jacob Forman, Ole Quam and Carl Forman stand behind players (L-R back row) Gavyn Rich, Michael Snow, Kahram Sandu, Mackenzie Booth, Ian Forman, Matthew Lawless (L-R front row) Ethan Quam, Wyatt Wikstrom, Eston Bustin, Brendan Forman, Brogan Taphorn. Absent from photo: Bernhardt Du Toit.

Above: Matthew Lawless and Ian Forman hold up their trophy after the gold medal game. The combined Valemount-McBride Atom hockey team snagged gold at the Clearwater House League tournament last weekend. The 12-player team won out over Kamloops in the final game on Sunday 4-3.

Their next tournament will be in Prince George Dec. 19.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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Community forest hosts heated meeting Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Photo: Paula Scott Maria in the Shower regaled more than 70 spectators at the Dunster Fine Arts School Nov. 26 as part of a fundraiser for the school. Organizer Shara Macdonald, who also performed that evening, along with Seth Macdonald, says they raised about $2,500 between ticket sales and the silent auction. Since it acquired the building from the school district, the Dunster Fine Arts School Society pays about $450 per month for the mortgage in addition to other operating costs for seven students to attend homeschooling classes inside its walls.

Valemount to boost ESL programs Starting a new life as a British Columbian is made easier thanks to $40,000 for Valemount Learning Society at the College of New Caledonia, delivering free English language support programs to immigrants and refugees.

The English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program provides access to language support to recent immigrants and refugees in more remote communities.

Funding allows for a co-ordinator to recruit and provide standardized training to volunteer tutors and match those tutors with immigrants who want to improve their

English language skills. Tutoring is focused on the learner’s individual goals and functional language skills that can vary from reading a menu to functioning successfully in a workplace.

The $1.6 million investment province-wide will enable 42 service providers to deliver tutoring services in over 50 regional and remote communities and their surrounding areas. Last year, more than 600 volunteers across B.C. provided English language tutoring to over 800 immigrant and refugee learners in remote communities.

Local paramedic Samantha Travers will be honoured in Prince George Dec. 8 for her quick thinking in an emergency last fall.

At 7a.m. her boyfriend Jessy Methot called her from his job site in Edmonton, where he was working on the expansion of the Quesnel Bridge. One of the workers, a man in his early 40s collapsed and was having a heart attack, but no medic was at hand. Travers instructed Metot on how to conduct CPR and critical interventions while they waited for help to arrive. Due to their remote location, it took 20 minutess for paramedics to arrive at the scene.

The man, who has a wife and young child, survived the incident and has made a full recovery.

Travers says she completely forgot about the call until they learned she had been nominated for a service award.

The window of Valemount’s Anglican-United Church on 7th Avenue, which was damaged during a series of vandalism attacks in November, has yet to be replaced because of cold weather.

Pat Bennett, warden for the church, says that the new window has arrived, but cannot be installed until the weather is slightly warmer. She says she has no idea how long it will be before it can be replaced, but that she was hoping it would be done this week when the days were warmer.

The new window cost about $600, including shipping, Bennet says. The church, several other businesses in downtown Valemount and the personal property of three RCMP officers were damaged by vandals in early November. One youth later confessed to some of the damage.

Local paramedic Window repair honoured stalled by cold

Approximately 30 McBride and area residents showed up to the McBride Community Forest Corporation’s (MCFC) annual fall public input meeting on Nov. 24.

The meeting was chaired by MCFC Chairman Mike Monroe. General Manager Marc von der Gonna as well as MCFC board members were also in attendance.

While the first half of the meeting consisted of updates and presentations by von der Gonna, the second half of the meeting, which called for questions from the public, had to be reined in by Chair Monroe. Heated questions regarding the MCFC being behind on supply wood to TRC as well as perceived interference by the MCFC into matters related beyond the MCFC’s mandate were all floored. Chairman Monroe encouraged any individual with a grievance or legal accusation against the MCFC to approach him personally and formally in writing so that he can deal with such issues in a private and appropriate matter. When pressed with the question “Mr. Chairman, don’t these repeated allegations concern you greatly?” Monroe responded: “Yes, but to deal with them publicly would be inappropriate. We will deal with such legal and personal concerns in due course under the guidelines of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.” General updates of interest are as follows: -The MCFC is behind on volume to TRC, but it intends to make it up over the winter.

-The MCFC will continue pursuing expansion of its territory and annual allowable cut.

-MCFC staff will continue to monitor demand for timer is the Timber Sale Area.

-The current MCFC Management Plan is in effect until 2012.

-The MCFC web-site has had many recent upgrades.

Public are encouraged to seek information and documents related to the MCFC off the site.

-The “GeoBC” application on Google Earth now makes it possible to view timber harvest information such as layout and cataloguing directly on Google Earth. Residents are encouraged to upload and use the application to view activities within the MCFC tenure area.

For more concert photos, Christmas photos and winter photos, check out our website: www.therockymountaingoat.com

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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Youth initiatives are tenuous at best Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

I believe that the skate park was a waste of money! Please hear me out. It was used for a while. When it was new, there were dreams of expansion and promises of reduced drug use amongst teens. Here we are few years later, and I have yet to see any youth using the flat piece of concrete when I have driven past. Now I admire the effort that went into the park. But ultimately, it was $50,000 that has not served its intended purpose. The truth is, a skate park which sees continual use costs well over $300,000. A town needs to be the size of Hinton before this is remotely possible.

The reason why I am picking on the skate park is not because I have an issue with it so much as it was the most recent huge expenditure by our town. On the way to the skate park is the arena. The arena has a flat concrete surface. This surface does not have ice on it for at least six months of the year. Reversely, the outdoor skate park is unusable for six months of the year. Why does our town have so

many underused facilities? Why couldn’t we have purchased a movable half-pipe and opened up the vacant arena building once the ice is no longer maintained?

Beside the skate park is a ball diamond.

Our town once had a very active softball and fast pitch program. Why aren’t our kids participating at the levels they used to? Granted, our population of kids has declined sharply since I was in grade school in this town, but I think there are other forces at play here.

I have in the past taught music lessons, not just in Valemount. I noticed a very predictable trend. A kid would ask his/ her parents for a guitar and lessons. The parents would spend $300 on a guitar and $15 per hour on lessons. The kid would take four lessons and be extremely enthused. Then suddenly practicing would stop, and the kid would drop the lessons.

For a while I felt that perhaps I was a bad teacher. Perhaps I was not making it fun enough for them. Then one day when talking to a parent it dawned on me. The parent was consulting me on how to get her kid to practice. Then she said, “He would rather play guitar hero than practice his real guitar. We paid a lot of money for the guitar, and now he will not even touch it.”

Bingo! That was it. The problem was the kid was seeking instant gratification. He started playing guitar hero. He found the desire to perform and have a crowd love you, but when reality hit home on how

much work it really was, the kid suddenly gave up and decided to settle for a virtual sense of accomplishment. It is too bad because I have played in bands in front of 500 people. The feeling is amazing. And I only wish I could convey to these kids how much better it is than Guitar Hero!

But, make no mistake, they will never get there without hard work.

Parents: stop buying your kids video games! It is killing their self-motivation.

It is killing their sense of reality. It is even killing their health. Do you want your kid to snowboard for real, or play video games where they can pretend to bust moves in a half-pipe? Do you want your kid to play guitar for real, or do you want them to spend the rest of their life wishing and pretending they can? Youth initiatives are not about building kids a youth centre. We had one. Some kids preferred to practice under-age drinking in their own basements instead. Youth initiatives are not about building a skate park in a mountain town. We have a great hockey arena. We have great soccer fields and ball diamonds.

We have an amazing high school gym and theatre. We have a mountain paradise that will install self-confidence in any kid who is introduced to the mountains and how to enjoy them safely. If it seems like a lot of money, start by axing the Wii. Youth initiatives are about teaching youth how to start enjoying the realities of life, and the fulfilment that comes from accomplishing something real. Youth will

never know what a good ski run feels like until they walk up a mountain to get only one amazing run in. They will never know what it feels like to play music in front of an appreciating crowd unless they first make themselves learn scales. I see an awful lot of wasted talent whenever I see kids gathered around a TV pretending to do something with their life. Am I being harsh? Yup! You will never be a rock star unless your finger first bleed from practicing. You will never win a marathon without vomiting from interval training.

You will never become an artist without destroying your own failed works in frustration. You will never become a writer without a mentor to rip your work apart.

Youth, there is an amazing world out there full of possibilities. It starts right here at your doorstep. You are of a generation that has more possibilities than any before you. You are so much luckier than your peers from the city. Get involved in the outdoors. The mountains here offer a paradise you will not find anywhere else.

The harsh realities of life can be brutal, but overcoming harsh realities is what gives this life purpose, and you will never find this purpose playing Guitar Hero. Youth and parents have a whole lot to learn from each other. Part of this is knowing as parents when to let go and let your kid go hiking, climbing skiing, and globe trekking without you. Nobody said that this life was without risk. Let’s teach our youth how to manage it.

The Rocky Mountain Goat is distributed weekly Office: 1070, 5th Avenue, Valemount, British Columbia

Laura Keil

Co-Owner Editor/Reporter lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Joseph Nusse

Telephone: (250) 566-4606 E-mail: jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com, or lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com Advertising: sales@therockymountaingoat.com Website: www.therockymountaingoat.com Mail Address: Box 21, Valemount B.C., V0E 2Z0

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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Letters Don’t be fooled about your water use being “above the provincial average”

Photo: Marion Farquharson

Aisling Ives, 7, made use of a fresh snowfall in November to create a couple snow cats in the backyard. Temperatures have been unseasonably low in the past couple weeks, dipping down to -30.

Council Briefs Nov. 23 McBride Unsightliness Bylaw

Thank-You letters

Council passed a motion to adopt the Village of McBride Maintenance Bylaw No. 206, 2010. The bylaw is aimed at the general improvement, maintenance and regulation of private property in McBride, by giving authority to the Village to demand the removal or repair of unsightly buildings, vehicles or signs, among other things.

A motion was made by Mayor Mike Frazier to send a thank-you letter to B.C. Hydro Chair Dan Doyle for the support the Village has received with the recent installation of the McBride Biodiesel Generating Station, which will improve the reliability of power delivery to the area.

Seconded by Councillor Mike Moseley.

Accounts paid Village approved the payment of more than $300,000 in bills for the month of October.

Garbage, Water, Sewer increase Council approved an annual five per cent increase for garbage, water and sewer functions for residents of McBride. Administration was instructed to prepare the necessary bylaws.

Meeting Cancelled Council approved a motion to cancel the regular council meeting for Dec. 28.

Re: Oct 20, “No trickle down effect in McBride.”

Dear Editor and the wonderful community of McBride, Don’t be fooled about your water use being “above the provincial average.”

Last year I was looking around B.C. for property and every town hall I inquired at said the same thing, including the Mayor of Princeton, where I live.

If you check the Lilloet Ratepayers’ Association website, a reply to them from Liam Edwards from the Ministry of Community and Rural Development B.C. accused their town of being above the provincial and Canadian average.

What do you think is going on? How does metering spot leaks?

Most of the infrastructure is failing in B.C. towns because of age and possibly neglect. On my block (in an older part of town) the mani water line was repaired three times this year due to major leaks. The Town of Princeton hired a professional dowser who effectively found the last one which was flooding my neighbour’s basement. I would think this would be cheaper than metering but remember it can’t be on the TSX until there is a dollar value on our water. Canada also abstained from voting on the UN’s declaration this year that clean water is a fundamental human right. I believe it’s all tied together.

Glow Lemon Princeton, B.C.

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Council Briefs Nov. 23

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Valemount

Canoe Valley Recreation Centre budget constraints Council heard a presentation from representatives of the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George regarding financial planning for the Canoe Valley Recreation Centre. Over the last decade, cumulative increases in the consumer price index have added up to a 25 per cent increase in costs associated with running the arena.

During this same period, revenues from ice rental fees have slowly dipped, mirroring the economy and population decline.

The new exercise room has added revenue, but the costs of keeping the facility open all year to accommodate use of the room are higher than the additional revenue generated from user fees.

The regional district has been reluctant to seek an increase in requisition fees from Electoral Area “H” and Village of Valemount residents due to know economic strains currently affecting the valley. At this point however, operating costs are cutting into reserve funds, and without increases, the regional district will be forced to reduce services in order to meet yearly budgets. An increase in requisition will need consent of the village council as per the agreement outlined when the regional district took over operation of the facility from the Village of Valemount.

If the maximum proposed requisition increase were approved at 25 per cent, it would translate into an annual property tax increase of approximately $13.20 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Council moved to take the proposal under consideration.

Thompson Rivers University ‘Drop Fees Endorsement’ Village Council moved to accept information regarding the ‘Drop Fees” campaign from the Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union; however, Council determined that it would not be in its interest to officially endorse such a campaign without further involvement of the Thompson Rivers University Administration. A motion to not officially support the campaign carried.

Wildfire Protection meeting Oct. 26, 2010 minutes Council moved to approve the minutes of the Wildfire Protection/Prevention Committee. The minutes contained the following recommendations to Council: Donnie MacLean be considered to fill one of two remaining open positions on the committee; Council direct village staff to research funding for the development of an updated Wildfire Management Plan for the Village of Valemount; Council al-

locate $2,500 in funding in the 2011 Village Budget for the Wildfire Committee to continue with the education and operations of the committee; Council passed a motion to accept the minutes and approve all recommendations.

Wildfire Protection meeting Nov. 16, 2010 minutes Council moved to approve the minutes of the Wildfire Protection/Prevention Committee. The minutes contained the following recommendation to Council: That Council send a letter to BC Hydro concerning the amount of wood left on their right of ways within the Valemount Wildfire Protection are as they are a potential fire hazard to the community; Council passed a motion to accept the minutes and approve all recommendations.

New Life Centre use of Community Hall Council received a letter from the New Life Centre Church requesting a grant in lieu of rent for use of the Community Hall on Dec. 11. The New Life Centre intends to host a Christmas Concert and Dinner for the community on this date and all members of the community are invited and welcome. A motion to waive the user fees carried.

Request for participation from BC Assessment Council heard a request for a participant from the village to take part in BC Assessment’s ‘Customer Service Focus Group. A motion to accept the invitation and delegate a village staff member to take part carried.

Extension request for Lewis Subdivision Council heard a request from Peter Lewis to extend his Development Agreement one more year to Dec. 31. Lewis states that he intends to continue with the subdivision once market demand and other factors, such as the Saas Fee development, continue to proceed. Council passes a motion to approve extension of the Development Agreement to the requested date.

Columbia Basin Trust – Water Smart Program Council received the final summary of the Columbia Basin Trust Water Smart Program. The report includes plans for ongoing projects involving water conservation and planning. A motion to accept the report carries Professional development request Council heard a request from the village

chief administrating officer that Corporate Officer Sandy Salt be approved by enrolment as well as travel expenses to attend the course “Fundamentals of Local Government: Corporate Administration.”

The course will run for approximately one week in length. It is proposed that Salt attend the course in the new budget year.

Council approves expenses for the professional development and directs funds be allocated out of the 2011 budget.

Strategic Plan 2011 Council received a final report outlining the results of the Strategic Planning Session Oct. 27. A full report is available by request or on the village website. A motion to accept the final report carries.

Sewer Lift Station Enhancement Phase II Council received a report from CAO Tom Dall regarding a possible grant application to “Towns for Tomorrow” of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Dall recommends that a proposal for $400,000 be submitted with an additional $100,000 pledge from the Village.

The money would be used for the Sewer Lift Station Phase II upgrade project. A motion to approve the grant application carried.

Municipal Work Safety Project – Phase II Council heard a proposal to initate Phase II of the municipal ‘Safety Project’. The project aims at bringing all municipal work safety codes up to date. Phase II involves consultation on the “Field Component” of the project. A motion to initiate Phase II of the program by awarding $3418.00 to Sylva Management as a consultant carries.

Signage Bylaw committee Council heard a proposal from CAO Tom Dall that a select committee be formed including delegates from the Village of Valemount and the Valemount and Area Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the committee would be to review old and existing sign bylaws, and come up with recommendations for a more comprehensive and up-to-date village policy regarding signage. It has been discovered that they village does not currently have a signage bylaw outside of ‘development permit’ areas. A motion to initiate the committee and solicit delegates from the Chamber of Commerce carried.

Development Variance permit request Council heard a request from ‘Hill Bill Products Ltd.’ for a development variance

permit. The request seeks for a variance on the maximum height of an outbuilding. Under zoning C-3, outbuilding height is restricted to 3.5 metres. The developer wishes to build and outbuilding to a maximum height of six metres. A motion to allow the request to proceed through the proper legislative process carries.

Wes Hudson Light Up Contest Council heard a proposal for this year’s ‘Wes Hudson Light Up Contest.’ The proposed start date is Dec. 3, with a judging date of Dec. 13. First prize is proposed at $50 and second at $25. A motion to approve the contest outline carried.

Request for travel expenses: Prince George Community Foundation fall reception Council heard a request for travel expenditures regarding Corporate Officer Sandy Salt attending the 15th Anniversary Fall reception of the Prince George Community Foundation on Nov. 30. The purpose of attending the event is to network with other northern communities involved in setting up Community Endowment Funds. A motion to approve travel expenses carried.

Water Fee increase final reading deferred Council heard a recommendation from CAO Tom Dall that the final reading of the proposed water user fee increases pass. Councillor Capstick requested a deferral of the final reading until hard numbers on the operating costs for the plant in April can be reviewed. A motion to defer final reading until next council meeting carried.

Accessory suite (RR2) re-zoning by law Council heard recommendations for CAO Tom Dall regarding proceeding with Amendment Bylaw No. 660. The council was given the option of proceeding with first and second reading of the proposed bylaw amendment, or referring the proposal to the Village Solicitor first to avoid any possible foreseeable legal issues. A motion to refer the proposal to the Village Solicitor carried.

Water Parcel Tax increase Council heard a recommendation that the water parcel tax be increased by 5 percent to cover current capital budget shortfalls.

A motion to give first, second and third reading of ‘Water Parcel Tax Bylaw 661, 2010’ carried.

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Seniors’ Housing nearly done

Photos: Laura Keil

The 10 seniors’ housing units in Valemount are nearly completed. Ray Guenther of Mierau Contractors Ltd. who is overseeing the construction says they plan to hand over the units to B.C. Housing Dec. 17. The move-in date for residents, however, is still unclear. There are more than 15 people on the waiting list to get into the units, which are for low-income seniors and designed to be accessible to someone with limited mobility or who is in a wheelchair.

Identical units are on hold in McBride due to cold weather and construction will recommence in the spring once the ground thaws, Guenther says.

The Valemount Seniors’ Housing Society was recently named the non-profit operator of the units in Valemount.

The society also owns and operates the Golden Years Lodge, which houses 13 affordable rental apartments for seniors in Valemount.

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A8 Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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McBride Secondary Craft Fair a success

Left: Kimi Yungen with decorations made from local trees (including the giant cones!).

Right: Cassidy Brawn tries on one of Theresa Van Vlissingen’s many crocheted creations.

Top: The McBride Parent Advisory Counil organized this year’s annual craft fair at the M.S.S. gymnasium. All tables were booked, and attendance was steady throughout the day last Saturday.

Photos: Matthew Wheeler

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Water Conservation Plan focuses on use reduction Modern plumbing fixtures needed to meet new targets Harmeet Singh hsingh@therockymountaingoat.com

Valemount’s new plan for water conservation was tabled at the village’s council meeting Nov. 24.

The village has signed on to the Columbia Basin Water Smart Charter, a plan to reduce water consumption in the Columbia Basin over the next five years. By 2015, Valemount is aiming to reduce the community’s water consumption by 20 percent, with the help of resources from the Columbia Basin Trust.

The new conservation plan includes several strategies to help the village meet its goal, including public education, water metering and auditing outdoor water use. Roughly 20 communities in the Columbia Basin are participating in the CBT’s plan, with their own goals to lessen water consumption by 2015.

CBT distinguishes between necessary water use and discretionary use. Reducing the use of water necessary for things like cooking, showering and laundry is best done through new fixtures, like water-saving toilets and showerheads, according to the CBT. Valemount resident Jeannette Lorenz installed a water-saving toilet in her home. “I’m still so excited that I don’t waste so much water anymore,” she says. “I’m on

Village of Valemount Request for Proposals Bylaw Enforcement Officer Services The Village of Valemount is seeking proposals from motivated and skilled individuals in conflict resolution and bylaw enforcement to fill the contract position of Bylaw Enforcement Officer.

Reporting to the Corporate Officer, the incumbent will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day compliance and enforcement of the Village’s regulatory bylaws dealing with such issues as animal control, business license, noise, and unsightly premises violations.

Qualifications for this position include: • Relevant experience in bylaw enforcement, supplemented with knowledge of the principles, standards and practices of the relevant areas of municipal bylaws is a strong asset and preferred.

• Ability to understand and apply the provisions of the Village’s regulatory bylaws.

• Ability to deal effectively and politely with the public and

to effectively communicate (both verbally and in writing).

• Must have demonstrated experience working with computer programs in a Windows environment.

• Must have the ability to work reliably with minimum supervision.

• Must be strongly self-motivated and highly organized with strong administrative skills.

• Ability to be on call 24/7.

• Valid BC Class 5 Drivers License.

• Provide own reliable vehicle (including fuel, maintenance

and insurance) and the necessary equipment to carry out the duties agreed upon in the Contract.

• Equivalencies recognizing related experience will be considered.

The successful candidate is required to supply a criminal record check.

The lowest bid may not necessarily be accepted.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of proposal and resume outlining your qualifications to provide the Village of Valemount with Bylaw Enforcement Officer Services to: Village of Valemount Attention: Tom Dall, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 168 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 cao@valemount.ca Applications will be received until 4:30 p.m. December 06, 2010.

this planet for a short period of time,” she says, so saving water for future generations is important to her. “It’s horrible to think people after me wouldn’t have water.”

For other water use, the conservation plan includes the installation of water meters. For Lorenz, the idea of water metering is a good one. She worked on an engineering project where meters were installed in an apartment building to show residents their hot and cold water use.

As people could see how much they were using, she says, water consumption went down.

Valemount also faces certain unique challenges because of its tourist industry. Peak tourist seasons also mean peaks in water use. The new plan recommends auditing hotel and motel rooms during the summer by taking inventory of flow rates and leaky fixtures.

The inventory would be done by a summer student, who the CBT recommends would also conduct free landscape and irrigation assessments for residents to reduce their outdoor water use. CBT also recommends that the village assess how efficiently it is using water in its public spaces.

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Valmeount Arena operating budget must expand Regional District seeks additional $21 per year per household Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com The Canoe Valley Recreation centre, better know as the Valemount Arena, was purchased by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George in 2000. The transfer was arranged in order to facilitate the construction and operations of a newer arena when the older “A Frame” structure built through volunteer community efforts in the 1970’s started to deteriorate beyond repair.

The hefty price tag of the new facility, combined with the need for increased tax revenues to maintain operat-

ing costs led to the decision to set up a requisition tax in Electoral Area “H”. A referendum passed, and the facility has been owned and operated as a regional recreational center by the Regional District ever since.

Last Tuesday, representatives from the Regional District reported to the Valemount Council regarding budget shortcomings in recent years. According to the Regional District, the revenues generated based on property tax requisitions are $239,020 per year with 36.2% of this revenue coming from within the Village of Valemount.

Logo Contest!

Win a 30 minute helicopter tour of the Valemount Community Forest!

The Valemount Community Forest Company Ltd. is looking for a design concept and slogan that best reflects the values of our Community Forest.

The emphasis should be on local management of forest resources & creating & sustaining local employment opportunities. Designs can be hand drawn or computer generated.

The contest winner will receive a 30 min helicopter tour sponsored by the Valemount Community Forest & Yellowhead Helicopters.

Submit your logo design & slogan by mail to: Valemount Community Forest Co. Ltd. Attn: Jody Newham P.O. Box 1017 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Or email to: vcfadmin@valemount.ca In person to: 99 Gorse Street, Valemount, BC. Contest Deadline: 4:30 pm, December 22, 2010.

Winner will be chosen by the VCF Board of Directors & announced January 21, 2011.

Contest is open to the community of Valemount & surrounding areas.

Cont’ A11...

Annual Wes Hudson Light Up Contest Prizes for Commercial and Residential.

Contest will start December 3, 2010 with judging taking place December 13, 2010.

BE SURE YOUR LIGHTS ARE ON!!!

Prize for each category: 1 st prize - $50 2 nd prize - $25

Contest sponsored by the Village of Valemount

A10

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, December 1 , 2010

Briefs:

MINISTRY OF LABOUR MEETINGS

Senior provincial Ministry of Labour staff will meet with key business and labour stakeholders to discuss employment standards, including minimum wage, over the next few months, according to Minister Iain Black.

The purpose of the meetings will be to elicit stakeholder views and provide advice on how to modernize B.C.’s employment standards system around the following themes: The role and purpose of the minimum wage in today’s economy, and how it should be established and adjusted.

Enhancing flexibility for employees and employers Improving the enforcement of employment standards.

Ensuring expeditious hearing and determination of complaints.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION AGREEMENT SIGNED

The Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education and members of the area’s Aboriginal community signed their third Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement for the district on Nov. 26.

The purpose of the agreement is to ensure success among Aboriginal students and to make the understanding of Aboriginal culture a priority for all students. Similar agreements exist in Quesnel and on Vancouver Island.

To date, 51 school districts have signed Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements. The Ministry of Education is providing $61.5 million ($1,160 per Aboriginal student) in estimated funding for Aboriginal education in 2010-11.

LOCAL POWER OUTAGES

Poor weather last week caused Valemount and McBride area residents to lose power twice in two days.

Power was lost for roughly two hours when a motor vehicle crashed into an electrical pole on Nov. 23. in McBride.

Gene Bryant, BC Hydro community relations coordinator for the area says the accident was likely due to bad weather.

On Nov. 24, valley residents lost power again for about 47 minutes when a problem occurred with a transmission line. BC Hydro couldn’t find the cause, but Bryant says it was likely a tree branch falling on the power lines momentarily, which causes the power to shut itself off for safety reasons.

There were also a number of small outages affecting one or two homes at a time last week.

On Wednesday November 24, the McBride backup generators were put to the test, coming online after about 23 minutes when the outage struck late in the afternoon.

Tourism Valemount Committee Looking for contract services Event Coordination for Winter Festival The Valemount Winter Festival will be held February 11–12, 2011. Most activities will be staged at Cranberry Marsh.

Evening events and ceremonies will be held at the Valemount Community Hall or Valemount Visitor Information Centre.

Event coordination duties include the following activities: • Develop brochure with events • Mail invitations to clubs and organizations • Arrange volunteers for day and evening events • Arrange registration evening • Arrange transportation to & from hotels to Cranberry Marsh • Develop package for guest to receive at Registration Night • Prepare tourism package for guests Email expression of interest to Jennifer Robinson marketing@visitvalemount.ca by November 30, 2010.

FEDERAL PRISONS IN B.C. TO EXPAND

Five federal prisons in the province will be expanding in the next four years, with 362 new bunks being added.

More than $77 million will be spent to add beds to the Kent, Matsqui, Pacific Institution, Ferndale and Fraser Valley prisons.

Gardening with Pete Peter Amyoony Special to The Goat

During the Winter months when the ground is a “little” too hard to dig, it may be a good time to deal with some of the theory of gardening so we can understand a bit better how the whole process works.

The basis of any garden is the soil (not dirt!). For the next few weeks I will deal with the different types of soil and the needs of each type. Our Valley is a great place to study different soil types as we have areas of almost pure sand and others of almost pure clay and all the varieties in between.

If you pick up a handful of sand and let it run through your fingers, you will understand why it drains so well in the spring or after a heavy rainfall. The particles don’t stick together because they are very rough and irregular shaped so the water can run in between and drain away quickly.

This can be a real advantage in the spring when others are waiting for their gardens to dry up enough to be tilled or worked. A person with sandy soil can get a head start on the season and be eating radishes when others with clay soil are still waiting for their gardens to dry up.

The disadvantage is that your garden will dry out much faster in warm or dry times and you will have to

water much more than your fellow gardeners with clay.

If you do have very sandy soil, you can really improve the water-holding ability by adding organic matter to it on an ongoing basis. Every year add some compost, aged manure, tilled under garden residue such as pea vines or green manures, peat moss and any other material which is or was alive and growing.

The organic matter acts as a binder to hold the soil particles together so it does not drain so quickly. It also acts like a sponge to soak up water and nutrients and hold them close to the roots of the plants where they can be used for growth.

The aim of adding organic matter or peat (or even sand) to the soil you have in your garden is to reach a stage where you can say you have “loam”. A sandy or silty loam is the ideal soil for gardens. They hold enough moisture but drain well and don’t become waterlogged.

They have enough organic matter to support the rich life of microbes in the soil. They have enough mineral matter (e.g. sand) to supply all the trace minerals needed for plant growth. Loam soils are easy to work and don’t compact after the winter or a heavy rain. The aim of all gardeners should be to “work toward loam”.

Pete Amyoony is a gardener in the Robson Valley of central B.C. high in the Rocky Mountains near Mt. Robson. He has lived, worked and gardened in the Dunster area for more than thirty years.

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

McBride Community Forest short on volume... ...cont’ from A1

He says the McBride community forest has come up short on their volumes, and they have some interim financing issues. A culmination of factors lead to the decision to cease production, he says.

“This kind of crept up on me right at the last minute after re-opening. It has forced me to re-organize and it is going to take me a while to get that straightened out,” he says. “We were hoping for December but it is looking like we will be up again in January.”

Although it is but one of several key blocks for TRC, Ryan says that the shortcoming of promised wood supply from the McBride Community Forest has definitely affected his restructuring. He says he spent a few hundred thousand dollars this summer and he will not get that money back until he sells the wood.

“I cannot keep putting money into this thing based on promises from the Community Forest. It is making it tough.”

He adds that uncertainty of timbre supply is a key factor taken into account by his financiers.

“The banks and finance companies look at the contract and ask ‘why are they short on volume…are you going to get it?’ Then they start pulling in their horns.”

According to Ryan anybody in the specialty cedar business has to sit on a lot of inventory because of the industry’s cyclical nature. He says they start selling their product off in February and continue until June, which is their biggest month.

Despite the looming short fall in production, Ryan says that the mill will not likely be employing multiple shifts

once it starts up again.

“It is going to be a slower year than what we anticipated, for sure. But we will keep trying to gather steam for the future.”

Ryan says that he will buy all of the wood that has been promised by the McBride Community forest regardless.

“Whether we use it this year or next year or whenever, it is volume that has been committed by both parties and definitely we will use it in the future regardless.”

At the annual Fall Public Input meeting hosted by the McBride Community Forest on November 24, 2010, General Manager Marc von der Gonna stated that the McBride Community Forest has only delivered 2300 tonnes of 8000 that was supposed to have been delivered by the end of October. The total volume of wood promised by the McBride Community Forest to TRC is 15,000 tonnes over the winter.

General Manager von der Gonna cited summer shut downs due to high fire hazards are well as road shut downs due to unseasonable September rainfall. He also conceded that in retrospect, there was some room for better management of the TRC wood supply, however he pledged to resume delivery of wood immediately, and he fully expects to meet delivery agreements by the end of the winter.

He adds that other reasons regarding their cutting and timbre supply are also at play, but he can not comment on them at this point due to the sensitive legal nature of factors related.

Valemount arena serves entire region...

..cont’ from A9

The remainder comesfrom Electoral Area ‘H’. This figure has remained unchanged since 2000, partly due to acknowledgment of the Valemount area’s fragile economic state. While the Recreation Centre’s staff have worked hard to keep budgets in check, it is no longer possible to meeting annual operating costs based on this figure.

Over the past couple of years, funds from the operating reserve have been drawn to make up year-end shortfalls and the fund now sits at zero. The equipment replacement reserve sits at only $30,000, leaving the site vulnerable if critical equipment fails.

Regional District representatives stated that while the new Exercise Room (called the ‘ER’ by local staff and users) is well used and they seek to continue offering the service, user fees do not pay for the added operating costs associated with keeping the building open year-round. As such, the Regional District seeks to increase the requisition tax rate by a maximum of 25%. This would translate into a $13.20 increase per $100,000 of assessed property value, or about $21 per year for the average Valemount area household. He adds that they were going to table this

proposal in 2008, but decided to hold off due to the hard economic times, as well as the implementation of Water and Sewer parcel taxes in the Valemount area.

Valemount Mayor Bob Smith says that he has been negotiating with the Regional District on this issue already.

It has come down to a trade off, either raise taxes, or reduce services. He adds that he thinks everyone can appreciate that taxes for the arena have not been raised in ten years, however, he is proposing a phasing in.

“I am going to recommend a 10,10 and then 5 percent increase over the next three years instead of 25% all at once,” Smith says.

He adds that although the re-acquisition of the Arena and Valemount Fire Hall are on the Villages’s 2011 Strategic Planning ‘Wish List’, he does not envision any such re-acquisition in the future. He adds that he is glad to see the services handled by the regional district since they do serve at least half as many people outside of Village boundaries.

“One individual brought up this idea, but it is lowest priority. We will likely drop it in the coming year.”

A11

Enter The Goat’s Contest!

We are all getting into the holiday spirit!

What was the best, or worst Christmas present you have ever received or gifted?

Send us your response in under 200 words and be entered to win two free movie tickets to the Chaba Theatre in Jasper. Every week, entrants will be entered to win monthly draws at the end of November, December and January! Responses may be printed.

Upcoming films include: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Gulliver’s Travels, Little Fockers, and Bluebeard.

Send your response to:

contest@therockymountaingoat.com

Nusse Construction Basements to roofing Bathrooms and decks Renovations and retrofits If you need a job done right, put 35 years of experience to work for YOU!

Professional woodworking shop Completely self-equipped Concrete forms

Call 250-566-4840, ask for Tim

Stay informed and entertained!

Subscribe to The Rocky Mountain Goat TODAY!

One-year mail subscription costs $55 ($62.60 with HST) Please make payment out to “The Rocky Mountain Goat News” Box 21, Valemount, BC, V0E 2Z0

A12

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

YORA brings Clemina Cabin back online Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com Once very poplar during the 1990’s the Yellowhead the spring.

Outdoor Recreation Association (YORA) Clemina cabin “The prime skiing was the avalanche chute. When I has fallen into disrepair in recent years due to diminished went up there for the very first time in the 80’s the debris use and deteriorating access. Recently a few club mem- from the last large cycle avalanche was everywhere, it was bers have taken it upon themselves to repair the 20-year- certainly fresh. It came down all the way to the road beold cabin, re-open access, and promote the facility to a low the cabin. It has not come down since.” new crowd of outdoor enthusiasts.

He says that the chute has since grown in, and is no Chris Zimmerman co-ordinated the repair efforts. He longer skiable. says that over the last few years, porcupines have slowly “I think we used to get a little more snow too,” he adds. eaten away the plywood floor Zimmerman says that despite from the bottom up. He and the new growth, there is still fellow club member Bill Rus- “There are some new runs in newer good skiing in the area, although sell lined the bottom of the new logging blocks below the cabin.... not until later in the year. floor with sheets of tin flashing. They log a little cleaner these days, “There are some new runs in He says that the porcupines will newer logging blocks below the not be able to get at the new so with a good snowpack, they al- cabin. You can see three cut low very good skiing.” floor through the tin. block perfectly layout below the Zimmerman says that the bad cabin from the highway. They floor was not the only reason for log a little cleaner these days, so Chris Zimmerman, the cabin’s dropped use over the with a good snowpack, they are Longtime YORA member last couple of years. very good skiing.”

“The road grew in badly as Patricia Thoni, President of well. We have since cleared the access out again.”

YORA, says that the cabin has been offline for about three For Zimmerman, the Clemina Cabin has been an ongo- years. She says that the cabin was booked ing project since the very beginning. heavily in the 90s mainly by Jasper area en“It has always been a pet project for me,” says Zimmerman.

“I helped co-ordinate as well as prefabricate the cabin, when it was first built,” he says.

According the Zimmerman, the cabin was built in 1990.

It was the second of three alpine cabins built by YORA during the late 80’s and early 90’s. He adds that the skiing at the Clemina Cabin was far better during the 1990’s.

“It has grown up a lot,” he laughs.

According to Zimmerman, several logging blocks which were great skiing during the 90’s are now unskiable. Also, above the cabin, the alpine used to be very accessible up a large avalanche chute which would come down only in

thusiasts. She says that this year some bookings are already coming in. YORA intends to promote the cabin as more of a family snowshoe facility since the skiing has diminished due to higher brush and lower snowpacks.

“It is a fun snowshoe trip just going in. Those who want to can continue above the cabin.”

The Clemina Cabin is the most accessible of YORA’s three alpine cabins. Amenities include cookware and cutlery. All cabins are equipped with wood stoves. Clemina Cabin is accessible by snowshoe or skinning right from Highway 5, some 18 km south of Valemount. For bookings and precise directions, contact Patricia Thoni at the Caribou Grill.

Peggy Hubley and Rudi Thoni form part of the ‘chain gang’ of packers who left the skins on thier skies in order to ferry firewood pieces from upslope down to the cabin. Patricia Thoni, YORA President, poses with the last piece of wood, making the cabin fully ready for winter use this year.

Photos: Art Carson and Joseph Nusse

Clemina Cabin is a two-storey cabin with a sleeping loft upstairs. It is designed to sleep up to 8 individuals, however 2-5 is more comfortable.

The glimmering new floor as installed by Chris Zimmerman and Bill Russell

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Call Leigh at 250-569-8807 or sales@therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Business Directory

A13

$40 for 4 weeks, or $20 for one week

Teepee Meadows Cottage

Spectacular mountain and marshland scenery Phone:250-566-9875 Located 3 km west of Valemount

Hosts: Claude, Alke & Noland Germain 545 Jack Adams Road, Box 786 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0

Eatery and Gift Shop

1152 - 5th Ave, Valemount B.C. 250-566-0154

Open at 4:30 pm daily

Two for One Pasta on

1002 AvenueShopping Late5th night Valemount, B.C. Now serving soup, sandwiches and other specials

Phone: 250.566.4035 1020 Main Street Valemount, BC New Construction, Renovations Additions, Framing, Finishing Cabinetry & Wood Doors

Certified Septic Installer Bobcat Skid Steer With Various Attachments

G & A Moore Ventures Gerald Moore Contractor www.mooreventures.ca Tel: 250.569.2269

McBride, BC

Friday December 3rd.

Visit us at www.caribougrill.com

Book this space with your ad today for only $10 a week for four weeks!

Cell: 250.569.7147

For Drywall Services CALL TODD @

WAHOO ENTERPRISES

250-569-0320

STR8 UP Renovations New Construction, renos, form building. shops, decks.

Journeyman carpenter, 17 years experience.

Call Jeff Wagner, 250-569-7906

Mystic Journeys SPA & Retail Therapy -Expanded Men’s and Women’s clothing.

-Gifts from around the world and home decor.

-Something for everyone.

Located at the mall by the highway.

Hours 11-5 Extended hours over Christmas. Closed Sundays & Wednesdays.

A14

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Classified ads policy

If it is for free, it is free. Up to 20 words for $2, 30 words for $3, 40 words for $4 etc. If the asking price is over $499, then it is $5 for 20 words, $6 for 30 words etc. Nonbusiness announcements are welcome at the same rates.

The Rocky Mountain Goat reserves the right to refuse to print any classified submission that is not an advertisement of a private sale, or rental arrangement.

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Twenty for a Toonie: The Classified Ads Building Materials

For Sale

For Sale

Salvaged metal siding for sale. Perfect for any outbuilding or shop. Approximately 550-600 square foot coverage. Will consider any offer! Call Joe 250-566-1444

5th Wheel. 28.5’ Citation Supreme 1997 Excellent condition, Queen walkaround Bed, Oakcabinets, 2 DoorFridge, Microwave, 3 Burnersstoveoven, Full Bath, Awning, Airconditioning, $14900.00. Call 1-250-566-9884, Valemount or jvgeorgeca@yahoo.ca

Browning Compound Bow. 22-45 lbs pull. About 12 years old, hardley used with aluminum arrows. $150.

250-566-1444

500 gal. single-wall fuel tank. Asking $200. Call 250566-5069, ask for Jared

Two used satellite dishes. As is, taken off of house. Open to offers, 250-566-1444.

Mobile Home with full addition, and large garage on a lot, in Valemount recently renovated. comes w/ fridge stove washer dryer.

Currently rented. Asking $110.000.00 O.B.O Call 778 328 7285 leave a message.

Minolta 2050 copier with two bottles of toner. Asking $300 OBO. Black and White copying only. Upto 11x17 size, also double sided. Older machine but still reproduces well. Handy for someone who needs to make copies of maps, booklets, handouts, etc. Call Rashmi at Infinity 250-5664225. Available for testing / viewing at Infinity Office & health, Valemount.

Trusses for sale. Approximately 42 foot span. 14 units. Single slant, could be modified with a chalk line and skill saw. Now considering offers! Call Joe 250566-1444 and skill saw. Now considering offers! Call Joe 250-566-1444

Flooring, Wide Plank Fir, 8”, T&G, new, kiln dried, select grade, $2.95/sqft. Please call 250-573-1817 evenings.

Mazda B4000 4/4 1994.

C/W Canopy, 2 sets of tires on rims, well maintained, kept all receipts, 293K. Reason for sale; family got bigger. Asking $2500. Call JF at 250-566-8411.

Found 1 pair of black, OR, Goretex gaiters on McKirdy Peak.

Call 250-566-4396 to claim.

Place your classified by e-mail, then pay later!

Fishing flies for Christmas?

Call Garry at 250-566-4456.

Flies, Fly boxes, Rod building and rod repairs.

Two 8x12 Garden sheds $550, Glass Top Range, black and stainless steel $500, 10.5 HP Snowwblower, gas, electric start $650, Stacking washer/dryer $400. Call 566-9181 89 Landcruiser, Gas, $4000 Rene 566-8200 or 566-4199 Wanted

www.

Sudoku-Puzzles .net

email:

Sudoku, Kakuro & Futoshiki Puzzles jnusse@throckymountaingoat.com Sudoku 9x9 - Hard (131126068)

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www.sudoku-puzzles.net

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Looking for a home for Mom’s National Geographics.1950-2010. $300. Rene 566-8200 or 566-4199 For Rent

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Garden shredder and travelling cage for cat. Call Delores or Bill Moore 566-4385

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Nice room with bathroom, available December- March. Newer house,propane/electric heat, Internet, unlimited phone calls, Satelite TV, spectacular view in exchange for daily care of 2 nice dogs and snow shoveling as required. Possible extension through next year. Phone Chris DAlessandro 250 968 4505 References please!

Plain Talk Horoscopes

By Craig Elder, M.A. Economics

Aries: This is a time of self reflection for you. You have something in your teeth.

Taurus: Recent sun spots have interfered with my messages from the cosmos, I only heard a lot of static and what sounded like marmalade. Maybe that means something to you?

Gemini: Build a fort to protect yourself today. If stone and wood are not available, blankets and pillows should work.

Cancer: No matter how many times you try to get through to someone today you can’t get your message across. Perhaps you should try interpretive dance.

Leo: You will have a lot so setbacks this week, so you might as well just not bother and try again next week.

Virgo: The stars want you to tell the truth all day today, but they might just be interested in seeing some drama unfold.

Libra: Either one thing or another will happen to you today. Which one is up to you.

Scorpio: You must force yourself to avoid saying certain words or you might end up on a terrorist watchlist.

Sagittarius: Choose a day this week to experience some magic. Have you thought of a day? Are you picturing it in your mind? Is it Thursday?

Capricorn: Try cutting your sandwich differently today. Maybe that will be the cure for your ennui.

Aquarius: This will be a long week for you, I suggest skipping Monday to make it through faster.

Pisces: A lack of concentration this week may lead to you leaving things uncomple Wanted

Employment

ARE YOU BORED? I’m looking to start a friendship club for winter sports, hiking, events and activities in Jasper, and nighboring towns. Call Vanda at: 250566-0173.

Quickway Pilot looking for part time drives. Phone 566-1722, or fax resume to 566-4207, or mail Box 69 Valemount.

Wanted Couch and rugs in good condition. 250-566-1444 Carpool I am looking to carpool periodically with someone who travels to Jasper, and to travel to other towns. I will pay for part gas! Call 5660173.

For Rent Shared Accommodation dwntwn McBride Incl: lge bdrm with private entrance, ADSL, phone/voice box, furniture. Shared: util, TV, house/yard. NS, ND/A (no drugs/alcohol), No Pets.

Refs plse. $450 - 569-8807 Older 2 bedroom house on 6th Ave. $450/month plus utilities. 250-566-4790.

Nanny Needed Nanny Required. Sept – Dec part time. Requires 2 days in Crescent Spur, 2 days in Dunster Jan–Apr – full time live in at Crescent Spur. Salary based on experience. Pls email resumes or inquires to Jessica@crescentspur.com.

You can reach me at 250553-2300 or 250-968-4486.

Pre-School Teachers

Two early childhood educators needed for the Valemount Children’s Activity Society’s PreSchool. Please call 250566-4826.

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Community Events December

Every Thursday Cribbage tournament, everyone welcome Location: Valemount Golden Years Lodge lower level 1-4 pm Drop-in badminton at Valemount Secondary School 7-9 p.m.

ultrasound, so doctors can deliver a clear diagnosis early.

The auxiliary has been asked to fund a large number of needs including a convection oven for the longterm care Dec. 3 patients, head lamps for paramedics, among others. Enjoy Valemount late-night shopping 5 - 9 p.m.

Dogsled rides courtesy of Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding, baking, crafts, raffles, a silent auction and a kids’ carnival corner, or just come for coffee, pie & ice cream. (weather conditions permitting) on the Saas Fee lot, caroling, bon fire (pending). many inDec. 6 store specials and prizes, Hot Chocolate, & treats.

Annual Walk to Raise Awareness of Violence Against Women and Children. Meet at Robson Valley Support Dec. 4 Society, 932 3rd Ave, McBride Santa and his elves will be visiting on Saturday afterTime: 11:50 am noon from 1pm – 4 pm at The Best Western Hotel. A Refreshments and open discussion to follow the walk photographer will be on-site to take photo pics for a More information, call Penny (Safe Shelter Coordinator) nominal fee. Bring your toboggans out to Twin Peaks RVSS 250-569-2266 Resort from 10 – 4pm. for an afternoon of sliding fun!

Hot chocolate & marshmallows will be available as well. Dec. 11 The New Life Centre intends to host a Christmas Concert Dec. 4 Cont’ and Dinner for the community on this date and all memChristmas Bake Sale bers of the community are invited and welcome.

Location: Dome Creek Rec Centre Dec. 16 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dunster Community Forest Society Call Lyn to book a table at 553-6873 Annual General Meeting 7pm-9pm at the Dunster Community Hall Dec. 4 Cont’ Everyone Welcome Feldenkrais Method: Awareness Through Movement with Tyson in Dunster, BC 3-5pm at the Dunster Fine Arts School School Suggested Donation: $20 Relax, release stress and reduce pain by learning to Every Monday move with more awareness. Tyson Bartel is a certified Valemount Seniors’ carpet bowling Feldenkrais instructor. No previous experience needed.

9 a.m.

Please bring a yoga/exercise mat and a blanket to class.

Every Tuesday Please offer whatever you can if $20 is too much.

Adult Rec Volleyball For More Info Call Alaina at 968-4300 Valemount Secondary School 7-9 Adult Rec Badminton McBride High School 7pm Dec. 4 Cont’ McBride Hospital Auxiliary Extravaganza Every Wednesday 7-9 p.m. at the E-Free church Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7pm The McBride Hospital Auxiliary is trying to raise money Location: Valemount Golden Years Lodge for several important needs this year including a heart Drop-in volleyball at McBride Secondary 7-9

Every Friday Musical jam at The Gathering Tree cafe in Valemount 7 pm Food and drinks at the Valemount Legion, 5:30 pm Adult Rec Hockey at the arena 7 p.m.

Every second Saturday Valemount Circle Dance, 7pm to 9pm Contact Micah at 250-566-1782 First Saturday of every month Dunster Family Dance 7pm to 10pm Instruction from 7 to 8pm and short sessions throughout the evening. Lots of variety dances (waltz, fox-trot, polka, cha-cha, two-stepschottische, etc). Pot luck snacks at 9pm and then more dancing until 10pm. Admission - $5 for anyone over 12 - maximum of $10 per family.

Ongoing diversions

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Every Saturday The Dunster Winter Market has returned Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Soup and a bunwich for $5.00.

The sign-up sheet for soup and goodie makers will be at the hall every Saturday, and anyone who can volunteer is certainly appreciated.

If you would like to sign up, please call Karen Shaw at 250-968-4331. There is no charge for a table.

It may be a good opportunity to sell Christmas crafts and products. As usual, all proceeds go towards supporting the Dunster Community Hall.

Thursday

Wednesday

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Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7p.m.

Cribbage Tournament 1-4 p.m.

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3 Xmas Bake Sale 10 - 3 4 Adult Rec Hockey, Dome Creek Rec Centre Valemount 7 p.m. Dunster Winter Market 11:30 - 1 p.m.

Dinner at the Vale-Sledding at Twin Peaks mount Legion 5 p.m.

10-4 p.m.-Santa at the Musical jam at the Best Western 1-4 p.m.

Gathering Tree 7 p.m.

Auxiliary Extravaganza Valemount late-night 7-9 pm at E-Free Church shopping 5 - 9 p.m.

Dunster family dance 7pm 10

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Adult Rec Hockey, Valemount 7 p.m.

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Anti-violence Walk 11:50 a.m. McBride

Adult Rec Badmnton McBride 7 p.m.

Valemount Seniors’ carpet bowling 9 a.m.

Adult Rec Volleyball, Valemount 7 p.m.

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Dinner at the Valemount Legion 5 p.m.

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Cribbage Tournament 1-4 p.m.

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Adult Rec Badmnton McBride 7 p.m.

Valemount Seniors’ carpet bowling 9 a.m.

Adult Rec Volleyball, Valemount 7 p.m.

Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7p.m.

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Dunster Community Forest AGM 7-9 pm Cribbage Tournament 1-4 p.m.

Musical jam at the Gathering Tree 7 p.m.

Adult Rec Hockey, Valemount 7 p.m.

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New Life Centre Christmas Concert Dunster Winter Market 11:30 - 1 p.m.

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Dinner at the Valemount Legion 5 p.m.

Musical jam at the Gathering Tree 7 p.m.

Dunster Winter Market 11:30 - 1 p.m.

A16

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

www.therockymountaingoat.com

The Rocky Mountain Goat Christmas Special A guide, a profile, a picturesque boast of all that our valley has to offer during the Holiday Season.

This is sure to sit on coffee tables

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