The Free Press, May 05, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

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Members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Rocky Mountain Village Rosa Rocca, Gloria Blakey, President Wilda Quail and Charlotte Leffler prepared gifts for the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend. For more on the story, turn to page 5. Photo by J. Cronin

Fernie City Council to receive wage increase By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

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ernie city councillors and mayor will be receiving more money for their duties come July. The Council voted in favour of increasing their stipends, which would be included in the 2016-2020 Financial Plan, at a Special Budget Meeting of Council on Feb. 29. Currently, councillors receive $12,000 for their duties while the mayor receives $20,000 per annum. This is in line with the Council Remuneration and Expense Repeal Bylaw, which was enacted in May 2007. Under the new stipulations, councillors will receive $18,000 per annum, which is a 50 per cent pay

increase. The mayor will receive a $16,000 pay increase, bringing the total wages for the mayor’s seat to $36,000. This equates to an 80 per cent pay increase. Council has not altered this bylaw since 2007. One of the aims in increasing the remuneration for council is to ensure that “no person is dissuaded from running for office because they cannot afford to.” This is described in a Jan. 21 Staff Report given by City of Fernie’s Director of Financial and Computer Services, Carla Fox. “It is also recognized that some Elected Officials must take time away from their work and may suffer a reduction in pay, and also some must make arrangements for child

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care, which should be considered by the remuneration package,” read the report. The increase will make council’s total wages $144,000 per annum instead of the current $92,000 per year. Currently, the Mayor is paid $4.50 per resident of Fernie while each councillor is paid $2.70. With the increase, the mayor will be paid $8.09 per resident and each councillor will receive $4.05 per resident. In comparison, Sparwood’s mayor receives $33,750 per year, which equates to $9.33 per resident while their councillors earn $14,499, which is equivalent to $4.01 per capita. Elkford is just slightly below on a per capita comparison. Their Mayor earns $19,315, equaling $7.84 per

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capita. The council members receive $8,995 per annum, which results in $3.65 per capita. While Council has voted in favour of the remuneration and it is incorporated into the 2016-2020 Financial Plan, they would only receive half of the increased stipend this year. Council and Mayor will receive the full amount in 2017. Under the new remuneration package, Mayor and Council will receive a two per cent increase each year from 2017 to 2020 in relation to the consumer price index and to adjust for inflation. The report also reads that the “increase would need to be funded by a taxation increase or a decrease to another expenditure.”

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

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Missing toddler found after 16-hour search

Plastic bags banned from curbside pickup By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

The Leuenberger family addresses media and Search and Rescue volunteers after their son was found safe on Sunday morning. Submitted photo By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staf

two-year-old boy was found safe and sound after spending the night in the wilderness near Premier Lake Provincial Campground, north of Kimberley. Issac Leuenberger went missing around 7 p.m. on Saturday evening after getting distracted while walking with his family. The toddler was found 16 hours later, at 11 a.m. on Sunday

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On Apr. 25, Fernie City Council voted in favour of a bylaw amendment that prohibits garbage being left in plastic bags for curbside pickup. Plastic or metal garbage cans with a water tight lid will be required at all residences in Fernie.

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morning, near Yankee Lake, roughly three kilometers away from where he was last seen. Fernie Search and Rescue manager, Simon Piney, said the amount of effort to find the boy was astounding. “So many people in the SAR [Search and Rescue] community, in Kimberley, Fernie and Sparwood dropped everything on a Sunday morning, put their lives on hold to help,” said Piney, adding that volunteer SAR teams from as far away as Nelson came to help in the effort. Piney said there were two helicopters and multiple boats, some equipped with underwater cameras, all deployed to search for Leuenberger, who was found by a family member who was with the search effort. From what authorities can tell, the boy said he spent the night in the grass, meaning he fell asleep at some point during the night. Piney said it was remarkable the boy was found in such good condition considering he was wearing only casual clothing and the temperature dipped to -2 C. With the exception of a few scratches, the boy was found in good condition. “To have a happy ending after something like that, it is the best outcome we can hope for when you get called to search for a child,” said Sparwood SAR Manager, Ed Ehrler. “We pull out all the stops and dedicate everything we can to it, it turned out to be a great day for us.”

t the Apr. 25 regular council meeting, Fernie City Council voted in favour of a bylaw amendment in regards to waste management. The amendment will require all garbage to be placed in garbage cans with lids for curbside pickup. At the Apr. 11 Committee of the Whole meeting, council debated the issue of attractant management in relation to garbage enticing bears into the city. It was decided at that meeting that altering the bylaw to prohibit plastic bags would be a good first step and directed staff to make the appropriate amendments. The bylaw amendment was moved by Councillor Dan McSkimming and seconded by Councillor Phil Iddon. It passed unopposed. Under the new bylaw, residents will be required to place garbage for curbside pickup in a non-corrosive or plastic containers no larger than 75 litres. The garbage cannot weigh more than 50 pounds when full and must be strong enough to withstand normal handling. The can must also have a watertight cover to contain the garbage. Garbage cannot be put on to the curb before 5 a.m. on collection days. City Council is allowing for a grace period to educate residents on the bylaw changes and will start enforcement on May 31. Offenders may be subject to fines.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Bear conflict management: garbage disposal By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

n a series of articles regarding bear management, The Free Press spoke to representatives from a variety of municipalities, all of which also face the issue of bears, including Canmore, Whistler, Revelstoke, Castlegar and Fernie. This week’s article is centered on garbage management.

Canmore

The town, which has a population of 12,288, had an ongoing saying that you could not go into back alleys at night because of the amount of bears that were there. This quickly changed as the town introduced bear proof garbage containers and implemented bylaws and design guidelines that have gone to significantly reduce interactions between bears and humans in the towns limits. Canmore Bear Aware Program Coordinator, Lori Rissling Wynn, believes that one of the most useful tools for stopping humanbear interactions is their garbage disposal system and a bylaw that backs it up. “One of the big things is the fact that we have bear proof garbage containers. I don’t know what Fernie has, but we don’t have regular curbside pick up or back alley pick up of waste. Everything has to be in a bear proof container, whether that is residential or commercial and mixed use,” she said. “That is in our land use bylaw and our engineering and design guidelines. Any proposed development has to describe how they are going to deal with their waste and then it has to be to our specifications, which are the bear proof bins.” While many communities have their developers adhere to their plant ban lists, Canmore also has its developers build bear proof design and waste removal into their developments. “Either developers get them serviced themselves through a private company or we will do it and set a utility account up for

Davies also points doing the collection. out that many other Typically it is their municipalities use responsibility to a different locking provide the bin system on their bins and provide a place that seems to work for the bin to go,” much better in the Rissling Wynn said. winter conditions. Canmore has also “ O t h e r placed a recycling municipalities have container beside rolled out similar each garbage bear resistant bins, bin and made it but with bear clips difficult to put instead of the auto garbage anywhere locking lid that else. Rissling was tried here and Wynn believes they have been that “we have successful,” she attempted to make said. “However, it as convenient as R e v e l s t o k e possible so people have to bring their Bear-human conflicts are a concern in other municipalities experiences very heavy snows and waste to those bins.” also located in bear country. Submitted photo there is concern Taking away the ability to put garbage elsewhere The pilot was highly successful that the automatic lifter arm on a garbage truck required to is an effective way of ensuring according to Davies. “In 2009 a pilot project was empty these bins would not be people use the bins properly and since the bins were introduced run in a suburb called Johnson compatible with our climate.” BearSaver polycarts there has been a drastic reduction Heights. were distributed to around 50 Whistler of bears in Canmore. Whistler is the only municipality “There is really nowhere else residents in this stand alone suburb, which had previously designated as Bear Smart that was to put it. So having a mechanism high rates of bear conflict. interviewed for this series and is to ensure that the waste is dealt with was a huge thing. Prior to us Conflict with bears decreased to one of only five in B.C. The area doing [the waste management], essentially nil after the bins were has a population of 9,800 and sees more than two million visitors of course we had a lot more bears deployed,” she said. According to Davies, the each year. The town does not in town. Once we phased that in - and I believe it was in the polycarts also brought problems have garbage pick up, something that is becoming more common early 90s, it dealt with a huge for the city. “The bins that were chosen had in areas that have problems with percentage of our issues.” a self locking mechanism which aggressive wildlife such as bears. proved to be problematic with This is cited as a major contributor Revelstoke Revelstoke, a municipality of Revelstoke's freeze thaw cycles to the areas comparatively low 7,219 people, implemented a very and the bins have been removed yearly human bear confrontation successful bear proof garbage and replaced with a centralized numbers. Instead of curbside pick pilot project a number of years bear proof garbage container in up, Whistler uses transfer ago that saw a drastic decrease of this suburb,” she said. After the pilot proved so stations that are set up in two human wildlife encounters within the pilot area. The reduction successful in reducing bears in locations. The town has also numbers were so good that the the city, Revelstoke budgeted to implemented a pickup program city budgeted to implement the implement the pilot city-wide. It where volunteers will pick up pilot throughout Revelstoke. The was delayed shortly after due to a person and their garbage and drive them to a transfer station to Free Press spoke with Sue Davies, the downturn in the economy. “The city did make a budget ensure everyone has the ability to the Community Coordinator Revelstoke Bear Aware about of $55,000 to roll out these carts properly dispose of their garbage. “We don’t have garbage pickup, how the pilot went and why the across the city. However, an pilot was never implemented economic downturn at the time which is a bit of a challenge for us meant that the roll out was because what you have to do is go city-wide. Seven years ago, Revelstoke delayed and then the issues to the transfer station,” said the initiated a pilot project in one with the locking mechanism on Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. of its suburbs. The area received the polycarts started to become “There is one at the centre of 50 bear-resistant garbage bins to apparent so the city decided not town and there is one at the south of town, but if you don’t have a reduce bear-human interactions. to proceed,” she said.

car, you can’t take your garbage on the bus. So we actually have volunteers through our Get Bear Smart society who you can call and they will come and pick you up with your garbage so you can go and dispose of it, rather than piling it up inside your front hall.” Wilhelm-Morden also pointed out that the majority of the problems come from existing residents or seasonal workers, the bulk of those problems are due to improper disposal or storage of garbage. “Interestingly enough, most of our problems with bear human conflict are with locals, with long term residents or transient seasonal workers – not disposing of garbage properly, storing it in the front hall of their house without locking their doors or keeping it in their cars,” she said.

Castlegar

Castelgar has a population of 7,816 and is built on a waterway crossroad where the Kootenay River flows into the Columbia River, providing a funnel point for bears and wildlife. Recently, Castlegar introduced a new garbage program that is aimed to reduce waste and human-bear conflict. The Free Press spoke with Castlegar’s WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Jenny Wallace about the city’s garbage program. Castlegar is also pursuing Bear Smart status in hopes of becoming one of the few communities in B.C. to be a part of the program. Castlegar introduced a new garbage disposal program. The program had many new facets and goals; one was to curb bearhuman interaction by reducing the incentive for bears to enter the city limits by having bear resistant garbage containers. “This month [April], the city rolled out a brand new Solid Waste and Recycling program designed to increase waste diversion and meet the city's waste reduction goals. Part of this new program was the provision of bear-resistant wheeled

Continued on page 22

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

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Local Birthdays May 5th Mr. Morgan Smith May 7th Darcy Diakow May 7th Ridley Horton May 9th Terry George

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

DID YOU KNOW…

That we offer free gentle yoga Thursdays 9:30 am 10:30am. No experience is required. Call to register

Shyanne Osmond to receive medical treatment in Boston

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

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND… Society for Kids Care – Elk Valley AGM Wednesday, May 25, 2016 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sparwood Treehouse Daycare Centre 421 Pine Avenue, Sparwood, BC

Public welcome to attend

about Hunting Licenses with MLA Bill Bennett 1. The government has launched a new online portal that will make it easier for hunters to access a number of services, such as limited-entry applications and, eventually, hunting and guide licenses. 2. The portal gives hunters access to apply for their resident hunting credentials and the new Fish and Wildlife Hunter ID. Hunters who want to apply in person can also continue to do so at Service BC, FrontCounter BC, or an authorized vendor. 3. You can find the new portal at www.gov.bc.ca/hunting. Bill Bennett MLA, Kootenay East www.billbennettmla.bc.ca

Shyanne Osmond with the 12 doctors who reviewed her case last week. All of the doctors recommended Shyanne receive medical treatment in Boston from now on. Submitted photo By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

hyanne Osmond has learned to smile through adversity. The eight-year-old originally from Fernie was diagnosed with AVM – arteriovenous malformation, a condition that causes an abnormal connection of blood between her veins and arteries, creating a tumour on her upper lip. She was diagnosed at just six years old, but her mother Amber said they knew about it since she was born. “She was born with it, we could see it from birth. They kept telling us it was a birthmark – something not serious,” said Amber. However it was something rare and serious – so serious that Shyanne now has to travel to Boston for medical help. Last week, a team of 12 doctors reviewed Shyanne’s condition and unanimously agreed that it would be best for her to receive treatment in Boston and that Canadian doctors could no longer help her. “Doctors – 12 of them - were discussing her situation and what the best act is to do from here, and they came back and told us that Canada can no longer help our daughter and we have to go to Boston,” said Amber.

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While the details are uncertain as to how many times the family will have to travel to Boston and how often, the family is preparing for regular trips to the United States for medical assistance. “We will not be moving to Boston. Shy cannot fly, so we will be driving back and forth from Ontario to Boston, which is a nine-hour drive. The Ontario government, as far as we know at this point – because Canadian doctors have signed off on her, Ontario will pay the medical expense of it, so that is a big bonus. They strictly do all medical costs,” said Amber. The family will have to pay for all travel and accommodation expenses while caring for Shyanne in Boston. According to Amber, Boston has some of the best medical support for AVM in the world, and will be able to provide Shyanne with treatment that she did not have access to in Canada, such as certain types of drugs. While she is happy about Shyanne receiving the best help available, there is a side of it that makes Amber nervous. “I’m very happy about it but on the other hand it is very scary because I have friends with AVM and Boston won’t take them. There is a severity level and Boston is very picky on who they bring in, so the fact that they are willing to bring in Shyanne, it makes us feel like this is really bad,” said Amber. “For Canada to say we can’t do anything else for her, it’s a really scary, sick feeling. But on the other hand, we knew from day one of her diagnosis that Boston had the best of the best. So on that aspect, if she has to live with this, at least we have the best of the best help we can get.” The Osmonds relocated from Fernie to Burlington, Ont., last year to be closer to medical experts in the Toronto area. Since then, Shyanne’s condition has worsened. She is only fed soft foods while at school for fear that hard foods could cause bleeding in her mouth, where the tumour is located. The tumour has also grown into her nose and the back of her throat. “At school she is not allowed hard food. She is only allowed soft food – soft cookies, stuff like that because it got to the point where every time she would put something in her mouth, whether it was a cracker or anything, her mouth would just start bleeding,” said Amber. Despite all she has been through, Amber said her daughter’s spirit and smile are as strong as ever. “She is always happy - like always,” she said.

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Giving from the heart By Jennifer Cronin Free Press Staff

he Ladies Auxiliary of the Rocky Mountain Village is at it again. As is their annual tradition they are in the midst of preparing Mother’s Day gifts to be given to each of the women that call the Rocky Mountain Village (RMV) home. This dedicated group of ladies started out as the Ladies Auxiliary to the Tom Uphill home 20 years ago, and subsequently moved to RMV. They hand out gifts on every special occasion, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and even manage to remember the birthdays of all of the residents. In doing so, they bring joy on those special occasions to many, especially those that may not have family nearby to celebrate with. On Father’s Day this year, each of the gentlemen residing at RMV will be receiving a straw hat to wear to their annual barbeque, which is hosted by the Lions’Club. This small group of seven is made up of Wilda Quail, president, Celia Roccamatisi, secretary, Doreen

Neidig, treasurer, Gloria Blakey, Char Leffler, Joanna Pitt, and Rosa Rocca, some of whom have been with the group since its inception. Gifts are only the beginning of what these ladies give. Through donations from community groups, most notably the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, Save-On-Foods and Ann’s Independent Grocer, as well as donations bequeathed to the Ladies Auxiliary, larger donations are made possible. Over the past year, the Auxiliary donated the equipment for the Music and Memories program at RVM, considered beneficial in cases of dementia, which allows the residents to listen to the music they remember through personal playlists and connect to their past. They have also supplied baking utensils for the baking program and purchased an Alternating Air Mattress. Last but not least, these ladies give their time to bring joy to many others, and they are always happy to welcome new members. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to be a part of this charitable group, please call Wilda at (250)423-6703.

Funding for the Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

ast Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKCCU) announced its winners for the Community Cash grants at its Annual General Meeting on Apr. 22. One of the benefactors was the Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society, which was granted $990 for the Finishing Touches project. “We are doing landscaping at our community rooms, just to make them more private, more of a garden-type environment for people who are in the palliative care suites,” said Deborah Friesen, administrator at Lilac Terrace in Sparwood. “We were very lucky to get that much money.” The EKCCU awarded over $7,000 to initiatives throughout the East Kootenay. “We received 17 applications in total and made the difficult decisions narrowing that list down to the six finalists,” said EKCCU’s Chair of the Nominating Committee, Diane Byford. “Everyone who participated in our AGM had the chance to invest EKCCU’s Community Cash. We are thrilled to announce EKCCU has given out $7,013 in total. All groups are winners, and we truly want to congratulate all of our finalists who did an incredible job raising awareness about the important work they do within our communities.”

Mary East

June 9, 1917 – February 29, 2016 The family of the late Mary Stewart East invite you to join them in celebrating Mary’s life at a Memorial Service to be held at the Knox United Church, 201 2nd Ave. in Fernie, on Saturday, May 7th at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, 551 1st Ave. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd. (250-423-7944)

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Where in the world wide web will you ﬁnd out what’s happening right here at home?

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Power outage notice: planned maintenance Elkford

We need to switch off power in your area for about six hours while we conduct system maintenance. To keep our crews and the public safe, power must be switched off while we complete this important work. Where:

All of Elkford, including Highway 43 south, to Bursato Road.

When:

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Time:

2 a.m. to 8 a.m. (MST)

To protect your equipment from damage during the outage, please turn off all lights, electrical heaters, major appliances and unplug all electronics. We’ll restore power as soon as we can. Visit bchydro.com/outages or call 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766) for more information.

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Fernie Free Press (BCNG) 5.8125 x 82 lines MAY 5, 12, 19 and 26 Mon May 02 noon

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Opinion

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

Production Manager Bonny McLardy Creative Laura Burke Member of

Circulation Miranda De Baughn

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

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Wanda MacDonald Jacquie Zutter Andrea Horton PUBLISHER

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

Once every five years, the federal government asks us to participate in the Census and the 2016 Census is upon us. The aim of the Census is to gather information on Canadians: how old we are, who is in our household, and where we live. This information is then used to help plan government programs such as the Canadian Pension Plan and childcare aid. People are often reluctant to participate in the Census, even though we are legally obligated to. I can understand why, as answering personal questions about my marital status and yearly income isn’t comfortable when it comes from someone I know, let alone a giant governing body. But under the Privacy Act, all of the information that is collected and gathered in the Census cannot be given to other branches of government for any other purposes. Through the Census, the government is basically just trying to get to know you, not trying to tell on you. The Census tells us many things about the tapestry of Canada. For example, the 2011 Census determined that the average age was 40.6 years old, Canada was made up of 20.6 per cent immigrants, the median household income was $61,072 and the average farm size was 778 acres. While this information may seem mundane, the government bases many funding decisions on it. And that is why participating in the Census is in the best interest for all Canadians. Census forms are being delivered to every residence in the Elk Valley this week, and forms can be filled out and mailed in (with no postage fee) or filled out online. The Liberal government re-instated the longform Census, which means that every fourth household will have to fill out more detailed information to give the government a snapshot of one fourth of the population. Under the Conservatives in the 2011 Census, long form Censuses were voluntary. With the resurrection of the long-form Census, Canadians will have more information available to them, which will help various industries including journalism, science and other research-based endeavours. Many things stand to be impacted by the 2016 Census, including property taxes in Fernie. This is due to the fact that if Fernie’s population exceeds 5,000, Fernie will be required to enter a Municipal Police Tax Agreement (MPUA) and pay more for an RCMP detachment. For this reason, I believe the 2016 Census will be the most interesting one yet.

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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.

It should come as no surprise that Kootenay East MLA Bennett, one arm of the C/BA - the Clark/Bennett Axis has given his mindless and idealogically stunted support to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) showing us clearly where his priorities and loyalties lie (The Free Press, April 29) Bennett, who has always claimed transparency in his politics, supports a 'partnership' which has been negotiated since 2010 in totalitarian secrecy. He supports a 'partnership' which will grant his ideological comrades in the board - rooms of transnational corporations, overweening regulation and control over our environmental and labour laws, over our health care

What was that? I thought we had agreed to transition away from a mono-culture carbon based economy. Global investment has already recognized that the carbon boat is sinking. Why would anyone today choose to invest in a sinking ship? Apparently Christy Clark is one of those. Why would anyone want to sign on as crew for such a limited voyage? Apparently many people in B.C. have been lured in to the illusion that the ship won’t sink. If someone were to ask into which economic basket I would put my investment eggs, it would be renewables and non-carbon based technologies. The current and future jobs are there along with long term return on investment. Global investment organizations tend to look at the “big picture”, where is the global economy moving – those in government tend to look at the four year election cycle and the short term promises that can get them re-elected. The global future of energy investment is very clear. Why then, would our government not want to be part of that future? In to which economic basket would you wish your investment eggs to be placed?

REPORTER

FRONT OFFICE In Absentia

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system. Essentially, over us. Bennett's 'partnership' will expose Canadian Medicare to pharmaceutical piracy which will control and limit the action of our provincial or federal governments, should they attempt to legislate against rising or unsustainable drug pricing. The 'partnership' of NAFTA has already destroyed swathes of North American industry and the jobs and communities which it once supported. Likewise, the TPP is dedicated, not to social or economic justice (two concepts foreign to Bennett's nature, politics, philosophy and world-view) but to the erosion and eventual destruction of secure Canadian jobs, standard of living and quality of life. The TPP is, in fact, dedicated to supporting C/BA values which lie, not with B.C. workers and their families, but

Letter to the Editor re: B.C. and climate

Ron Robinson Nelson, B.C.

EDITOR

Bryn Catton

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.

Letters to the Editor Letter to the Editor re: Bennett and the TPP

Leah Scheitel

with people like those private corporate donors who pay Big Money to schmooze with B.C.'s premier and watch their donations to the B.C. Liberals suddenly transformed into an additional $50,000 per annum for Premier Clark, to be invested in that other C/BA – Christy's/ Bank Account. In the last analysis, Bennett is in the same boat as the Tea Partiers in the US Congress who are the most rabid supporters of the TPP in the USA. By advocating for the 'partnership', Bennett has aligned himself with the Republican freak show, currently scratching and snarling over the US presidency. He is in the most appropriate of company. JC Vallance, Fernie, B.C.

Poets invited to read at Council

Poets of all ages were invited to read their work at the Apr. 25 Council Meeting as part of the 2016 Community Poetry Challenge. The Challenge, which was organized by Councillor Ange Qualizza, featured five poets work. From left to right: Councillor John Levesque, poet Mary Menduk, poet Sienna Longo, Councillor Phil Iddon, Mayor Mary Giuliano, poet Keith Liggett, poet Devon MacGregor, poet Adam MacDonald, Councillor Ange Qualizza, Councillor Dennis Schafer, Councillor Dan McSkimming and Councillor Joe Warshawsky. Photo by L. Scheitel

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Rod & Gun club hosts annual dinner fundraiser By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

he Fernie Rod and Gun Club had their annual fundraiser on Apr. 30. The event saw 900 people in attendance, according to club President, Kevin Marasco. Marasco, who has been president for eight years, believes that there will be a profit, although the club is still calculating the event totals. The biggest Over 900 people attended the Rod & Gun Club’s banquet Photo by B. Catton fundraisers were the bucket dinner on Saturday night. habitats. draws and auctions. “We are currently involved with an Elk “There were bucket draws that people could choose prizes in which they wanted Collaring Project in the Elk Valley with the to try to win,” said Marasco. “[We also] had Sparwood Club, as well as working on the a couple of dozen silent auctions, 14 live Hosmer Creek Culvert project to help fish auction packages which included prizes like habitat there. Currently we are looking at a ladies ‘Vegas’ purse auction, African hunt, Lizard Creek and some rehabilitation this salmon fishing trip, Hawaiian hunt and our summer and future plans - starting this year is to look at what we can do with Hartley Lake famous ‘mystery pack’.” According to Marasco, the most sought and Hartley Creek,” he said. Internally, the club would like to expand its after prize at the fundraiser was a side-byside all-terrain vehicle, which was won by a youth fishing programs and offer some day courses on the river for youth. Fernie resident. “We don't charge for any of our youth “The Arctic CatWildcat side by side was the big prize this year - very sought after. The programs so we would like to build on winner was Kory Stephenson from Fernie,” them as much as possible to get the youth outside [doing activities like] fishing, hunting, he said. The money goes toward a number of hiking, taking pictures, archery, working on projects; some are joint projects to help track projects, understanding the environment and wildlife, while others are to help wildlife conservation,” he said.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Bright Beginnings hold yard sale By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

n Apr. 30, Bright Beginnings Preschool in Fernie had a fundraising yard sale that had around 80 people in attendance. The money raised from the event will go toward buying new outdoor equipment and toys for the youth. The preschool raised $280.50 that they will put toward plasma cars and scooters. The organizers had no assumptions for what the yard sale would bring and were pleasantly surprised. “We had no expectations, we were just

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trying to see what we could do. This is good, all of the items were donations from the teachers, along with a couple of parents and community members,” said co-organizer, Stacey Bell. Many items were available at the event. “We had lots of different items available, there were dish sets, kitchen utensils, clothing, shoes, Halloween and Christmas decorations, household items, bedding, bikes, lots of toys and much more,” she said. By noon, the yard sale had sold most of their items and estimated they had sold over $200 worth of goods.

On Apr. 30, Stacey Bell and Jenna Harrad helped organize the Bright Beginnings Yard Sale. The earnings from the yard sale will be used to buy new outdoor toys and equipment for the preschool. Photo by B. Catton

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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 8:00 a.m. – Early Bird Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7 to 1 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 7 to 8 p.m. – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 8 to 9:30 a.m. – Lanes & Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. – Gentle Fit at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. – Active Fit at the F.A.C. • 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – AquaFit at the Spwd Pool • 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Lanes & Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 12 to 1 p.m. – Lanes Swim at the Spwd Pool • 1 p.m. – Dominoes at the FSC • 3 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. - Red Cross Swim at F.A.C. • 4 to 6 p.m. – Water Slide at the F.A.C. • 4:30 to 7 p.m. – Swim Club at the F.A.C. • 6 p.m. – Bridge at the FSC • 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:45 p.m. – Fernie Ghostrider Bingo at the Legion Hall • 7 p.m. – Mahjong at the FSC • 7 p.m. – Celebrate Recovery at Mountainside Church • 7:30 to 9 p.m. – Ladies Night at Old School Boxing • 8 to 9 p.m. – 14+ Hot Tub Only at the Spwd Pool • 9 p.m. – Jam Night at Kodiak Lounge

Tuesday

• 7 to 1 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. – AquaFit at the E.A.C • 10 to 11 a.m. – Kindergym at the FFC • 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. – Gentle Fit at the F.A.C. • 10:30 to 12 p.m. – Public Swim & Lane Swim at E.A.C • 11 a.m. – Crafts at the FSC • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Storytime for Preschoolers at Fernie Heritage Library • 1 to 3 p.m. – Public Swim & Adult Lessons at E.A.C • 1 to 2:30 p.m. – Lanes & Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 1 to 4 p.m. – Community Volunteer Income Tax Program at Seniors Drop in Centre • 2:30 p.m. - Yoga at the FSC

• 3 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 5 p.m. – Ladies Night at Mountain Meadows Golf Course • 6 p.m. – Wing Night at The Pub • 6:30 p.m. - Ladies Archery at the Elks Hall • 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:30 to 8:30pm – Opt Fernie Clinic at the Elk Valley Hospital • 7 to 10 p.m. – Public Drop In Climbing at COTR • 7 p.m. – Cribbage at the FSC • 7:30 to 9 p.m. – Mixed Boxing at Old School Boxing Club • 8 to 9 p.m. – 14+ Hot Tub Only at the Spwd Pool

Wednesday

• 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. – Early Bird Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7 to 1 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 8 to 9:30 a.m. – Lanes & Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. – Gentle Fit at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. – Active Fit at the F.A.C. • 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – AquaFit at the Spwd Pool • 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. – AquaFit at the E.A.C • 10 to 11 a.m. – Kindergym at the FFC • 10:30 to 12 p.m. – Public Swim & Lane Swim at E.A.C • 10:30 to 12 p.m. – Lanes & Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 11:15 a.m. – Toddlertime at Fernie Heritage Library • 10:45 a.m. – Gentle Fit at FSC • 12 to 1 p.m. – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 12 p.m. - Fernie Rotary Meeting Park Place Lodge • 1 p.m. – Cards at FSC • 1 p.m. – Decorative Arts at FSC • 3 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 4 to 6 p.m. – Water Slide at the F.A.C. • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6 p.m. – Wednesday Night Dinner Special at Bridge Bistro • 6 to 9 p.m. – Drop in Workshop at Clawhammer Press • 6:30 p.m. – Tae Chi at FSC • 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7 p.m. – Quilting at FSC • 8 to 9 p.m. – 14+ Hot Tub Only at the Spwd Pool • 8 to 9 p.m. – Aquafit at the Spwd Pool

Thursday

• 7 to 1 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. – Ease the Knees at E.A.C • 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. – Gentle Fit at the F.A.C. • 10:30 to 12 p.m. – Public Swim & Lane Swim at E.A.C • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 1 p.m. – Pay Me Cards at FSC • 1 p.m. - Canasta Cards at FSC • 1 to 2:30 p.m. – Lanes & Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 3 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 5 to 6 p.m. – Lane Swim at the E.A.C. • 5 p.m. – Men’s Night at Mountain Meadows Golf Course • 6 to 7 p.m. – Youth Archery at the Elks Hall • 6 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim at E.A.C • 6:30 to 9 p.m. – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 6:30 to 9 p.m. – Teen Space - first & third Thursdays, Fernie Heritage Library • 7 p.m. – Darts at the Spwd Legion • 7 p.m. – Jam Night at The Brickhouse • 7:30 to 9 p.m. – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing • 7 to 10 p.m. – Public Drop In Climbing at COTR • 8:30 – Team Trivia at The Pub

Friday

• 6:30 to 8 a.m. – Early Bird Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7 to 1 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 8 to 9:30 a.m. – Lanes & Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. – Gentle Fit at the Spwd Pool • 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. – Active Fit at the F.A.C. • 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – AquaFit at the Spwd Pool • 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. – AquaFit at the E.A.C • 10 to 11 a.m. – Kindergym at the FFC • 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. – Gentle Fit at the F.A.C. • 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Lanes & Leisure at the Spwd Pool • 10:45 a.m. – Gentle Fit at FSC • 11:15 a.m. – Toddlertime at Fernie Heritage Library • 12 to 1 p.m. – Lanes Swim at the Spwd Pool • 1 p.m. - Kitchen Bridge at FSC • 1 to 3 p.m. –Public Swim at E.A.C

• 3 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 4 to 5:30 p.m. - Free Swim at the Spwd Pool • 5 to 6 p.m. – Lane Swim at the E.A.C. • 4 to 6 p.m. – Water Slide at the F.A.C. • 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Crocodile Swim- No School Fridays. F.A.C • 6 to 8 p.m. - Public Swim at the E.A.C. • 6:30 to 9 p.m. – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 7 p.m. – Jam Night every 2nd Friday at the Spwd Legion • 7:30 p.m. – Cribbage at FSC

Saturday

• 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 1 to 2 p.m. – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 1 to 4 p.m. – Community Volunteer Income Tax Program at Fernie Heritage Library • 1 to 5 p.m. – Water Slide at F.A.C • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Family Swim at E.A.C • 2:30 to 5 p.m. – Public Swim at the E.A.C. • 2 to 5 p.m. – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 3 to 5 p.m. – Crocodile Swim at F.A.C 1st & 3rd Sat of Month • 4 to 6 p.m. - Meat Draw at the Fernie & Spwd Legion • 5 to 6 p.m. – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool & E.A.C • 6 to 8 p.m. – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool & E.A.C • 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing • 7:30 p.m. – Social at FSC

Sunday

• 9.15 a.m. – Drop In Meditation at Essential Yoga Studio • 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Fitness Centre open at F.A.C. • 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Public Swim and Lane Swim at F.A.C. • 12 to 1 p.m. – Lane Swim at the Spwd Pool • 1 to 5 p.m. – Water Slide at F.A.C • 1 to 2 p.m. – Family Swim at the Spwd Pool • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Family Swim at the E.A.C. • 2:30 to 5 p.m. – Public Swim at the E.A.C. • 5 to 6 p.m. – Lane Swim at the E.A.C & Spwd Pool • 6 to 6:45 p.m. – Aquafit at the E.A.C • 7:30 p.m. – A.A. Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie

UPCOMING EVENTS

M AY 5 5 5 7 8 8 9 9 11 13

13 16 17 18 21-22 21 23 26

28 28 28 29

Mother & Daughter retreat, 4 p.m. Spa 901 Banner Launch, The Arts Station, 7 p.m. Cinco de Mayo themed Trivia Night, Park Place Lodge, 8:30 p.m. Spring Craft Fair, Fernie Community Centre, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mother ’s Day Felted Soap Workshop, The Arts Station, 1 p.m. Pancake Breakfast, Elko Hall, 9 – 11 a.m. Golf Thrift Sale, Sparwood Golf Club, 4 – 7 p.m. Snak The Ripper + Guests, The Royal, 9 p.m. Tickets $20 Swing Into Spring Class, Fernie Golf Course, 6:30 p.m. Opera Screening, Manon Lescaut by Puccini, The Arts Station, 7 p.m. Tube Screamer at The Royal, 9 p.m. Fernie & District Arts Council AGM, The Arts Station, 6 p.m. Ladies Opening Special Fernie Golf & Country Club Men’s Golf Opening, Fernie Golf Course Ladies “Spring In It” Mountain Bike Weekend Valdy Live at the Arts Station, 8 p.m. Fernie Aquatic Centre closed for maintenance Gallery Opening, Char Czech & Ilona Webster, Arts Station, 7 p.m. Elk Valley Garage Sale – Fernie, Elkford & Sparwood Spring Bike Blitz and AGM Horseshoe Tournament, sign up at Legion Lounge East Kootenay Junior Open Fernie Golf & Country Club

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CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

CONNECTION

City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca Notice of Proposed Property Disposal (Land Exchange) (Pursuant to Section 26 of the Community Charter) City Council Notice of Proposed Property Disposal (Land Exchange) Leisure Services Meeting ScheduleNotice is hereby given (Pursuant Section of Fernie the Community Charter) thattothe City26of intends to dispose of municipal property to AuraHappening

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

Notice is hereby the City of Fernie to dispose of municipal between property to the Aura-Maija Turcasso Maija Turcasso under the termsgiven of athat Subdivision andintends Purchase Agreement City of under the terms of a Subdivision and Purchase Agreement between the City of Fernie and Aura-Maija Turcasso. May 2016 Fernie and Aura-Maija Turcasso. Under the terms of the Subdivision and Purchase Agreement, a Portion of the following City owned property

3 4 5 6 7 located on First Avenue being “that portion of land lying 1.5 Under the terms of meters the Subdivision and Purchase in southerly direction from the northerly boundary 10 11 12 13 14 of Parcel B, extending in from the owned easterly toproperty the westerly Agreement, a Portion of the following City OF FERNIE boundary of Parcel B” (the “Additional Land”) as shown on 17 CITY 18 located 19 20 21 Avenue on First being “that portion of land lying BRITISH COLUMBIA Schedule A would be purchased in Fee Simple by Aura24 25 1.526meters 27 in28southerly direction from the northerly Maija Turcasso for the consideration of $15,334.00 on the condition that a covenant is granted by Turcasso the boundary of Parcel B, extending in from the easterly to to the 31 City pursuant to S. 219 of the Land Title Act providing that

westerly boundary no of building ParcelorB” (the “Additional Land”) as or other structure shall be erected, placed Additional Lands: shown on Scheduleconstructed A wouldon bethepurchased in Fee Simple by 1. Parcel Identifier: 016-633-351,ofParcel B (see 12652I) Regular Council meetings are open toTurcasso the Aura-Maija for the consideration $15,334.00 on of Lot 3, Block 5, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, public and held at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. the condition that aPlan covenant is granted by Turcasso to the 734 City pursuant to S.The 219“Additional of the Land Titlebe Act providing Land” would consolidated withthat lands City of Fernie Contact Info: owned by Aura-Maija The total areaor of land no building or other structure shallTurcasso. be erected, placed being disposed of by the City is approximately 42.98 City Hall constructed on the square Additional metres. Lands: Ph: 250.423.6817 If you wish to comment on the proposed property 1. Parcel Identifier: 016-633-351, Parcel B (see Fx: 250.423.3034 disposition or for more information contact Jim 12652I) Hendricks, Chief5,Administrative telephone at 250Email: cityhall@fernie.ca of Lot 3, Block District LotOfficer 4588,byKootenay 423.2225 or by email at jim.hendricks@fernie.ca. A Website: www.fernie.ca District, Plan 734 copy of the Subdivision and Purchase Agreement may be 501-3rd Avenue, Box 190 obtained from the undersigned. Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M0

The “Additional Land” would be consolidated with lands Jim Hendricks, Chief Administrative Officer

Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm owned by Aura-Maija area of this land ThisTurcasso. is the second The of twototal notices, dated 5thbeing day of (Closed statutory holidays) May, 2016. disposed of by the City is approximately 42.98 square After Hours Phone: 250.423.4226

metres. Fernie Aquatic Centre

250 Pine Avenue Phone: 250.423.4466

The Corporation of the City of Fernie - Adoption of the

If you wish to comment on the proposed property disposition or for more information contact 2016 - 2020Officer Five by Year Financial Plan Bylaw andat Fernie Memorial Arena Jim Hendricks, Chief Administrative telephone at 250-423.2225 or by email 1092 Highway 3 Tax Rate jim.hendricks@fernie.ca. A copyBylaw of the Subdivision and Schedule “A” For all Police, Ambulance Purchase Agreement may be obtained from the2016 – 2020 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2294 and the 2016 Tax Council will consider adoption of the or Fire related emergencies: Rate Bylaw No. 2295 at the Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9,016-633-351, 2016 at City Hall, 501B–(see 3rd Parcel Identifier: Parcel undersigned.

Call 911

Spring & Summer Facility Rentals Weddings and Family Reunions that are planned for in City of Fernie’s public areas require a booking through the Leisure Services department. If you are planning an event please call 250.423.2245 to reserve the space. Fernie Aquatic Centre Spring 2016 Swim Schedule (March 27 – May 22, 2016) Please note: The ANNUAL MAINTENANCE SHUTDOWN for the Aquatic Centre is May 23 with reopening scheduled for July 1st, 2016. We apologize to our patrons for this necessary disruption in service. Public Swim Monday to Friday – 7:00am -1:00pm and 3:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday and Sunday – 12:00pm- 6:00pm Water Slide Monday to Friday – 4:00pm – 6:00pm Saturday and Sunday – 1:00pm – 5:00pm Aqua Fit Active Fit Mon/Wed/Fri – 8:30am – 9:15am Gentle Fit Tues/Thurs/Fri - 10:30am – 11:15am Crocodile Swim 1st and 3rd Saturday each month 3:00pm – 5:00pm Swim Lessons Registration for Summer swim Lessons from July and August 2016 is Now open! For more information on all Aquatic Programs including Lifeguard Training courses and Private Aquatic bookings available please call the Fernie Aquatic Centre at 250.423.4466.

Avenue, Fernie, BC. Copies of the Bylaws are available in hard copy of at Lot the front desk5,atDistrict City HallLot or 4588, on our 12652I) 3, Block website at www.fernie.ca. Kootenay District, Plan 734

Jim Hendricks, Chief Administrative Officer

Carla Fox, Director of Financial & Computer Services

Request for Proposal This is the first of two notices, dated this 28th day of April, 2016. Professional Hydrotechnical Consulting Services Annual Spring Cleanup Reminder! Proposals will be received by the City of Fernie for comprehensive flood hazard and geomorphic assessment of the Elk River and Fairy Creek and flood risk assessments/flood mitigation options for Maiden Lake. Sealed proposals clearly marked “The Corporation of the City of Fernie – Professional Hydrotechnical Consulting Services” must be received at City Hall, 501 – 3rd Avenue, PO Box 190, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0, before 4:00 P.M. local time on Friday, May 20, 2016, Attention Bruce Lennox, Director of Planning. Request for Proposal documents are available through BC Bid, City of Fernie website Bid Opportunities and Civic Info BC.

Time to get the Yard Work done! Once again we will be offering residential households within the City of Fernie FREE pick up of LAWN AND GARDEN WASTE. The cleanup starts May 16. Visit the website for pickup times in your area. Attention SENIORS! JUST FOR YOU! Free Pick Up of Large Household Items/Reusable/Recyclable Goods As part of the Spring Cleanup we will pick up and dispose of large household items/recyclable/reusable goods (old appliances, furniture, white goods with Freon removed, etc.). Call to register for this free service. To receive this service you must be a senior 65 years or older.

IMPORTANT CHANGES to Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 coming soon! Plastic bags for residential curbside collection prohibited

Business Licence Renewals

Business Licence Renewal have been mailed to Fernie businesses. Business owners are reminded that renewal of their business licence is due on May 01, 2016. In 2016 the Term of Licence has been changed to end as of December 31 and for 2017 licences will be for a calendar year term Jan to Dec. If you did not receive your Renewal Notice, please contact Bylaw Services of the City of Fernie. Operating a business without a valid business licence is a contravention of the City of Fernie Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw #2028 and violation carries a fine of $150.00. For more information please visit the City’s website www.fernie.ca or call Bylaw Services at (250) 423-6817.

The Public is advised that as a result of continuing wildlife problems in our community, important changes to Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 will come into effect soon. Amendments to the bylaw will require that all residential waste placed curbside for collection be in waste containers that conform to the following criteria: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)

Maximum volume of 75 Litres (16.5 imperial gallons); Maximum weight of 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds) when full; Constructed of rigid plastic or non-corrosive metal; Water tight cover; Strong enough to withstand normal handling and lifting; Opening that permits emptying with minimum effort; and Handle(s) that enable the container to be lifted and emptied safely by one person.

Placing waste in plastic bags for curbside collection will no longer be permitted. The bylaw provides a grace period up to May 31, 2016 for residents to obtain waste containers that meet the above criteria. In addition residents are reminded garbage should be kept in a secure location and must not be placed curbside until 5:00am the morning of collection. Bylaw Enforcement will be patrolling neighborhoods and offenders could face fines. Residents with unused “Garbage Bag-Tags” may return them to City Hall after May 31, 2016 for a refund. For more information on waste regulations please visit the City’s website at www.fernie.ca or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylaw@fernie.ca.

Fire Pits and Outside Burning Regulations Residents are reminded Bylaw No. 2029 Fire Protection and Life Safety outlines regulations with regards to outside burning and fire pits all of which require fire permits. The City of Fernie allows its residents the opportunity to have approved backyard fire pits that MUST comply with the Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw. It is unlawful for any person to light, ignite or start any outside fire within the City of Fernie Municipal Boundary, unless a fire permit has been issued by the Director of Fire and Emergency Services. Permits are FREE of charge and must be renewed each year. For more information, contact the Fernie Fire Department at 250 423-4226 or visit the City Website www.fernie.ca to view a complete copy of Bylaw No. 2029, Fire Protection and Life Safety to download a copy of the Fire Pit Permit Application.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

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

www.sparwood.ca

Upcoming Meetings of Council (in Council Chambers)

Monday, May 16 Monday, May 30 Monday, June 6,

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

Residential Spring Cleanup Begins Tuesday May 24th Any person wishing to take advantage of this service is required to register at the District Office no later than Friday May 20th, 2016 and pay the required fee of $20.00. Seniors 65 and over receive this service free of charge. Please register in person at the District Office or by calling 250.425.6271. **Limit of 1 Pickup Truck Load per household** All refuse including household furniture; white goods, metal and wood will be picked up including fridges, freezers or air conditioners. All refuse for disposal must be separated and placed just outside property line and piled in such a manner that it can be picked up with a loader. Small branches must be tied or secured in bundles. The following items WILL NOT be picked up: * Trees and large branches * Vehicles * Construction refuse * Batteries * Oil or used oil filters * Tires over 16” in diameter Special Wastes as defined by the Ministry of Environment Recyclable material (must be taken to recycling depots) ALL REFUSE MUST BE OUT BY 8:00AM ON TUESDAY MAY 24TH, 2016

CELEBRATE BC MINING WEEK May 8 – 14, 2016 The District of Sparwood is Proud to Salute all the Mines in the Elk Valley We recognize the on-going support that the mines provide to the community, not only by way of taxation and employment, but also by the support they give the community through donations, time and scholarships. Join Teck Coal for a free mine tour of one of their ﬁve operations in the Elk Valley. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 250.425.2423 to book a tour. This is an opportunity to see where steelmaking coal comes from and to learn about mining from exploration to production to reclamation.

Summer Camp Leaders Leaders will be responsible for the planning, organization, coordination, and implementation of our summer camp program. Candidates should be energetic, well organized, demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, and enjoy working with kids of all ages. Camp leaders should have experience working with children, valid emergency ﬁrst aid, and a diverse knowledge of games, crafts, and sporting activities. Our leaders must be able to work independently and as a team. Candidates must be 16 years or older and be available from June 24 until August 23, 2016. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: • Plan activities for summer camp programs. • Ensure the safety of all camp participants. • Work with the Community Services Assistant in planning, reporting, and organization of all camp activities. • Provide leadership in all camp operations. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES • Ability to work with the public in a positive and effective manner. • Ability to ensure the safety of participants in a camp environment. • Be physically ﬁt and able to engage children in summer camp activities. • Demonstrated ability to be a leader. • Demonstrate exceptional customer service. ASSETS • Standard First Aid & CPR. • High Five PHCD Training Applications including cover letter, resume, and references will be received at 367 Pine Ave, Sparwood, BC until 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. Current hourly rate for this position is $15.00.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ELK VALLEY TRAIL The Elk Valley Trail Committee (EVTC) is establishing a list of prequaliﬁed contractors specializing in recreation trail construction who may be invited to bid on trail construction, trail upgrade, and trail signage installation contracts during the 2016 construction season (May to late fall). The Elk Valley Trail project is a joint initiative of the Fernie Trails Alliance, the District of Sparwood, and the District of Elkford. The completed trail will connect the communities of the Elk Valley between Elko and Elkford and will become an operational section of the Trans Canada Trail. The EVTC, made up of representatives from each of the above organizations, will oversee the project. Contractors interested in competing for contracts are invited to submit Expressions of Interest before the closing time on May 6th, 2016. Complete details of this opportunity are located on the BC Bid website at: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/. The posting can be found by selecting the “District of Sparwood” when browsing the postings by organization.

New Off-Road Vehicle Restrictions The District of Sparwood would like to remind citizens that Off-Road Vehicle Bylaw 1182 was adopted April 18th and prohibits the operation of any vehicle including off-road vehicles on all public property including parks, trails, walkways, highways, roads, and greenbelts. A map outlining the prohibited areas is available at the District of Sparwood Main Office. Map is also available online at www.sparwood.ca/maps. Section 6 authorizes a Bylaw Enforcement Officer or Peace Officer to seize or impound an off-road vehicle that operates contrary to this bylaw. In addition to impoundment fees of $50.00 per day and towing costs, violators could be charged up to $500.00 in fines. If YOU witness a contravention, please notify the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at bleo@sparwood.ca or 250.425.5367. You will be asked to provide a description and any evidence (photo or video if possible or witness statement) you may have when you call.

Composting and garbage reminder The District of Sparwood would like to remind those disposing of waste to please use the proper methods when doing so. Our compost sites, located in Sparwood Heights next to the ball ﬁelds and in lower Sparwood by the Fire Hall recycling area, are marked to ensure only admissible materials such as grass and leaves are being discarded there. Garbage, plastic bags, branches and trees are not to be dumped in the compost site as they cannot decompose with the appropriate items. Your yard waste should be in a compostable yard waste bag or left loose. If you use plastic bags, please empty at the receptacle. Litter Control Bylaw No. 421 helps keep our community and public areas clean. To report a possible violation or ﬁnd out more about your responsibilities, please contact Bylaw Services at 250.425.6271. Help us keep Sparwood attractive and safe!

Are you a responsible pet owner? Cleaning up after your dog is not only respectful to your neighbors and the community, it is the law and you could be subject to a $100 fine under the Animal Control Bylaw No. 821. The District would like to remind all dog owners to please clean up after your dogs, not only when using municipal parks, trails and cemeteries, but on municipal streets, sidewalks and neighbours’ lawns as well. Dogs are required to be leashed at all times when off their own property. The District is currently investigating options for an off-leash dog park, but until such time, leashes are mandatory. To report possible violations or find out more about your responsibilities, please contact the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250.425.7718 or bleo@sparwood.ca, or you can go online at www.sparwood.ca to Service Request.

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Reduce, reuse, recycle Business workshop hosted at The Loaf and repurpose By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

Submitted

he Elk Valley Spring Clean is a great opportunity to bag a bit of extra money while helping the environment at the same time. The Elk Valley Spring Clean event will take place in Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie on May 28th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Outdoor Connections, a non-profit organization, is excited to organize this year’s event, help keep the planet clean, while raising money for summer camps and outdoor school programs. Last year’s participants, on average, made just over $350 in sales, while some individuals took home over $1,000 from selling personal items they no longer needed. The event was also able to prevent loads of items ending up in the landfill by giving them new homes with the happy bargain hunters. Any unsold items in the garage sale were later donated to local thrift stores. One of the aims of the event is to bring a community of sellers and buyers together, allowing for people to exchange and repurpose their goods. It has been said that some streets in the Annex had foot traffic busier than the Deerfoot on a Friday afternoon. The Fernie location will feature a scavenger hunt for kids while an information booth, bouncy castle, face painting and “bannock on a stick” will be set up at the Fernie Aquatic Center from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Registration for hosting a garage sale is open now, and can be done on the Outdoor Connections website Connectoutdoors.ca/donatenow/ or by filling in the application form in today’s Free Press. Closing date for applications is May 20 at 5 p.m. Any further questions please get in touch with Courtney Haeusler 250-430-3511 or Lindsay Adams 250-430-1296 or via email elkvalleyspringclean@gmail.com and follow them on Facebook, Facebook.com/elkvalleyspringclean.

n Apr. 28, Phil Gadd hosted a business workshop at The Loaf in Fernie. The workshop, titled “Five Strategies to Survive in this Economy” focused on providing tips to entrepreneurs about adapting their businesses to the current economic climate. Gadd hosted the workshop with Christopher Yeung and Sharon Richardson. The three founded PCS (Phil, Christopher and Sharon) Workshops and Events and hosted another workshop in Calgary on Apr. 26. “We believe that every entrepreneur has the potential to change the world. We help entrepreneurs to build profitable businesses, which allows them to live the life they want,” said Gadd. “We do this by providing entrepreneurs with business coaching and consulting, and helping them develop routines, and implement business tools.” Approximately 45 people attended the workshop, and it was a packed audience at The Loaf. According to Gadd, the reception of the workshop was positive. “Talking to all the people that attended the event on Thursday the reaction was hugely positive with everyone taking something different from the event that they could apply to their business,” he said. PCS will be hosting a series of six webinars dedicated to business starting in June. For more information, visit Philgadd. com.

Elk Valley Spring Clean 2016

Phil Gadd presented a business workshop at The Loaf on Apr. 28, along with his business partners Christopher Yeung and Sharon Richardson. Photo by L. Scheitel

Not a Member? Not a Problem! Join us for good times and great drink prices!

Best place in town to hang your hat! 551 1st Avenue, Fernie Open Tuesday to Saturday 3:00 pm - Close (never before 9:00 pm)

Happy Hour $5.00 PINTS | 3-6 PM DAILY Ladies’ Auxiliary Roast Pork Dinner - May 28 Horseshoe Tournament - May 28 Veterans’ & First Responders’ Dinner - June 4 Meat Draw Every Saturday 4-6 pm Free Pool & Free Darts

Everyone Welcome!

Elk Valley Spring Clean - Garage Sale application Name: Physical Address to go on the map:

Contact Number: Contact Email: Location of sale: Method of Payment:

Elkford

Sparwood

Fernie

Cash

Cheque

Other

$20 includes your street address on The Free Press map. Fee must be received by Thursday May 16 2016. Cheques payable to Outdoor Connections.

Fernie, Elkford & Sparwood

Saturday May 28 10am-4pm

What to do next:

• Fill in the application form above. Closing date May 16, 5 pm.

Held in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford. All proceeds go to Outdoor Connections to help support outdoor education for the youth of the valley. Please go to Connectoutdoors.ca for more information about this great Non-profit organization. Why not have a Registration deadline to get your info onto the map is sale that includes May 16, if you miss it don’t worry, you can still donate and be part of the festivities.

crafts or cooking?

PLUS fun for the kids! Where: Beside the Aquatic Centre What: Kids activities, bouncy castle and face painting Connectoutdoors.ca/elkvalleyspringclean/donatenow/ elkvalleyspringclean@gmail.com elkvalleyspringclean.blogspot.ca

• Return to Elkford - Kaydia Wright, Chamber of Commerce, Return to Sparwood - Bev MacNaughon, Chamber of Commerce Return to Fernie - Miranda DeBaughn, The Free Press. • If you haven’t received confirmation of your registration by May 17 please contact elkvalleyspringclean@gmail.com

Talk to your friends and neighbours about having a sale!

Elk Valley Spring Clean

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

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

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Walk with your Doc By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

he Annex duck pond in Fernie will see some healthy participation as doctors invite their patients to come walk on May 12 between 12 and 1 p.m.

There are two distances for the event, a 1.5 km loop and the three km loop that will give patients the opportunity to interact with their medical staff in a different environment. The province-wide Walk with your Doc is an initiative to not only get patients moving but it also

works as a team building exercise between patients and doctor. This will be the second year that the event has happened in Fernie. Last year over 100 people came out, according to Sarann Press, office manager at the Leroux Clinic. “It was lots of fun, we had an iPad for a prize and this year we will have another prize, plus everybody gets a pedometer as long as we

have enough of them,” she said. The Fernie event has great participation, not only from patients, but also their doctors. All of the cities general practitioners have signed up to step out of the office for the hour as well as many of the locums and specialists. “This is the great thing about this community. So far I have 100 per cent of the general practitioners,

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everybody is in, the Sparling East Medical Centre, the Leroux, and the Rocky Mountain Health Centre along with all of our locums that live in town and our specialists are trying to come but it is on a scope day so it will be tough for them to come,” she said. Everyone that signs up and attends the walk will have their name entered into the draw. To register, patients can sign up through their practitioner ’s office, online through Walkwithyourdoc.ca or the day of the event.

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Keeping Terry on track By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

hile the 36 annual Terry Fox run will be on Sept. 18, the Sparwood Terry Fox Run is looking for more volunteer organizers to help with the many tasks that come with putting on a fundraising event. On May 10, there is a scheduled organizational meeting at the Sparwood Public Library. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the team is encouraged to attend by contacting the Run’s community organizer, Edie Holland by phone at 250-425-6554 or through email at geholl@telus.net. “We will discuss ideas on how to improve our run from last year and organize committees for things like registration, advertising, website m a i n t e n a n c e , volunteers, draw prizes/silent auctions, etc.” she said to The Free Press in an email. Holland has been involved with the Terry Fox Run for the majority of its 40 years. Participating both as a participant and organizer is a personal choice for her as it not only marks a Canadian endeavour but proceeds also go to support research for a disease that does not discriminate. “I have been a supporter of the Terry Fox Run for 35 years and this is my second year organizing the Community Run,” she said. “I choose to be a part of the Run to acknowledge Terry's incredible journey and to help raise money for cancer research.”

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Connecting children with the great outdoors By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

utdoor Connections Foundation is a new non-profit organization that delivers educational programs for children in the Elk Valley. “Our mission is to provide affordable opportunities for children to connect to themselves, each other and the natural world. This mission is carried out by designing a variety of programs that have as their goal, education and character development,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director, Courtney Haeusler. The programs are designed to be affordable and for youth who are three to 18-years-old. “We strive to make all programs affordable and offer additional subsidies upon request. We hope any child or youth wanting to enrol in one of our programs has the opportunity to do so,” Haeusler said. The Foundation uses the natural world as its classrooms. A large van shuttles participants to recreation sites throughout the Elk Valley. “We envision having land in the woods with a yurt for our Forest School, and a cozy wood cabin for our other programs,” she said. “A place where we can build fires, pitch our tents, and stare at the stars; a place where kids can explore and learn by being fully immersed in nature.” There are no full time workers at Outdoor Connections; instead there are six outdoor educators who work on a casual, part-time basis. “The rest of our team is strictly volunteers. In fact many of our qualified educators also fill that volunteer role,” she said. “Our

volunteers help with organizing fundraisers, setting up promo booths at community events, social media, shuttle driving and attending meetings.” The Foundation has helped organize the Elk Valley Spring Clean this year, scheduled for May 28. “If you’re looking to be involved in this event please get in touch with us. We also need people to help with tables at the Farmer’s markets, Coal Miner Days and Canada Day.” Outdoor Connections tries to bring their enthusiasm and the outdoor experience to every event they participate in. “Outdoor Connections participates in community events like Griz Days, Coal Miner Days, Canada Day and the summer Farmers Markets. Our signature treat at markets is ‘Bannock on a Stick’, which is not only a delicious snack but also an experience,” she said. “Kids, adults and seniors thoroughly enjoy wrapping the dough on a stick, cooking it over the fire and smothering it with butter and jam. We love giving people this camp experience at community events and it’s a perfect way to meet the public.” The company has entered its second year of operations and aims to be as successful as another outdoor education company that is based in Ontario. “Myself and Erich Leidums co-founded Outdoor Connections in 2014. We are inspired by a very successful outdoor education company called ALIVE outdoors in Ontario, which we both have worked for as outdoor educators,” she said. “In the beginning, Erich and myself spent hundreds of hours developing the organization and creating the vision. In these last few months

we are seeing all that work has paid off as the momentum is growing.” There are three categories of programs at Outdoor Connections, Summer Camps, School Groups and Youth Programs. The summer camps have been so popular that another week of programming has been added for the upcoming season. “Our summer camps have been a huge hit and have filled up very Outdoor Connections aims to teach kids about outdoor fast for this upcoming education in the Elk Valley. Submitted photo summer. Due to the Haeusler said the school programs can demand, we have added an additional week cater to all grades. of Camp Connect for this summer and are “Outdoor Connections wants to make excited about many returning campers,” said it easy for teachers to get their students Haeusler. outside, engaged and learning from realThe school group program is called Project life experiences. We cater to all types of Connect. The reason for this category is to get classes, from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to more kids spending time outdoors. homeschoolers.” “Project Connect is the main reason I They also offer female specific wanted to start an organization like Outdoor programming; currently it is taking place Connections. I have taught in the schools weekly in Fernie and Sparwood. here for 10 years, and believe many kids “We also run a Girls’ Adventure Series in this valley could benefit from spending designed to promote mental wellness more time outdoors during school hours,” through outdoor adventures. We currently she said. “If we as teachers don’t take our have a spring series happening until the students outside during school, they might end of June, and will start a fall series in not make it outside at all that day, especially September. This program is happening in during the dark winter months where it can Fernie on Mondays, and in Sparwood on be easy to curl up inside with a remote in Tuesdays, all after school hours.” our hands.”

Fernie Chrysler - Always on Your Side!

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Happy Mother’s Day

A day to make Grandma happy or picnic together at a park. Take a walk or an Your grandmother outing in the deserves special car; visit a attention on museum or go Mother’s Day too. to a concert. These are all activities that your grandmother will remember for years to come. Is your grandmother housebound? Bring her a small cake or other dessert she really likes and take a moment to enjoy it with her. Make her laugh, and talk about things that are close to her heart. Ask for her advice, and make sure she knows that you love and care for her. This Mother’s Day, don’t forget Grandma. Regardless of her age and state of health, your grandmother deserves special attention too, and there are thousands of ways you can give her some. Just remember that it’s usually the simplest treats that make her happy. Whether or not you can organize a family get-together, take advantage of Mother’s Day to share quality time with your grandmother. Have a meal at your house or at a restaurant,

A photo can be another way to please your grandmother. Give her a recent photo of yourself or the whole family or a souvenir photo that will remind her of a wonderful time. If it’s framed, offer to help her hang it on a wall. Other great gift ideas are a soft cashmere shawl to keep her warm, a personalized mug that she can use to enjoy her favourite drink or a nice cushion to support her back. Above all, don’t miss this opportunity to visit her; on Mother’s Day, your presence will be her most beautiful gift.

Dare to express your gratitude Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to express gratitude to our mothers for everything they have done, and continue to do every day. They give so much, all the time; that is why so many of us want to say “thank you” by offering them a gift on this special occasion. A gift with no feeling behind it can ring false, though, if Mother’s Day is the only time of the year that a mother is pampered by her family. Authenticity and consistency are the best ways to convey gratitude. A real thankyou goes straight to the heart and is more appreciated than the most spectacular of gifts.

for your well-being, and take into account the lengths she goes to in wanting to help you do well. Try to understand that these little things she does are her way of telling you how much she loves you. When you realize how often your mother communicates this to you in her own way, you’ll want to reciprocate and express some gratitude. Mother’s Day could be the time to start over, if you’ve had a few hurdles in your relationship. Dare to take the initiative; it is sure to touch her heart.

ALL THROUGH THE YEAR Mother’s Day isn’t the only time of year when we can express love and gratitude to our mothers. Even if you have never been very demonstrative, try to show your love with lots of small gestures now and throughout the year to come. Be more attentive to the things that your mother does

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday May 8, 2016 • 10am to 2pm Cold Items: Hot Items: Apple Wood Smoked Bacon Spolumbo’s Maple Breakfast Sausage Fresh Scrambled Eggs with Fine Herbs Eggs Benedict with House-made Hollandaise House Made Hash Browned Potatoes Herb Crusted Triple A Alberta Prime Rib with Au Jus and Horseradish Mediterranean Grilled Filet of Salmon Grilled Tuscan Chicken Spicy Asian Shrimp Kabobs Garlic Roasted Russian Fingerling Potatoes Wild Rice Blend Pilaf An Assorted Mix of Fresh California and Canadian Vegetables

A Variety of Breakfast Pastries Caesar Salad with House-made Dressing Sweet Roasted Corn & Pepper Slaw with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Cucumber Salad in a Chipotle Vinaigrette Marinated Button Mushrooms, Diced Tomatoes, Grilled Zucchini, Black Olives, and Grated Feta Cheese Assorted Canadian and European Cheeses with Fresh Fruit Iced Seafood Tray

Reservations recommended Walk-ins welcome Adults $32.95 Seniors $22.95 Youth (8-12yrs) $14.95 Under 8 yrs free with adult Prices are per person and do not include tax or gratuity.

250 250423 4230904 0904 www.kylehamiltonphotography.com www.kylehamiltonphotography.com

Dessert Items: Strawberry Shortcake Chocolate Pots de Crème Maple Pecan Pie Assorted Cheesecake Raspberry Ricotta Tarts Tiramisu

KYLE KYLE HAMILTON HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

Fernie Mountain Lodge 1622-7th Avenue, Fernie BC 250-423-5500 • Toll Free: 1-866-423-5566

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Happy Mother’s Day Being a mother lasts a whole life For a woman, starting a family at the age of 20 entails becoming a mother and becoming a woman at pretty much the same time. It isn’t easy to take on these two roles simultaneously, so early in life. Learning to be more independent while looking after a newborn baby is a heavy responsibility. Fortunately, many young mothers can count on their own mothers to give them invaluable advice and support.

Regardless of the children’s age, motherhood at 30 means, for many, juggling motherhood and career. Time is compartmentalized, with little of it to spare for leisure and rest. Every moment has to be skillfully managed and distributed fairly between children, spouse, friends, and family. At the same time, there is a sweet joy in seeing the future take shape. By 40, mothers are more experienced, stronger, and flexible. They have already lived nearly half their lives! Under standing, patience, and humour are key words for these moms who are no longer trying to be perfect. With their maturity, mothers in their 40s know their own depths and how to draw on their inner strength. At 50, moms blossom. Their children have grown into teenagers or young adults, and the empty nest means being pushed to address their own needs as women, not just as mothers. It is a time to discover the excitement of stimulating challenges.

PHOTO: COMSTOCK IMAGES / THINKSTOCK

At 60, still overflowing with love to give, mom makes the most of her new life by choosing how much of herself to give her adult children, this time as a grandmother. It’s a new role, freer and more permissive, one in which she will reap all the rewards of a lifetime of hard parenting work.

Happy Mother’s Day to All You Moms!

JOIN US FOR MOTHER’s DAY BRUNCH AT

THE BRIDGE BISTRO MAY 8, 2016 10 am – 1 pm

Reservations Recommended - Phone: 250-423-3002 301, Highway 3

Brunch menu Complimentary Mimosa for all Mothers Fresh baked bread rolls and assorted pastries, French Toasts, Scrambled Eggs, Eggs Benedict with house Hollandaise, Pancakes with Canadian Maple syrup, Vegetable Frittata, Bacon, Breakfast Sausages and Oven Roasted small Potatoes Chef’s Carving station: AAA Alberta slow cooked Roast Beef and Honey Glazed Ham, Red wine Sauce, Horseradish and Mustards Atlantic Salmon with Herb and Lemon sauce & Rice, Tandoori Chicken drumsticks, Swedish Meatballs, Mac and Cheese Casserole, Freshly made Clam Chowder Garden Salad, Caesar Salad and Quinoa Salad Antipasto platter, Vegetable platter, Smoked and Cured Salmon, Assorted Cheeses and Charcuterie, Sauces and Dips A selection of homemade desserts and everyone’s favorite, Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Fruits and Marshmallows! Tea & Coffee included Adults: $25.95 Children: 6-12 years: $12.95 Children under 5: Free Taxes and gratuities are not included

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Precious Metals Roadshow coming to Elkford and Sparwood Submitted

Create. Overhaul. Repair. Rebuild. Restore.

Think. Do. Become.

C Precious Metals will be in Elkford during a roadshow making its way through southeast British Columbia. You can bring your gold, silver, coins and bank notes to the Elkford Community Conference Centre Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Then in Sparwood Saturday - Sunday at the Causeway Bay Hotel 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. No appointment is required. Terry Burrill is President of TC Precious Metals headquartered in Airdrie, Alta. “TC Precious Metals has the unique advantage of dealing direct with a smelter” said Burrill. “That allows us to cut out middlemen and have higher payout rates. TC Precious Metals purchases gold and silver from other gold buyers, pawn shops, jewellers and jewellery makers as well as from the general public.” Recent price increases of precious metals have created lots of “gold buyers” including mail-in companies. Many of those buyers offer pennies on the dollar to unsuspecting customers and are limited to what they buy, choosing to ignore silver and coins and only purchase gold. TC Precious Metals analyzes your gold, silver, coins and bank notes while you watch, with the process explained to you in detail. Coins with numismatic (collectable) value are set aside from those with a

‘melt’ value. Silver items such as jewellery and flatware are analyzed for hallmark identification. Items thought to contain gold will also be analyzed for hallmarks, and then confirmed using precise testing that is done while you watch. Then a cash offer is made and you decide to sell or not. Burrill takes the roadshow out one or two times a month across Western Canada. “People bring in all kinds of interesting items, but for the most part it is a broken or old chain, unloved jewellery, a single earring, and out of style fashion items like charm bracelets. We accept dental gold but it should be clean. Lately I see more and more silver flatware sets, but before you bring those in make sure it says “Sterling” on the handle. There is a lot of silver plated flatware that we can’t buy due to the low silver content” he said. Another valuable item is coin with silver content. Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars and Dollars from Canada and America can be sorted and the silver content determined in no time at all. People are encouraged to bring in any and all coins for assessment. TC Precious Metals can assess and purchase Canadian and Dominion of Canada bank notes. Burrill has extensive experience working with estate sales, executors, widows and widowers in a respectful and caring manner. No appointment necessary.

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InIn Elkford In at the IN Communityat Conference Centre the the 750 Fording Dr. CLARESHOLM Millennium Carman Active Friday May 6th at the Exhibition Centre 9:30am Centre - 4:30pm Living Seniors Drop In Centre 227 10th Avenue NW 47 Ed Belfour Drive 5009 2nd Street East In Sparwood at the Friday & Saturday Wednesday Thursday Causeway& Bay Hotel 10am to 6pm Daily 102 Cedar Dr. 10am to 6pm Daily Friday & Saturday June &13th 15th Saturday Sunday June 12th & 10 a.m.14th - 6&p.m. Daily May 7th - 8th

Carman at the Carman Active Living Centre Altona at the Millennium Exhibition Centre June 12th 13th June 14 & 10am 15 Winkler at the Winkler - &5pm Winkler at the Winkler Seniors Centre Seniors Centre June 16 & 17 June 16 & 17 Valid Government Photo ID Required

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

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Arts&Entertainment WhatsOn THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

What’s on in the Elk Valley this week.

Master of Mosaics – Ilona Webster By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

ay 26 will see a new gallery opening at the Fernie Arts Station. Ilona Webster along with Char Czech will have their work on exhibit through to June. Ilona will be bringing some of her mosaics for the show. “My show is called 'Inside, outside, all around the house'. I will have mosaic pieces that will work anywhere in your home, deck and garden. I have used glass, china and found objects to create 'one of a kind pieces'. My mosaic artwork is whimsical and fun,” said Webster to The Free Press. This will be the artist’s first official show. She has had her work on display in the past but this will be the first time her work is shown in the Arts Station. The anticipation for the show mixes anxiety with excitement according to the artist. “I have not done a show at the Arts Station. This is the first time I have been asked to be there. I have done not necessarily showings, but have showed and sold my work in other places. This is my first official showing, it makes me feel a little stressed but excited,” she said. She has been creating mosaics since the mid-1990s. The artist also practices in other mediums as well. “I have been doing mosaics since 1993 or ‘94. I chose it because I thought it would be something different, I have been doing it forever so it is almost prolific for me, I just want to get it out there,” she said. “I do paint, press

flower art and make some jewellery. I am retired so I have lots of time to try things.” With just a pair of glass nippers, she creates her work. The nippers provide unique hard-lined shapes. “The only thing I use is a glass nipper. A lot of my work has raw edges, different shapes that don’t have straight lines. I like the nippers, whatever shape comes out I like to work around it,” Webster said. The motivation for her work is drawn from what the artist sees around her. “I get my inspiration from the colours in glass, subject matter that I love. I also use china, so if I see a Ilona Webster’s mosaic work will be on display at the Arts plate that has a really Station later this month. Submitted photo neat colour pattern on it I feel that I could where a certain piece went that was possibly make something out of that online I have it here in Elko,” she pattern,” she said. said. “It happens in my studio, I have “I live in Elko, I have a studio in a couple long tables there. It started which I give classes in whatever when people started showing interest people want to do, mosaics, jewellery, and wanted to do something. I have whatever. I usually end up taking been doing classes since the first time I my stuff somewhere. I always have started in ‘93 or ’94.” finished product so if somebody asks

Wapiti announces 2016 line up W

apiti Music Festival held in Fernie has announced its 2016 line up. Headliners include rockers Yukon Blonde, The Funk Hunters, Bear Mountain and Fernie’s own Shred Kelly. The line up ranges from country to world to rock this year. Highlights are also Terra Lightfoot, The Matinee, Wooden Horsemen and Camaro 67. Local acts were also included this year, Wild Honey and Linden Anthony are scheduled to play. “This year the music committee set out with a specific goal, people want to dance so that’s exactly what we are giving them,” said co-organizer Matt Brazeau. “The line up has a diverse range of styles and talents, but overall a very fun and lively party is about to happen. Yukon Blonde is Canada’s next big export, we are super lucky to have them come play our small festival. And we’ve never had DJs before; The Funk Hunters are coming with a band to

ELKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

592 - 3rd Ave. 250-423-4458

816 Michel Rd 250-865-2912

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

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SPARWOOD Tuesday 10th: Cinco De PUBLIC Mayo Mexican Cooking LIBRARY Class 6pm (book!) 110 Pine Ave. 250-425-2299 Mon. Closed Tues. 10am-8pm Wed. 10am-5pm Thurs. 10am-8pm Fri.-Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 12-4 pm

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accompany them - this is going to have everyone on their feet. Terra Lightfoot recently opened for Blue Rodeo on tour, I think we are in for a real treat with her set.” Wapiti Music Festival is a two-day festival in Fernie B.C. Fresh Canadian indie music with loads of fun for the whole family. Weekend passes are now on sale online or downtown Fernie at Le Grand Fromage. As always children 12 and under and seniors are free at Wapiti. The festival is running in its sixth year, it has been warmly welcomed by, not only the Fernie residents, but visitors from around Canada and the US. Discover new breaking bands and dance your heart out under a stunning rocky mountain backdrop. “Wapiti is a colourful weekend that brings families and friends together; there is a great community vibe here. We are also entirely run by volunteers, so this is truly a community event with lots of passion and you can feel it”, said Kevin McIsaac, festival organizer.

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CAN’T MISS Cinco de Mayo at The Pub Thu, May 5, 8:30 p.m.

Don’t miss the last Team Trivia at The Pub. The Cinco de Mayo themed night will include a Tequila & Lime cask from FBC, Pinata prizes and a dance party.

Spring Craft Fair at the Community Centre Sat, May 7, 10:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m. Fernie Craft Fairs hosts their annual Spring Fair. Be sure to pick up some last minute goodies for Mom. Expect a great variety of crafts, baked goods, preserves and hand-made treasures.

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FSS student project improves Annex Pond By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

Check out the new books for seniors now available.

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

ver 30 students spent the morning at Annex Pond on May 2, helping to clean and improve the area. The work was part of a project, combining multiple classes and help from Wildsight and Columbia Basin Trust (CBT). The students were from two Grade 8 science classes and a Grade 8/9 Outdoor Education class, working on separate projects dedicated to the wetlands and another to studying the local watershed. “It’s part of the Know Your Watershed program, which is a program that is a part of Wildsight and the Columbia Basin Trust,” said Wildsight’s Ayla Bennett, who was helping organize the project. With the Know Your Watershed program, students study the watershed to understand where the water comes from and where it goes to. After studying the watershed, students have the opportunity to create an action plan dedicated to helping the watershed. The Outdoor Education class focused their project on learning about the wetlands, which was supported by the BC Wildlife Federation. Students in the class experienced three field days at the Annex Pond to learn about the wetlands. Four students from the class presented to City Council at the Apr. 25 Committee of the Whole meeting, detailing their project. On Monday, students were divided into teams to pull noxious weeds, such as knapweed from the area and to wrap trees to protect them from beavers and other wildlife. They also planted many species of plants to help the area. “We are going to be planting hundreds and hundreds of plants. We have sedges, wild roses, alumroot,

Don't Forget

Paige Polacik and Kate Brenna, both in Grade 8, spent three field days in Annex Park for school projects. Photo by L. Scheitel we have a few birch and a few cattails. We want to improve the habitat and function of the wetlands,” said Bennett. “The cattails are vital as well because they are some of the best natural filters in the world. They are really great at filtering the water and why that is such an important point here is because this is all storm water. It’s water from the streets. The more filtering it gets, the cleaner it will be when it gets to the Elk River.” According to Kate Brennan and Paige Polacik, two Grade 8 students from the Outdoor Education class, the project has taught them a lot about the wetlands in Fernie. “The Outdoor Ed class has been here – this is our third time. This is the first time with the science class but it has been really fun all three times,” said Brennan. It’s really fun.” Polacik echoed her sentiments, saying they have studied two separate projects on the area. “For science, we did the watershed and for the Outdoor Ed we did a wetlands program. It’s been fun.”

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

Park Place Lodge 742 Highway 3 • Fernie

Councillor Ken Wildeman from the District of Elkford spoke at the Day of Mourning ceremony in Sparwood on Apr. 28. The Day of Mourning honours workers who have lost their lives on the job. Photo courtesy of Jim Campbell

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

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Elkford minor baseball slides into a busy season

By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

his year will be a big one for Elkford Minor Ball. They will be hosting many events, including provincials for under 16 (U16) girls fastball and fundraising for shale upgrades for the fields. “This is a huge year for Elkford Minor Ball, from fundraising for shale upgrades, preparing to host Alberta U16 Girls C Fastball Provincials, which we are associated with, and also representing Zone 1 in this year’s Summer Games

hosted in Leduc Alberta,” said Jodi Borys, a representative for Elkford Minor Ball. The shale upgrade will be for the four baseball fields in Elkford. There is a shale shortage in B.C. and Alberta, so the group has to order the shale from Saskatchewan. “We fundraised by hosting a very successful adult Halloween dance which was previously posted in the Elk Valley Herald. We also received $5,000 from The Elk Valley Thrift Shop and another $5,000 grant from Western Financial. The District of Elkford has agreed to help as well,” she said. The U16 C Fastball Provincials will bring a dozen teams to Elkford on the second weekend of July. The Elkford team is comprised of nine locals, one from Sparwood

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Eveliene Eijsermans Eveliene Eijsermans helped to organize the Flex Fundraiser at The Pub last weekend. She volunteered to be dunked in the dunk tank, which raised $250 for the cause.

and two from Lethbridge. Unfortunately, there is no local league for the team, so they play a weekly game against Borys and the ‘older fastball girls’. “There isn't much for fastball around this area as far as game play so us ‘older fastball girls’ have been playing a game against these girls every Wednesday night at 6 p.m at the Elks Diamond. We plan on continuing this until provincials in order to prepare them as best as possible,” she said. “The majority of the ‘older fastball girls’ grew up in Elkford and were also coached by my dad Blaine Borys who is coaching this team as well. He has been coaching Fastball for 25 plus years. Our ages range from 29-37 years old. We haven't come up with a team name yet but will do soon.”

Jodi, along with her father Blaine, is also coaching a girls fastball team for the Summer Games. The team is made up of eight Elkford girls, one from Sparwood, three from Lethbridge, and two from Medicine Hat. “My dad and myself are coaching Zone 1 Girls Fastball for the upcoming Summer Games hosted in Leduc Alberta on July the 14 to 17 weekend. We also have Terry Vandale as our team manager,” said Borys. “She has done so much work, we honestly couldn't do this without her. She is amazing. We just completed our third tryout in Lehtbridge Alberta and have finalized our team of 14. We started out with over 20 girls trying out from Elkford to Medicine Hat.”

Mini tournament kicks off the rugby season By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

n Apr. 30 the Elk Valley Bulls Rugby Football Club (RFC) hosted a mini tournament at the Fernie High School pitch. According to the President of the Elk Valley Rugby Club, Peter Dudman, they had three other teams come to Fernie to play. “Today we are hosting our first ever mini tournament, we are hosting a team from Cranbrook, the Rocky If you are the athlete in this photo Mountain Rouges, a team from you have won a free pizza from Not Just Pizza! Okotoks, the Foothills Lions, we also Drop into The Free Press office to collect your prize. have a team from Cochrane, who are the Bow Valley Grizzlies,” he said. Email your Athlete of the Week nominations to By noon the Bulls were halfway customerservice@thefreepress.ca through their second game after losing 6th Annual Best Ball Charity a close game 6th Annual Best Ball Charity earlier that Golf Tournament day to the Golf Tournament Okotoks’ Friday June 10th, 2016 The Elk Valley RFC played their first tournament games of the season over the squad. Friday June 10th, Photo by B. Catton Mountain Meadows Golf2016 Course “We are weekend, hosting teams from B.C. and Alberta. Mountain Elkford, Meadows Golf Course h a l f w a y BC While there were not enough ladies in attendance for a through our second game, the first contact game the squad put on a demonstration playing a Elkford, BC game the Elk Valley Bulls lost to touch flag game in hopes to get more female participation the Foothills Lions 24 to 21 in a for the squad. All proceeds go towards the Elkford Early Years Committee very tight game. It was a really “The ladies, unfortunately did not have the numbers they $250/team of 4 registration fee, limited to Committee 18 teams. All proceeds go towards the Elkford Early Years good game, we dominated and set wanted in order to have a full contact game. The other clubs a hole option for $200 Sponsor $250/team of 4 registration fee, limited to 18 teams. paces but they just had the youth couldn’t bring their ladies with them so they are just going to cart per team (based availability) One a hole option for on $200 Sponsor Steak dinner and the speed outside,” Dudman have a touch flag game right now as more of a demonstration perincluded! team (based on availability) One cart Silent SteakAuction! dinner included! said. “They just had the legs on for people to see and hopefully drum up some more interest,” skillAuction! levels welcome! All Silent the outside to get them over in the he said. “There are quite a lot of girls in Fernie that want to All skill levels welcome! end.” play, we just need a

For information or to For information register a teamor to register a team please contact: please contact: Ravneet Ravneet 250-865-2222 250-865-2222 elkfordecd@gmail.com elkfordecd@gmail.com Sponsored by: Sponsored by:

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few more to get them over the line.” More information on the club can be found through their Facebook page, Elk Valley RFC and they always welcome new players with or without rugby experience. “We’re always welcoming new members, both men and women, no experience needed. Anyone interested can contact us through the Facebook page,” said Dudman.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Bear management cont. Continued from page 3 carts to every household in the city,” she said. Wallace believes that the new bins, along with continued education and support will go to further reduce human-bear conflict in Castlegar. “The Wildlife Attractant Bylaw still regulates the proper storage of garbage between collection days, but these bear resistant locks will help ensure bears do not access easy meals,” she said.

Fernie

If anyone understands the garbage situation in Fernie, it is Dom Guzzi, who is the refuse collector with Southeast Disposal. He is responsible for picking up all of the curbside garbage throughout Fernie. “There is a big mess in this town, take it from me, I see this town all of the time. Every day of the week I see this town, and it is not a very clean town. People have to have respect for the garbage,” said Guzzi. He is happy about the amendment to the waste management bylaw prohibiting plastic bags from curbside pickup. Although he admits that it may not stop bears, he believes it is a

step in the right direction. Guzzi hopes that the newly introduced bylaw will be enforced. “Sure, put everything in a bag and put it in a garbage can and put the lid on it, sure that is going to save a lot but it is not going to stop a bear going into your garbage can. But it is going to help and that is what I want to see. I want to see garbage cans everywhere,” he said. Guzzi suggests that Fernie looks to Elkford as an example of how a local community deals with garbage. “What I told the city is that you should tell the Mayor and Council to hop in a van and take a ride to Elkford, they will show you how it’s done,” he said. “They have the big bear proof bins, the machine goes by and grabs it and dumps it and away you go. There is nothing on the ground whatsoever. Elkford is cleaner than Fernie, Sparwood is cleaner than Fernie, Elko is cleaner than Fernie. Fernie is not very clean at all and I am disappointed with the people. Because there is no respect for garbage and that is what is going to cause a kid to get killed by a bear.” Guzzi is currently under contract with Southeast Disposal. He says

that if Fernie were to get bear bins, a new truck that has specific bear bin unloading capabilities would need to be purchased. “They would have to buy one. That’s why I can’t do anything about it, if they said, let’s go change it, I would say yes, let’s buy a new truck. But I can’t.” He went on to suggest, “have the containers on standby and once they get a truck, then distribute all of these containers to everybody in Fernie. One per house, that’s it. That is all you need, really.” While communal dumpsters have been implemented in other communities, he believes that they would not work in Fernie because of people’s current curbside habits. “You can’t eliminate it because it’s been here [for so long] – people would go nuts. There would be 5,000 people standing outside of City Hall because of it,” he said. “Curbside pickup - that is always going to happen here in Fernie. If we got the big containers, that would solve a whole bunch of problems. It’s easy to say but you have got to get the truck, you have to get the containers.” He is not alone; there are many people in Fernie looking to be more proactive in human-bear interaction mitigation. Some, like BearAware Community Coordinator Kathy Murray, have been vocal about garbage reform for a decade.

Murray believes that if someone chooses to live in prime wildlife habitat, then they should choose to do their best to mitigate aggressive wildlife interactions. Along with Guzzi, Murray believes that curbside collection will not leave Fernie in her lifetime, so the communal dumpsters like Canmore uses would be poorly received by the town and would not work well in some tight proximity neighbourhoods such as the Annex. “That is a great option for I think some parts of Fernie - Mountain View or the Airport, Alpine Trails, Ridgemont – the outside perimeter where there is more space,” she said. According to Murray, “there is no one perfect solution.” She thinks that the human factor will always add a margin of error. “Let’s say in an ideal world, we convert 1,200 residences in Fernie, everyone gets this bear resistant container with the bear lock bar, all of a sudden everyone is like I can keep my garbage outside,” she said. “Maybe they forget to latch it down or they forget to unlatch it before the truck comes down to pick it up. Then the driver has to get out every single time and undo each clasp, and that adds time and that adds money.” The cost to fully transition to bear bins would not be cheap, according to Murray.

“To switch right across the board, it’s about $200 per container and I think it’s 1200 residences, it would be $240,000 plus the upgrade to the truck, it has to be an automated system with a fork,” she said. “I don’t know how much that costs. Let’s say $500,000. If this comes up on a new line on the budget, you are looking at $500,000. For every $50,000 that is spent, I believe it’s a one per cent increase in property taxes. So for that, it’s 10 per cent. That’s rough math. For that to happen in one year, that is not realistic.” Like Guzzi, Murray believes that Elkford is on the right track. “I talked with them four years ago and they have 25 cans with the bear lock bar, and they were given to people who were in high conflict areas who didn’t have garages,” she said.” “They had the cans first and now I think they are up to 40 cans. Down the road they want to get the entire town [on them]. It’s a good way to do it. It would be nice if it was a little faster and they had a few more cans, but you know, that’s a good start.” Guzzi believes that people and the city will only make drastic changes in their garbage habits after a tragic event. “They are going to do something about it when somebody gets killed. We need to do something about it now,” he said.

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OBITUARY

Hazel, Beryl Durham August 12, 1929-April 29, 2016 Hazel Beryl Durham passed away peacefully April 29, 2016 with her husband and children by her side. Hazel was predeceased by her parents Bill and Alice Dilts. She joined her eldest sister Lill, who passed away on the same day 44 years prior. She was also predeceased by her sister Nancy and brother Buzzy. She leaves to mourn; her husband of 66 years, James (Jim) Durham, daughters Roberta, Debbie (Tom), sons Mac and Greg (Kathy), grandchildren Randie (Thomas), Amanda (Riley) Scott, Tim, Tessa, Samantha, Megan, Brianna, Kayla, Austin & Jackson and 7 great grandchildren. Hazel was born in Elko on August 12, 1929. She was the third eldest in a family of 12 children. She was raised in Waldo and on the family farm in the Plumbob. As a young lady Hazel worked as a waitress at the Nu Way Cafe in Cranbrook. Jim saw Hazel standing on a hill side in a nice white blouse. It was love at first sight for Jim. Hazel took a while to convince. Jim pursued the relationship and after a 5 year courtship married her on September 27, 1950. The first 6 years of their marriage were busy. They moved around, living in logging camps working for Knight’s Lumber Camp in places like the Crowsnest. In 1956, they moved to their present residence so that Roberta could start school. Over the years they expanded the house, the farm and the family, making Jaffray their home for life. Hazel worked hard beside her husband, teaching her children how to throw and stack hay bales, drive a tractor and move irrigation. Hazel volunteered as a Brownie and Guide leader, as the Galloway Curling Club and Jaffray Hall secretary and an organizer of Mayday celebrations. She couldn’t teach her husband to dance, so she spent many hours dancing with her children around the living room. Hazel loved music and had a lovely singing voice. She will be missed, but will always be remembered as feisty, candid, and bold. She was selfless, providing wisdom and advice as needed. She was and will continue to be a source of strength and courage inside us all. A Celebration of Life at the Jaffray Community Hall will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 2pm to 5pm. In lieu of Flowers please make donations to the Fernie Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

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Buy a ne_ Pome!

.QnL a ne_ career!

WILLIAMS, DAVID ALAN Passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016 at the age of 50. Left to celebrate David’s life are his dad, Bernard Williams (Nina); sister Sherry Earl (Blake); brother Alan Williams (Shannon); his girlfriend Lynne Jasper; nephews Jaysen Earl, Shawn Earl (Malorie, Lily and Charlee), Clayton Williams, (Kaylie, Houghton, Matthew and Summer); aunts Mona Smith (Ray), Lona Hutchinson; uncles John Horvath (Doris), Wesley Horvath (Elaine); cousins Sue Lynn, Lyle, Darryl, Shona, Randy, Scott, John Paul, Kathy and Dallas. David was predeceased by his twin brother Darren; mother Rosalie Williams; cousins Lorne Smith and Rick Evano; aunt Sharon Evano; grandparents Harry and Rose Williams and Gabe and Katie Horvath. David graduated from Fernie Secondary School in 1983, and from DeVry University of Calgary in 1988 at the top of the Dean’s List. In his earlier years he was an avid water skier. Like his mom and his brothers, he held an Industrial First Aid ticket. He wrote poetry and fictional short stories, and also played in the Fernie Pool League for years. He enjoyed camping with huge campfires, plenty of hotdogs, smokies and campfire pies. Sharing meals he had prepared and baked with family and friends was also a favourite. David could always be found with a mug of coffee in his hand, and loved to joke around, having a good laugh and making people smile. He loved to watch NHL hockey, and baseball and was always game to make a friendly wager with his dad. David was very intelligent, especially when it came to numbers, analyzing problems and finding solutions. Any computer problem, he usually had the fix. Never imposing, he was a gentle soul, who found his greatest joy in the company of family and friends. He loved us and we love him dearly. David will be missed and never forgotten. A memorial service to celebrate David’s life was held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Mountainside Community Church, Fernie. Those wishing may make donations to the Kidney Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs. com. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services, Fernie.

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that Quentin and Jennifer Jensen from Calgary, AB, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations (MFLNRO), Kootenay Regiona, for a Crown Grant to purchase their existing Lease situated on Provincial Crown lad at Tie Lake and containing a total of 0.324 hectares more or less. The Lands File for this application is 0258726. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to FrontCounter BC, 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G1 or email to: AuthorizingAgency.Cranbrook@gov.bc.ca. Comments will be recieved by MFLNRO up to May 27, 2016. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp ¤ Search ¤ Search by File Number: 0258726 for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomoÀnformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

Remembering Our Loved Ones

;aa 1t ?QtP A +Ta[[QÅeL AL

Inspire. Perspire. Participate in an event to help the 4 million Canadians living with arthritis.

1.800.321.1433 www.jointsinmotion.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

A24 www.thefreepress.ca

Thursday, May 5, 2016 The Free Press

Announcements

Employment

Services

Financial Services

Information

Help Wanted

Financial Services

Medical Health

Financial Services

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage and Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Now. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248

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GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

NEED A LOAN? Own Property? Have Bad Credit? We can help! Call toll free 1 866 405 1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

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.

Career Service / Job Search

TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, 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 don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Personals PREGNANT? NEED HELP? 1-800-665-0570

Employment Business Opportunities CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenet.ca/free-assessment

$750 Loans & More NO CREDIT CHECKS

Reach A Larger Audience

Open 7 days/wk. 8am - 8pm

Help Wanted

Apply at:www.credit700.ca

1-855-527-4368

WANT TO DELIVER NEWSPAPERS?

Looking for Work? Need a Resume? Self-Employment?

GET FREE VENDING MACHINES. Can Earn $100,000.00 + Per Year. All Cash - Locations Provided. Protected Territories. Interest Free Financing. Full Details CALL NOW 1-866-668-6629. Website: WWW.TCVEND.COM

Education/Trade Schools

All employment services are free! Eligibility criteria may apply.

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT SCHOOL. Hands-On Tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training! Funding & Housing Avail! Job Aid! Already a HEO? Get certiﬁcation proof. Call 1-866-399-3853 or go to: iheschool.com

Start With Us. We Can Help! www.ekemployment.org 250-423-4204 / 1-855-651-3027 302 C 2nd Ave Fernie (Mon-Fri) - 141 A Aspen Sparwood (Tues)

START A NEW CAREER in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, Call: 855-670-9765

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

WE HAVE LOTS OF ROUTES AVAILABLE

in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford

ELK VALLEY CHURCH SERVICES Centennial Square, Sparwood

WELCOMES YOU 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.

250-423-6010 www.knoxunitedferniebc.ca email: KnoxUCFernie@outlook.com YOU ARE WELCOME AT KNOX!

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 Catholic Church

521 4th Avenue, Fernie Parish Office 250-423-6127 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

SPARWOOD CHRISTIAN CENTRE (formerly Fernie Baptist Church)

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

Sunday Services

All they need is Love

ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH

741B 2nd Ave. Fernie

KNOX UNITED CHURCH

250-423-4666 • 342 2 Avenue customerservice@thefreepress.ca

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 in Sparwood

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

Contact Pastor Shawn Barden shawn@mountainsidechurch.ca

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

Give the Gift of a Permanent Home

SNOW VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 1361 8th Avenue, Fernie EVERYONE WELCOME

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

www.spca.bc.ca

ELKFORD ALLIANCE CHURCH You Are Welcome Here!

Sunday Service 10:30 am 250-865-2612 elkfordalliance@gmail.com www.elkfordalliance.org 1803 Alpine Drive, Elkford Pastor Adam Gauthier

Everyone Welcome

30 Day Job Board Let us bear the workload for you! Just one of the many reasons to call LocalWorkBC.ca for all your recruitment needs.

1-855-678-7833

/localwork-bc

@localworkbc

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

The Free Press Thursday, May 5, 2016

www.thefreepress.ca A25

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Personal Care

Food Products

Apt/Condo for Rent

Homes for Rent

2 Bedroom Furnished Condo for rent in Sparwood Heights Includes fridge, stove, washer/dryer, storage area, use of exercise room & sauna. No Smoking, No Pets. $800 per month, Heat included Available immediately Call 250-423-1224 / 250-423-3598

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

“We care about your hair loss”

Capilia Hair & Scalp Centre

Thinning hair or hair Loss Dandruff, dry or oily scalp Psoriasis & Eczema Chemotherapy/radiation therapy Wigs & hair systems for men & women 3019 Hwy 3

CRESTON, BC

250-428-0354 www.hairandscalpcentre.ca

Business/Ofﬁce Service KOOTENAY MOVING Long distance household moving. Coast to Coast, in Canada.

30 years experience.

778-834-4345

Household Services A-1 FURNACE & Air Duct Cleaning. Complete Furnace/Air Duct Systems cleaned & sterilized. Locally owned & operated. 1-800-5650355 (Free estimates) KOOTENAY DUCT CLEANERS Duct Cleaning EVERYONE can afford $250 whole home $150 mobile home No hidden costs! Professional & Insured Locally owned & operated Toll free 1.844.428.0522

Moving & Storage STEEL STORAGE CONTAINERS

FOR SALE OR RENT

jentonstorage@gmail.com

604-534-2775 Paving/Seal/ Coating

NOTICE

BLACKTOP NOW! NO JOB TOO SMALL

Driveways & Parking Lots 1-888-670-0066 CALL

BC INSPECTED

GRADED AA OR BETTER LOCALLY GROWN NATURAL BEEF Hormone Free Grass Fed/Grain Finished Freezer Packages Available Quarters/Halves $4.95/lb Hanging Weight Extra Lean Ground Beef Available TARZWELL FARMS 250-428-4316 Creston

WHERE DO YOU TURN

TO LEARN WHAT’S ON SALE?

YOUR NEWSPAPER:

The link to your community

www.sutcliffefarms.com sutcliffefarms@gmail.com

250-428-2734

Misc. for Sale REFORESTATION NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce & Pine from $0.99/tree. Free Shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca

Misc. Wanted 999 COINS & BARS. 250-864-3521, I want to buy your coin collection also buying everything gold or silver. Todd’s Coins 250-864-3521

Real Estate Apt/Condos for Sale Fully Furnished 3 bedroom Ridgemont condo with awesome view of Fernie mountains and ski hill. Large bedrooms, storage room and balcony. Walking distance to all amenities. Ready to move into or rent out. All you need are your clothes. For more information 760-560-3926 / text - 250-816-1597

Houses For Sale Remax Elk Valley Realty $

184,900

CALL NOW!

POWER PAVING

SERVING ALL THE KOOTENAYS

Community Newspapers We’re at the heart of things™

peaceful Elkford

ALDERWOOD PLACE Comfortable apartment units

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

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

1-250-865-7695 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 Sparwood, B.C.

PINEWAY COURT

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. 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 Newer condos in Sparwood Heights 2 bed/2 bath units are $1050. per month. 2 bed/1 bath units $1000. 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 One bedroom unfurnished apartment for rent above the ReMax office on 7th Ave. $750/month incl. heat & power. Long term tenants only & must provide references. Call Gloria at 250-423-4444. PineCrest Apartments

Sparwood BC Move in special - receive $300 after 3 months. - some conditions apply. We have a one and two bedroom in newly renovated building. Some furnished suites with all new furniture. Pet friendly (some conditions apply) $725 to $895. Contact Manager 778-518-2253 or view at www.glprentals.com

Apartment Units

Modular Homes

• Close to downtown • Affordable • Hot water included • Your new home!

14’ wide Mobile Home for Rent 3 bedrooms, all appliances Call Abe at 250-423-1520

1 Bdrm plus den $775 (& up) month 2 Bdrm plus den $850 (& up) month

250-425-9912

1 CHAMPLAIN - ELKFORD 3 bed, 2 bath mobile home on quiet street in Elkford. $700 per month plus utilities. Call Rick 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711 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.

STOP! Read This Twice 1301 1st Ave Downtown Fernie affordable living, 2-bedrooms, new water and sewer line 2015, spectacular mountain view, some updates. Call Bruce Gilmar 250-425-5440

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent 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 Sparwood 1 bdrm condo, @ Mtn. Air Chalets - furn or not inc util, W&D, w/deck, no pets, $600 + DD Call 403-616-6467 or 403-474-3926.

ALPINE COURT Spacious NEW apartments 1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month 2 & 3 Bdrm- $850 (& up)- month

House for Rent - Elkford 3 bedroom house with detached double garage, fenced yard, 1.5 bath. Available immediately. $1300/month plus damage deposit. Dogs allowed. Call 250-425-3857 SPARWOOD, 2-storey, 3bdrm townhouse for rent w/full basement, close to school & rec centre. (250)425-4448 primeprop@mymts.net

Find Your Dream Home

Apt/Condo for Rent

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

Donate!

250-423-3308 or 250-423-1236

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

Transportation

Auto Accessories/Parts For Sale 3 Soft tops for a tracker $250 for all 3 250-423-6591

Cars - Domestic 1987 Jaguar XJS V12 original condition, new tyres & brakes, in good running condition, 700 R4 transmission. $4,500 obo Call 250-425-3857

Recreational/Sale 2006 PROWLER

30ft. Travel Trailer 1 Pull Out $14,000 250-423-7945 2013 Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700 cc eﬁ, side by side, 500 kms, in new condition, with sport club trailer, winch, canvas top and back window, rearview mirror. Asking $13,000 obo Call 250-425-3857

Boats World’s Finest FISHING BOATS

Apt/Condo for Rent

Apartments for Rent 1 & 2 Bedroom Units Furnished & Unfurnished From

Become a Super hero!

in the classifieds!

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

Scenic Downtown Elkford

421-1482

FREE ESTIMATES!

Live in scenic &

Fruit & Vegetables FRESH ASPARAGUS NOW AVAILABLE Sutcliffe Farms Creston, BC Place your order to ensure availability Pickup location right at the farm! 1252 Indian Road (off Lower Wynndel Rd)

A25

Say yes and change a child’s life today.

695 per month

Includes heat, lights, & hot water

250-865-2722 If you see a wildﬁre, report it to

1422 & 1462 – 6th Avenue, Fernie

1-800-663-5555 or *5555

For more information call

on most cellular networks.

Located behind the Best Western

250-423-1358

www.bcchf.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

YOUR HOROSCOPE

Your Best Choice for Great Hong Kong Style Cuisine!

Brought to you by Fernie’s premiere Chinese restaurant

250-423-3211

for the week of May 8 to 14, 2016

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: LIBRA, SCORPIO AND SAGITTARIUS.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

Start preparing in order to get a head start if you’re planning a move. Alternatively, you might decide to renovate your home instead.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

Traffic is a bit of a headache and communications are complicated. Try to find secondary roads, and don’t forget to charge your phone before leaving home in order to avoid delays.

wifi available

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

BRAIN GAMES ACROSS

CROSSWORDS

PUZZLE NO. 819

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

You get the green light to undertake a project or an apprenticeship. Funding is made available to you, and you succeed in guaranteeing a good retirement for yourself in an unusual way.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

You feel like conquering the world. You are very determined to advance your cause and improve your lot in life. This could lead you to some kind of new beginning.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

You need to be patient this week. You feel as if you are treading water and having to wait for everyone. Take time for yourself; this setback is necessary in order to make better progress afterwards. Copyright © 2016, Penny Press

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

1. Decades 5. Chime 9. Luxury hotel 12. Skip 13. Car part 14. Corn piece 15. Shortest skirt type 16. Tiniest 18. Look steadily 20. Average: hyph. 21. False front 23. Singe 27. Stylish 30. Workbench clamp 32. Limo, e.g. 33. Brunch dish 35. Small amount 37. Business note 38. Type of exercise 40. Gibbon or gorilla, e.g. 41. Winter school closer 42. Although 43. Subsides 46. African mammal, for short 51. Pleads 55. Person, place, or thing 56. “____ Are There” 57. On the water 58. Ripped

59. Breakfast item 60. Eccentric person 61. Mineral-bearing rocks

DOWN

1. Male turkeys 2. Radiate 3. 1492 vessel 4. Move slightly 5. Sidekick 6. Has being 7. Choir voice 8. Leases 9. Examine 10. Dads 11. Paintings, e.g. 17. Certain train 19. Roof projection 22. Salt Lake ____ 24. Grass-skirt dance

25. At the summit of 26. Heavy twine 27. Some parents 28. Indication of future events 29. Audition tape 31. Border 34. Bring down 36. Declaration 39. Pearl source 44. Legume 45. Foundation 47. Dividing preposition 48. Meager 49. Absolute 50. Wallet stuffers 51. Spud bud 52. Yuletide drink 53. Pull 54. Glum

ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 818

You are responsible for an important meeting at work or an event that brings everyone together. You look after a lot of customers, which substantially increases your income.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

One of your projects requires special attention. Delays are possible just about everywhere. On the phone, you are put on hold; at the grocery store, you choose the wrong line.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

The summer holidays are fast approaching and you should start planning them this week. You may also need to reserve places at a day camp for your children.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

A particular event is surprisingly revealing about your family or professional future. You are able to set more specific goals.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

You receive a marriage proposal or other proof of commitment if your relationship is very recent. Your sweetheart confirms his or her love for you in a rather spectacular way.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

Do not hesitate to apply the laws of attraction where your work is concerned. You will be able to realize your goals more quickly if you visualize them precisely.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

You are able to regain your self-esteem this week. You experience a situation that shows you off to advantage and provides you with tools to set new goals.

PUZZLE NO. 556

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 JENNIFER CRONIN advertising@thefreepress.ca 250-423-4666

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Throwback Thursday

SPARWOOD DANCE: 9 STUDENTS DRUNK TWO IN HOSPITAL

Nine students who came to a dance drunk at Sparwood School will be barred from school dances, it was decided by the school board Tuesday night on recommendation of secondary school principal Harry Peebles. Mr. Peebles said all nine had been at a party before turning up for the dance. Three were taken home by their parents and two ended up in hospital. The principal said he wasn’t sure if only alcohol was involved, indicating there is still a possibility drugs may have been used. He said police are investigating still. Not all of the children were admitted to the dance, but they were on school grounds in an intoxicated condition. He said there could have been more students involved also, but the nine were caught. None had been in trouble before. It was reported the “party” had been planned several days in advance with supplies of liquor lined up. Charges of supplying minors with liquor may be laid. The board discussed various disciplinary measures, including

suspending the miscreants from school. Also discussed was cutting off all school dances. Trustee Ted Stafford felt this should not be done, since it would penalize those not involved. Satisfaction was ex-pressed that the dance sponsors, the students’ council, also is concerned. Mr. Peebles indicated some dances may be cancelled but that not all of them will be.

THREE SISTERS CAPPED BY ROCKET-LIKE CONE HOLDING RADIO GEAR

Trinity Mountain, long a symbol to residents of Fernie, has been affected by modern technology, and as a result, the highest of the three peaks now wears a fiberglass “cap”. The cap is a large rocketshaped fiberglass shell and it will house sophisticated electronic communications apparatus belonging to B.C. Hydro and the Department of Highways. Hydro is upgrading its communication facilities throughout the province and the installation of Trinity Mountain is one of many to be erected in the province. The capsule weighs approximately 1,200 pounds without its load of

equipment and was hauled to its permanent site by a large helicopter brought in from Calgary. The capsule will stand vertically and will reach a height of about 30 feet. It will sit on a specially prepared concrete base and will be held upright by numerous steel guy lines. It is situated on what is known locally as the “middle sister”, the highest of three peaks from which the mountain gets its name. Elevation of the peak is 9,200 feet above sea level. The concrete base on the peak was prepared about three weeks ago and a first attempt was made Friday to get the cone installed, but overcast skies prevented this. Five men who were on the peak came close to spending the night there when cloud cover moved in. The helicopter went up to pick them off, but visibility was so poor the pilot could not get close. A brief clearing occurred later and the craft quickly descended and the men scrambled aboard. The five were Bill Sunderwood and Tony Puppin, foremen with the Department of Highways, Jack Darnell, and an unidentified employee of B.C. Hydro. In Wednesday’s successful attempt, the large cone was lifted off from a vacant lot near the Highways department yard, and carried out of town along the old GN right of way to avoid settled areas, then whisked up to the peak. The actual installation took less than 10 minutes and by noon, Mr. Sunderwood was using it to communicate with another Highways man near Boivin Creek in the Elk Valley. The only problem encountered, he said, was difficulty in breathing atop the peak. Also assisting in installation were Ed Sangala, Highways shop foreman, and Fred Neveraski of Hydro.

WOMEN WANT BALL LEAGUE

Women ball players aren’t going to let the men get away with all the action. Two of them, Dorothy Dixon and Nell McGarrigle, want to start a women’s soft-ball club, emulating their male counterparts who two weeks ago formed a senior

A27

1970

baseball club. There will be a women’s ball meeting at 7 p.m. May 6 at City Hall with a view to starting a league taking in players from the South Country to Michel-Natal. All women 18 and over are invited, whether or not they have played ball before.

SHINING UFO SEEN BY PAIR OVER SKI HILL

Two White Spruce men are curious about a moving light “as bright as the sun at dawn,” which they report having seen Monday evening over the ski hill. Allan Kmiecik and son Grant, 24, said they were driving from Hosmer to their White Spruce home when they saw the light, which was very bright and colorful, but which, they said, was not the light normally seen at the top of the hill’s first lift. “It was moving west,” said Mr. Kmiecik, Sr., “and then it disappeared.” He said it was too bright to be a snowmobile but was not prepared to say it was a flying saucer.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 5, 2016

Associated with Legacy Auto Group

Where Quality & Service Meet Without Compromise 6165 Brenners Road, Fernie, BC • 250-423-9211 • www.fernieford.ca

Jordan Friesen General Manager

2014 Ford F-150 XLT

Finance Manager

Michelle Hattie Sales Specialist

Craig Zurowski

Don Siska

Sales Specialist

2011 Ford Escape XLT

STK UT0785

54,527km $299 BW for 84 months 4.99% financing $0.00 down

2014 Ford F-150 FX4

Jesse Johnson

STK UT0718

2013 Ford F-150 FX4

STK UT0775

2010 Lincoln MKZ

STK UC0265

104,321 km $169 BW for 60 months 4.99% financing $0.00 down

98,258 km $249 BW for 72 months 4.99% financing $0.00 down

20,015 km $299 BW for 84 months 4.99% financing $0.00 down

STK UT0776

135,564 km $219 BW for 60 months 4.99% financing $0.00 down

124,455 km $159 BW for 60 months 4.99% financing $0.00 down

STK UT0786

2011 Ford F-150 XLT

Parts & Service Service Special $249.95- Spring Special Sherry Lanktree Service Manager

Sheldon Orenchuk Parts Manager

Lewis Dominick Parts Advisor

CJ Mercer

Service Advisor

Hailey Bodie

Service Advisor

Includes full detail Oil change Tire rotation And multipoint inspection

COSTCO CARD MEMBERS RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

1000

OFF NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE

All payments calculated at 4.99% except where noted. $0 down calculated on all payments OAC. $499 documentation fees calculated on all payments. Conditions apply. See the team at Fernie Ford for more details.

Mining WEEK

May 8 - 14, 2016

Photos: Teck

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

Celebrating Mining in The Elk Valley Mining Week luncheon Friday, May 13th

with keynote speaker the Hon. Bill Bennett, MLA, Minister of Energy and Mines

Coal mine tours running all week

Please call Chamber to register for luncheon or sign up for free tours.

Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 5, 2016

Mining Week Minister’s Message W

ith 150 years of history— from placer mining and our aggregate industry, to our coal and metal mines—there is plenty to celebrate this Mining Week, May 8-14, 2016. Each year every single British Columbian uses almost 50,000 pounds of mined products – mining is not only critical to the 50 rural communities that rely on it, but contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that helps pay for government services like health care and education and is critical to B.C.’s future economic success. Although the industry has been experiencing a global downturn, B.C.’s mineral exploration and mining industry continues to prove its resilience. Even in today’s challenging context, B.C. has an

excellent story to tell. In 2015, B.C. accounted for 19 per cent of Canadian exploration investment— compared to just six per cent in 2001. Our province also saw $272 million spent on mineral exploration in 2015, more than eleven times higher than the amount spent in 2001. Those of us who live in the Kootenays know that B.C. coal will play a big role in the clean energy movement. Over 95 per cent of coal mined in B.C. is a high-quality grade of steel-making or coking coal which will be used in the future manufacturing of electric cars, wind towers and solar farms. Not only does B.C. continue to see consistent high investment in exploration, but we have a number of permits being processed in

preparation for the future turn-around in commodity prices. One of the best indicators of success is seeing a mineral discovery successfully move through permitting and into mine construction and production. In fact, B.C. has five new mines today that we did not have in 2011, and two more new mines being constructed right now. In this competitive investment world, investors appraise the efficiency of a jurisdiction’s permitting and regulatory systems before risking venture capital. Our government continues to take strategic steps to ensure timely permitting in order to prepare for the next upswing in the mineral and coal development c y c l e — w h i l e continuing to honour our commitment to responsible and

sustainable resource development. That commitment is present in the areabased management plan for the Elk Valley. Working with Teck, we’ve developed a billion dollar plan that will see the installation of nine active water treatment plants over the next 18 years to stabilize and reverse water quality trends and reduce selenium levels valley-wide. Mining Week is a celebration of B.C.’s mining industry – one that impacts all British Columbians—and our government is doing all that it can to ensure the industry continues to bring economic prosperity to every region of our province. Together, government and the mining industry will continue to build a thriving sector across British Columbia and deliver the metals to the world that all of us use every day.

Celebrating Mining Week May 8–14, 2016 Teck is proud to recognize the skills and dedication of our employees, contractors and suppliers during B.C. Mining Week 2016. Thank you for your valuable contribution to the mining industry in B.C. For a full list of Mining Week activities: www.miningweek.ca

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 5, 2016 B3

Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

Celebrating Mining Week The importance of mining to Canada’s economy

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

has a rich history and a promising future. B.C. has been one of the world’s major mining regions since the mid1800s and to this day is a key international player. Encompassing the largest part of the Canadian Cordillera, a mountain belt rich in minerals and coal, B.C. produces and exports a significant amount of copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum, coal and industrial minerals every year. Historically, B.C.’s vast mineral resources have contributed extensively to the province’s growth and development. The Hudson’s Bay Company first started producing coal on Vancouver Island in the 1840s, and the discovery of gold along the Fraser River in the

Proud to support the mining community!

Marian B. Gravelle Notary Public 1-800-668-7729

“Proud supporters of Mining in the Elk Valley” 651 Douglas Fir Road, Sparwood BC V0B 2G0 250-425-2077, Mon to Fri 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

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1850s sparked a major gold rush, which was ultimately responsible for the settlement of many parts of that region. As B.C.’s population increased, the provincial infrastructure improved, and miners were able to explore more and more of the

province’s terrain, leading to many new mineral deposit discoveries. Throughout the century following the Fraser River Gold Rush, most mining activities in British Columbia took place underground. But in the early 1960s, the feasibility of open-pit

production increased tremendously, and as a result, several huge copper mines opened, including Highland Valley Copper— the largest open-pit operation in all of North America, and, of course, the coal mines here in the Elk Valley.

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

We are proud supporters of mining in the Elk Valley

Teck’s achievements in sustainability

or the sixth consecutive year, Teck has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI), indicating that Teck’s sustainability practices rank in the top 10 per cent of the 2,500 largest companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI). World Index rankings are based on an in-depth analysis of economic, social and environmental performance. Teck received the highest possible score in areas including biodiversity and asset closure management, and scored the highest in the industry in talent attraction and retention and operational ecoefficiency. Earlier in 2016, Teck was ranked as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations by media and investment research firm Corporate Knights for the fourth consecutive year, and was the second-ranked Canadian company on the list. For the third straight year, Teck was also named one of the Best 50 Corporate

Citizens in Canada by Corporate Knights and one of the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by global responsible investment research firm Sustainalytics, based on a range of measures including key social and environmental indicators. “We know that the success of our business is dependent on our ability to develop

resources in a way that is responsible and sustainable for communities and the environment,” said Don Lindsay, Teck President and CEO.

“That is why we continue to integrate social, economic and environmental performance into every decision we make .”

The Clean Power Leader of Elk Valley Mining

Teck was awarded several accolades for its sustainability achievements Photo courtesy of TECK

Celebrating Mining CELEB RATING in BC

Mining in BC

“MLA Bill Bennett A proud supporter of the Mining Industry in the Elk Valley”

Kootenay East Constituency Office 100C Cranbrook Street N., Cranbrook, BC V1C 3P9 Phone: (250) 417-6022 Toll Free: (866) 417-6022 Fax: (250) 417-6026

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

Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

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Overwaitea Foods Sparwood proudly supports Mining Week and our communities! Thank you all for shopping local

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Coal processing S

urface mining is the form of coal mining used in the Elk Valley because the coal belt is not far under the ground. Giant machines like bulldozers, bucket excavators, and large trucks remove the topsoil and rocks to expose large beds of coal which need to be dug out.

holes per blast. The holes with water in them are lined with plastic to keep the powder dry. The explosives are made up of 94 per cent ammonium nitrate and six per cent diesel. Blasts are done three to four times per week, equaling 150 to 200 times per year. The cost per hole is about $175,

break up and flows out the end. This is the first stage of separation. From there, the coal is put on the raw coal belt that is over a metre wide and travels through a tunnel in the mountain for 1.5 km to the preparation plant. Here, raw coal is further cleaned by means of heavy media separation, cyclone

After washing, the coal is conveyed to the dryer to reduce the moisture content. The steam that comes out of the dryers is mostly water with a few particles in it. On top of the district building

“To expose one tonne of clean coal, between eight and nine cubic meters of waste rock is moved.“ Explosives are first used in order to break through the surface, or overburden, of the mining area. Blasting for coal is an integral part of the mine operations. Elkview and Fording River have their own explosives plant to supply product to the rest of the mines in the valley. As in all mining operations, many people are involved to ensure that it is conducted safely. There are four electric drills. The drills make holes 34 cm in diameter that are 17 m deep, and are able to drill 30 to 60 cm per minute. The drill holes are loaded with explosives and then blasted. The holes are placed in a surveyed pattern of approximately nine meters by 10.4 meters. There are 250 to 400

making blasting the third largest expense after wages and fuel. A shovel and truck operation is used to remove overburden and coal. The overburden is first drilled and then blasted. After the blast, the overburden is taken to one of the numerous dumps. The coal is either taken to the pit hopper where it is transported by an overland conveyor belt to the breaker station, or it is taken to the breaker station directly. It may also be put to stockpile for later use. At the breaker station, the coal is separated from the rock using a rotary drum. The rotary drum has 2 inch holes in it. The coal breaks up and falls through the holes. Because the rock is harder it does not

classification, and froth flotation. Currently, 30,000 tonnes of raw coal goes through the plant every operating day. This results in approximately 20,000 tonnes of clean coal and 10,000 tonnes of reject. To expose one tonne of clean coal, between eight and nine cubic meters of waste rock is moved. In 24 hours, workers can remove 317,000 tonnes of rock and 24,000 tonnes of raw coal. This means that in one year, they mine 116 million tonnes of rock and 8.8 million tonnes of raw coal which produces about 5.2 million tonnes of coking coal once it has been cleaned in the processing plant. In the processing plant, coal is sorted by size and then cleaned.

City Hall 501-3rd Ave., Box 190 Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 www.fernie.ca

Celebrating our mining heritage From the mayor, council and staff The City of Fernie

We recognize the support that the mines provide to our Elk Valley communities.

in Sparwood is a monitor that measures the amount of dust in the air. The coal comes in with 25 per cent ash content and leaves with a 9.5 per cent ash content. 30 per cent of the coal feed to the plant is rejected and placed in waste piles called coarse coal reject or tailing impoundments. After the coal goes through the dryer, it goes to the clean coal silos. Each silo can hold 12,500 tonnes of clean coal. From the clean coal silos, the coal is loaded onto the trains using a frontend/backend system. The train cars are loaded directly under the silos. Each train has 115 to 124 cars and each car can hold about 107 tonnes of coal. Elkview’s loop track limits the length of a train which can be loaded, in order to allow the front end to pass the back end. After the coal is loaded onto the cars, the cars stop at the spray shack. Here they are topped with a layer of tackifier to prevent dusting during travel. On average, about five trains full of coal leave the Elk Valley mines each day before coming back empty. The round trip takes about 80 hours. Teck's mines in the Elk Valley share a fleet of about 38 trains, carrying the coal across B.C. to Vancouver where it is shipped to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Brazil and Turkey.

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 5, 2016 B5

Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

Rescued hawk returns home with the help of Elkview Operations

Supporting safer snowmobiling

young red-tailed hawk found with a broken wing at Elkview Operations near Sparwood was rehabilitated and successfully released back into nature in July 2015. It’s thought that the one-yearold hawk—given the name Florence after her rescue—was in her first few weeks away from her mother when Cal Moulton, a member of Elkview’s Road Crew, spotted the injured bird next to the plant road in July 2014. From there, EVO environment team members Rick Magliocco, Casandra Knooihuizen and Rosemary Dykhuizen went into action, bringing Florence to safety and making arrangements for her to be transferred to the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (O.W.L.) in Delta, British Columbia. She spent a year at the renowned centre, recovering from her injury and then learning to fly once again. O.W.L. rehabilitates up to 500 birds of prey every year from across B.C. with the goal of preparing them to return to the wild. There are also 40

Florence’s release flight - Florence, a red-tailed hawk, was released back into the wild at Elkview Operations near Sparwood, after recovering from a broken wing. Photo courtesy of TECK

permanent residents used for education and as foster parents if chicks or eggs are brought in, and a 24/7 hotline is available for anyone who finds an injured bird of prey. O.W.L. Bird Care Supervisor Martina Versteeg said that once Florence’s wing healed, she spent time in a 50-foot long cage that allowed her to learn to fly and hunt. “Her wing healed but was a bit stiff and wasn’t being used to its full extent, so we had her stay for longer than usual while

she got her strength back,” said Versteeg. “Red-tailed hawks are one of the most common varieties in North America, so we had a number of others with Florence during her time here. She was able to spend lots of time watching their behaviour and interacting with them.” One year later, in July 2015, Florence was once again back in the care of Elkview’s environment officers. Together, Casandra Knooihuizen and Jeff Williams released her on the edge of Elkview’s property in a known red-tailed hawk habitat area. “We hope she is doing well out there,” says Versteeg. “She will be of breeding age in the next year, so hopefully she will soon have a family of her own.” Of the rescue efforts, Elkview Operations General Manager Don Sander expressed his appreciation: “Thank you to the employees and those at O.W.L. who went to so much effort to make sure Florence could be released. We look forward to seeing her thrive back at home Casandra with Florence - Elkview Environmental Officer, Casandra Knooihuizen, is pictured at Elkview.” preparing to release Florence after her rehabilitation. Photo courtesy of TECK

We are Proud to Support the Mining Industry ~ Specializing in all your radiator and crane needs ~

any of Teck’s operations in British Columbia are located in areas with abundant outdoor recreational opportunities for every season. In the Elk Valley, biking, hiking and fishing are popular this time of year, but come the winter, backcountry snowmobiling is a favourite activity among many residents. While the sport allows snowmobilers to experience the beauty of the natural surroundings, there are hazards, particularly related to avalanches. So in 2011, Teck began supporting Avalanche Canada in their development of public safety initiatives aimed at backcountry users in the region. Canada field observer team member, “Since the beginning of Avalanche Jennifer Coulter, tests the snow pack in the our relationship, Teck has backcountry to assess avalanche conditions. demonstrated a tremendous Photo by Raven Eye Photography commitment to public been expanded to include additional avalanche safety,” said Gilles Valade, safety programs for backcountry Executive Director of Avalanche skiers and sledders. Canada. “This has resulted in a “Before this team was created, highly successful collaboration snow data on avalanche risks benefiting local communities.” was only available for small parts The first initiative developed of the backcountry,” said Nic through the partnership was a Milligan, Manager, Community snowmobile safety forum called and Aboriginal Affairs of Teck Sledhead Thinktank. Eight Sledhead Coal. “The Field Observer team Thinktank sessions were held in operates in a wide area—from Blairmore, Elkford, Sparwood and parking lots to mountaintops— Fernie, with over 300 snowmobilers building relationships with local attending to discuss and learn riders and gathering land users’ about avalanche safety. Participants observations. This helps them build were also offered avalanche safety the most comprehensive picture of training courses. what’s happening out there day-toIn the next phase of the program day while strengthening the overall in 2012, Teck sponsored Avalanche culture of avalanche awareness.” Canada’s South Rockies Field Another way the team reaches Observer Program, a team of people is through their popular three avalanche technicians who regional blogs, available at travel through the region on Avalanche.ca. snowmobile and skis, collecting Of the Avalanche Canada weather, snowpack and avalanche programs, Tammy Ogden, observation data. This information Community Liaison for Teck helps Avalanche Canada produce Coal said, “Through these public daily forecasts for the region, which meetings, school visits, and social spans the border between B.C. and media, we have been able to raise Alberta. They are also able to focus awareness around avalanche safety, their attention on terrain that may helping to keep residents and Teck have higher avalanche risk during employees informed as they partake particular weather conditions. in some of the many activities this Over the years, the program has region has to offer.”

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Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

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A truck with a colourful past

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nyone driving past Sparwood would struggle to miss the town’s biggest, greenest tourist attraction. It might not be the world’s largest truck anymore, but the Terex Titan in Sparwood is still drawing curious

Serving the Mining & Logging Industry since 1982

tourists off Highway 3 to have their photo taken next to it. Although now it is just a reason for motorists to pull over, the “big green truck” was once a fully operational mine truck. The 3,000hp Terex Titan (at that time Terex was part of GM) first appeared in 1974, and was the only one of its type ever built. It was built in GM’s London, Ontario plant, and could haul a load of 320 tonnes. Not only was it somewhat unusual being a sixwheeler it was also the biggest dump, highest

capacity haul truck in existence for 25 years until the debut of the 360 tonne capacity Caterpillar 797 in September 1998. These days, CAT, Komatsu and Liebherr have all made larger mining trucks, but the Belarusian mining equipment manufacturer, BelAZ, set a Guinness record last year with its dump truck called the 75710, a 27-foot, eight-wheel truck able to carry 450 tonnes. The Titan first started work for Kaiser Steel in its Eagle Mountain iron mine in late 1974. At this mine the

Titan suffered from downtime problems but eventually hauled some three-and-a-half million tonnes of earth until 1978. In late 1978 it was then brought to Kaiser Steel’s Sparwood mine in Canada. The truck was too large to be moved by road, so it arrived by train on eight flatbed cars. It was re-assembled and driven to the mine. In 1983 the mine was renamed Westar Mining, and the Titan also changed colours from lime green to Westar’s blue and yellow. Shortly after, Westar

directly purchased the Titan from General Motors, for US$200 thousand and $1 million in spare parts. Westar finally retired the Titan in 1991. It was then put on public display in Sparwood in 1993. The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce subsequently established a fundraising effort for the restoration of the Titan. The engine has since been removed and last year the truck got spruced up with a fresh lick of bright green paint!

250-425-6413 Sparwood, B.C.

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The Titan in Sparwood. Photo from The Free Press files

Moving mountains is part of our proud heritage in the Kootenay area. IUOE Local 115 and our 11,500 members are celebrating

85 years of building BC.

Parts and service now open Saturdays 9am-5pm Sales department open extended hours until 7pm Where quality & service meet without compromise

Jordan Friesen Jesse Johnson General Manager Finance Manager

Sherry Lanktree Service Advisor

Glenn Tuson Sheldon Orenchuk General Service Parts Manager Manager

Celebrating a long and proud history in the BC mining industry www.iuoe115.ca

District 6 Office: 2-103 Centennial Square, Sparwood Rob Foskett, Business Representative 250-425-2161 (toll free: 1-888-605-9955)

Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 5, 2016 B7

D475A-5 The Komatsu D475A-5 has a net horsepower of 664 KW 890HP @ 2000 RPM and an operating weight of 108,390 kg (238,960 lbs.). Other features include: • Dual tilt – increases productivity while reducing operator effort • Hydraulic driven engine cooling fan – controlled automatically, reduces fuel consumption and operating noise levels • Extra-low machine profile – provides excellent machine balance and low center of gravity

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Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 5, 2016

A look at the history of the 1967 Tragedy in Michel Creek Valley By John Kinnear

ast month the anniversary of the Balmer North mine explosion passed relatively unnoticed but I know many in the mining community have this date and this tragic event permanently fixed in their memories. The good news is that the District of Sparwood and a special committee are working hand in hand in preparation for a full commemoration of this event next April. So let’s look back at some of this disaster’s details as we move towards this important 50th anniversary acknowledgement. According to Provincial Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines R.B.Bonar, it travelled 4400 feet in three seconds or 996 miles per hour. That’s how fast the deadly blast was going that battered the 22 afternoon shift coal miners entering the Balmer North mine just east of Sparwood B.C. April 3rd, 1967. The time of the blast was exactly 3:59 p.m., a fact determined by an electrical fault that was registered at the Elko generating station some 30 miles to the west. The fault was caused by flying debris from wooden structures outside the entry that hit the conductors of the 66,000 volt power line immediately below the Balmer North entry. With that blast came all sorts of debris from deep inside Balmer North, a mine that had only just been opened a year prior. Power cables, timbers, chunks of coal and rock, conveyor belting and a toxic cloud of smoke and gases belched out its entries and rolled out across the Michel Creek valley. Those Michel miners just starting their shift had literally climbed into the wrong end of a shotgun barrel and fate had pulled the trigger at the other end. Balmer North was one of a new generation of coal mines springing up back then, mines that utilized powerful mechanical miners capable of cutting 10 tons of coal in 60 seconds. It was part of a modern approach to mining that was replacing the conventional miner and his air pick with machines, conveyor belts and powerful electric motors. This terrible disaster struck at the Michel\Natal\ Sparwood community only nine days after a tragic car crash had taken the lives of seven of its own. An already numbed community was then forced to endure the pain that Coal Creek, Spring Hill, Hillcrest, Nanaimo, Bellevue and a host of other mining communities had suffered in the past. The event that every mother or wife of a coal miner lives in dread of. That day when their man doesn’t come home from the mine. The mines mostly took them one or two at a time back then. A cave-in here, a bump there. They whittled away at the men slowly, inexorably, year after year, unnerving everyone with each fatality. Always hidden in the back of their minds was the thought that it had been a while and who would be claimed next.

Mine rescue team emerging from Balmer North entry.

Famous Frank Mitchell photo taken at time of the blast.

While some were surprised that such a loss could occur in more modern mining times, others were not. There had been complaints about dangerous dust levels despite rock dusting which was supposed to render the coal dust incombustible. While testing of rock dusted zones revealed the same, there was an inherent problem in transporting the coal. Because of the friability and dustiness of the coal being carried by conveyor belt a ready source of coal dust was always present throughout some entries despite the rock dusting. In Balmer there were no less than four mechanical miners running at the same time. As in most western coal mines there was also the threat of a gas build-up somewhere where ventilation couldn’t dissipate it properly. Underground coal mining usually involves a complicated ventilation plan where fresh air is directed past inactive areas to the active ones. Air is forced up and down, over and under passageways and sometimes, as in Balmer, additional smaller fans inside are required to pull the air into the “face” where the men are working. With mechanical miners coal is mined so

fast that gas released from the coal can build up rather quickly. The official opinion offered by R.B. Bonar, in his report, was that “the short-circuiting of the air from No. 1 entry to the lower roads wherein the continuous miner and shuttle car were working allowed gas to accumulate in the gob area”. The gob is a mining term that refers to a pillared area that has caved as the mining retreats away from it. Bonar went on to say that in all probability a fall of rock in the gob caused an incendiary spark or sparks that ignited the gas in the gob which in turn initiated the coal-dust explosion. One spark (the hammer strikes the bullet), the gas ignites (the bullet’s primer explodes), the gas flares and causes the coal dust to explode (the gun powder goes off) and a horrendous flash rips through the mine carrying all sorts of debris with it (the pellets charge down the barrel). When it was over 15 miners lay dead and 10 were injured, some quite severely. Thirteen of the fatalities were no more than 500 feet into the rock tunnel return airway when they were hit. The other two were deeper in the mine working overtime, doing repairs at #765 mechanical miner’s location. Had the blast occurred minutes earlier most of those 25 men would have still been outside and probably survived. It also follows that had it occurred minutes later than it did, more than just the 15 would have died. One family’s story from Balmer North is that of the Savilow’s. You won’t find Bill Savilow’s name on that injured Balmer list but you will find the name Larion Savilow, Bill’s father. Larion (Larry) was heading in that entry that fateful day and suffered serious head injuries from the blast. Come to think of it, almost all the fatalities or injuries in the rock tunnel were from head injuries that day which is testimony to the deadly clutter contained within that whirlwind from hell. Up until 6 weeks before the Balmer tragedy Bill Savilow had been an operator on one of the continuous miner crews that was caught in that nightmare. He had been transferred at that time to “C” Seam Mine where he was injured by a rock fall. Bill had just returned to work and was fresh off of night shift when Balmer blew. The first thought in his mind then was: “My God, Dad’s afternoon shift”. He tore up to the mine and in short order commandeered an old panel truck which was used to transport two of the injured, Bob Clegg and Herb Parsons, to the Michel Hospital. On arriving there, stretcher in hand, he heard and recognized the moans of his seriously injured father already in the hospital which totally unnerved him. One can hardly imagine the feelings

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Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

Balmer North mine explosion that ran through Bill then not knowing if his father, whom he had worked with underground many times, would survive or not. Larion Ivanoff Savilow was a veteran miner. A survivor. He came to the Elk Valley as an 18 year old immigrant and worked in Corbin for almost seven years before the big strike of 1935 shut the place down. I’ve talked to miners who remember walking in ankle deep coal dust in Corbin. It was a scary place. He toughed it out for two years after the strike at Corbin before moving to Michel. He was 61 and had worked 30 years in Michel when Balmer North struck him down. Larion, Bill tells me, was never the same after recovering in a Vancouver Hospital from his head trauma. He decided he could not live in Michel anymore, so close to that place that had claimed so many comrades including his dear friend and hunting partner Guido (Guy) Venzi. He moved to Fernie, never went underground again and lived another 10 years before passing suddenly at the age of 71. Bill Savilow, his son, never worked underground again either. He’d had his fill of it all. The gas, the coal dust, the rock falls, the close calls, the complacent management, the

whole damn unpredictability of it all. Another man’s story from Balmer North is that of Gerald Clarke. Gerald was one of those 10 injured in the first few hundred feet of Balmer North’s return airway. A Coleman man, Gerald had worked underground most of his life. He was born in Bankhead (an old coal mining town in Banff National Park) in 1911 and eventually came to the Pass and worked at the International Coal and Coke Company mine in Coleman. When the International was struggling with work one or two days a week in 1955 Gerald moved on to Coal Creek Mines in Fernie until their closure in 1957. He then went to work in Michel and had been there about 10 years when Balmer blew. Gerald sustained extremely serious head injuries including a fractured skull that day as did the other nine. He was rushed to the Michel Hospital and within 48 hours found himself being examined by a neurosurgeon in the Calgary General Hospital. It took over 100 stitches to close up the wounds in his head and his daughter Gerri Gettman told me he carried around Michel “shrapnel” from the blast until the day he died. The last thing Gerry remembers

Portion of the official accident plan showing where Venzi and Quarin found 792were 2nd Ave.,

Transformer bank on Number 3 Main showing force of the explosion.

from that day was hanging onto a timber and hollering at the continuous miner crew he worked with to “run for it”. While hospitalized he continued to ask and worry about a young miner named Fred Churla who worked with him. What he finally came to realize was that Fred didn’t make it to work that day

thereby escaping certain injury and possibly even death. A twist of fate saved one of the finest hockey players ever to step onto a Pass rink. The news of the other two Coleman fatalities, Ronald Freng and Walter Gibalski (a close personal friend) was kept from him for some time. Gerald underwent, as did other injured that day, a personality change from the severe head trauma. Gerri, his daughter said this quiet placid man became moody and prone to outbursts. Gerald Clarke went underground only one more day after recovering to prove to himself and the Workman’s Compensation Board that he could. He wanted to go back underground but was refused and spent the next eight years working above ground at the Michel Mine assay lab until his retirement in 1976. While Gerald Clarke passed away in 1977, a full 10 years after that fateful day, his

family has always maintained his injuries from 1967 contributed to his early death at the age of 66. There were other fatalities in other Michel mines that year. And the year before. And the year after. In 1969 a flood in Balmer #1 Mine claimed three and left three others trapped for a horrific 84 hours until their rescue. That’s three and a haf days of living hell! It’s been 49 years since that fateful day but the memories are as fresh as ever for many. I guess the coal mining community probably thought that Balmer North would be the last bad one. Then, in 1992, Westray reared its ugly, tragic head in Nova Scotia and the same scenario killed 26 men. The days of serious loss of life underground have mercifully almost come to a close. There aren’t many underground coal mines left and as a third generation miner I hope and pray that an incident like Balmer North won’t ever happen again.

Fernie 250-423-4608

Proud supporters of Mining in the Elk Valley

Proud Supporters of Mining in our Community

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B10

Mining May 8 to 14 Mining Week ~Week May 8 to~ 14

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 2016 6 THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May5,12, 2011

1898 1898

Coal Coal The Early Years The Early Years

1907 1907 1899 1899

1912 1912 1919 1919

1910 1910

1962 1962

1940 1940 1962 1962

Photoscourtesy courtesyofofthe theFernie Fernie and and District District Historical Photos HistoricalSociety Society. For information visit the museum For information visit the museumatat 491 Victoria Victoria Avenue 362B Avenue (2nd (2nd Avenue), Avenue),Fernie Fernie, Ferniemuseum.com ~ info@ferniemuseum.com www.ferniemuseum.com ~ email history@ferniemuseum.com or or call call250-423-7016 250-423-7016

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Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

The Miners’ Walk

isitors to Fernie with an interest in the history of mining in the Elk Valley are now able to learn from an outdoor exhibit. The Miners’ Walk is located right outside City Hall, and is a great chance for tourists to find out a little bit about the coal mining story in the Elk Valley. The highlight of the exhibition is a large sculpture created by internationally known artist Jeff de Boer. The sculpture consists of individual shapes set on pedestals. As the visitor walks round the exhibition, the shapes appear to be random, but then when the visitor reaches the

right spot, they come together to reveal a larger than life miner’s face. As well as the sculpture, there are colourful signs and information on the importance and history of coal mining in the valley. “The Miners’ Walk tells the whole story of the importance of mining and the powerful effect it has had in shaping what Fernie is today,” said Miners’ Walk committee member Mary Giuliano. “This was done by creating an outdoor exhibit that is compelling, enduring and attractive. From this, people

will gain a respect for what happened in the past, is happening now and will be part of creating a positive future.” The Miners’ Walk is situated on the City Hall property, the original coal company office, in the heart of Fernie’s community. “The exhibit tells the story of significant players in coal mining in the area, and describes the geology and natural and human history of the Fernie area as it relates to coal mining,” said Giuliano. “If it wasn’t for mining, Fernie wouldn’t be here.”

FERNIE

CHRYSLER

Recognizing the Importance of Mining in the Elk Valley

We’re Moving!

Visit us soon at our New Location! 1492 Highway 3

250-423-5532 • www.ferniechrysler.com • Always on Your Side! Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm Saturdays, 9am-4pm

B12

Mining Week ~ May 8 to 14

THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 5, 2016

Mine rescue training at Teck Preparing for the East Kootenay zone surface mine rescue and first aid competition

t’s a bright, sunny April day in British Columbia’s Elk Valley. As members of the Greenhills mine rescue team assemble, they seem not to notice the cold wind that’s howling across the site. Their attention is focused entirely on Luc Coultry, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, as he outlines the mock scenario they are about to work through in preparation for the upcoming East Kootenay Zone Surface Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition. Luc quickly goes through the details of the scenario they have before them: a light truck has collided with a passenger van, both drivers are unresponsive, the passenger van’s driver’s side door is inaccessible, and tanks in one of the vehicles are leaking an unknown substance. The team captain, Pete Race, quickly organizes the team and dispatches them to secure the scene and assess the patients. The 20 minutes that follow are loud and tense as the team members shout updates and

questions among themselves and to their captain. The team’s actions demonstrate hours and hours of training being

physically demanding manoeuvers. The scenarios the team work through draw on a wide range of their skills. To

And while some of this effort takes place on-site, much of it is done outside of shift. “Each team member makes a huge

team— and every mine rescue team— studies, trains and practices tirelessly. We have to be ready for anything at all times.

team focus on the task and not the person who might be a close co-worker or family friend? Acknowledging that

Greenhills mine rescue members Danielle Robutka and Jordan Tank compete in the fire task category at a mine rescue competition.

put into practice, a team that is both highly skilled and supportive of each other, and the conditioning required to perform any number of

develop these skills, each team member undergoes rigorous annual training and testing both in first aid and specialized mine rescue techniques.

commitment when they join mine rescue,” says Luc. “It’s not something you join, take a test once and then just go out and do. Everyone on this

Our co-workers are counting on us and there’s a lot at stake.” This day’s exercise was practice. But what about when it’s real? How does the

this can be one of the hardest parts about mine rescue, Luc points out, “We work really hard so that if it’s a real-life situation, the training takes over,

not emotion. That said, emotion has an important part to play, and it’s something we work through with the team following an incident.” Emotion was the word of the day a few weeks earlier at the annual in-house banquet held after the Mine Rescue competition. Members from each of the site’s four crews gathered to celebrate the day of competing, living up to the site mine rescue motto of ‘No Rescue Too Tough’, and to take a few minutes to reflect on their own personal experience. “Each team member brings something different to mine rescue,” noted Luc.“Some bring a strong desire to help, while others do it because they know first-hand how important a strong mine rescue program is. Regardless, every member of every team is a hero in their own way and knows that ultimately our job is to do what it takes to help make sure everyone goes home safe and healthy every day.”

Elk Valley Mine Rescue in 2015 T

eck’s mine rescue teams from the Elk Valley participated in numerous mine rescue competitions in 2015. The 94th East Kootenay Zone Surface Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition in Elkford, B.C. on May 9, 2015 saw teams tested on five skills: first aid, fire, bench, rope and an extrication. Elkview and Greenhills took first and second places, respectively, in the first aid competition while Elkview and Line Creek placed first and second in the mine rescue category. Elkview Operations competed in the 60th Annual Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition held in Smithers, B.C. on June 13 2015, in the surface mine rescue category, taking home the EKMISA Trophy for the best written exam performance. In September, 2015, 18 teams from across Canada and the U.S. competed in the National Western Regional Mine Rescue Competition (NWRMRC) 12th Biennial in Fernie, B.C. The competition was split into two categories— surface and underground competitions—and allowed teams to showcase a variety of skills. The Elkview Operations Mine Rescue team— the Albatrosses—won the Surface Practical Skills Task, the Surface Smoke Task and the Surface Overall Competition.

Members of Greenhills Mine Rescue team pose for a photo during training for the East Kootenay Zone Surface Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition, from left: Cade Aldridge, Anthony Standing, Jordan Tank, Danielle Robutka, Pete Race (Captain), Jason Kallies, Matt Rota (Vice Captain), Dave Charboneau.