The Free Press, January 07, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

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GHOSTRIDERS

Four games in six days - Page 17 ELK VALLEY

Integra Air flies to Cranbrook - Page 2 ENTERTAINMENT

A motorbike burns in a garage fire at a property in the Annex on New Year’s Eve. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Photo courtesy of the Fernie Fire Department

By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

Eadweard to premiere in Fernie - Page 15

POLITICS

Bill Bennett’s year ahead - Page 4

n New Years Eve, Fernie Fire and Rescue responded to a call in the Annex area because garage that had caught on fire. “The cause for this fire is undetermined at this time, but it is possible that it was fireworks related,” said Ted Ruiter, chief at the Fernie Fire Department on Jan. 4. The garage and its contents sustained heavy damage, so much that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. “I went back the following day

and there was so much damage it is kind of hard to determine exactly what the cause was,” said Ruiter. “It is hard to say there is so much damage, there was fireworks that evening, not just by that particular resident but lost of people in that particular neighborhood were blasting off fireworks because it was New Years Eve. The majority of them failed to get permits, which is against the bylaw.” The chief wants to remind residents of Fernie that there are permits required for fires and fireworks. “[It’s] important to note that any

Sat. Jan. 9

Show off your skills! Open to skiers & snowboarders Great prizes! Register @ Guest Services

fireworks set off in the City of Fernie requires a Fire Works Permit and approval by the Fire Chief or his designate, Bylaw No. 2029, The Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw,” said Ruiter. Bylaws like No. 2029 are in place to help mitigate potentially uncontrolled fires. “Our bylaw speaks to what people can and can’t do in Fernie. We allow people to have fire pit permits, which follow certain guidelines and distances. As far as firework permits they have to come and apply for that,” said Ruiter. “There is a $10 dollar fee if it is

personal use on your own property. You just need to be aware that there are certain hazards, especially with close proximity to buildings and so forth.” The bylaw regulates the use, sale, restriction and permits of fireworks in aims to promote safe and responsible firework use. While there were fireworks in the Annex area that night, the fire department is unsure the specific cause of the fire. Due to the open investigation and insurance claims, certain details of the fire could not be released at this time.

COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY Sunday, January 10th

THANKS to our local community!

Come out for a FREE day of skiing & riding with us! Fundraising BBQ at base area from 11am-2pm (donations to CARDA) Valid for residents of the Elk Valley, including Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, Elko & Jaffray. Must present photo ID & proof of local residency to receive free lift ticket.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Teck starts LNG project By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

eck has started a new pilot that is the first in Canada by equipping some of the mining companies haulers with a blended liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel source. Six haul trucks make up the pilot at Teck’s Fording River steelmaking coal operation. The pilot had support from FortisBC, a gas and electric power distributor. “Teck, with support from FortisBC, is piloting the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel source in six haul trucks at the Fording River steelmaking coal operation,” said Nic Milligan, Manager of Community and Aboriginal Affairs at Teck. It is possible that there will be a large reduction in CO2 emissions and big fuel cost savings. “There is the potential to eliminate approximately 35,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually at Teck’s steelmaking coal operations and potentially reduce fuel costs by more than $20 million annually by adopting

LNG and diesel hybrid fuel across the operations,” said Milligan. The pilot uses a blended fuel source, as a complete fuel source change over would involve new engines for the haulers. “Teck is using a blended fuel because LNG alone is not compatible with the existing haul truck engines.” The LNG pilot gives give information to Teck to allow them to evaluate and compare the blended LNG with the full diesel powered trucks. The pilot is expected to operate until the halfway point of next year. “The pilot is expected to run until mid-year 2016 and will provide us with more information about the potential of using LNG more broadly across Teck’s haul truck fleet. We will evaluate next steps once the pilot is complete. Costs relating to the pilot are proprietary for business reasons,” said Milligan. Teck recognizes that they could not have done the pilot themselves and acknowledges the help from its employees at the jobsite and strategic units.

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Integra Air begins direct Calgary flights

Integra Air celebrated it’s inaugural flight from Calgary to the Canadian Rockies International Airport on Monday. Submitted photo By Trevor Crawley Cranbrook Daily Townsman

t was touchdown at 8:30 a.m. at the Canadian Rockies International Airport on Monday morning as Integra Air arrived as part of its inaugural flight from Calgary. Announced last month, Integra Air will begin with two daily return flights from CRIA to Calgary on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and single return flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Arriving on the Jetstream 3100 aircraft was Brent Taylor, the business development manager for Integra Air, while six passengers and a toddler were the first to try out the new service. "We're really excited, sometimes you don't realize until you get going," said Taylor. "Now that we're here, it's kind of like Christmas morning, we're finally here, so we know that it's going to take a little bit to get it going. "…We'll probably have our little highs and lows, but we're excited and looking forward to serving the community and connecting to Calgary and bringing the Calgary folks here." The 35-minute Integra Air flights are direct to and from Calgary, complementing existing carriers at CRIA in Air Canada—which also provides flights to Calgary—and Pacific Coastal

Airlines, which operates strictly in B.C. Tristan Chernove, the manager of the CRIA, noted that growth over the last six years of his tenure has attracted attention from other air carriers. "We've had significant growth every year, year over year and that's really the factor that allows us to be successful in attracting new carriers," Chernove said. "When I arrived here in 2009, we were just shy of 100,000 passengers and now we're nearing 140,000 passengers, so that's really sustained growth over that period. "When carriers see that, it gives them good confidence that it's a place that's got a growing market, growing tourism activity and it's a big part of why we're having success." Chernove adds that it's exciting to have a new carrier operating at CRIA. "We've got a great approach, we've got an incredible landing system, great reliability and plenty of capacity. The only constraint we have to much more growth in air services is demographics and population density," he said. "So this is really exciting to have an airline that is suitable for a smaller market as compared to what a lot of the airlines fly with, which is really large planes that are difficult to fill with our limited population."

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Alexa’s Team program combats impaired driving By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

ver the past decade, a program called Alexa’s Team has emerged to help combat influenced driving by recognizing RCMP and police offers who see driving under the influence as major issue. The program was initiated after a hit and run in Delta that resulted in the death of a young girl. “Over the last 10 years, there has been something developed called Alexa’s Team. There was an impaired driver who hit a little girl. The driver fled and left the girl at the scene and she died.” Said Sgt. Will Thien of the Elk Valley RCMP. It took a lot of resources to catch the driver who struck and killed Alexa Middelaer. “The lady fled the scene. It took Delta police a very long time to find who the person may be,” said Thien. “They ended up having to do an undercover operation to find her. It was all over the media, yeah, she got convicted for it, but it took a lot of resources to do it.” This unfortunate event moved lawmakers into taking a more aggressive stance on driving under the influence

and the regulation of influencing substances. “I think that prompted lawmakers and legislative assembly who were looking at driving under the influence to say this has got to stop. The current government talks about legalizing marijuana; if it is legal you won’t get a peep from the police,” said Thien. “Alcohol is legal too, but it is regulated. Impaired driving has always been an issue, I think we need to swallow our pride and admit that alcohol impaired driving is an issue for everybody.” Alexa’s Team uses the same principles and techniques of fighting influenced driving. Breath administrations, or breathalyzers tests do give some flexibility to officers. If a drive blows over the legal blood alcohol content amount, what Thien refers to as 80, or 0.8, there are automatic punishments in place. “If someone gets hurt we will go with a criminal charge for sure. If you blow a fail immediately, that means you’re over 100. If you blow an 80 then you’ll get a warrant instead of a fail. The instrument has been calibrated to allow leeway,” said Thien. “When the officer administrates one on the side of the highway and you breath into it, we have the option to do

Mainroad Contracting addresses rumour to service cuts By Trevor Crawley Cranbrook Daily Townsman

ainroad Contracting is once again advising motorists to slow down and drive to conditions following a snowfall of up to four centimetres on Sunday night. The company notes that plowing and sanding is in progress to combat expected slippery sections of highways. Also, response to rumours circulating on social media, Mainroad says it has not changed their service levels. "We have the same amount of resources and material available today as we have had since the beginning of this contract. All of our equipment has been deployed and is working as per the contract obligations," read a statement from the company. "Throughout the province, challenging weather will not always permit us to have bare and black conditions nor is that a requirement of our contract, although we strive to return the highways to bare and black conditions as quickly as possible. "Our maintenance crews are dedicated employees who have worked tirelessly to

maintain the highways during these winter conditions and to the standards set by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. "Mainroad crews will be working to clear the highway surfaces as quickly as possible." Flurries are expected over the next 36 hours, and temperatures are expected to rise slightly, which may provide an opportunity to salt the main highways. "In that event, expect slushy conditions while the salt works and once the salt has melted the compact the slush will be plowed off," read a release from the company. "This will mean slippery sections with lots of slushy spray creating visibility issues. Please leave extra time and be sure your windshield washer reservoir is full." For current road conditions, weather forecasts and realtime conditions via webcam, visit Drivebc. ca.

a second test to make sure that the first instrument is not out of whack. If you fail both the first and the second that tells us that you are well over 100mg per cent in your body, that’s 20 per cent over the legal limit. By 81 per cent, you are legally drunk. “ Alexa’s Team is another way to help combat intoxicated driving, specifically driving under the influence of alcohol. While the program may not have specifically evoked any new laws against driving under the influence, it helps officers be more aggressive against this sort of dangerous behavior. “They are encouraged to see impaired driving as a big issue and be proactive. A lot has come out of that program, there is an award now where you can get on Alexa’s Team,” said Thien. “It determines how proactive you are with stopping impaired drivers. Quite a few of the local [Elk Valley] RCMP officers have been on the team for the past few years.”

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Special to The Free Press - tell us your birthday wishes and give the recipient’s phone number and on their birthday they will receive a special call from a talented local singer with a very special birthday song.

Celebrity Birthdays January 7 Nicolas Cage, 51 January 8 Stephen Hawking, 73 January 9 Kate Middleton, 33 January 10 Rod Stewart, 70 January 11 Mary J. Blige, 44 January 12 Howard Stern, 61 January 13 Orlando Bloom, 38

WE’RE ALL EARS

Thank You

ur 2015 Christmas appeal was divided into 2 categories. The first was the Kettles with a goal of $27,000 which was surpassed bringing in $27,108. The second was our mailers and mail in/hand delivered donations with a goal of $45,000. This as of December 30 was $34,306; with a little over $10,000 shortfall. I would like to thank all involved in this project. Save On Foods, Ann’s Independent Grocers, Canadian Tire and the B.C. Liquor Store who allowed Kettles in their stores. To the many volunteers a special thank you. To those who donated at the kettles, thank you. To the many who sent in, or dropped off donations, thank you. To those who helped with the Angel tree (Save On Foods)) and with the collection of mitts, scarfs, etc., Boston Pizza, thank you. To those who brought toys or mitts, etc., thank you. Together we made Christmas better for 75 families. The funds also are used throughout the year through our Food Bank, part of our Community & Family Services. I pray God’s blessing upon each of you for caring about others. Majors James & Gwen Hägglund

Questions? Comments? Story Ideas? Let us know how we’re doing.

The Free Press 250-423-4666 • editor@thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Don't Forget

Fernie Rotary Weekly Meetings Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon at the

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Bennett reflects on economy, mining industry By Trevor Crawley Cranbrook Daily Townsman

t's been a year of ups and downs in British Columbia, but Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett is optimistic moving into a new year. Bennett, the longtime regional MLA who has served East Kootenay constituents since 2002, notes that B.C. is the only in Canada that has a balanced budget. However, he is also cognizant that some industries, such as mining, is going through some tough times with low commodity prices worldwide. "I would probably say the drop in commodity prices, the drop in metallurgical coal and the drop in the price of metals, especially copper, as we get to the end of 2015, those low commodity prices are putting the whole industry in jeopardy, especially in the Elk Valley," Bennett said. Serving as Minister of Energy and Mines since 2013, Bennett adds that the government is in the early stages of working on an initiative to help mining companies in B.C. reduce operating costs. "Probably the most important thing I'm working on right now is an initiative that would help mining companies in the province reduce Local MLA Bill Bennett is hoping to make “significant Submitted photo their operating costs, so that they changes” to mining regulations. can remain in business and keep companies are looking for jobs, so I think we're employing the people that they going to be able to keep the price under control employ all across the province," he said. Also on the mining front, Bennett brought up for Site C, which is obviously something we want the recent report on the Mount Polley disaster to do." Closer to home, Bennett has been happy to see released by the Chief Inspector of Mines (CIM) last week. The report identified a slew of movement on land-use issues out at Koocanusa recommendations to increase mine safety and over the year, which he says is a valuable prevent the failure of any tailing storage facilities recreational resource. In conjunction with the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and the Regional in the future. "I'm going to be making pretty significant District of East Kootenay (RDEK), the province changes to the regulations that govern mining in had two Natural Resource Officers patrolling the the province because of these two reports, so very area over the summer to help with enforcement significant development for the mining industry," and education. Over the summer months, there are issues with said Bennett. The Mount Polley disaster occurred in August garbage, huge parties and damage from off-road 2014 when a dam failed at a tailings storage vehicles that don't stay on proper trails. Starting facility at a mine site in the Cariboo region. in January, in conjunction with the RDEK, the Millions of cubic metres of of mine waste Ktunaxa and the provincial government, there contaminated nearby waterways, flowing into will be public meetings to gather feedback from what local homeowners and business owners Polley Lake and Quesnel Lake. A few key recommendations include having want to see for the future. "The reason for getting this started is I've a designated mine dam safety inspector and a designated individual to oversee the mine's always thought that we don't want to ruin water balance and water management plan; something that is so precious and valuable to the independent technical review boards will be people who live here," said Bennett. "It's a great recreational resource. It has relatively required for all mines that have tailings pond storage facilities, establishing a dedicated warm water, sandy beaches, it's wonderful to ski, investigation, compliance and enforcement team swim, fish, camp—all of those things, but there are some excesses down there. within the ministry. "…The idea is not to over-regulate or take the On the energy front, Bennett also brought up the Site C dam project that has begun in the fun out of it, I don't want to do that; I want to Peace River region in northwest B.C. The dam, leave people to enjoy that area, you're still going a $9 billion public-sector project, is expected to to be able to camp on Crown land as per usual, provide 1,100 megawatts of capacity and roughly but there has to be management there to make 5,100 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, which sure we keep it clean." Heading into 2016 on the health care side of is estimated to power 450,000 homes annually. "At this time in Canada with the economy things, Bennett is also pushing for a permanent struggling across the country, only one province Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) capabilities balancing it's budget—that's us—this large, at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. public-sector project is going to be very important Additionally, he will also be looking to work to our economy, so it looks really good so far," with the Interior Health Authority to beef up Bennett said, adding that the project will create community heath initiatives for home support services for seniors who need health care so that approximately 10,000 jobs. "Because of the slowdown in the oil patch in they can remain in their homes for as long as Alberta, there's equipment available, construction possible.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Winter parking regulation reminders vehicle from $7 per day to $10 per day. Council also added a 10 per cent administrative fee to all towing and impounds

By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

rom Nov. 1 to April 15, there are winter parking regulations in effect for the City of Fernie so the city can deal with seasonal conditions. An alternating parking schedule is implemented during this time period so workers can, on alternating days, clear snow to the boulevards. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, there is no parking on the South or East side of roadways. It is the reverse on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday where residents may not park on the North or West side of roadways Bylaw enforcement has made amendment that was adopted by council which increases the impound fee of a

charges. On the cities website, Fernie.ca, there are maps for each borough available that show what side of the road to park on each day.

Full Time Automotive Detailer/Lot Attendant Required The City of Fernie is enforcing winter parking bylaws in order to better be able to clear snow from the streets. Photo by B. Catton

RDEK on the hunt for volunteer nominations Submitted

f you know an outstanding volunteer in one of the rural areas in the region, the RDEK wants to hear from you. Nomination forms are now available for the 2016 Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year and, as it has in past years, the Regional District will once again be honouring one outstanding volunteer from each of its six Electoral Areas. “Our Volunteer of the Year program recognizes an individual or couple from each of our Electoral Areas and gives us the

opportunity to pay tribute to them and to all the volunteers who give selflessly to contribute to the spirit, culture and people of their communities,” said RDEK Board Chair, Rob Gay. Nominees must be a resident of an Electoral Area and make voluntary contributions to their community. Nomination forms can be filled out or downloaded from the RDEK website, Rdek.bc.ca, and can also be picked up at the Cranbrook and Columbia Valley RDEK offices, and from the Electoral Area Advisory Commissions. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 26, 2016.

Fernie Chrysler is looking for a full time automotive detailer/ lot attendant. Candidate must have a valid drivers license and be able to drive manual transmission vehicles. Experience is preferred but training will be supplied. We have a full benefits package and competitive wages. Resumes can be emailed to scottlandry@ferniechrysler.com or dropped off in person at Fernie Chrysler - 802 Hwy. 3, Fernie.

FERNIE

CHRYSLER

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

Winter in the Wild 2016 February 12 and 13 th

It might be cold, it could be snowing, but living in Elkford we know how to have a howling good time despite the weather. So put on your parka and grab your hat and mittens and join us for the 2016 Winter in the Wild Celebration. It’s sure to be a fun-ﬁlled weekend you don’t want to miss! Is your community group or organization interested in hosting an event during the celebration? If so, we invite you to contact us to share your ideas! Email cdawson@elkford.ca or call 250.865.4010.

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings January 11th Regular Council @ 6:00 pm January 25th Regular Council @ 6:00 pm

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

2016 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE January 11 and January 25, 2016 February 9 and February 22, 2016 March 14 and March 29, 2016 April 11 and April 25, 2016 May 9 and May 24, 2016 June 13 and June 27, 2016 July 11 and July 25, 2016 August 8 and August 22, 2016 September 12 and September 26, 2016 October 11 and October 24, 2016 November 14 and November 28, 2016 December 12, 2016 Meetings commence at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers Elkford Municipal Ofﬁce at 816 Michel Road, Elkford, BC

Did You Know?

The Community Conference Centre Toboggan Hill is lit every evening from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Get Active! Get Involved! Try Something New! The Winter/Spring 2016 Leisure Guide is now available at www.elkford.ca The winter program line-up includes many of your old favourites: look for DancePl3y, youth and adult art classes, Karate, Knitting Group and Yoga. Also, Zumba is back!

New for 2016:

PiYo, Ladies’ Snowshoeing Group, Stacked 101 classes, Drawing Class and Healthy Eating Workshops.

Spring Break Camps

Think ahead to the snow melting and Spring Break fun: Check out the Spring Break Camps and Teen/ Pre-Teen Game & Grub Nights.

Elkford Arena and Aquatic Centre Take a dip at the Elkford Aquatic Centre. Perhaps try a water ﬁtness class. The Aquatic Centre also features a full program of Red Cross Swimming Lessons. Put on your skates to revel in the winter spirit at the Elkford Arena; you’ll ﬁnd the skating schedules in the Guide.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Opinion

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

Production Manager Bonny McLardy Creative Laura Burke Member of

Editorial Office - 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

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 Leah Scheitel

Between Christmas and the end of the holidays, most people were enjoying a mountain of leftovers, the company of friends and a relaxed work schedule. The Ghostriders, however, did not have the same luxury, as they played four games in six days against their biggest rivals. They played two back-to-back games against the Kimberley Dynamiters, continuing a long and friendly rivalry between the teams and they battled two games against the Creston Valley Thundercats, who they are competing for second place in the Eddie Mountain Division. I dutifully went to both games, armed with Twitter, a player list, two cameras and emotional support in the form of Free Press reporter, Bryn Catton. While I’m relatively green when it comes to sports reporting, the Ghostriders are giving me a crash course in hockey. I now know way more about the sport than I ever intended to, including what the hand signals from the referees’ mean, how to get a useable photo in an unflattering environment and what a hat trick actually is. With the exception of playoff games, these holiday match ups were probably the most well attended and attention grabbing games of the year. Bryn and I covered all of the games, and wrote more words on hockey than we have all year. We shared stories and files with Taylor Rocca, sports editor at the Cranbrook Daily Townsman, who has been covering KIJHL hockey for years. In one of the emails exchanging stories, Rocca said that in his experience, Ghostrider fans were some of the most passionate around. “'I’ve been around the KIJHL for a number of years and Fernie has always been regarded as one of the stronger markets in terms of its passionate fan base,” he wrote. I’ve heard this from others around town as well. Some of my co-workers love the entertainment that the Ghostriders provide, and I can usually find at least one of them in the crowd at any given home game. And throughout the season, during every game I’ve covered, I see loyal fans displaying undying love for the local hockey team. It’s a sense of pride throughout town – when the team does well, there is a noticeable difference throughout the town. As a newcomer to sports, specifically KIJHL hockey, I originally undervalued their impact on the town. If this past week has taught me anything, it’s that people love a good old fashioned hockey game, and that’s exactly what the Ghostriders provide. I interviewed the coach at the beginning of the season and he told me how happy he was to see a packed stadium with fans cheering on the team. I can only guess how happy he was when Nolan Legace scored the overtime goal to win against Kimberley at home, bringing the sold out crowd to their feet. From what I understand of the Coach, this was a belated Christmas present for him.

Circulation Jennifer Cronin 250-423-4666

Wanda MacDonald Jacquie Zutter Andrea Horton PUBLISHER

Sophie Howden ADVERTISING

Jennifer Cronin ADMINISTRATION

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

Leah Scheitel EDITOR

Bryn Catton REPORTER

FRONT OFFICE In Absentia

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

Letters to the Editor Letter to the Editor re: Canadian Health Care system The present health care system we have in effect is failing us big time. There is no sense of urgency in the system. The system is run on a first come first serve basis just like when booking a vacation at the travel agent. The doctor fills out the form for a medical procedure, hands the request to a receptionist who then makes the appointment for the medical procedure. That is wrong because we only live once with our bodies. We are not a car, boat, or a refrigerator. Cannot find a repair part is no problem and waiting till parts are found are okay because these items can still be repaired regardless of the time factor. The exact opposite of this is true when it comes to our bodies. Our bodies are like a time bomb. Time is of the most importance, in medical issues. These forms the doctors’ fill out should have three option boxes that the doctor must check off. The three boxes should be can’t wait, can wait, and exploratory. An example of can’t wait is after a cancer operation has been performed. After such operations, further cat scans, MRI's etc., are required. The waiting times are too long for these further tests and the results mean nothing as the cancer has advanced, but if the test was done using can’t

wait, further procedures could have been done to stop the cancer from spreading further. Another example is people requiring knee replacement operations. Two people require knee replacement operations. One is still walking without a cane, and the other is walking with two canes. The present system is allowing the person without using a cane to have their operation first before the person walking with two canes. No sense of urgency. The person still walking without a cane should have the box checked off as can wait and the person using two canes should have the box checked off as can’t wait. The exploratory box would be checked off for items to complete your medical file after a recent medical check up. You are in perfect health, but just some basic tests to complete your file. All we hear about the present medical system is that we need more employees and longer operating hours. Complete hogwash. Put the above three box check off system into action and the system would work in accordance with urgency being first down the ladder to minor and wait times would no longer be a factor issue. Joe Sawchuk, Duncan, B.C.

Random acts of kindness

Friends Rhoda DeLuca (left) and Jeri Mitchell (right) raised over $4,500 to help people this holiday season. Submitted photo

riends Jeri Mitchell and Rhoda DeLuca wanted to spread some Christmas joy over the holiday season. Last year, they had a impromtu idea to raise around $500 to share with people in the line ups at local grocery stores. This year, they raised almost eight times that amount. In Fernie, the pair raised $4,500 in under a week, helping a total of 14 families and a variety of people in grocery store line ups. “It truly was a trickle down effect of ‘Pay it Forward’ in an amazing little mountain community and this is why Jeri and I would like to keep this committee going every Christmas,” said DeLuca in a letter to The Free Press. “Because we see a need in our community for some folks who fall through the cracks of our governmental system. We have helped folks with medical issues, folks who have lost their jobs or family members who have passed, as well as single parent families and families who just need a little help or leg up at Christmas time.” “We also have gone to the grocery stores and handed out grocery cards and cash to unsuspecting customers, just to make their day a little bit brighter. In turn we hope those folks will carry their smile through their day because they know someone cares,” added DeLuca.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Guest Editorial: Fernie’s first impressions By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

have been here for six weeks. I came without a job, without expectations and without a plan. Plans have been made. I have never before seen a community such as Fernie. I came for a winter of riding but have been captured by this quaint city like so many of the people I have talked to. White collar and blue collar do not exist in this society in the way I traditionally viewed the rolls; the DNA of Fernie has been spliced together over the cities lifespan to intertwine the two conflicting lifestyles into one bastard child that I have come to love. As I write this I hear the rumble of a lifted pickup’s strait pipe or dumped exhaust from my desk echoing in resonance with the small farming town I hail from. This community is more than just a mining town, the influx of tourism and residents well-to-do statuses in the area create an aura of affluence to the area that is accented by the thriving arts community and high end storefronts that cater to more than just the couple in the Land Rover coming to their million dollar second home for the weekend.

I chose this city because so many other resort towns appear to be the luscious thriving communities they portray, but are so dependant on tourism that in truth they are a secluded tree whose bare branches claw for any attention or mention they can. Fernie is a product of its people, maintaining its roots as a mining town, the city has grown and branched out into other industries in more than just the primary sector. The sustainable community is thriving and is a flourishing fully-formed society that is interdependent on industries. I spent most of the past four years in Ontario’s capital, Toronto. I studied at University of Toronto and hated almost every minute of it. The city thrived on a rat race mentality, work your way to the top as fast as you can, retire as fast as you can and sit on a big bank account. A lifestyle cultivated and built by the society that lives in it. The Elk Valley has either turned its back on this outlook or the disease has not yet contaminated its communities. While no one has been late for an interview yet, the laid back atmosphere is infectious and has almost completely unwound the uptight coil that the city made me. I have fallen in love with this community. I have lived here for six weeks and can whole-heartedly say that I cannot think of another place on earth I would rather live.

Ghostrider fans on the holiday games Question: Why do you come to Ghostrider games? What’s the best part?

Leslie Warner

Scott McKee

Kathleen Miller

“Because I’m Canadian and grew up watching the sport of hockey. I enjoy coming to Ghostriders games because of the vibe of the crowd and fans.”

“We billet two of the players and love hockey. We have been coming since 2000. We currently billet Kyle Haugo and Evan Reid.”

“I came for the refreshments and the good times,” said Miller, who was there with two other friends.

enhancing the

Construction and General Contracting Taking on Residential and Commercial projects 250.423.1871 ferniecontracting@gmail.com

economic future

Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Custom Foot Orthotics • Concussion Evaluation and Treatment • Bracing Proud to Provide ONE-ON-ONE Injury Rehabilitation. Always. FernieAthleticTherapy.com 250-423-4800 1-888-423-9006

of fernie

Monthly networking events:

Fresh • Food • Fast 561A 2nd Avenue

Coffee & Conversations Banter, business & beer

Educational session:

Hosting timely sessions on a variety of topics Discover the business advantages in Fernie and the Kootenay region InvestKootenay.com

Saving you money:

Discounted group insurance Savings on office supplies Merchant service discounts Shipping savings

Basin Business Advisors Program

Need business advice? The Basin Business Advisors Program provides free business counselling to small business owners and social enterprises. For advice contact: Bob Bougie, BBA Business Advisor, 250.489.4356 ext. 108 bbougie@bbaprogram.ca A PROGRAM OF

www.bbaprogram.ca

www.ferniechamber.com facebook.com/ ferniechamberofcommerce @ferniechamber

Business Retention and Expansion Survey

Taking the pulse of the business community. Call the Fernie Chamber to participate 250.423.6868 SPONSORED BY

ADMINISTERED & MANAGED BY

Contact the Chamber to discuss becoming a member - 250.423.6868

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Star Wars: The Force Awakens VII 3D

Friday, Jan 8 - Thursday, Jan 14

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 & 9:30 pm Nightly

Hateful Eight

Rated 18A 7 Only - No Late Show 3 pm Matinees Sat & Sun $6.50 in 2D

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

ADD IT ONLINE

321-2 Avenue, Fernie

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

Event submissions are FREE!

250-423-7111 Movieline

go to:

www.ferniemovies.com

www.thefreepress.ca/calendar/submit/

Around the Valley

Around the Valley Legend: Fernie Aquatic Centre = F.A.C. Elkford Aquatic Centre = E.A.C. Sparwood = Spwd Fernie Family Centre = FFC Fernie Seniors Centre = FSC

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.

Monday

• 6:30 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Gentle Fit at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the F.A.C. • 9:00 to 10:30am – Indoor Walking at the Fernie Community Centre • 9:00 to 11:00am – Red Cross Swim at F.A.C. • 9:30 to 10:30am – Aquafit at the Spwd Pool • 10:30 to Noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at Spwd Arena • 1:00pm – Dominoes at the FSC • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skate at the Spwd Arena • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:00pm – Bridge at the FSC • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7:00pm – Mahjong at the FSC • 7:00pm – Celebrate Recovery at Mountainside Church • 7:00pm – Community Climb Night at Evolution Climbing Gym • 7:30 to 9:00pm – Ladies Night at Old School Boxing • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Hot Tub Only at the Spwd Pool

Tuesday

• 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 9:00 to Noon – Red Cross Swim at F.A.C. • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the E.A.C. • 9:00 to 10:30am – Indoor Walking at the Fernie Community Centre • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym at the FFC • 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the F.A.C. • 10:30 to noon – $3.00 Swim at the E.A.C. •11:00am – Crafts at the FSC • 11:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at Spwd Arena • 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Parents & Tots Skating at the Spwd Arena • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim and

Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:30pm - Ladies Archery at the Elks Hall • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:30 to 8:30pm – Opt Fernie Clinic at the Elk Valley Hospital • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skate at the Spwd Arena • 7:00 to 9:00pm – Public Drop In Climbing at COTR • 7:30pm – Cribbage at the FSC • 7:30 to 9:00pm – Mixed Boxing at Old School Boxing Club • 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Spwd Pool

Wednesday

• 6:30 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Gentle Fit at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the F.A.C. • 9:00 to 10:30am – Indoor Walking at the Fernie Community Centre • 9:00 to Noon – Red Cross Swim at F.A.C. • 9:30 to 10:30am – Aquafit at the Spwd Pool • 9:30 to 10:15am – Aquafit at the E.A.C. • 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym at the FFC • 10:30 to Noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 10:30 to Noon – $3.00 Swim at the E.A.C. • 11:45am – Gentle Fit at FSC • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at Spwd Arena • 12:00pm - Fernie Rotary Meeting Park Place Lodge • 1:00pm – Cards at FSC • 1:00pm – Decorative Arts at FSC • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 3:30 to 5:30pm - Red Cross Swim at F.A.C. • 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skate & After School Rec Hockey at the Spwd Arena • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:00 to 9:00pm – Drop in Workshop at Clawhammer Press • 6:30pm – Tae Chi at FSC • 7:00pm – Quilting at FSC • 8:00 to 9:00pm –14+ Aquafit at the Spwd Pool

Thursday

• 7:00 to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 9:00 to Noon – Red Cross Swim at F.A.C. • 9:00 to 10:30am – Indoor Walking at the Fernie Community Centre • 9:30 to 10:15am – Ease the Knees at the E.A.C. • 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the F.A.C. • 10:30 to Noon – $3.00 Swim at the E.A.C. • 11:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at Spwd Arena • 1:00pm – Pay Me Cards at FSC • 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 3:30 to 5:30pm - Red Cross Swim at F.A.C. • 3:45 to 4:45pm – Swim Club at the E.A.C. • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the E.A.C. • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the E.A.C. • 6:30 to 9:00pm – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skate at the Spwd Arena • 7:00pm – Darts at the Spwd Legion • 7:30 to 9:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing • 9:30 to 10:30pm – Adult Rec Hockey at the Spwd Arena

Friday

• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot at Spwd Arena • 3:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 4:00 to 5:30pm - Free Swim at the Spwd Pool • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Public Skate & Rec Hockey at Spwd Arena • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm - Public Swim at the E.A.C. • 6:30 to 9:00pm – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7:00pm – Jam Night every 2nd Friday at the Spwd Legion • 7:30pm – Cribbage at FSC • 8:00 to 9:00pm – Teen/Adult Swim at the E.A.C.

Saturday

• Noon to 6:00pm – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 1:00 to 2:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 2:00 to 3:00pm – Family Swim at the Spwd Pool • 2:30 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the E.A.C. • 3:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Fernie & Spwd Legion • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd & Elkford Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Spwd & Elkford Pool • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing • 7:30pm – Social at FSC

Sunday

• Noon to 6:00pm – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 1:00 to 2:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 1:30 to 2:30pm – Family Swim at the E.A.C. • 2:00 to 3:00pm – Family Swim at the Spwd Pool • 2:30 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the E.A.C. • 3:00 to 4:45pm – Public Skate at the Spwd Arena • 3:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the E.A.C. • 7:30pm – A.A. Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie

UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 8 9 15 15

15 15-17

16 23 29 30 31

Fernie Ghostriders vs. Columbia Valley, Fernie Arena Kinky Rail Jam, Fernie Alpine Resort Bouldering Competition, College of the Rockies 6:00pm Booked! Fernie Writer ’s Series; Raziel Reid, Fernie Heritage Library Fernie Ghostriders vs. Nelson, Fernie Arena Seventh Annual Reel Canadian Film Festival, Vogue Theatre Avalanche Awareness Day, Fernie Alpine Resort Kokanee Snow Dreams Festival, Fernie Alpine Resort Fernie Ghostriders vs. Columbia Valley Stoke Folk the Party, Fernie Community Centre Snowed In Comedy Tour, The Northern

FEBRUARY 6 6 8 12 14 19-21 19-20 27-28

Fernie Snowdrags, Demo Derby Grounds on Railway Ave. Fernie Ghostriders vs. Creston Valley, Fernie Arena Fernie Ghostriders vs. Kimberley, Fernie Arena Fernie Ghostriders vs. Columbia Valley, Fernie Arena Fernie Ghostriders vs. Golden, Fernie Arena Fernie Mountain Film Festival, Fernie Community Centre Fernie Figure Skating Carnival, Fernie Arena Burton Mountain Festival, Fernie Alpine Resort

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CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

CONNECTION

City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca City Council Meeting Schedule January 2016 3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

1 2 5 6 7 8 9 CITY OF FERNIE 12 13 14 15 16 BRITISH COLUMBIA 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 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

250 Pine Avenue Phone: 250.423.4466

Fernie Memorial Arena 1092 Highway 3

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

Fernie On Fire Fundraiser

Leisure Services Happening

What do you do with your Christmas tree after the big day comes around? What you CAN do this year is put your tree out on your front yard curb by 8am January 9 to be picked up by our local firefighters. Then come out in the afternoon and enjoy a community event starting at 4pm at the Aquatic Centre where the trees will be set ablaze to light up the toboggan hill for you to enjoy!

Fernie Aquatic Centre

There will be music, street hockey, BBQ, hot chocolate, 50/50 and raffles for some very generous donations from local businesses. All proceeds will be donated to the Fernie Pets Society for construction of the Off Leash Dog Park at the base of Ridgemont Avenue just past the Bottle Depot. Don’t miss it!

For further information regarding the operating guidelines and bylaw please go to www.fernie.ca.

Winter 2015 Swim Schedule (January 3 – 31, 2015) Public Swim Monday to Friday, 7:00 -1:00pm and 3:00 – 8:00pm Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 - 6:00pm Water Slide Monday to Friday, 4:00 – 6:00pm Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00pm Aqua Fit Active Fit Mon/Wed/Fri, 8:30 – 9:15am Gentle Fit Tues/Thurs/Fri, 10:30 – 11:15am Crocodile Swim 1st & 3rd Saturday each month 3:00 – 5:00pm

Winter Safety Tip for Parents and Children

Become a Lifeguard! This winter Fernie Aquatic Centre will be running a series of courses to become a lifeguard.

Mobile Vending in Fernie For those citizens looking to find your favorite mobile food truck head to 6th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028, Amendment No. 2, Bylaw No. 2285, 2015 & the Mobile Vending Operating Guidelines were adopted by Council on Monday, December 14 at their Regular Meeting. These documents provide the conditions by which Mobile Vendors will be permitted to operate in the City of Fernie and comply with relevant municipal laws/policies and Provincial & Federal legislation.

Just a reminder to parents and caregivers to advise your kids to stay off the snow banks piled up along the side of the roads or anywhere a snowplow is likely to operate. While they look tempting to play on, snow banks at the side of the road are not safe places to play, children are in danger of getting hit. Snow-plow drivers can’t always see around the huge piles and kids can dart out unexpectedly before these snowplow drivers have a chance to see them. Build your forts and tunnels well onto your property. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Have fun and play safe!

Working Together to Keep Roads Safe

Your Responsibility in Removing Snow & Ice from City Sidewalks

Winter parking regulations in accordance with Streets & Traffic Bylaw No. 1400 are in effect and the following alternate parking schedule will be enforced now to April 15, 2016:

Many of our residents rely on walking as their primary way to get around Fernie, and without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk safely. According to the City’s Snow & Ice Removal Bylaw No. 1928, commercial property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks free of snow and ice. Snow removal contractors should note that it is an offence to dump snow within 30 feet of any corner or intersection which may obstruct driver visibility.

NO PARKING permitted on the South or East Side of the Roadways

NO PARKING permitted on the North or West Side of the Roadways

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays

Residents are asked to please pay close attention to areas with Posted Signage. If you have a driveway please don’t park on the street. Any vehicles parked contrary to these regulations will be ticketed and could be towed. Priority Plowing Routes Neighborhood streets are plowed in the following priority order: Priority 1: Emergency access routes Priority 2: Schools Priority 3: Downtown Core Priority 4: Highway Commercial Priority 5: Residential Having streets free and clear of parked vehicles for snow removal makes for safe, efficient and costeffective operations and facilitates better mobility by emergency response agencies. For more information on the winter parking and snow removal regulations please visit the City’s website at www.fernie.ca or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.

If you are a Business or Apartment/Condominium Complex owner in Fernie you or your managing occupants are required to clean any snow or ice from the sidewalks and footpaths adjacent to your premises before 9:00 am each day. For more information on these regulations please visit the City’s website or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.

Dog Licencing – It’s the Law! The City of Fernie requires that all dogs be licenced under the Dog Licencing, Regulating and Impounding Bylaw and every dog owner to have a dog licence tag attached to their dog’s collar while in public. Dog owners may be fined for violation of these regulations. The annual fee to licence your dog for the period of January 1st to December 31st is $15.00 if your dog is spayed or neutered. The fee is $35.00 if your dog is not spayed or neutered. For more information on these regulations please visit the City’s website or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.

Winter Recreational Gymnastics Gymnastics for children of all ages start January 11, 2016. Call the Aquatic Centre to register at 250.423.4466.

Starting with Standard First Aid these courses will provide you with the skills set to obtain a job in many different pool settings. Call now to register for your spot! Red Cross Standard First Aid $167.64 (inc. tax) January 19th - 28th, 2016 T/Th 5:00-9:00 pm Bronze Medallion $221.36 (incl. tax) February 2nd - 11th, 2016 T/Th 4:00-9:00 pm Bronze Cross $189.86 (inc. tax) February 16th - 25th, 2016 T/Th 4:00-9:00 pm National Lifeguard Course $424.49 (incl. tax) March 1st -12th, 2016 T/Th 4:00-9:00 pm Sat/Sun 10:00-6:00 pm Swim Lessons Registration for Winter Swim Lessons from January to March 2016 is open. For more information all Aquatic Programs including Lifeguard Training courses and Private Aquatic bookings available please call the Fernie Aquatic Centre at 250 423.4466. Fernie Memorial Arena Winter Public Programs Adult Shinny Monday – Thursday 8:45 – 10:15am Public Skating Tuesday & Thursday 10:30 – 11:15am (Free Admission) Parent & Tot Wednesday 10:30 – 11:15am (Free Admission) Skate & Shoot Wednesday 11:45 – 1:00pm No School Fridays Youth Shinny 10:45 – 11:45am No School Fridays Public Skating Noon – 12:45pm Public Skating Friday 7:00 – 8:15pm, Saturday 2:00 – 3:45pm & 6:45 – 8:15pm Sunday 2:15pm – 4:00pm

Please note Public Skating is not scheduled during Fernie Ghostrider home games and other scheduled special events. The next Ghostrider Home Game is January 2nd & 8th at 7:30pm.

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Discussion for changes to marijuana legislation Submitted

he Liberal Government has stated they intend to move towards legalization of marijuana. What does this mean and what issues need to be considered? In 2015 the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse (CCSA), along with partners from the public health, substance use treatment and the law enforcement communities, took two fact-finding trips to Washington and Colorado to talk to stakeholders about the experience of legalizing marijuana in those two states. The CCSA is Canada’s only national agency dedicated to reducing the harms of alcohol and other drugs on society, informing policy and practice, and improving services for those affected by substance use disorders. Two weeks ago the CCSA released a report on their findings. In their report the CCSA identified a number of recommendations based on the Colorado/Washington experience. Marijuana, or cannabis, is the most widely used illicit drug in the world. Although the usage rates have been dropping over the past 15 years, Canada still has some of the highest rates of marijuana use, particularly amongst adolescents and young adults. The CCSA report recommended that movement towards legalization identify a clear purpose to drive the overall approach. The principle rationales that are usually raised for legalizing marijuana are that it would help to reduce the role of organized crime, it would reduce the significant negative impact of criminal charges for recreational users, and it would improve product safety and generate tax revenue. Furthermore, by shifting the understanding of marijuana use from it being a criminal problem to it being a public health

issue, it allows for more effective prevention and education activities, as well as greater regulatory control over access and marketing. By talking to their counterparts in Washington and Colorado the CCSA delegation learned that the regulatory framework must include a number of factors. First, it must reconcile the medical marijuana markets and the retail marketing. It must also ensure the control product concentrations and product formats. This is necessary to ensure consistency in the types of marijuana products sold and the concentrations of active ingredients of the products. Another factor is the prevention of commercialization, which can be achieved through taxation, rigorous federal regulation and monitoring, and strict control on advertising and promotion. Lastly, is the prevention of use by youth. This can be achieved by controlling access, having mandatory age limits on use and by investing in effective health promotion, prevention and education campaigns for both youth and parents. Two concerns that were identified consistently were the need to educate youth about the potential negative consequences of marijuana use, and the risks associated with marijuana use and driving. Over the coming months East Kootenay Addiction Services Society (EKASS) will be contributing articles to local papers to provide information on these points. We at EKASS believe that robust public dialogue on the legalization of marijuana informed by accurate information will be important as the government moves towards making these changes. For more information or to submit questions or comments please contact Dean Nicholson at dnicholson@ekass.com.

Community events at FAR By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

ernie Alpine Resort (FAR) has two annual upcoming events this weekend, the Kinky Rail Jam on Jan. 9 and Community Day on Jan. 10. Skiers and snowboarders will compete at FAR’s Restory of the Candian Rockies rail park for the Kinky Rail Jam. Participants will session rails by sliding in style and top competitors are awarded with prizes. “There will be a number of different rail and line choices that competitors can take. Rail features vary in skill level from beginner, low on the snow boxes, to advanced longer rails to cater to different levels and ages,” said Matt Mosteller, senior vice president, marketing, sales and resort experience. “Format is ‘Jam Format’ so competitors are given a set amount of time and have to put together the ‘best line’ they can in the rail park.” Pre-registration for the competition closes Friday but there will be day-of registration, at the Day Lodge from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The competition is open to all ages and regularly sees a 20-year age gap between competitors. “The youngest is usually around eight or nine years old. The oldest is mid-30s. But competition is open to all ages,” said Mosteller. Community Appreciation day gives a free day of skiing to

members of the Elk Valley and is a way for FAR to give back to the community. “We want all locals to take part and join us for this opportunity to discover skiing or snowboarding for the first time or return if it has been a while to enjoy mountain time with friends and family,” said Mosteller. “We are so proud to be part of this community and it is so important for us to provide a chance for everyone in our community to experience what we do. It would be so wonderful if everyone can come out - that would make our team so happy.” To get a free day of skiing or riding participants must prove residency of Fernie, Elko, Elkford, Jaffray, Sparwood or any community inside of the Elk Valley with a drivers license, pay stub, etc. that proves the skier or snowboarder lives in the community. Fernie Alpine Resort expects a lot of new skiers and snowboarders during the day. The resort encourages people looking for lessons to register early to ensure a spot. “We only have so many instructors and our team hopes to be able to teach all that would like to learn to ski and snowboard. Our ski and snowboard professionals are the best in the business and are stoked to share their care and knowledge. They get booked up quickly and we only have so much space,” said Mosteller.

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

January 13, 2011 REGISTERED FITNESS CLASSES

GENERAL INTEREST

DROP IN FITNESS CLASSES

DROP-IN RATES Infant (2+ under) FREE Strength Intervals Preschool (3-5 yrs) $ 2.60 January 5, 2016 Child (6-12 yrs) $ 3.60 Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Senior $ 4.35 Adult $ 5.60 Bellyfit NEW CLASS Family $11.40 January 6, 2016 Student Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm (13-25 with Student card) $ 4.35 Synergy Climbing Wall & Wallyball $ 3.85 January 6, 2016 ONE MONTH PASSES Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:15 pm Preschool $20.80 Child $28.80 PiYo Student /Senior $34.80 January 7, 2016 Adult $44.80 Thursdays & Sundays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Family $92.80 Yoga DROP IN TICKETS January 5, 2016 Preschool $27.30 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:00 pm Child $37.80 Ladies Morning Wallyball Student /Senior $45.68 Melcer. “This allows our brand to resonate with our most January 5, 2016 Adult $ 58.80 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:00 am $119.70 important audience first — ourFamily own community.” ACTIVE LIVING PASSES Aquafit Student/Senior 1mth $ 50.00 January 4, 2016 Annual $313.20 The initial results of the branding exercise include a new Mon, Wed, & Fridays, 9:30 – 10:30 am Adult 1 mth - $ 67.00 Wednesdays, 8:00 – 9:00 pm Annual $403.20 logo, new taglines, a community website, professional Gentle Fit Family 1 mth - $134.00 January 4, 2016 Annual $820.80 images, posters, trade show materials, ads, and other Mon, Wed, & Fridays, 8:30 – 9:15 am Active living passes include use of the pool, collateral, as recommendations fitness centre, courts, climbingon wall, skating & Racquetballinformational Workshop NEW CLASS as well drop-in fitness classes. January 24, 2016 to pm implement the brand asRACQUET the community COURTSmoves Sunday, 3:00how – 5:00 Child $ 3.85 forward and begins to proactively Punchshare Card its story. $32.73 Student/Senior $ 7.50 Punch Card $63.75 “We’re not intent on strictly developing Adult(AM) as a tourism $ 7.50 Adult(PM) $ 9.00 community,” says Melcer. “But Punch we are intent on Card $76.50

District of sparwooD Launches new BranD Body Blast for Women January 4 – March 9, 2016 Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:45 – 4:45 pm

Check out our new and returning classes for the New Year! For more information please call the Sparwood Leisure Centre at: 250-425-0552. Please register early as class sizes may limited. Home Alone Safety for Kids February 16 – March 1, 2016 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Babysitter Training February 15 – March 2, 2016 Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Yours & Mine. together.

Guitar January 5 – March 8, 2016 Tuesdays Time intervals between 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Healthy & Delicious Meals NEW CLASS January 10, 2016 ThepmDistrict of Sparwood Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00

is pleased to announce the

Early Morning Spin Indian at Homelaunch Meals of NEW CLASS its new brand andJanuary identity. “We’re 3, now 4 – February 2016 January 31, 2016 February 10 – March 9, 2016 ideally and consistently share our Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm positioned to clearlyMondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 – 6:30 am Vegetarian Meals NEW CLASS 45 Minute Spin community’s story,” said Terry Melcer, The District of February 21, 2016 January 4 – March 7, 2016 Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm Sparwood’s Chief Administrative Officer. Mondays, 5:00 – 5:45 pm Learn How to Make Perogies March 6, 2016 Unlike Sunday, 3:00 – 5:00 pm many community

Begin to Spin January 4 – March 7, 2016

brands, Sparwood’s has Mondays, 6:00 – 6:30brand pm

Intro to Photography Mindful Meditation Workshop not been developed primarily to increase tourism or January 16, 2016 NEW CLASS Saturday, 10:00 –attract 3:00 pmdestination visitors. Rather, its brand January 17, 2016 development

Sunday, 3:00 – 4:30 pm Photography, Creative Composition and to strengthen its distinctive characteristics, demonstrate Post Processingis NEW CLASS Body & Breath Workshop NEW CLASS February 6, 2016 February 28, 2016diversity, and a desire to continue to develop economic Saturday, 10:00 – 2:00 pm Sunday, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

to continue to provide a solid foundation to increase

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

D I S T R I C T O F S PA R W O 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

January 13, 2011

Upcoming Meetings of Council

2016 UTILITIES - PAY EARLY AND SAVE!

District of sparwooD Launches new BranD (in Council Chambers)

Monday, January 18 Wednesday, January 20 Monday, February 1

Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm Committee of the Whole Meeting at 1:00 pm Regular Meeting at 1:00 pm

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The District of Sparwood is pleased to announce the launch of its new brand and identity. “We’re now ideally positioned to clearly and consistently share our community’s story,” said Terry Melcer, The District of Sparwood’s Chief Administrative Officer. Unlike many community brands, Sparwood’s brand has

HAPPY attract destination visitors. Rather, its brand development 50th is to strengthen its distinctive characteristics, demonstrate BIRTHDAY!! not been developed primarily to increase tourism or

a desire to continue to develop economic diversity, and to continue to provide a solid foundation to increase COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US! community spirit.

In celebration of Sparwood's 50th Birthday we will be hosting a number of 50 cent birthday swims and skates throughout community,” says Melcer, “We’re January. “We’re Join usan onincredible these dates: enviably situated in the Rocky Mountains, clean, safe,

50th BIRTHDAY SWIMS:

50th BIRTHDAY SKATES:

prosperous, a solidJanuary community Thursday, January 7th and haveTuesday, 12th of people 6:30-9:00 pm 7:00-8:00 pm who are happy to live here. We want to clearly tell that Sunday, January 17th Thursday, January 21st 3:00-6:00story.” pm 7:00-8:00 Sparwood’s new brand pm simply tells a historic and Friday, January 29th Monday, January 23rd story of a strong, 6:30-9:00contemporary pm 3:45-4:45 pmauthentic, hardworking mountain community. The brand speaks in a fresh manner to unpretentiousness; a proactive approach to developing

British Columbia Community relationships and recreational opportunities afforded by Achievement Awards relationships; and pride in the industry, community

their location. are shaped by the people who live in them, and British Columbia’s communities especially by the contributions of extraordinary individuals. The BC Community Achievement Awards celebrate British Columbians whoof goSparwood above and beyond in To develop their brand, the District worked their dedication and service to others and who devote time and energy to making with community and regional branding specialists their communities more caring, dynamic, beautiful, healthy, and unique.

$878.52 $790.67

Save $87.85

Strata Unit 2016 Water/Sewer/Garbage $843.48 Melcer. “This allows our brand to resonate with our mos IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2016 $759.13 Save $84.35 important audience first — our own community.” Residences receiving Water and Garbage Services only 2016 Water/Garbage $592.32 The initial results of the branding exercise IF PAID BY JANUARY 31,2016 $533.09 Save include $59.23 a new newservices taglines, Residences receivinglogo, Garbage onlya community website, professional 2016 Garbage images, posters, trade$373.68 show materials, ads, and other IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2016 $336.31 Save $37.37 informational collateral, as well as recommendations on Discounts apply only if prior year (2015) utilities have been paid in full. Payment to implement brand the community will be applied ﬁrst how to any outstanding the prior year as utilities transferred moves to tax accounts. forward and begins to proactively share its story. Option 2: 5% Discount - Pay Utilities Quarterly

that the If you pay your quarterly bill before the developing 15th of the month “We’reutility not intent on strictly as a tourism quarterly invoice is due you will receive a 5% discount for that quarter. Each community,” says Melcer. “But weJune are 15 intent th quarter’s utilities must be paid by March 15th (1st quarter), (2ndon quarter), th rd th th September 15 (3 quarter), and December 15 are (4 proud quarter) be eligible for the demonstrating that we oftoour community, that 5% discount each quarter. are open for business and that we are happy to share o

story and community with the rest of the world. We have

Dog Licences

a story that deserves being told best and now we look The District of Sparwood Animal forward to telling it.” Control Bylaw requires every dog to have a current year licence by January 15. A neutered or spayed -30dog tag, with vet certiﬁcate, is $10.00 or $30.00 for For an unaltered more information on the District of Sparwood, dog. Why licensing please your contact: dog should be your number one Terry Melcer priority: • If your dog gets Chief lost, even in Administrative Officer a neighbouring community, a District of Sparwood licence is the fastest way to reunite you withBox your520, dog.136 Even if your dog is microchipped, a licence Spruce Avenue tag is immediately visible andBC doesn’t Sparwood, V0B require 2G0 a scanning device. Dogs are often returned by contacting the dog’s owner at their address on ﬁle with the District; Phone: (250) 425-627 • Your dog’s licence shows that(250) you are a responsible dog owner. When you Direct Line: 425-6810 walk your dog people will notice the licence on your dog’s collar and know Fax: (250) that you really care about your425-7277 dog’s welfare;

British Columbians who&have cantinvolved contribution to their communities Story Co.made Theira signifi process extensive community in BC are eligible for a BC Community Achievement Award. Nominees will have consultation, research and strategy, and the results of the made a contribution in any area that provides a benefit to the community – either • Licensing lets others know that your dog is not a stray. Often found dogs are email: tmelcer@sparwood.bc.ca as a volunteer or in the course of theirwere work.predicated These include, but are not limited to, branding project on feedback and insight kept by the people who find them, who assume an unlicensed dog is a stray; website: www.sparwood.bc.ca arts and culture, sports and recreation, multiculturalism, environment, healthcare, and garnered directly from the community. education, civic duty, business, community volunteerism, philanthropy, and • It’s the law! Failure to licence your dog by January 15 may result in tickets youth or seniors’ leadership. Deadline for nominations is January 15, 2016. and impound fees. “Thecontact methods we Achievement used allowed us to gain valuable For more information the BC Foundation at 1.866.882.6088, For more information, or to renew or purchase a dog licence please contact the email: info@bcachievement.com, or www.bcachievement.com/community. District Office at 250.425.6271 or at 136 Spruce Avenue. information through direct consultation with community

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

City to host bonfire in support of off-leash dog park Fire department will ignite the controlled fire to light up the toboggan hill. “Activities at the event will be tobogganing, bonfire, music, BBQ and I do believe one of our volunteers is going to be organizing street hockey,” said Cassidy Heather, a board member of Fernie Pets Society and volunteer for the event. “We are asking people to bring

By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

ld Christmas trees will be set ablaze on Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. at Fernie’s Aquatic Centre as a fundraiser for an offleash dog park. The event will have many activities for the whole family. The Fernie

their own toboggans and hockey sticks, we will be trying to supply some but won’t have enough for everyone.” The event will also feature a raffle where people can enter to win prizes from local businesses. “We will also be selling raffle tickets, five tickets for $20, that people can enter to win prizes from local business's such as BARKSiDE, Fernie Tracks, Happy Hounds, Nevados, Big Bang Bagels, Coraley Letcher Yoga, Blue Toque and many more,” said Heather. All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Fernie Pets Society for the construction of the new offleash dog park that will be built just past the Bottle Depot at the base of Ridgemont Avenue. The hopeful construction start date will be this spring. “We have been fundraising ** for it for a few years now, it will be a massive project. We need money for an environmental assessment, landscaping, dog park design, fencing, garbage cans and poop bag dispensers, benches etc.” said Heather. “As for the expected completion date that is something we are currently unsure of as well. We are hoping to be able to start

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construction on the park when the snow melts.” There are two ways to donate your tree to the event, bring the tree with you to the Fernie Aquatic Center at the designated area, or put the tree on your curb for the morning of the event. Local Firefighters will be collecting trees in Fernie starting at 8 a.m. on Jan. 9. A group of pet owners concerned with the amount of missing and stray pets in town created Fernie Pets in 2008. The group felt that posters and flyers were not the best way to publicize missing or found pets, so the group created Ferniepets.ca, where people could post photos and notices of found or missing animals. Since its introduction, the website has also created a platform for pet adoption. In 2010 the website was extended to the social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter. “One unfixed cat and her mate can create 25 kittens in one year, and over 9,000 in just 5 years,” said the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies in a press release. The program has been actively reducing the number of unwanted cats and kittens in the lower Elk Valley by spaying and neutering them. Stray and feral cats often live short, hard and tragic lives according to a press release from Fernie Pets. The operation is part of a non-profit charity that is operated by volunteers. Fernie Pets is dependant on donations and grant money, making the On Fire event one of the programs biggest donation makers this year.

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Jewelry handcrafted by Nikita Talula By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

ikita Talula’s jewelry is easily recognizable, as she incorporates a specific style that is unique to her. Using big colourful gems and unique wire work, Talula crafts jewelry inspired by the people who taught her – artisans in the small Mexican town of Sayulita. “I learned how to make jewelry when I moved to Mexico. I went down there by myself, no plan and when I kind of sat down with these artisans, they somehow showed me how to play with wire and to do it. So instead of being a tourist, I went down there and became a jewelry artist,” said Talula, who first went to Mexico in 2009. Since her first visit, she has returned to Sayulita at least once a year, often for six

A sample of the earrings and necklaces Talula crafts. Photo by L. Scheitel

A division of

months at a time. Due to life changes, she can’t stay for long time spans. “Now that I have a life and house here, I can’t go do that anymore,” she said. “I went down there with the intention just to buy stones, catch up with people – have my life condensed into two weeks that I used to do in six months.” With every trip, Talula brings back stones and gems to be able to craft an inventory of necklaces and earrings with. “The stones that I get, they come from all different parts of Mexico. Because Sayulita is such an artisan hub, a lot of people come from different parts of Mexico with a backpack full of stones and then when they recognize an artisan, they say ‘hey are you interested?’ and pretty much dump the bag out,” she said. “It’s so different than the way that we buy anything around here.” Talula said there is a noticeable difference in how people sell jewelry in Mexico than in Canada. “It was strange to begin working with jewelry here, just selling it at markets because everything, not just in Fernie but in Canada, is more polished, more organized, [and] it needs to be appealing to the eye from a distance,” she said. “Whereas in Mexico, every morning we brought cardboard tables that folded up and threw a dirty tablecloth over it and just set it out. Not that we didn’t do it with pride, but we did it quickly and just kind of sat there all day. It was so much more of a casual way than here. Whereas here, I find you need to have prices on the back of everything and explain – just have more

information and be more polished.” Talula sells her work at craft fairs and markets around the Elk Valley. In the summer, she regularly sets up booths at the Baynes Lake Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and the Fernie Mountain Markets in Lions Park on Sundays. Her next booth will be set up at the Griz Days craft fair, which will be in March. “In the summer, because I’m going to markets all the time, I have this thing there if I sell five necklaces and five pairs of earrings, I make a point of making a goal to make five pairs of earrings and five necklaces,” she said. “Sometimes, I have to take one day per week, get up in the morning, get my coffee, turn my favourite station on, and I’m there in my little jewelry room all day. You know when you’re hungry or thirsty or whatever, but once I get going, I feel that I’m on such a roll that I don’t even want to get up to go and get another coffee. “I think when anybody loves anything that much, there is no sense of time. You’re kind of the only thing happening in the world,” she added. Talula grew up on Vancouver Island and discovered Fernie in 2005, but moved here for good in the summer of 2013. Most of her pieces hover around the $40 to $50 price point, and while she has tossed around the idea of selling her work or tutorials for how to create similar pieces on Etsy, the online forum for DIY activities, she wants to be more secretive about it. “I really like being the one that sells it. I know with the way of the future, Etsy would be a smart thing to do, but

Nikita Talula learned how to make jewelry in Sayulita, Mexico. Photo by L. Scheitel

I love being the one to explain where a stone comes from,” she said. “People don’t really like to blow $50 all the time, so I know when they buy this to give away or to keep for themselves, they’re keeping this forever. They’re either going to wear it everyday or they’re going to wear it when there is a special occasion, and it’s going to be in their jewelry box for a long time.” Tulula’s work can be seen on her Facebook page by searching for EVOLve jewelry designs. She also has some work on display at Spa 901 and at Infinitea T-Bar and Boutique.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

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Throwback Thursday

1932

FERNIE ANNEX IN DANGER

The heavy snow fall this year is beginning to cause a lot of worry among residents of the north end of the town and the Fernie Annex. If the snow continues to come down for the next six or seven weeks at the rate it has in the past two months, we are going to have a record year with possibly six or seven feet on the level. This naturally makes one think of high water in the spring. The Elk River for a number of years now has been gouging into the bank above the old Fernie Lumber Co.’s mill and only a small barrier now prevents the river from cutting through the lower part of the golf course and on down through the Annex where it will do thousands of dollars worth of property damage. Low water in the spring for several years has caused the people to forget about this menace, but the danger has never for one moment abated and it only needs one of our old time floods to fairly sweep a large part of the Annex out of existence.

FATAL ACCIDENT

The first fatal accident in over two years occurred at Coal Creek early Monday morning last when Mike Miklucak, a roperider, employed at Coal Creek, received injuries which resulted in his death a few hours later. He was working on a trip of cars at the time and evidently in a moment of forgetfulness struck his head on something, at least that is the supposition as he was alone at the time and no one knows the exact cause of the accident. He was found shortly after the accident still alive, but unconscious. He was rushed to Fernie Hospital where it was discovered his neck was broken. The deceased who has been out from the old country for about three years, leaves a wife and two children.

LOCAL & GENERAL

Donald Mitchell is at the Coast on a short business trip. * Mrs. Marie Rasmussen is very ill in the Fernie hospital. * Permanent wavers will be at Mrs. W. Belway’s Beauty Shoppe (above Todd’s Milnery Store) on or about December 15th. For appointment Phone 125. * “Dutchy” Peters regrets very much that owing to unforeseen difficulties his players were unable to keep their engagement at Corbin, but promises to be there on December 5th. * It is reported unofficially that on Sunday, December 4th, there will be a marked change in the passenger train schedule on this division. It is understood the night stopovers at Nelson will be cut out on and after that date. * Fire destroyed the home of Wm. Young of West Fernie, about ten o’clock on Saturday evening. He had been up town during the evening and just returned in time to find the place in flames. The property belonged to Robert Scott. The cause of the fire is unknown. * Mrs. Geo. Perkins, Sr., is a patient of the Fernie hospital. * Miss Georgie McKenzie left on Tuesday for Vancouver where she will resume her course at St. Paul’s Hospital. * Fire broke out early this morning at the home of Mike Herchuk, near the bridge in the Fernie Annex. Neighbours discovered the fire about 1:15 and Wm. Slemko ran all the way to the fire hall to give the alarm. The brigade made a quick trip to the scene and succeeded in confining the flames to the kitchen. The fire had evidently started from an over heated stove. The damage is estimated at about $600, covered by insurance. Mr. Herchuk was not at home at the time of the fire, he being employed at Corbin. Mrs. Herchuk and the children, who were badly frightened, were taken out of the house through a bedroom window. They were nearly overcome by the smoke.

Contact Garth Rizzuto @ 250-423-0272 rizzutoconstruction.ca or rizzutoconstruction.com Building in the Elk Valley - a family tradition since 1897

Arts&Entertainment WhatsOn THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

What’s on in the Elk Valley this week.

Film with local ties featured at festival By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

he Reel Canadian Film Fest is set to take over the Vogue Theatre from Jan 15. to Jan 17, offering a variety of independent films. The Fest also features a local interest angle, as it will be featuring Eadweard, which was costume designed by Fernie local, Florence Barrett. The film is opening the festival, playing on the Friday evening, and will feature a Q&A with Barrett and Josh Epstein, producer and co-writer of the film. Barrett was hired as the costume designer just under three years ago, and worked on the project for roughly six months, including a grueling monthlong shooting period. Epstein and the director, Kyle Rideout, took a chance on Barrett, who had little experience in film at the time. Most of her experience was in theatre, which has a different style than film and television work. “Kyle [Rideout], who is the director, I worked with him probably six years ago now, on some theatre shows,” said Barrett. “We just got along and worked really well together. He talked to me a little bit about this project over the years, and I helped him put together the initial pitch for it. I was so green at the time. All I had done was theatre – I had done two student short films before this. Everyone else they were interviewing was big in the film world. And they said, ‘we would love to bring you on as wardrobe. We really want you to be involved with the project. We think you are great but

Fernie Ghostriders vs Columbia Valley Friday, January 8 - 7:30pm Head to the Memorial Arena and cheer on the Fernie Ghostriders as they take on Columbia Valley.

Kinky Rail Jam at Fernie Alpine Resort Saturday, January 9 Skiers and snowboarders will slide with style in the RCR Rail Park. The event is open to both skiers and snowboarders and will be an event not to miss!

Flo Barrett poses on location at Roedde House Museum with two actresses dressed in costumes she designed for the movie Eadweard. The film is opening the Reel Canadian Film Fest on Jan. 15. Photo courtesy of Flo Barrett

it’s an independent film and we have to go with what will be best for the film’.” Barrett, undeterred, told them that her personal style and work ethic made her the best choice for the position. “I rarely get these bursts of being a boss. I remember sitting there saying, ‘that’s okay. Obviously it is your film. I just want you guys to have the best, just as long as you realize it will never look as good as it could. I’m a damn good designer. I’ll be a great head of wardrobe, but I’m a damn good designer. I may not have the connections, but I’m tenacious’.” The tenacity paid off, as not only did Barrett costume design the entire film, but she also won a Leo Award for her work on the project. The Leo Barrett designed a variety of costumes based on the Awards celebrate work in styles of the late 1800s, including cricket players. television and film in B.C. Photo courtesy of Flo Barrett Barrett won her award SPARWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

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last spring. “It was definitely the hardest I have ever worked in my life,” said Barrett. “I laid out the whole chronological journey for Edward and for Flora and for all of these main characters so there was an arc in their costumes, depending on their mental state. It is quite a psychological thriller so a lot of the choices were pulled from there – where is his mind at now, what is his mental state. We made one costume five times and did various levels of breakdown on it. There is this one point, [Flora] lived in a nightdress for a month. So we had to make this nightdress numerous times so each time it gets dirtier and dirtier.” The film depicts the story of Eadweard Muybridge, who is hailed as the ‘godfather of motion picture’. Because it is set between 1860 and 1890, Barrett did hours of research to ensure the costumes she designed were historically accurate. “I’m a history nerd. Reading a lot of stuff, going through a lot of stuff. It’s a blessing and a curse because most of the people in this film were real,” she said. “In the fashion world, you are pulling from three different eras. Continued on page 16

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.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Local costume designer’s film featured Upcoming events Fernie, doing most of her research in the museum. “I came back and I was trying to work out of my parent’s house. Mike [Pennock, then-museum director] was like ‘come in and work in here’. They had just moved into the new building and hadn’t installed the new exhibit downstairs yet. So they gave me what is now Lori Bradish’s office upstairs.” Barrett worked closely with the director in the pre-production stages to ensure that the style of the costumes matched the tone of the story. “We just have such a strong connection of trust between each other. I trust him to tell the story and Barrett on set at Highcroft Manor on the UBC Campus in the he trusts me to costume summer of 2013. Photo courtesy of Flo Barrett it.” Barrett praises the support she received in Continued from page 15 to her assistants Poliona Commercial dyes were Boltova, Christina Doa and high school for helping her find a career path. invented in 1850 so it was the Capri Phillip for their work. “I moved here in high start of couture in 1855. There “In films you do have was a huge movement in breaks, but just the way it school, Lori Sinclair was the the 1860s and more towards worked, wardrobe didn’t get high school drama teacher Victorian stuff near the end one. We were trying to do a and she was awesome. I said, of the film.” lot with an independent sized ‘this is what I think I want to Barrett and her team budget. All of the girls were do’, and she really pushed me to audition for Red Deer were responsible for every fantastic.” garment worn throughout Barrett did much of the College. So I got into Red the film. She gave credit pre-production work in Deer and from there I got

into costume design and the rest is kind of history,” Barrett said. “She was incredible and the high school also was so supportive of me. By grade 12, I said, ‘I want to work in theatre and film. I don’t want to have a normal job’, and they really believed in me. That’s a great thing about the Fernie high school – if you want to do a career that is not 9 to 5, they are supportive of that.” The Reel Canadian Film Fest will also include the films Brooklyn and Room, both of which have received high praises from critics. Eadweard has been nominated for over two dozen awards and had toured the globe, playing in film festivals around the world. It seems only fitting that Eadweard should open the Reel Canadian Film Fest. “I’m really excited. Everybody in Fernie has known me as the ‘theatre kid’ for a long time,” said Barrett. “I really want everyone to come and see this film. They say it takes a village, but sometimes it takes a city to do this stuff.” Tickets to Eadweard are $15 and can be purchased at the Arts Station.

Barrett says working on Eadweard was the hardest she has ever worked. Photo courtesy of Flo Barrett

at Fernie Library Submitted

he Fernie Heritage Library has another great month of activities offering events for all age groups for January. Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., the Library offers Toddlertime. Infants under the age of two are invited to enjoy singing, simple stories and finger plays for babies and their caregivers. Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon, children from ages three to five are invited to come to the library and participate in stories, singing and activities for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., the Fernie Library offers Knits and Knots, where they invite children ages eight and over to join in on some yarn-y fun. The same age group is also invited to attend Charadians on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., where drama is in demand. Thursdays are Lego Club from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., participants must register for the event and there is a new challenge every week for contestants aged seven and above. Jan. 8 at 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. is the Red Cedar Book Club for children from grades four to six; new members are always welcome. The Library invites children aged seven and over to FUN Friday on Jan. 15 between 1 and 2:30 p.m. Teenspace is Jan. 7 and 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This program offers teenagers a non-judgmental environment where they are encouraged to set up activities on their own with support from the library staff. For the young at heart, the library offers Senior Storytime with Ms. Anie Hepher. The event will take place at the Rocky Mountain Village Serenity Room, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to this all-ages event. The Library offers programs aimed at the whole community as well - Tea and Talk Book Club will be on Jan. 29 at 1:30 p.m. and the group will discuss All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. On Jan. 15 the Booked! Fernie Writers’ Series presents Raziel Reid, the event will be on When Everything Feels like the Movies with live music from The Burn-ins, and a cash bar. The Library will celebrate Family Literacy Day with Storyfeast on Jan. 27. There will also be special programming on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Local Author, Pepper CouëlleSterling will be launching her children’s book, Secrets of the Painted Door, published by Oolichan Books. The event will also include readings, refreshments and crafts.

Haunted House Thank You

a watchdog over the powerful.

Richard Rolke

Senior reporter and columnist at the Vernon Morning Star. A recipient of numerous community honours, he has been a respected voice in the North Okanagan for 25 years.

With a few keystrokes you can sample thousands of opinions, aoat in a sea of information. But as the volume increases, the accuracy and reliability of professional journalism is essential. Gathering and sorting the facts, weighing and interpreting events, and following the story from beginning to end is more important than ever.

On behalf of Sean and Shannon Mortimer, Ted Monfee, Marla Taylor & The Haunted House on Michel Creek Road, we would like to thank the following for their generous support & donations. • FR Rentals • Bears Paw Contracting • District of Sparwood • Elk Valley Thrift Shop • Lilac Terrace • Shirley Mortimer • Lynn Mueller

• Wendy Arola • Les Starkey • Stephanie McColm and all the volunteers that helped setup, take down & participate.

A big thank you to all that came to the Haunted House & for their generous donations to the Sparwood Food Bank & The EK Brain Injury Association. Thank you, also to those who didn’t get a chance to come to the ‘house’ but made donations anyway. Without all of you this would not have been such a huge success again. We gave a generous amount of non-perishable food items to the Sparwood Food Bank & $1535 was donated to the EKBIA in memory of our best friend Burt Jaegli.

Thank you all.

BOOKED!

Fernie Writers’ Series 2016 Presented by the Fernie Heritage Library

RAZIEL REID

2014 GG Winner Canada Reads Finalist

*****

Friday January 15, 7:00 pm At the Fernie Heritage Library “An edgy and non-sugarcoated novel, full of gender-bending teen glamour, mischief and melodrama.” ~ BC Booklook

Sports

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

A flat start to the New Year for the Ghostriders

The Ghostriders faced off in front of the benches against the Creston Valley Thundercats Saturday night. The Ghostriders battled back in the third period, but the final score was 3-1. Photo by L. Scheitel By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

ince the week-long break the Ghostriders had over Christmas, the team has not put in a full game of effort, according to head coach Craig Mohr. They lost three of their four games last week, earning only three out of a possible eight points overall - a Dec. 28 loss and an overtime win on Dec. 29 against Kimberley, and back to back losses against Creston on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2. The loss on Jan. 2 had Creston edge the Ghostriders out of second place in the Eddie Mountain Division by one point. “All four games we had after our Christmas break, we didn’t put 60 minutes together. We had great 20 minute intervals, but we never played a full 60 of it. When you play good teams, you can only go to the well so

many times in the third period on comebacks,” said Mohr. “[Saturday] again we didn’t have a great first, got a little better in the second, got it tied in the third and then, credit to them, they went out and got the goal, and you’re not going to do thirdperiod comebacks all year.” Cole Keebler returned to the bench this week after a month on the injury list along with Zach Befus. Unfortunately, the team had a few more players join the injury reserve (IR) list. “Keebler is back, Befus is back, we have lost [Alex] Cheveldave probably until the playoffs – he broke his index finger, but he broke it up high. [Keagan] Kingwell has a concussion right now, so that could be two weeks or that could be until the playoffs, you never know with that,” said Mohr after the Jan. 2 game. “Mack Differenz is getting pretty close with his hand, he is skating,

he is shooting, so he is our next one off of the IR. Tonight, we didn’t have Evan Reid. Just one of those - got a migraine while he was at the rink so he couldn’t play tonight. Nothing we are not used to.” The team factors the IR list into their decisions and can shift some of the pressure of goal scoring and special teams when key players are out. “We build around [injuries], we lose key players all the time we have been injured all year, and we have really rallied together. With all the adversity that comes to us, we are able to battle back,” said Cole Keebler. The first of the Creston doubleheader was an away game. The Fernie squad fought back in the third period to send the game into overtime. They got a point but failed to clinch the win. Continued on page 18

GHOSTRIDERS HOCKEY VS

Friday Jan. 8th @ 7:30 Fernie Memorial Arena

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Ghostrider holiday games against rivals Continued from page 17 “We were really flat for the first two periods. No energy, we weren’t hitting, we didn’t generate much. Third period we came out flying, down 3-0, credit to the guys. [They’re] down 3-0 and they storm back and tie it up 3-3 We outplayed them in the overtime,” said Mohr. “Their goalie made some saves, and one of their skilled [players] – [Alec] Wilkinson – made a play and scored a goal. We came out of there okay, we got a point out of that which was nice. Today, [Saturday] I was really expecting us to come out flying, but we were really flat off of the start.” The second game against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats was in the Fernie Memorial Arena. While the Ghostriders lost 3-1, the squad has plans to get back on track through practices and put more effort into what the team is known for – hard work. “Practice is always the good time to level everything off and get back to

some of the stuff we need to do – get back to our work ethic, get back to pushing for 60 minutes with energy. It’s not awful. We didn’t go 0-4, we got three points, but there were eight points available,” said Mohr. “We just have to re-juice and get back to our identity of outworking teams. I’m confident they will, it’s just a little bump in the road and you need those through a season to motivate and bring it back to reality.” Getting back to the hard work mentality is something that the players also echoed. “We were flat all night, couldn’t really get anything going. We showed glimpses of what we could accomplish, but we didn’t have anything for the full 60 minutes,” said Justin Peers, who scored the lone Ghostrider goal of the game. “Five minutes on and 20 minutes off is just not good enough.” “We pride ourselves on working hard, and we kinda lost that this weekend. We got to get that back,” reinforced Keebler.

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

Above: Ghostrider Ryan Kennedy faces off for the puck against James Farmer of the Kimberley Dynamiters during the second of two games between the rivals. The Ghostriders won in overtime with a final score of 3-2. Below: Goalie Jeff Orser mentally prepares for the third period with the help of goalie consultant, Gerry Pang. Photos by L. Scheitel

www.facebook.com/freepressbc @FernieFreePress

Did you Know? When Celebrating isn’t much of a Celebration

KYLE KYLE HAMILTON HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY 250 250423 4230904 0904 www.kylehamiltonphotography.com www.kylehamiltonphotography.com

Alcohol is often used to celebrate many occasions. However, drinking large amounts of alcohol can often be more of a headache than anything else. Try these tips, when you choose to celebrate with alcohol: • Pace yourself, alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks. • Drink slowly. Don’t chug. • Stop drinking before you feel drunk. • Don’t mix alcohol with medicines or illegal drugs. Alcohol often has unwanted reactions when combined with other substances. • Avoid binge drinking: 5 or more for an adult male, or 4 or more for an adult female. • Think about your reputation, your safety and the safety of others. • Watch your drink, to avoid having something slipped into your drink. • Plan ahead. Arrange to walk, take a taxi, stay overnight where you will be drinking or get a ride home with a sober driver. • If you drink any alcohol, do not drive. The only way to be sure you are not driving over the limit, is to not drink at all when you plan to drive. Information obtained from, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2008): Partying and Getting Drunk 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

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Announcements

In Memoriam Will, Walter January 8, 2000 Will, Josephine (Josie) January 6, 2006 “Because Good Knew your work was o’er, Your children taught & grown. He called you both to come and dwell, Where no more work is done; Where the golden sun doth never set, And the sky’s forever blue; It’s there, we hope in God’s good tie, Dear parents, to be with you” Ralph, Bev, Bob, Michael and families.

Travel

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CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program stop mortgage & maintenance payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248

Life… Love… Loss… Legacy

BRACONNIER: It is with great sadness that we announce that Jordan Stanley Braconnier, 61, of Beaverlodge, Alberta, died unexpectedly at his home on December 22, 2015. Jordan was born in Kaslo, BC on September 13, 1954 to Colleen and Wilf Braconnier. Jordan is survived by his 3 children: Angela (Zach) Parker, Brian (Tania) Braconnier, and Tawny Braconnier (Mike Strang); his grandchildren: McKenzie, Destiny, Jaiden, Haleigh, Alliyah, Taylor, and Keiran; his mother Colleen Braconnier; brothers Allan Braconnier and Ken (Anita) Braconnier, and his sister Renee Braconnier as well as many nieces and nephews. Jordan was predeceased by his father, Wilf Braconnier. Jordan enjoyed fishing the Wigwam catching those “Big Bullies”, hunting in the Cedar Valley, camping, and spending time with his family. A celebration of life was held on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Cherished Memories “Serenity Chapel” in Fernie, BC with Jane Clarke officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Fernie Rod & Gun Club or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Information

CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canada benefit.ca/free-assessment

In Memoriam

Centennial Square, Sparwood

Sunday Meeting Morning Services - 11:00 am Corps Officers: Majors James & Gwen Hägglund Fernie Office 250-423-4661 Fx 250-423-4668 ferniesalvationarmy.ca

201 2nd Avenue, Fernie Sunday Services 10:00 am Everyone welcome.

YOU ARE WELCOME AT KNOX!

Masses: Tues. 9:00 am Wed. at Rocky Mtn Village 11:00 am Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am Confessions: Before 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday or by appointment Father Marcel Cote

In Memoriam

Forever loved and remembered by the Amundsen Family

1361 8th Avenue, Fernie EVERYONE WELCOME

Parish Office 250-423-6127

www.knoxunitedferniebc.ca email: KnoxUCFernie@outlook.com

As long as I can I will look at this world for both of us As long as I can I will laugh with the birds, I will sing with the flowers, I will pray to the stars, for both of us. As long as I can I will remember how many things on this earth were your joy, And I will live as well as you would want me to live As long as I can.

SNOW VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Catholic Church

521 4th Avenue, Fernie

250-423-6010

December 9, 1975 - January 7, 2015

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

HOLY FAMILY PARISH

KNOX UNITED CHURCH

Eirin Amundsen

Place of Worship

ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH

741B 2nd Ave. Fernie

WELCOMES YOU

In Memoriam

Place of Worship

ELK VALLEY CHURCH SERVICES

Call The Free Press to place your message 250-423-4666

STOLEN-$10,000 REWARD ****CALL - 403-703-4777 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually Auto Bankz Air Intake Insignia on frt. fender. White with White Canopy. ALBERTA PLATE BNF-3571, Odometer 67,000 miles. Stolen from WESTERN RV DEC. 9TH, KELOWNA. Police FILE # 67985-2015 $10,000 REWARD TO ANYONE GIVING INFORMATION LEADING TO THE RETURN OF THIS TRUCK CALL KELOWNA RCMP WITH ANY INFORMATION OR CRIMESTOPPERS

GORMAN Leo Egbert Gorman passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side on Friday, January 1, 2016 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital at the age of 69 years. Leo is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Veronica, two sons; Brian (Kim), Leo (Carrie) and daughter Tara-Leigh Beaubien (Andy), eight grandchildren: Bryce, Nigel and Bryan Gorman, Brittany, Christopher and Ryan Beaubien, Jade and Wesley Gorman. Also left to mourn his passing are his brothers and sisters and many nieces, nephews and good friends. Leo was predeceased by his parents William and Florence and siblings Edward and Daphine. A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, January 6th at the Gorman residence, 442 Englemann Spruce Drive, Sparwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Leo’s name to: The Cranbrook Red Cross, 1311 – 2nd St. N, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2L1 or to The Canadian Cancer Society, Kootenay Regional Office, 19 9th Ave S, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2L9. Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs. com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.

Monday Mens Fellowship...7 pm Sunday Worship & Children’s Ministry...10:30 am Friday Youth Group...7 pm Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. 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

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

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

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

Contact Pastor Shawn Barden shawnbarden@gmail.com

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

Everyone Welcome

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Thursday, January 7, 2016 The Free Press

Employment

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HIP OR Knee replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

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Help Wanted

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

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Household Services

Education/Trade Schools

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CAREER OPPORTUNITY

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

Volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities Immigrant newcomers need your help. Please consider volunteering as a mentor or join our list of occasional translators. English tutoring volunteers with EAL training are welcome. The average contribution is 2 hours a week. Contact CBAL Settlement Worker, Ashley Retford 250-946-6474, elkvalleysettlement@cbal.org, for more information.

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Apply at cbt.org/careers 1.800.505.8998

Help Wanted

WANT TO DELIVER NEWSPAPERS? All they need is Love Give the Gift of a Permanent Home

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Plumbing

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Merchandise for Sale

Food Products 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

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Misc. for Sale

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FIREARMS. ALL types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed Dealer. 1-86-9600045. www.dollars4guns.com

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The Free Press Thursday, January 7, 2016

Rentals

Rent To Own

Apt/Condo for Rent

RENT TO OWN Little Acres Mobile Home Park Sparwood - 2 and 3 bedroom mobiles. Will customize to fit your budget. Please call Rick at 250-425-5432

Apt/Condo for Rent Scenic Downtown Elkford

ALPINE COURT Spacious NEW apartments 1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month 2 & 3 Bdrm- $850 (& up)- month Includes heat, lights, & hot water

250-865-2722

SPARWOOD, B.C. Quiet • Comfortable • Affordable

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

Hot Water Included

Walking Distance to Mall

250-865-2722

peaceful Elkford

ALDERWOOD PLACE Comfortable apartment units

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

1 bedroom unit Sasko Manor - Sparwood. Ground floor. Rent dependant on income. Call 250-423-4145 2 Bed, 1 Bath condo for rent in Sparwood Heights. $800 per month, with reduced rate to $600 for the first 6 months on a one year lease. Utilities not included. Call Erin at 250-4257711 or Rick at 250-425-5432

Find Your Dream Home in the classifieds!

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent

Homes for Rent House in Sparwood Heights Large 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with attached garage, large yard on greenbelt, deck and shed. $1400 per month plus utilities. Call Rick 250-425-5432 or Erin 250-425-7711

PineCrest Apartments Sparwood BC

Move in special - receive $300 after 3 months. Also receive 20% of your damage deposit back after 1 year - some conditions apply. We have a one and two bedroom in fully newly renovated building. Some furnished suites with all new furniture. Pet friendly (some conditions apply) $775 to $925.

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

PINEWAY COURT

1291 Sycamore Sparwood Heights 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1/2 duplex, three level split with a large yard on green belt. $900 per month with 6th and 12th month reduced to $450. Call Rick at (250)425-5432 or Erin at (250)425-7711

• Close to downtown • Affordable • Hot water included • Your new home! 1 Bdrm plus den $775 (& up) month 2 Bdrm plus den $850 (& up) month

250-425-9912

More than 1.5 million Canadian families are in need of affordable housing. Your contributions provides Habitat with the resources it needs to help families.

SPARWOOD, 2-storey, 3bdrm townhouse for rent w/full basement, close to school & rec centre. (250)425-4448 primeprop@mymts.net Sparwood and Elkford: Property Management Services **************************** Furnished & Unfurnished houses and condos available for rent. Call Tonda at 250-433-7024 to match you up to the perfect home!! tonda@sparwoodrealestate.ca

Shared Accommodation SPARWOOD 1 bdrm available in a 3 bdrm condo. Good for shift workers. $275/month. Avail. immediately. Call 403-616-7272.

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

250-423-3308 or 250-423-1236

STORAGE PLUS: Bays heated or cold & service bays with air, minor repairs. 250-423-7492.

Townhouses

Transportation

321 Ponderosa - Furnished 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo $975 per month Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

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

Houses in Spardell for rent. 3 bedroom houses, 1 bath on large lots, appliances, town water, and school bus pick up nearby. Prices vary between $600 and $800 per month plus utilities. Please contact Rick 250-425-5432 or Erin 250-425-7711

27 Juniper - 3 bedroom townhouse in lower Sparwood. $800 per month with 6th and 12th month discounted to $400. Please call Rick 250-425-5432 or Erin 250-425-7711

Donate Today!

Clean 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo in Carbonado Court Sparwood. No pets. $750 per month. Please call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711.

Rentals

New condos in Sparwood Heights 2 bed/2 bath units are $1100. per month. 2 bed/1 bath units $1050. 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

Duplex / 4 Plex

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

1-250-865-7695

www.thefreepress.ca A21

Sparwood, B.C.

Apartment Units

Live in scenic &

Boats World’s Finest FISHING BOATS

www.habitat.ca

Modular Homes Sparwood - Several Mobile Homes for rent $400 - $1000 per month. Utilities not included. Please contact

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

or call 250-425-7711 for more information.

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

If you see a wildﬁre, report it to

1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.

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

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Fernie Museum Director Ron Ulrich (far left) and Museum Programming Coordinator Lori Bradish (far right), accept a cheque from the staff of the Fernie Scotiabank in support of museum programming. The bank matched the money raised through ticket sales of the Museum’s Speakeasy held in the fall and donated more than $4,000 to the organization. Submitted photo

Bright Beginnings Preschool partook in the Salvation Army’s Christmas Angel Tree this year. The children collected money and were able to give back to their community by purchasing gifts for seven local children. Submitted photo

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

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

E R E H D A R YOU Call 250-423-4666 today!

• Afﬁdavits • Wills • Contracts

After hours appointments available. No charge consultation.

OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

250-423-7236 302A 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

WE’RE ALL EARS

We take electronics and ensure they are recycled safely. If your ad was here, it would have been seen by now!

Complete, Partial and Immediate Denture. Emergency Repairs, Relines and Sport Mouthguards.

Questions? Comments? Story Ideas? Let us know how we’re doing.

• Business Transfers

Fax: (250) 425-2204

• Mobile Homes

Toll Free: 1-800-668-7729

• Mortgages

Email: marian@gravellenotary.com

Coalminer’s Gallery & Picture Framing Ltd.

*Custom Framing of Art & Needle Art *Certiﬁed Professional Framer *YOU NAME IT ~ WE FRAME IT! *28 years serving the Elk Valley

Phone: 1-888-649-5577

All framing services provided coalminersgallery@gmail.com

John & Lynda Gawryluk Certified Funeral Directors

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

cmfs@shaw.ca • www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com

Walter’s Hair Studio Now Open Full Time Specializing in Men’s Cuts.

250-423-4666 editor@thefreepress.ca

Classes Work Space Paper Crafting Mini Albums Home Decor

• Leases

Business: (250) 425-2114

Funeral Services Ltd. &

Cherished Memories Crematorium Ltd.

All Walk Ins Welcome

P.O. Box 1886 114 Centennial Square Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0

• Real Estate

Cherished Memories

PHONE: (250)423-5805 9839 ELK STREET

DJ Services

covering the Elk Valley • Weddings • Parties • Events Jacob MacDonald 250-430-7781 Hosmer74@gmail.com

Tues – Fri 9:30 – 5:30 Sat – 9:30 – 3:00 591 2nd Ave. Fernie 250-423-3320

www.communitylistingservice.com info@communitylistingservice.com Advertising opportunity: - Go to the website / select your province and community - Bookmark it as your Homepage - Sign up – cost is $100 for the whole year - Create your ad – change and update - every day if you like - Advertising like you’ve never used before - Shop local, know local - AND SO MUCH MORE

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

..... connect to your COMMUNITY

ROCK

from the historic Morrisey Quarry

ALL SIZES • Stream Protection AVAILABLE! • Unstable Ground Support • Custom Water way Drilling & Landscaping

Wilson’s Drill & Blast Service Call George 250-423-7040 or e-mail: t4237040@telus.net

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

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 January 10 to 16, 2016

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: GEMINI, CANCER AND LEO.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

The holidays are over and life starts getting back to normal. You focus on finding balance between having a busier social life and getting more rest.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

wifi available

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

BRAIN GAMES ACROSS

CROSSWORDS

PUZZLE NO. 802

There are changes at work that require a great deal of organization, which is something only you can accomplish. You also coordinate a big cleanup at home with the whole family.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

You see some great travel specials and decide to book your seat on the next flight out. You’re ready for a vacation and you don’t need much persuasion to get away.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Your health is the most important thing right now. Your doctor finally determines the cause of your problems and prescribes the treatment that will get you back on your feet.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

You play the role of negotiator or mediator at work or elsewhere. You find the solution to a deadlock that involves a union issue or a conflict with unhappy customers.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

1. 4. 8. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 20. 22. 23. 24. 26. 28. 29. 31. 33. 36. 37. 39. 40. 42. 43. 45. 47. 48. 49. 50.

Feather scarf Prima donna Broadcasts Select Etching fluid Bother Say yes to Look to be Bean curd Actuality Faintly lit Convent sister Sound Most crude Transport Exterior Alike Little angel Weak person Bermuda ____ Italian money, once Loud noise Affirmative reply English poet Land amid water Beg Inclined Alert Venison or pork ____ whiz!

51. Concludes 52. Sinks down 53. Subways’ kin

DOWN

1. Nuts and ____ 2. Met offerings 3. Harmonize 4. Hurry off 5. Slippery surface 6. Competed 7. Navy officer 8. Opposite of fore 9. Smoothed 10. Deny 11. Exploit

19. More taut 21. Large parrot 25. Cautiously 27. Stained 28. Falsehood 30. Art galleries 31. Elected 32. Yelled 34. Illusion 35. Drive forward 36. Railroad nail 38. Pays up 41. Expanse 42. Gambles 44. Print measures 46. Prank

ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 796

There’s a lot of work on the horizon. Not only is work piling up on your desk at the office, but you also pull out all the stops to make your home impeccable.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

You receive some praise for one reason or another. Some people might even put you up on a pedestal. You have good reason to feel proud of yourself this week.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

You decide to invite some relatives over on the spur of the moment. You surpass yourself, but be careful not to exceed your budget, which is probably already in the red after the holidays.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

You have a lot to say for yourself, whether it’s about your vacation or something to do with your family. You could finalize some interesting transactions at work.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

You feel like pampering yourself. Much to your surprise, you are offered a promotion at work. Stress is omnipresent, and there is lots of tiredness and confusion on the horizon.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

There’s plenty of action in your life this week. Several people take notice of you for one reason or another. You’re feeling creative, or you find yourself enjoying a particular art form.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

You should finally be able to shed some light on which direction to follow if you still haven’t found the right career path. A loved one needs you.

PUZZLE NO. 538

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.

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT SOPHIE HOWDEN advertising@thefreepress.ca 250-423-4666

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 7, 2016

Associated with Legacy Auto Group

Andrew Moore General Manager

Where Quality & Service Meet Without Compromise

Jesse Johnson

6165 Brenners Road, Fernie, BC • 250-423-9211 • www.fernieford.ca

Finance Manager

Don Siska

Sales Specialist

Diane Isakson Sales Specialist

2015 Ford Focus SE

2015 Ford Flex LTD AWD

2015 Ford Taurus SEL AWD

$23,499 or $182 BW for 84 months

$50,099 or $383 BW for 84 months

$42,849 or $321 BW for 84 months

Stk. NC1093

Stk. NT1539

FINANCING ON FORD F150’S

2016 Ford F150 Supercrew XLT

2015 Ford F150 Supercrew Lariat

2015 Ford F150 Supercrew Platinum

$44,549 or $327 BW for 72 months

$56,900 or $415 BW for 72 months

$64,999 or $472 BW for 72 months

Stk. NT1573

Stk. NT1507

Stk. NT1493

FERNIE PRE-OWNED * LOOK FOR THE LEGACY MARK DOWN

2014 F150 Supercrew Platinum

2010 Lincoln MKZ AWD

2014 Toyota Rav4

2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

$44,900 or $169

$18,990 or $97

$29,900 or $115

$19,900 or $87

Stk. UT0267

Week for 84 months

Stk. UC0265

Week for 60 months

Sales Specialist

Stk. NC0195

Michelle Hattie

Stk. UT0739

Week for 84 months

Stk. UC0255

Week for 72 months

All payments calculated at 4.99% except where noted. $0 down calculated on all payments OAC. Example UC0265 total paid interest is $3003.87. Total payments would be $25,420.20. Conditions apply. See the team at Fernie Ford for more details.