The Free Press, April 30, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

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Black bear destroyed in Fernie

“This is early for bears to arrive in town, but it’s an earlier spring than other years. People bear was destroyed think the bears are going to be in Fernie on Monday, waiting awhile but now is the April 20 following sev- time to do everything right. eral complaints over the week- Clean up all the attractants end. including garbage, compost, The bear in question, a three- bird feed, dog feed … anything year-old male black bear, was that’s outside,” deBoon said. first spotted in Ridgemont over The City of Fernie has bylaws the weekend before moving in place that deter animal closer into town on Monday attractants and deBoon said morning. that with the weather warming According to Conservation up he expects fines will be Officer Frank deBoon, the bear handed out more actively soon. was in close proximity to young deBoon further suggested children at certain points while that residents should be using roaming the city. garbage bins, “It was totally not just bags unafraid of people for proper “ It was totally and feeding a t t r a c tant unafraid of people on garbage in and garbage and feeding different parts of management. on garbage in the city over the “It’s on the last few days,” different parts of residents to said deBoon. the city over the take care of “It was a safety last few days.” attractants issue that we and to be had to consider; Frank deBoon responsible we couldn’t let a Conservation Officer for their own garbage-oriented garbage bins. bear remain in People need town, especially to use garbage when it’s in the bins, not just garbage bags as downtown area [during] the bags not only attract bears but day like that.” also ravens, crows, skunks and deBoon added, “We don’t other nuisance animals that take it lightly [when we] spread the garbage around.” destroy bears, but this is deBoon said that this is probably one that had been left the first bear that has had to over from the winter that got be destroyed in the city this used to garbage and carried year and that the average on its bad habits once spring euthanization of these animals came.” has varied over the years In order to avoid future depending on berry crops and incidents, deBoon advised other factors that would keep residents to clean up all bears out of town. attractants. By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

50th anniversary logo contest- Page 3 FERNIE

Cleaning the city for Earth Day- Page 2 ARTS

Guy Davies sings at Arts Station - Page 13

SPORTS

Fernie’s Flying Squirrels - Page 19

Country legend Travis Tritt played alongside Kenny Hess and his daughter Becca Hess at the Fernie Memorial Arena on Thursday, April 23. For more photos and the full story, turn to page 2. Photo by K. Dingman

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Travis Tritt shares Saving the earth spotlight with local one youth at a time talent Kenny Hess By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

inging along with country legends Travis Tritt and Kenny Hess, nearly 1,000 locals headed to the Fernie Memorial Arena last Thursday evening for Hess’ second Fernie show since late October. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Hess said of the April 23 concert and last year’s Nitty Gritty Dirt Band show. “I would sure love to keep bringing the shows to Fernie.” The hometown country singer said that despite the positive response to his shows, he was disappointed about Thursday night’s numbers. “We had quite a lack of people there,” Hess said, noting that there were between 720-730 people in attendance, a meager figure in comparison to the nearly 1,200 people that attended the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band performance. Hess, however, attributed the

lower than normal turn out to a misunderstanding in ticket sales, as many individuals were under the assumption that tickets were sold out prior to the show. Hess said after growing up in Fernie, and leaving just before he was 20, bringing his music back to the small town is an amazing experience. “It’s my hometown,” Hess said warmly. “To be able to bring [my music] back to Fernie, it’s pretty cool. I think in Fernie, they really appreciate the fact that it’s local people [up on stage].” Hess sang alongside his daughter Becca, whose powerful voice carried throughout the arena. “She writes beautiful songs,” he said of his daughter. After Hess and Becca performed, the stage opened up to Tritt, who captivated the audience with his country strong voice. “Travis Tritt is an amazing entertainer,” said Hess of the headliner.

Children took part in Earth Day activities at the Fernie Library including button making. . Photo by S. Kucharski By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

he Fernie Heritage Library celebrated Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22 with a variety of activities catered to

kids. A scavenger hunt, face painting, button making, knowledge tests, colouring and a seed swap were just some of the activities attendees could take part in at the library. The Elk River Alliance was on hand to provide informative facts about the local river and BC Hydro donated 1,000 blue spruce trees for attendees to take home and plant themselves. “It’s been really great and a lot of kids have come out,” said Anie Hepher with the Fernie Library. A popular stop during Earth Day was the Seed Swap. Mary Cosman, Community Eco-Garden advisory committee member, said that it was the tenth year the swap had taken place. Through the Seed Swap, visitors are invited to take a variety of seeds by donation to grow at home. “We encourage people that, once they grow plants, they bring the seeds to next year’s swap,” said Cosman. Cosman added that the program allows people to produce seeds that have been

Country singer Kenny Hess (left) was joined by his daughter Becca on stage at the Fernie Memorial Arena . Photo by K. Dingman

properly acclimated to the environment they were grown in and that by inviting people to partake in the program, it helps with the rapidly diminishing variety of seeds worldwide. In addition to the activities at the library, schools across the Columbia Basin were encouraged to take part in Earth Day through Wildsight’s Beyond Recycling program. A 22-week, classroom-based program for Grades 4-7, Beyond Recycling focused on inspiring youth to begin making changes in their homes, schools and communities to better benefit the environment. Recycled art projects, potlucks and flower painting were among the list of suggestions made to students. In Sparwood, various groups celebrated Earth Day by banding together for organized clean-ups of the district. The Brownies and Girl Guides did their clean up on Wednesday, Frank J. Mitchell Elementary School participated in a clean up on Friday and the second annual Sparwood Superheroes event that had almost a dozen locals turn out was on Saturday. The Sparwood Superheroes event is a re-established community-wide cleanup campaign that Sparwood formerly participated in through Pitch-In Canada for almost a decade from 1999 to 2008.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

A brief look at Sparwood council Logo contest Coal Alliance presents to council, Coal Miner Days grant approved underway By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

parwood council opened up to a series of delegates on April 20, including two from Interior Health (IH). Delegate Janice Talarico, Elk Valley Community Manager from IH, delivered an update and breakdown of health in the East Kootenays including age distribution (most Sparwood residents fall between the ages of 45-59) and the lower-than-average chronic disease rates of East Kootenay residents, particularly in the depression/anxiety, asthma and diabetes categories. Talarico noted that both the Elkford and Sparwood health centres had a full complement of physicians on their staff and that physician retention was good overall. “When I first took this position two years ago we were having trouble having physicians come to the area but I’m happy to say that in the last 18 months we’ve had a full complement of physicians in Elkford and Sparwood and there have been no gaps in service,” said Talarico. Kerri Wall, Community Health Facilitator with IH, also presented council with an informal partnership agreement in the form of the Healthy Communities Initiative. The initiative would facilitate communication between IH and the district on health in their community. Council agreed to file this proposal and come back to it at a later date. Other delegates present were members of the Coal Alliance including Nic Milligan from Teck, Den Lott of the United Steelworkers and Alan Fryer, media spokesperson for the Alliance. The Coal Alliance is comprised of the coal industry’s major players — including mines, railways and organized labour — to combat what Fryer dubbed the “anti-coal movement.” “The industry was getting clobbered,” said Fryer, “and nobody was stepping up to the plate to get the industry’s message across.” Fryer said that in the face of health care professionals

critiquing the coal industry, “The problem with that is, it’s simply not true. I respect people who hold passionate views and express those views articulately, whether I agree with them or not. But, in my world, you cannot stand up and lie.” Fryer added, “We decided, let’s come together as a Coal Alliance and push back against this opposition with the facts and take a zero tolerance approach to misinformation.” The Coal Alliance has set up a website titled www. workingwithcoal.ca that features interviews from coal workers and their positive experience in the industry. Coun. Lois Halko was featured in the video speaking up regarding the influence the industry has made in the area. Sparwood also revealed it would be holding onto its interests in a temporary arena floor that it shares with the City of Fernie. In February, Sparwood decided that due to lack of use, it would try to sell its interests in the flooring to the City of Cranbrook. Cranbrook chose to forego the purchase due to potential conflicts of events between Fernie and Cranbrook. Council also approved a grant of $12,000 to the Coal Miner Days Society for this year’s event, scheduled for June 11-14. It was previously revealed that due to the timing of a grant application, the Middletown Crossing project would have to be delayed. During this time, Manager of Engineering Danny Dwyer reported necessary deferral work that would reflect $130,500 in budgetary expenses for construction cleanup and hydro seeding. “The reason this is coming forward at this time is [because] the weather is cooperating with us and under normal circumstances this would be included in the next budget but we’re hoping to get this project more or less in shape so we can defer it,” said Dwyer. The work will include slope stabilization and dealing with exposed pipe on the Schickendanz site, placing gravel on Hotbox Road, excavation and disposal of materials and hydroseeding disturbed areas like Toboggan Hill and Cherrywood. The motion was passed unanimously by council.

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

parwood is asking re s i d e n t s to submit logos for the district’s 50th anniversary celebration next year. T h e Coun. Jenna Jensen (left) guidelines and Sparwood Mayor Cal logo McDougall invited residents for to take part in the district’s submissions are fairly open, with logo contest. participants Photo by S. Kucharski being asked to simply come up with something unique that captures all the good things about Sparwood and includes the word “Sparwood” in the tagline. “We really want to get as many people from the community involved in this as possible,” Sparwood Business Development Liaison Jude Smith said. “This isn’t something to replace the existing logo or branding. It is something that will be used specifically to promote things to do with the 50th anniversary.” The logos will be on display on the District of Sparwood website, and the winning participant can choose from two prizes, including a 50th anniversary Sparwood swag basket or a private pool party for you and 50 friends. The contest is open until May 4 and all entries can be submitted by paper or emailed to recoffice@sparwood.ca Sparwood will be turning 50 in May 2016.

Sparwood Community & Facility Services 367 Pine Avenue, Box 669, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Phone: 250-425-0552 Fax: 250-425-0551 Email: recoffice@sparwood.ca

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Did you know that everything that you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body? What kind of ingredients and chemicals are on your Get Splashing District of Sparwood is the pleased to announce the skincare our product labels? In the DIY: Natural Skinmost Care Class, you will Melcer. “This allows brand to resonate with our The WSI course The focuses on planning and teaching Red Cross Swim Sparwood! learn how to SAVE money and EMPOWER yourself by learning to Continuum, instructional emergency response skills and instructional Move for important health FREEaudience of its new brand “We’re now handcraft your highly nourishing body products. first —very oursimple, own yet community.” techniques specificlaunch to our program. The certifi cationand issuedidentity. allows candidates Family Ball Swim with to teach all the Red Cross Swim Programs. ideally positioned to clearly and consistently share our and Council at the Leisure Centre swimming Mayor pool. A great way to get out with the family and getresults of the branding exercise include a new The initial community’s story,” said Terry Melcer, The Districtactive of without even knowing it.

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This is low cost Ball Unlike Hockey for men ofcommunity all skill levels. brands, A time for men to come out brand has many Sparwood’s Stretching, foam rolling, trigger point stability and strengthening exercises and participate in a fun game of scrimmage. Mandatory equipment is helmets We are celebrating the completion of our energy for your body hips to your moves toes. Chiropractors Dr. Ryan not been and gloves. Face masks are alsodeveloped recommended.primarily to increase tourism or how to implement thelower brand asfrom theyour community retrofits on Tuesday May 12th. Join us for a tour Hoetmer and Dr. Eden MacGregor from Sparwood Chiropractic will do or come down to learn about what we have attract destination visitors. Rather, its brand development a presentation and hands on workshop to give you information on how forward and begins to proactively share its story. accomplished. Enjoy a complimentary swim, fitness to properly warm up / cool down and stretch for all of your summer class or visit our weight room. is to2015 strengthen its distinctive characteristics, demonstrate activities, including running, biking, and hiking. They will also guide March 30 - May 13,

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Elk Valley business community supports budget Small businesses to receive a two per cent tax cut by 2019 under Conservative federal budget

nificant impact on the Elk Valley economy. will increase from $500,000 to $1 million. “One of the most significant ones for not only the Elk “The federal budget shows the government’s continued Valley but all of the Kootenay-Columbia is the reduction support to small business and that they are a vital piece arlier this week the Conservative’s balanced their in the small business tax,” Kootenay-Columbia Member in the Canadian economy,” Fernie Chamber Executive budget, expanding the tax-free savings account, of Parliament (MP) David Wilks said. “It is estimated Director Patty Vadnais said. “The Fernie Chamber will while also cutting the tax rate for small businesses that this will put $2.3 billion back into the pockets of job be identifying the programs applicable to its membership from 11 per cent to nine per cent by 2019, a cut that many creating entrepreneurs between now and 2020.” and sharing those details with its members.” business leaders and politicians believe will have a sigCity of Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano also embraced the Embracing this gradual change, both the BC and Fernie Chambers of Commerce applauded the tax break, noting that she hopes this change will bring more business to the area. federal government. MP candidate Wayne Stetski, “This was certainly not however, raised some concerns over an easy endeavour, with the small business tax rate reduction. dropping oil prices and “It is estimated that Despite acknowledging the ongoing global economic this will put $2.3 importance of this break in the uncertainty,” John billion back into Kootenay-Columbia area, Stetski said Winter president and the pockets of job the decrease will be done at a slow rate CEO of the BC Chamber creating entrepreneurs in comparison to the NDP’s proposed said of the balanced between now and one per cent cut per year. budget. “Canada is in an “It’s a little slower than I would have enviable position, being 2020.” liked to have seen,” he said. “A lot of one of only a few nations ENVIRONMENT GRANTS David Wilks the budget is post dated.” to announce a balanced Kootenay-Columbia MP Stetski continued, “I think that’s the budget.” We are currently accepting applications right tax to reduce. Getting that tax The 2015 balanced for environment projects of up to down is absolutely the right thing to budget was promised $10,000. Apply soon. Intake closes on do. This will hopefully generate new by Finance Minister June 30, 2015. Joe Oliver in 2011, with the hope of jobs. Small business is a key element, particularly in government spending being reduced by Kootenay-Columbia.” In terms of the budget as a whole, Stetski also raised $1.4 billion. Learn more at The Conservatives are currently concerns over affordable daycare and a liveable wage not cbt.org/environmentgrants. projecting a $.9 billion surplus in 2016-17 being included. “Those are the kinds of things that I hear from despite still having a deficit for 2015-16. Locally, the small business tax decrease constituents of Kootenay-Columbia that were missing,” Connect with us cbt.org he noted. has intrigued the business community. 1.800.505.8998 Despite the constituents concerns over the 2015 federal “This is good news for our local economy,” Fernie Chamber of Commerce budget, Wilks assured the public that strides are being board president Todd Fyfe said, “as any taken to improve living in the Elk Valley. Included in the budget is an additional three years relief in tax burden for our business of funding the Recreational Fisheries Conservation members will only strengthen them.” That Dreaded Tooth Ache In terms of financial gains, the Canada Partnership Program (RFCPP) at $10 million per year We have seen an unusual number of “emergency only” patients over the past several Small Business Financing Program is beginning in 2016/17. months with an infection in their mouths. These are patients who will only make that To look at other program funding, visit http://www. expecting to expand under the new phone call to the dentist when they can no longer tolerate the pain. They do not follow the budget, as the maximum loan amount canada.ca/en/ most important rule set out by their dentist – maintain regular checkups and cleanings! I By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

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am sure all dentists will agree that they have a handful of patients whom they see once every few years. Is this you? Do you avoid the dentist at all costs? Did you know this could end up costing you more than just a tooth?

An abscessed tooth is an infection at the root of a tooth, or between the gum and the tooth. It can be caused by decay, trauma, gingivitis, and certain medical conditions such as some autoimmune diseases or diabetes. However, most often it is caused by poor dental health – infrequent checkups and hygiene visits at the dentist, lack of flossing, improper brushing, tobacco use, and poor diet. If you have an abscessed tooth you may be experiencing a fever, pain and/or sensitivity around the tooth, bitter taste in the mouth, swollen and red gums, foul smelling breath, swollen glands, and a swollen face/jaw. If you experience any of these symptoms, and an abscessed tooth is a possibility, you should contact your dentist for an appointment right away. If that is not possible, a medical doctor could assist you at the local ER. An abscessed tooth requires medical attention and can lead to far more serious issues if left untreated for too long. The infection can spread from the tooth and go into the gums, cheek, the throat, under the tongue, and into the bones in the jaw and face. It can create swelling that blocks the airway and result in difficulty breathing. An abscess in the mouth can also make you have flu-like symptoms such as feeling of malaise, nausea, vomiting, fevers, sweats, and chills. In rare cases, it can even lead to life-threatening complications. Many patients assume that their dentist can just pull the tooth and the infection is gone. This is not actually the case, as more often the patient will require antibiotic treatment in order to kill the bacterial infection. Under most circumstances, the dentist will prescribe the antibiotics and delay treatment, such as an extraction, until the infection is cleared up. Extracting a tooth with an infection poses new risks to the patient. The bacteria can possibly get into the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body. However, in certain cases, the dentist may decide that the tooth must be removed right away. This is why it is so important to always follow up with your dentist as soon as possible when you have, or think you have, an abscessed tooth. And even more importantly, you should keep up with your regular exams and hygiene visits. These will improve your oral health and decrease your chances of developing an abscessed tooth.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

BCWF discusses harvest allocation concerns at AGM changes to the Harvest Allocation following Thomas’ speech, many Policy (HAP). individuals brought forward their The policy, which took effect concerns, unhappy with the decision. Feb. 6, raised concerns among “The intent of the 2007 allocation local hunters that it would provide agreement was actually to [grow the wildlife more advantages to foreign hunters population] and put allocation issues and professional hunting guides, behind us and move forward,” Region 6 while restricting hunting access to BCWF President Michael Langeggar said resident hunters. of the 2007 five-year implementation plan. On Friday, April 17 Minister of “We’re here in 2015 and we’re still debating Forests, Lands and these allocation Natural Resource issues.” O p e r a t i o n s Several other “The intent of the 2007 Honourable Steve BCWF members allocation agreement Thomas, spoke spoke up about was actually to [grow about the policy their concerns the wildlife population] and why he felt over the policy. and put allocation issues initiating the change D e s p i t e behind us and move was necessary. a r g u m e n t s forward. We’re here “Finding a fair made against and equitable way HAP, the BCWF in 2015 and we’re still for resident hunters was pleased to debating these allocation and guides to share announce the issues.” launch of the Honourable Steve Thomas, Minister of Forest, the resource has not province’s first Lands and Natural Resource Operations spoke been easy, has never Michael Langeggar Online Hunter during the British Columbia Wildlife Federation been easy, as all of Region 6 BCWF President (BCWF) annual general meeting (AGM). you in this room Education Course. Photo by K. Dingman know,” Thomas With the BCWF said. “I know that focusing a lot of By Katelyn Dingman it has not been widely endorsed or energy on encouraging youth to hunt, the Free Press Staff accepted.” course will give prospective hunters the He went on to say, “Overall a decision option of taking the Conservation Outdoor embers were invited to the British was to be made, one that in my perspective Recreation Education (CORE) online in Columbia Wildlife Federation was balanced, but one that I also feel preparation for their in-person CORE (BCWF) annual general meeting needed to be made so we could turn our exam. (AGM) last week to discuss new inforefforts and focus on working together to “BCWF is excited to announce that mation items and, more importantly, to get out and grow the resource.” prospective new hunters are now able address their concerns regarding recent During an open comments period to study for their CORE exam via our

• •

new Online Hunter Education Course,” BCWF President George Wilson said in a press release. “The new online version of the CORE course features short videos, narration, and animations that really bring the material to life, and we hope that it will inspire more British Columbians to take up hunting.” It was noted during the meeting that the course entails a six to seven hour time commitment. The BCWF also announced that following the federal budget release on Tuesday, April 21, that the Government of Canada would renew the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program (RFCPP) for three more years at $10 million per year beginning in 2016/17. “The extension of the RFCPP in today’s federal budget is welcome news,” Wilson said. “The investment by the federal government provides our members and clubs [with] the ability to translate our commitment into action.” RFCPP provides conservation organizations with the ability to implement large-scale projects to help maintain and enhance fish populations and habitat. Alongside this major announcement, the BCWF also presented a new logo, with the BCWF Director of Operations Cheryl Johnson stating,” We’re really proud and delighted that we’ve come up with a bit of a refreshed BCWF logo.” The AGM took place at the Fernie Community Centre from April 23 to April 25.

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

Volunteer Appreciation Event a Success!

Off-Road Vehicles… Did you Know?

New Provincial regulation requires a Provincial license plate starting on June 1, 2015. You are still required to register your off-road vehicle and display your District of Elkford license plate in accordance with the Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Regulation Bylaw No. 671, 2006. Operating your off-road vehicle within the District, except on a shared-use recreation trail identiﬁed in Bylaw No. 671, 2006, is prohibited. Fines for the above violations could total more than $400 each day.

Bleeder Valves

Per the District of Elkford Bylaw No. 428, residents must turn off the bleeder valves in their residences by May 1, 2015. Please ensure that your valves are in working condition before you turn them off. For more information please contact the Public Works Department at 250.865.4025.

• May 7th

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

On Saturday, April 18th, the District of Elkford hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Event. Traditionally, the event takes place in September, but this year, it was rescheduled to align it with National Volunteer Appreciation Week, which took place from April 12th - 18th. The event was well attended and guests were treated to a complementary BBQ, face painting and balloon animals with PT the Clown and live music by Rick Miller, Carl Miller and Emilie Fitton. Once again, the District of Elkford would like to say thank you to all of our local volunteers who make Elkford a better place to live, work, play and learn.

Notice of Parcel Tax Roll Availability – Annual Notice

TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to section 208 of the Community Charter, the District of Elkford’s parcel tax roll that is part of the Water and Sewer Reserve Replenishment Parcel Tax Assessment Roll Bylaw No. 760, 2014, is available for inspection at the District Ofﬁce, 816 Michel Road during regular ofﬁce hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm from April 23, 2015 to May 4, 2015. A person who owns a parcel included on the parcel tax roll may request that the roll be amended in relation to the person’s own property. Requests for the roll amendments must be made in writing to the District of Elkford and received by the District no later than 2:00 pm on May 4, 2015. Requests for amendments can be made on one or more of the following grounds: a) b) c)

Citizens’ Advisory Committee @ 6 pm

• May 11th

Regular Council

@ 6 pm

• May 25th

Regular Council

@ 6 pm

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

There is an error or omission respecting a name or address on the parcel tax roll; There is an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel; and/or, An exemption has been improperly allowed, or disallowed.

C. Helgesen, CAO Director Financial Services April 23, 2015

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Opinion

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

Production Manager Bonny McLardy Creative Kaitlyn Haarstad Member of

Circulation Shannon Stewart

342 2nd Avenue • Box 2350, Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 Tel: (250) 423-4666 Toll Free 1-866-337-6437 Editorial email: editor@thefreepress.ca Advertising email: advertising@thefreepress.ca Publisher’s email: publisher@thefreepress.ca website: www.thefreepress.ca

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Call 250-489-3455 or toll free 1-800-665-2382 for Subscriptions Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9 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 Katelyn Dingman

Construction season has begun. Despite construction being a hassle for drivers, with traffic often slowing at construction zones, the maintenance of our roads and highways is 100 per cent necessary. Here in the Elk Valley, Highway 3 winds and turns through mountain passes and rock cuts, making it all the more important to drive slowly and pay attention to construction zone warnings. In early December, the B.C. government announced that beginning on January 1 of this year, there would be significant changes made to the Slow Down Move Over rule. These changes were meant to ensure the safety of roadside workers throughout the province, including construction workers. The previous regulations left several roadside workers out of the mix and only required vehicles to reduce their speed for police, fire, ambulance, town trucks, park rangers, Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement vehicles and conservation officers. All other roadside workers were exposed to speeding cars flying by them, something I can imagine would be frightening, to say the least. After heavy stakeholders, including the BC Road Builders and the Heavy Construction Association, raised concern over previous regulations, the government brought forward new legislation enforcing reduced speeds for drivers passing highway maintenance workers along with several other roadside workers. Drivers are now required by law to reduce their speed to 70km/hr when driving in an 80km/h or over zone and slow down to 40 km/h when in an under 80km/h zone. Individuals that fail to meet these standards can be fined up to $173 in addition to receiving three penalty points. Construction is a necessary evil and it’s important that drivers passing through the Elk Valley slow down and not put the maintenance workers lives at risk. Last week, an 18-wheeler lost control at the rock cuts between Fernie and Elko, tipping over on its side near a construction zone. The RCMP advised residents to drive cautiously around the accident, as Sgt. Will Thien warned that speeding vehicles driving past the accident nearly caused another accident. It’s important that we take the RCMP warnings into consideration. We know that construction is inevitable this summer so planning ahead is key. With so many resources available to the public, including the Elk Valley Road Report Facebook page and DriveBC, there’s really no excuse for speeding. Being late is sometimes necessary if it means that your safety and the safety of others is not at risk.

Katelyn Dingman EDITOR

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Letters to the Editor What does Mr. Harper believe in?

Sarah Kucharski REPORTER

Jenna Jensen

CONTRIBUTOR

Shelby Cain

CONTRIBUTOR

FRONT OFFICE In Absentia

Nicole Obre EDITORIAL Maternity Leave

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

of Days, as foretold in the Book of Revelation, when the antiChrist will be defeated on the plain of Armageddon, south of Jerusalem? If so, has this belief led Mr. Harper to formulate his pro-Israel foreign policy and adopt the mantle of crusader in his ill-advised intervention in the ISIS imbroglio? And does he believe that the anti-Christ dabbles in Canadian politics? After all, when addressing visiting American evangelicals in June, 1997, he said: “The existence of the New Democratic Party proves that the devil lives and interferes in the affairs of men.” At the time, he claimed he was “ jesting.” Mr. Harper needs to let Canadians know about the interrelationship of his politics and his religion. If he does not, the conclusion will be unavoidable: that he is either deliberately ignoring Canada's longstanding church-state separation, or he is working diligently to subvert it.

In Canada we have the right to freedom of religious practice and expression, and that's as it should be. We also have the separation of church and state, a universally accepted principle in Canadian politics. In 2006, Prime Minister Harper appointed Gary Goodyear, a creationist, as his Minister of Science and Technology. More recently, James Lunney, a Conservative MP and Rick Nicholls, Conservative MPP (Ontario) have, in their role as politicians, recently denied evolution and declared their distrust of science. JC Vallance, In light of the Harper appointment and these declarations of Fernie, B.C. religious belief expressed in the political domain, perhaps the prime minister should be much more transparent about his own religious affiliation, something he has steadfastly refused to do. If he does not allow Canadians to scrutinize this relationship in the light of his political objectives, then speculation is inevitable. For instance, Mr. Harper belongs to a church, Sponsored by where one third of its two million members deny climate change. Does Mr. Harper belong to this one third? If so, does this explain his constant attacks on both the environment and environmental science? Does he also believe, as many of his politicoreligious brethren do, that the free market and private property are divinely ordained, and that government-inspired programs and institutions he ree ress are not? On this basis, and if given the opportunity, will he privatize government-funded If you are the individual in this photo you have won a $10 gift voucher Medicare? from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Drop into The Free Press As an evangelical, does Mr. Harper believe office for your prize. that the existence of Israel is central to the End

A face in the crowd

POLL OF THE WEEK Will you be attending the Travis Tritt concert on April 23?

Yes 8%

No 92%

This week’s poll question: Do you support the changes made to the Slow Down Move Over rule?

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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Letters to the Editor continued from page 6 Criticizing Bill C-51 I was very impressed by the eloquent argument Mr. Wilks brought forward in his defense of Bill C-51. According to Wilks, we should believe him when he says that Bill C-51 is great because he read it. I believe that’s an excellent argument. Mr. Wilks, you know who else read the bill? More than a hundred Canadian professors of law and related disciplines who signed this open letter: www. documentcloud.org/documents/1678018-open-letter-onbill-c-51.html#document/p1 They concluded that "no MP should in good conscience be voting for Bill C-51." You know who else read the bill? The Privacy Commissioner of Canada Daniel Therrien. In his submission to your committee (available here: www.priv.gc.ca/parl/2015/parl_sub_150305_e.asp) he said that "the scope of the new powers conferred by the Act is excessive, particularly as these powers affect ordinary Canadians, and the safeguards protecting against unreasonable loss of privacy are seriously deficient." You know who else read the bill? Law professors

Kent Roach and Craig Forcese, who analyzed the bill line by line. They appeared before your committee and warned that Bill C-51 allows the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to be breached, which "is more than new, it is radical, and as the Canadian Bar Association points out, it is untenable." (www.cdnantiterrorismlawaudit. wordpress.com/2015/04/02/bill-c-51-roach-and-forcesesubmissions-to-the-senate-standing-committee/). They also did not have anything good to say about the judicial oversight that you praise: "for the first time, judges are being asked to bless in advance a violation of any or all our Charter rights, in a secret hearing, not subject to appeal, and with only the government side represented." They continued to say that this is "a radical idea that contorts basic constitutional understandings and the role of the courts." The Canadian Bar Association representing 37,000 lawyers, judges, notaries, law teachers and law students, has also condemned Bill C-51. Four former prime ministers, including a Progressive Conservative, five former Supreme Court justices, seven former solicitors general and ministers of justice, three past members of the intelligence review committee, two former privacy commissioners and a retired RCMP watchdog, wrote an open letter (www.theglobeandmail.com/globedebate/a-close-eye-on-security-makes-canadianssafer/article23069152/) stating that, "Canada needs independent oversight and effective review mechanisms more than ever." They went on to say that, "Given the

What the numbers really tell us When I went to university I majored in science and minored in economics for my first degree. Facts and numbers are important to me — you will often hear me responding to information with, “Show me the science behind that statement.” I also have a real respect for history and believe it should help to inform the present. It is from that perspective that I was musing on yesterday’s federal budget. There is much to be said for balancing budgets. When I was the Mayor of Cranbrook, we always balanced our budget – municipalities are bound by law to do so, which is why local government is often called the most fiscally responsible level of government. When I looked at Tuesday’s balanced federal budget, I couldn’t help but be a little cynical, which is not how I approach life in general. That cynicism is based on a couple of things. How was the budget balanced? $2 billion comes from reducing the government’s contingency fund down to $1 billion. This is the money that governments put aside to cover the costs of natural disasters, or national crises. Another

Kootenay’s Best Motorcycle School

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

secrecy around national security activities, abuses can go undetected and without remedy. This results not only in devastating personal consequences for the individuals, but a profoundly negative impact on Canada’s reputation as a rights-respecting nation." But why should we listen to hundreds of experts telling us that something is wrong when Mr. Wilks has read the bill and already decided for us that there is nothing to see. Mr. Wilks, for your next reading project, may I recommend that you read a good statistics book. You may be surprised to find that 38 per cent of Canadians supporting Bill C-51 (according to forum research www.poll.forumresearch.com/post/243/onehalf-of-those-aware-of-it-disapprove-of-bill-c51) is not a majority. You may also find that the 19 per cent of Canadians who support the bill "as is", also don’t constitute a majority. Frank Plavec Toronto, ON

New Junior Fiction

$3.3 billion comes from selling off shares in General Motors Canada. Let’s put these choices into a context we can all understand. This method of balancing the budget would be the same as you paying your bills using money you received by selling your car at a fire sale price and cashing in your RRSP’s. Your bills might be paid but there is little reason to celebrate! My second concern with this budget comes from reviewing recent history. The Harper Conservatives ran deficit budgets every year from 2008 to 2014 ranging from a low of $6.1 billion dollars to a record high of $58.2 billion. In the last nine years Stephen Harper has added $4,400 in new debt for every man, woman and child in Canada. With this record, it is remarkable that anyone in Canada still believes the spin that the Harper Conservatives are good fiscal managers.

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

Wayne Stetski NDP Candidate for KootenayColumbia

For all of your personal, commercial or industrial automotive repair needs!

Teaching the safe way to ride

3 DAY COURSES - $750

Grand Forks May 15 - 17 Cranbrook May 22 - 24 Fernie June 5 - 7 Castlegar June 12 - 14 • Bikes Supplied • ICBC Approved

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Speed Demon Lights now in stock!

Home of the Elk Valley’s MOST EXPERIENCED Mechanics!

From bumper to bumper and the ground up come see Mountain Mechanical for all of your repair needs! Sparwood - 743 Douglas Fir

250-425-6535

Now hiring for service, parts and warehouse. PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

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250-865-4622

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Want your event listed in Around the Valley and on-line?

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Friday, May 1- Thursday, May 7

BOOK THE ARCADE FOR YOUR NEXT AFTERNOON OR EVENING PARTY! Visit www.ferniemovies.com for more info. Call 250-423-3132 to book.

Rated PG • 7 pm Nightly 7 pm & 9:30 pm Fri, Sat & Tues

Age of Adaline

Rated PG • 7 pm Nightly 7 pm & 9:10 pm Fri, Sat & Tues 3 pm Matinees Sat & Sun ($6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D)

321-2 Avenue, Fernie

250-423-7111 Movieline

www.ferniemovies.com

ADD IT ONLINE

Find out what’s happening in your community and submit your own local events.

Event submissions are FREE!

go to:

www.thefreepress.ca/calendar/submit/

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

• 6:30 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 9:30 to 10:30am –Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 4:00 to 6:00pm – Water Slide open at Fernie Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:30 to 9:00 pm – Women’s Night at Old School Boxing • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool

Tuesdays

• 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:00 to ll:00am – Kindergym (1-5 year olds) Fernie Family Centre • 10:30 to 11:15am – Free Admission Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 11:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Parent and Tot Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at

the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 6:00pm – Water Slide Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:30 to 8:30pm – Opt Fernie Clinic at the Elk Valley Hospital • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool

Wednesdays

• 6:30 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 9:30 to 10:30am –Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:00 to ll:00am – Kindergym (1-5 year olds) Fernie Family Centre • 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 12:00pm - Fernie Rotary Meeting Park Place Lodge • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 1:15 to 2:30pm – Skate & Shoot at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 3:45 to 5:00pm – After School Rec Hockey at the Sparwood Arena • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 6:00pm – Water Slide open at Fernie Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:30 – Ladies Darts at the Fernie Legion (new members welcome) • 8:00 to 9:00pm –14+ Aquafit at the Sparwood Pool Thursdays • 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic

Centre • 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 10:30 to 11:15am – Free Admission Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 11:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 6:00pm – Water Slide open at Fernie Aquatic Centre • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00pm – Darts at the Sparwood Legion • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 7:30 to 9:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 9:30 to 10:30pm – Adult Rec Hockey 19+ at the Sparwood Arena

Fridays

• 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 12:00 to 12:45pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena (No School Fridays) • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 5:30pm - Free Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 4:00 to 6:00pm – Water Slide open at Fernie Aquatic Centre • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Public Skate/ Rec Hockey at the Sparwood Arena • 6:00 to 8:00pm - $3.00 Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 6:30 to 9:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 7:00pm to 8:15pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 7:00pm – Jam Night every 2nd Friday at the Sparwood Legion • 7:00pm - Jitney Darts at the Fernie Legion – everyone is welcome • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 13+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Teen/Adult Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre

Saturdays

• Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • Noon to 6:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 1:00 to 2:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 1:00 to 5:00pm – Water Slide open at Fernie Aquatic Centre • 2:00 to 3:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:00 to 3:45pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 3:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:30 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Fernie & Sparwood Legion • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood & Elkford Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood & Elkford Pool • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing • 6:45 to 8:15pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena

Sundays

• Noon to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at

the Sparwood Pool • Noon to 6:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 1:00 to 2:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 1:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 1:00 to 5:00pm – Water Slide open at Fernie Aquatic Centre • 2:00 to 4:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 2:15 to 4:00pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 3:00 to 4:45pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena • 4:00 to 5:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 7:30pm - Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie

UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL 30 30

M AY 4 7

10 13 16 19 24 24

Opening Reception - New Works by Alice Byrne at The Arts Station 7:00 pm Red Cedar Author Event – Nikki Tate at Fernie Library 6:30 pm

Free Women’s Lunch at Fernie Women’s Resource Centre 11:30 am – 1:30 pm IF4 Fly Fishing Festival at Vogue Theatre 7:00 pm – Tickets in advance at Elk River Guiding Mothers Day Concert by The Vera Choir, Knox United Church 7:30 pm Adults $15. Children free Avalanche City Roller Girls vs. Nelson Kill Joys, Fernie Arena Men’s Opening Fernie Golf & Country Club Fernie Aquatic Centre closes for annual maintenance Low Putts and Ladies Opening Fernie Golf & Country Club East Kootenay Junior Open Fernie Golf & Country Club Fernie Spring Clean Community Garage Sale

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

CONNECTION

CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca City Council Meeting Schedule

Notice of Intent to Close & Remove from Highway Dedication Portions of Unimproved Road Pursuant to Section 40 of the Community Charter

May 2015 3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

1 5 6 7 8 12 CITY 13 OF 14FERNIE 15 19BRITISH 20 COLUMBIA 21 22 26 27 28 29

2 9 16 23 30

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

City of Fernie Contact Info: City Hall 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 am-5 pm (Closed statutory holidays) After Hours Phone: 250.423.4226

Fernie Aquatic Centre

Property Subject to Bylaw No. 2274

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Council for the City of Fernie intends to consider Bylaw No. 2274 to close to traffic and remove from highway dedication unimproved areas of Whitetail Drive (east of Spruce Place) at the regular meeting of Council to be held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC. BYLAW:

Whitetail Drive Highway Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication, Bylaw No. 2274, 2015

LOCATION:

Portions of Whitetail Drive East of Spruce Place

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

The portion of highway (unimproved road and walkway) dedicated by Plan NEP66828, District Lot 4589, Kootenay District, being approximately 798.7 square metres in area shown outlined in heavy black line (the “Closed Road”) on the Reference Plan EPP50690 prepared by Robert MacDonald, B.C.L.S.

All persons who consider themselves affected by the proposed highway closure and dedication removal will be given an opportunity to be heard and to present written submissions on this matter. A copy of the proposed bylaw and other relevant documents may be viewed at City Hall, 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC during normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. April 30, 2015 to May 11, 2015 (excluding weekends and statutory holidays), or online at www.fernie.ca. The deadline for written submissions is 5:00 p.m. on MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015. Any submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted. All submissions must include your name and street address. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Comments can be made in person at the Council meeting or in any of the following methods:

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

Special Occasion Liquor Licencing If you are thinking of applying for a Special Occasion Liquor Licence (SOL) or Temporary Change to your existing liquor licence for an upcoming public or private event, please visit the Liquor Licences page on the City website for application information and requirements and to view the Municipal Liquor Licence Policy. Businesses are advised a complete application including the supporting documents (as identified in Section 1.2 of the Municipal Liquor Licence Policy) must be submitted a minimum of twenty (20) business days in advance of the event(s). Applications received after this time but before the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) deadline for submission will incur a late penalty fee of $50. Applications after the LCLB deadline may not be accepted. Please contact the Corporate Administration Services Department for further information at 250.423.6817 or cityhall@ fernie.ca.

National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition (Twelfth Biennial)

The Twelfth Biennial Mine Rescue Competition will be held in Fernie on September 11 and 12, 2015. This event allows Fernie to showcase its proud mining heritage and is the largest mine rescue competition in Canada. Be sure and Save the Date! This year’s competition is shaping up to be another exciting event you won’t want to miss! Visit the website for more information.

BY EMAIL:

cityhall@fernie.ca

IN PERSON:

City Hall 501 – 3rd Avenue

BY FAX:

(250) 423.3034

BY MAIL:

City of Fernie Planning Department PO Box 190 Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

For more information, please contact the Corporate Administration Services Department at (250) 423-6817. This is the first of two notices published in accordance with Section 94 of the Community Charter.

Parking and Bicycle Safety The City of Fernie would like to remind residents that parking regulations are enforced to create safe and convenient access for all drivers. In accordance with Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400, unless permitted by a traffic control device, no person shall stop, stand or park a motor vehicle: •

• •

as to obstruct the movement of vehicles into or out of a driveway, private road, garage, carport or parking lot adjoining the highway; so that any portion of the vehicle is adjacent to a curb painted yellow or red; no person shall remove any notice or ticket placed or affixed on a vehicle by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer except the owner or operator of the motor vehicle.

Also in accordance with Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400 bikes, skateboards, and roller blades are not allowed on City sidewalks. For safety sake, let’s leave the sidewalks for the pedestrians and ride on the roads, trails or visit the skate park. Please be aware that each “biking” violation carries a Municipal fine of $50.00 per occurrence. To learn more about violations and fines, please visit Parking Concerns & Tickets on the website or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.

Leisure Services Happenings Fernie Aquatic Centre

Canada Day

Summer Swim Lessons are open for registration. Please visit the City website or call the Aquatic Centre for time and date for your child’s level.

The City of Fernie Canada Day Committee is seeking volunteers to join our committee. If you are interested in giving some time to organize this event or would like to help on the day of the event please contact Leisure Services at 250.423.2245.

Aqua Adventure Summer Camps These full day adventure and swim camps include a Red Cross Swim lesson, outdoor activities, crafts, games, and supervised pool playtime. Camps run Monday through Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm for children ages 5 to 12 years. Weekly fees are only $267.20 for 5 day week or $213.76 for 4 day week. • • • • • • •

Session 1 - July 6th to 10th Session 2 - July 13th to 17th Session 3 - July 20th to 24th Session 4 - July 27th to July 31st Session 5 - Aug 4th to Aug 7th (4 days) Session 6 - Aug 10th to Aug 14th Session 7 - Aug 17th to Aug 21st

Aquatic Centre Annual Shutdown The annual maintenance shutdown for the Aquatic Centre is May 16 with reopening scheduled for July 1, 2015. Please note the Fitness Centre is also closed during the shutdown. We apologize to our patrons for this necessary disruption in service. Until May 15th please call the Aquatic Centre to register for summer programs and camps at 250.423.4466 (ext 0) or visit the website for more information. During our SHUTDOWN please call 250.423.2245 or stop by the Court House Leisure Services Office located at 401 4th Avenue to inquire or register for Summer Camps and Aquatic Summer Programs and Lessons.

Parks & Sport Fields At the beginning of May our staff initiate playground checks, open public washrooms and other service amenities. They commence spring cleanups in and around public facilities and repair damage inflicted by the winter season. Sport Fields and greenspaces begin to be maintained regularly and trails are resurfaced. In times of early Spring conditions our Department is faced with many challenges as the community is desirous to get out and enjoy the weather and our various community facilities. The Leisure Services Department is asking for the public’s patience as we initiate the summer operations and respect the operational capacity of our Department to fully open our Parks, Trails, Sport Fields and Playgrounds. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable summer in our public spaces. Please avoid accessing public spaces until they are completely dried out, especially the Sport Fields and the Dirt Jump Park. Please call our Department to report any damage or concerns immediately 250.423.2245. Summer Facility Rentals Weddings and Family Reunions to be held in City of Fernie’s public areas require a booking through the Leisure Services Department. If you are planning an event please call 250.423.2245 to reserve the space.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

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, May 4

Tuesday, May 19

Monday, May 25

(in Council Chambers)

Regular Meeting at 1:00 pm

Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm

Committee of the Whole Meetings at 1:00 pm

2015 – 2018 Corporate Strategic Plan

The 2015-2018 Corporate Strategic Plan is now available on the District's website at www.sparwood.ca or can be picked up at the Municipal Ofﬁce, 136 Spruce Avenue. The Plan which includes Council's goals and objectives, provides direction to District staff on the projects and initiatives to be undertaken during their term of ofﬁce. Citizens are encouraged to read the document and provide their feedback which shall be considered during the annual review of the Plan.

RESIDENTIAL SPRING CLEANUP Begins Tuesday May 19th, 2015

Any person wishing to take advantage of this service is required to register at the District Ofﬁce no later than Friday May 15th, 2015 and pay the required fee of $20.00. Seniors 65 and over receive this service free of charge. Please register in person or by calling the District Ofﬁce at 250.425.6271. **Limit of 1 Pickup Truck Load per Household**

Celebrate BC Mining Week – May 3 – 9, 2015 The District of Sparwood is Proud to Salute all the Mines in the Elk Valley

We recognize the on-going support that the mines provide to the community, not only by way of taxation and employment, but also by the support they give the community through donations, time and scholarships. Join Teck Coal for a free mine tour of one of their ﬁve operations in the Elk Valley. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 250.425.2423 to book a tour. This is an opportunity of see where steelmaking coal comes from and to learn about mining from exploration to production to reclamation.

District of Sparwood Building Inspection and Permit Services

Building permits provide homeowners and building owners with a reasonable assurance that the structure will perform as intended and provide occupants with an acceptable level of life safety. District of Sparwood Inspection Services is the approving authority for all construction and renovations and is responsible for: • Issuing building/plumbing permits • Inspection of construction for all types of buildings • Plan review • Building code administration

Some projects do not require a building permit, however it is still necessary for these projects to comply with the building code and applicable zoning requirements. Be responsible and be safe. Contact the Inspection Services Department for information on permits at: District of Sparwood or 136 Spruce Avenue buildingofﬁcial@sparwood.ca or 250-425-6271 OR 250-425-6833 vhutchinson@sparwood.ca

All refuse including household furniture; white goods, metal and wood will be picked up including fridges, freezers and air conditioners. All refuse for disposal must be separated, placed just outside your property line and piled in such a manner that it can be picked up with a loader. Small branches must be tied or secured in bundles. The following items WILL NOT be picked up: ✔ Trees and large branches ✔ Vehicles ✔ Batteries ✔ Oil or used oil ﬁlters ✔ Tires over 16” in diameter ✔ Construction refuse ✔ Special Wastes as deﬁned by the Ministry of Environment Recyclable material (must be taken to recycling depots)

ALL REFUSE MUST BE OUT BY 8:00AM ON TUESDAY MAY 19TH, 2015

How Are We Doing?

The District of Sparwood is seeking feedback from the public on the performance of civic services and the overall quality of life in Sparwood. These survey results will be used for future strategic planning and as performance measures within the Annual Municipal Report.

The survey will be available both online through the District’s website (www.sparwood. ca) and shall be distributed to all households in Sparwood through Canada Post. We ask that you take a few minutes of your time to complete the questionnaire as your opinions are very important to us! The deadline to submit your feedback is May 1, 2015.

Sparwood is turning 50

Join us in the celebration by creating an anniversary logo

We need your help to kick off the celebrations by creating a 50th Anniversary logo to use on all of our celebratory marketing materials. Start by having a think about what Sparwood means to you. What are the things you think of when you think about Sparwood?

What things should be celebrated? Is Sparwood 50 years old or 50 years young?! Is the 50th Anniversary the end of an era or are we just getting started? What could we achieve in the next 50 years? All entries will be displayed on the District of Sparwood website and the winning entry will have their choice of a 50th Anniversary Sparwood sawg basket or a private pool party for you and 50 friends! If you would like the current logo to work from, please e-mail: recofﬁce@sparwood.ca.

The Rules: 1. Throw out the rule book 2. Come up with something unique that captures all the good things about Sparwood 3. You must include the wording "Sparwood" and a tagline related to it being the community's 50th year, other than that, it's a blank canvas so include any images or photos you like 4. Entries will only be accepted from people between the ages of 0-110 5. Entries can be submitted on paper or via e-mail to recofﬁce@sparwood.ca 6. Entries must be received no later than May 4th, 2015 with winners announced May 19th.

Arts&Entertainment WhatsOn THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

What’s on in the Elk Valley this week.

Doing it for herself

Singer Orit Shimoni to play Fernie internationally by bus or train. “I think it’s uncommon for women to live on the road full-time, but I’ve been doing it against all odds and relying on the enthusiasm of fans to spread the word and support the project,” said Shimoni. A self-taught guitarist, Shimoni has spent half her life perfecting her dense lyrics that pack a sharply created punch. Whether it’s dismantling the fictional ‘good guy’ persona on the album’s opening track “Good Guy With Demons,” Singer/songwriter Orit Shimoni will be playing lilting over horns Infinitea T-Bar on Sunday, May 2. Submitted photo on the persistently optimistic “Don’t By Sarah Kucharski Mind Losing” Free Press Staff or unraveling the ‘smile baby’ philosophy that demands a certain ouring in support of her 2014 cheery attitude from women on the release Bitter Is the New apt “Ain’t Smilin’,” Shimoni knows Sweet, singer/songwriter how to craft a line to cleverly say Orit Shimoni will be bringing her what’s on her mind. unique voice (both vocal and lyric“I consider myself anti-fluff al) to Fernie’s Infinitea T-Bar on because I don’t write things that are Sunday, May 3. meaningless … My writing is very Touting herself as a genre-less dense and it says a lot in a short entrepreneur woman, Shimoni has amount of space,” said Shimoni spent the last seven years carving whose material spans from love and her place in the industry through life songs to feminist or political unique and fearless decisions to commentary on today’s issues. promote her music and career. Built on melodic bases of horns, “A lot of artists, by the time they piano and acoustic guitar that have their third album or even provide context for her folk, blues their first, they’ve gone and hired a and jazz influences, it’s Shimoni’s publicist and an agent and I’ve been apt words that cut through the really enjoying figuring out how to loudest. balance the administrative side of A telling line, “They say that it with the performance side. I’m those with faith survive the longest, proud of how I’ve charted out my and I don’t really mind the losing own path and not [had] to follow a anyway” speaks to her resilience box-like template of how to run my in the industry and determination career … It’s been an, ‘I did it my to let her words, and not artificially way’ kind of story,” she said. produced images, speak for her. Without a car, Shimoni has Shimoni’s Sunday performance at toured the country and travelled Infinitea will be her first in Fernie.

ELK VALLEY Libraries

FERNIE PUBLIC LIBRARY

ELKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

SPARWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

592 - 3rd Ave. 250-423-4458

816 Michel Rd 250-865-2912

110 Pine Ave. 250-425-2299

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

Mon. Closed Tues.-Wed. 10am-5pm

Mon. Closed Tues. 10am-8pm Wed. 10am-5pm Thurs. 10am-8pm Fri.-Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 12-4 pm

Thurs.-Fri. 11am-6pm Sat. 12-5pm Sun. Closed

Space donated by The Free Press

recently had a huge h o n o u r bestowed upon me. Six’s kindergarten class was doing a Shelby Cain unit on people who work in the community, and her very gracious teacher asked if I would like to come in and speak about writing for the newspaper. Wow. I have to say in all my years working at all my jobs I never thought I would have one that might qualify as interesting to 26 small children. And I still wasn’t sure I had that kind of prestige. They’d already been visited by a fireman. Coolest job ever. At least, that’s what I thought. Until Six came home one day and told me about the ‘bat man’ that had come that day. Yes, an actual bat man. Except, he didn’t waste his day chasing around boring bad guys wearing too much make-up. This bat man worked with real, live bats. Studying them, building them houses, dealing with something called the ‘white citizen’, which is apparently a disease bats get. It’s very serious. Six informed me of all this for days after the presentation. She showed me her loot bag, which contained all kinds of cool bat paraphernalia. Apparently he even brought some shirts. What was I up against? How on earth can a simple newspaper lady who writes about folding laundry compete with mysterious nocturnal creatures who have fur and can fly?! I asked Six what she thought I could do to be more interesting to her classmates. “I don’t know Mommy. The bat guy was really good. Did I tell you about the white citizen?” Yes. Okay, so I could tell she had already accepted my defeat. Well, I wasn’t going down without a fight. My gracious colleagues at The Free Press office agreed to have the whole class in for a tour. Field trip. That’s got to be worth something. I baked cookies with chocolate chips AND M&M’s. I picked through my 80-some columns, looking for something the kids might find slightly cool. Unfortunately I didn’t have one on the white citizen, but I did have one about frogs and one about peeing your pants. I grabbed those. And then I took a deep breath, and went for it. The kids were great. They listened to the stories and then regaled me with their own pants and bedwetting incidences. The ladies at the office were awesome. They even brought in a dog. The cookies were a hit. Afterwards I ran into one of the moms, who told me her son loved the newspaper trip. Yes! But this was the best part – as I sat at the front of the class reading my stories about her, Six got to sit beside me. Her little face was beaming with pride. Best. Day. Ever.

The Parent Trip

Do you have something you would like to see in the paper?

SPORTS - NEWS - ARTS

Let us know!

Call The Free Press 250-423-4666 or email editor@thefreepress.ca

you by brought to e, Fernie BC

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FERNIE MOU

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May

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The Reckless Heroes Formed in 2009, this group’s unique brand of emotionallydriven high energy alternative punk music with a touch of metal influence is sure to leave you screaming for more!

Tasting of fine tequilas and artisan mezcals at 8 p.m.. Hosted by Eric Lorenz, founder of Lorenz Agave Spirits and the Vancouver International Tequila Expo! Limited tickets are for sale at Nevados - $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Submit your posters and approximately 50 words of text describing your event to customerservice@thefreepress.ca Only two events will be sponsored, so first come first served.

Best Bevvies

This week’s recommended drink is Kalala Winery’s 3 Cru wines which is ideal for sangria and will be featured at the Park Place Lodge’s First Friday Sangria Tasting on May 1st, 4:30-6:30 pm.

Drink recommendations are from Brigid Cook, the manager of Spirits Cold Beer & Wine Shop at the Park Place Lodge

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Stay gold, Ponyboy

Did You Know?

B.C.’s strict impaired driving laws are Canada’s toughest

Highlights include: • A BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) between .05 and .08 indicates a warning resulting in sanctions that increase with each warning issued. • A BAC over .08 results in immediate loss of license for 90 days and vehicle for 30 days. Monetary cost totally over $4, 000 and possible charges under the Criminal Code of Canada. • Graduated License Drivers face sanctions with a BAC greater than zero. NOTE: BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is calculated by measuring the amount of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Many factors affect your BAC, beginning with the amount of alcohol consumed. The more you consume the higher your BAC. Over time you will eliminate alcohol, however 1 standard drink can take up to 3 hours to eliminate. Gender, weight, height, age, overall mental and physical health all affects overall BAC. The only way to avoid impaired driving sanctions is to arrange safe alternate transportation or not consume alcohol if you intend to drive. For more information on B.C.’s impaired driving laws visit the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles website @ www.pssg.gov. bc.ca/osmv or ICBC @ www.icbc.com. East Kootenay Addiction Services Society has sponsored this column. The intent of this column is to provide information and to encourage healthy choices. Free, confidential services are available to anyone dealing with their own or someone else’s substance addiction or misuse. For more information contact 250-423-4423, 1-800-644-6144 or visit www.ekass.com

Fernie Secondary School students host The Outsiders play By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

he Fernie Secondary School’s Traynor Hall was filled with parents and guests hanging on to every word during the students The Outsiders

Colten Webster as Sodapop (left) and Parker Saunders as Darry (right) comfort brother Ponyboy, played by Alias EngelhardtLaChance in Fernie Secondary School’s The Outsiders play. Photo by K. Dingman

play. Sporting high-waisted jeans and a plain white t-shirt, student Alias Engelhardt-LeChance narrated his character Ponyboy’s grief, moodiness and forgetfulness. Engelhardt-LaChance, Lewis Lum, Colten Webster and Marlie Stephenson entertained the crowd with their moving performances. Lum played main character Johnny, Webster performed as Ponybody’s older brother Sodapop and Stephenson played Cherry. Following the performance, director Anna Gris was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the students and thanked for her dedication to the play.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Call 250-423-4666 or email customerservice@thefreepress.ca

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Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd. &

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"Your Loved One Never Leaves Our Care" Phone: 250-423-7944

cmfs@shaw.ca • www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com

FERNIE BOTTLE DEPOT Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm 1291 Ridgemont Ave. Phone: 250-423-2009

We take electronics and ensure they are recycled safely.

If your ad was here, it would have been seen by now!

Know your community: - Go to the website / select your province and community - Bookmark it as your Homepage - Check the weather / check local events - Select a tab and browse - Shopping / dining / schools / real estate / contractors - Volunteer opportunities / recreation - AND SO MUCH MORE

Movement • Yoga • Dance Art • Community

Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society Thrifting at it’s finest!

Adults and kids weekly classes & workshops Uranta Clothing Boutique

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Canadian performance debut for pianist By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

orth Carolina was a long way to come for pianist Kevin Ayesh to entertain classical-loving locals and make his Canadian performing debut on Saturday, April 25 at Mountainside Church. The concert, hosted by the 88 Keys Society, welcomed Ayesh and an audience of two dozen to bask in the sounds of Ayesh’s prowess on the pedals and keys. Ayesh’s visit to Fernie came with half a century of training behind him, inspired simply by the touch of a lever when he was a small boy. “I used to go over to my neighbour’s house and I used to love pushing down on the levers of their piano. It wasn’t because I loved classical music or I wanted to pursue the instrument, I just knew that I loved pressing down on that lever,” said Ayesh. The concert was filled with selections from the romantic period that Ayesh said

he had chosen specifically as “audience pleasers.” “In the past, I have found that people seem to really respond to the pieces that I will be playing tonight, so I’m hoping to do that here in Fernie,” he said. “They’re not exactly the best-known pieces in classical music, but I think they’re selections that audiences just tend to love and gravitate towards.” The opening number, a Mozart composition, charmed attendees with its lively sounds. Before embarking on his next piece, a Brahms, Ayesh said that it was probably one of his favourite pieces for its richness in tone and harmony. Indeed, following the final trill of the dramatic number, the audience was fully enraptured. Flashier pieces followed,

Davis delivers bluesy night By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

uy Davis opened his set at The Arts Station on Wednesday, April 22 with an anecdote of one of his visits to the area when he photographed his son at Sparwood’s Titan Truck 20 years ago. “That was the most memorable time. I’ve been here since then, at least once probably twice I’ve come here with my son,” said Davis. “I like the space, the feeling, the people around here. It’s a good vibe in this town.” It didn’t take long for Davis’ penchant for history to transport attendees back in time, accompanied by a slide and an acoustic/electric 12-string that rasped along with his bluesy voice. In a setlist stuffed with blues tributes like “Saturday Blues” and “Prodigal Son,” Davis also slipped his original work into the mix. From recalling his lovesick relationships and more anecdotes of singing his son to sleep, Davis’ voice filled The Arts Station. Audience participation was also a huge theme of the evening. With easily parroted melodies being repeated and acting as faithful background vocals through his two-hour performance. “In traditional blues there’s not necessarily a lot of audience response, the guitar player’s guitar kind of responds to him as he’s singing ... My goal is to

try and get a room full of people to sing together who never knew that they could sound so beautiful singing songs they don’t even necessarily know,” said Davis. For a New York-born bluesman, Davis delivered plenty of southern twang throughout the night. “I’m no purist, I play the blues and that’s my label but I do other things like ragtime. And I like to tell stories when I’m up on stage,” Davis explained. Davis said that he first fell in love with the blues when he was young and had no idea the historical significance of the genre. “The first time I heard blues it was being played by white college boys and I didn’t know at that time its history with African American folks, but I knew it was special when I heard it,” said Davis, adding, “Looking back, I can say that it was like calling something inside of me. It was already something inside of me that was locked up that had to be let out.” With no patience for formal lessons, Davis picked up a 5-string banjo and eventually a 6 and 12-string guitar to teach himself how to play. “I became the entertainers that I saw when I was a kid who I thought were magic. That was my ambition – to play to the child that’s in everyone and it’s ongoing and there’s always room for improvement,” he said.

88 Keys president Sylvia Elias said that performances from the society would return in the fall. The 88 Keys themselves are a non-profit society with a mandate to promote classical music and education.

including a composition by Franz Liszt. Other composers included in the night’s concert were Frédéric Chopin, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Gabriel Fauré. Ayesh’s performance was the final night in the 88 Keys season.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

ifty guests made their way to the Best Western Fernie Plus Mountain Lodge on April 23 for the Fernie Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting. “It was a fantastic meeting,” Fernie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Patty Vadnais said. “It was a great atmosphere.” Mayor Mary Giuliano was in attendance, bringing greetings from the city. Vadnais noted that the chamber’s goal is to work more closely with the city this year. “Our focus in the upcoming year is

UP TO to work closely with the city and build forward to those committees producing some relationships there, as well as give more great work in 2015.” our members a E i g h t number of tools to nominees also “Our focus in the upcoming year is help them grow came forward, to work closely with the city and their businesses,” running for the build some relationships there.” Vadnais said. six available The chamber board positions. Patty Vadnais also reviewed their Newly elected Fernie Chamber of Commerce Executive annual report, m e m b e r s Director highlighting the Sheila Byers, work done by Graeme Nunn, governance and membership committees. Paul Arcoite, Anita Palmer, Steve Preston “Our committees this year have been and Alicia Clarke will join Fyfe, Vanessa exceptionally well run,” outgoing board Croome, Tristan Woods, Ryan Frazer, Geof president Todd Fyfe said. “We have a Hare and Tammy Odgen to establish the fantastic structure and very clear terms of twelve-member board. reference for each of the committees. I look Incoming board president Sheila Byers

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WITH $2,000 DOWN. BASED ON A LEASE PRICE OF $34,726‡ (1SA MODEL). INCLUDES $1,000 LOYALTY CASH FOR ELIGIBLE OWNERS¥, $1,000 DISCOUNT CREDIT, $3,500 DELIVERY CREDIT, FREIGHT & PDI.

155 @ 0% 24

UP TO $1,500 OWNER CASH FOR ELIGIBLE OWNERS

FOR

MONTHS

BCGMCDEALERS.CA

Call Coal Valley Motor Products at 250-423-9288, or visit us at 16 Manitou Road, Fernie. [License #9819]

ON NOW AT YOUR BC GMC DEALERS. BCGMCDealers.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. GMC is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the purchase or lease of a new or demonstrator 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab (1SA)/Sierra 1500 Crew Cab (1SA), or purchase of a new or demonstrator 2015 GMC Sierra Kodiak Edition and GMC Terrain FWD (3SA). Freight ($1,695/$1,650) and PDI included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA and dealer administration fees and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in the BC GMC Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. *$10,000 is a combined total credit on 2015 Sierra Kodiak addition consisting of a $4,500 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive), $1,000 Loyalty Cash (tax inclusive), a $2,155 manufacturer to dealer Option ‘Kodiak Edition’ Package Discount Credit (tax exclusive), $250 Kodiak Double Cab 2WD cash credit, and $2,095 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive), which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $250 and $2,095 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. ‡Lease based on a purchase price of $31,741/$34,726, (includes $4,500/$3,500 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit, a $1000 manufacturer to dealer Option Package Discount Credit and a $893 Loyalty Cash) for Sierra 1500 Double Cab 4WD (1SA/G80/B30)/ Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4WD (1SA/G80/B30). Bi-weekly payment is $145/$155 for 24 months at 0.0% APR, on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $2,000 down payment is required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $9,530/$10,055, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $22,211/$24,671. Price and total obligation exclude license, insurance, registration, taxes, dealer fees and optional equipment. Other lease options are available. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with other offers. See your dealer for conditions and details. General Motors of Canada Limited reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. † Purchase price includes $670 Loyalty Cash and a cash credit of $4,200 and applies to new 2015 GMC Terrain SLE-1 FWD models at participating dealers in Canada. Purchase price of $24,995 excludes license, insurance, registration, dealer fees and taxes. Dealer may sell for less. Offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. See dealer for details. ¥ Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer car that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year GMC SUV, crossover and pickups models delivered in Canada between April 1, 2015 through April 30, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $750 credit available on eligible GMC vehicles (except Canyon 2SA, Sierra Light Duty and Heavy Duty); $1,000 credit available on all GMC Sierras. Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any Pontiac/Saturn/SAAB/Hummer/Oldsmobile model year 1999 or newer car or Chevrolet Cobalt or HHR that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year GMC SUV, crossover and pickups models delivered in Canada between April 1, 2015 through April 30, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive): $1,500 credit available on eligible GMC vehicles (except Canyon 2SA). Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GMCL dealer for details. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice.. <>The 2014 GMC Terrain received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact SUVs in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality StudySM. Study based on responses from 86,118 new-vehicle owners, measuring 239 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. *†U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov).

Fernie Chamber of Commerce hosts AGM www.thefreepress.ca

and Vadnais held a panel discussion, covering items in the chamber’s strategic plan that focus on financial sustainability, membership services, advocacy and governance. Vadnais noted that the chamber hopes to start hosting workshops and different educational events, including Business Book Nook, where the Fernie Chamber will collect book recommendations from members and share them through program partners including the Fernie Heritage Library and Polar Peek Books and Treasures. Representing over 260 businesses in Fernie and the Elk Valley, the Fernie Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to strengthen commerce in the Fernie area.

AUTO DEALERS

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

COAL VALLEY

APRIL SALES EVENT

Huge selection of inventory,

2011 Honda CR-Z

Stk. C590

2011 Lincoln MKT Stk. T1689

over 70 units in stock! Delivery Credits!

now

$11,900

$27,900

now

Cash Credits!

GREAT commuter, gas/electric!

7 passenger, high luxury!

Option Package Credits!

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

2013 Dodge Journey

Stk. T1706

Stk. T1630

Owner Loyalty/Conquest Credits!

Low, Low Financing, 0% On Most Models! (OAC)

OCK T S N I ELS D O M NEW

Was $26,900 now

now

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT/Sport

Stk. T1615

now

The Best Deals Are Here Righ t Now!

$24,900

$15,995

Canada Value Package SUV, only 8,900 kms

2006 Nissan Frontier SE

Stk. T1708

$25,978

now

$14,900

TRX Crew Cab, 5.7L V8 Hemi MDS

V6 King Cab, 167,000 km

2010 Dodge Ram 3500 ST

2014 Dodge Caravan SXT

Stk. T1724

now

$35,988

Crew Cab, 6.7L Cummins Turbo, 6-spd., auto.

Stk. T1719

Was $40,310 now

$31,900

Plus Van, 3.6L, 6-spd., auto.

Right on the corner... Right on the price! Deferrals up to 6 months are available on vehicles that qualify OAC.

CarProof

Verify

250-423-9288 D.L. # 9819 â&#x20AC;˘ Fernie, B.C.

all our preowned inventory

www.coalvalleymotorproducts.com

Go to www.ferniechrysler.com and check out the inventory Jimmy Heller

Finance Manager

802 Highway #3, Fernie 250-423-5532 DL23837

Aaron Young

Sales Manager

OAC, rates are subject to change. Plus $399 documentation fee, government tax, applicable levies and fees. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown.

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Get in shape to avoid injury Golf the

rules of the game!

t may surprise you to learn this, but physical fitness is an essential part of playing golf. Any golf pro will tell you that training and regular exercise greatly help to reduce the risk of injury, especially back pain, tendonitis, or strained muscles. That means golfers who want to have a long, successful season should consider committing to a fitness program. Starting an exercise regimen immediately and sticking to it will help them golf pain- and strain-free all summer long. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting a regular exercise program is always a good idea. A personal trainer or fitness centre employee will be able to suggest a program that will help you improve your flexibility, endurance, and balance. The areas of the body most strained in golfing are the base of the spine, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and upper body. Stretching exercises, walking, and cycling will all help in keeping these joints and muscles lubricated and supple. At the golf course, start your golfing routine gradually, as most injuries are caused by abrupt movements. Your golf coach could also check your technique and make adjustments to your swing, if necessary. Before playing your first round of golf, you would be wise to spend some time on the practice course. Start by hitting balls with your short irons to build a rhythm, then proceed to your long irons and finish your training session with the woods. Get into the habit of doing warm up exercises before every game: do a few arm and shoulder stretches and loosen up your back with some gentle twists and hip rotations. A few minutes of stretching will help you to avoid injury throughout your golfing season.

Let us look at some of the easy yet necessary rules that apply to golfing.

Take a few minutes to warm up before starting a round of golf.

Take care of your equipment G

Get into the habit clubs after every game.

cleaning

your

o l f i n g equipment represents an important investment which should always be taken care of. The clubs, the grips, the bag, the shoes and the cart all need regular maintenance. When you retrieve your equipment from the back of the closet in the spring, check all the grips on your clubs. Do they need to be changed? The experts recommend replacing grips every two

years if a golfer plays on a regular basis.

After thoroughly washing the clubs, check what’s in your golf bag. Make sure that the different compartments are in good order. Wipe your bag with a damp cloth. This is a good time to wash your balls as well. Stock up on tees, ballmarkers and divot tools (to repair ball marks on the green). Also check to make sure your cart is in good working order. Lubricate the wheels and any folding parts. After a winter spent in a wardrobe your shoes

will certainly need to be cleaned. Make sure that no spikes are missing and replace any that are worn. But your work isn’t over yet! After every game, get in the habit of cleaning the grooves in the heads of your clubs and giving your shoes a good brush. It’s also wise to count the clubs in your bag at the end of each game. If you forgot one on the course, tell an employee in the pro shop. Once fall comes around, give all your equipment a good cleaning before storing it away in a dry place.

RULES FOR A ROUND OF GOLF 1)

Time allowed: 4 hours… Let’s watch the clock. 2) If a green is available, let the group behind you go on ahead. 3) It is forbidden to pass between a green and a sand trap, or anywhere else where you may find roped areas, with a motorized golf cart. 4) Motorized golf carts on the course: near greens, tee offs and all par 3. 5) It is forbidden to drive motorized carts in and around undergrowth and wooded areas. 6) Repair all damages done to the green by your golf balls, level off sand traps and replace divots. 7) Do not stop after ninth hole except to receive your food order. 8) Respect the dress code: pants and sport shirt or sweater with sleeves. No jeans. 9) Do not disturb others. No shouting. 10) Beer and other alcoholic beverages are usually prohibited on a golf course. These rules aim at protecting the golf course as well as the game!

Improving your performance on the green

201 Fairway Drive, Fernie - 250-423-7773 Ranked #2 Public Golf Facility in British Columbia

360 Card Program

Designed to reward you for playing golf at the Fernie Golf & Country Club. Would you like free golf and discounted merchandise? Then the 360 Card is for you! Call us for more details!

9 HOLES OPEN FRIDAY, MAY 1

here comes a time in the career of any good golfer when the only way to improve his golf score is to enhance his performance on the green. It’s all very well to drive 300 yards and land strokes with an 8 iron to within three or four metres of the cup, but he’ll ruin his score if it takes him three putts to sink the ball. In fact, the game on the green represents

approximately a third of our final score, so it would perhaps be a good idea to practice our putting more often. We can go and hit any amount of baskets of balls with a driver, but it would be a good move to spend a large part of a practice session on the putting green. To be successful on the green, all we need to do is develop a good technique and have a positive attitude. Long

or short, putting requires a certain basic technique. The legs, the hips and the wrists must not move and the shoulders should be perpendicular to the ground. For a right-handed person, the left eye should focus on the top of the ball. Hit the ball with a pendulum movement and keep the head motionless during and after the putt. By mastering these details it will be easier for you to concentrate

on the strength and precision of your putting, so that a metre long putt will eventually become routine. Also, avoid slowing your swing; play with confidence and assurance. Hesitant shots are often missed.

Finally, spend about fifteen minutes on the practice green before a game. This will allow you to judge what the “speed” of the greens will be like on the golf course.

www.thefreepress.ca

Rod & Gun Club banquet sells out

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY MAY 10

R E S T A U R A N T

Celebrate this special day with family & friends. A Fernie Tradition! Large groups welcome.

Rod & Gun Club banquet guests filled the Fernie Memorial Arena on Saturday, April 25. Photo by S. Kucharski By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

he Fernie Rod & Gun Club hosted their annual banquet on Saturday, April 25 at the Fernie Memorial Arena, which was filled with attendees. The banquet, an annual sellout, was hosted this year to raise funds for both the Rod & Gun Club as well as the annual BC Wildlife Federation Convention/Annual General Meeting that was hosted in the days leading up to the banquet. “Usually this banquet serves as a fundraiser for the Rod & Gun Club and the convention itself is a fundraiser for the BCWF but we couldn’t have two fundraisers in as many days, so we decided to split the profits from the banquet,” said Fernie Rod & Gun Club Treasurer Mario Rocca. This year’s theme “Ours Today, Theirs Tomorrow” was Rocca’s idea to promote the Rod & Gun Club’s focus on youth involvement. “We really like to focus on youth,” said Rocca. “We have youth shooting and youth archery and in the summer we’ll begin Youth Shoots on Monday nights at 7 p.m. at the range and no matter what the weather is, we never cancel.” In addition to dinner, there were

many other activities hosted at the banquet, including both a live and silent auction. “We had a hot tub up for grabs, a couple of quads, guns, bows, a trip, and a beautiful custom-made wooden bed frame,” said Rocca. Earlier in the day, over 100 awards were given out by the club for its members various achievements. “There are so many awards that we give out that a few years ago we decided to host the awards ceremony earlier in the day as it takes too long to get through the entire list [during the banquet],” explained Rocca. Among the top accolades were the memorial awards, named after former members of the club. First of the season awards such as the Ron Kiedyk Memorial award for first elk of the season shot with a rifle went to Lindsay Aikman and the Michael Voth Memorial award, honouring the first whitetail deer of the season in the junior category went to Chad Temple. Grand Aggregate awards in the senior category went to Darrell Hurley and in the junior category to Dylan Plummer. The biggest sheep of the year was awarded to Kirk Hurley and the highest single score of the year went to Dave Roberts.

Visit Whiskey Jack Resort and Win a Trip for Two to Reef Point Cottages

Contact TAMMIE DAVY to arrange your tour and you will automatically be entered to win. Tammie Davy 250.425.2968 tammie@elkvalleylistings.ca www.elkvalleylistings.ca

Brunch

Prime Rib Buffet 10 am - 2 pm

Main Features: Carved Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, Roasted Almond & Herb Crusted Salmon, Basil & Bacon Chicken, Roasted Potatoes,Seasonal Vegetables, Seafood Platter with Smoked Salmon, Oysters & Prawns, Fresh Vegetables & Dip, Caesar, Garden & Thai Rice Noodle Salad (Gluten Free). Breakfast Features: Eggs Benedict, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon & Maple Cured Sausages, Buttermilk Pancakes, Savory Hash Browns, Pastries, Yogurt & Cereals. Desserts: A selection of delectable Dessert Cakes including Red Velvet Cake, Berry Cheesecake (Gluten Free), Chocolate Almond Torte (Gluten Free). Artisan Cheese & Fruit Trays. Price: $30 per Adult (GST & Gratuity extra) $20 Seniors, $14 Children 6-13), Free for 5 & Under Coffee & Tea Included For Reservations call 250.423.6871

Contest has been extended until May 31, 2015. Prize includes round-trip airfare for two from Cranbrook to Victoria courtesy of Pacific Coastal Air. One week car rental from Herz Car Rental. Five nights accommodation in a beautiful cottage from Reef Point Cottages.

tel: 250.423.6871

www.parkplacelodge.com

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Reduce, recycle, reuse and repurpose in the 15 plus years that I have lived here.” Liz Martin, the President of Bright aking part in the Elk Valley Spring Beginnings Preschool, who held a joint Clean could earn you quite a bit sale at IDES said, “The garage sale was a of extra money while helping the perfect and very successful fundraiser for environment at the same time. our not-for-profit organization. It was so On average the people that took part much fun to be involved in a community last year’s garage sale made just over wide event like this and know we were $300. Some individuals made over also benefiting the East Kootenay Brain $1,000, which is pretty Injury Association at the amazing for just selling same time. We're looking “It was the best stuff you no longer use, forward to taking part community event want or need. The event in the 2015 community was also able to prevent I have seen in the Garage Sale. loads of items from The Elk Valley Spring 15 plus years that I ending up in the landfill Clean event will take have lived here.” by giving them new place in Elkford and homes with their happy Sparwood on May 23 and Liz Martin bargain hunters. Also the in Fernie on May 24. President of Bright opportunity to give any Registration for hosting Beginnings Preschool unsold items to the local your own Garage Sale thrift stores is a great way is open now, and can be to ensure you don’t have done on-line at www. to bring your unwanted goods back in at elkvalleyspringclean.blogspot.ca or by the end of the sale, while still preventing filling in the application form in today’s them from becoming trash. Free Press. Closing date for applications The great thing about this event is that is Friday May 8. it brings the whole community together If you have further questions, please get as sellers or buyers. John who lives in touch with Rachel Cline at 250-946-6322 in the Annex said of the 2014 event, or email her at elkvalleyspringclean@ “9th Ave. was busier than Deerfoot at gmail.com and be sure to follow all the 5 p.m. on a Friday afternoon.” Jayne a great bargains that people are selling at long time Fernie resident said “It was our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ the best community event I have seen Ferniespringclean?fref=ts Submitted

A petition for mine safety By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

he United Steelworkers (USW) is pushing a petition for a public inquiry in the Babine and Lakeland sawmill explosions of 2012 and has enlisted the support of Elk Valley residents, collecting their signatures. Three years ago on January 20, a fireball shot into the air at the Babine Sawmill in Burns Lake and an explosion took the lives of two workers, injuring dozens more. Three months later, a similar explosion claimed the lives of two more workers at Lakeland Sawmill in Prince George. “There were only three months between the two explosions and nothing was done during that time,” said USW Local 7884 trustee Adam Connell who travelled through the Elk Valley last week to request signatures for the petition. “The towns were relatively close and you’d think that after a disaster like that where workers died that, something would have changed, but it hasn’t.” Connell said that in the three years since the disasters Premier Christy Clark has vetoed a public inquiry in favour of a coroner’s inquest, which Connell considered a “disaster.” “WorkSafeBC failed us in what they were supposed to do,” said Connell. “They were supposed to represent the workers and they pulled out for unknown reasons.” WorkSafeBC could not comment due to the inquest currently going on, according

to Scott McCloy  Director  of Government, Community and Media Relations with WorkSafeBC. In addition to the Elk Valley, Connell has made it his mission to travel across the province asking for support in the USW’s petition, which requires at least 10,000 signatures. So far, between in-person and online efforts, approximately 3,000 signatures have been collected. “I’m travelling across the province and I’m going to push every town on the way to get as much support as we can behind this and then challenge the government,” said Connell who intends to drive along Highway 3 on to Kelowna, Prince George and Vancouver if more signatures are needed. Once Connell obtains the 10,000 signatures he needs, he will turn the petition over to the public inquiry organizer Stephen Hunt, Director of USW District 3. Connell said that, should the petition move forward, it will bring “peace of mind” to those residing in the valley and beyond. “For the Elk Valley [this inquiry will bring] peace of mind knowing that when there’s a life lost, it’s not just pushed under the rug. There have been lives lost, people injured and kids who have to wake up to no dad and nobody’s doing anything to prevent this from happening again,” he said. For further information and to sign the online petition, visit www.usw.ca/ inquiry

Elk Valley Spring Clean - Garage Sale application Name: Address:

Contact Number:

Contact Email:

Location of sale:

Elkford

Sparwood

Fernie

Stall Fee: $20 and must be received by May 8th at 5pm. Cheques payable to East Kootenay Brain Injuries Association

What to do next:

Elkford & Sparwood

Saturday 23 May rd

Fernie

Sunday 24th May Elk Valley Spring Clean

Or email: elkvalleyspringclean@gmail.com elkvalleyspringclean.blogspot.ca

Both days

10am-2pm Why not have a sale that includes crafts or cooking?

• Fill in the application form above. Closing date May 8th, 5 pm. • Return to Elkford - Karen Mills, Chamber of Commerce, Return to Sparwood - Norma McDougall, Chamber of Commerce Return to Fernie - Jennifer Cronin, The Free Press • If you haven’t received confirmation of your garage sale and a Partici pants Pack via email/post by May 12th, please email: elkvalleyspringclean@gmail.com or phone 250 946 6322 Talk to your friends and neighbours about having a sale!

The more garage sales there are in one street, the better.

If you don’t have a garage, why not share with a friend that does?

There are also a number of pitches for hire on a first come first served basis. Please email for further details.

Sports

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Flying squirrels over the bears Early season

pares to the newish sport of wing-suit flying. These unique athletes jump out of a helicopter or off a cliff, fly with their specially designed wing-suits and pull a small parachute when they are close to a landing zone. With little room for error, these stuntmen have not only been pushing the boundaries, but demolishing them. When local Elevation Showcase shop owner Lance Edwards told me he was bringing some of the best wing-suit flyers in the world to Fernie again, the gears started turning. How could we get them up to Island Lake and perhaps include it in the new TV show, which is currently in production? One of the segments of the new show is about inspiration and pushing your limits; with guys jumping from a helicopter and flying, this seemed like a logical connection. The day started out with a bit of weather, so we took a Snow Cat up to explore some options. In the early afternoon the clouds broke and the warm spring sun revealed the peaks of the three bears in all their glory. The five KAVU Team athletes geared up and loaded the waiting helicopter. After a few rounds the "flyers" became more comfortable and buzzed Papa Bear peak, flying about 10 feet off the summit. Hartman Rector, who has a reputation for pushing the envelope a little further not only buzzed the big peak, but also did a corkscrew trick, rotating the body 360 degrees in mid-flight - a truly KAVU Team athlete Hartman Rector took part in wing-suit impressive sight. flying in Fernie this winter. Submitted photo While in Fernie, the crew, which consists of both the KAVU team and GoPro Bomb Squad, also Submitted by Mike McPhee took their work up the Three Sisters for more superhuman stunts. n the wild world of action sports, there seems to be a Watch for video edits in the coming weeks and a continual upping of the adrenaline ante. With its sheer segment on the Island Lake TV show next year. ridiculous entertainment value, there is little that com-

Skill over strength

Grade 8 Fernie Academy student and winner of The Free Press and CBAL writing contest shares his hockey experience abroad Submitted by Nikolas Sombrowski

recently returned from playing hockey overseas in Slaney, Czech Republic for the AAA Western Selects Grizzlies and I noticed that there were major changes in the style of play. The biggest noticeable difference between our game play and the European style was the amount of body checking used during the U14 AAA Czech Spring Hockey Cup. Our Western Selects team came out with a few big hits every game, which shut the other teams down right away, as they were not used to this style of play. We shocked and scared the opponent during each game. We had the advantage right off the hop, so this technique was very useful to our team. However, we met our match when playing the larger and stronger Czech Republic. Their style was

very similar to ours, giving us the best competition in the tournament. The lack of hitting was made up by the European team’s skills and passing. The players would receive the puck, and before you could say “NHL”, the puck was gone to the next player. This was very difficult to play against because we had to keep our feet moving and really anticipate the play. Many of the kids I played against had incredible deking skills, in fact one deke in particular made our defenceman fall right onto his rear, which then led to a goal against us. The refereeing is also very different than what we have at home. Slashing and crosschecking penalties that were called in Europe would have been a slight nudge or love tap in Canada. If a hard hit was made, even a clean one, the player would be called for something,

generally a 10 minute penalty. This would be an outrageous call in Canada. Our team received the most penalty minutes, which included players ranked one, two, and three with the most minutes. My coach even said, under his breath, that the referees were “soft”. I had a wonderful experience playing in Europe with not just a physical but extremely talented group of boys from Winnipeg and westward. It turns out that our style, stronger brute strength came out on top. In our final game against the Czech Republic I managed to get two shorthanded goals, one of which being in the last 40 seconds, winning the game. Each of these scoring chances was created by a teammate firstly sacrificing his body then making a big hit so we could gain possession A successful team doesn't only need skill, but they need to bond, follow the game plan,

which in our case was using the body, and take advantage of scoring opportunities when they were given. In the end we need our skills, strength, and team play to bring home the gold.

for Sparwood golfers

Submitted

parwood Golf Club is excited to be open for golfers in April this year. The golf club opened their driving range for enthusiasts in March. They now have their nine-hole course in excellent condition for golfers from near and far. With only one temporary green, the course opened April 3 on Good Friday. Local residents are surprised by the access on the entire course as the temporary green has already been removed. A normal season would not see full accessibility until mid to late May. General manager Rod Uhll, who has been working at the golf club since 1990 said, "It's the earliest opening I have seen in my 21 years here!" The air is warm, the skies are blue and the course is fully open and in great shape. The course is still charging reduced rates until further notice.

Sponsored by:

www.thefreepress.ca

From The Free Press Vault – April April 2005 – 10 years ago Uphill home receives $1.55 million for conversion Under BC Housing’s Community Partnership Initiatives Program, the Fernie Family Housing Society received $1.55 million for 27 units of supportive seniors’ housing at the former Tom Uphill Memorial Home. From the Elk Valley RCMP report Elk Valley RCMP arrested an unnamed Aussie for mischief last week after being caught launching fireworks down the road at cars and buildings. He also had to clean up the mess he made under close supervision.

April 1990 – 25 years ago

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Elk Valley's Got Talent Do you have an inner talent that needs to be seen? Whatever it is you do, Elk Valley's Got Talent wants to hear from you! Auditions in two age categories will be held in Fernie and Sparwood, with the winners advancing to the main stage at Coal Miner Days on June 12 to compete for the $1,000 grand prize!

AUDITIONS

Fording says project still very much alive As far as Fording Coal is concerned, its proposed coal-fired generating plant is still very much alive, despite recent press speculation that B.C. Hydro had rejected the project. Fording manager Doug Stokes, commenting on a story in last Wednesday’s Vancouver Province that the Elkford power plant had been rejected denied any such decision had been made. New Fernie golf pro sees area as having potential The start of the 1990 golf season also brings a new golf pro to the Fernie Golf and Country Club. Doug Robb has taken over the duties of pro after 11-year veteran Mike Will resigned in early April.

Fernie Mountainside Church May 2 Sparwood Mountainside Church May 9

Main auditions from 6 pm, semi-ﬁnals at 8 pm $10 entry fee for contestants, $5 for audience members Entry forms available at the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce Join our EVGT event on www.facebook.com/CoalMinerDays for more information

April 1965 – 50 years ago Federal $37,500 Ok for Relocation of Natal-Michel The federal government has approved spending $37,500 as its share of the initial study of relocation feasibility of Natal-Michel. Vimy Ridge Vets Attend Reunion The annual reunion of the battle of Vimy Ridge veterans, commemorating one of Canada’s greatest victories in the First World War, was observed by Michel-Natal Branch 81 to the Royal Canadian Legion with a smoker held in the Michel Hotel basement Saturday afternoon.

April 1940 – 75 years ago Barred by the Rules Miss Kathleen Caufield was disappointed at not being able to take part in the Musical Festival at Blairmore this year. Having won the fourteen-year-old solo singing contest last year, it automatically bars her from entering that event again. She could have entered the 17-year class, but being only eleven and a half years old, it was felt that it was asking too much of her.

April 1915 – 100 years ago A Row on The Hill A Starynovich, a Russian who dwells aloft on the cemetery hill, but amongst the live ones, got careless with a knife on Sunday. Constable McDonald and Constable McCrae, of the Provincial force, went up and gathered him in, along with Tony Novuck and Alex Andriski. So far, so good. Then the constables went back for information and while making investigations became separated and were locked in different rooms by angry friends of the men they had arrested. This was serious. Two prisoners, which they had attached, were taken from them.

Student Loans and Awards College of the Rockies’ Financial Aid Advisor will be giving FREE Financial Aid Information Sessions open to parents, students and the public.

Fernie: Thursday, May 7, 4:00 pm College of the Rockies, Fernie Campus

For more information call 250-489-8264 or visit us at cotr.ca/financialaid

rmation Get Info nd Grants a on NEW 5-16 s for 201 Change

RED CEDAR AWARD NOMINEE

‘Voice

Business’

Fernie Chamber of Commerce thanks all its 2015 Annual General Meeting sponsors. Your support is greatly appreciated. Fernie Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2015 The Chamber looks forward to supporting its members in the upcoming year.

AGM Sponsors

The Fernie Chamber of Commerce would like thank the following AGM Sponsors:

Coffee Reception Sponsor

Gold Level Sponsors

NIKKI TATE will be at

Sparwood Public Library Friday, May 1st @ 11:00 am

Silver Level Sponsors

Nikki will read from her nominated book

Down to Earth: How Kids Help Feed the World. Nikki will also answer your questions about any of her books.

For more information call 250-425-2299 or join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ sparwoodlibrary

Bronze Level Sponsors

Est. 1898

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

BOOK AND BAKE SALE FOR SNIP SATURDAY MAY 9TH 10 AM - 2 PM AT THE ARTS STATION

Just in time for Mothers Day! Books, baked treats, and delicious desserts! All proceeds raised will go to the Spay and Neuter Intensive Program (SNiP) to help control the cat population in Fernie. If you are interested in baking something for this fun event please contact our food coordinator Tanya Carre at carreyee@gmail. com for more information. Or if you would like to donate books they can be dropped off at Barkside in Fernie from April 26th - May 9th, or contact Jenn Woods at spayneuterferniepets@gmail.com. PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY THE FREE PRESS

Do you know someone who is having a birthday this coming week?

Let us know who it is, and we will share it in next week’s edition! Local Birthdays May 2 Connor Wiebe May 5 Tasha Johnson May 6 Sheri Earl Christopher Haarstad

Just email their name and birth date (no year required) to Jen at customerservice@thefreepress.ca or call 250-423-4666 and we will publish it in The Free Press

Celebrity Birthdays April 30 Stephen Harper, 55 May 1 Tim McGraw, 47 May 2 David Beckham, 39 May 3 Jai Brooks, 19 May 4 Sawyer Hartman, 24 May 5 Adele, 26 May 6 George Clooney, 53

on Reducing Your BC Hydro bill

with MLA Bill Bennett 1. Electricity used for home electronics has increased by more than 330% since the 1970s. Phantom power also continues to increase – that’s when electricity is drawn by electronic devices when they are turned off but left plugged in. 2. The average Canadian home has more than 25 electronic devices that use standby power – that typically cost households about $50 a year in electricity costs. Unplug those devices or look into getting an advanced power bar that automatically turns off multiple devices. 3. ENERGY STAR devices (TVs, computers, cable boxes) use between 30%-60% less electricity than conventional devices so when you buy, look to see if there is an energy efficient option. For more tips, visit bchydro.com/powersmart. Bill Bennett MLA, Kootenay East www.billbennettmla.bc.ca

Baking for the love of cats

and enjoy with your family. Last year the winning baker, Kim Stokie, created a magnificent cake that earned an incredible donation! Many of your favourite bakers and baking enthusiasts are creating wonderful desserts for this event, so stop by and check it out! In the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day SNiP will also have cards for sale at great local businesses around Fernie. These cards are available in two adorable designs, one featuring a dog and the other featuring a cat. The cards will be available at Ghostrider Trading and Barkside for a small donation of $3 each or two for $5. When you purchase a SNiP Mother’s Day card you are giving a gift to your mom but also helping local animals in need how great is that! All of the money raised during the Book and Bake sale and the Mother’s Day card sales will go to SNiP. SNiP is a not-for-profit volunteer based initiative of the Fernie Pets Society. SNiP pays for spaying and neutering homeless cats in Fernie and subsidizes the cost of fixing domestic cats. SNiP has fixed over 160 cats in the past two years, and thanks to The Spay and Neuter Initiative Project (SNip) volunteers our foster parents the organization has are hosting their annual Book and Bake sale on May 9 been able to re-home dozens of them. and inviting the community to enjoy a wide variety of Just one unspayed female, her mate, and delicious baked goods. their offspring can create over 11,000 Submitted photo cats in just five years. Through spaying and neutering, the Fernie Pets Society is Submitted working hard to reduce the number of stray cats in Fernie. n Saturday, May 9 Spay and Neuter If you would like to bake something for the Incentive Program (SNiP) volunteers Book and Bake sale please contact our food will be holding the second annual Book coordinator Tanya Carre carreyee@gmail.com and Bake sale, giving people a chance to pick up for more information. Or if you would like some tasty baking to surprise mom with! This to donate books please contact Jenn Woods at fun event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. spayneuterferniepets@gmail.com. at The Arts Station, and there will be the great Please help control the pet population by books, delicious individual baked goods, and having your cats spayed and neutered. To apply a TreatBay table. TreatBay, a play on the word to SNiP please visit www.ferniepets.org. eBay, is a table of dessert dishes to take home

Childcare Barriers and Opportunities Survey The survey aims to: • Understand concerns related to aﬀordability and availability of childcare in the Elk Valley • Understand whether childcare issues create barriers to employment in the Elk Valley • Document short or long term mitigation strategies • Develop recommendations based on the ﬁndings of the survey

• If you are a parent, childcare provider, or other interested community member, you are invited to contribute to this process at an information session with the survey developer

• Sunday May 3: 4:00-5:00pm Elkford Community Conference Centre 750 Fording Drive • Sunday, May 3: 6:00-7:00pm Sparwood Curling Rink Lounge 367 Pine Avenue

Contact Phoebe at: elkvalleychildcare@gmail.com

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

The Free Press Thursday, April 30, 2015

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Cards of Thanks

BC Licensed Childcare workers needed at the Fernie Childcare Society Daycare in beautiful Fernie BC. Providing care for ages 10 mths to 5 yrs, the daycare requires ECE and ITE certified staff for full-time and part-time positions paying $16-$18/hr. Please email resume to ferniecc@telus.net Visit www.fccs.ca

LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

ALL MALE Hot Gay Hookups! Call FREE! 1-800-462-9090. only 18 and over. PREGNANT? NEED HELP? 1-800-665-0570

Travel

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DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

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Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or of set process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

)HWFK D 'RJ )URP WKH 6KHOWHU

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928.

Employment Business Opportunities

Services

Financial Services 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

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

Home Improvements

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

In Memoriam

In Memory of

Albertine Aasen

April 6, 1928 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 24, 2014 You were always true and patient, Through the years you struggled on. And those hands that rest forever, Made the home that now is gone. Friends may think that we forget her, When at times we're apt to smile, But they little know the heartache That hides 'neath the surface all the while "Too dearly loved to be forgotten" Always remembered Sandra, Perry, Travis and Jenna

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

JOHNNY GALLA 4HE "#30#! CARES FOR THOUSANDS OF ORPHANED ABAN DONED AND ABUSED DOGS EACH YEAR )F YOU CAN GIVE A HOMELESS DOG A SECOND CHANCE AT HAPPINESS PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER TODAY

"#30#!

WWW SPCA BC CA

Thank you to all the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Friendsâ&#x20AC;? and staff at Rocky Mountain Village who helped celebrate with Margaret Bella on the occasion of her 100th birthday. To those who sent flowers, cards, gifts, and letters of congratulations, and to the Fernie Free Press for their newspaper coverage, my sincere thanks. May life bring you all a reflection of the kindness you have shown to others.

Margaret Bella & Delphine (Bella) Kennelly

Career Opportunities AREA SUPERVISOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CANADA LTD - MALAKWA WOODLANDS DIVISION LP is seeking a highly motivated individual to supervise harvesting, road construction, road maintenance and other forestry operations in the Malakwa BC area. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: - Supervision of Contract Harvesting, Road Construction & Maintenance Activities. - Inspections for Compliance and quality control - Review field layout working with Planning Forester. - This is a field oriented position; 80%+ of time will be in the field. QUALIFICATIONS: - Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License required. - Strong communication, negotiation, interpersonal and computer skills. EDUCATION: - Forest Technician diploma or Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Forestry is preferred; Or equivalent combination of education and experience. EXPERIENCE: 5 + yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forestry and supervisory experience. Apply with Resume & References to: Fernando.Cocciolo@LPCorp.com by May 23, 2015.

Thank You

May the winds of heaven blow softly And whisper in your ear How much we love and miss you And wish that you were here. FOREVER LOVED Ines, Tonilynne, Dano, Shelley, Jaret, Kevin and Deb and Grandchildren

Obituaries

ZUFFA: A lifetime resident of the Elk Valley, Helen Zuffa, passed away peacefully at Rocky Mountain Village on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the age of 100 years. Helen is survived by her only child, Barbara Joy (Edward) Cutts; grandchildren Pat Cutts and Christine (Bryan) Clark; great grandchildren Courtney, Zack, Alexis and Jake, and one great great grandchild Asher. She also left to mourn her passing many nieces and nephews including some that held a very special place in her heart; Fred and Colleen Baher, Blanche and Frankie Ingham, Dorthea Pidgeon, Bill and Marlene Ingram, and Gary, Garth, Lorna and Bobby Baher with their families. She always looked forward to their visits and loved spending time with them. Helen was predeceased by her parents Vince and Anna Valasak, her husband John and 9 siblings. Helen loved fishing, camping and gardening in the warmth of the summer months. In winter, she enjoyed her favorite sport, curling. She was very competitive, an armchair referee watching both curling and hockey games on TV. Helen was also a life member of the Royal Purple. She was able to live independently at Trinity Lodge for 20 years before moving to the Rocky Mountain Village 5 years ago. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Cranbrook S.P.C.A. Memories and condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs. com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.

The eyes have it Fetch a Friend from the SPCA today!

spca.bc.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

A24 www.thefreepress.ca

Merchandise for Sale

Thursday, April 30, 2015 The Free Press

Merchandise for Sale

Food Products

Merchandise for Sale

Real Estate

Employment

Misc. Wanted

Mobile Homes & Parks

Help Wanted

Misc. for Sale Dryer in excellent condition asking $100. Call 250-423-3598 or 250-423-1224

BC INSPECTED

GRADED AA OR BETTER LOCALLY GROWN NATURAL BEEF Hormone Free Grass Fed/Grain Finished Freezer Packages Available Quarters/Halves $4.90/lb Hanging Weight Extra Lean Ground Beef Available TARZWELL FARMS 250-428-4316 Creston

Private Collector Looking to Buy Coin Collections, Silver, Antique Native Art, Estates + Chad: 778-281-0030 in town.

RETIRE IN Beautiful Southern BC, Brand New Park. Affordable Housing. COPPER RIDGE. Manufactured Home Park, New Home Sales. Keremeos, BC. Spec home on site to view. Please call 250-4627055. www.copperridge.ca

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Fruit & Vegetables FRESH ASPARAGUS NOW AVAILABLE Sutcliffe Farms Creston, BC Place your order to ensure availability NEW and ONLY pick-up location 1252 Indian Road (off Lower Wynndel Rd) 250-428-2734

YOUR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS

Access FREE Employment Services Today!

Need a Resume? Looking for Work?

Heavy Duty Machinery

Call

Need Staff?

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WE HAVE LOTS OF ROUTES AVAILABLE

in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford

www.ekemployment.org

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7KH (PSOR\PHQW 3URJUDP RI %ULWLVK &ROXPELD LV IXQGHG E\ WKH *RYHUQPHQW RI &DQDGD DQG WKH 3URYLQFH RI %ULWLVK &ROXPELD

Place of Worship

Regional District of East Kootenay

ELK VALLEY CHURCH SERVICES

CONTRACT POSITION

Emergency Social Services Director

ST. MICHAELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARISH Centennial Square, Sparwood

741B 2nd Ave., Fernie

YOU ARE INVITED!

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 10:00 am 1st Tues each month 7:00 pm

Mass Times: Saturdays: St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ~ 7:00 pm Sundays: St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ~ 11:00 am St. Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mission, Elkford ~ 4:00 pm Thursdays: St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ~ 6:30 pm Fridays: Lilac Terrrace ~ 11:00 am Confessions: Following each mass, or by appointment. Pastor: Father Marcel Cote 250-425-6444

SNOW VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

HOLY FAMILY PARISH Catholic Church

201 2nd Avenue, Fernie

Sunday Service UCW Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Group

WANT TO DELIVER NEWSPAPERS?

1361 8th Avenue, Fernie

521 4th Avenue, Fernie

EVERYONE WELCOME

Parish Office 250-423-6127 Masses:

Clergy: Jane Clarke D.L.M. 250-423-6010 www.elkvalleyunited.com

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

Monday Mens Fellowship...7 pm Sunday Worship & Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry...10:30 am Friday Youth Group...7 pm Friday Morning Prayer Group...10 am

YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE WELCOME AT KNOX

Father Marcel Cote

Office 250-423-4114

SPARWOOD CHRISTIAN CENTRE (formerly Fernie Baptist Church)

1622 10th Avenue, Fernie 250-423-4112 www.mountainsidechurch.ca

Sunday Services

436 Pine Avenue Sparwood BC V0B 2G0

We are looking for a compassionate, hardworking, organized individual to fill the role of Emergency Social Services (ESS) Director for the Elk Valley and South Country Emergency Program. The ESS Director, working on a contract basis, will receive $27.50 per hour (200 hours maximum per year) including expenses paid for training, travel and on-call. A detailed description of the contract requirements are available on the RDEK Website www.rdek.bc.ca/careers Applicants may submit a resume the following ways: , In Person at the RDEK Office Via email to mmunro@rdek.bc.ca By Mail to Melody Munro, RDEK, 19-24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Resumes will be accepted until Friday, May 8th, 2015 at 4:30 pm. We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for interviews will be contacted. For more information, contact Melody Munro at 1-888-478-7335 or mmunro@rdek.bc.ca

250-425-7787 Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC)

10:00 am in Fernie 4:00 pm Sparwood Campus gathering

Services: Sunday 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 6:47 pm

Contact Pastor Shawn Barden shawnbarden@gmail.com

Everyone Welcome

19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 3h 2 -489-2 91 Â&#x2021; 888-4 8- 33 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

Pastor: Rev. R.G. (Ross) Powell

BC Job News. Just one of the reasons to follow LocalWorkBC.ca on Twitter. /localwork-bc

@localworkbc

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

The Free Press Thursday, April 30, 2015

www.thefreepress.ca A25

Real Estate

Rentals

Estate Sales

Acreage

Apt/Condo for Rent

HUGE ESTATE SALE

Bill Letcher Sr. has retired.

Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3 9:00 am until 3:00 pm 2704, 37 Street South Cranbrook BC

2VJFU t $PNGPSUBCMF t "GGPSEBCMF

Rare opportunity to purchase private 150 acres 5 minutes from Cranbrook BC. Borders crown land on 3 sides. Mixture of timber and fields. Not in the ALR zoned RR60. Serious inquiries only, $675,000. 250-489-9234

Apt/Condo for Rent

ALPINE COURT Spacious NEW apartments

Misc. for Sale

Hot Water Included

Walking Distance to Mall

250-865-2722 Sparwood, B.C.

PINEWAY COURT Apartment Units

Includes heat, lights, & hot water

250-865-2722

1 Bdrm plus den $775 (& up) month

Misc. for Sale

2 Bdrm plus den $850 (& up) month

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

Misc. for Sale

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

r $MPTF UP EPXOUPXO r "GGPSEBCMF r )PU XBUFS JODMVEFE r :PVS OFX IPNF

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month

Return all your empty beverage containers to a Return-It Depot for recycling. Find locations at encorp.ca/locations

GOLDEN OAK GARDENS

250-425-9912

Follow & friend The Free Press on your favorite social media. For all the latest news & reviews in The Elk Valley.

Rentals

Live in scenic &

SPARWOOD, B.C.

Scenic Downtown Elkford

Tools, Antlers, Vehicles, Wood work, Collectables, Furniture, Household Items, Machinery & MORE!

peaceful Elkford

ALDERWOOD PLACE Comfortable apartment units

Apt/Condo for Rent

Homes for Rent

SPARWOOD, 2-storey, 3bdrm townhouse for rent w/full basement, close to school & rec centre. (250)425-4448 primeprop@mymts.net

PineCrest Apartments Sparwood BC 1 & 2 bedroom apartments newly renovated, furnished and unfurnished available immediately starting at $800/month

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

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

Duplex / 4 Plex

2 bedroom, 1 bath fully furnished condo for rent in Sparwood Heights. Just bring your clothes. $1150. per month Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin At 250-425-7711

1228 Pinyon - Very large 3 level 1/2 duplex located in Sparwood Heights. 3 bedroom, 2 bath with fenced back yard, close to park and just steps away from the school bus stop. $975 per month, utilities not included. Contact Erin at

For Rent: 2 Condos turned into one very large, clean 2 bedroom, 2 bath fully furnished condo for rent in Sparwood Heights. This unit has everything you need including Jacuzzi tub, dishes, bedding. Just bring your clothes.. $1200 per month. Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

Apartments for Rent

250-423-3308 or 250-423-1236

Townhouses

27 Juniper - 3 bedroom townhouse with fenced backyard. Close to Rec Centre, park and schools. $850. per month plus utilities. Call Rick at 250-4255432 or Erin at 250-425-7711 assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

27 Juniper Court - Clean recently painted 3 bedroom townhouse with fenced backyard. Located downtown Sparwood close to a park and schools. $800. per month plus utilities. Call Rick at 250-4255432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

Transportation

Boats

Modular Homes 14’ wide Mobile Home for Rent 3 bedrooms, all appliances Call Joe at 250-425-5387 Located in Coleman - Newer 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile home on its own lot - $900 per month utilities not included. Call Erin at 250-425-7711 or Rick at 250-425-5432 or email assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

Sparwood - Several Mobile Homes for rent $600 - $1000 per month. Utilities not included. Please contact

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

695 per month

or call 250-425-7711 for more information.

Homes for Rent

World’s Finest FISHING BOATS

Furnished and Unfurnished Properties for rent in Sparwood and Elkford Contact Tammie Davy with Custom Real Estate and Property Management at 250-425-2968 or log on to www.elkvalleylistings.ca for more information.

Located behind the Best Western

Weldcraft, Hewescraft, Lund, Godfrey Pontoons Mark’s Marine, Hayden, ID 1-888-821-2200 www.marksmarineinc.com •

Sparwood 2 houses for rent 3 bedroom with full basement $650 & $800 p/m plus utilities. Available April. 1 Call Erin @ 250-425-7711 or Rick @ 250-425-5432

For more information call Through our web page www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/ferniefreepress

SELF STORAGE: Personal & commercial. Call Finnigan’s Storage.

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca or 250-425-7711 or 250-425-5432

1 & 2 Bedroom Units Furnished & Unfurnished From

For rent: 2 RV Moyie River front lots, fully serviced, side by side, 100x40, at 3 Valley Resort in Yahk, BC, $1000/year each including services. Email for more info:

Storage

Sparwood Heights - Fully upgraded - Must see! Large 1 bdrm furnished condo. Carbonado Court, Main floor, paved parking with plug ins, heat, water, laundry & hydro. Non smoking. $800/month plus DD. Call 250-425-5071.

2 Bed, 1 Bath condo for rent in Sparwood Heights. $900 per month, utilities not included. Call Erin at 250-425-7711 or Rick at 250-425-5432

Seasonal Accommodation

green_thumb_lina@hotmail.com

Contact Manager - 778-518-2253 or view at www.glprentals.com

1-250-865-7676

Sparwood 1 bdrm condo, @ Mtn. Air Chalets - furn or not inc util, w/deck, no pets, $700 + DD Call 403-616-6467 or 403-474-3926.

Rentals

New condos in Sparwood Heights 2 bed/2 bath units are $1050. per month. 2 bed/1 bath units $1100. per month. These units are in a new complex. New stainless steel appliances, granite counters, in suite washer/dryer. Building comes with an elevator and on site storage unit. No smoking or pets allowed. References required. (Utilities not included) Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

1422 & 1462 – 6th Avenue, Fernie

@FernieFreePress

250-423-1358

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

24/7 • anonymous • conﬁdential • in your language

YOUTH AGAINST VIOLENCE LINE

1-800-680-4264

info@youthagainstviolence.com

Stand up. Be heard. Get help.

We've got you covered The Free Press Distribution Area

Number of papers distributed FFP- Fernie Free Press

Elkford FFP - 723

www.thefreepress.ca Sparwood

THE FREE PRESS

FFP - 1785

Fernie

Est. 1898

FFP - 2735

Jaffray Elko

South Country

FFP - 649

Total

FFP- 5892

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Your Best Choice for Great Hong Kong Style Cuisine!

Brought to you by Fernie’s premiere Chinese restaurant

250-423-3211

YOUR HOROSCOPE for the week of May 3 to 9, 2015

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: PISCES, ARIES AND TAURUS

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

Your friends may soon invite you to go on a great trip. You may also undertake steps of a more spiritual nature, such as a pilgrimage.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

wifi available

1221A 7th Ave., Hwy. 3 Fernie • Beside ReMax

BRAIN GAMES ACROSS

1. Dessert wine 5. “____ the season . . .” 8. Pen fillers PUZZLE NO. 759 12. Place 13. Behave 14. Daytime TV 15. Mourned 16. Pod vegetable 17. Dilly 18. Long paddle 20. Slimmer 22. Wide’s partner 24. To the back 27. Fired up 28. In favor of 29. Adjust 33. “____ to Joy” 34. Defects 36. Casual shirt 37. Foot lever 39.“I Got ____ Babe” 40. Handbag hue 41. Hot spring 43.“This ____ House” 44. Go to extremes 47. Make a misstep 49. Basketball side 50. Beaver barrier 53.“____ in a Lifetime” Copyright © 2015, Penny Press 56. Run away from

CROSSWORDS

You feel a strong need to change a lot of things around you. Daily routine bores you, and you feel the need to live with more passion.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

It’s not always easy to please everyone, but you’re good at performing this sort of miracle. At work, you finalize a deal that was thought to be impossible.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

There could be a lot of stress at the office this week. Fortunately, you’re a strong person and you manage to sort out the mess.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

You’re congratulated by a lot of people, both at work and within your community. You distinguish yourself and may find that people want to put you on a pedestal, so to speak.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

Lots of people come to your home. If you have young children, don’t be surprised if they invite their friends to participate in some activities you organize.

57. Lens opening 58. Plumber’s problem 59. Cause to go 60. Allow 61. Ancient harp

DOWN

1. Bear’s extremity 2. Raw mineral 3. Narrated 4. Cheerio! 5. Pat 6. Arctic abundance 7. Not fresh 8. “Treasure ____” 9. Verb’s counterpart 10. Cabbagelike vegetable 11. Egg on 19. Given away in a lottery

21. Deletion 22. Film failure 23. Nurse’s helper 25. “Do, re, mi, fa, ____ . . .” 26. Cafeteria platters 30. Lawyer 31. Ring 32. Baby-sit 35. Trouble 38. Came to terms 42. Alpine music 44. Switch positions 45. Nasty 46. Opposite of odd 48. Roster 51. Vote in favor 52. Intersected 54. Convertible, e.g. 55. Gain with effort

ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 758

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

You have a lot to say this week. You bump into friends you haven’t seen in a while and you end up talking to them for ages.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

You spend part of the week shopping, probably with the goal of renewing your summer wardrobe. You let your friends influence your choices.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

You’re very dynamic and you suggest lots of initiatives. You’re thrilled at being able to gather together a group of friends in no time at all.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

It’s important that you don’t turn down invitations from friends to spend time at a treatment centre or spa, especially in order to be given a relaxing massage.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

You’re going to be surrounded by lots of people. Although there’s some stress in the air, you enjoy this contact with them. You’re also sure to enjoy the peace of home just as much.

PUZZLE NO. 495

HOW TO PLAY : Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Answers:

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

You end up shouldering a lot of responsibility and thus have to manage your time extremely efficiently. You have a great brainwave about your future.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

Peru 2015: Trip of a Lifetime

Grade 10 winner of The Free Press and CBAL writing contest shares his travels to Peru we walked across a narrow bridge that was probably 100 metres long over a rushing river, with a water content that showed it had been raining in the mountains the week before. As soon as we arrived to CIMA we were welcomed by some of the boys and introduced to the staff. Within an hour we were settled in and playing soccer with the boys. During the two weeks of volunteering at CIMA we built a roof and put siding on their sewage treatment plant, helped out on the farm by feeding the guinea pigs (cuy), rabbits and pigs, helped prepare the meals, planted grass, worked in the greenhouse, and my personal favourite - herded goats and a The Fernie Academy hiked several kilometres during their three- cow named Candy. We also made bracelets, week trip to Peru. Submitted photo painted and played some music, or tried to at least. It was hard work sometimes, but Submitted by Robert Angus the time we spent there was fantastic and we definitely made some friends. rom March 13-April 2 the Grade 10 class at The One day we went to the slums of Lima and we visited Fernie Academy went on a three-week trip to a school. It was incredible seeing what the nuns and the Peru. We spent the first two weeks at a boy’s community had built in order to provide an education home outside of the capital of Peru, Lima, called Centro for so many kids. The slums were sad though, with de Integration de Menores con Amor (CIMA) and our entire families living in tiny houses smaller than my last week was spent in the beautiful Sacred Valley, the personal room, and yet they were grateful for what center of the ancient Incan civilization. they had and even offered us some of their bottled After over 12 hours of travelling we arrived in Lima, water, which was undoubtedly expensive for them. It and as we stepped off the plane it felt so much different, was definitely one of the hardest parts of the trip and it mostly due to the heat and humidity. The next morning, opened my eyes to how hard life is in some places and after a small rest, we began our journey to CIMA. We it also showed me how CIMA is able to help the boys in drove through Lima, a giant city with over eight million their care, changing their lives. people living there. After about an hour or two we Our last week was spent travelling in the Sacred Valley. arrived in the valley of Cieneguiella. To get to CIMA Cusco was beautiful with its architecture dating back

hundreds of years. It was chilly, which was nice after the heat of Lima, but the altitude was very noticeable. Our first day was spent hiking though the Pisac Ruins, which was incredible because you could see how the Incans lived long ago. The next day we travelled to the small mountain village of Patabamba were we spent the night in rooms that were prepared for us by the villagers, and we were welcomed with a beautiful ceremony. The next morning was spent giving out donations of clothing that we brought with us from Canada. The people of the community were so grateful for that, as they went through bag after bag carrying around their new clothes and smiling. We went to salt mines in Maras and visited Moray, an Incan greenhouse. We also went to the ruins in Ollantaytambo, the last stand of the Incans, which was spectacular. Our second to last day was spent at Machu Picchu and climbing the Mountain behind the ruin, called Wyna Picchu. The hike was difficult and slightly terrifying, but literally wonderful. The time in the Sacred Valley was phenomenal and showed us a totally different culture than we had experienced during our first two weeks. The trip was amazing and was definitely my favourite. It was hard at times, but it was worth it. We were able to give donations to people in need and it was a humbling and very gratifying experience being able to see the happiness that we were able to bring them with little effort. It was also a great way to improve my soccer skills as well as my Spanish. The trip to Peru was a great experience, seeing the slums of a giant city and a world wonder, seeing houses made out of some 2x4’s and churches and ruins that used to be covered in gold, it changed the way I think about the world and gave me a better awareness of the people around me.

ShelterBox raises funds for Nepal disaster By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

alking through downtown Fernie this week, passers-by may have wondered about a tent set up at the corner of 6th Street and 2nd Avenue. That tent housed ShelterBox Canada Ambassador Andre Bloemink who had set up a personal fundraiser following the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal on Saturday, April 25. Response team members from ShelterBox were dispatched over the weekend and

Bloemink unfortunately was not one of to raise some awareness on my own,” them. Determined to said Bloemink. “My continue to make a intention now is to difference, Bloemink sleep here and work “Because I can’t go and I has set a goal of raising here until Friday.” saw that I had a ShelterBox $2,400 — enough for As of Tuesday sitting in my garage, I two ShelterBoxes. a f t e r n o o n , decided to raise some The Canadian Bloemink was awareness on my own.” government will already halfway to match his fundraising his fundraising goal Andre Bloemink goal up until May 25, with $1,250 raised. ShelterBox Canada Ambassador 2015. B l o e m i n k “Because I can’t go described his set and I saw that I had a up as “prime real ShelterBox sitting in my garage, I decided estate” on Second Avenue and that he’s

PET personalities

caught the attention of many people walking past his tent. ShelterBox provides relief to those who require emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies. Each box the company provides includes a family tent, blankets, water purification systems, cooking utensils and other vital items that families may need in the aftermath of a disaster. He will be camped out in front of The Good Earth until Friday, May 1. To contribute to Bloemink’s fundraiser visit www.shelterboxcanada.myetap.org/ fundraiser/fundraising/search.do and type in his name “Andre Bloemink.”

Cracking the curber code… When Walt says, “Yes, Yes, it it’s extra clean...”

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 30, 2015

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MINING WEEK PREVIEW

Teck Photo

May 3 to May 9, 2015 Recognizing the importance of mining in our communities

141A Aspen, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 (250) 425-2423 http://sparwoodchamber.bc.ca/

We thank Teck Coal and the various companies associated with the Elk Valley mining industry for their ongoing support of the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce and our local business community.

Mining Week luncheon Friday, May 8

with keynote speaker the Hon. Bill Bennett, MLA, Minister of Energy and Mines Please call Chamber before May 4th to reserve your spot.

Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015

Celebrating Mining Week

The importance of mining to Canada’s economy

irst celebrated in 1996, National Mining Week recognizes the importance of the Canadian mining industry to the economic development of Canada. It is a chance to celebrate the important role that mining plays in the lives of Canadians. It is hard to imagine a life without minerals and metals — every day, we all use and rely on products made from them. Mining takes place in almost every province and territory in Canada — creating jobs and business opportunities, and supporting industries and workers from rural, remote and Aboriginal communities to our large urban centres. British Columbia’s mining and mineral exploration industry

has a rich history and a promising future. B.C. has been one of the world’s major mining regions since the mid1800s and to this day is a key international player.

It is a chance to celebrate the important role that mining plays in the lives of Canadians. Encompassing the largest part of the Canadian Cordillera, a mountain belt rich in minerals and coal, B.C. produces and exports a significant amount of copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum, coal and industrial minerals

every year. Historically, B.C.’s vast mineral resources have contributed extensively to the province’s growth and development. The Hudson’s Bay Company first started producing coal on Vancouver Island in the 1840s, and the discovery of gold along the Fraser River in the 1850s sparked a major gold rush, which was ultimately responsible for the settlement of many parts of that region. As B.C.’s population increased, the provincial infrastructure improved, and miners were able to explore more and more of the province’s terrain, leading to many new mineral deposit discoveries. Throughout the century following

Teck photo

the Fraser River Gold Rush, most mining activities in British Columbia took place underground. But in

the early 1960s, the feasibility of open-pit production increased tremendously, and as a result, several huge

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copper mines opened, including Highland Valley Copper— the largest open-pit operation in all of

North America, and, of course, the coal mines here in the Elk Valley.

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015 B3

Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

Save lives by recycling batteries

recently announced a $5 million Aquatic Centre, The Source Fernie, eck has launched the partnership to scale up access to Sparwood Communications. For Zinc Saves Lives Battery zinc and oral rehydration salts more information visit www. call2recycle.ca. Recycling Campaign to in India. After you drop off the batteries, keep batteries out of landfills and Interested in donating used please report the number of help get zinc to the children who batteries? need it most. You can drop off used batteries batteries recycled at http://www. Every AA battery contains the at any Call2Recycle collection zincsaveslives.com and Teck will amount of zinc needed to save depots at Fernie Bottle Depot, donate the value of the zinc inside the lives of six children. For every Canadian Tire Fernie, Fernie those batteries to UNICEF. battery recycled during the campaign, which runs until August 31, 2015, Teck will donate the value of zinc it contains to UNICEF in City Hall 501-3rd Ave., Box 190 Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 support of our Zinc & Health www.fernie.ca partnership in India. As one of the world’s largest producers of zinc, Teck is committed to raising awareness about, and helping solve, the global issue of zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency is a global health challenge – 2 From the mayor, council and staff billion people worldwide are The City of Fernie affected and nearly 450,000 children die every year from complications associated We recognize with zinc deficiency. Teck’s Zinc & Health the support program works with that the mines international organizations to help deliver life-saving zinc provide to treatments to those in need. Teck has partnered with our Elk Valley UNICEF since 2009 in Nepal, communities. Peru and Namibia, and

Submitted

Celebrating our mining heritage

Teck Lands Coordinator, Casey Brennan, is supporting the Zinc Saves Lives campaign by recycling batteries. Teck will donate the value of the zinc inside recycled batteries to UNICEF. Submitted photo

Mining Week and what it means to us

ining is one of BC’s largest and oldest industries and BC Mining Week provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contribution of the modern industry to British Columbians. BC Mining Week is declared each year by the Legislature of British Columbia. BC Mining Week 2015 takes place May 3 to 9. This celebration has a long history in B.C. The first B.C. Mining Week took place 25 years ago in Vancouver. What began as a celebration in Vancouver many years ago has now spread province-wide in communities across the province that want to participate in the recognition of the contribution of the mining sector in B.C. In the Elk Valley, mining plays an especially important part of our community. The industry creates jobs, supports businesses, fosters growth, and creates communities. Mining Week gives us a chance to not only pay tribute to mining throughout B.C. but to celebrate how it has helped the Valley grow. The Elk Valley benefits from having top trained mine rescue workers available in the event of an accident at one of the mines. As mining week begins, the Elk Valley remembers the rich heritage of mining in the valley while looking ahead to a prosperous and vibrant future.

Proud supporters of Mining in the Elk Valley

We are proud to support and serve the mining industry and the Elk Valley!

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Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015

Sparwood mining history and heritage

Sparwood’s roots are deep and must not be forgotten. The loss of three smaller towns is how Sparwood became what it is today. By Jenna Jensen

parwood’s coal mining history dates back into the 1800’s. Although some of the landmarks have been lost over the years, there are still photos, records and stories passed down through the years to remind today’s residents of all that came before them. Sparwood’s roots are deeply rooted in mining. Originally there were three separate towns, now long gone. Although not all of the history is reason to celebrate, it all made Sparwood the town it is today.

Michel, Natal & Middletown

These three small settlements only separated by a kilometre were the site of what was eventually to become the beginning of Sparwood. Many people travelled from England, Czechoslovakia and Italy among other places to start a new life in the hopes of a bright future in the booming coal mining industry.

Michel

Maybe seen as the most well known and documented of the three settlements, Michel is where the coal boom began. In 1899 the Crow’s Nest Coal Company (CNP) was ready for a huge future in mining when testing revealed that the coal in the area was perfect for coking - which also meant huge profits. The first settlements consisted of 12 identical houses, Michel Hotel and a little store. Men went to work in the mines and the women tended house. At first coal production was slow, but a push from CPR encouraged the mines to start producing more. Life in Michel was not without misfortune. Fires for three consecutive years and explosions killed many men.

Natal

Natal was first established in 1907. Natal was also known as New Town and New Michel. Natal was a place set up to give the miners options of another place to live besides the town of Michel. Miners could build their own houses here as many did, and later some small family businesses set up creating jobs for the women and became a central place for families to go when they needed something.

Middletown

One of the least known settlements of the three, Middletown was given its name as it was located between the two towns of Michel and Natal. Middletown was the smallest of the three settlements, consisting of three dirt roads and approximately 40 houses.

Michel-Natal hospital.

Submitted photo

Village of Michel.

Submitted photo

Downtown Natal.

Submitted photo

The Makings of Sparwood

Sparwood was developed by Crow’s Nest Coal Company for a place to house mine managers. Sparwood was clean and quiet, being built upwind from the billowing smoke and debris from the coke ovens. In 1960 oil and gas were in much more demand than coal and the effects on the settlements had already been taken. Many people were left in dismay as they had put all their life’s savings into the homes they had built in the towns. A lot of folks were angry and did not want to leave, but in the end they were left no choice as their homes were demolished. What little money they did receive for them was surely not enough to build a new one, but people made do. The beginning of Sparwood may not have been the brightest, but to take a look at it now, all will say what a wonderful place it is to live.

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THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015 B5

Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

About Elk Valley area coal mines Coal Mountain

Fording River

Elkview

Greenhills

Line Creek

26.7 million

Teck’s Coal Mountain operation is located 30 kilometres southeast of Sparwood in southeastern British Columbia. Coal mined at Coal Mountain is used to produce steel. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant are approximately 2.7 and 3.5 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. Proven and probable reserves at Coal Mountain are projected to support mining at current planned production rates for a further 6 years. Last updated: April 2014

Teck’s Greenhills operation is located eight kilometres northeast of the community of Elkford, in southeastern British Columbia. Greenhills is operated under a joint venture agreement among Teck, POSCO Canada Limited (“POSCAN”) and POSCAN’s parent, POSCO. Pursuant to the agreement, Teck has an 80% interest in the joint venture while POSCAN has a 20% interest. Coal mined at Greenhills is used to produce steel. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant (on a 100% basis) are 5.2 and 5.2 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. Proven and probable reserves at Greenhills are projected to support mining at current planned production rates for a further 14 years. Last updated: April 2014

Teck’s Fording River operation is located 29 kilometres northeast of the community of Elkford, in southeastern British Columbia. The mine produces steelmaking coal. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant are approximately 9.0 million and 9.5 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. Proven and probable reserves at Fording River are projected to support mining at current planned production rates for a further 70 years. Last updated: April 2014

Teck’s Line Creek operation is located approximately 25 kilometres north of Sparwood in southeastern British Columbia. Line Creek produces steelmaking coal. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant are approximately 3.5 and 3.5 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. At current planned production rates Line Creek has an estimated remaining reserve life of approximately 19 years. Last updated: April 2014

Teck’s Elkview operation is located approximately three kilometres east of Sparwood in southeastern British Columbia. Teck has a 95 per cent partnership interest in Elkview. The remaining 5 per cent is indirectly held equally by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, a Japanese steel producer, and POSCO, a Korean steel producer, each of which acquired a 2.5 per cent interest in 2005. The coal produced at Elkview is used to make steel. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant (on a 100 per cent basis) are approximately 6.5 million and 6.8 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. At current planned production rates, Elkview is estimated to have a remaining reserve life of approximately 29 years. Last updated: April 2014

Number of tonnes of coal sold in 2014

Teck is the world’s second largest exporter of seaborne steelmaking coal, an essential ingredient in the production of steel. Their coal business consists of six mines: five in British Columbia and one in Alberta. Coal sales were 26.7 million tonnes in 2014, the majority of which was shipped to the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to Europe and the Americas. Steelmaking Coal accounted for 32 per cent of their business in 2014.

Mining keeps communities moving Our mines produce more than just minerals. They support families, help to build communities and foster economic growth. Mining has been at the heart of Elk Valley life since the 1890s. Today, Teck’s five steelmaking coal mines employ over 4,000 men and women and inject almost $1 billion into the local economy each year. To learn more, visit www.teck.com

Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015

Crows Nest Pass Coal Company Archives Hidden Treasure F By John Kinnear

ernie city hall was once the main office for the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company (CNPCC) and its subsidiaries and operated as such for over seventy-five years. Within its eighteen inch thick cast concrete block walls, from its completion in 1905 through until it was donated to the city in 1983, a virtual cornucopia of artifacts, documents, pictures, books, drawings and fine oak furniture were accumulated. Around 1980 someone within Shell Canada, who was then the owners of CNPCC and the building, called in the Glenbow Museum and Archives to take over this remarkable and valuable collection and move it to their archives for safe keeping. All manner of documentation was loaded up into 78 boxes that covered the company history from as far back as 1888 to 1975. Annual reports, correspondence, investigation and inquest notes, wage agreements, legal and financial papers, scrap books, employee records and a whole myriad of related paperwork was shipped off to Calgary to be indexed and properly stored. Fortunately, at the time this was happening, there was an intercession by Fernie office employees and the transfer was

Crowsnest Coalfield – A model for interpretation.

“It was then that I came to know of the remarkable hidden treasure in the basement and spent many years working with and displaying its contents. It is probably one of the finest and most complete coal mine artifact collections that exists in Canada and one can literally become totally consumed by its contents.“ Annual Reports – A wealth of historic mining information.

halted before any of the significant artifact collection was removed. So it came to be that the archives room in the basement became the coal company museum and has stayed as such for the last thirtyfive years. I started work for the renamed version of CNPCC (Crowsnest Resources) in this building in 1980 before the Line Creek Mine was ready to go and spent some time in their drafting room which is now the council chambers. It was then that I came to know of the remarkable hidden treasure in the basement and spent many years working with and displaying its contents. It is probably one of the finest and most complete coal mine artifact collections that exists in Canada and one can literally become totally consumed by its contents. Within the beautiful woodpanelled walls of the archives room one can find all manner of artifacts directly or indirectly connected to the coal company history. For this researcher it is the mining books and government annual reports that are a gold mine. Dating back to the late 1800’s the annual reports provide a complete overview of all mineral activity in the province complemented by significant pictures of new and existing mining developments. Archives Room – A land of oak and treasures.

Continued on page C7 Photos by John Kinnear

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015 B7

Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

Crows Nest Pass Coal Company Archives Hidden Treasure cont’d Continued from page C6

There are also two complete sets of mining texts that cover every single aspect of coal mining (construction and operation) one can imagine. One thirty volume set has the CNPCC name embossed in gold on the front of each one and the sketches interspersed within each volume have a level of artistry not seen these days in publications. Literally hundreds of reference texts on every imaginable topic lay waiting in oak shelving units for one to peruse over. I was surprised to find amongst these mining gems a 1908 publication by no less than Alfred Nobel entitled: “The Book of High Explosives” with a

four page fold-out of their huge explosives factory in Glasgow, Scotland. The scope and value of the archive book collection is huge and for a mining historian like myself a literal treasure trove of information. When one first steps into the archives room one’s senses are swept away by all the oak finery, the eye delights of such things as a dinosaur footprint cast in stone, the historic pictures that line the tops of the panelled walls and the immense variety of interesting artifacts that one beholds. Within the small museum space one can become totally immersed in every aspect of the fascinating history of a coal company that developed the huge coal resources of the Crowsnest Coalfield.

“When one first steps into the archives room one’s senses are swept away by all the oak finery, the eye delights of such things as a dinosaur footprint cast in stone, the historic pictures that line the tops of the panelled walls and the immense variety of interesting artifacts that one beholds.“

Paris 1900 World Exposition brass medal.

The Crowsnest Coalfield was modelled in two scales by the company and the larger model that sits on a 4 foot by 8 foot table in the archive is one of a kind. It displays surface topography and

geology of the Fernie/Sparwood area and the surrounding geological formations and can be split apart in three places to show subsurface geology. It is a wonderful hands-on teaching

Oak roll top desk- A mini-museum in itself. Photos by John Kinnear

tool. Long before Google Earth this model helped show the 3D extent of the coalfield and the surrounding geology. To develop this coalfield’s resource meant understanding the Kootenay coal bearing formation’s extent and where it’s outcropping in the valley bottom presented a developable scenario. Amongst the dozen or so pieces of oak office furniture the rolltop desk stands as the piecede-resistance and is chock-ablock full of fascinating artifacts including a pair of 38 and 32 calibre pistols that were originally kept in payroll upstairs. Guess they didn’t want a coal miner withdrawing more than he had earned! Stored also in the desk are some fascinating three inch diameter bronze medallions that were awarded the coal company for exhibits in some rather faraway places like world fairs held in Paris, France in 1900, St. Louis, Missouri in 1904 and the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland Oregon in 1905. There is also a 1910 trophy awarded them by the Spokane Interstate Fair for best coke and coal display. Nearby, securely chained to yet another solid oak filing cabinet, is an 1898 model Winchester lever action 38-55 rifle with the name J. J. Crabb, a former officer of the CNPCC who did a lot of field work up in the mountains. Exploration could get dangerous at times I guess and this calibre of rifle makes a helluva bang. Please see next week’s issue of Mining Week in The Free Press for the continuation of ‘Crowsnest Pass Coal Company Archives Hidden Treasure’.

Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015

Credit: Coal Alliance

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015 B9

Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

glossary of mining terms

ACID DEPOSITION - The transfer of acids or acid-forming substances from the atmosphere to the earth’s surface. Referred to as wet deposition when the transfer occurs through precipitation (rain, snow, fog); and dry deposition when the transfer occurs through other processes such as absorption, impaction, sedimentation, and chemical reaction. ACID SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS Environments which can be easily damaged by acid deposition. Some environments have natural buffering capabilities which allow them to neutralize significant amounts of acid deposition. AGGLOMERATION - A family of processes which can be used to concentrate valuable minerals (including coal) based on their adhesive properties. ANTHRACITE - Coal of the highest rank; it is almost pure carbon and is used mainly for home heating and cooking, in some developing countries industrial purposes. BITUMINOUS - An intermediate ranked coal between anthracite and sub-bituminous coal. It has a high carbon content and is low in moisture content. Bituminous coal can be used for both steelmaking and power generation. Low and medium volatile bituminous coals are ranked by their carbon content, while high volatile bituminous coals are ranked by their heating value. BOILER - A tank in which water is heated or steam is generated. BREAKER - A machine which combines coal crushing and screening. Normally consists of a rotating drum in which coal is broken by gravity impact against the walls of the drum. CARBON DIOXIDE - A colorless, odorless, nontoxic radiative gas that is essential to plant and animal life. It is also emitted as a result of burning organic materials, including fossil fuels. CHARCOAL - The residue, primarily carbon, from the partial combustion of wood or other organic matter. CLEAN-COAL TECHNOLOGIES - Technologies that allow coal-based power or electricity generation to have improved environmental performance, through decreased emissions. These technologies decrease emissions by using coal in a more efficient and costeffective manner. CLIMATE - The long-term/overall weather of an area. Climate therefore, is the cumulative grouping of separate weather patterns. (see Weather) CLIMATE CHANGE - A wholly natural phenomenon in which climate varies over centuries and millennia through the influence of various factors, such as solar cycles, the change of relative humidity in the atmosphere, and changing levels of so-called “greenhouse gases”. This phrase is often used in place of the term “global warming”. (see Global Warming) COAL - A fossil fuel composed mostly of carbon, with traces of hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur and other elements. COAL DESULPHURIZATION - Removal of sulphur from coal or coal gas. COAL GASIFICATION - Any of a variety of processes by which coal is converted to a gas. COKE - A hard, dry carbon substance produced by heating coal to a very high temperature in the absence of air. Coke is used in the manufacture of iron and steel. COMBUSTION CHAMBER - The part of a boiler in which fuel is burned. DEMONSTRATION PHASE - A stage in the research and development process during which a process or facility is tested under anticipated operating conditions. DRAGLINE - An excavating machine that uses a bucket operated and suspended by lines or cables, one

METALLURGICAL COAL - A term used to describe varieties of bituminous coal that are converted into coke for use in the steelmaking process. From the Coal Association of Canada www.coal.ca

METHANE - The most simple of the hydrocarbons formed naturally from the decay of vegetative matter, similar to that which formed coal. It is the principal component of natural gas and is a radiative gas. Mtce - Mega tonnes of coal equivalent.

of which lowers the bucket from the boom; the other, from which the name of the machine is derived, allows the bucket to swing out from the machine or to be dragged toward the machine to remove overburden above a coal seam.

NITROGEN OXIDES (NOx) - Formed when nitrogen (N2) combines with oxygen (O2) in the burning of fossil fuels, from the natural degradation of vegetation, and from the use of chemical fertilizers. NOx gases are a significant component of acid deposition and a precursor of photochemical smog. The primary source of nitrogen oxide emissions is automobile exhaust.

ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR - An electrical device for removing fine particles (fly ash) from combustion gases prior to release from a power plant’s stack.

OZONE (O3) - A bluish toxic gas, with a pungent odor, formed of three oxygen atoms rather than the usual two. Occurs in the stratosphere and plays a role in filtering out ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays. At ground level ozone is a precursor of photochemical smog.

ENERGY - The capacity to do work; more commonly used as an all-encompassing generic term describing fuel sources used to provide power. ENERGY MIX - The combination of sources used to provide energy at any given time and place. Energy sources include coal, oil, gas, water (hydro), uranium (nuclear), wind, sunlight, geothermal and others. FAULTS / FAULTED - A fracture in the earth’s crust causing displacement of the layers. FLUIDIZED BED COMBUSTION - A process which has a high capability of removing sulphur from coal during combustion. Crushed coal and limestone are suspended in the combustion chamber in the bottom of a boiler by an upward stream of hot air. The coal is burned in this fluid-like mixture. Instead of being released as emissions, sulphur from combustion gases combines with the limestone to form a solid compound recovered with the ash.

OVERBURDEN - Layers of rock and soil covering a coal seam. In surface mining operations, overburden is removed using large equipment and is either used for reclaiming mined areas or hauled to designated dumping areas.

Continued on page C10

Come read about mining history at the Sparwood Public Library We are open: 10 am - 8 pm Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am - 5 pm Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 12 noon - 4 pm Sunday. We are closed Mondays and Statutory Holidays!

GASIFICATION - (see Coal Gasification) GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING - The branch of engineering that specializes in assessing the stability and strength of soil and rock materials, as well as groundwater conditions. In mining, geotechnical engineering principles are used to determine the appropriate design of mine features such as pit walls, tunnels and earthen embankments.

For more information call 250-425-2299 or join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sparwoodlibrary

GLOBAL WARMING - A potential increase in the temperature of the earth’s lower atmosphere which some researchers link to the build-up of radiative gases in the atmosphere. (see Climate Change) GREENHOUSE EFFECT - A misnomer for a natural phenomenon that occurs when so-called ‘greenhouse gases’ trap radiated heat in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is actually a minor portion of a complex and dynamic process of heating and cooling that occurs in the earth’s atmosphere. This natural process of heating and cooling also includes the fluid dynamics associated with atmospheric moisture (such as clouds), oceans and other surface water, soot and other dust particles known as aerosols. The entire heating and cooling cycle warms the atmosphere and makes life on earth possible.

The Clean Power Leader of Elk Valley Mining

GREENHOUSE GASES - Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (NO2), and other trace gases which restrict the re-radiation of infrared heat back into the atmospheres. HOPPER - A bin or funnel that is loaded from the top and which discharges through a door or chute at the bottom. HYDROCARBONS - A class of compounds containing hydrogen and carbon formed by the decomposition of plant and animal remains, including coal, mineral oil, petroleum, natural gas, paraffin, the fossil resins and the solid bitumens occurring in rocks. Gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons. HYDROELECTRICITY - Electricity generated using falling water as an energy source. LIGNITE - A low-rank coal with a relatively high moisture and low heat/energy content. Ranging in colour from black to brown, lignite is used in power generation. LIQUEFACTION - The process of converting coal into a synthetic liquid fuel, similar in nature to crude oil and other refined products. LOW SULPHUR COAL - Coal which has a sulphur content generally ranging from 0.1 per cent to 1.0 per cent. All western Canadian coal is low in sulphur.

Every solution. Every time. 731 Douglas Fir Rd, Sparwood • 250-425-0522

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Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015

A truck with a colourful past

nyone driving past Sparwood would struggle to miss the town’s biggest, greenest tourist attraction. It might not be the world’s largest truck anymore, but the Terex Titan in Sparwood is still drawing curious tourists off Highway 3 to have their photo taken next to it. Although now it is just a reason for motorists to pull over, the “big green truck” was once a fully working mine truck. The 3,000hp Terex Titan (at that time Terex was part of GM) first appeared in 1974, and was the only one of its type ever built. It was built in GM’s London, Ontario plant, and could haul a load of 320 tonnes. Not only was it somewhat unusual being a six-wheeler it was also the biggest dump,

highest capacity haul truck in existence for 25 years until the debut of the 360 tonne capacity Caterpillar 797 in September 1998. These days, CAT, Komatsu and Liebherr have all made larger mining trucks, but the Belarusian mining equipment manufacturer, Belaz, set a Guinness Record last year with its dump truck called the 75710, a 27-foot, eight-wheel truck able to carry 450 tonnes. The Titan first started work for Kaiser Steel in its Eagle Mountain iron mine in late 1974. At this mine the Titan suffered from downtime problems but eventually hauled some three-and-a-half million tonnes of earth until 1978. In late 1978 it was then brought to Kaiser Steel’s Sparwood mine in Canada. The truck was too large to be moved by road, so it arrived by train on eight flatbed cars. It was re-assembled and driven to the mine. In 1983 the mine was renamed to Westar Mining, and the Titan also changed colours from lime green to Westar’s blue and yellow. Shortly after, Westar directly purchased the Titan from General Marian B. Gravelle Motors, for US$200 thousand and $1 Notary Public million in spare parts. Westar finally retired the Titan in 1-800-668-7729 1991. It was then put on public display in Sparwood in 1993. The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce subsequently established a fundraising effort for the restoration of the Titan. The engine has since been removed and last year the truck got spruced up with a fresh lick of bright green paint!

Proud to support the mining community!

2 2200 Balmer Dr, Elkford, BC (250) 865-2327

We are proud supporters of mining in the Elk Valley

Open 7 days a week

The Titan in Sparwood.

Photo from The Free Press files

glossary cont. of mining terms Continued from page C9

PEAT - A dark brown or black deposit resulting from the partial decomposition of vegetative matter in marshes and swamps. 651 Douglas Fir Road Sparwood BC V0B 2G0 250-425-2077

Mon to Fri 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Sat 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sun 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

PIT PONIES - Small horses, mules, or ponies which were used to pull coal shuttle cars from underground mines during the 1800s. PROVED RESERVES - Those quantities which geological and engineering information indicate with reasonable certainty can be recovered in the future from known deposits under existing economic and operating conditions.

Overwaitea Foods Sparwood proudly supports Mining Week and our communities!

Thank you all for shopping local

250-425-6489 2-101 Red Cedar Dr., Sparwood

soft coal with a heating value between bituminous and lignite. It has low fixed carbon and high percentages of moisture and volatile material. Sub-bituminous coal is mainly used for generating electricity.

SULPHUR OXIDES (SOx) - A family of gases, including sulphur dioxide (SO2) formed when sulphur, or fossil fuels containing sulphur, burn in air. Airborne sulphur compounds may be converted to other substances which contribute to acid deposition. TECTONIC FORCES - Forces pertaining to, causing or resulting from structural deformation of the earth’s crust.

RADIATIVE GASES - Any of the natural or man-made gases which, when released, accumulate in the atmosphere. A characteristic of these gases is that they tend to allow the sun’s heat to pass through to earth but do not allow the heat radiated back from the earth to escape from the atmosphere.

THERMAL COAL - A term used to describe coal which is used primarily to generate heat. Also referred to as steam coal.

SCRUBBER - Any of several forms of chemical/physical devices which operate to remove sulphur compounds formed as a result of fossil-fuel combustion. These devices normally combine the sulphur in gaseous emissions with another chemical medium to form inert compounds which can then be removed for disposal.

TURBINE - A machine that has propeller-like blades which can be moved by flowing water or gas (including steam) thereby rotating a component in a generator to produce electricity.

SHEARER - A rotating cutting device used in underground mining to remove coal from the coal seam. SUB-BITUMINOUS - A generally

TON - An Imperial unit of weight equivalent to 2,000 pounds or 907.2 kg. This is also known as a “short ton”. TONNE - A metric unit of weight equivalent to 1000 kg or 2,240 pounds. This is also known as a “metric ton” or “long ton”.

UNIT TRAIN - A train typically consisting of approximately 100 to 110 cars, which is dedicated to the transport of a single commodity such as coal. VOLATILE MATTER - Matter that is driven off as gas or vapor when coal is heated to about 950° C.

WEATHER - Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a given time that includes temperature, precipitation, humidity, pressure, winds.

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015 B11

Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

Fabrication • Cranes • Repairs • Metal Buildings

Credit: Coal Alliance

We salute Teck Coal for their operations and continued community support

Did you know?

Salute to all the mines in the Elk Valley.

Mining Facts Direct jobs in the Elk Valley: 3500 Worksafe B.C. statistics show that the mining industry is the safest heavy industry in BC. Coal represents a third of the industrial traffic at the Port of Vancouver, the largest port in Canada. Mining is one of the highest paid industrial sectors nationwide. The coal stocks of southern British Columbia and Alberta are among the richest in Canada. Major minerals produced in BC (as a % of Canada’s production): Coal (66%); Copper (40%); Silver (50%); Gold, Lead, Molybdenum & Zinc. Canada is one of the worlds leading mining countries.

Advocating responsible exploration and mining practices, conservation standards and a future for our communities.

SPARWOOD • 250-425-7738

250-464-9559 • www.ekcm.org

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Mining Week ~ May 3 to 9

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, April 30, 2015

urface mining is the form of coal mining used in the Elk Valley because the coal belt is not far under the ground. Giant machines like bulldozers, bucket excavators, and large trucks remove the topsoil and rocks to expose large beds of coal which need to be dug out. Explosives are first used in order to break through the surface, or overburden, of the mining area. Blasting for coal is an integral part of the mine operations. Elkview and Fording River have their own explosives plant to supply product to the rest of the mines in the valley. As in all mining operations, many people are involved to ensure that it is conducted safely. There are four electric drills. The drills make holes 34 cm in diameter that are 17 m deep, and are able to drill 30 to 60 cm per minute. The drill holes are loaded with explosives and then blasted. The holes are placed in a surveyed pattern of approximately 9 m by 10.4 m. There are 250 to 400 holes per blast. The holes with water in them are lined with plastic to keep the powder dry. The explosives are made up of 94 per cent ammonium nitrate and six per cent diesel. Blasts are done three to four times per week, equaling 150 to 200 times per year. The cost per hole is about $175, making blasting the third largest expense after wages and fuel. A shovel and truck operation is used to remove overburden and coal. The overburden is first drilled and then blasted. After the blast, the overburden is taken to the one of the numerous dumps. The coal is either taken to the pit hopper where it is transported by an overland conveyor belt to the breaker station, or it is taken to the breaker station directly. It may also

Coal processing be put to stockpile for later use. At the breaker station, the coal is separated from the rock using a rotary drum. The rotary drum has two inch holes in it. The coal breaks up and falls through the holes. Because the rock is harder it does not break up and flows out the end. This is the first stage of separation.

flotation. Currently, 30,000 tonnes of raw coal goes through the plant every operating day. This results in approximately 20,000 tonnes of clean coal and 10,000 tonnes of reject. To expose one tonne of clean coal, between eight and nine cubic meters of waste rock is moved.

“In 24 hours, workers can remove 317,000 tonnes of rock and 24,000 tonnes of raw coal.“ From there, the coal is put on the raw coal belt that is over a metre wide and travels through a tunnel in the mountain for 1.5 km to the preparation plant. Here, clean coal is further cleaned by means of heavy media separation, cyclone classification, and froth

In 24 hours, workers can remove 317,000 tonnes of rock and 24,000 tonnes of raw coal. This means that in one year, they mine 116 million tonnes of rock and 8.8 million tonnes of raw coal which produces about 5.2 million tonnes of coking coal once it has

been cleaned in the processing plant. In the processing plant, coal is sorted by size and then cleaned. After washing, the coal is conveyed to the dryer to reduce the moisture content. The steam that comes out of the dryers is mostly water with a few particles in it. On top of the district building in Sparwood is a monitor that measures the amount of dust in the air. The coal comes in with 25 per cent ash content and leaves with a 9.5 per cent ash content. 30 per cent of the feed to the plant is rejected and placed in waste piles called coarse coal reject or tailing impoundments. After the coal goes through the dryer, it goes to the clean coal silos. Each silo can hold 12,500 tonnes of clean coal. From the clean coal silos, the coal is loaded onto the trains using a frontend/backend system. The train cars are loaded directly

PROUDLY SERVING MINING AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS IN THE ELK VALLEY FOR OVER 11 YEARS ANNOUNCING OUR NEW, EXCLUSIVE

under the silos. Each train has 115 to 124 cars and each car can hold about 107 tonnes of coal. Elkview’s loop track limits the length of a train which can be loaded, in order to allow the front end to pass the back end. After the coal is loaded onto the cars, the cars stop at the spray shack. Here they are topped with a layer of tackifier to prevent dusting during travel. On average, about five trains full of coal leave the Elk Valley mines each day before coming back empty. The round trip takes about 80 hours. Teck's mines in the Elk Valley share a fleet of about 38 trains, carrying the coal across BC to Vancouver where it is shipped to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Brazil and Turkey.

APEX POWER & AUTOMOTION, ELK VALLEY RESIDENTIAL DIVISION

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BC Office: #14 Iskut Rd., Elkford * 250-425-5464 AB Office: 3775 14th Ave. N., Lethbridge * 403-394-9393

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is proud to support the mining industry in the Elk Valley 585 Michel Creek Sparwood, BC 1 800-663-2705