The Free Press, December 05, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

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Thursd a y , De cem b er 5 , 2 013

SPARWOOD

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Family of five submerged in Elk River

Hopley sentenced Page 3 ARTS

Deck your walls Page 12 SPORTS

Timbits mini game Page 23 ELK VALLEY

A Fernie man and his girlfriend pulled five occupants from the minivan that was overturned in chest deep water on Dec. 1. By Tamara Hynd Free Press Staff

Special Olympics seek support - Page 7 COMMUNITY

FJMES hosts soccer snow game - Page 25

father and his three children under the age of 10 are recovering from their injuries after a traffic accident, thanks to the quick assistance of a Fernie man on Sunday, December 1. A family of five was travelling eastbound returning home to Coaldale, Alberta when their vehicle left Highway 3, plunging into an arm of the Elk River. The vehicle, a white Chevrolet minivan, came to rest upside down in the water. A passing motorist and his girlfriend went down into the river and rescued all five occupants from the mini-van.

At approximately 2:30 pm, Elk Valley RCMP from Fernie and East Kootenay Traffic Services (EKTS) responded to the collision on Highway 3 about eight km west of Fernie, known as Vanghel’s straight stretch. “Witnesses at the scene and RCMP members engaged in CPR on the female passenger but tragically, she was pronounced dead at the Fernie Hospital,” said Elk Valley RCMP. “RCMP members and a traveling physician managed to revive the four-year-old child by conducting CPR. The male driver and one of his children were treated at Sparwood Hospital with minor injuries including hypothermia. The

other two children were transported to Alberta Children's Hospital by air ambulance with severe injuries.” The Fernie man who helped rescue the family was treated for hypothermia and released. RCMP is in contact with the young man, who is asking for his privacy. Sgt. Don Erichsen commented on the Fernie man’s heroic actions. “It’s an extremely traumatic situation and he risked his own life to help. One person did die and when you stand that close to death that’s a large cross for any one to bear. He is asking for privacy at this time.” Road conditions at the time of the collision were slushy on the

Photo by M. Greenwood

center of the roadway way due to an overnight snowfall. In the initial investigation, it appears that the minivan may have been attempting a pass and lost control on the slushy center area of the straight stretch of roadway. “The shoulders had not been plowed so there was about six inches of heavy wet slush on the shoulder,” said witness Mike Greenwood. Mainroads Contracting came by plowing the highway after the accident while emergency services were still on scene. Investigation into the collision is continuing. For current road conditions, go to http://www.drivebc.ca.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Jaffray Post Office By Tamara Hynd Free Press Staff

anada Post has recently started consultation with their union in regards to potentially changing the hours at the Jaffray Post Office. Some residents are concerned there will be cuts. It is no secret that Canadians, regardless of where they live, are using the post office differently than they use to. More and more use digital alternative to pay their bills, and receive cheques. This has impacted Canada Post tremendously between 2006 and 2012; Canadians sent one billion less letters in the mail. In the past quarter alone, another 73 million less letters compared to the same time last year. The impact of fewer letters has been on Canada Post's bottom line. In the third quarter, Canada Post will be posting a significant financial loss in 2013. According to Anick Losier, Canada Post media relations, the Jaffray Post Office is proposing to change its hours to correspond to traffic patterns when people use the post office most, as well as enabling

cost savings. “The bottom line, Canada Post's mandate is to ensure our revenues pay for our operations (e.g. no taxpayer funds pay for Canada Post's operations - and have not for almost 20 years) and continue playing a relevant role in Canadians lives as they change how they use us,” said Losier. In the proposed hour changes, the post office would be closed on Saturday, when it is used very little, but extend some hours during weekdays like Friday until 6 pm. They would open earlier at 8 am compared to 9 am but the post office would be closed between 10:15 am and 2 pm. “No one is losing their job; our employees have job security,” said Losier. “We recently had a retirement and will be able to make any reductions by attrition.” No decision has been made yet. “We need to find ways to make the post office (and the whole network) viable for the long term,” said Losier. “This is why we are proposing to change hours of operations in order to fit people's busy schedules and changing habits.”

Dec. 10 2013 Holiday Train schedule for landmark 15th year of helping to feed local communities

www.thefreepress.ca

East Kootenay searchers help look for missing man in Australia By Sally MacDonald Townsman Staff

our East Kootenay volunteers are bound for Australia to take part in the search for a Canadian man missing in Australia's high country since May. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Prabhdeep Srawn was attending university in Australia. In May, he travelled to the Snowy Mountains region to hike the country's highest peak, Mount Kosciuzsko, at Prabhdeep Srawn has been missing since May 2013. Submitted photo 2,228 metres in elevation. However, soon after Srawn The young man's rental car set out, a snowstorm hit the two-week search. Four of those experts hail was found near the trail head region, dumping up to 30 centimetres of snow, and the from the East Kootenay. Tom for Koscuizsko, but a week 25-year-old military reservist Hopkins from Fernie Search passed before he was reported and Rescue, and Charmaine missing and he had not left has not been seen since. A large air and land search Lingard from Sparwood have plans for his hike. “The family is very realistic for Srawn was called off in volunteered to take part. They June when winter set into the will be joined by Kimberley about what they are expecting. alpine region. Srawn's family Search and Rescue, Scott They have spoken of it as a recovery mission and of us quickly launched a private MacLeod and Seb Martinez. The team will be led by finding his remains,” said search using Australian Martin MacLeod. experts, hikers and helicopters, Vancouver-based The family is paying for joined by off-duty members Colwell of SAR Technology. “(Colwell) is a search the B.C. team's travel and of the Canadian armed forces. They too had to turn back in manager and also a computer expenses, but each person is genius and he has a lot of donating their time. July because of poor weather. MacLeod said the Srawn The NSW Police Force statistical computerized aids resumed a search for Srawn in search management,” said family approached B.C. Search this week, as summer settles MacLeod, one of the Kimberley and Rescue Association about the mission because of a deep into the rocky, mountainous volunteers. In teams of three, they will respect for the volunteerKosciuzsko National Park. As well, Srawn's family is scour a large area searching run organization's Canadian paying out of pocket to send for Srawn, hoping to complete efforts. 15 B.C. search and rescue 60 missions in the two-week Continued on page 22 experts to launch a separate, expedition.

50 Years of Ghostrider Legend In 2014 the Fernie Museum is proud to be celebrating 50 years since the Ghostrider Curse was lifted off the City of Fernie. The first event in this year-long celebration is the publication of the 2014 Commemorative Calendar.

Local stops Sparwood, British Columbia 367 Pine Ave., behind leisure centre 3:45pm MT

Fernie, British Columbia

Fernie Museum 2014 Commemorative Calendars are

700 - 1st ave, behind the CP station 5:30pm MT

Jaffray, British Columbia Across from the community centre Stop N' Go, 6:15pm Canadian Pacific’s annual Holiday Train program is considered to be the longest running fundraising program in North America. The Holiday Train program travels across Canada and the United States raising money, food, and awareness for food banks and hunger issues. The Holiday Train reaches more than 150 communities each year for a combined distance of 10,000 kilometres.

The Fernie Museum thanks these Calendar Sponsors

Maxine Wolfe– Century 21 Overwaitea Fernie Professional Firefighters Island Lake Lodge Best Western Sparling East Medical Centre Fernie Alpine Resort Park Place Lodge Koocanusa Campground and Marina

available at the Fernie Museum

Polar Peek Books Carosella Ghostrider Trading

Alive with History 491 2nd Ave. 250.423.7016 history@ferniemuseum.com

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Hopley designated long-term offender By Sally MacDonald Townsman Staff

andall Hopley will spend another five years in prison, followed by 10 years of close supervision, after a Supreme Court judge handed down a decision in Cranbrook's courthouse on Friday, Nov. 29. But Justice Heather Holmes did not give the 48-year-old abductor of Kienan Hebert a dangerous offender status, which would have landed him in prison for an indeterminate time, possibly the rest of his life. Instead, Justice Holmes gave Hopley the label of long-term offender. That means that once he has served his prison sentence, Hopley will be in the community but under the supervision of the federal parole board, with conditions set by the parole board. If he breaks those conditions, he can be returned to prison for up to another 10 years. Hopley pleaded guilty to the Sept. 2011 abduction of threeyear-old Kienan Hebert from his home in Sparwood in the middle of the night. He then took Kienan to an abandoned cabin in Crowsnest Lake, Alberta, where the little boy was kept for four days. Then Hopley returned Kienan to his home and left the child curled up on the sofa.

Justice Holmes gave Hopley a sentence of seven years and two months for the offences, but Hopley was given credit off his sentence at day-for-day for the 26 months he has already served in custody awaiting Friday's hearing. In her decision, Justice Holmes said Hopley could not be given dangerous offender status because he has not displayed a pattern of repetitive behaviour in his criminal record. Hopley had a string of convictions in the 1980s, before he turned 20, of sexual assaults against young children. But he has not been convicted of a sexual offence since 1985. In 2007, he attempted but ultimately failed to take a 10-year-old boy from his foster mother in Sparwood, claiming he was acting on behalf of the boy's biological mother. Justice Holmes said that act was not similar enough to the 2011 abduction of Kienan to make the two offences a pattern, and the gap between the 1985 sexual assault and the 2007 offence is too long to be considered part of a pattern. “The Crown submits that the pattern of using children for his own purposes began when Mr. Hopley as a teenager used children for sexual purposes. I

cannot agree because those sexual offences are too far removed in time from the abduction related offences, and they share only the slightest of features,” she said. Instead, the judge ruled that Hopley is a long-term offender, pointing largely to the facts that he carefully planned his abduction of Kienan, he does not feel empathy for any of his victims, and he remains convinced that he was justified in taking the boy from his home. “He acted without any real concern about the enormity of the harm he was likely to cause,” said Justice Holmes. She referred to Hopley's claim that he took Kienan because he felt he'd been treated unfairly in his 2007 conviction. “The logic by which Mr. Hopley justifies his offences is in my view likely sincere. However it is that very method of thinking which in my view places Mr. Hopley at substantial risk of reoffending.” With the long-term offender status comes a supervision order of up to 10 years. Justice Holmes chose to give Hopley the maximum time for that order. She referred to the evidence of forensic psychiatrist Dr. Emlene Murphy, who said that homosexual pedophiles become less likely to reoffend with age, with the risk of reoffending

dropping off greatly after age 70. “Mr. Hopley is now 48. After he has served the appropriate period of imprisonment for these offences, long term supervision for the maximum period available will take him close to the age where his risk of reoffending will be minimal,” said Justice Holmes. The prosecution had been seeking a sentence of 8 to 10 years, while defense counsel was seeking a sentence of 4 to 6 years. Hopley may appeal, defense lawyer says The Hebert family will now be able to put this traumatic event behind them, Crown prosecutor Lynal Doerksen said after the sentence was handed down. “I know the Heberts will be happy this is over and the attention they have been given will go away now. I'm sure they are going to be happy with that,” he said. Justice Holmes in her decision said the Heberts have shown “exceptional fortitude” in dealing with Kienan's abduction, adding that Kienan's mother has written to Hopley in prison encouraging him to seek support. “This is a very unique family and they have been very forgiving,” said Doerksen. “They have been dealing with this in their own way and have done a remarkable job with that. It

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certainly is very unique; I haven't seen a family like this very often.” The Crown knew that achieving dangerous offender status for Hopley would not be easy, he went on, “because Mr. Hopley did not commit any physical harm or a sexual assault against Kienan Hebert. It's a problem I'm glad we had. I'm glad Kienan was returned to his family whole and that we did not have an easier case. “The Crown is pleased with the results. This means Mr. Hopley will be in custody or under strict supervision until he is about 63. The Crown is very happy he has got the sentence he deserved, and the long term offender designation means the public will be protected for a very long time.”

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Hopley is escorted into court on Nov. 29. Photo by Sally MacDonald

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

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City of Fernie 2014 grants By Andrea Horton Free Press Staff

n Nov. 25 Council approved the discretionary grant recommendations made by the Committee for the 2014 budget year and authorized staff to process payment of the grant amounts which are as follows: Wings as Eagles Ministry Recovery Centre$500 The Joan Kindergym Society- $1000 East Kootenay Brain Injuries Association- $500 Fernie Options for Sexual Health- $500 Fernie Skating Club- $1000 Fernie Pets Society Spay/Neuter Incentive Porgram SNIP- $800 Fernie Old School Boxing Club- $500

Downtown surveillance cameras top priority By Andrea Horton Free Press Staff

n Nov. 25 Council directed staff that the installation of video surveillance cameras in the downtown core to assist in crime control was to be made a top priority. This will be a public process by way of survey to see if residents are in favour of cameras or

Don't Forget Fernie Rotary Weekly Meetings Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon at the

Park Place Lodge 742 Highway 3 • Fernie

not,” said Jim Hendricks City of Fernie CAO. “Staff has done a bunch of the leg work already we have talked to a local supplier. Once the rest of the background info is in place we can pull the trigger.” The City of Fernie is inviting citizens to submit their comments to Council on the use of surveillance cameras by completing an online survey at www.fernie.ca.

Hopley may appeal, defense lawyer says Continued from page 3

Tel: 250 423 4687 1592 10th Ave, Fernie BC Drop-in Hours: Monday-Friday 9-1 | Wednesday 9-3 www.ferniewomenscentre.com

Fernie Childcare Society- $1000 Fernie Roller Derby Society- $1000 Wildsight Elk Valley Branch – AppleCapture Community Group- $1000 Ghostrider Adventure Camp- $1000 Out of the Box: Public Art Committee- $1000 Reel Canadian Film Festival- $1000 The current five year financial plan includes annual allocations of $15,000 to fund discretionary grant requests. Applications for 2014 funding totaled a whopping $99,560. The recommendations put forward by the committee total $10,800. The remaining available funds of $4,200 will be set aside to address requests that come forward throughout the 2014 budget year.

But defense counsel William Thorne said that, while Hopley was not surprised by the long term offender designation or the seven-year sentence, he is considering an appeal of the 10-year supervision order and the one-for-one credit for time served. Thorne had been seeking credit at 1.5 times the days served waiting sentencing. “He and I are going to have further discussions and he may consider some points of the judgement he may wish to

appeal,” said Thorne. Hopley does plan to take advantage of treatment options while he's in prison, Thorne went on. “Mr. Hopley within the past couple of years has come around to thinking that some treatment for his problems might be helpful, not so much just to reduce his sentence, but hopefully, when he does get out into society again, to help him not reoffend so he doesn't end up back in jail.” It's important that the

message gets out, Thorne went on, that Hopley's sentence was reduced because he brought Kienan back without harming him. “That was a very, very significant mitigating factor that rightly should lessen his sentence,” said Thorne. “Hopefully anyone that's contemplating a similar type of action in the future will recognize that leaving the child unharmed is in everybody's best interest, including the offender.”

Family Literacy Day Writing Contest

LaHue’s Bookkeeping & Tax Services Ltd

Family literacy is all the ways families seek learning together, it is all the ways that families learn and grow. This includes reading books, doing puzzles, singing songs, making up rhymes, baking and writing stories and letters.

Is looking for motivated and reliable individuals to join our team for the upcoming tax season. Experience is an asset but not required. Please drop off resumes in person at 70-101 Red Cedar Drive between the hours of 9:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday.

January 27th is Family Literacy Day. The Free Press and Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy want to hear about how you and your family learn together. Contest categories: Grades 5-7: Write a story about your favorite family trip or vacation. Tell us what you did and what you and your family learned. (150-250 words) Grades 2-4: Write a story about your family and how you learn together. Who is involved? What kinds of things do you do? What do you learn? Why do you like it? (100-200 words) Kindergarten and grade 1: Colour a picture of your family learning together and label it. The winner in each category will receive a prize as well as their writing/drawing published in The Free Press!

Entries are due January 15, 2014. Mail to: Meghan Morton Community Literacy Coordinator 44 Mt. Washburn Fernie, BC V0B 1M3 or Email: publisher@thefreepress.ca or mmorton@cbal.org

Those of interest will be contacted.

2.8” x 3”

Deadline coming Jan. 9!

SOCIAL GR ANTS PROGR AM APPLICATIONS AvAILAbLe Deadline to submit: January 9, 2014, noon PT/1 p.m. MT

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For more information, visit www.cbt.org/sgp. For help with your application, contact grants@cbt.org or 1.800.505.8998. www.cbt.org • 1.800.505.8998

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Sparwood Council to get two per cent raise By Tamara Hynd Free Press Staff

he Mayor and Council will soon receive a two per cent increase in their annual stipend. In a Committee of the Whole meeting on Nov. 25 Council received a staff report outlining the proposed increase. The report listed average increases in remuneration of 20 councils and local governments in West and East Kootenay, including the Regional District of East Kootenay’s 28.9 per cent pay increase for its director’s in 2013. Councillor’s Sammy Saad and Harold Baytaluke opposed the motion. Baytaluke explained he voted against the increase amount because the report included larger centres like Cranbrook and the RDEK. The RDEK’s increase of 28.9 per cent brought the average increase up to 2.49 per cent. “I did not agree that the larger centre’s should have been included in the report (looking for an average) as their work loads are larger.” The Sparwood Mayor’s annual stipend will be $33,609.30 and $14,438.36 for a councillor. One third of the amount can be considered to cover expenses incurred. Raeleen Manjak, Director of Corporate Services stated in her Nov. 21 report to Council that “While the original recommendation was to allow for increases to the year 2017, the bylaw, as written, allows for ongoing annual increases pursuant to the Canadian Price Index (CPI). This item will be diarized to 2017 for Council’s review.” The Council Remuneration Bylaw 1133, 2013 was given its three readings at the regular Council meeting on Dec. 2, and was opposed by Councillor’s Saad and Baytaluke again. The Bylaw will return to the next regular Council meeting on Dec. 16 for adoption by Council.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Sparwood prepares for a month of giving By Jenna Jensen Contributor

any activities and events are just beginning as Sparwood residents prepare for a busy, yet rewarding month giving back to their community through the Food Bank & Toys for Tots programs. Already underway are $5 food packages for purchase and donation drop off boxes at Sparwood's Overwaitea Foods, which will go to locals in need this month and the months ahead. Another great, and much anticipated fundraiser for the Food Bank will be the arrival of the CP Holiday Train. The train will be making a stop in Sparwood on Tuesday, December 10 at 3:45 p.m. Melanie Doane and Matt Dusk will be the featured performers and the Sparwood Lions Club will be selling hot chocolate at the event. Helping out children in the community will see the start of the annual Angel Tree Program, allowing residents to take a name tag off a tree with the gender and

age of a child, purchase a gift and return the gift for distribution. Angel Trees can be found at the Sparwood Public Library and the Sparwood Leisure Center. Lights and sirens this Sunday will signify the Sparwood Emergency Services house to house food and new toy drive beginning at 5:30 p.m. with all proceeds staying local. Also taking place this December, will be the 'Light up a Life' campaign organized by the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, and Rosenau/K&K's annual 18 Wheels of Christmas. "We receive tremendous support from all sectors of the community from New to You, schools, churches, the Chamber of Commerce, the District of Sparwood, large and small businesses, unions, service clubs, emergency services, sporting groups, and numerous individuals, says Carol Walmsley, Sparwood Food Bank coordinator. “This generous support enables us to operate during the holiday season,

Each year, residents of community rally together and volunteer to sort, organize and put together over one hundred Christmas Hampers. Photo by J. Jensen

and throughout the year. We usually have between fifty and sixty requests each month and deliver one hundred Christmas hampers, helping over two hundred local individuals. Toys for Tots provides Christmas gifts for approximately sixty children and during the year and the program provides funding so that the children it serves can participate in community activities. For more information on the Food Bank, please contact Carol Walmsley at (250) 425-6435. Edie Holland can be reached at (250) 425-6554 regarding the Toys for Tots Program

Fernie Rod & Gun Club December Monthly Meeting * With a special guest * Monday, December 9 - 7:30 pm Elks Hall, Fernie New Regulation Proposals to be discussed and finalized to be sent in to the Ministry.

* Special guest Patrick Stent * Wildlife Biologist Fish & Wildlife Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations.

(Slideshow summerizing the regulation changes, elk, moose, deer, GB information.)

and Cindy Larson can be reached at (250) 425-0087 regarding the Emergency Services Food & New Toys Drive. "On behalf of the Food Bank and Toys for Tots Program we would like to sincerely thank the residents of the community for their generous support as we work to ensure that everyone has a wonderful holiday season," says Walmsley. The Sparwood Food Bank is a registered charity and a strictly volunteer run organization. Tax receipts can be issued for all cash donations

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Opinion

Phone: 250-423-4666 Email: editor@thefreepress.ca

Production Manager Bonny McLardy Creative Kaitlyn Haarstad Member of

Circulation Shannon Stewart

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Call 250-489-3455 or toll free 1-800-665-2382 for Subscriptions Established in Fernie, B.C. in 1898 and published weekly each Thursday by The Free Press, a division of Black Press Group Ltd. and distributed throughout the Elk Valley and South Country. Free circulation 6,000. Reproductions of any material contained in this publication is forbidden without the prior consent of the publisher.

Editorial by Andrea Horton

My husband and I were travelling home on the morning of Dec. 1 from Cranbrook and as soon as we hit the Elko tunnel, as usual, the weather changed as did the road conditions. Much to our amazement at 11 am the highway had not been plowed. We traveled slowly the rest of the way home and it wasn’t until we got into Fernie that the road conditions improved. Just a few short hours after our trip there was a tragic accident that landed a mini van in the river leaving the mother of three young children dead. Without the heroic actions of a young man and his girlfriend the consequences could have been much worse. When The Free Press interviewed a witness to the accident he noted that the highway had not been plowed and there was a great deal of slush on the road. He said that while the accident was being cleaned up a plow truck finally went through cleaning the slush off the highway. It is his belief that if the highway had been plowed sooner, the accident never would have happened. It happens every year at this time, after all we live in the Snow Valley, winter hits and the plows are not ready for it. The company that currently has the contract has provided highway maintenance services for this area of the province since 2001. They should be prepared, yet at 2 pm on Dec. 1 the highway was still not plowed. It wasn’t snowing at the time of the accident; slush and snow had accumulated from earlier that morning. The issue of highway conditions came up at Fernie City Council the week prior to the accident. Mayor Mary Giuliano commented that she had heard complaints of dangerous highway conditions on Nov 22. Councillor Randal Macnair concurred that the highways were in terrible shape near Fernie on that same day. Council resolved to write a letter to the highway maintenace company and the Ministry of Transportation voicing their concerns. No one likes to point fingers when a tragedy like this happens but this is a public safety issue and we need to ask questions and get reasonable answers. I saw it with my own eyes on Sunday. The roads were not plowed, the question is…why?

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Sara Moulton

ADMINISTRATION/ CONTRIBUTOR

Copyright® All rights reserved. Contents copyright by The Free Press. Any reproduction of material contained in this publication in whole or in part is forbidden without the expressed written consent of the publisher. It is agreed that The Free Press will not be responsible for errors or omissions and is not liable for any amount exceeding the cost of the space used and then only such portion where the errors actually appeared. We reserve the right to edit or reject any submission or advertisement that is contrary to our publishing guidelines.

Tamara Hynd

REPORTER

Jenna Jensen

CONTRIBUTOR

Shelby Cain

Jacquie Zutter

CONTRIBUTOR

FRONT OFFICE In Absentia

Letters Welcome The Free Press wants to hear your opinion, especially on local issues. We reserve the right to edit letters for legality, length and good taste, as well as the right to refuse publication of any submission. Copyright in letters and other materials submitted to the publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Your letter must include your full name, address and phone number. All letters to the editor will be published with the authors name. 300 word limit per letter. Email your letter to editor@thefreepress.ca

Letters to the Editor PMO ethics scandal deeply troubling

Police documents sworn under oath show the RCMP is investigating allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust inside the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The behaviour reported to have taken place earlier this year at the highest levels of Stephen Harper’s government is deeply troubling. Far from being the work of a single rogue (i.e., PMO Chief of Staff Nigel Wright) acting all alone, a dozen or more people in the Prime Minister’s inner sanctum have been mentioned by police in an elaborate scheme to pay off the controversial expenses of Conservative Senator Mike Duffy, disrupt a forensic audit, whitewash an official Senate report – and cover it all up. Most of these people still work for the Harper government. Some have been promoted. The Prime Minister claims he knew nothing, saw nothing, was told nothing, asked nothing and did nothing as a

grotesque “deception” (as he called it) was pulled off right under his nose by his most trusted confidantes. And he refuses to answer any specific questions about what went on and why. His strategy is to deflect, deny and obfuscate, which makes Canadians even more suspicious. In a particularly troubling portion of the police documents about a deal with Duffy, Mr. Wright is quoted as

saying: “I do want to speak to the PM before everything is considered final.” A short while later his emails go on to say: “We are good to go from the PM.” What exactly does that mean? The Conservatives claim “good to go” meant Mr. Harper approved Duffy repaying his own expenses. But that seems nonsensical. Why would the Prime Minister have to approve

that? This and so many other serious questions remain unanswered. That’s why we have called repeatedly for Mr. Harper to testify under oath. His government has lost its sense of right and wrong. Canadians deserve better. Yours sincerely, Ralph Goodale, MP Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

POLL OF THE WEEK Did you get the flu shot this year?

Yes 34% No 66% This week’s poll question: Do you have an emergency kit in your vehicle?

log onto www.thefreepress.ca to make your vote count This web poll is informal, not scientific. It reflects opinions of site visitors who voluntarily participate. Results may not represent the opinions of the public as a whole. Black Press is not responsible for the statistical accuracy of opinions expressed here.

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Special Olympics B.C. seeks support from Elk Valley residents By Jenna Jensen Contributor

or those looking for a rewarding and life changing volunteer experience, assisting with the Elk Valley Special Olympics may be what you are looking for. The Special Olympics B.C. (SOBC) program will offer a unique opportunity for those with intellectual disabilities to excel, have fun, and experience camaraderie and friendship with their peers. Dedicated volunteers are needed for this area. Special Olympics B.C. will be coming to the Elk Valley and will present a chance for those with intellectual disabilities to participate in quality sporting events. Active Start, a program developed for children, is a 12-week program which encourages children from ages two to six to develop basic motor skills through fun, play-based activities. FUNdamentals is a program for children aged six to 12 with intellectual disabilities and builds on the base Active Start provides. It introduces sport-specific skills and increases social

skills, and nutrition awareness. "Often our athletes find that they are being left behind in generic sports, so these programs offer them a chance to stand out. Each program is tailored to each child’s needs, and supports them to achieve specific goals in a fun, and inclusive environment,” said Cyra Frisk from SOBC. “There are a lot of success stories, like the first time a child can jump, the first time they catch a ball, and the first time they compete. These are often things that can be taken for granted in most children, but can be huge moments in the lives of our athletes and their families. These programs offer specialized and individual attention, and an opportunity to interact with other children who are their peers." Special Olympics B.C. – Elk Valley will run the program, and support it financially after the first year. The equipment and training are provided by Special Olympics B.C. (the provincial body). Once it is successfully running, it will happen once a week for at least 12 weeks. Each session

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

3 Facts

you need to know about...

ABOUT BC HYDRO RATES... with MLA Bill Bennett 1. Minister Bill Bennett announced a 10 year plan that will keep electricity rates as low as possible while BC Hydro makes investments in aging assets and new infrastructure to support B.C.¹s growing population and economy. 2. Over the past several months, government and BC Hydro have worked together to reduce pressure on rates. This effort builds on the 2011 review that identified over $391 million in savings. Special Olympics B.C. is coming to the Elk Valley. Submitted photo

will be one hour long and includes a snack and nutrition break. "Ideally we would run the program each year, and if there is sufficient interest, we will run it for more than the 12 weeks,” said Frisk. “There is nothing else quite like this, and there are many other avenues for people who want to volunteer, but don’t want to work with children. We have many fantastic opportunities and look forward to finding the right volunteer experience for each person and to make this program a huge success here in the Elk

Valley." For more information on this program contact Cyra Frisk via email at cfrisk@ specialolympics.bc.ca, direct phone line (250) 919-0757 or toll free 1-888-854-2276.

3. New measures in the 10 Year Plan will reduce the amount of money that government takes from the utility, free up additional cash to support investments in old & new generation and infrastructure infrastructure, lower BC Hydro’s operating costs and return Hydro rate setting to the BCUC. Bill Bennett MLA, Kootenay East www.billbennettmla.bc.ca

fernie SubStAtion upgrAde project Site Activity commencement The Fernie Substation is reaching capacity and in order to meet future demand and

KYLE HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY weddings / portraits / events / action sports custom framing / photo retouching

provide reliable power for generations an upgrade and expansion is needed. BC Hydro would like to advise the public about site activity in the immediate area around the Fernie Substation. Geotechnical, environmental and archaeological testing and assessments are expected to begin in late October and completed by the end of December 2013. The preliminary site testing will involve testing equipment and contractors will manage the work in order to minimize the impact on the environment and the community. BC Hydro will complete the work safely and as efficiently as possible. This important improvement project is necessary to meet current demand and future growth in Fernie. Upgrading the substation with new equipment will allow BC Hydro to continue to provide clean reliable power to Fernie business and residential customers now and in the future.

Professional photography services based in Fernie B.C. tel: 250 423 0904 / www.kylehamiltonphotography.com

Upgrade Project, please contact Sue Foster, Program Manager at 604 699 9095 or Sally Masters, Community Relations at 250 489 6841.

4054

Opportunities to learn more about the project will be provided and advertised. If you have any questions, or would like more information about the Fernie Substation

In the Banff section please make it’s ‘are’ $15.00 inGuides Hut’.

THE FREEstead PRESSofThursday, December 5, 2013at ‘at’ and add ‘sold

Starting Friday, December 6 to Thursday, December 12

Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Frozen 3D

Rated: PG 7:00 pm ONLY

Rated: G 7:00 pm ONLY

www.thefreepress.ca

Banff Mountain Film Festival

Want your event listed?

Add it online!

Fri., Jan. 3, 2014Tickets are $15.00 sold at The Guide’s Hut

s Event submission

Go to www.thefreepress.ca/calendar/submit/ now

3:00 pm Matinees on Sat & Sun $6.50 2D and $8.50 3D per person

321 2nd Avenue in Historical Downtown Fernie 250-423-7111

General

Senior

Family

$10.00

$8.00

$29.00

3D MOVIES

Child (12-)

are free!

$2.00 Extra $6.50

Around the Valley

Around the Valley is a free listing to any local service. Please send an email to customerservice@thefreepress.ca or drop off a brief description of your event at The Free Press office.

Mondays

Tuesdays

• 6:30am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 9:00 to 9:45am – Aqua Blast at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30 to 10:15am – Co-ed Aquafit at the Elkford Pool • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym in the Holy Family Centre, Fernie • 10:00am to 1:30pm- Crafts Fernie Seniors Drop In Centre • 10:00am to 5:00pm- Elkford Library Open • 10:00am to 8:00pm- Sparwood Library Open • 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 10:30 to 11:15am – Free Public Skating at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 10:30am to 12:00pm - Toonie Swim at the Elkford Pool • 11:00am to 6:00pm- Fernie Library Open to Public • 11:15am to 12:00pm- Storytime at the Fernie Library for ages 3-5 years • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at the Sparwood Arena • Afternoon – Seniors Curling League Play, Fernie • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Parent & Tot Skating in the Sparwood Arena • 3:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at

the Sparwood Pool • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating in the Sparwood Arena • 7:30pm – Cribbage Fernie Seniors Drop In Centre • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool

Wednesdays

• 6:30am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 7:00 to 10:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:30 to 9:30am – Gentle Fit at the Sparwood Pool • 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 9:30 to 10:15am – Co-ed Aquafit at the Elkford Pool • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym in the Holy Family Centre, Fernie • 10:00 to 11:00am – Aqua Fit at the Sparwood Pool • 10:00am to 5:00pm- Sparwood Library Open • 10:00am to 5:00pm- Elkford Library Open • 10:30 to 11:15am – Free Public Skating at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 10:30am to 12:00pm - Toonie Swim at the Elkford Pool • 11:00am to 6:00pm- Fernie Library Open to Public • 11:15am to 12:00pmToddlertime at the Fernie Library for ages 2 & under • 12:00pm- Fernie Rotary Meeting Park Place Lodge • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at the Sparwood Arena • 1:00pm- Cribbage Fernie Seniors Drop In Centre • 1:15 to 2:30 pm – Skate & Shoot at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 3:30 to 4:45 pm – Lego Club & Board Games at the Fernie Library, ages 6-10 years • 3:30 to 5:00pm – After School Rec Hockey in the Sparwood Arena • 3:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00pm – Free Dance Lessons in the Fernie Legion Hall • 7:00 to 9:00pm- Sonrise Healing Rooms Open for Prayers 1361 Eighth Ave. Fernie • 7:00 to 9:00pm – Adult (19+) Badminton, Fernie Community Centre • 7:30pm- Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool

Thursdays

• 6:30am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 9:00 to 9:45am – Aqua Blast at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 9:30-11:30am - MOMs Group at the Fernie Library • 10:00am to 8:00pm- Sparwood Library Open • 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 10:30 to 11:15am – Free Public Skating at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 10:30am to 12:00pm - Toonie Swim at the Elkford Pool • 11:00am to 6:00pm- Elkford Library Open • 11:00am to 8:00pm- Fernie Library Open to Public • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at the Sparwood Arena • 3:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Pool • 6:30 to 9:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating in the Sparwood Arena • 9:30 to 11:00pm – Adult Rec Hockey in the Sparwood Arena

Fridays

• 6:30am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 7:00 to 10:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Aqua Blast at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:30 to 9:30am – Gentle Fit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:00 to 11:00am- Adult Badminton Fernie Community Centre • 9:30 to 10:15am – Co-ed Aquafit at the Elkford Pool • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym in the Holy Family Centre, Fernie • 10:00 to 11:00am – Aqua Fit at the Sparwood Pool • 10:00am to 5:00pm- Sparwood Library Open • 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 10:30am to 12:00pm - Toonie Swim at the Elkford Pool • 11:00am to 6:00pm Fernie Library Open to Public • 11:00am to 6:00pm- Elkford Library Open • 11:15am to 12:00pm- Storytime at the Fernie Library for ages 3-5 years • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at the Sparwood Arena • Afternoon – Seniors Curling

League Play, Fernie • 1:15 to 3:15pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Pool • 3:30 to 4:45pm – Word Play at the Fernie Library, ages 11-13 years • 3:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 5:30pm – Free Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – $3.00 Swim at the Elkford Pool • 6:30 to 9:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00 to 8:15pm – Public Skating at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 7:30pm- Jitney Darts Fernie Legion • 7:30pm – Cribbage Fernie Seniors Drop In Centre • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Teen Swim (Grades 7-12) at the Elkford Pool

Saturdays

• 10:00am to 5:00pm- Sparwood Library Open • Noon to 5:00pm- Elkford Library Open • 1:00 to 5:00pm- Fernie Library Open to Public • 1:00 to 3:00pm – DnD for Teens at the Fernie Library • 2:00 to 3:45pm – Public Skating at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 2:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 2:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:30 to 4:30pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Pool • 4:00 to 6:00pm- Meat Draw & 50/50 Fernie Legion • 5:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Pool • 6:30 to 9:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:45 to 8:15pm – Public Skating at the Fernie Memorial Arena

Sundays

• 12:00 to 2:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 1:00 to 2:30pm – ‘Game On!’ board games at the Fernie Library • 1:00 to 5:00pm – Fernie Library Open to Public • 1:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Pool • 2:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 2:15 to 4:00pm – Public Skating at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 3:00 to 4:45pm – Public Skating in the Sparwood Arena (most Sundays) • 7:30pm- Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie

UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER 05

06 06 06 06 06 07 07 07 07 07 08

09 09 10-13 10 10 11 12

13 13 14

Let’s Celebrate! Afterschool Drop-in, Fernie Library, 3:304:45pm, ages 11+ Holiday movie: Afterschool Drop-in, Fernie Library, 3:304:45pm, ages 6-10yrs Art Tapas Workshop at the Fernie Arts Station, 6-9:30pm Fernie Ghostriders vs. Nelson Leafs, Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm Sparwood Chamber Staff Christmas Party, Causeway Bay Hotel EMS Annual Food Drive – Annex & West Fernie, 5-9pm Jingle Jam at Mugshots in Fernie, 2-4pm A Musical Tale, I.D.E.A.L, Knox Uniting Church, 4pm Fernie Ghostriders vs. Creston Valley Thunder Cats, Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm EMS Annual Food Drive – Airport, Ridgemont & Downtown Fernie,10am-2pm EMS Annual Food Drive – Parkland Terrace, Fernie, 2-5pm Free Card Making at Clawhammer Letterpress in Fernie, 1pm ages 6-8yrs & 3pm ages 9-12yrs Elkford Council Meeting, 6pm Fernie Chamber Orchestra Winter Concert, Fernie Arts Station, 7pm Baking & Making: Afterschool Drop-in, Fernie Library, 3:304:45pm Holiday Train, CP/Fernie Arts Station 5:30pm Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, Fernie Arts Station, 7pm Shred Kelly, Fernie Arts Station, 7pm Booked! Fernie Writers’ Series: Grant Lawrence, 6:45pm for pass holders & 8pm general public Holiday movie: Afterschool Drop-in, Fernie Library, 3:304:45pm, ages 6-10yrs Friends of Opera, LaBoheme by Puccini, Fernie Arts Station, 7pm Jingle Jam, Fernie Heritage Library, 2-4pm

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

CONNECTION

CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca NOTICE OF INTENTION

City Council Meeting Schedule

to provide assistance under a Partnering Agreement between The Corporation of the City of Fernie and Tourism Fernie

December 2013 1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 CITY 25 OF 26FERNIE 27 BRITISH COLUMBIA 31

7 14 21 28

Notice is hereby given that at the December 16, 2013 Regular Meeting the Council of the City of Fernie intends to consider entering into a partnering agreement pursuant to S. 21 of the Community Charter the terms of which would provide assistance to Tourism Fernie for the provision of municipal services, being the operation of a Winter Shuttle Service between the City and Fernie Alpine Resort, for the 2013/14 operating (ski) season with an option for the agreement to be extended to include the 2014/15 and 2015/16 operating (ski) seasons at the discretion of the City, providing for payment by the City to Tourism Fernie the sum of $50,000 per operating season to partially pay the costs of providing the Service. Funding for the Service is proposed to come from the province’s Resort Municipality Initiative and the service is an approved project in the Fernie and Area Resort Development Strategy.

Regular Council meetings are open to the public and held at City Hall at 7:00 p.m.

A complete copy of the proposed partnering agreement can be viewed at the ofﬁce of the undersigned at City Hall, 501 3rd Avenue, during regular business hours.

City of Fernie Contact Info: City Hall

Jim Hendricks, Chief Administrative Ofﬁcer

Ph: 250-423-6817 Fx: 250-423-3034 Email: cityhall@fernie.ca Website: www.fernie.ca 501-3rd Avenue, Box 190 Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M0 Ofﬁce Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed statutory holidays) After Hours Phone: 250-423-4226

Fernie Aquatic Centre

250 Pine Avenue Phone: 250-423-4466

Fernie Memorial Arena 991-6th Avenue (Highway 3)

For all Police, Ambulance or Fire related emergencies: Call 911

BYPASS TO ELK RIVER

The City of Fernie wishes to advise area residents that in order to dispose of excessive amounts of storm water in the sanitary sewer collection system due to recent rain and snow melt it is necessary to temporarily bypass treated efﬂuent to the Elk River. This bypass will take place December 4 to December 18, 2013 in accordance with the Ministry of Environment Operating Permit. For further information please contact City Hall at 250-423-6817.

NEW FITNESS CENTRE

Posted at the Public Notice Posting Place this 28 day of November 2013 and advertised in the November 28, 2013 and December 5, 2013 editions of The Free Press Newspaper.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Intention to provide assistance under a Partnering Agreement. (Chamber of Commerce – Annual Griz Days Festival) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Fernie intends to provide assistance to the Fernie Chamber of Commerce under the terms of a partnering agreement pursuant to Section. 21 of the Community Charter for the provision of municipal services, being the annual municipal celebration of Griz Days for the years of 2014, 2015 and 2016, providing for payment by the City to the Chamber of Commerce the sum of $15,000.00 annually for the services described in the agreement. Council will consider this partnering agreement at the December 16, 2013 regular meeting of Council A complete copy of the proposed partnering agreement can be viewed at the ofﬁce of the undersigned at City Hall, 501 3rd Avenue, during regular business hours. Michelle Martineau, Director of Corporate Administration Services Posted at the Public Notice Posting Place this 21st day of November 2013 and advertised in the November 21st, 2013 and November 28th, 2013 editions of The Free Press Newspaper.

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE SURVEY

Do you support the use video surveillance cameras in the downtown core to assist with crime control? As part of our public engagement process, the City of Fernie is inviting you to share your comments on the use of this technology. Please visit the City’s website at www.fernie.ca for more information. This survey shall remain open until 9:00AM on Monday, January 6, 2014, the results of which shall be formally presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, January 13, 2014. Michelle Martineau, CMC, RP® Director of Corporate Administration Services

6:30am - 8:00pm Mon. to Fri. 2:00 - 8:00pm Sat. & Sun Admission Rate includes use of pool facility! Keep an eye out for scheduled ﬁtness programs. Fernie Aquatic Centre 250 423 4466

FERNIE AQUATIC CENTRE Holiday Hours Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25/26 Dec 27 Dec 28/29 Dec 30/31 Jan 1 Jan 2/3

6:30am-8pm 6:30am-3pm CLOSED 6:30am-8pm 2 - 8:00pm 6:30am-8pm CLOSED 6:30am-8pm

Holiday Events Join us for fun and interactive Holiday themed games and crafts. Ages 3+ are welcome! Sat. Dec 21 Sun. Dec 22 Mon. Dec 23

4-5pm 4-5pm 4-5pm

Polar Bear Swim Tues. Dec 31st 6:00pm

HOLIDAY DECORATING

Fernie Fire Rescue wishes everyone “All the best of the Season” and urges you take a few life-saving minutes to protect yourself and your family. When choosing a Christmas Trees consider the following: Live Tree: Before buying your Christmas tree, test it for freshness by tapping the base of the tree on the ground; if needles fall or can be pulled off easily the tree is too dry and could be a fire hazard; • Keep the stand full of water at all times; • Keep the tree away from all heat sources and make sure it doesn't block a doorway; Artificial Trees: When purchasing an artificial tree, look for one labeled “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. • Though fireproof, metal or aluminum trees are electrically conductive and cannot be decorated with any electrical product. The metal can cause a short and a fire or simply become “hot” or deliver a nasty shock. Decorating: Never use lit candles as decorations on Christmas trees; and use flame-retardant or non-combustible materials for your decorations. Examine light strings: • Cords, plugs and receptacles should be checked before using. Discard any that have frayed cores, cracks in the lamp holders or loose connections. • Avoid using timers on indoor lights. Tree lights could turn on when no one is home and create a potential fire hazard. Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are in good working order and change the batteries, if necessary. “Putting our community first” Fernie Fire Rescue

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

d is tr i c t o f spa rwo o d Box 520, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Phone: 250.425.6271 | Fax: 250.425.7277 Email: sparwood@sparwood.ca

www.sparwood.ca

Upcoming Meetings of Council Monday, December 16 Monday, January 6

(in Council Chambers) Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC, to consider a proposed amendment to the District of Sparwood “Zoning Bylaw No. 264 1981”. Applicant: Property affected:

District of Sparwood All properties within the Agricultural Land (A-1) zone.

In general terms, Bylaw 1131 cited as "Zoning Bylaw No. 264, 1981 Amendment Bylaw 1131, 2013” will address land use changes required to reduce conﬂicts in land use due to the proposed Agricultural Land Commission exclusion of a number of A-1 properties. However, additional housekeeping changes have been Where? added to this Bylaw amendment proposal including clarifying some of the language surrounding density and Red Cedar Drive Centennial secondary suites. Notice of from Road Closure Street to Alpine Place (the Hill). All persons who believe that their interest is affected by the proposed bylaws shall be afforded a reasonable

Notice of Road Closure

Where? When? Beginning the week of December 2 for approximately When? 2 - 4 weeks.

opportunity to be heard in person, by a representative, or by written submission on the matters contained within Bylaw 1131 at the Public Hearing. Written submissions may be sent to the District of Sparwood, Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0. Electronic submissions by email should be sent to sparwood@sparwood.ca. Beginning the week of November 26 for approximatelyPlease 2 - 4 note that due to potential email issues, all submissions sent by email should be conﬁrmed by phone Why? weeks. at the number listed below. These submissions must be received by no later than 4:00 p.m. on December 16, To repair the embankment on 2013 in order to ensure their availability to Council at the Public Hearing. All submissions must include your Red CedarWhy? Drive. To repair the embankment on Red Cedar Drive. name and street address and are considered public information, pursuant to the Freedom of Information and What? Protection of Privacy Act. Soil nailing - a method of placing What? Following the close of the Public Hearing, no further submissions or comments from the public or interested numerous steel rods or tubes into the Soil nailing - a method of placing numerous steel rods or tubes into side the side of the embankment on on an the soil. can be accepted by members of of the embankment an angle angletotostabilize persons Council. stabilize the soil.

Red Cedar Drive from Centennial Street to Alpine Place (the Hill).

Who?

The above Bylaws and Who? The General Contractor will be Geostabilization International (GSI) reports and background

related staff information may be inspected at the Municipal Ofﬁce, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, Use Centennial Street to Spruce Avenue and Pine Avenue to Detour? B.C., from December 2, 2013 – detour. Use Centennial Street to Spruce December 16, 2013 during regular Avenue and PinePedestrian? Avenue to detour. ofﬁce hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Both staircases will stay open and the pedestrian trail on the Pedestrian? local time, Monday to Friday. north side of Red Cedar Drive (above the fence) will remain open. Both staircases will stay open and the Additional information may be pedestrian trail on the north side of Questions? obtained by contacting the Planning Contact Engineering at 250.425.6830. Red Cedar Drive (above the fence) will Department at 136 Spruce Avenue or www.sparwood.ca/roads remain open. (250) 425-6271. Questions? Dated December 2, 2013 Contact Engineering at 250.425.6830 Nelson Wight www.sparwood.ca/roads Manager of Planning The General Contractor will be Geostabilization International Detour? (GSI)

Disposition of Land: Whitewood Crescent

Thinking about moving to Sparwood? There are endless reasons why you should: a great community spirit, exceptional location and incredible lifestyle opportunities.

Sparwood is situated in the South-Eastern corner of BC. Sparwood is a family-friendly Rocky Mountain community nestled in the heart of BC's Elk Valley. Our community offers exceptional lifestyle opportunities just out the back door that include world-class skiing, ﬁshing, hiking, biking and hunting or simply spending time in the great outdoors. Sparwood was founded on a coal mining heritage and we're still the same hard working families and great folk that make this one of the world's great places to live.

Whether you are considering moving here or already live here and are considering building your own home, we have four residential lots available for sale at very reasonable prices. ** NEW REDUCED PRICES **

Lot 5 6 8 23

District Lot 4135 4135 4135 4135

Plan NEP82630 NEP82630 NEP82630 NEP82630

Address 1309 Whitewood Crescent 1311 Whitewood Crescent 1315 Whitewood Crescent 1306 Whitewood Crescent

Sale Price $66,600 $58,050 $58,050 $58,050

Located in Sparwood Heights and only a short walk to the proposed Whiskey Jack Resort, local trails and parks, Whitewood Crescent is a desirable location for your new home.

All new homes in Whitewood Crescent must have the design approved by Council as per the registered Building Scheme and must include an attached garage. Zoning for this subdivision permits single family dwellings and modular homes. Building Deadline Sales for Whitewood Crescent will be subject to an Option to Purchase that will be registered on title. In general terms, the Option states that a building permit must be obtained within one year of purchasing the property. The owner then has two years after the permit is obtained to substantially complete construction on the lot, including receiving Occupancy Certificate and finishing driveway and landscape areas (including grading). Failure to comply with these deadlines could result in the District purchasing the lots back at 90% of the original sale price. Purchase Process Sales will start December 13, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. MT at the District Office and are on a first come, first serve basis and must be in person or by an authorized agent. A 10% deposit is required and you must enter into a sales agreement with the District of Sparwood to pay the balance within 42 days. Note that prices listed do not include applicable taxes. For More Information: Contact the District of Sparwood Engineering Department at 250.425.6271

Holiday Hours and Information

The District of Sparwood Municipal Ofﬁce and Engineering Ofﬁce Hours: December 24, 2013 December 25, 2013 December 26, 2013 December 27, 2013 December 30, 2013 December 31, 2013

8:30 am - Noon CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 8:30 am – 4:00 pm 8:30 am – 2:00 pm

Anyone wishing to make tax or utility payments can do so by leaving a cheque in the drop box located at the front entry, or by internet payment through your ﬁnancial institution.

Household Garbage Collection

All garbage normally picked up on Wednesday, December 25, will be picked up on Tuesday, December 24 and all garbage normally picked up on Thursday, December 26, will be picked up on Thursday, December 27. All garbage normally picked up on Wednesday, January 1, 2014, will be picked up on Thursday, January 2, 2014. PLEASE HAVE YOUR GARBAGE SET OUT BY 8:00 A.M. There are no limits on number of garbage bags from December 16, 2013 to January 11, 2014. A reminder that cardboard is banned from the landﬁll

site and must not be put out with your household refuse. Christmas wrapping “paper” (not foil) can be recycled. All uncontaminated cardboard must be RECYCLED.

Transfer Station Operating Hours December 24, 2013 December 25 and 26, 2013 December 31, 2013 January 1, 2014

10:00 am to 4:00 pm Closed 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Closed

Discarding Christmas Trees

You may drop off your old Christmas trees behind Fire Hall No. 1 on Pine Avenue or behind the Sparwood Heights Fire Hall. The District will provide pick up service for those who are unable to drop them off. Leave the tree at your curb for pickup any time up to January 10, 2014. Please ensure that you have removed the tinsel before discarding tree. For further information, please contact the Public Works Department at 250.425.7760.

Animal Pound Emergencies For animal emergencies, please call 250.425.7718

From Council and Staff of the District of Sparwood Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE

Notice is hereby given that Council at their Regular Meeting to be held on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC intends to approve a loan to Society for Kids Care – Elk Valley as follows: Amount of loan

$ 48,842

Interest rate

Purpose of loan

Repayment terms

Enable payment of Canada Revenue Agency shortfall Annual payments of $ 9768.40 due on December 31 of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Society may prepay the loan or any portion thereof at any time without notice, bonus or penalty.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

District of Elkford 816 Michel Road P.O. Box 340 Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0 P.250.865.4000 • F.250.865.4001 • info@elkford.ca • www.elkford.ca

PUBLIC NOTICE Alternative Approval Process FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AUTHORIZATION BYLAW NO. 752, 2014

A Bylaw to Authorize Renewal of Franchise Agreement for the Construction and Operation of Natural Gas Distribution Facilities within the District of Elkford Local governments must obtain the assent of the electors in order to sign a franchise agreement. Local governments can use the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to do so as it is less expensive than a referendum to gauge public opinion. Some electors favour the AAP over a referendum because they have more time (at least 30 days) to express their opinion instead of the two days (advance poll and voting day) that are available to vote in a referendum. The method by which the electors express their opinion is by signing an Elector Response Form and submitting it to their local government by a given deadline. If less than 10% of electors state their opposition, a Council may proceed with its proposed action. More information about the AAP can be found at: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/community_ charter/governance/alternative_approval_process.htm or by contacting the District of Elkford at 250.865.4000. Notice Is Hereby Given That the District of Elkford proposes to adopt a bylaw authorizing the District to enter into an agreement that grants an exclusive or limited franchise for the provision of a natural gas supply with a maximum term of an initial agreement or a renewal agreement of 20 years. The District of Elkford and FortisBC (formerly Terasen Gas Inc., formerly B.C. Gas) were parties to a Franchise or Operating Agreement dated November 1, 1992 that expired October 31, 2013. This agreement over the last 5 years has provided an average of $70,309 per year in general revenue for the District of Elkford. Pursuant to the Community Charter, in order to adopt the franchise agreement authorization bylaw the District of Elkford must obtain the approval of its electors. The District of Elkford may adopt the Franchise Agreement Authorization Bylaw No. 752, 2014 if, after the deadline, less than 10% of the eligible electors in the District

have signed and submitted individual Elector Response Forms. If after the deadline at least 10% of the eligible electors in the District have signed and submitted Elector Response Forms, the Council may not adopt the same bylaw, unless it receives assent of the electors in a voting proceeding (referendum) which the District may opt to then undertake. The number of Elector Response Forms equalling 10% of the eligible electors in the District is one hundred and ninety one (191). Elector Response Forms The response of the electors must be in the form established by the District of Elkford. Forms are available at the District Office located at 816 Michel Road, or may be printed from the website at www.elkford.ca. For an Elector Response Form to be accepted it must: • Be submitted only by an eligible elector of the District of Elkford to the District Office; • Include the full name of the elector; • State the residential address of the elector; • Be signed by the elector; • If applicable, state the address of the property in relation to which the person is entitled to vote as a non-resident property elector; and • Be submitted to the Corporate Officer before the deadline. Deadline Elector Response Forms will be accepted in person at the District Office NO LATER THAN 4:30 P.M. LOCAL TIME, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2014. Eligible Elector • An eligible elector for the purpose of this Alternative Approval Process is a resident who meets the following criteria:

• is age eighteen (18) or older; and • is a Canadian citizen; and • has been a resident of British Columbia for at least six (6) months; and • has been a resident of the District of Elkford for at least thirty (30) days upon the date of form submission; and, • is not disqualified from voting by the Local Government Act or any other act. A non-resident property elector who meets the following criteria is also an eligible elector: • is not entitled to register as a resident elector for the District of Elkford; and • is age eighteen (18) or older; and • is a Canadian citizen; and • has been a resident of British Columbia for at least the past six (6) months; and • has been a registered named owner of real property in the District of Elkford for at least the past thirty (30) days prior to the date of form submission; and • is not disqualified from voting by the Local Government Act or any other act. Corporations are not entitled to vote nor are lands held in a corporate name eligible to vote. In the case of multiple owners of a parcel, only one person may vote as a nonresident property elector, with the written consent of the majority of the owners. Questions may be directed to Dorothy Szawlowski, Assistant Corporate Officer at 250.865.4005 or by email to dszawlowski@elkford.ca Curtis Helgesen Chief Administrative Officer November 26, 2013

NOTICE OF DISPOSITION OF LAND Box 340, Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0 or hand delivered to 816 Michel Road, Elkford, B.C. The highest bid may not be the successful bid. All forms, maps and information is available on the District website at www.elkford.ca under the “What’s New” tab.

Development cost charges will apply for connections to District services. The lots are located at:

Civic Address Legal Description #410 Bickford Drive Lot 68, DL 3512, Plan 13132 Boivin Road Lot 8, DL 12378, Plan 14097

Location Plan

The sale is subject to conditions of a sales agreement and are generally as outlined below: 1. Offers must be submitted on the District’s form; 2. Successful bidders will have three (3) years to have a permitted building, or other suitable residential housing unit in place on the lot; 3. Successful bidders, upon transfer of the land, will grant to the District of Elkford an Option to Purchase, exercisable upon failure to have a permitted building in place on the lot or consolidation with an adjacent lot within the three years; 4. Offers must include a deposit of 10% of the offer price, by certiﬁed cheque or bank draft. Sealed bids clearly marked “410 Bickford Lot Sale” or “Boivin Lot Sale” will be received until December 20th, 2013 at 4:00 pm MST. Bids can be mailed to District of Elkford, P.O.

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

Boivin Road Lot

#410 Bickford Drive Lot

PID 011-313-170 010-399-887

•December 9 •December 23

Regular Council @ 6 pm Regular Council CANCELLED

For further information please contact: Curtis Helgesen, Chief Administrative Ofﬁcer 250.865.4004 or chelgesen@elkford.ca or Scott Beeching, Director, Planning & Development Services 250.865.4002 or sbeeching@elkford.ca

Location Plan

The District of Elkford is offering for sale, through a sealed bid process, one (1) R-MH, Mobile Home Housing lot, approximately 0.0509 hectares (0.126 acres), and one (1) C-1 Town Centre Commercial lot of approximately 412 m² (0.102 ac).

These meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at 816 Michel Road and are open to the public.

Arts&Entertainment 12

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Deck your walls with original art By Tamara Hynd Free Press Staff

eck the Walls is now on at The Arts Station for its fifth annual year-end art show and sale. Each and every item is for sale and everything is priced under $100. There are mixed media masks by Lindsay Vallance, creative hand painted trucker caps by Keya White, handmade felt tree ornaments by Jodie Parker and L. Kennedy, clay pottery by Chris Stockey and Carol Cohen, and original acrylic paintings by artists Kathy Stead, Pat Moore, Carol Cohen, Kari Lehr and Graham Fowler. There is also a selection of blown glass and pendant jewelry by Elkford artist Katherine Russell. “This show offers an

opportunity for people to purchase local, high quality artwork as gifts or for themselves just because they are amazing works of art at a very reasonable price,” said Courtney Baker, Arts Station administrator. “As well, it is a great way for local artists to gain continued exposure in the community and beyond. Deck the Walls reminds people of the diverse artistic and cultural talents that Fernie has to offer.” An arts and craft sale this Saturday, Dec. 7 will feature holiday treats, button making and additional art for sale between 10 am and 2 pm. The exhibit will continue until Monday, December 30. For more information, contact info@theartsstation.com.

Going to a masquerade? Be the star with a mixed media mask by Lindsay Vallance.

The Arts Station Annual Christmas Festival is back for the third time! Submitted

Blown glass by Katherine Russell of Elkford.

“Moonrise on the Mountains”- Acrylic on canvas by Kathy Stead.

oin The Arts Station in Fernie for a fun and festive month of holiday activities. There is something for everybody and for all ages! New this year is the Community Advent Calendar. From December 1-23 a wooden advent window will be opened daily to reveal an amazing piece of holiday themed art. These windows will be prominently displayed in storefronts along Victoria Avenue and Highway 3 and will have a painted number on the outside, the number corresponds to the day on which it is to be opened and its creative surprise revealed! These advent art windows will not only highlight the stunning artistic talent that we are fortunate to have but will decorate your days with creative cheer! As a bonus, jot

down where the windows are located and drop off or email your answers to The Arts Station after December 24 for a chance to win a fantastic basket full of all of the things you will need to start off 2014 feeling inspired. Other great highlights include free all ages concerts by the Fernie Chamber Orchestra, Shred Kelly and Vancouver’s most festive and funky jazz group, the B3 Kings. Seating is limited, so make sure that you pop into The Arts Station to pick up your ticket for one or all of these great performances. Tickets are mandatory for all shows. Returning for the third time is our personal favourite, the Shortbread Showdown. Bakers of all kinds are encouraged to enter a batch of their best and brightest holiday shortbread. Judging is done by voting

with your cents and putting a donation into the jar or jars of your favourite cookies. All voting proceeds are to be directed towards our next public art project. Want to challenge your neighbour or coworker to a bakeoff? December 22 is the time and The Arts Station is the place. Will Margaret Berard and Gramma’s Shortbread take the title for the third year in a row? Have a cookie and support the arts at the same time. Please visit www. theartsstation.com for complete What the Dickens activities and times. Most importantly, this great holiday festival and other cultural events would not be possible without the generous support of our great sponsors: Teck, the City of Fernie, the Resort Municipality Initiative, the Stanford Resort and the Blue Toque Diner.

All photos by T. Hynd

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Water for nature must be a top priority Thank in the new Water Sustainability Act YOU ALL Submitted by Wildsight

magine a lake, stream or river that you love, or perhaps rely upon for your drinking water or livelihood. Shouldn’t the law protect it and similar water bodies? That’s why you should care about the B.C. government’s proposed Water Sustainability Act and public consultations on the WSA that are on until November 15th. The government needs to hear British Columbians want a “Water Sustainability Act” that ensures that water use is … well … sustainable. In 2010 consultations on this proposed legislation, the government heard that: • Protecting stream health and aquatic environments was the goal that was most strongly supported and addressed with greatest frequency and is clearly a priority of British Columbians. • British Columbians also expressed strong support for the principle that “rights to use water come with responsibilities to … help protect stream health.” • That stream health, water for fish and wildlife, is important to British Columbians, backed up by polls showing that 72% of British Columbians say that nature should be the priority for managing water in times of scarcity, even if it slows economic growth. So how well would the Water Sustainability Act do in protecting stream health and aquatic environments? The answer is mixed. The WSA would provide some important new tools that might be used to protect stream health in the future, but there is less willingness to use those tools to examine the sustainability of our existing water use. At the same time, the WSA locks in and

expands many of the problems that have compromised stream health. On the positive side of the ledger, the Water Sustainability Act legislative proposal will require government decisionmakers to consider stream health in issuing new licences – for both surface and groundwater. Government policy already requires stream health to be considered in licensing decisions, but having it required by law is a step forward. There are a number of new tools for addressing problem areas, such as water sustainability plans and regulations that will allow the government to set new rules for regions of the province that are facing water scarcity or future water scarcity. In extreme cases the government will be able to order existing water users to scale back their use to protect critical environmental flows or to protect populations of fish. But while there are some useful tools here, the WSA could be stronger, and attempts to avoid taking a

long hard look at our current water use. Most importantly, the requirement to consider stream health applies only to new licences (or modifications to existing licences), and that means that existing overuse of water will only be addressed where the political will and resources can be found to develop a Water Sustainability Plan, and/or during exceptional drought conditions.

We need to get this right – to ensure that B.C.’s streams, rivers and lakes are healthy. Indeed, stream health won’t even be considered for existing wells, which have not had a licence until now but, in the commendable interests of regulating groundwater will be transitioned to a license. In aquifers where the quantity of water being pumped out is unsustainable, the

Water Sustainability Act could lock in that unsustainable use, dooming the region to water conflict and the need for future orders to deal with that conflict. However, even for new licences, the requirement that government consider stream health is weak. In the government’s consultations, British Columbians expressed a strong preference for binding stream health standards, rather than flexible guidelines, that would ensure that environmental flows were protected. Finally, rates for water don’t reflect the public benefits that British Columbians get from having water remain in our streams and lakes. Indeed, the rates don’t cover the costs of government administering the complicated water licensing system. There are some advances in the Water Sustainability Act – new powers for addressing scarcity, the regulation of groundwater, requirements to at least consider stream health for new licences. But water is important. We need to get this right

to ensure that B.C.’s streams, rivers and lakes are healthy. And the B.C. Government needs to hear from British Columbians that water – our most precious resource – requires strong legal protection. Check out www.ourwaterbc.ca for more information on to make your voice heard. By Jessica Clog, Executive Director, We s t Coast Environmental Law and John Bergenske, Executive Director, Wildsight.

The families of the late Sylvia Vickers, would like to thank all those who express words of condolence, sent cards, emails, food and donations to the Lilac Terrace building fund. A special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff in Sparwood and the Elk Valley Hospital, especially Dr. Pigot and Dr. Stuckey and the nurses that dedicated extra time and showed such compassion and care for her during her lengthy illness. Thank you to Father Bart, choir and organist for making the service so special and the Catholic Women’s League for the lovely luncheon. Thank you to Lynda and John for there guidance and understanding. Thank you to all the people that visited from Hospice. To all those who where able to attend the service, thank you so much, we know Sylvia will rest in peace. Thank you everyone for thinking about us at this time of our great loss in our life. We will always remember you. The Myles & Gladstone Families

THE FREE PRESS Follow us @FernieFreePress or like us on Facebook. For all the latest news & reviews in the Elk Valley.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Charitable donation Low literacy levels By Meghan Morton Submitted

Pictured left to right: Scotia Bank Employees; Corinne Staley, Stephen Gort, Claudette Daigle, Anna Piotrowska-Mosher, Tom Little, Canadian Ski Patrol representative and Patti Cooke. Scotia Bank employees made a $2000 donation to the Canadian Ski Patrol through their Scotia Community Volunteer Program (SCVP). The Scotia Bank team volunteered at the local Film Festival where they worked the concession and bar to raise money for the cause. “The funds are earmarked for provincial first aid and a toboggan evaluation weekend,” said Tom Little, Canadian Ski Patrol representative. “The ski patrol in the East Kootenay has 37 members providing ski patrol at Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) and at Wapiti Ski Hill in Elkford.” Photo by Andrea Horton

Fernie’s Premier Senior’s Housing Community

pproximately nine million people between the ages of 16 and 65 struggle with low literacy skills. That is one in four people who lack the skills to comfortably function in todays world. Low literacy is not a little problem. These numbers mean that we almost certainly know and/ or encounter people daily who struggle with low literacy levels. It also means that we likely have areas in which our own literacy levels could be improved. Most people asked to define literacy would say it was, “knowing how to read”. In fact, the definition of literacy is something much broader. It is something that has changed and developed over time - something that is still changing. Literacy is a level of competency with a skill that is needed in order to get by in society. This means that as the skills needed to function in society have changed, so has the definition of literacy. While literacy still includes the ability to interpret and pen the written word, it also includes the ability to operate a computer and to use basic math skills. Literacy is the ability to learn. There was a day when computer skills had nothing to do with literacy but now computers have become so prevalent in work and day to day

life that basic computer skills are a part of what is generally defined as literacy. Without these skills, it is almost impossible to function in our society. In one day, Canadians use these different literacy skills countless times. They read and write emails, grocery lists, memos and text messages. They read and interpret directions on medicine bottles, recipes, road signs, newspapers and mail. They shop online. They estimate the cost of purchases before going through the till. They figure out an appropriate tip when out to dinner. A Canadian who can’t read beyond a very basic level or one who can’t perform basic computer tasks or math is faced with one challenge after another every single day. The fear that they might be asked to use a skill that seems “common” adds stress to the day to day life of a person struggling with lower literacy levels. They may avoid certain scenarios where these skills are needed. They may isolate themselves as a defense mechanism. So what can be done to help others or to help yourself? You can volunteer with a local literacy program tutoring in math, English as a Second Language, basic reading and writing or basic computers. Use your local libraries and show you value them and understand their vital importance in the community.

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Songs & Traditions Christmas Carols and holiday traditions 2013

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season from the Management and Staff at Extra Foods. HOLIDAY HOURS

December 1st to 23rd * 8:00 am to 10:00 pm December 24th * 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Christmas Day * CLOSED December 26th * 8:00 am to 6:00 pm December 31st * 7:00 am to 6:00 pm New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day * 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year. Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas tree According to legend there was a monk in the 7th century who traveled around Germany to teach the word of God. To represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit he used the triangular shape of a fir tree. Those who converted took to hanging the triangles around their homes as a symbol of Christianity. The first decorated tree is said to have been by Martin Luther with candles in Riga, Latvia in 1510; to show his children how the stars twinkle at night.

Santa Claus The original Santa Claus was born in Turkey during the 4th century, and was known as St. Nicholas. He devoted his life to Christianity, but was imprisoned by Romans. When Constantine became emperor he released him. The legend of St. Nicholas began in the 16th century when Dutch children placed their wooden shoes out, hoping “Sint Nikolass” would fill them with treats. The name “Sint Nikolass” was later shortened to “Sinterklaas”, and then to Santa Claus in English.

Merry Christmas

Come and Join Us for Our... ADVENT SERVICES Sunday Mornings * 10:00 am December 8, 15 and 22

Songs & Traditions

Here Comes Santa Claus Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane, Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer Pullin’ on the reins. Bells are ringin’, children singin’, All is merry and bright. So hang your stockings and say your prayers, ‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane, He’s got a bag that’s filled with toys For boys and girls again. Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, Oh what a beautiful sight, So jump in bed, and cover your head, ‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight. Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane, He’ll come around when chimes ring out, It’s Christmas time again. Peace on earth will come to all, If we just follow the light, So let’s give thanks to the Lord above ‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight. Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane, Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer Pullin’ on the reins. Bells are ringin’, children singin’, All is merry and bright, So jump in bed, and cover your head, ‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight. Peace on earth will come to all, If we just follow the light, So let’s give thanks to the Lord above ‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight, So let’s give thanks to the Lord above ‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Merry Christmas from all the staff at SMS Equipment in Elkford

FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Tuesday, December 24 * 7:00 pm

ly, d n e i r f Kid ome! Knox United Church c l e w s 201 2nd Avenue, Fernie familie

# 1 Intata Rd., Box 40, Elkford 250-865-4651

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Songs & Traditions

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay [repeat] The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my side until morning is nigh, sweet bells they ring, they ring out the news today, that Christ was born, was born on Christmas day, Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me for ever and love me, I pray to Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there to live with thee there, sweet bells they ring, they ring out the news today, that Christ was born, was born on Christmas Day, that Christ was born, was born on Christmas day.

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night All is calm, all is bright Round young virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace! Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born! Silent night! Holy night! Son of God love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth!

Come All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, Come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; Refrain O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, Lo, he shuns not the Virgin’s womb; Son of the Father, begotten, Not created; Refrain Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; Refrain See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle, Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps; Refrain Child, for us sinners poor And in the manger, We would embrace Thee, With love and awe; Who would not love Thee, Loving us so dearly? Refrain Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be glory given; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing Refrain

What Child is This

What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap lay sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the son of Mary. Why lies he in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own him. The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Wishing you & yours a very

Merry Christmas!

East Ko

otenay R

ealty

And many magical moments to you and yours this holiday season. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season from the staff at Cross Circuit 250-865-7638 418B Boivin Road Elkford

Lorene Gilles Elk Valley 250.430.1066

For all your real estate needs please give me a call! FERNIE OFFICE 561A Highway #3 • 250-423-4644

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Deck The Halls Deck the halls with boughs of holly Fa la la la la, la la la la Tis the season to be jolly Fa la la la la, la la la la Don we now our gay apparel Fa la la, la la la, la la la Troll the ancient Yuletide carol Fa la la la la, la la la la See the blazing Yule before us Strike the harp and join the chorus Follow me in merry measure While I tell of Yuletide treasure Fast away the old year passes Fa la la la la, la la la la Hail the new, ye lads and lasses Fa la la la la, la la la la Sing we joyous, all together Fa la la la la, la la la la Heedless of the wind and weather Fa la la la la, la la la la Fa la la la la, la la la la

Songs & Traditions

Jingle Bells Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bob tails ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh

Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh yeah Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh

A day or two ago I thought I’d take a ride And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot We got into a drifted bank And then we got upsot Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way

Happy Holidays from the Sparwood Futures Society

Watch for announcements in the New Year about the new Sparwood Skateboard Park

Marian B. Gravelle Notary Public

Fernie Ofﬁce: 78 Ridgemont Drive Phone: 250-423-2161 Fax: 250-423-6149

Sparwood Ofﬁce: 114 Centennial Square Toll Free:1-800-668-7729 Fax: 250-425-2204

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Sparwood residents welcome in the Holiday Season By Jenna Jensen Contributor

All eyes were on the Christmas tree as the countdown concluded and the lights were illuminated. Photo by J. Jensen

i t h snow o n the ground, my kids are obsessed with sledding. It’s Shelby Cain all they want to do. We bought the cheap sleds last year and both broke right where the string is attached. Which of course led to Two rocketing down from the steepest part of an icy slope backwards. Not good. So this year we upgraded to thicker plastic and brakes. I thought this was a good idea. It wasn’t. We have a hill close to our house that is the perfect length and pitch for the kids. Still a bit of a thrill, but I don’t fear for their lives every time I let them go. By the time we get to the base of the hill Two is already tired and needs a ride. I watch enviously as some older kids run up the hill carrying their sleds, jump on at the top and shoot to the bottom. Their parents stand in a group, chatting and joking. We are not there. Yet. I start pulling Two up on her sled while my husband coaches Four. Halfway up my quads are burning and I taste blood. How can I be this out of shape? I check to see if Two has sprouted into twins, just in time to see her pulling on the brakes with all her might. With slight panic in my voice I explain to Two that Mommy can NOT pull her with the brakes on. A few reminders later, and we reach the summit. I lean over and breathe deeply, trying not to take a knee, while smiling pleasantly at the parent group standing around doing NOTHING. Four decides she wants to go by herself and my husband sends her flying down the hill and then joins the gang, all gearing up to watch me, because they know I won’t get off so easy. I’ll show them. I hop on the sled and scrunch Two between my legs. The old rush comes back. Wahoo! This is going to be awesome. We take off and pick up speed. The little ridges that all the kids had been sailing over send us airborne. I feel like I am being spanked with a paddle. Hard. My ribs are jabbing into my pelvis, which I didn’t know was possible, and I bit my tongue during my Wahoo. As we come to the slightly less-steep part of the run where I think the violent spanking might stop, Two pulls the break. Singular. We jackknife and fly through the air. I torque my body and get underneath her as we land in a pile. She’s crying. I want to, but pretend I’m ok. I’m old. Sledding is not for old people.

The Parent Trip

Families gather together in front of the giant tree at the Christmas tree lighting event. Photo by J. Jensen

espite the chilly weather, Sparwood families bundled up and headed out to welcome in the holiday season at the Sparwood and District Arts and Heritage Council Christmas Tree Lighting. Huddled around small bonfires, lit by the Sparwood Fire Department, children excitedly waited as Santa Claus was ushered in with lights and sirens in the fire truck. Together, along with the Sparwood Fire Department, and Santa a countdown was made, and the giant tree was lit. Children each had the chance to sit and chat with Santa, as his trusted helper handed out candy canes. The Sparwood Cadets were also keeping busy during the event raising money by selling hot chocolate, popcorn and candy treats.

Women’s Wellness Weekend To Rejuvenate and Restore:

Chix in the Stix!

Waterton National Park March 7-9 2014

Nestled in the heart of Waterton lakes join us for a weekend of: Naturopathic seminars (Dr. Sarah-Dash Arbuckle) Yoga (Heather Ivany ERYT 200) Self-guided cross country skiing/snowshoeing and of course wine. Lodging at Waterton Lakes Lodge Early Bird before Jan 1st $400 + tax $430 after (includes accommodations and meals). To register or for more information contact The Health Hub at: info@thehealthhub.ca or call 403-563-3334

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

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The Free Press drivewayBC.ca |

Welcome to the driver’s seat

The 100-click limit is commonly referred to as unrealistic on today’s welldesigned highways. Keith Morgan

Visit the photo gallery at drivewayBC.ca

Hike those highway speed limits, say a third of BC residents suburban highways and A significant number of 120 on the Coquihalla British Columbians clearly is reasonable. In my don’t buy the safety manexperience, it is not tra that speed kills. speed alone but excesIn fact, according to a sive speed combined new Insights West poll, with over-driving the conducted in partnership weather/road condiwith Black Press, 37 tions that kills. It is also percent of residents (and 39 percent of drivers) More than half of true to say that that dramatic speed differbelieve a higher speed those polled believe entials of traffic is also limit should be posted a major contributor to on our major highways. the province should road carnage. However, Currently, 100 km/h is the not bring back photo while that may be true maximum on most freeradar. on congested urban ways, while 110 km/h is roads it is less so on posted on the Coquihalla Keith Morgan the highway where few Highway and parts of the people are travelling Okanagan connector. below the posted limit and I don’t “The fascinating issue on this question see another 10 km/h hike making for is the gender gap,” said Mario Canseco, major mishaps. Vice President, Public Affairs at Insights Not surprisingly, the online survey of a West. “While half of men in BC would representative provincial sample also like to see a higher speed limit, just shows that a majority of residents one-in-four women concur with this believe that photo radar should not view.” be brought back. More than half of However, it was surprising to see that those polled (53 more than half (55 percent) believe percent) believe the speed limits should be left alone. the province should Another five percent want to see not bring back limits lowered. photo radar, which It’s surprising if you read the newswas introduced in paper letters pages and listen to the the 1990s as a province’s radio talk shows, where the measure to curb 100-click limit is commonly referred to speeding, but as unrealistic on today’s well-designed was abandoned highways. in 2001. As a frequent driver of the network, While almost I have to agree that a 110 limit on the

‘‘

’’

half of residents aged 55 (48 percent) would like to see photo radar coming back, support is decidedly lower among residents aged 18-to-34 (36 percent) and 35-to-54 (31 percent). I supported photo radar initially because when used in high-collision locations, elsewhere in the world, it has a remarkable record for reducing death and injuries. It never operated that way in BC and soon became public enemy number one where it was perceived as merely a cash cow for greedy provincial government. Residents were also asked about the quality of British Columbia’s roads and infrastructure. More than seven-in-

ten (74 percent) rate it as “good” (68 percent) or “very good” (6 percent), while only 22 per cent deem it “bad” (19 percent) or “very bad” (3 percent). Overall, only 16 percent of British Columbians believe that the province’s roads are “not too safe” or “not safe at all” for motorists, while four-in-five (82 percent) consider them “very safe” or “moderately safe.” This is the first of four surveys Insights West will conduct during the next year in partnership with Black Press. We hope these poll findings will find their way in the current speed limit and traffic safety review by the provincial government. This week in Driveway, our “Question of the Week” and “Drives-U-Crazy” spots focus on speed-related issues please participate online. keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca About the survey: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 23 to October 27, 2013, among 838 British Columbians who are aged 18+ and are Your Insights panel members. YourInsights.ca is Insights West’s in-house access panel offering on-demand samples for both clients and research suppliers looking for Western Canadian populations. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age and gender. While statistical margins of error are arguably not applicable to online panels/online studies of this nature, we have assumed that the same margins of error apply as if it were a true unweighted random probability sample with a margin of error of +/- 3.4 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty. To view the detailed data tabulations go to www.insightswest.com

Don’t be a Deer in the Headlights... We can put your advertising into HIGH GEAR! Contact Nicole Obre - Advertising Consultant Phone: 250-423-4666 Email: advertising@thefreepress.ca

Question OF THE WEEK:

Should the maximum speed limit on the highways be raised to 110 km/h and 120 km/h on the Coquihalla network?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip: During the months of November and December there is an 86 per cent increase in crashes where a pedestrian is injured compared to July and August. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians – especially in dark, wet weather when visibility is limited, at intersections and near transit stops.

Find more online at

drivewayBC.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Conquer the cold: Get a grip in all winter driving conditions

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www.thefreepress.ca

Winter tires offer a dramatic improvement in driver control and traction in all cold-weather road conditions when temperatures fall below 7°C. Old man winter is about to lay his ice-cold grip on Canadian roadways and savvy motorists are getting ready by changing over to winter tires. Tire makers are encouraging motorists to get the facts about winter tires and to carefully consider the safety and performance benefits that today’s high-tech winter tires offer in all coldweather road conditions. A trailblazing report from the Traffic Injury Research

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about the performance benefits of winter tires, by visitingwww. rubberassociation.ca and clicking on “Resources” under the “Winter Tires” drop-down menu. Better traction, shorter stopping distances One of the most important advantages of these new winter tires is reduced stopping distance when braking. TIRF cites research that shows that at temperatures just below freezing on dry pavement, stopping distances for vehicles with all-season tires can be as much as 30 per cent longer than for vehicles with winter tires. The report also cites research that concludes

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WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). †Offer valid between December 3 - 15, 2013 for 2014 models and until December 31, 2013 for 2013 models. Receive $750/ $1,000/ $1,250/ $1,500/ $1,750/ $2,000 / $2,500/ $2,750/ $3,000/ $3,250/ $3,500/ $3,750/ $4,000/ $4,250/ $4,500/ $4,750/ $5,000/ $5,250/ $5,500/ $5,750/ $6,250/ $6,500/ $6,750/ $8,000/ $8,250/ $8,500/ $9,250/ $10,500 in Manufacturer Rebates with the purchase or lease of a new 2013 [Edge SE]/ 2014 [Transit Connect (excluding electric), E-Series, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 (Value Leader)] / 2013 [CMAX]/ 2013 [Escape S, E-Series], 2014 [Fusion S] / 2014 [Fusion (excluding S, Mustang V6 Coupe] /2013 [Fiesta S, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 (Value Leader), F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs], 2014 [F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs]/ 2013 [Fusion S, Mustang V6 Coupe], 2014 [Fiesta S]/2014 [Focus S] /2013 [Focus S, Explorer Base], 2014 [Edge, Flex, Escape S and 1.6L]/ 2014 [Focus BEV, Fiesta (excluding S)]/ 2013 [Fiesta (excluding S), Fusion (excluding S)], 2014 [Focus (excluding S) and ST, Escape 2.0L]/2014 [Mustang V6 Premium, Explorer (excluding Base)]/ 2013 [Taurus SE, Edge AWD (excluding SE), Flex, Escape 1.6L, Transit Connect (excluding Electric)]/ 2013 [Focus (excluding S and BEV)]/ 2013 [Mustang V6 Premium, Explorer (excluding Base), Escape 2.0L], 2014 [Taurus SE] /2014 [Mustang GT] / 2013 [Edge FWD (excluding SE)]/ 2014 [Expedition]/ 2013 [Mustang GT]/ 2014 [Taurus (excluding SE), F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2)] /2013 [Taurus (excluding SE)] / 2013 [Expedition], 2014 [F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) - Gas Engine]/ 2014 [F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew]/2013 [Focus BEV]/ 2013 [F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2)]/ 2013 [F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) - Gas Engine], 2014 [F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) - Diesel Engine]/ 2013 [F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew]/ 2013 [F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) -Diesel Engine] - all Raptor, GT500, BOSS302, and Medium Truck models excluded. *Purchase a new 2014 Focus SE Sedan/2014 Escape S FWD with 2.5L engine/2013 F-150 Super Cab XLT 4x4 with 5.0L engine for $16,749/$22,999/$28,999 after Manufacturer Rebate of $3,500/$3,000/$9,250 is deducted. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after total Manufacturer Rebate has been deducted. Offers include freight and air tax of $1,665/$1,715/$1,765 but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. ▲Offer only valid from December 3, 2013 to January 31, 2014 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with an eligible Costco membership on or before November 30, 2013 who purchase or lease of a new 2013/2014 Ford (excluding Fiesta, Focus, C-Max, Raptor, GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Transit Connect EV, and Medium Truck) or Lincoln vehicle (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Limit one (1) offer per each Eligible Vehicle purchase or lease, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. Applicable taxes calculated before CAD$1,000 offer is deducted. ***Estimated fuel consumption ratings for 2014 Focus 2.0L I4 5-speed manual transmission: [7.8L/100km (36MPG) City, 5.5L/100km (51MPG) Hwy] / 2014 Escape FWD 2.5L I4 6-speed automatic transmission: [9.5L/100km (30MPG) City, 6.3L/100km (45MPG) Hwy] / 2013 F-150 4X4 5.0L V8 6-speed automatic transmission: [15.0L/100km (19MPG) City, 10.6L/100km (27MPG) Hwy]. Fuel consumption ratings based on Transport Canada approved test methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on road conditions, vehicle loading, vehicle equipment, vehicle condition, and driving habits. ‡Claim based on analysis by Ford of Polk global new registration for CY2012 for a single nameplate which excludes rebadged vehicles, platform derivatives or other vehicle nameplate versions. ‡‡Based on R. L. Polk Canada, Inc. Total New Registration data for Full Size Pickups per Ford Segmentation as of YTD September 30, 2013. ®: Registered trademark of Price Costco International, Inc. used under license. ©2013 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2013 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

drivewayBC.ca that winter tires offer better traction on a snow or ice-covered road surface at well below -30°C than an all-season tire has at 4°C. Regardless of the type of tires used, motorists are also well advised to drive according to the conditions of the road during the coldweather months.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

East Kootenay searchers help look for missing man in Australia Continued from page 2

“B.C. Search and Rescue has the biggest pool of well-trained searchers in Canada,” said MacLeod. “Because of our experience in heavily forested, mountainous terrain, they went to the B.C. organization.” MacLeod, who leaves for Australia from Vancouver on Saturday, said he volunteered partly because of the challenge of the new terrain, but mostly because he wants to help the family. “The family is very concerned to the point that they are spending a very large amount of their own money to send us,” he said. “I hate this term, but they need closure. They need to know that the best effort they could have has been put out to try to find him.” He added that the B.C. crew

does not diminish the search efforts conducted by Australian personnel. “The local authorities and Australian search teams have done what I understand is a really good job. We will just be going out a little further afield and double checking some areas that they think should be checked better,” said MacLeod.

Search and Rescue practise rope skills. Submitted photo

www.thefreepress.ca

Legislation addresses cyberbullying

By David Wilks Submitted

ith today’s t e c h n o l o g i c a l advances, cyberbullying is unfortunately becoming increasingly prevalent in Canadian society. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying, in which aggression towards another is done through electronic means. A form of cyberbullying that

Breakfast with Santa Sunday December 8th, 2013 Park Place Lodge is pleased to host a special Breakfast with Santa Claus from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM. The Breakfast Buffet will feature a variety of delicious items including Pastries, Fresh Fruit, Eggs Sausage, Bacon & a Special Pancake Station.

$15 Adult $12 Youth (10-14 yrs)

$3 Child

$3 from each Breakfast will be donated to the Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan Philippine relief efforts & will be matched by the hotel as part of Park Place Lodge's Annual Christmas Charity Campaign.

Photographs with Santa Claus (9:30 -Noon) will be available.

PARK PLACE L O D G E

742 Hwy #3 Fernie BC Ph: 250-423-6871 www.parkplacelodge.com

uses new communication technologies to distribute intimate images without the consent of the person depicted is taking bullying way beyond the school yard. Once in cyberspace, an image or information can spread quickly and often uncontrollably, as it may also be permanently available on the Internet. We have seen far too many instances where such conduct has victimized a young Canadian before the entire world. It can destroy lives. The impact of cyberbullying is far reaching and has even been a factor in the tragic suicide of several Canadian teenagers. In order to help protect the most vulnerable in society, we need a stronger criminal justice response. In the 2013 Speech from the Throne, our Conservative G o v e r n m e n t committed to better protecting children from all forms of bullying and we are delivering on our commitment with the introduction of legislation that specifically addresses this form

of cyberbullying. Our Government is introducing legislation that will amend the Criminal Code to prohibit the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. This crime will be punishable by a maximum penalty of five years. A judge can order the removal of an intimate image from websites and may impose restrictions for a specific time on the use of the Internet for the person convicted. This legislation will also modernize existing investigative powers to enable police to more efficiently and effectively obtain electronic evidence that exists on the Internet or other technologies. This legislation is essential in addressing cyberbullying and holding cyberbullies accountable for their actions. Our Government also remains committed to putting the needs of victims first. That is why we are continuing to work with partners in the public and private sectors to address all forms of bullying through education, awareness and prevention activities.

As part of our crime prevention projects, we are supporting the development of school-based projects to prevent bullying. Our Government also supports the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, which operates Cybertip.ca and NeedHelpNow. ca, websites that Canadians can use to report online sexual exploitation of children. They provide important resources for those seeking help. We are also helping ensure that Canadians have access to information they need to protect themselves and their families against online threats through the GetCyberSafe.gc.ca campaign. Through this new legislation and our continued efforts to promote education, awareness and prevention, we will help better protect our children from all forms of bullying. Our Conservative Government remains committed to keeping Canada’s streets and communities safe for all Canadians, particularly for our children.

Welcome Home!

The staff at The Free Press would like to wish everyone happy holidays and all the best in 2014!

Early Holiday Deadlines The following deadlines will be in effect during the holiday season. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 12:00 pm for the December 26th edition. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 12:00 pm for the January 2nd edition.

Holiday Hours:

The Free Press office will be closed December 25th, 26th and January 1st. Open December 24th, 9:00 am to Noon. Regular hours resume Thursday, January 2nd.

Est. 1898

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Sports

Timbits drop in for an exciting mini game enduring a 3-2 overtime loss against the Columbia Valley Rockies the night before, the Riders were hungry for a win in front of their home crowd. Almost 850 spectators were at the arena to enjoy an exciting match that resulted in Kimberley taking the win 4-3 during overtime. Both teams were much more focused on the game compared to their last meeting, where tension bubbled over and several fights

By Sara Moulton Free Press Staff

he Ghostriders have a busy week ahead of them as they strive to make up for two overtime losses last weekend. The team’s return to the Fernie Memorial Arena on Saturday, November 30 saw them matched up against their main rivals, the Kimberley Dynamiters, in a much-anticipated replay of their last home game two weeks prior. After

Standings as of December 4, 2013 DIVISION: Kootenay Conference: Eddie Mountain

Team

Creston Valley Thunder Cats Kimberley Dynamiters Fernei Ghostriders Columbia Valley Rockies Golden Rockets

GP W L T OTL Pts 27 27 24 29 28

18 14 11 9 7

9 12 10 15 19

0 1 0 3 0

0 0 3 2 2

36 29 25 23 16

DIVISION: Kootenay Conference: Neil Murdoch

Team

Nelson Leafs Beaver Valley Nitehawks Castlegar Rebels Grand Forks Border Bruins Spokane Braves

GP W L T OTL Pts 27 26 28 25 28

21 18 14 10 8

2 6 10 12 17

1 1 1 2 0

3 1 3 1 3

46 38 32 23 19

DIVISION: Okanagan/Shuswap Conference: Doug Birks

Team

Kamloops Storm Chase Heat 100 Mile House Wranglers Sicamous Ealges Revelstoke Grizzlies

GP W L T OTL Pts 28 28 29 27 27

23 14 13 11 7

5 12 12 14 18

0 0 0 0 0

0 2 4 2 2

46 30 30 24 16

DIVISION: Okanagan/Shuswap Conference: Okanagan

Team

Kelowna Chiefs Osoyoos Coyotes North Okanagan Knights Summerland Steam Princeton Posse

Free Press of the

GP W L T OTL Pts 29 28 27 26 26

20 16 14 12 7

7 12 12 12 16

0 0 0 1 0

2 0 1 1 3

42 32 29 26 17

broke out. The Dynamiters shot the first goal of the night midway through the first period and remained in front until Aidan Geiger (assisted by Spencer Bender and Aaron Neufeld) evened the score with seconds left before the break. A mini-game between Fernie’s ‘Timbits’ during the first intermission provided great entertainment to charm the crowd, as Ghostriders Anthony Gilbert and Blake Arcuri refereed their young friends. The second period of the main event saw Kimberley score two more power play goals, which were then matched in the third by Josh Teves (assisted by Jake MacLachlan and Ben Primeau) and Neufeld (off Bender and Geiger). As the game went into overtime, a penalty against Dylan Robertson put Kimberley in a position to score the winning goal on a power play. Head coach of the Ghostriders, Dale Hladun, is keen to work with his team on taking advantage of their power plays before their upcoming

double-header weekend at home against Nelson and Creston. “It’s going to be steel versus steel. Our guys are hungry; they’re ready for it… I think the team is leaps and bounds ahead of where they were even last month,” said Hladun. The Riders have made some quite significant trades in the last few weeks, most notably in the acquisition of former Princeton Posse captain Jon Thompson and the return of Jake MacLachlan. Assistant captain Joel Burgess spoke about the recent changes to the team, which were made immediately prior to the trade deadline on Sunday, December 1. “You get new guys in and you see good guys go. The players we’ve got have all been good trades,” said Burgess. “We’ve been building the team and I see us getting better and better… tonight was a tough loss, but I think we battled pretty well.” The Riders will play the Nelson Leafs on Friday, December 6 before taking on division leaders Creston Valley Thunder Cats on Saturday, December 7. Both games start at 7:30 pm at the Fernie Memorial Arena.

Emma Morgan Emma recently earned a gold medal in the pre-juvenile event at the Esat Kootenay Invitational competition held in Kimberley on Nov. 30.

Ghostriders Anthony Gilbert prepares to drop the puck for the Timbits minigame. Photo by S. Moulton

Curling results Submitted

STANDINGS as of December 3, 2012

PTS

Coal Valley Motor Products

Falkins Insurance

EV Bighorn Outfitters

Alpine Lumber

Kal Tire

A&B Liquor Store

Rocky Mountain DR TR

Sparwood Esso

Upcoming Home Games Creston Valley Thunder Cats

vs Sponsored by

Best Western

Fernie Mountain Lodge

1622 - 7th Avenue, Fernie, BC 250-423-5500

CALL US FOR ROOM SPECIALS

eek 6 of Elk Valley Superleague Curling saw Coal Valley Motor Products sewing up first place with a 10 to 1 win over Sparwood Esso. Falkins Insurance also secured a spot in the final in two weeks with their win over Alpine Lumber 8 to 2. Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters jumped out to an early lead and held off Rocky Mountain Driver Training by an 8 to 3 score and Kal Tire over A&B Liquor Store 6 to 1.

Game Night Sponsor:

Friday, December 6

Saturday, December 7

7:30 pm * Fernie Memorial Arena

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Did you know..... •

The Free Press has been the community newspaper in the Elk Valley for 115 years.

•

We deliver to 7,000 homes and businesses across the Elk Valley every week.

•

We employ over 40 kids and adults in the Elk Valley from kids delivering papers to editorial and sales staff.

•

Our current staff have been working at The Free Press for almost 60 combined years with almost 80 years of combined newspaper experience.

•

The Free Press has donated over a quarter million dollars in sponsorship to non proﬁt groups in the Elk Valley in 2012 and plan to do the same in 2013.

•

We are BC Owned and Operated with David Black starting his ﬁrst paper in Williams Lake.

•

www.thefreepress.ca gets over 10,000 unique visitors per month with almost 40,000 page views.

Est. 1898

ELK VALLEY Libraries

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Surprise visit by the Ghostriders T

he Fernie Atoms Black junior hockey team had an inspirational surprise when their mentors the Ghostriders made a showing before the junior’s second game on Saturday, Nov. 30. The Fernie Atom Black team went undefeated at the tournament and won the final on Sunday against the Kimberley Dynamiters. The Fernie Atoms Black prepared for their game on Saturday with a warm up off ice jogging around the rink, stretching, doing squats and

FERNIE PUBLIC LIBRARY

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592 - 3rd Ave. 250-423-4458

816 Michel Rd 250-865-2912

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Mon. Closed Tues.-Wed. 11am-6pm Thurs. 11am-8pm Fri. 11am-6pm Sat. 1-5pm Sun. Closed

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passing a ball overhead from teammate to teammate. Once they were suited up in their black and red jerseys for their game on Saturday afternoon they got a surprise visit in their dressing room from 18 Ghostriders in their jerseys. “It’s a surprise (that they are here),” said AJ Bernemann who plays right wing for the Fernie Atoms Black. “They’re a better team.” The Ghostriders sang Happy Birthday to Bo Hutchinson who turned 10 and whose birthday party was delayed due the team’s success in the tournament. The Fernie Atoms got to have a pre-game talk with the Ghostriders. “The kids were vibrating because they love them,” said Kaira Huntchinson. “This is the first time the Ghostriders have come out with their jerseys, to come watch the juniors in the crowd. It meant a lot to the kids to have the support of their favourite players and for the kids to be able to see them face-to-face.”

By Tamara Hynd Free Press Staff

We want to hear your fish and wildlife priorities for the new East Kootenay-Koocanusa Fish and Wildlife Program. Your input will help create a new Watershed Action Plan that will guide conservation and enhancement in the East KootenayKoocanusa Region. Learn more and share your ideas at a free workshop or online at www.cbt.org/ekkfwp. • Fernie: Monday, December 9

Stanford Resort, 100 Riverside Way

• Cranbrook: Tuesday, December 10 Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort 209 Van Horne Street South

AFTERNOON EVENING Drop-in open house: 2 – 2:30 p.m. 6:30 – 7 p.m. Community workshop: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. 7 – 9 p.m. No registration required. Refreshments provided.

Learn more at www.cbt.org/ekkfwp .

The Fernie Atoms Black had an inspirational surprise when their mentors the Ghostriders made a showing before the Junior’s second game on Saturday. The Fernie Atoms went on to win the tournament. Photo by T. Hynd

Treasure trove of medals for local skaters By Lisa Skubovius Submitted

hirty-five figure skaters from the Elk Valley rode the inner edge to multiple victories last weekend in Kimberley. The East Kootenay Invitational competition brought together close to 150 skaters from BC and Alberta, and the valley’s three skating clubs took home 14 medals in eight different events. The skating competition kicked off on Saturday, November 30, with Rylee Whitson of the Fernie Skating Club starting the winning streak with a third-place finish in the Star 5 category. The next medals came in the Pre-

Introductory Interpretive event when Alexandra Harrington of the Sparwood Skating Club claimed a silver and Paige Polacik from Fernie earned the bronze. Sara Lewis, also from Fernie, won the first gold medal for the valley in the Introductory Interpretive category to conclude Saturday’s events on a high note. When the competition continued on Sunday, the podium’s top spot was occupied by valley skaters four more times. Emma Morgan of Fernie earned a gold medal in the PreJuvenile event, with club-mate Ava Hozjan claiming silver. Then in the Senior Bronze Freeskate event, Fernie Skating Club representatives swept the

podium with Samantha Bleich first, Sara Lewis second, and Hunter Bezak third. In the Junior Silver Freeskate event, Fernie’s Emma Nieuwesteeg took gold with Kaitlyn Poirier earning the silver medal. The top spot in the top category, Gold Freeskate, was won by Fernie’s Jodi Stemberger, while club-mate Brady Whitson placed second. The treasure trove of medals was completed with Samantha Bleich earning a bronze in the Bronze Interpretive event. Many of the participating skaters were performing for an assessment rather than a ranking, earning many silver and bronze ribbons for their efforts.

Booked!

Fernie Writers’ Series 2013 Presented by the Fernie Heritage Library Treat yourself to the finer things Fresh Frozen Seafood from Digby Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Waters available in Fernie and surrounding area Lobster – meat & tails Dry Fish (Fish Jerky) Scallops Dulce Haddock Salt Cod (Baccala) Cod Atlantic Smoked Salmon

Ocean Perch Alaskan King Crab Legs Digby Clams Snow Crab Meat (Opilio) Bar Clams Black Tiger Shrimp (Jumbo) Tuna Steaks

No order too small Any size order welcome Payment due upon pick-up/delivery

Grant Lawrence The Lonely End of the Rink Tour

Thursday, December 12, 8:00 pm At the Fernie Heritage Library With music by ‘Redgirl’ “I hate hockey, but I love this book”

- Cory Ashworth, The Peak FM

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- Ron MacLean, Hockey Night In Canada

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For prices/to order: * Call Shawn 250-423-5551 or Ryan 403-903-8326 * or email coasttocoastseafood@hotmail.com * or facebook: coast to coast seafood Fernie

Call the Library at 250-423-4458 or check our website for details at http://fernie.bclibrary.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

FJMES hosts soccer snow game for Sports Day

The goalies stand on the line awaiting the ball during the Sports Day soccer game at Frank J Mitchell Elementary School in Sparwood. Photo by FJMES By Jenna Jensen Contributor

tudents at Frank J Mitchell Elementary School (FJMES) joined together to celebrate Sports Day in Canada with a game of snow soccer underneath the shining sun, on Thursday, November 28. With Jersey Day also taking place the same day, students from kindergarten to grade six flooded the field with giggles of delight as the game began. "The students were separated in to eight teams and all played Goal Line Soccer. Eight players from each team went out at a time leaving the rest as

goalies along the long goal line for three minute shifts. There were three balls per field so everyone was kept moving and trying to focus on more than one ball at a time,” said Renee MacCormack, FJMES kindergarten teacher. “Having 350 students participate in one group activity means that the older students needed to be aware of, and helpful to the younger students and this was very evident. Many grade five and six students were paired up with a kindergarten student to help them navigate their way from classroom to field and back without any problems. The

older children really stepped up and took care of the younger ones, making us all really proud of their commitment to cooperation." Officially, National Jersey Day took place on Friday, November 29 and RBC Sports Day in Canada was held on Saturday, November 30. Sports Day, which saw its fourth annual celebration was designed to celebrate the power of sport and active living while fostering a sense of teamwork and national spirit uniting groups and people in communities across the country.

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Thank You

he Royal Canadian Legion Br. 36 Fernie, wishes to thank The City of Fernie, RCMP, Sergeant-at-Arms F. Gentile, 2nd Lieutenant Pennock, Civilian Instructor Dan Kurschenska and PPCLI Cadet Corps, Colour Party, Piper Mike Scott, Silver Cross Mother Mrs. Beverly Skaalrud, Gloria Perry, Mike Sosnowski, Jason Lee, Keith Kurschenska,The Fernie Academy Choir, Padre Rev.T. Freeman, Rev. J. Clarke, Major James Hagglund, Liam Hardy, Pianist B. Kosiec, Ladies Auxiliary, Station Strings, Staff of Rocky Mountain Village, D. Brons/ Leblanc Bros, Karl Schomann, Rob Boland, Jim Paul, KC’s, 3300 Club, Fire Dep’t, youth groups, schools and the general public who participated in the Remembrance Day parade and ceremonies and /or supported the Poppy Campaign. As well, we wish to thank the businesses, service clubs and individuals who, through the purchase of wreaths or by donations contributed to the Poppy Fund. Overwaitea Jay’s Jewellers Fernie Printing Company T.D. Canada Trust Fernie Stationers Leffler Law Office Stephanie’s Glass Dr. Soetaert Dan Kurschenska Fernie Meat Market C.I.B.C. Rockies Law Corporation Scotiabank The Tipple Mountain High Travel Grow Nufloors The Free Press Vince Minifie C.G.A. Odyssey Spar. East Medical Centre Edge of the World Fernie Academy Bunches/Body Beauty Freshies Falkins Insurance Majic, Purdy Law Corp. Giv’er Shirt Works Ltd. Big Bang Bagels Cook’s Electrical Service Straight Line Barkside Pets Elk Valley Denture Clinic The Cottonwood Tree

Jim Bazillion GPI Chartered Accountants Shi Base F.S.S. Rocky Mountain Optometry Blue Lime I.D.E.S. Ladies Auxiliary Br. 36 Janet Ankutowicz Canadian Tire United Steelworkers Local 9346 Royal Lepage Best Western Park Place Lodge Kaylo Station Fernie Ford Coal Valley Motor Products Extra Foods Day Auto Ghost Rider Motor Sports Fernie Rentals E.K. Credit Union Century 21 Maximum Realty M.& P. Roofing Isosceles Bus. Systems E.V. Family Chiropractic Stratton Plumb. & Heating River City Woodworks Fernie Exch. New & Used Smitty’s Fam. Restaurant Fernie Chrysler

Rocky Mtn. Health Centre Mirror Images Gold Star Cleaning Serv. Elk River Mtn. Homes Inc. John Traverse E.K. Labour Council Fernie Home Bldg Centre Fernie Cadet Corps 2757 Fernie Curling Club SD#5 Southeast Kootenay Quantum Motors Ltd. Rotary Club Hosmer Vol. Firefighters B.C. Ambluance Fernie Elks Lodge #81 Fernie District Rod & Gun Fernie Lions Club The City of Fernie Fernie Firefighters Local 2827 College of the Rockies Fernie Ghost. Jr. Hockey Fernie Firefighters Sp. Projects K. C. Council 2206 Elk River Lodge 35 Fernie Chamber of Commerce 3300 Club R.C.M.P. Fernie Bottle Depot Teck Resources Fernie Minor Hockey Sand Creek Lions Club

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Elk Valley Wild Peewees place first Submitted by Shawna Klein Elk Valley Wild PeeWee Rep Manager

lk Valley Wild Pee Wee Rep team placed first in a tournament in November. The team is made up of players from Elkford, Sparwood, and Fernie. The Elk Valley Wild Peewee Rep team travelled to Lethbridge on Nov 22-24 to participate in the Lethbridge Tier 3 Peewee Tournament. Their first game was on Friday against Cranbrook Ice. The first period of play ended with Elk Valley in the lead 2-1. Cranbrook Ice came back hard in the second scoring 2

goals and taking the lead 3-2. Elk Valley just could not get the lead back and the final score ended with Cranbrook Ice winning 7-3. On Saturday, Elk Valley Wild players were excited to play at the Enmax Centre in Lethbridge. The team came out strong scoring seven goals in the first period and three in the second and third period, taking a victory over Scotiabank Hurricanes 13-3. The next game later in the day was against Strathcona. The first period ended with a 2-2 tie. But Elk Valley came out strong in the second period scoring three goals to Strathcona's 1 goal ending the second period with 5-3

lead. Another two goals in the third secured a second win for Elk Valley Wild and it was off to the finals on Sunday to once again play Cranbrook Ice. Elk Valley Wild wasted no time scoring the first two goals of the game in the first five minutes. Cranbrook Ice was able to squeeze out 1 goal in the first and this ended the period with Elk Valley ahead 2-1. Elk Valley was shut out in the second period with Cranbrook Ice scoring their second goal and the game was tied up heading into an exciting third period. Cranbrook Ice scored the first two goals in the third period and

Elk Valley Wild won their tournament.

after less than three minutes of play, Cranbrook Ice was ahead 4-2. But Elk Valley Wild scored

Submitted photo

four more goals in the third period winning the game and taking first place in the tournament.

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Mayor’s update By Mary Giuliano Submitted

he last open house for resident input on the Official Community Plan was well attended and for the most part comments were favourable to what was presented. Some very good suggestions were made that will be taken into consideration. If all goes well, the document should be officially signed by this coming February. Thanks goes to Planner Bruce Lennox, assistant Suzanne Gerard and the committee members with chair Emma Dressler who worked tirelessly for months to make sure this was a Fernie specific plan. A survey was put out by the City asking for feedback on the patios downtown this summer. 465 responses were received most wanting the patios back. Staff also surveyed the RCMP, Operations Supervisor, Building Inspector, Bylaw Enforcement officer, Planner and Fire Chief and overall it was determined that the patios were maintained well and didn’t block pedestrian traffic. There is no record of patios operating past the ten pm regulation and no receipt of formal complaint to City hall or to Police. I would like to hear what everyone thinks about installing cameras in certain areas of downtown in order to prevent tagging and damage. The RCMP said that both lights and cameras deter crime. Wattage has been added to the lamp posts downtown and aside from a remark that it is causing “light pollution” the comments have been very favourable especially from people who walk in the

evening. Previously many residents felt uncomfortable walking at night as most of the light from the lamp posts shone down on the road directly below leaving the sidewalks eerily dark. An issue I would like to address is the amendment to the partnering agreement with Veneto Place Properties. When this project came forward Council of the day approved $338,000 and with a partnership that included B.C. Housing 45 units were created, a number for rent and some for sale. The rentals filled quickly but home ownership had two sales in the past years since this project was completed. There are a number of reasons that could have contributed to this lack of interest one being the restrictive covenant placed on sale. Others that looked at the units were dissatisfied with lack of elevator and communal laundry. The covenant is modified to make the units more saleable however the covenant still restricts eligibility and income and requires that buyers must be the residents for two years before they can resell the unit. This is a solution presented by B.C. Housing in order to keep the units still in the affordable range. Council passed a motion, “Following the review of the correspondence received from Cindy Corrigan and Ian Bradburn, and the presentation made by delegation Gayle Vallance, on behalf of Fernie Family Housing Society, Council approved the draft Amendment to the Partnering agreement to delete the requirement for repayment of 2/45 of the $338,165.80 contribution to the City upon discharge of the 10 year AHO covenant for each

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strata lot where it is proposed to be discharged and substituted with a requirement that upon the sale of the a strata lot subject to the replacement B.C. Housing Covenant, the City shall be provided with a copy of the Vendor’s statement of Adjustments in relation to such a sale and shall pay to the City 50 per cent of the net proceeds (as defined in the Amendment) resulting from such a sale.” When this project began it was hoped to be a success, the rental section is a huge achievement and with home ownership units used as rental until they sell a niche has been filled that is required here. The City’s investment has gained development cost charges ($312,000), taxes, permits costs and finished roads going in and out of Veneto. Most of all it has provided housing rental for many people including seniors and those with disabilities. As usual the month has passed filled with meetings. These meetings were all about Fernie and they include lobbying to get crown land for use of events for organizations ie, Demo Derby, Wranglers, helping businesses connect with Ministers for specific needs, (I have developed a good working relationship with other levels of government) working behind the scenes to keep surgical services and bring needed services here, working with others to beautify our town, ie. lights, flowers, art work, helping individuals with concerns regarding a variety of topics. I am at City hall and available every day except when I am in meetings or away at meetings. I want to hear from you.

Est. 1898

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Christmas Hamper Although our application dates have come and gone, we want to make sure that no one who needs a Christmas Hamper goes without one. If you missed applying phone 250-423-4661 (before Dec. 13) and ask for Pearl. She will arrange a time for you to come in and apply.

Use the 761-2nd Ave. entrance for your appointment.

Happy New Year

Join us at the Lamplighter with

Mark Lorenz

Back by popular demand December 31, 2013 Prime rib and salmon dinner $24.95 per person From 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Reserve ahead and save your seat. Champagne, appies and favours at midnight. Designated drivers available. Call 250-865-4320

Lamplighter Pub & Grill in Elkford 2200 Balmer Drive

New Years Day Champagne Breakfast 11:00 am to 3:00 pm The Staff and Management wishes Everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday!

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

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Thursday, December 5, 2013 The Free Press

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ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis

SUBWAY IN FERNIE is now accepting applications for Food Counter Attendants and Food Service Supervisors. Food Counter Attendants Good communication skills required. Terms of employment: permanent, full-time, shift, weekend, day, evening. Salary:$10.25/hr, 35 hrs/week. Education: some high school. Experience: will train. Duties: take customer orders; prepare, heat and finish simple food items; serve customers at counters; use manual and electrical appliances to clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs; portion and wrap foods; package take-out food; stock refrigerators; keep records of the quantities of food used; remove kitchen garbage and trash; sweep and mop floors. Food Service Supervisors Must be customer service oriented. Good communication skills required. Terms of employment: permanent, full-time, shift, weekend, day, evening. Salary: $13.45/hr, 35 hrs/week, Education: completion of high school. Experience: 3-5 years work experience in the Food Service Industry OR 1 year as a Food Service Supervisor. Good work references required. Duties/Speciﬁc Skills: supervise and coordinate activities of staff who prepare and portion food; establish work schedule, estimate and order ingredients and supplies; ensure food service and quality control; maintain records of stock, repairs, sales and wastage; prepare and submit reports; establish methods to meet work schedules; train staff in job duties, sanitation and safety procedures. How to apply: By Mail: Subway, P.O. Box 2728, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0; In Person: 7am-10pm, 441 Highway #3, Fernie, BC or By

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Help Wanted Fully Certiﬁed Fernie Based Contractor Needs: Experienced carpenters and framers for new home construction in Cranbrook. Phone 250-423-0272

GENERAL LABOURERS

OIL & GAS INDUSTRY GUARANTEED Job Placement

Call 24Hr. Free Recorded Message 1-888-213-2854 Looking for someone to help with Christmas cleaning in Elkford. $15 an hour. Please call 250-865-7583.

Coming Events

GRAND OPENING

December 12 and 13 10am - 5pm Door prizes, coffee, baking, and awesome deals Located beside the New to You in Centennial Square Come support Sparwood's newest NON-PROFIT thrift shop

Help Wanted

Now Hiring Full Time Positions

For more information, visit: www.cbt.org/opportunities.

(2) Supervisors; $ 12.05/hr. + 4% Vacation Pay

Deadline for submission: 3 p.m. PT, December 12, 2013. www.cbt.org

E-mail Resume to: rkd_patel@yahoo.com

Join us:

Place of Worship

ELK VALLEY CHURCH SERVICES ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH 741 2nd Ave., Fernie

Trades, Technical

WELCOMES YOU Sunday Meeting Morning Services

11:00 am

Corps Officers: .. Majors James & Gwen Hagglund

Fernie Office 250-423-4661 Fx 250-423-4668

KNOX UNITED CHURCH

201 2nd Avenue, Fernie Sunday Service 10:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Nursery Available UCW Women’s Group 1st Tues each month 7:00 pm Clergy: Jane Clarke D.L.M. 250-423-6010 www.elkvalleyunited.com YOU’RE WELCOME AT KNOX

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646312 Alberta Ltd, operating as Sparwood Husky, effective December 11, 2013 is currently seeking cashiers. Must be able to work shift work (ie. day or afternoon shift) Must possess excellent customer service skills. Qualified persons should also possess a great attitude, willingness to learn, be well groomed and able to work as a team. We will provide your training in a fun filled environment. Please send your application/resume to caramel2darby@ yahoo.com. We will be scheduling interviews with qualified persons commencing December 1, 2013. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Don or Diane at 403-563-1086.

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Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society

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Psychics • Labourers • Tradesmen • Class 1 Drivers

Coming Events

(formerly Fernie Baptist Church)

1622 10th Avenue, Fernie 250-423-4112 www.mountainsidechurch.ca Sunday Services 9:00 am & 10:45 am Contact Pastor Shawn Barden shawnbarden@gmail.com

Centennial Square, Sparwood

YOU ARE INVITED! Mass Times: Saturdays: St. Michael’s ~ 7:00 pm Sundays: St. Michael’s ~ 11:00 am St. Bernard’s Mission, Elkford ~ 4:00 pm Thursdays: St. Michael’s ~ 6:30 pm Fridays: Lilac Terrrace ~ 11:00 am Confessions: Following each mass, or by appointment. Pastor: Father Bart Van Roijen 250-425-6444

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 691 4th Avenue, Fernie Sunday Worship...1:30 pm Pastor Fraser Coltman

cell 250-417-5016 Pastor David Morton cell 250-417-5017 or 1-866-426-7564

SPARWOOD CHRISTIAN CENTRE 436 Pine Avenue Sparwood BC V0B 2G0

TRINITY PENTECOSTAL TABERNACLE 1361 8th Avenue, Fernie EVERYONE WELCOME

Sunday Worship & Children’s Ministry ...10:30 am Wed; Fellowship & Bible Study...7 pm Friday Youth Group...7 pm Pastor Dennis Williamson Office 250-423-4114 Res. 250-423-4102

HOLY FAMILY PARISH Catholic Church 521 4th Avenue, Fernie

Parish Office 250-423-6127 Masses:

Tues. & Wed. 9:00 am Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am Confessions: Before 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday or by appointment Father Bart Van Roijen

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN 591 4th Avenue, Fernie 250-423-6517

250-425-7787 Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) Services: Sunday 10:30 am Wednesday Bible Study: 6:47 pm Everyone Welcome Pastor: Rev. R.G. (Ross) Powell

Christ Church Anglican Fernie

Sunday Service

8:30 am BCP

Sunday Service & School 9:30 am BAS Wednesday Service

10:00 am

The Rev Trevor Freeman, Parish Priest

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

The Free Press Thursday, December 5, 2013

www.thefreepress.ca A29

Services

Rentals

Financial Services

Apt/Condo for Rent

Modular Homes

Townhouses

Condos in Sparwood Heights Well-kept condo for rent in Sparwood Heights: 411A Carbanado - 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo that includes fridge and stove. $850.00 per month. No pets or smoking. References required. 205 Ponderosa: FULLY FURNISHED & DECORATED 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom condo ready to be moved into just bring your clothes. Comes with all appliances including an in suite washer and dryer $1200.00 a month. No smoking or pets. References required. Please call Rick @ 250-4255432 or Erin @ 250-425-7711 New Condos in Sparwood Heights 2 bedroom, 2 bathrooms in new complex comes with stainless steel fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave and in suite washer and dryer. Building comes with elevator, onsite storage plus much more. No smoking or pets. $1150.00 to $1250.00 per month. Please call Rick @ 250-4255432 or Erin @ 250-425-7711 references required.

Mobile Down Town Sparwood 373 Red Cedar - Clean 4 bedroom, 1 bath mobile close to the Rec Centre and walking distance to all the stores. Includes a fridge, stove and washing machine. Has a large porch, oversized paved driveway, garage and shed for $850.00 a month. Please call Rick @ 250-4255432 or Erin @ 250-425-7711

For Rent, 3 bedroom townhouse Sparwood, $1200.00/month. Call Frank @ 250-425-5555

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Lets You Live Life.

Home Care SPARWOOD AREA Experienced Care Giver/Housekeeper 250-425-0013

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

Medical Health VIAGRA 100mg or CIALIS 20mg. Generic. 40 tabs + 10 Free all for $99 including Free Shipping. Discreet, Fast Shipping. 1-888-836-0780 or metromeds.net

Household Services A-1 FURNACE & Air Duct Cleaning. Complete Furnace/Air Duct Systems cleaned & sterilized. Locally owned & operated. 1-800-5650355 (Free estimates)

Pets & Livestock

SPARWOOD, B.C. 2VJFU t $PNGPSUBCMF t "GGPSEBCMF

GOLDEN OAK GARDENS 1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)- month 2 Bdrm - $850 (& up)- month

Hot Water Included

Walking Distance to Mall

250-865-2722 Sparwood, B.C.

PINEWAY COURT Apartment Units r $MPTF UP EPXOUPXO r "GGPSEBCMF r )PU XBUFS JODMVEFE r :PVS OFX IPNF 1 Bdrm:$775 (& up)-month 2 Bdrm:$850 (& up)-month

250-425-9912

Feed & Hay HAY FOR SALE small square $160/ton 250-428-4316

Merchandise for Sale

Food Products BUTCHER SHOP

BC INSPECTED GRADED AA OR BETTER LOCALLY GROWN NATURAL BEEF Hormone Free Grass Fed/Grain Finished $100 Packages Available Quarters/Halves $2.65/lb Hanging Weight Extra Lean Hamburger $4.00/lb TARZWELL FARMS 250-428-4316 Creston

Misc. for Sale HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper? STEEL BUILDINGS/Metal buildings 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Live in scenic & peaceful Elkford

ALDERWOOD PLACE Comfortable apartment units

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month 2 & 3 Bdrm - $850 (& up)-month

Includes: covered parking, sauna, heat, lights & hot water

1-250-865-7676

ALPINE COURT

STEEL BUILDING. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The big year end clear out!â&#x20AC;? 20x22 $4,259. 25x24 $4,684. 30x34 $6,895. 35x36 $9,190. 40x48 $12,526. 47x70 $17,200. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca

Spacious NEW apartments

Misc. Wanted

2 & 3 Bdrm- $850 (& up)- month

Local Coin Collector Buying Collections, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins etc 778-281-0030

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month

Includes heat, lights, & hot water

250-865-2722

Real Estate For Sale By Owner

House for sale/rent in Jaffray. 3-bdrm newer log house, executive style, 2-1/2 bath, shop, garage, near school, waterfront on Sand Creek. Propertyguys.com #266331 (250)429-3001.

Well kept 2 bedroom Condo for rent in Sparwood Heights Includes fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer, storage area, use of exercise room & sauna. No Smoking, No Pets. Available immediately $900 furnished Plus utilities. Heat included. Call 250-423-3598 or 250-425-4431

Duplex / 4 Plex 1234 Pinyon in Sparwood Heights 1/2 duplex with 2 bedrooms up, 2 down and 2 bathrooms. Sunshine basement with a large deck. Please call Rick 250-425-5432 or Erin 250-425-7711 Duplex in Sparwood Heights 1234 Pinyon - 1/2 duplex with 2 bedrooms up, 2 down and 2 bathrooms. This place has it all with a sunshine basement, large fenced yard and new deck, garage, and fireplace. $1200.00 per month. Please call Rick @ 250-4255432 or Erin @ 250-425-7711 references required. Duplex Lower Sparwood 418A Mountain Ash - 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom duplex. Includes fridge and stove. Large fenced yard and shed. $1000.00 per month. References required 429B Engelman - 3 bedroom, 1 bath, larger fenced yard, deck and garage. $1,000.00 per month. Please call Rick @ 250-4255432 or Erin @ 250-425-7711 references required

Misc for Rent Furnished & unfurnished properties available for rent in Sparwood & Elkford. Call Lindsay 250-425-1180 or lindsay@sparwoodrealestate.ca

Scenic Downtown Elkford

Sparwood Heights 2 bedroom condo 4 appliances Heat included Nice clean unit Call Rick 250-425-5432 or Erin 250-425-7711

SPARWOOD, ELKFORD & FERNIE - Furnished & unfurnished rentals available. Contact Tammie Davy at 250-425-2968 or apply on line: elkvalleylistings.ca.

Modular Homes Mobiles in Mountain View MHP 103 - 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom mobile with small porch. Includes fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer. $750.00 per month includes pad rent. Please call Rick @ 250-4255432 or Erin @ 250-425-7711

Mobiles in Spardell MPH 2 Spardell - 2 bedroom, 1 bath mobile reasonable rent $650.00 per month 13 Spardell - Clean 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom mobile home. $650.00 per month including pad rent 23 Spardell - 2 bedroom, 1 bath mobile for $500.00 per month 76 Spardell - 3 bedroom, 2 bath larger mobile with open concept living room and kitchen. Includes fridge, stove, dishwasher. $900.00 per month includes pad rent. References required 87 Spardell - 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home. Includes pad rent for $650.00 a month. Please call Rick @ 250-4255432 or Erin @ 250-425-7711

Rentals Misc. for Sale

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Homes for Rent

Apt/Condo for Rent

Crawford Bay House Rental, 3.5 bdrm, dbl garage, new appliances, $1200 + utilities (rent negot. for upkeep) 250-3651005

SPARWOOD - FOR RENT Mobile home - all appliances. $900/month Call Joe 250-425-5387

1 & 2 Bedroom Units Furnished & Unfurnished Cars - Sports & Imports 2003 Subaru Baja. 4cyl automatic. winter tires and rims. 155,000k. Leather interior, sun roof, cargo rack, fog lights. Silver in colour. $10,500. Contact: simonnedesautels@gmail.com

Boats

Storage SELF STORAGE: Personal & commercial. Call Finniganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Storage. 250423-3308 or 250-423-4207.

Apt/Condo for Rent

Apartments for Rent

SPARWOOD, 2-storey, 3bdrm townhouse for rent w/full basement, close to school & rec centre. (250)425-4448 primeprop@mymts.net Sparwood- 3 bedroom, 2 full bath house for rent. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer & dryer. 2 vehicle car port, paved RV pad. Very clean and quiet. No smoking. Pets may be considered. Available December 1st. $1400/month plus utilities. Please call 250-4253761

1501-9th Ave. 250-423-6625

Old fashioned clothes closet, solid wood $249; 5 piece Lionel train set (as new) 1983 Pennsylvania flyer $359; youth saddle tooled leather $299; turntables $79-$149; antique coin sorter USA $279, used lariats $10 ea; dressers $99-$979, old treadle Singer sew machine $179, 4 drawer desk $49, 4 filing cabinets, 4 drawer $49 ea; long sled Yankee clipper $159; free-standing natural gas fireplace $350; good selection Lois Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Armour pocket books $1 ea; Star Trek pocket books $2.50 ea; good selection fridges $250-$495, pine china cabinet $249; large oak china cabinet $475; 2 beer signs, 1 Olympia $125, 1 Burgermeister $225; area rug 6X9 (new) $49, 5 Gibson guitars (antique) 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 2 Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 000XL and 1960-08; exercise bike (new) $225; wood & coal stove Enterprise good condition, warming oven, water reservoir $695; wood & coal heater Canadian made 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $495, good selection of guitars, electric & acoustic; musical instruments, accessories, pictures 50% off, lots of antiques, DVDs, CDs. Come in and take a look.

Auto Financing

Financing

Fernie Exchange New & Used & Pawnbrokers t 8F HJWF MPBOT PO QBXOBCMF JUFNT XL UP XLT t

Transportation

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Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest FISHING BOATS

Weldcraft, Hewescraft, Lund, Godfrey Pontoons Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marine, Hayden, ID 1-888-821-2200 www.marksmarineinc.com

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For more information call

250-423-1358

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Participants of this professional development course will gain enhanced skills for â&#x20AC;&#x153;real lifeâ&#x20AC;? on the job tasks; Foster innovation, motivation and increase job satisfaction; Develop transferable skills; Provide opportunities for advancement with employer and within industry.

When is it?

Cranbrook: December 2-5, 2013 Fernie: December 16-19, 2013

Funding provided through the Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Agreement To enroll contact: Jenny Gutzman Toll Free: 1â&#x20AC;˘877â&#x20AC;˘489â&#x20AC;˘2687 ext: 3434 jgutzman@cotr.bc.ca https://www.cotr.bc.ca/contract-training/

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Brain Games

CHINESE FOOD

ACROSS Heating device 1.58. Root beer, PUZZLE NO. 420 PUZZLE NO. 421 60. Tune e.g. 61. Surmounting Fawn’s purple mother 5.63. Deep 64. Sawed logs 65. Against color 67. Retaliate for 9.68. Raises Hawaiian welcome 12. Neck and 70. Imagine 72. Regal neck 73. At the end 13. 74. American Showed once more, as a TV Beauty, e.g. program 76. Household 14. Tell a fib 77. Card game 78. Ribs Confidence 15. or game 81. Small dowel chops 16. Frosty Copyright © 2011 by Penny Press 17. Orange 79. Bit for Fido 39. Breathe ACROSS pekoe, e.g. 1. Enter the 80. Before “blastoff” 41. Seed coat America’s Cup 81. Huff and puff 42. Did the butterfly 18. Raging fire 5. Shangri-la official 44. Flight 82. Radio operator 20. Improper 9. Drama division 83. Feminine pronoun ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 421 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 420 45. Biblical pronounHOW TO PLAY: 12. Crankshaft piece 84. Pasture sound 48. Showy lily 22. Attack! 15. Likewise 85. Hence 50. Fill Overweight in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 16. Camelot woman 86. Aquatic plant 52. 3x3 Boor 23. ____ dunk box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. 17. Attempt 87. Role for Holly 54. Building wing ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 541 24. ____ tide 18. Unclose, to a poet shape 88. Stately tree 3x3 box is outlined a darker line. You already 19. Window base 55. Each Container 89. with Theater 27. Street entera few numbers to enthusiast, get you started. 20. Molding e.g. Remember: 57. have Approach 21. Back talk 59. You Charmust not repeat90. the Wicked numbers 1 through 9 in the tainer 22. Resort, of a sort 60. same Law line, column, or 3x3 box. Copyright © 2013 by The Free Press 29. Carry on 23. Animal’s 62. Bond DOWN PUZZLE NO. 541 686 PUZZLE NO.

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Hwy. 3 (Best in Town) (250)423-3211

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PET personalities

PUZZLE NO. 422

PUZZLE NO. 423

PUZZLE NO. 543

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Send us your

PET

WEEKEND

WEATHER updated: Wed., December 4 9:00 MST, Sparwood

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Bri tis

Email your pet photos to customerservice@thefreepress.ca

r 27, 2012 Thursday, Decembe

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ANSWER TO PUZZLE

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First Place

Elk Valley

Best friends - Cecil the husky and Lucifer the tabby!

on uk

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SPORTS

Fernie Ski Hill OpensPage 14 ELKFORD

First Elkford Council Sworn in - Page 17 SPARWOOD

Sparwood Mall concept- Page 16

Check out full editions of The Free Press at www thefreepress.ca

MURDER

as the office today. in the same location printed out of a tent The Free Press in 1908,

Warsing Murders Page 22

AVALANCHE DEATHS

24-hr Snow Wind E 5 km/h Hours of sunshine 6

24-hr Snow Wind W 5 km/h Hours of sunshine 8

24-hr Snow Wind SW 5 km/h Hours of sunshine 5

Eight died doing what they loved - Page 30

It was in this shack but no station office. of starting operation all the equipment was so, with the intention shed had been that that was happening, and business. The or freight all the materials unpacked, the cases were Press a newspaper type set for same built. When out of a tent, The Free had laid and the first Free Press is still in the and equipment he was born. Free Press. G.G lot, on Second Avenue. to ordered finally arrived, it The the In August 1898 Mr. It was also home to he Free Press is one He then went east in Fernie. for thrown out of the train editor and his family plant and stock was of the oldest business Henderson arrived dumped into two feet town didn’t buy the in the quite a few weeks, to build a first and in Fernie. Almost as Although the as hotel of snow. much back then, necessary newspaper and job Free dead of winter, soon as people were settling look like The first home of The to Mr. Henderson had a hunch class was hard in the area and starting printing office, returning Press was in a 12 foot x accommodation early days want- that it was going to grow the of the build the town, they shack, to come by in amazing, late in November 12 foot rough board Fernie. of ed a community newspaper into somethingbrother Mr. same year. present in in the rear of the news, so he and his to spread the local The railway was then else R.L. Henderson bought a lot events and everything

By Angela Treharne Free Press Staff

A history of serving Fern Toll Free: 1-877-423-2001 www.fernierealestate.com

FYFE TODD REAL ESTATE CORPORATION PERSONAL

(250)423-8989

todd@fernierealestate.com

click on e-editions button top left corner of our website

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

Kootenay Tae Kwon Do athletes receive funding for World Cup The New To You in Sparwood presented Kootenay Tae Kwon Do with $500 to help fund an upcoming trip to the World Championships in Jamaica. (From left) volunteer Wendy Bregeda and manager Judy Lindley, and athletes Kyle Angers and Cailey-Jo DeGagne, who also help out at the non-profit store, were on hand to present the cheque to Master Saran and Gena Paton. Photo by S.L. Furedi

Fernie 3 bike race Submitted

hree day mountain bike stage racing continues in Fernie for 2014 with the launch of the Fernie 3. For 12 years the Fernie TransRockies Society managed Fernie’s involvement in the TransRockies Challenge. Fernie is the only community to have hosted all 12 TransRockies events and for good reason, Fernie has some of the best mountain biking in Western Canada. This past summer TransRockies Inc. moved on from the 12 year old TransRockies Challenge and introduced the Singletrack 6, a six day stage race in Western Canada. Arron McConnell, TransRockies Inc. President, commented, ”Fernie has been a big part of the TransRockies Challenge and we will be returning with the Singletrack 6. For a couple of years we need to refresh our premier event with new trails and communities.” The Fernie 3 is scheduled for June 28 to 30 and will cater to new and old riders, and gnarled veterans alike, with focus on the best singletrack stages ever, followed by classic Fernie hospitality! Dan Savage, TransRockies Society Event Director commented, “We want to offer a fun and challenging race with something for everyone who mountain bikes.” This years stage courses have not been finalized however you can expect slightly shorter stages, with Stage 1 and 2 starting and ending in the downtown, and Stage 3 starting and finishing at Fernie Alpine Resort. The stage details will be released in 2014 after further planning discussions with event partners. The very popular Kids’ Bike Rally will continue for its eighth year. Free for kids’ aged three to nine, the event is a fun and educational parade in the downtown and includes stage stops at Straightline Bikes, the Fernie Heritage Library, the Fernie Fire station, Overwaitea Foods and Freshies. The Fernie Chamber of Commerce helps integrate the event with the fun Downtown Summer Socials. In keeping with the theme of “something for everyone” organizers are exploring the opportunity of including a youth XC singleday mountain bike race for 10 to 16 year old’s. We are in discussion with another group to help organize this category and will be making an announcement early in 2014. With local organization the mountain bike community will benefit from an increase in funding directed towards the Fernie Trails Alliance(FTA). The FTA works with outdoor recreation groups, government, and private land owners to enhance and maintain the Fernie trail network. Early Bird pricing of $299 is available until March 30. Register now and save! For more information and registration visit fernie.com/transrockies.

By S.L. Furedi Submitted

ootenay Tae Kwon Do is raising money to send 21 of its athletes to the World Cup in Jamaica, Aug. 26-30, 2014. Master Saran says the competitors, who range in age from 12-50, will be working hard all through the summer, not just to train, but also to raise the funds for the trip. A recent $500 donation from

the New to You, plus a spaghetti supper and raffle in January, will help build that fund. Judy Lindley, New to You manager, says two of Master Saran’s athletes have been volunteering their time in the shop and are good workers. Kyle Angers, 13, and Cailey-Jo DeGagne, 12, help out when they can, such as Fridays or Mondays when school is not in session. They both are going to Jamaica.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 5, 2013

www.thefreepress.ca

East Kootenay homeowners get exclusive $1500 bonus for Energy Retrofits Submitted

ith the cold winter months just around the corner, East Kootenay local governments and utilities are offering $1500 more rebates to residents for keeping their homes warm in the winter. “We are pleased to work with FortisBC/BC Hydro to pilot this bonus incentive in the East Kootenays. The bonus offers a great opportunity for East Kootenay residents to access up to $5000 in total incentives this year. By including windows, heating systems, and heat recovery ventilators in the bonus, we hope that East Kootenay residents will be able to complete additional energy upgrades to help reduce energy bills and improve home comfort,” states Margo Longland, Senior Program Manager of Power Smart Residential Marketing with BC Hydro. The new Comprehensive Energy Upgrade Bonus adds to the existing LiveSmart BC and the East Kootenay Energy Diet program. Residents can access the $1500 Bonus incentive when they improve their insulation plus two other eligible upgrades such as high efficiency windows or a heating system. East Kootenay Residents can now access: • Discounted energy assessments with a City Green Certified Energy Advisor, through the East Kootenay Energy Diet (www.eked.ca) • Up to $5000 in rebates plus low-interest financing for insulation, windows, heating systems, and other energy saving home improvements. • Coaching a support through the East Kootenay Energy Diet These incentives are only available if you have a home energy assessment before December 31 2013 and complete home energy upgrades prior to March 31, 2014. To get started, sign up online at www.eked.ca. “Recommendations from a Certified Energy Advisor can save you hours of planning time and thousands of dollars by assisting you to make energy

upgrade decisions that are right for your home and budget,” explains Peter Sundberg of City Green Solutions. Sharon and Joseph Cross will be one of the first homeowners to complete a ‘deep’ retrofit, meaning that they are completing multiple energy efficiency retrofit to improve the energy efficiency of their home. Sharon Cross is pleased with the process: “We are seeing the benefits already with a comfortable indoor temperature and significantly less energy being consumed. Getting the retrofits done before winter sets in will give us a good indication of savings when the electric and gas bills come in." The East Kootenay Energy

“Recommendations from a Certified Energy Advisor can save you hours of planning time and thousands of dollars by assisting you to make energy upgrade decisions that are right for your home and budget.” Peter Sundberg City Green Solutions

Diet is delivered by Community Energy Association and is made possible by funding from BC Hydro, Columbia Basin Trust, Regional District of East Kootenay and FortisBC, and through a partnership with LiveSmart BC, East Kootenay Community Credit Union and Kootenay Savings. Energy Assessments are delivered by the non-profit organization City Green Solutions. Additional subsidies for home energy assessments are offered by the District of Sparwood, City of Fernie, Regional District of East Kootenay (for Electoral Areas) and City of Kimberley. For more information, go to www.eked.ca, email info@eked. ca or call Megan at (250)5310690. Three Easy Steps For Participating in the East Kootenay Energy Diet

There is a simple process to qualifying for all three special offers available through the East Kootenay Energy Diet – the subsidized energy assessments, the LiveSmartBC Efficiency Incentive Program rebates and the bonus incentive of $1500. First, homeowners must schedule a home energy assessment. Assessments can be booked through the East Kootenay Energy Diet (www. eked.ca) or any Certified Energy Manager in the area. This must be done before December 31, 2013. Register online at www. eked.ca, email info@eked. ca or call 250.531.0690. The East Kootenay Energy Diet offers subsidized home energy assessments, so check out www.eked.ca to find out what subsidies are available in your community Secondly, to access both the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive program rebate and the $1500 bonus incentives you must complete one insulation upgrade – attic, wall, basement or crawlspace PLUS two qualifying bonus Livesmart incentive upgrades which can include the following: additional insulation upgrades, qualifying high efficiency heating system upgrade, Climate Zone C Energy Star window upgrades, air sealing, or heat recovery ventilator. The Supplemental Terms and Conditions for the Comprehensive Energy Upgrade Bonus Pilot – East Kootenay provides further details on the requirements of the program. Through the East Kootenay Energy Diet, low-interest loans are available from Kootenay Savings and East Kootenay Community Credit Union to help finance energy retrofits. Contact your branch for more details. Third, upon completion of your home energy upgrades you will need to schedule a follow up energy assessment to verify your energy upgrades and qualify you for the incentive programs. Your follow up energy assessment can be scheduled by contacting City Green Solutions at 1-866-3819995 or by emailing savings@ citygreen.ca.

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