Creston Valley Advance, April 16, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

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Volume 67, No. 16 | Thursday, April 16, 2015

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ON BROADWAY — The Blossom Valley Singers showcased Broadway musicals in their annual spring tea, held on Saturday and Sunday, with

performances of about two dozen songs from shows ranging from Oklahoma to Hair. The concert also featured Valley Voices, the Creston children’s choir, and Key of She, who joined them for a few numbers (above). The concert also included sing-alongs led by Marlene Nash and Bryan Daybell. For more photos, visit www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca/ourtown.

COTR reveals 2015-2020 strategic plan

Kevin Boehmer, CPA, CA 250-402-3471 kevin@boehmerconsulting.ca

BY BRIAN LAWRENCE Advance Editor

With a mission “to transform lives and enrich communities through the power of education,” the College of the Rockies revealed its 2015-2020 strategic plan to an invited Creston audience on April 7. The strategic plan, introduced by president and CEO David Walls, was the culmination of a yearlong

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process that included consultation with communities, students and staff to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. “We’re working to make sure we’re working with the communities we serve,” said Walls. The mission statement changed little from its previous incarnation — “If anything, we reinforced it by the verbs we put in there,” Walls said — but the plan’s vision state-

ment is totally new: “To create and deliver the most personal student experience in Canada.” That will be determined by the ultimate goals of recruiting and retaining more students, better preparing graduates for the job market and better preparing students for the next stage of their education. A new brand promise, “Rocky Mountain inspired. Small college

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proud,” is among the keys to making that happen. “Rocky Mountain inspired” means, among other things, that the college reaches higher, doesn’t compromise on the quality of education and delivers programs based on the region’s strengths. “Small college proud” highlights personal attention and quick decisions on things that matter.

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Admission is $10, with tickets available from band members, Black Bear Books, Kingfisher Used Books or at the door. The Creston Community The present Creston Band, often the guest at local Community Band was formed functions to help with fundin 1989 by a small group of raising, is pleased to announce dedicated musicians who saw a an Arts and Culture Week conreal need to provide appropricert on April 25 at the Prince ate music at various town funcCharles Theatre. tions. Band members come Our concert focuses on from all parts of the community band members’ pursuit of and even as far away as Cranbrook. Under the direction of Anderson, the band has a large repertoire, which includes upbeat swing, jazz, Dixie, film and television tunes, Broadway hits, classical, traditional Find out how. and dance tunes, ATTEND INFORMATION SESSION offering something To Place THURSDAY APRIL 23 • 6 pm for all musical types Orders Call and tastes. 1252 Indian Road, Creston 250-428-2734 The band is always Refreshments will be served looking for new members. Some of the presPICKERS / SORTERS/TRACTOR DRIVERS ent members had not Students welcome played an instrument Follow signs on Lower Wynndel Rd • 250-428-2734 for over 30 years and sutcliffefarms@gmail.com • www.sutcliffefarms.com were amazed at how quickly it all came back. So, if you are a recent player or have not played since school Colour Lock technology matters. (however long ago that was), from piccolo With it’s incredible scrub and fade resistance, no to tuba, the band will paint is more enduring or endearing. help you get back into the “swing” of things. Only Benjamin Moore offers Colour Lock Technology, for truer, richer colours that are extremely fade resistant and washable. And The band has with a Benjamin Moore store in your neighbourhood, it’s incredibly recently moved to St convenient too. Stephen’s Presbyterian Visit benjaminmoore.ca. Church hall where it can store its music library, drums, stands and other equipment. The move allows members to practice and perform in the same location, although they will Store Name continue to support Address line 1 local functions. Address line 2 Rehearsals are 7-9 p.m. 000-000-0000 website Monday evenings at Your “Small Town Difference” Sponsor the church hall at 306 Northwest Blvd. For more information, visit www.crestonbc. BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD. 1220 NW Blvd. Creston BC 250-428-7114 com/ccb/. musical opportunities with other individuals and community groups, such as Rainbow Connection, Kokanee Brass and Footlighters Theatre Society. Band conductor Monte Anderson, who is well known for his support of local singers, will accompany Marlene Nash. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30.

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The Creston Community Band, joined by the Many Bays Band, performing in a 2012 fundraiser for the Creston Community Auditorium Society.

Creston Valley Advance Thursday, April 16, 2015

www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca 3

Local News

Program addressing youth issues BY LORNE ECKERSLEY Advance Staff

Children and youth are the focus of a new local effort to deliver mental health services in a more timely, co-ordinated manner. A local action team (LAT) has been formed, and it includes family physicians, school counsellors, Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) staff, Child and Youth Mental Health clinicians, Lower Kootenay Band representatives and the RCMP. Dr. Randy Grahn, who co-chairs the LAT with Prince Charles Secondary School (PCSS) counsellor Diane MacDonald-Sutcliffe, says he expects the membership to expand in the coming months. How does it work? “We meet monthly, and together we are working to improve conditions and coordination of child and youth mental health services, and to address specific mental health issues for children and youth in this region,” said Grahn. Too often, Grahn said, parents and youth simply haven’t known where to go to find help with mental help issues, and professionals haven’t always been aware of the full range of services available in our own community.

“Schools have been an essential partner in this initiative,” he said. “Local action teams are working to include youth and their parents as partners.” The goal is clear: “To increase the number of children, youth and their families receiving timely access to integrated mental health and substance use services and supports throughout the province.” Creston is among the first communities to form a local action team. Grahn credits the efforts of Dr. Tara Guthrie for paving the way. Guthrie, concerned about the need to bring mental health and substance use services closer to those who need them, established regular weekly office hours at PCSS a couple of years ago. “Dr. Guthrie saw the need and it helped raise our local awareness of the need to coordinate services,” Grahn said. Early results for the program have been impressive. One community reduced waitlists for services from 140 to 11 in one year. A parent commented, “So much can be done locally. The grassroots movement is going to grow and grow and hopefully get into other communities… so that mental illness is no longer the HIV of 10, 20 years ago.” “Government recognizes that it alone can’t fill all the gaps in medical care,” Grahn said. “This collaboration taps into what doctors and other providers

know about their communities and mental health needs.” Leadership from the provincial government has resulted in three ministries — health, children and family development, and education — working together to identify and tackle mental and health and substance use services for children and youth. Funding needs have also been addressed. “We’ve never really seen such a concerted effort to bring everyone involved together at the same table,” said Grahn. “It’s kind of epic in a way.” In an effort to support the initiative, the Advance will be running a series of columns by Dr. David Smith over the next few months. Smith, an adolescent and adult psychiatrist, has created the series in his work with the Interior Health Authority. “One of our goals is to roll out the service directory we have assembled (we will be doing this at an open house introduction of services event later this month), work on improving indigenous culture literacy among health care providers, and improve education, support, access, and coordination of C&YMH services in our valley,” Grahn said. “As Dr. Smith stresses, if your child is experiencing a mental health concern, talk to your family doctor or contact the local MCFD office.”

Creston and District

Historical Society

AGM

Friday April 24, 2015 • 6:30pm Legion Hall 137 11th Ave N. SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 8 (KOOTENAY LAKE) BUDGET STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING @ 11:00 A.M., EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING @ 2:00 P.M. BOARD MEETING @ 5:00 P.M. (times are PST) Tuesday, April 21, 2015 Board Office, 570 Johnstone Road, Nelson BC Video Conferencing to Creston at: Creston Education Centre, 617-11th Ave., S., Creston Public Welcome

College plan from page 1

The College of the Rockies’ 2015-2020 strategic plan highlighting goals.

With provincial funding declining, competition from larger institutions and the young population in the area decreasing (the average age among COTR’s 2,500 students is 24), the college could simply cut services to keep functioning. “Eventually, we’ll get smaller and less relevant, and clearly we don’t want to do that,” Walls said. “We want to continue to grow as a college.” With a main campus in Cranbrook, and regional campuses in Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere, and Kimberley, building relationships is a significant part of maintaining awareness in the communities the college serves. Appreciation of the people, land and culture is among the four key values outlined in the plan. There is room for the plan to grow, Walls said, noting that most strategic plans last less than five years. Changes will come as the plan is implemented and goals are reached. “It’s not going to sit on a shelf,” he said. “We’re cascading it into all our divisions.” Developing the strategic plan was a key mandate for Walls, who succeeded Dr. Nick Rubidge, president for 12 years, in 2013. “It’s like having a map,” said Creston’s Dave Handy, who serves as COTR board chair. “You have to have somewhere to go.” The plan, available to download at www. cotr.bc.ca/strategic-plan, has already been well received. “I think the college is engaged,” he said. “I get that sense from the faculty I’ve gotten to know and from management.”

Ballet Kelowna

Breathtakingly bold and beautiful Monday, April 20, 2015 • 7:30 pm Prince Charles Theatre, Creston, BC

Tickets available at Kingfisher Books • Creative Fix • Black Bear Books Adults $22 ($25 at the door) • Students $10 ($12 at the door) www.crestonconcertsociety.ca

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Local News

Thursday, April 16, 2015 Creston Valley Advance

Neighbours’ dispute continues on Erickson Road BY LORNE ECKERSLEY Advance Staff

Creston RCMP responded to 68 calls from March 30-April 5, Staff Sgt. Bob Gollan said on April 9. March 30 •An elderly male reported to be

causing a disturbance at a Canyon Street business was gone when police arrived. A short time later he arrived at a relative’s residence on 36th Street and caused concern for his well-being. He was transported to hospital. •An erratic driver on Highway

HYDRANT FLUSHING & MAINTENANCE Please be advised that Town Crews will be continuing the annual hydrant flushing and maintenance program throughout April, 2015. Your water may become cloudy during this period. Should this happen, we ask that you flush your lines by running cold water to clear any murkiness. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department during regular office hours. 250.428.2214 ext: 620

Ferd Schmidt

Public Works Superintendent

CRESTON VALLEY ROTARY CLUB CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

This is your opportunity to nominate an outstanding citizen of the Creston Valley for recognition of their volunteer work to our community. The nominee’s volunteer activities may be in social improvement, community service, cultural arts, religion, youth work, education, sports, or any other area of activity that you feel contributes to a better community. Submissions MUST be detailed as to the accomplishments, involvement, and contribution to the Creston Valley of the nominee, or your nomination CANNOT be considered. Attend the Citizen of the Year presentation at the Friday evening Opening Ceremonies of the Creston Valley Blossom Festival celebrations. NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT: Town of Creston - 238 10 Avenue North, or Creston Valley Advance - 1018 Canyon Street, or Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Info Centre - 121 Northwest Blvd. Letters marked “Citizen of the Year - Conﬁdential” can be dropped off or mailed to: Creston Valley Advance, 1018 Canyon Street, Box 1279, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0 Deadline for nominations: April 30, 2015 at noon Unsigned nominations will not be accepted.

Organic Waste Management April 4, 11, 18 & 25 In an effort to reduce back yard burning, the Town of Creston is offering residents the opportunity to dispose of their organic yard waste. The Town-controlled drop off location is situated at the south end of the Waste Water Treatment Plant, which is via Davis Road. The site will be available to residents only on April 4, 11, 18 & 25 2015, between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Accepted yard waste includes tree prunings, grass clippings, leaves and other plant matter. Load volumes will be limited to residential quantities only. Materials must be sorted with plastic bags, twine or other bundling material removed. It is recommended that grass clippings and leaves be brought in garbage cans and not plastic bags.

Colin Farynowski

Manager of Engineering

3/95, the subject of previous complaints, is being investigated. •When police located an elderly female driver who drove into a parked car on Hurl Street and then left the scene, she told police she didn’t stop because she didn’t know whose car she had hit. She was issued a ticket for driving without due care and attention and the incident will trigger a review of her driver’s licence. •A hospital patient who was being released called 911 to ask for a ride home. The request was denied. March 31 •When police responded to a report of a domestic dispute on Hillside Street they found a female with a bloody face and a male with scratches in several places. The male was arrested and held in cells, then later released with a no-contact order. •Police were asked to locate a hospital patient who had left. When located the next day, she didn’t remember leaving. •A female who was at a store on Northwest Boulevard, unable to make purchases because she had no money, was referred to the Creston Ministerial Association. •A business owner has been notified about complaints of gravel trucks hauling unsecured loads on Wynndel Road. •A male was reported to be sleeping in an ATM lobby. April 1 •The male from the previous day was reported to be sleeping in a different ATM lobby. He was later the subject of a complaint from a Helen Street business when he refused to leave on request. •A requested well-being check on Topaz Creek Forest Service Road revealed the residents were OK. •When police responded to an emergency report on Porthill Road through the OnStar system, they learned the vehicle owner pressed the button in his vehicle by mistake. •A verbal dispute occurred when a Bossio Road resident, angered at the speed of a blue Dodge 1500 passing by on the dead end road, blocked the driver’s return access. •In an ongoing neighbours’ dispute on Erickson Road, a resident accused his neighbour of breaking a window. The accusation was denied. •A report of a pit bull biting a pedestrian on Vancouver Street was referred to the town bylaw department. There have been previous complaints about the dog. •Two males driving a rental car paid for meals at a Highway 3 restaurant with a $100 bill, then reached into the till and took the money back. They stole a toy monkey and left the premises. Police located the males and seized a small amount of marijuana. When the males agreed to give up the $100 bill and monkey, the restaurant owner said he did not want to pursue criminal charges against them. •After receiving a report of a possibly impaired driver of a Ford F-150 pickup on Dogwood

Street, police located the vehicle. The driver failed a breath test and his license was suspended for 90 days. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days. •A dispute on Seventh Avenue South over an estate led to an accusation of assault from a female. •An assault complaint arose from a dispute between males over money on Cook Street. April 2 •Police received a complaint from Settlement Road about two dogs running loose and chasing vehicles. •The males who stole the money and monkey were reported by an 11th Avenue business to have stolen back the money they used to pay to purchase an item. •A report of an open group mailbox was referred to Canada Post. •A warning letter has been sent to the owner of an Alberta vehicle from which litter was tossed on Canyon-Lister Road. •Responding to a report that youths had entered a vacant residence on Cook Street, police found the house secure with no sign of entry. April 3 •A male on Highway 3 reported getting a threatening call from a female who was demanding repayment of a debt. •A mother requested a restraining order against her son’s girlfriend, because he had developed a bad attitude as a result of her influence. •An intoxicated male on Eighth Avenue South was reported to be trying start a fight with a neighbour. He was located inside his house and warned. Later, he was reported to be yelling at a female in a nearby park. •An Elm Street resident reported the theft of a silver HP laptop with a 15-inch screen, and some medication. •A prohibited driver was found driving a moped on Seventh Avenue North, under the belief that he doesn’t need a licence or insurance for the small vehicle. ICBC disagrees. •An intoxicated male on Eighth Avenue South was arrested and held in police cells until sober. •A couple on Simmons Road who were visiting from Calgary got into a verbal altercation and the male was arrested for being intoxicated. •An elderly male acting aggressively on 35th Avenue North was taken to hospital for treatment. April 4 •A female driver rolled her vehicle on Kootenay River Road near the ferry landing. She was not injured. •The driver was not injured when a vehicle collided with a power pole on Highway 3A. •Two occupants sustained minor injuries when a vehicle went off Highway 3 at Curzon Junction near Yahk. Road conditions were slippery at the time. •Police concluded that residents target shooting near Lepitzki Road were doing so in a safe manner.

April 5 •A door was smashed at a Canyon Street business but no entry was made. •A male was struck with a beer glass at a local pub, sustaining injuries to his face. A suspect was arrested the next day, and later released with a no-contact order. •A 21-year-old female who had been injured in a motor vehicle accident left the hospital before she could be properly treated. Police found her hiding in a culvert through which water was running. She had a sprained wrist and was hypothermic. She was returned to the hospital. •••

Creston RCMP responded to 58 calls from April 6-12, a week that demanded yet more police time in dealing with a lengthy ongoing dispute between neighbours on Erickson Road, Staff Sgt. Bob Gollan said on Monday. April 6 •The owner of a diesel truck that was leaking fuel on 15th Avenue North was notified about the problem. •A vehicle being driven erratically in Idaho toward the border crossing in Kingsgate entered Canada but was not located. Cranbrook RCMP were notified to watch for it. •A sexual assault is being investigated. •A utility pole on Highway 3A was badly damaged when struck by an unlicensed, uninsured vehicle. •An elderly female was reported to be pulling a cart along Highway 3A near Gray Creek. •A male accidentally left his wallet, passport and cellphone on the ground near Northwest Boulevard. A Good Samaritan found them and turned them in at the RCMP station. April 7 •The female walker on Highway 3A was located. She told police she is on a spiritual journey and is enjoying her time exploring the province’s beauty. •Police are assisting North Shore RCMP with a sexual interference investigation. •A warning letter has been sent to the owner of a vehicle that reportedly had a close call with a pedestrian when the driver ran a yellow light at 11th Avenue North. April 8 •A brown 1996 Cutlass was reported to be driving erratically on Highway 3 near Irishman Creek Bridge. •A Foster Road resident reported being threatened by a male about a dog, which the resident had no knowledge about. •A motorcyclist was taken to hospital after swerving to avoid an elk on Highway 3A. The injuries were considered minor. •A transient male, having worked his way through every service available in Creston, appeared at the police station asking for help.

see police, page 5

Creston Valley Advance Thursday, April 16, 2015

LocaL News

Book marks 100th with personal stories

BY LORNE ECKERSLEY Advance Staff There are two common approaches to the telling of history. A writer can gather and coalesce information to create an omniscient point of view, which can seem detached and impersonal. Or the stories of people can sim-

Police news from page 4

•In the ongoing Erickson Road neighbours’ dispute, one accused the other of building a fence on his property and the other accused his neighbour of removing survey stakes. •An Erickson Road resident reported receiving an unsolicited prepaid Visa card in the mail. •Grocery store gift cards were reported stolen from a Simon Road residence. April 9 •Harassing phone calls made last fall were deemed not to be criminal. •Vehicle collisions with deer were reported on Highway 3A and Russell and Kidd Creek forest service roads. All involved minor damage. April 10 •A truck pulling a trailer that was reported to have sideswiped a vehicle on Highway 3A was located by police. The driver denied knowledge that he had hit another vehicle and was given a ticket for driving without due care and consideration. •When police checked a reportedly suspicious vehicle near Prince Charles Secondary School, they found students sitting in it and eating their lunch. •Several reports were received about shots fired in the Silvercrest Road area. •A complaint about a speeding red pickup truck on Silvercrest Road was received. April 11 •Three youths were reported to have tipped over a dumpster and moved traffic cones near the Northwest Boulevard construction site. •Two females reported to be fighting near a Highway 3A business told police their battle was consensual. They were given a ride home. •A Cory Road resident complained that tires were rolled on to his property by a neighbour. •A break-in to a Birch Street residence netted thieves a 50-inch plasma TV, chainsaw, a grizzly bear art print, fertilizer, firearms and ammunition. •Police teamed with Town of Creston bylaw personnel to conduct a bicycle safety rodeo at the community complex. A radar detector indicated that the top speed of any rider in attendance was 17 km/h. •An elderly male was assaulted by a youth on Highway 3. April 12 •A male stole cigarettes and lottery tickets from a Canyon Street business. He was intoxicated when arrested, and held in cells until sober. He faces a charge of theft under $5,000. •A green Chevrolet S-10 pickup was reported to

ply be collected and presented as told. It is the latter approach that former CBC journalists Mark Forsythe and Greg Dickson took in the very successful marking of the 100th anniversary of the First World War last year. Forsythe, from his position at the microphone of CBC’s popular noon show, BC Almanac (he recently retired rather than accept more cuts to his already decimated program), called on listeners to submit stories, artifacts and photos, which he and Dickson have masterfully woven into From the West Coast to the Western Front. No dry historical tome, Western Front is a delight for anyone interested in our province’s history and the role British Columbians played in what was then referred to simply as the Great War. Contributions from listeners provide personal insights. “My father started as a mucker at the Virginia Mine near Rossland,” BC Almanac listener Paulette Cave wrote. “Angus Davis prospected, staked claims and managed mines in the Slocan, Boundary country, the environs of Nelson and the East Kootenays. He played on the 1907 Sandon hockey team. “In 1914, the thirty-four-year-old father returned to Nelson from a business trip. During the train journey, he made a decision about the recent outbreak of war. ‘Let the young fellas go first. If fighting lasts more than a couple of years, I will get involved.’ “ ‘Davis, we’ve enlisted you,’ said his pals as he stepped off the train. What could he do? be driving erratically on Lower Wynndel Road. •A warning letter has been sent to the owner of a semi reported to be driving erratically on Highway 3/95. •A 63-year-old male died suddenly in his home on 11th Avenue South. Police and ambulance personnel discovered him when they conducted a requested well-being check. Circumstances of the death are not considered suspicious. •Two Xboxes and a quantity of cash were reported stolen from an 11th Avenue North residence. •Vodka and cigarettes were stolen from a Highway 3 residence.

NOTICE

RYKERT IRRIGATION DISTRICT

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday April 28, 2015 7:00 PM Lister Community Hall 16th Street, Lister, BC

AUDITIONS The

Great

Cream Scheme 7 p.m. April 22 • Snoring Sasquatch 221 11th Ave. N.

Auditions by cold readings from the script Song options will be taught at auditions or come prepared to sing something of your choice Info? Page 24 or call Jason at 250-428-9553 Running July 9-11 at Prince Charles Theatre

www.facebook.com/CrestonFootlighters

They headed to the Allan Hotel to celebrate.” Personal history that comes from close to the ground. It makes for good reading and provides great insight to how the First World War

affected families, B.C. and Canada. Creston Valley residents are in for a special treat on Saturday, when Forsythe and Dickson will appear at the Creston Valley Public Library at 2 p.m.

Creston Valley Transit

Ride Free April 22, 2015

Celebrate Earth Day and leave the car Transit Routes and Schedules at home. Learn more at www.earthday.ca Regional District of

Kootenay BLACK Central PRESS – CRESTON NEWS

¼ Page 4.333” x 7” or Info 11.01cm x 17.78cm • www.bctransit.com Transit 250∙428∙7750

5092

REVIEW:

www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca 5

5092_CRE_BC Transit Creston Valley Advance 4.3125” x 5” Insertion Date: Wed., April 16, 2015 Reber Creative for BC Transit 250-383-5255

RURAL CRESTON PLANNING OFFICE HOURS Creston Building Inspection Office 531B 16th Avenue South, Creston

Commencing on April 28th, 2015, the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s Planning Department will be holding office hours on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the RDCK Building Inspection Office located at 531B 16th Avenue South in Creston. Planning staff will be available to answer questions relating to zoning, subdivision, agricultural land reserve applications and other planning related issues. If you wish to arrange to meet with planning staff please book an appointment through the RDCK Nelson office at (250) 352-8165.

FOURTH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH (APRIL TO OCTOBER) BETWEEN 10 AM AND 12 PM

6 www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca

Thursday, April 16, 2015 Creston Valley Advance

oPiNioN LiNe

Legislation indicates unbalance

www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca

Phone: 250-428-2266 • Fax: 250-483-1909 P.O. Box 1279 • 1018 Canyon St. • Creston, B.C. • V0B 1G0

Published Thursdays except statutory holidays Alex O. Carruthers, Founder

PUBLISHER: Lorne Eckersley Ext. 206 - publisher@crestonvalleyadvance.ca

EDITOR: Brian Lawrence Ext. 203 - editor@crestonvalleyadvance.ca

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CIRCULATION/OFFICE MANAGER: Dianne Audette Ext. 200 - office@crestonvalleyadvance.ca

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT production@crestonvalleyadvance.ca

Letters to the Editor

Letters to opinion line are welcome on any topic of local or general interest. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers; publication does not imply endorsement by this newspaper. Letters should be either e-mailed, double-spaced and typewritten or legibly handwritten, and generally not exceed 500 words. Letters will be edited in the interests of style, clarity, legality, brevity and taste, as necessary. The Advance reserves the right to refuse publication of any submission. All letters must be signed and include place of residence and telephone number; names may be withheld from publication for valid reason by approval of the editor. E-mail letters to editor@ crestonvalleyadvance.ca; drop them off at, or mail them to P.O. Box 1279, 1018 Canyon St., Creston, B.C., V0B 1G0.

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Does Prime Minister Stephen Harper truly believe that the public is going to be impressed with his government’s out-of-left field introduction of balanced budget legislation? Or are his party’s polling numbers so grim that he is merely taking the time-honoured approach to poisoning the well for the next government? Either way, it’s a shallow, desperate act to look responsible by a government that has been anything but. While Harper has always been one to talk the talk about fiscal responsibility, he has shown a remarkable inability to walk the walk. Seven consecutive deficit budgets would be proof enough, unless they had been designed to improve the country’s economy. They weren’t and they didn’t. Unless you can somehow make the argument that a government that has added, at a record pace, enormously to the federal debt, has somehow found a new, magical way to solidify an economy that has been sluggish for its entire term, and shows no hope of changing anytime soon. Forget the performance of Canada’s economy against other G-7 or G-20 nations. Our resource nation, under Harper’s leadership, has been hell-bent-for-leather focused on the exploitation and exportation of natural resources, especially energy, a luxury that many other developed nations don’t enjoy. And what have we got to show for the obsession? A country that has lagged in adopting alternative energy technologies, has run up a debt that will take decades to grow out of, has lost credibility on the international stage, has wrested control of the economy from the peo-

ple’s hands and put it into those of global corporations and has succeeded in creating an aura of fear that has allowed it to remove rights and freedoms from Canadians who once took them for granted.

Lorne Eckersley It’s a legacy that shouldn’t impress the shrinking working and middle classes but is guaranteed to thrill said corporations, whose powers have been solidified by a proliferation of trade agreements that continue to export jobs in favour of maximizing profits for companies and returns to their shareholders. If you, like most, hold any mutual fund shares you have likely benefited, but not at the rate that would justify all you have lost during the reign of this maniacally anti-government government. So really, what is wrong with balanced budget legislation? How about the fact that they don’t work? And why don’t they work? Because governments are not households, despite the oversimplified view that “conservative” governments have promoted since the Ronald Reagan days. All but three Canadian provinces have balanced budget legislation and every one has run deficits despite them. Why? Because resource-dependent jurisdictions are susceptible to unpredictable fluctuations in income from those resources

when global prices change. One need look no further than Alberta, whose residents have become so used to a low tax regimen (and a no-sales tax one) that they would rather see their government operate in a deficit than pay a larger tax bill. They don’t want cuts to services like highways, health care and education, so they accept deficits as a fact of life. Running a deficit, in less dramatic examples, is a way that governments can ease the impact of drops in private sector economic performance. Even Harper had to admit that when he grudgingly introduced infrastructure spending/investment programs to create employment for Canadian workers. Woefully lacking in imagination, Harper remains focused on reducing federal government control over the economy, so much so that he wants to make it difficult for his opponents to run deficits in future years, even though he has routinely done the same. It’s just too, too shallow, just like the feds’ arguments in court right now about the abuses of the system undertaken by Conservative senator Mike Duffy. While the prosecution argues that Duffy and Pamela Wallin broke residency rules and played fast and loose with expense allowances, is there anyone alive who believes that this wasn’t all done with a nudge-nudge wink-wink agreement in return for their services as fundraisers for the Conservatives? If you believe otherwise, Steve has some more anti-terrorism legislation designed to protect your freedoms to sell you. Lorne Eckersley is the publisher of the Creston Valley Advance.

Respect from government needed

Recently, we learned that Lower Kootenay Band south of Creston will be taking over ownership of the popular destination Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. After 53 years in the same family, Norm and Joyce Mackie handed the torch back to indigenous people of the region. The Ktunaxa Nation’s relationship with the hot springs spans hundreds of years, so it comes as wonderful news that Yaqan Nukiy, the Ktunaxa name of the Lower Kootenay Band community, will now be operating this Kootenay gem. It is an understatement to say that economic development and social justice are imperative for Aboriginal people in Canada. The centuries of injustice and poverty resulting from colonialism need to end, and we all have a part in making that happen. Presently, the government of B.C. has not fulfilled its part well. You may have read how Premier Christy Clark pulled out of the existing treaty process at the eleventh hour without consulting anyone. She did this by reneging on the approval of George Abbot as the new chief treaty commissioner to replace outgoing Sophie Pierre. Abbott, a former cabinet minister for Aboriginal relations and reconciliation, had the expertise and the full support of the other treaty partners. He had been working with Pierre for six months on a smooth transition process. To his surprise, just two weeks before he was to take over, he got a call that he was out. Abbott was joined in his shock by

First Nations who had been spending millions on the treaty process for over 20 years. When Pierre asked why this decision was so abruptly made, the Liberals offered this: It was a confidential cabinet decision.

In Your Corner Michelle Mungall After a week of questions, Christy Clark is now saying that she is ending the slow and difficult treaty process in favour of developing a new process and that this was her plan all along. She insists that her sudden choice was never about Abbott having challenged her for the BC Liberal Party leadership. Whatever her reason for this decision, she has no right to make it unilaterally. While all agree that the current process is problematic, government acting like it knows best is the same old colonial attitude that has caused centuries of injustice. Pierre points out, “You don't make positive change by unilaterally blocking the chief commissioner appointment. This does not create the right atmosphere for reconciliation.” Failing to work with First Nations partners in this decision is disre-

spectful in the extreme, unacceptable and just plain wrong. This current breach of trust not only has negative impacts for First Nations, but it will have consequences for all economic development in B.C. The Supreme Court of Canada’s June decision on Tsilhqot’in land title cemented Aboriginal people’s constitutional right to meaningful consultation and input into activities on their land base. This being the case, treaties are important to ensure social justice and economic well-being for generations of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. Now, no one seems to know what’s going to happen to get us there, except maybe Christy Clark and her recently revealed secret committee of Liberal cabinet ministers. We can do better than this in British Columbia. Regardless of which party is governing, the government must be fully committed to working in partnership with First Nations. Mutual respect and collaboration must be the foundation of relationships and reconciliation. What we have recently seen from the Liberal government is not in that spirit, so let your part in reconciliation be a call to Christy Clark to rebuild trust. She needs to come clean and work from a place of honesty. I hope she is up to the task. Michelle Mungall is the member of the legislative assembly for the NelsonCreston provincial riding, and is the Opposition critic for social development.

Creston Valley Advance Thursday, April 16, 2015

Letter made questionable claims To the Editor (Re: “Creston Doesn’t Need Refugees”, March 26 Advance) Michael Bunn’s letter made several questionable claims about refugees and their effects on Creston. He seems to have two areas of complaint: humanitarianism and economy/jobs. Contrary to the assertions of Mr. Bunn, we state the following: Related to jobs and the economy: Shopping online, out of town and out of country is what is leading to empty stores in small towns everywhere, including Creston. Canada needs more young workers (not fewer) to contribute to taxes and pensions as our population is aging and our birth rate is falling. New immigrants are often happy to take any entry-level jobs, which Canadians are less willing to do. Immigrants bring much needed skills to the Canadian workplace. Creston has three restaurants and other businesses run by immigrants from Asia. They support our town and hire local workers and new immigrants. Their presence boosts our economy. Contrary to Mr. Bunn’s assertion, the majority of employees in fast food outlets, store clerks and realtors are not in their 70s. Related to humanitarianism: We must give humanitarian help to displaced people who are fleeing discrimination, violence, starvation and even death. All countries in the developed world do this. How can we not help? Being compassionate is part of being a Canadian whether it is giving to our food bank or hospital or to other charities. Through paying our taxes, we redistribute money to fund local needy and to fund Canadian foreign aid to poorer countries. Every political party in Canada supports these efforts. Every

OPINION LINE

developed country provides foreign aid to poor countries. If a xenophobic attitude had been taken by the First Nations peoples on our ancestors’ arrival in North America, we could not have settled here, where they shared their knowledge of this land and helped our ancestors survive. Sadly, when refugees are forced to leave the country they love and their relatives remain at home or settle in other countries all over the world, there is not much chance of ever seeing their families again. Dave Budney and Beth Terriff Creston Refugee Committee

Bunn letter showed KKKlike attitude To the Editor: (Re: “Canada Doesn’t Need Refugees”, March 26 Advance) During my time in your heavenly valley I was a member of the Creston Refugee Committee and remain a supporter both in heart and with contributions now that I live in Powell River. Mr. Bunn’s letter displayed not only a lack of knowledge about refugees, but an attitude more reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan — anger and hatred of a self-generated stereotype. Anyone who has personal knowledge of these people, and who has worked with them, knows that they are fine people and worthy of respect. I would suggest that Mr. Bunn actually does something to alleviate the horrors of losing family, home, possessions and country by joining a refugee committee — maybe ours. Mr Bunn might remember that Jesus, Joseph and Mary were refugees, and see something of them in the fine people we serve. That something we see very clearly. William Mitchell-Banks Powell River

Bill C-51 is reckless and dangerous To the Editor: I feel it’s important to bring this to the attention of the town and hopefully get some more people involved, or at the very least, educated on the matter. The recently exposed and talked about Bill C-51 is a secret police bill, which is reckless, dangerous and ineffective. It turns CSIS into a police force with little oversight or accountability. If passed, the bill opens the door for violations of our Charter of Rights including censorship of free expression online and in traditional media. Stephen Harper has admitted it’s flawed and ineffective, however the Harper government is still trying to push it through in record time. The more Canadians learn about this bill, the less they like it. Originally 17 per cent opposed it; weeks later, after information began to spread about the bill, 50 per cent oppose. Over 110,000 people have protested across the country in regard to the bill. I would be extremely proud of the Advance if it were to address the bill in the paper and try to educate more people on the matter. It would be extremely helpful to have a mention of David Wilks, as well. He is currently in favor of pushing the bill through as it’s disguised as an “anti-terror” law, which “protects Canadians against jihadi terrorists who seek to destroy the very principles that make Canada the best country in the world to live.” This bill cannot be passed as it violates our rights and freedoms, which truly make Canada the best country to live in. Please help draw attention to this issue. I encourage Canadians to learn more about how we can work together to stop secret police Bill C-51 at StopC51.ca. Anthony Fleck Creston

Are seniors honoured or invisible?

In Portland, Ore., a senior person can buy an all-day transit pass for $2 and travel anywhere the train/bus/streetcar system goes. On the ticket it says: “Honored Citizen 1 Day”. Nice, wouldn’t you say? The part about being honoured.

The Voice of Experience Betsy Brierley Old age means different things to different societies. The Chinese and Greeks revere their aging population. In First Nations cultures, elders are expected to pass down their knowledge and experience to the youth. In Korea, families put on large parties for people turning 60 or 70; when a person reaches 70 the celebration is known by a Korean word meaning “old and rare”. (I can hear certain family members chuckling over that one.) But even in those cultures an increasing aging population is becoming a challenge. I read that Japan wants to take on more foreign workers to care for the elderly. China’s tradition of caring for aging parents is confronted with improved life expectancy and the burden on a generation that is the result of the one-child policy. Nursing homes are now a more accepted option. Our western culture celebrates youth

www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca 7

to incredible lengths. Even older models in magazines are in “zoomer” form. Zoomer magazine (philosophy: embrace life with gusto) focuses its articles on people 45-70 — that’s quite a spread. Is old now really younger than we thought? The magazine will tell us how to travel with grandchildren, how to buy the appropriate wine glasses, how to manage personal finances, how to find the best beaches in the world, how to stay “hot”. How to do it all while we still can. Nothing wrong with that, except that we are not all healthy and/or wealthy. How we grow older has much to do with maintenance. A friend recently said that maintenance takes a lot of time out of a day — not just exercising a body so it can keep moving, but maintaining confidence, fighting against being humdrum, retaining a sense of esteem and relevance. It’s almost a catch-22 situation. We could work at something, even part time. Work brings a sense of purpose but we can’t work in the usual sense and, besides, we need the time we used to spend working for the much-needed maintenance. The focus on youth becomes a problem when it impinges on how seniors see themselves and how they are treated by younger people. It becomes a problem when the privileges of age are questioned and seniors are considered a drain on the system. After all, they are no longer the movers and shakers. Grey hair can bring with it a creepy feeling of invisibility. I’ve heard this

expressed many times by both women and men. Brings out the fighting spirit, doesn’t it? Scenario: I am waiting in an out-oftown dress store for the 20-year-old clerk to process my purchase. She hasn’t noticed me standing in front of the desk. She is paying attention instead to two young women in conversation about a boyfriend issue. Very important topic, I know. She’s not being intentionally rude. I believe she really does not see me; I have merged with the wrinkled garments on the racks (wrinkles being in fashion for clothing these days). This is not an insurmountable problem. A sense of humour helps a lot. I thank my parents for passing on their admirable ability to laugh at themselves and find comedy in the everyday. As much as I’d like to reach into the granny bag and pull out an invective-laden jolt to hurl at this young woman, it isn’t going to happen. For one thing the wit is waning, and at times like this words get balled up in ire and imagined slights. Being nasty only widens the generation gap. Being nasty brings regret and required apologies all around — a state not worthy of an “honoured” citizen. Age brings with it adaptability and, certainly, forbearance. Betsy Brierley lives beside Kootenay Lake. She used to write for the Advance a long time ago. The Voice of Experience is co-ordinated by the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.

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oPiNioN LiNe

Volunteer’s world changed

April is a month when attention around the world turns to acknowledging the vital role of volunteers. We have mentioned many times how much we at the

attention to the seniors I see in our community and I don’t take them for granted. It’s changed my world.” She is also inspired by the genuineness and humility of our elders. “It excites me to be around them.” Currently about 40 volunteers participate in a variety of roles. Some of this group is represented by the Krafty Kronys, who raise funds Maureen Cameron through their handTherapeutic Activation made items and pies in addiProgram for Seniors value our tion to helping out at funcvolunteers on a daily basis. tions. Barry and Judy Volunteer commitment and Freeman have been volunwork accounts for the exis- teering to lead the weekly tai tence and continuation of chi classes for many years. TAPS. Seniors that attend our Jim Daniels is our ongoing Monday to Friday program do bus maintenance angel. Until so to stay active and connect- last year, Nicole Nilsson voled and volunteers play a role unteered for the wellness in all aspects of what we do. program. Thanks to Ron We have a multigenerational Hurry, the wellness clinics program, and interacting with and foot clinics run smoothyouth across ages is part of the ly. We are looking for a nurse volunteer experience. to resume our clinics. The One volunteer talked book club benefits from the about her decision in being participation of Pat Tomasic with our seniors as “making from the library with Sharon her heart sing.” She was Wesolowski and Lynette introduced to TAPS when Collins. Joanna Wilson her mother participated and accompanies the choir and got so much out of it that she strummers for weekly music decided to volunteer to be sessions. part of it. Other jobs include assist“I feel so welcome; it’s like ing in the kitchen for food belonging to a family,” she said. preparation, setting up and Reflecting further, she talk- serving at lunches and speed of an unexpected benefit. cial events, dishwashers “By getting to know more after lunch, friendship workseniors and hearing individu- ers, socializing, playing al stories, I now pay more games, assisting during

Tips from TAPS

activities in the aquatic program, helping with crafts and more. The most important volunteer job is to eat lunch with us and talk with the TAPS seniors. What is the time commitment for volunteers? For this to work, we need some volunteers to commit to a regular time and activity, and others can simply be on call. There is a two-hour volunteer training and orientation session, and additional educational opportunities as they are planned. Volunteers can share their ideas and skills to enhance the program. If you are considering volunteering you can pick up an application form at the TAPS office at Rotacrest Hall on 19th Avenue North. Our program volunteer activities take place on Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Occasional opportunities arise for weekend community events that TAPS participates in. On April 23, come join us during Arts and Culture Week, which is sponsored by the Community of Creston Arts Council for Sing With Us at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church on Northwest Boulevard. The TAPS choir and band will join with the Cresteramics Thursday drumming and singing group for a community sing-along from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Maureen Cameron is the community liaison development coordinator for the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors. For more information on TAPS, run by Valley Community Services, call 250-428-5585.

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Thursday, April 16, 2015 Creston Valley Advance

Local history part of library collection

Speaking of history, some of you may know that Creston Valley Public Library has probably the best collection of books relating to Creston history available anywhere. Among the local items in stock are Tom Lymbery’s fascinating Gray Creek memoirs, a number of works by Creston Museum manager Tammy Hardwick, and even the hard-to-find The Limits of Sanity, which details the gruesome, cannibalistic West Creston murders of 1970. If you are heading out for a long drive this summer, you may want to check out Voices of the Pioneers, an 18-CD set of interviews with longtime residents and descendants of early settlers of Erickson, Aaron Francis Creston, Canyon and Wynndel communities. And, in case you are wondering Comments posted on the CBC website story announcing the move how in the world to pronounce reveal what an impact he had on , we also maintain a collection of Ktunaxa language learning folks’ lives: “Back in my childhood home in materials, as well as stories, histoBC. Listening to Mark Forsythe's last ries, and biographies from the Christmas Card of the Air on #bcalm- Ktunaxa Nation. Have comments or questions anac. #gettingteary. #publicradio” “Thanks, Mark, for being a about any aspect of the library? I’d constant voice in my life since love to hear from you. Call 250-4284141, email info@crestonlibrary.com childhood.” “Thanks for all the great years, or come by in person. Aaron Francis is the Chief Librarian Mark. Should call you Mr. BC.” “Mark, I will miss your lovely at Creston Valley Public Library. He is voice. I have enjoyed your intelli- currently reading Beneath Mazurka for Two Dead Men by Camilo Jose Cela. gent presence in my home.” While officially retired, Mark continues to write, together with friend and colleague Greg Dickson, producing popular works exploring the little known and curious events and personalities in B.C. history. His first book, British Columbia Almanac (Arsenal, 2001), has been described as “the equivalent of Peter Gzowski’s Morningside books on a provincial scale… A folksy mix of letters, favourite beers and books, salmon recipes, immigrant stories, neighborhoods, maps and photos from his travels.” Successive collaborations have included a collection of stories about great and/or colourful British Columbians (such as Joe Coyle, inventor of the egg carton), a history of the B.C. gold rush, and their most recent work, From the West Coast to the Western Front, an exploration of B.C.’s involvement in the Great War. Mark Forsythe and Greg Dickson will be at the library at 2 p.m. April 18 to talk about their latest collaboration and share stories and anecdotes from B.C.’s colourful past. Come by with your questions and stories Lifelong Gray Creek resident Tom Lymbery’s and make it an after- book, Tom’s Gray Creek, and the CD set, Voices of the Pioneers. noon to remember! When Mark Forsythe announced his retirement from CBC Radio’s BC Almanac late last year, a tremor of sadness was felt across the province. After 30 years on public radio, Mark was more than just a voice on the air. More like a friend, a familiar face that reminds us of our place in the world, of home.

The Book Drop

Creston Valley Advance Thursday, April 16, 2015

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