The Free Press, May 12, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

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At 94 years old, Irene Atkinson is the oldest artist to be featured in the 2016 Banner Project, which was celebrated on May 5. The project features 39 artists’ work, which will be displayed on banners across town for the next two years. For more on the Banner Project, turn to page 15. Photo by L. Scheitel

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n May 3, B.C.’s Auditor General, released a 109page report in regards to British Columbia’s mining industry. The report titled “An Audit of Compliance and Enforcement in the Mining Sector” was authored by Carol Bellringer and concluded that the B.C. provincial government is not adequately prepared to protect the environment in the situation of a mining disaster. The report took two years to complete and was underway prior to the 2014 disaster at Mount Polley, where a tailings pond collapsed causing millions of cubic meters of waste to spill into waterways in the Cariboo region. Kootenay East MLA and Minister of Energy and Mines, Bill Bennett, responded to the report saying he was grateful for the auditor general’s insights. Bennett says his government hopes to implement the 17 suggestions made in the report by the end of 2016. “We certainly accept gratefully 16 of the 17. One we are not sure about – we are going to implement it at least in part, is the one that indicated the permitting of mining should be separated from the compliance and enforcement of mining,” Bennett told The Free Press. Bennett says this recommendation may be harder to implement due to the complexity of certain mining permits. “You take a mine up in the Elk Valley, they could have 50 or 60 or even over 100 different conditions attached to that permit. To have the permitting branch residing in one ministry and the compliance and enforcement in a totally separate ministry would make it very difficult for the compliance and enforcement people because they wouldn’t have been involved in the permitting and wouldn’t understand the conditions and why they are there and what they are intended to do and that is why no other province has done this.” According to Bennett, the Ministry of Environment and Mines has already started working towards implementing some of the recommendations before the report was released. “We have already started implementing. Even some of the recommendations from the Auditor General that came out yesterday were already in the process of being implemented and we will have most of the 43 recommendations from the three reports implemented by the end of this year,” he said, referring to other recommendations made after investigations into the Mount Polley disaster. The NDP criticized Bennett after the report was released, calling for Bennett’s resignation. “The report is a damning condemnation of the BC Liberal's approach to regulating a critical B.C. industry that is the economic backbone of many B.C. communities,” said John Horgan, leader of the provincial NDP party in an email to The Free Press. “The report aptly describes the government's regulatory approach as a "decade of neglect", which really means that the BC Liberals [are] spending too much time Continued on page 2

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Fernie City Council Mining report cont. reviews 2015 financial highlights

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ernie City Council held their ninth regular Council Meeting of the year on May 9. At the meeting, Gerald Price from GPI Accounting, reviewed the City’s 2015 financial highlights. According to Price, the City earned more revenue than anticipated, bringing in $17 million. The budget was for $14.6 million, making a revenue surplus of $2.4 million. “The higher revenue was due to higher developer contribution,” read Price from a statement. Along with higher revenue, the City also had lower than projected expenditures. The budget was for $12.4 million in expenses, but the final total was $11.9 million, saving half a million dollars. Price reported the City’s tangible capital assets increased by over $3.3 million. Capital assets include work to roads, street reconstruction, building

and equipment acquisitions, along with work on the water and sewer systems. The City’s long-term debt was decreased by $109,000, which leaves a balance of $1,045,000. Price concluded the City’s cash and temporary investments increased by over $2.2 million from 2014, with a total of just under $16 million. Along with this, the annual surplus for 2015 was over $5 million. Since incorporation, the City of Fernie has a cumulative surplus of over $84 million, and $74 million of that is invested in capital assets. Council also voted in favour of adopting the 2016-2020 Financial Plan. The plan, which has been in the works since December 2015, went through two public processes, including the Tax Talk Survey and a Town Hall meeting. It details the City’s budget and spending expectations for the next five years and, by law, had to be voted on by May 16. Councillor Phil Iddon was the only council member opposed to adopting the Financial Plan.

Continued from page 1 listening to big donors and corporate shareholders and not enough time listening to mine workers and First Nations who want to ban mining practices. The critical point is this: if you don't regulate the industry properly, mines fail like they did at Mount Polley, and mine workers lose their jobs.” Horgan says that regulation should be a fundamental factor in the mining industry, as it will help keep jobs in B.C. by keeping mines open longer. The Elk Valley, which has an estimated 4,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect invested in the mining industry, stands to be impacted by mine closures. “If you don't regulate the industry properly, mines fail like they did at Mount Polley and mine workers lose their jobs. That is bad for communities like the Elk Valley. A properly regulated industry is one that is sustainable and one in which the industry, workers and their families don't have to fear for their livelihoods. That is the kind of industry I want to see, one where mine workers can have confidence in their jobs.” Horgan is calling for Bennett’s resignation, citing the auditor general’s report as a reason to overhaul the Ministry of Energy and Mines. To this, Bennett said he has no intention of resigning, as the investigation into Mount Polley did not prove neglect within his ministry caused the tailings pond to breach. “What I said was if they come back through the investigation and determine that my ministry was negligent and that negligence caused the accident, I would resign. That was an investigation. This is not an investigation into the accident. I have absolutely no intention of resigning because my ministry did not cause the accident at Mount Polley,” Bennett said. “Both of those investigations determined that the accident was caused by a layer of unstable material underneath one of the embankments that was missed when the original investigation was done. I don’t know why I would resign for a mistake that was made in the 1990s.”

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Chamber concerned over minimum wage increase By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

he Fernie Chamber of Commerce, along with the BC Chamber of Commerce, is concerned over the provincial government’s intention to increase the minimum wage in the coming years. Currently, B.C.’s minimum wage is $10.45 per hour, and is the lowest in Canada. Christy Clark’s Liberal government announced on May 3 its intention to increase the minimum wage twice in the next year and a half. The first increase is set for Sept. 16 of this year, when the minimum wage will increase by 40 cents to $10.85. Clark’s next increase will be in September 2017, by 40 cents to bring it to $11.25. Compared to other provinces and territories, the increase will make B.C.’s minimum wage middle of the road in Canada. The highest minimum wage is $13 in Nunavut. Patty Vadnais, executive director at the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, wants the government to provide more consistency and predictability in minimum wage increases, allowing businesses to effectively plan. “The minimum wage could jump to $11.25 so that added expense, if you’re not able to plan for it, can really affect the bottom line,” she said.

According to Vadnais, there are 94,000 people province-wide earning minimum wage, and 93 per cent of those jobs are in the service sector – hotels, retail stores and the food service industry. Vadnais pointed to Fernie’s service sector as being most heavily impacted by the proposed increases. “In Fernie, there are roughly 20 businesses that are in the service sector so they are going to be impacted by this,” she said. “Owners are going to have to make decisions like do they cut back the hours for their employees to compensate for that extra expense? Do owners now have to work more shifts because they have to cover those expenses?” Vadnais does not believe that an increased minimum wage will help businesses, even if, theoretically, people were to have more disposable income to spend on goods and services. “I don’t think that will be the effect for us because most of our businesses are already paying above minimum wage so they are trying to pay that living wage for people. Our labour market has already demanded that we pay more than the minimum wage,” she said. Vadnais would like to see more predictability in minimum wage increases and for it to increase according to the consumer price index (CPI) to account for inflation.

Commercial vehicle accident causes hazardous material leak near Jaffray By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

n the morning of May 10, a commercial vehicle accident occured on Highway 3, two kilometres east of Jaffray. As of Tuesday afternoon, the RCMP are still investigating the incident. “[At] about 5 a.m. this morning we had a rather serious motor vehicle accident out on Highway 3. What happened is a semi-truck had lost control on the highway and as a result had closed both the east and west bound lanes,” said Robert Wright of the RCMP on the morning of the accident. The condition of the driver was not yet known and Drive BC estimated that the section of highway would re-open around 6 p.m. Tuesday evening. Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting was managing traffic control and had a detour in place using Bethania Road. “Due to the contents of the trailer it will be a somewhat lengthy clean up. We can expect a partial highway closure until later on this

afternoon,” Wright said. The longer than normal clean up was due to the hazardous material that the truck was hauling. As of Tuesday afternoon, the RCMP said the material posed no public risk. “[There] is no necessary concern for public safety as it sits right now, however due to the contents we have to have a special hazmat team go in there and just make sure it is safe for the people who will be cleaning up the site,” said Wright.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

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According to Statistics Canada, one in three women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime? We are here to help women in the Elk Valley.

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

In Honour of Sparwood’s 50th Anniversary, the Sparwood Public Library presents:

An evening presentation and discussion with historian John Kinnear:

HIDDEN TREASURE Crows Nest Pass Coal Company Archives Wednesday, May 18th at 7:00 pm Sparwood Public Library Join John Kinnear in his presentation on the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company Archives which will highlight many artifacts and documents relating the history of early Coal Mining in the Elk Valley.

Refreshments provided. History buffs, students and everyone welcome

WE’RE ALL EARS

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

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

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

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FireSmart designation encouraged by Fire Department

local communities. What the Fire Department and Westhaver are hoping is for people to step forward and express interest he Fernie Fire Department is encouraging in the program, which they dub as “community the public to participate in the FireSmart champions”. program. The program, which Fernie local “At their request, we would go and do a hazard Alan Westhaver helped create, aims to protect assessment of their neighbourhood and also prepare a people’s personal property by educating them report with three or four recommendations for simple on the steps they can take at their home to help things that they could be doing in that area to reduce protect from a wildfire. the risk. In the meantime, that community champion “It’s kind of interesting that there are very few goes and knocks on a few doors and gets a few of large communities in western Canada that can say his neighbours interested and they form kind of a for sure that they are at risk. But we can, because it committee on the FireSmart board,” Westhaver said. happened once in 1908,” said Westhaver. After the community or neighbourhood is organized, Fernie experienced a wildfire over a century Westhaver said the Fire Department would give them ago, when a smoldering fire to the west of Fernie a presentation of their assessment, with notes on escalated and moved into the city. According to what steps they could take to become FireSmart. Westhaver, within 19 minutes, only 37 structures Once they start taking steps and incorporating the were left standing in the city. Everything else had By working together, residents can very effectively reduce forest fuels assessment, they can apply to FireSmart Canada for to be rebuilt. the designation. and the potential for home ignitions in their neighbourhood. Wildfire safety is at the top of people’s minds “It doesn’t mean that they are completely safe, but Submitted photo due to the current wildfires in northern Alberta it does mean that they are working towards reducing the property, how flammable it is, and its proximity to the and the damage it caused to Fort McMurray. Over 80,000 that risk and we do know those things to be very effective. structures. people had to evacuate and leave their homes after a “Those three things are the main actions that residents In doing so, the people become very aware of what they wildfire ravaged the city last week. Westhaver says there is can take,” Westhaver said. “The whole focus is to reduce the need to be doing, and they will start doing those things in steps people can take to help prevent potential damage to ignitability of a home. And its kind of dirt simple - if a home their own back yards,” Westhaver said. their own properties. Fire Chief Ted Ruiter is in full support of the program and doesn’t ignite, it can’t burn down. And if homes don’t burn “We want to get that message across that it is not a down, we really can’t have a disaster. We are always going is hoping the community will help bring the program to hopeless situation. We are not helpless in dealing with this. to have forest fires out there; they play a very important role fruition in Fernie. There are many little things that people can do that will “We can’t go there and say you have to cut this down in nature, and they can’t all be extinguished. There are ways make a big difference to the outcome,” he said. “Most of with coping with that and surviving in those events and that or get rid of this vegetation. They have to understand the those are focused on people’s backyards and the immediate process and be willing to do it on their own,” he said. is what we are focused on.” area around their homes.” Currently, Ruiter is working with the City of Fernie to Neighbourhoods and communities can work towards a According to Westhaver, there are three main areas that re-write the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), FireSmart designation, a title awarded to areas that have people can focus on in regards to their property: structure, taken steps to educate themselves on fire safety and reduce which was originally drafted in 2005. The CWPP looks vegetation and infrastructure. Structure refers to the house hazards in their area. The Fernie Fire Department received a at the surrounding areas and determines what steps and and buildings themselves and what they are comprised of. $10,000 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UCBM) procedures can be utilized to mitigate wildfire hazards and Infrastructure, in this sense, means what tools and resources to educate the public on FireSmart. Two staff members at damage in the area. are available if a small fire does occur, such as a garden hose, For more information on the FireSmart program, contact the fire department are now facilitators in the FireSmart rakes and shovels. Of the three, Westhaver says vegetation program, allowing them to share their knowledge with the Fire Chief Ruiter at (250)423-4226. is the most important in regards to what vegetation is on By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

Strong Action For Safer Communities A three-year, $23-million commitment by the Government of B.C. builds on the Guns and Gangs Strategy with the B.C. Anti-Gang Unit, RCMP and Crime Stoppers to support B.C. communities to prevent gang and gun violence. Key elements include: $450,000 to support Crime Stoppers’ proven Cash for Tips on Illegal Firearms and to promote awareness of the Gang Tip Line Enhancement of the End Gang Life Program More outreach to youth More police, with the addition of two 10-person teams New Office of Crime Reduction and Gang Outreach Illegal Firearms Task Force

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Conservation officer warns of chronic wasting disease By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

ith the warmer temperature, more people are venturing outside for recreational activities, including hunting. Currently it is open season for many species, including black bears and bearded turkeys. There are some things to be aware of before hunting, including obtaining a proper hunting license. BC Conservation Officer, Frank deBoon, says there are regulations in place to protect B.C. wildlife, including a ban on bringing animal carcasses in from other provinces. “From out of province, any ungulates, like moose, elk or deer, hunters can’t bring any into B.C. They have to be cut and wrapped and then the antlers can be brought in but they need to be bleached out of the skull so there is no brain tissue that comes along,” said deBoon. This is protection from Chronic Wasting Disease, a disease similar to Mad Cow Disease. “That is what most people relate it to. If it does

Greenhills Operation receives safety trophy Submitted

eck’s Greenhills Operations has been awarded the John T. Ryan National Safety Trophy as the safest coal mine in Canada for 2015. This is the third consecutive year that the Greenhills steelmaking coal operation has received the award, which goes to the mine that experienced the lowest reportable injury frequency per 200,000 hours worked in Canada. “This award recognizes the hard work of employees at Greenhills Operations to ensure their safety and the safety of their coworkers,” said Robin Sheremeta, Senior Vice President. “I commend everyone at Greenhills for this outstanding achievement, which demonstrates their commitment to achieving the goal of everyone going home safe and healthy every day.” This is the fifth time that Greenhills has received the John T. Ryan National Safety award since its inception.

Boats intercepted with zebra mussels

reach B.C., there is just no way to stop it. Just animals coming into contact with each other can spread it or the pathogens can be dormant in the ground for 10 years or more so the animals feeding would pick it up,” said deBoon. Conservation officers regularly patrol the Alberta/ B.C. border to check for people failing to respect this regulation. The disease spread into Alberta from Saskatchewan, and authorities are hoping to keep it out of B.C. deBoon wants to remind anglers that fishing on the Elk River is currently closed to allow for spawning. However, fishing in lakes is permitted with fishing at Summit Lake on the Alberta/B.C. border is popular at this time of year.

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Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project

Open House and Invitation to Comment NWP Coal Canada Ltd. (Proponent) is proposing to develop an open pit metallurgical coal mine in the Elk Valley, referred to as the Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project (proposed Project). The proposed Project would be located approximately 12 km northeast of Sparwood, British Columbia, and it is estimated that it would produce 3.7 million run-of-mine tonnes per year. The proposed Project is subject to review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act. The Proponent must obtain an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) before work can be undertaken on the proposed Project. Prior to the submission of an Application by the Proponent for an EAC, the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) must approve the Application Information Requirements for the proposed Project. As part of the Application Information Requirements, Valued Components must be identified, which are environmental, economic, social, heritage, and health components that may experience potential effects as a result of the proposed Project. The Valued Components are outlined in the Valued Components for Environmental Assessment document, which details components to be studied and the areas in which the studies would occur. Open House EAO invites the public to attend an Open House about the environmental assessment process, the proposed Project, and the draft Valued Components. An open house will be held: At:

By Jeff Nagel Black Press Staff

uthorities remain on high alert for invasive species after intercepting four boats in recent weeks that arrived in B.C. infested with live zebra mussels. One contaminated boat was towed by a vehicle that failed to stop for inspectors on Apr. 28 near Elko, where many vacationers pass by while travelling through B.C. from southwestern Alberta and northwestern Montana. A conservation officer tracked down the vehicle and diverted it back to the inspection station, said Chris Doyle, deputy chief of provincial operations for the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. "The boat it was towing was found to have zebra mussels on it," Doyle said. "That watercraft was detained and impounded and as well the driver was charged for failing to stop at the inspection station." Inspection teams have checked 1,200 boats so far this year. Of those, 64 were flagged as coming from high-risk locations, resulting in 12 decontaminations.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Causeway Bay Hotel Emerald Room 102A Red Cedar Drive, Sparwood, BC

On:

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

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4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

EAO and the Proponent will be present to provide information and respond to questions about the proposed Project at the Open House. The comment period for the submission of comments by the public in relation to the draft Valued Components document is 30 days. The comment period will begin May 13, 2016 and end June 13, 2016. All comments received during NOTE:

this comment period in relation to the draft Valued Components document will be considered. The intention of seeking public comments is to ensure that all potential effects – environmental, economic, social, heritage and health – that might result from the proposed Project are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process. At this stage of the process, the primary intent is to receive feedback on studies or information required for a comprehensive assessment. After taking public comments into account, the Valued Components document will be finalized. EAO accepts public comments through the following ways:  By Online Form at http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca  By Mail: Terry Pratt Project Assessment Manager 2nd Floor – 441 Columbia St. Kamloops, BC, V2C 2T3  By Fax:

Fax: 250-387-2208

An electronic copy of the draft Valued Components document and information regarding the environmental assessment process are available at www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Copies of the draft Valued Components document are also available for viewing at the following locations: Sparwood Public Library 110 Pine Avenue, Sparwood, BC Fernie Heritage Library 492 Third Avenue, Fernie, BC Cranbrook Public Library 1212 2nd Street North, Cranbrook, BC If you are unable to participate at this time, there will be an additional comment period during the Application Review stage when you will also be able to provide comments to EAO on the proposed Project.

All submissions received by the EAO during the comment period in relation to the proposed Project are considered public and will be posted to the EAO website.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Opinion

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

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Call 250-489-3455 or toll free 1-800-665-2382 for Subscriptions Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9 Established in Fernie, B.C. in 1898 and published weekly each Thursday by The Free Press, a division of Black Press Group Ltd. and distributed throughout the Elk Valley and South Country. Free circulation 6,000. Reproductions of any material contained in this publication is forbidden without the prior consent of the publisher.

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Editorial by Bryn Catton

For over two months, we have been working on a bear attractant series, the goal of which was to present information in an unbiased way and to show that there are many ways in which a community can reduce bear-human conflict. From the information we gathered, almost all communities were in agreement that the best way to mitigate aggressive wildlife interaction is to educate the public. Since WildSafe BC and BearAware programs have come into existence, the number of bears that communities destroy each year has been significantly reduced from a yearly average of 1,000 bears prior to the programs implementation to between 500 and 600 today, province-wide. While I am sure that education has played a huge role in the direct reduction of bear destruction I believe that education, not exclusively within these programs, has also played a larger role in communities, moving residents to actively reduce aggressive wildlife conflicts. While the curriculum and way of teaching varied, one of the most common methods was refuse disposal and attractant management. Unless you have buried your head in the sand, you know that garbage attracts bears. This was something that was echoed throughout the interviews. Open or easily accessible garbage is the equivalent to a bear scoring three cherries on a slot machine. Unfortunately for me, bears win more than I do - especially in Fernie. Fernie is the only community out of the 10 that I spoke to that does not have a municipal wide bear-resistant garbage disposal program. While council has implemented new bylaws that will go on to improve our bear-human reduction rates within city limits, a bear can still likely open the non bear-resistant garbage cans. A conversion to a different, bear-resistant, disposal routine would be hard for a community like ours. Many of the municipalities I spoke with were resort towns that are younger than Fernie. A resort town is more likely to see transient workforces and short term home owners. This means implementing change, like a waste program to reduce bear conflict, is much easier since many residents habits are not yet set in stone. Another factor, which would only affect some types of garbage disposal, is NIMBY - the “Not in My Backyard” mentality. Sure, no one wants a metal box bigger than an AMC Gremlin in front of their house but no one wants to be attacked by a bear either. Lastly, the biggest hurdle to the implementation of a garbage program is the cost. Buying new bins and retrofitting or buying a new garbage truck is expensive. If the city has leftover money from something such as a winter’s road clearing budget, they can’t easily allocate that funding to bear-resistant waste disposal. While the funding is not easy to come by, it is City Council’s responsibility to address this issue. Last year’s bear destruction rates were unusually high, but there were more factors than just human-caused attractants. The unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of precipitation led to a food shortage for wildlife. The effects of which are still being felt by wildlife throughout the area, especially those who have just woken up from a lengthy sleep. We can do our best to eliminate attractants and educate ourselves and that will help, but we live in bear country, we have chosen to be here, and there will always be bears here.

Leah Scheitel EDITOR

Bryn Catton REPORTER

FRONT OFFICE In Absentia

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

Letters to the Editor Letter to the Editor re: Fort McMurray relief challenge During the afternoon of May 5, the Windermere Valley Men’s Club held its weekly competition. Our thoughts were not on golf, but rather on the families displaced by the fires raging in northern Alberta. At the conclusion of the event, our membership decided to donate the prize money that would normally have gone to the afternoon’s winners to the disaster relief efforts currently being undertaken. Al Wittke, a longstanding member of our club, also donated $2,000 to the Salvation Army. Al lived in Fort McMurray in the Beacon Hill subdivision. His former residence has burned to the ground. The Windermere Valley Men’s Club is challenging men’s and women’s golf clubs across B.C. and Alberta to do the same. Take the prize money from one afternoon of golf to assist our friends and neighbours in the Fort McMurray area. Dean Midyette President, Windermere Valley Men’s Club Windermere, B.C.

Letter to the Editor re: Climate change As primary caregivers, many women in poorer countries are responsible for trekking miles to collect water and fuel. When climate change depletes water, women notice first. Water is a climate change issue. In many parts of the world women have already walked long distances to find water, but, as sources dry up, those treks are becoming more difficult. Searching remote areas for fuel and water exposes them to greater risks of violence like rape or kidnapping. “Women are the first to be affected by climate change in every single country in the world,” said Yannick Glemarec, deputy executive director of United Nations Women, adding that “women in so-called developing countries are hit the hardest.” As climate change puts pressure on natural resources, fresh water is becoming scarcer, food prices are increasing and infectious illnesses like the Zika virus are on the rise. Worldwide, women tend to be poorer than their male counterparts and have less representation in policymaking. We need to focus on women’s leadership development; build finance skills and policy skills and move women to positions of power in government and business. The people most likely to be hurt by climate change are also the ones best positioned to fix it, Glemarec said. Marylee Banyard Nelson, B.C.

On May 7, Jack and Ava Hozjan pulled the winning name in the pizza oven draw alongside their parents, David and Aleatha Hozjan and Ann Zweerink of Ann’s Independent Grocer. The winner of the draw was Nicki Germann. Photo by B. Catton

www.thefreepress.ca we gave 77 lessons this season, which is an all-time high for the program. Thank you so much to our two new sponsors; GearHub Sports, who sponsored our equipment maintenance, and the Fernie Rotary Club who, through the sale of Griz pins, donated $1300 to our program. Welcome to our team! Speaking of the Griz, for the fourth year in a row FIRE had a float in the Griz Days Parade, which was awarded second place. Thank you to Fernie Rentals, Telus, and everyone who was involved with building and designing the float! I am very pleased to say that the FIRE society was able to fund a team of nine instructors and five students to attend the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers (CADS) Festival, which was held in Kimberley BC. This is the first time that FIRE has been represented by such a large number on a national level. Our students reached amazing heights during the week, with three of them winning awards for their ski racing skills. I feel very honoured and privileged to be recognized as CADS Administrator of the Year as well. Our whole team really did shine at festival, and we are very proud. FIRE also received an invitation from Whistler Adaptive to come and take part in their program for a week at the beginning of April. A team of five was able to participate in, and learn from this incredible program. The insights we gained will only benefit the future success of our growing program. I know I speak for each member of the team when I say that this experience was a special one we will always remember. Goals for next season include creating strategies to strengthen the society and the program, increasing community awareness through promotions, and creating volunteer committees to enhance program development. We hope to expand our program lesson days, and continue to raise funds to purchase the most up-to date-

Letters to the Editor continued from page 6 Letter to the Editor re: FIRE Thank you I feel very proud in saying that FIRE Adaptive Snow Program has completed its fourth year of operation. My goodness, what a season it was! Contributing to our success was the snow, which thankfully remained till our closing date… Anything is better than last year, am I right? We started off our season by welcoming 14 new volunteer instructors, bringing our team numbers up to 22 in total. In our first year we had a team of nine volunteer instructors. The fact that we more than doubled in size is something to be proud of. Thanks to this growth, we were able to help 12 students get FIREd up about skiing and snowboarding this winter. Of this 12, we introduced three new students to the wonderful world of adaptive snow sports. Every year our students are a reminder that anything is possible, and this season was no exception. Our students conquered the mountain in their own special way, and with the help of their wonderful instructors, each one had incredible progress. A few of them, having never skied before at the start of the season, confidently conquered the Bear chair by the end. One of our students graduated from using the teaching pole, and was able to ski the Mighty Moose for the first time with an assist from her instructors. We had two students venture up the Deer Chair for the first time, and we all were able to hear one student proudly boast at our year-end dinner of his adventure up White Pass. Every one of our students had a success story this season, and we couldn't be prouder of their determination. I am very happy to say that

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

equipment for our students and their needs. We would also like to expose our instructors to more training opportunities, so they can advance their students even further. Every year we will continue to work towards making FIRE even better. We have many people to thank in contributing to FIRE’s success this season, and will mention a few of them in no particular order. Thank you to Fernie Alpine Resort, and those who helped us with lift tickets and rentals. Your support throughout the years has been incredible. We offer our thanks to Highline 100 for their annual donations and support. It is because of organizations like yours that we are able to keep FIRE affordable and accessible. We

are very grateful to our other sponsors from the community who support our program as well. Thank you to the FIRE Board for their hard work and dedication in overseeing the program. Thank you to our devoted volunteer instructor team, who donate their time and efforts to seeing the ability. Without you, our program would not be possible, and because of you, our students are able to reach new heights. To our students, you should be very proud of your accomplishments, and we hope to see you next season. Thank you to every volunteer who donated his or her time to help FIRE become even better.

Grace Brulotte President and Founder of FIRE

The Fernie Snowmobile Association is gathering donations for the Fort McMurray relief effort. A 16-foot trailer, which is stationed at Fernie Fireplace, was half full in two days. “We will keep doing it until they do not need help anymore,” said David Hozjan, co-owner of Fernie Fireplace. Photo by B. Catton

Sparwood Community & Facility Services 367 Pine Avenue, Box 669, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Phone: 250-425-0552 Fax: 250-425-0551 Email: recoffice@sparwood.ca SPARWOOD’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER Friday, June 10th, 2016 Sparwood Leisure Centre Doors Open & Cash Bar – 5:00 pm Dinner & Dance – 6:00 – 10:30 pm Fireworks - 11:15 pm Celebrating 50 Years! 1966 – 2016 Tickets Available at the Leisure Centre $35.00 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 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, have 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. Applications with cover letter, resume, and references will be received at 367 Pine Avenue, Sparwood, BC, until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. Current hourly rate for this position is $15.00. GOLF BALL DROP Tickets Now on Sale - $5.00 each Ball Drop takes place at the Sparwood Rec Centre Ball Diamond at 3:00 pm on June 12th 1st Prize $1000.00 Cash 2nd Prize His & Hers Outerwear ($300.00 value donated by Fernie Ski Base) 3rd Prize $200.00 Overwaite Card (donated by Overwaitea) 4th Prize Power Bank Charger (180.00 value donated by Sparwood NAPA)

COMMUNITY YOUTH NETWORK May 18, 2016 Sparwood Leisure Centre Curling Lounge Wednesday, 7:00 pm The District of Sparwood has been invited by the Columbia Basin Trust to develop a Community Youth Network in Sparwood. The Youth Network, supported through a CBT regional coordinator, will engage youth directly in order to increase activities and provide diverse opportunities based on local youth’s priorities. Those who work or interact with youth and are interested in learning more are invited to join us for an information session hosted by Columbia Basin Trust to be held on May 18th, 7:00 pm at the Sparwood Leisure Centre. For more information, visit www.sparwood.ca or www.cbt.org. Please RSVP to dlawrence@sparwood.ca. You can also check out the Basin Youth Network Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/basinyouthnetwork/.

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD POOL CERTIFICATION May 27, 28, 29 & June 17, 18, 19, 2016 Friday, Saturday & Sunday Fridays 4:00-9:00 pm Saturdays & Sundays 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Registration $394.00 Manual $35.00 Pocket Mask $15.00 National Lifeguard is Canada’s only nationally recognized lifeguard certification program. National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country. Prerequisites: Minimum 16 years of age. Bronze Cross certification and Standard First Aid certification (need not be current) from one of: Lifesaving Society, St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Ski Patrol

Spring Pool Schedule March 29 - July 3, 2016

Early Bird Swim Gentle Fit Aqua Fit Lane Swim

Mon Wed & Fri 6:30 - 8:00 am Mon Wed & Fri 8:30 - 9:15 am Mon Wed & Fri 9:30 - 10:30 am Wed 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tue & Thur 11:00 - 1:00 pm Mon Wed & Fri - 12:00 - 1:00 pm Mon - Fri 5:30 - 6:30 pm Sat 1:00 - 2:00 pm & 5:00 - 6:00 pm Sun 12:00 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Lane & Leisure

Mon Wed & Fri - 8:00 - 9:30 am Mon Wed & Fri - 10:30 - 12:00 pm Tue & Thur 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Family Swim Public Swim

Sun 1:00 - 2:00 pm Mon, Tue & Wed 6:30 - 8:00 pm Thur & Fri 6:30 - 9:00 pm Sat 2:00 - 5:00 pm & 6:00 - 8:00 pm Sun 2:00 - 5:00 pm

14+ Over

Tue 8:00 - 9:00 pm

14+ Over Hot Tub Only Free Swim

Mon & Wed 8:00 - 9:00pm Fri 4:00 - 5:30 pm

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

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

Captain America: Civil War - 3D

Friday, May 13 - Thursday, May 19

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

Rated PG • 7 pm Nightly

Mother’s Day

Rated PG • 7 pm Only NO LATE SHOW 3 pm Matinees Sat & Sun

ADD IT ONLINE

321-2 Avenue, Fernie

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

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250-423-7111 Movieline

go to:

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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. • 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 • 5 p.m. – Men’s Night at Sparwood Golf Club

• 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.. • 5p.m. – Ladies Night at Sparwood Golf Club • 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 to 12 p.m. – Public Swim & Lane Swim at E.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 to 5 p.m. – Public Swim at the Spwd Pool • 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 12-13

13 13 13 13 13 14 16 17 18 20 21-22 21 23 26 27 28 28 28 28 29 29 31

Creative Energy Arts Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Traynor Hall Stage, 7 p.m. Mark Ferris Memorial Music Night, Infinitea, 8 p.m. Opera Screening, Manon Lescaut by Puccini, The Arts Station, 7 p.m. Tube Screamer at The Royal, 9 p.m. The Heights Live at The Northern, 10 p.m. Join the Dark Side of Yin, The Castle on First, 6.30 p.m. Nemkae 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 AFRodisiac at The Royal, 9 p.m. 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. Fernie Community Choir Spring Concert, Knox United Church, 7 p.m. Elk Valley Garage Sale – Fernie Wide Spring Bike Blitz and AGM Horseshoe Tournament, sign up at Legion Lounge Connection Yoga Workshop, The Castle on First, 12 – 5 p.m. East Kootenay Junior Open Fernie Golf & Country Club Hike for Hospice, starting at Montane Barn, 10 a.m. Ride with Librarians, Library Garden, 4 p.m.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

CONNECTION

CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

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

City Council Meeting Schedule

Notice of Disposition of Real Property Interests Being Disposed of by the City of Fernie

May 2016 1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

The City of Fernie hereby gives notice of its intention to dispose of its interests in land to 1059685 BC Ltd dba Lunchbox Fresh Market by way of issuance of a Licence of Occupation to operate an outdoor patio on a portion of the municipal road and/or sidewalk adjacent to the Lunchbox Fresh Market located at 561A – 2nd Ave. (Lot 6, Block 14, District Lot 4588, Kootenay District, Plan 734 for a fee of $10.00 per square meter, for a term of one (1) year. Fernie City Council will consider the issuance of Licence of Occupation to the above business at the Regular Meeting of Council to be held in Council Chambers, City Hall, 501 – 3rd Avenue at 7:00PM on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. For more information, please contact Corporate Administration Services at 250.423.6817 or via email at cityhall@fernie.ca This is the first of two notices dated the 12th day of May, 2016.

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

City of Fernie Contact Info: City Hall Ph: 250.423.6817 Fx: 250.423.3034 Email: cityhall@fernie.ca Website: www.fernie.ca 501-3rd Avenue, Box 190 Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M0 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm (Closed statutory holidays) After Hours Phone: 250.423.4226

Fernie Aquatic Centre

250 Pine Avenue Phone: 250.423.4466

Fernie Memorial Arena 1092 Highway 3

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

Request for Proposal Professional Hydrotechnical Consulting Services 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.

A Message from Public Works Throughout the winter season Public Works crews spread winter sand onto roads and sidewalks to maintain safe conditions. Plowing the snow onto the boulevards causes an accumulation of sand and gravel that begins to appear on our lawns in the spring. We are asking for the public’s cooperation in cleaning up the winter sand by not distributing it from the boulevards onto the roadways. Instead please place debris from sand and grass piles into garbage bags for collection at the Annual Spring Cleanup held in May or deliver them to the Transfer Station. This would be very helpful in keeping our community clean and allow City resources to be used more efficiently. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

INVITATION TO BID Burma Road Lift Station Replacement The City of Fernie is accepting bids for the Burma Road Lift Station Replacement. Contract documents are available through BC Bid, City of Fernie website www.fernie.ca or at Urban Systems, Suite 204-625 Front Street, Nelson, BC. Sealed tenders clearly marked “The Corporation of the City of Fernie – Burma Road Lift Station Replacement” will be received at the City Hall, 501 – 3rd Avenue, PO Box 190, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0, before 2:00:00 P.M. local time on Tuesday May 24, 2016, Attention Dave Cockwell, A.Sc.T., Director of Operations.

Annual Spring Cleanup Starts Monday May 16, 2016 The City of Fernie is once again offering residential households within the City of Fernie FREE pick up of LAWN AND GARDEN WASTE (NO Household Garbage – just grass clippings, brush, weeds and small tree branches less than 6” in diameter). Garden waste must be placed on the curb by 7:00am on your pickup day in the same location as regular garbage pick-up in all areas except the Annex and Maintown which will be picked up in the alley. You DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER for this service. GARDEN WASTE MUST BE bagged in clear plastic bags and tree / brush clippings must be securely bundled, tied and piled in such a way that it can be picked up by a loader. PLEASE DO NOT PILE UP LOOSE LEAVES AND MATERIALS – You will be responsible for cleaning up windblown debris. PICK UP AREAS AND DATES Area

Pick Up Date

Annex (place items in alley) & Riverside

Mon May 16 & Tues May 17

Airport (Mt View) & Park Avenue

Wed May 18 & Thurs May 19

Parkland & Alpine Trails

Fri May 20

Ridgemont, Silver Ridge, Pine Grove, Fernie Mobile Tues May 24 & Wed May 25 Home Park, Castle Mountain Maintown (place items in alley)

Thurs May 26 & Fri May 27

Attention SENIORS! Free Household Refuse and Reusable/Recyclable Goods Pickup JUST FOR YOU! If you have large items of household refuse or recyclable/reusable goods that you wish to have hauled away (old furniture, old appliances, white goods with Freon removed, etc.) the City will pick up and dispose of these items during the Annual Spring Clean Up between May 16 and May 27. Please separate your items into refuse, recyclable/reusable items and we will dispose of them for you. This FREE SERVICE is just for seniors and YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE by calling City Hall at 250.423.6817. Please have your items to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the dates we are in your area per the Annual Spring Cleanup schedule. To receive this free 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

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) Maximum volume of 75 Litres (16.5 imperial gallons); (b) Maximum weight of 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds) when full; (c) Constructed of rigid plastic or non-corrosive metal; (d) Water tight cover; (e) Strong enough to withstand normal handling and lifting; (f) Opening that permits emptying with minimum

effort; and (g) 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.

Leisure Services Happening 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) 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! 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. 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.

Resort Municipality Initiative Festival and Event Development Funding Opportunity Applications are now being accepted through the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Festival & Event Development Program for limited funding available to assist community organizations with the cost of developing and hosting festivals and events. Applicants need to be able to demonstrate financial need and that the proposed festival or event will have a positive impact on the Fernie and area tourism economy. The RMI Festival & Event Development Program guidelines and application form are available at www.fernie.ca and can also be picked up in hard copy at City Hall. The deadline for submission of completed application forms requesting funding for the 2016 fiscal year is Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Applications must be received at least two weeks prior to the date of the event. A second application intake may be offered later in 2016 if funding permits.

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 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

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.

Parking Safety Reminder

In order to provide the safest environment possible, the District would like to remind all motorists to be aware of where they can and cannot park their vehicle. Parked vehicles in a parking lot or on the road can be dangerous to both pedestrians (especially young children) and other vehicles alike. Motorists cannot always see pedestrians between the parked vehicles and they in turn may not see the driver approaching. The purpose of the Sparwood Traffic, Parking and Highways Regulation Bylaw is to enhance public safety, enable traffic flow and maintain community standards. Some of the prohibitions in the bylaw include: • Parking next to curbs that have been painted yellow; • Parking in disabled spots without the proper permit clearly displayed; • Parking in excess of 24 hours on public streets; • Parking further than 45cm from the curb; or • Parking within 6m of a fire hydrant or crosswalk. If you wish to report a violation or find out more about Sparwood’s parking regulations and fines, please contact the Bylaw Enforcement Officer at 250.425.6820 or by email at bleo@sparwood.ca.

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

BUILDING PERMITS & INSPECTIONS

The Planning department administers the Building and Zoning Bylaws and oversees building permits for new construction, renovations, alterations, additions, and changes in occupancy of existing buildings. The District would like to remind citizens that building permits ensure that the work is in compliance with all codes and safety standards. The work will be inspected by the District’s Building Ofﬁcial. Our bylaws can be found online at www.sparwood.ca/bylaws. If you are unsure about whether a building permit is required, please contact the Planning Department at 250.425.6271.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ROUND UP

Saturday, May 28, 2016 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Sparwood Fire Hall #1, 479 Pine Avenue Examples of products you can drop off that day include: aerosols (paint, oven cleaner, hair spray, etc.), flammable liquids (gas, nail polish remover, cleaning solvents, camping fuel, hair dye, etc), flammable solids (charcoal, wood putty, caulking, mothballs, waxes, etc), poisonous solids and liquids (herbicides, pesticides, mouse/rat poison, brake fluid, photo developers, radiator flush, etc), mercury compounds (fertilizer, lamps, thermometers), corrosive (base) liquids and solids (carpet cleaners, drain openers, detergents, grout, fabric softeners, etc), corrosive (acid) liquids (rust remover, toilet bowl cleaners, CLR, etc), household batteries, PCB, light ballasts. For a full list of what you can and cannot drop off, please visit our website at www. sparwood.ca. Please review the list carefully and contact the RDEK’s Environmental Services Department at 250-489- 2791 or 1-888-478-7335 or via email at lnewhouse@ rdek.bc.ca if you have questions.

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.

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Canadian crosses country in canoe in honour of veterans

n the early days of May, residents of the Elk Valley may have seen a red canoe with a small golden dog curled up inside it being portaged or paddled along road and waterways. The canoe, and its pilots, Mike Ranta and Spitzii the dog, are on a cross Canada Journey to show support and appreciation for this countries veterans. The trip started in Vancouver on Apr. 1 an will hopefully come to and end for the paddler on his 45th birthday on Sept. 29, in Cape Breton. The Free Press caught up with Mike Ranta and Spitzii on day 34 of the planned 108 day trip at the East Kootenay Motel in Fernie to talk about his trip and why he stops at every Legion possible to personally thank each veteran and get them to sign the wooden Canadian flag he travels with. “I am going from Legion to Legion, when they are open of course, to try to get as many veterans to sign my canoe as possible,” said Ranta. “This way I not only get their signature to look at and draw some energy from, that good positive energy, but also to shake their hand and personally say thank you to our men and women.” Another planned stop for the cross-country paddler is Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ont., where he hopes to speak with a fellow canoe enthusiast, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about his trip and his message. “He seems like he is a guy that shows a little bit of love and compassion toward his country. Our last government was really detrimental to our veterans, shutting down all those offices and pretty much kicking a lot of them to the curb and making

laws so they cannot speak up for themselves. It was not Canadian,” said Ranta. “How can we call ourselves Canadians when the very people who protect our way of life are the ones who are suffering the most. We should be stepping up to help these people. They do not do it for the money; they do it for the love of our country. To me that is incredibly special.” Although the practised paddler has only ventured across British Columbia, he has been impressed with what he has seen thus far. “I cannot say enough about B.C. It has been a beautiful province. I am getting to the end of it and I know I am going to miss it,” he said. “Everyone has been so courteous and so kind, the generosity and hospitality have been second to none it is a beautiful part of our country and everyone Mike Ranta stopped in Fernie last week on his way to Cape Brenton, N.S. Ranta is paddling across Canada should be very proud to honour veterans. He is hoping to gather as many veteran signatures on his boat as possible along the way. Photo by B. Catton at the way they carry themselves out here.” Pass, as he says it is very narrow. why he is doing the cross Canada places. When they have issues B.C. has also brought more However, Ranta isn’t taking the trek. we need to show them we have walking than expected. easy way out. “I think everyone can love and compassion, we need to According to Ranta, there has “I opted for a little tougher understand why I am doing it too. show them we are there for them been more river swelling than he route, going through the There are a lot of stats out there and they are not expendable so, anticipated for this time of year. TransCanada Trail. I didn’t know that are really appalling to me as to speak.” “There has been a lot of how tough it was until I got a Canadian. Five per cent of our When he gets service, Ranta walking, I anticipated some for there and realized it was snow homeless people are veterans and posts regularly on his Facebook sure but some of the rivers were covered. I had to drag my canoe some of the cutbacks that have page - Mike Ranta’s Paddle. He swollen really early and there on its belly for the better part of been made have been taken from also has a website, MikeRanta.ca was a lot of driftwood coming eight kilometres. That was an all the most vulnerable veterans and where he has a live location track down from previous fires,” he day adventure, an excruciatingly it isn’t right,” he said. “We are so people can follow his journey. said. “It did hinder my paddling tough day, especially with the Canadians. We take care of our Unfortunately, the paddler’s abilities to get into some of the rain and sticky snow.” own, especially those who take Spot locator has just broken, so rivers no doubt. All in all it has It is all worth it for Ranta. People care of our very way of life. It is pinpoint locations may be tough been a beautiful trip.” that have stopped to offer food high time we stood up to take to see. The website also has One of the toughest stretches and drink or to speak with him care of them when they come videos, stories about the trip and was when he bypassed Balsam have all seemed to understand back from these high conflict donation information.

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Oh hey, you’re looking for the legal, right? Take a look, here it is: Take a look, here it is: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible raincheckable Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP).*Until May 31, 2016, lease a new 2016 F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 5.0L V8 300A with 53A Trailer Tow package and get as low as 0.99% lease annual percentage rate (APR) financing for up to 36 months on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest APR payment. Lease this vehicle with a value of $38,406 (after $2,895 down payment, Manufacturer Rebates of $3,750 and including freight and air tax charges of $1,800) at 0.99% APR for up to 36 months with an optional buyout of $23,801, monthly payment is $431 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $198.92), and total lease obligation is $18,411. Taxes payable on full amount of lease financing price after Manufacturer Rebate deducted. Additional payments required for PPSA, registration, security deposit, NSF fees (where applicable), excess wear and tear, and late fees. Lease offer excludes variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Some conditions and mileage restriction of 60,000km for 36 months applies. Excess kilometrage charges are 16¢ per km, plus applicable taxes. Excess kilometrage charges subject to change (except in Quebec), see your local dealer for details. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. ¥Offer valid between May 3, 2016 and June 30, 2016 (the “Offer Period”) to Canadian residents. Receive $750 towards the purchase or lease of a new 2015 Mustang (excluding Shelby GT350),Taurus, Edge, Transit Connect, Transit, F-150 (excluding Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader); 2016 Fusion, Mustang (excluding Shelby GT350), Taurus, Edge, Flex, Explorer, Escape, Expedition, Transit Connect, E-Series Cutaway, Transit, F-150 (excluding Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader), F-250 to F-550; 2017 Fusion, Mustang (excluding Shelby GT350), Explorer, Escape, Expedition (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Only one (1) bonus offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle. Taxes payable before offer amount is deducted. Offer is not raincheckable.^Based on results from the 2015 Vincentric model level analysis of the Canadian consumer market for the Full-Size 1/2-Ton Pickup segment.‡F-Series is the best-selling line of pickup trucks in Canada for 50 years in a row based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales report up to 2015 year end.†When properly equipped. Max. payloads of 3,240 lbs/3,270 lbs with available 3.5L V6 EcoBoost 4x2 / 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine configurations. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR based on Ford segmentation.††Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR. vs. 2015 competitors. Some driver input required. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle.‡‡Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’S) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar. gov). ©2016 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence.©2016 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Grasmere citizen to be honoured posthumously for contributions Do you know someone who is having a birthday this coming week?

Submitted

Let us know who it is, and we will share it in next week’s edition!

Local Birthdays May 12th Happy Birthday and Congratulations on New Job Taylor Hickey May 13th Happy 13th Birthday Jasaed

Do you know someone who has an upcoming birthday?

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

Celebrity Birthdays May 12th Tony Hawk, 48 May 13th Lena Dunham, 30 May 14th George Lucas, 72 May 15th Andy Murray, 29 May 16th Janet Jackson, 50 May 17th Bob Saget, 60 May 18th Tina Fey, 46

PET personalities Send us your

PET Duke is happiest when he’s wet chasing sticks!

photos! and a small description.

Email your pet photos to customerservice@thefreepress.ca

Fernie Pets Wants YOU! •Lost & Found Pets •Dog Park •Spay & Neuter Program •Volunteers

DONATE OR JOIN TODAY! ferniepets.org

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

Park Place Lodge 742 Highway 3 • Fernie

inister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present the family of Grasmere’s Lita Salanski with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship, in recognition of the late woman’s contributions to her community. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at Triple Tree Ranch in Grasmere on May 14. Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the prestigious Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round. Salanski passed away in September 2015 and her legacy to her community will continue for future generations. The posthumous honour, to be accepted by her family, recognizes the impact she had on Grasmere, its ranching and farming community, educational infrastructure and spiritual foundation through her involvement with the Triangle Women's Institute (TWI), the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Council of Cattlemen, East Kootenay College Board, and the Grasmere United Church. At the same time Salanski was adjusting to married life, raising a family and building and running a business, she became involved in the

many projects of the TWI. Her leadership skills along with her enthusiasm played a major role in TWI's success in bringing a modern highway, electric power and telephone to the isolated community of Grasmere. She spent countless hours writing letters, lobbying the government, knocking on doors and selling the idea that the residents of Grasmere were part of British Columbia and needed to have the amenities others took for granted. She was passionate about the need for education and became a local school board trustee and later became the chairman of the board. Salanski was a founding member of the East Kootenay Community College board and later an honorary member of its board. She worked to improve the economy of the area through her involvement in local farming organizations, leading her to become the first female president of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association. She also served on the Canadian Council of Cattlemen board. Her service to her community extended to many other organizations like 4-H and the Grasmere United Church and she was instrumental in ensuring the congregation established a place of worship within the community. “Lita Salanski was a force of nature and an inspiration to younger generations; her determination made life better in Grasmere and the East Kootenay,” said Bennett. “Between family life and tireless community work, hers was a life well lived and with this honour we celebrate all she has accomplished.”

McHappy Day at McDonalds By Andrea Horton Free Press Staff

ay 4 was McHappy Day at McDonalds in Fernie and Cranbrook. The restaurants were raising money for the Ronald McDonald House BC (RMHBC) located in Vancouver. The cost of the new BC House was almost $27 million. It was designed to make the house feel like a home. This new house is the second largest in Canada and the fifth largest in the world. It is able to host larger families in an effort to keep the entire family together in their time of need. Dean Juneau and his son Jonah have made use of the Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver and both were at McDonalds during the fundraiser. “The Ronald McDonald House is not only a place to lay your head but also a place to lay your heart,” said Dean Juneau. “The Vancouver Ronald McDonald House is unique, it’s a brand new facility and the nice thing is it is right beside the hospital. It is literally on the property of the hospital and so when you come out of their doors you can walk right into your appointment, you don’t have to take a cab or have all the stress of being late. It is really phenomenal.” The new Vancouver House opened in July 2014 and provides 2,500 families with a place to stay each year. The funds raised at the Fernie location totaled $2,425.

Jonah and Dean Juneau (frequent users of the Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver) with Mayor Mary Giuliano at the McHappy Day Fundraiser at McDonalds in Fernie on May 4. The fundraiser earned more than $2,000 for the charity. Photo by A. Horton

ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the purchase of a 2016 Silverado 1500 Double Cab True North Edition and finance of a 2016 Silverado 1500, equipped as described. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. ^ $10,000 is a combined total credit consisting of a $3,000 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) for 2016 Silverado Light Duty Double Cab, $1,000 GM Card Application Bonus, offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank GM Visa Card (GM Card) or current GM Card cardholders (tax inclusive), a $820 manufacturer to dealer Option Package Discount Credit (tax exclusive) for 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty (1500) Double Cab 1LT equipped with a True North Edition, a $1,600 cash credit and a $3,580 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) on Silverado Light Duty (1500) Double Cab LT or LTZ, which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $3,580 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. ~ Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity may vary by model and conditions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on select vehicle models and in select markets. Customers will be able to access OnStar services only if they accept the OnStar User Terms and Privacy Statement (including software terms). OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. After the trial period (if applicable), an active OnStar service plan is required. ‡ Vehicle user interfaces are products of Apple® and Google® and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone. Data plan rates apply. ¥ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles delivered from May 3 to May 31, 2016. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 72 months on all new or demonstrator Silverado 1500. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/ trade. Example: $50,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $694.44 for 72 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $50,000. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight and air tax ($100, if applicable) included. Licence, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GMCC may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. †† Offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card (GM Card) or current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2016 model year Chevrolet delivered in Canada between May 3 and May 31, 2016. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $500 credit available on: Chevrolet Camaro, Sonic, Cruze, Malibu (excluding L model), Volt (including 2017 MY Volt) and Trax; $750 credit available on: Chevrolet Impala, Equinox, Express, Traverse, Colorado (except 2SA), Suburban and Tahoe; $1,000 credit available on: Chevrolet Silverado, Silverado HD. Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GM Canada dealer for details. GM Canada reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. + Silverado 1500 LTZ 2WD Double Cab Standard Box or Crew Cab Short Box LTZ 2WD with the available 6.2L V8 engine and Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. Based on WardsAuto.com 2015 Large Pickup segment and latest available competitive information at time of posting. Excludes other GM vehicles. ++ With available 6.2L V8 engine. ¥¥ 2016 Silverado 1500 2WD with available 5.3L V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission fuel consumption based on GM testing in accordance with Government of Canada approved test methods. Refer to vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca for details. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. Competitive information based on WardsAuto.com 2015 Large Pickup segment and latest available data at time of posting. ** The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-OilFilter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ^^ Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

www.thefreepress.ca

By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

pancake breakfast was held on Mother’s Day, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Elkford Community Conference Centre with all proceeds of the event going to support the Fort McMurray relief efforts. “The tragedy in Fort McMurray is sad, terrifying, and the loss is astronomical, both physical and personal - our hearts go out to the families,” said Fundraising Coordinator, Josh Elvin. “There are people who live in the Elk Valley that work in Fort McMurray, are from there, [and] have family there. The motivation was simple.” Elvin was not alone in the coordination efforts for the fundraiser. On May 5, Elvin, Kris Wilde, Marianne Stone and Debbie Tomich met at the Elkford Fire Hall to brainstorm Residents of Elkford hosted a pancake breakfast at the Community Conference Centre on Mother’s fundraising options. Day, with all of the proceeds going towards the Fort “It was decided that a pancake McMurray relief effort. Submitted photo breakfast is the best way to bring people of the Elk Valley together to When asked if there was a secret to making raise money for Fort McMurray. The planning and serving more than 1000 pancakes in three took off, details worked out, and an army of hours, Elvin believes it was “having a solid volunteers were formed,” said Elvin. team working together, smiling, having fun, and According to Elvin, 38 volunteers helped serve working hard.” the 500 people from the Elk Valley. The event was filled with positivity and had “The turn-out was phenomenal. There was some residents of Fort McMurray in attendance. approximately 1000 pancakes, 46 pounds of “The people were happy, smiling, and said bacon, 55 lbs of sausage, and 45 dozen eggs that so many positive comments,” he said. “I met a fed approximately 500 people. As a result, the family who lost everything. They stood up from Elk Valley Community raised $8642.45 through their table, began crying, hugged me, and shook cash donations and donations in kind,” he said. my hand. Their gratitude was obvious.”

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Pancakes for Fort McMurray Funding for Youth By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

or several years, the District of Sparwood has been working toward starting a youth oriented program. Recently, the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) had formed the Basin Youth Network for adolescents aged 12-18. The trust aims to keep youth active and engaged, which enables communities to create community based youth networks and groups. “We attempted to organize a youth group several years ago but did not have the staff nor financial resources to keep it going and unfortunately had to let it go,” said Sparwood’s Director of Community and Facility Services, Duane Lawrence. “Over the past three years we have been working with the CBT to access youth funding although the programs offered by the CBT at the time did not quite meet the needs of the Elk Valley.” The CBT has allocated $4.65 million over three years to the Basin-wide youth network. The funding has re-energized Sparwood’s plans for a youth oriented program. “This changed significantly with the latest CBT announcement of a new youth program and funding model,” said Lawrence. “CBT reached out to Sparwood in March inviting us to apply to this new program which Sparwood is now in the process of doing. This new

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Network in Sparwood program is exactly what we were hoping for and we are very excited to be a part of this new opportunity for youth in Sparwood.” Out of the annual $1.55 million, Sparwood has the opportunity to access up to $55,000 per year for three years as long as they meet funding requirements that are outlined by the CBT. When asked about what kind of programs or plans Sparwood has for the grant Lawrence said that “it’s still a little premature for us to say what type of events or activities will result from accessing this program.” He went on to speak about the need for youth input to make a thriving program. “This is a youth network that, to be successful, must have direct input from youth. What we hope to see is youth in Sparwood determining what they would like to see happen in Sparwood for their peers and help to make it happen,” Lawrence said. “All my experience working with youth tells me that for a program aimed at teens to be successful is that it must come from local youth first.” The CBT has invited Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford to participate in the program. Sparwood will be hosting an information session on May 18 at the Leisure Centre. Lawrence encourages everyone to come to the session that is tentatively set for 7 p.m. RSVP to staylor@sparwood.ca.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Throwback Thursday

FERNIE HIGH SCHOOL

The Fernie High School during January and February will be preparing for the production of an operetta “The Gypsy Troubadour.” It is expected that this production will be given in the school gymnasium on Feb. 20 and 21. Geraldine Nicoletti, the school literary representative, is busy enlisting the co-operation of teachers and, most important of all, pupils. On Saturday of this week Eureka Junior High basketball teams will visit Fernie. Games will be held in the school gym between 3 and 5 p.m. The girls’ basketball game will use American rules. The boys’ game will be as usual. After the basketball games the girls’ team, the cheer gang and the social representatives will entertain the Eureka players at luncheon in the Home Economics Department. Later on in January or early in February, Fernie will play return games at Eureka. The Fernie High School will issue report cards on Feb. 3.

FERNIE BLUE BABY HOME AND WELL

Our Fernie Blue Baby, little Faye, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fleming, arrived home safely with her parents on Monday afternoon. The little girl appears to be in excellent health and is as bright as a dollar, snatched back as it were, from the very jaws of death, by Dr. G. W. G. Murray, a skilled surgeon of Toronto. The happy parents and child were met at the depot by a Rotary Committee consisting of Bill Emsley, Eggerton King, Jim White and Mayor Bert Hawkey. Bill Emsley, chairman of the Blue Baby committee, presented Faye with a very beautiful bouquet of flowers and put the party on an Arrow Taxi Cab for their home in West Fernie. The Rotary Club wish to earnestly thank all those who contributed toward the worthy cause of the Blue Baby and they are particularly pleased with the work of the Toronto Rotary Club, that had charge of the case from the time of the child’s arrival in that city up until the party were placed on board a train headed for Fernie.

1947

FASHION SHOW AND TEA

We are hearing a great deal of chit chat these days about the forthcoming Rebekah Tea and Fashion Show. The fashion show is a new idea for Fernie—we hope it catches. Miss Copeman, of TritesWood Fashions, is enthusiastic and has brought back many new ideas from her trip to Toronto and Montreal. You may expect to see the latest tricks in hat and suitery—and I understand that matrons styling is not being neglected. It will be nice to see our own girls modeling—to get in on style touches that are en mode and yet not too tricky for our own town. Be sure to be on time, too, as the shows are starting at 2:30 and 4:30 sharp. Between times you may relax over an excellent cup of tea and dainties—well, you know the kind our ladies always serve. By the way, men are not excluded, and for those who enjoy helping the wife select her fripperies—well, here’s your chance. We think it will be an eye catcher.

First Prize

Second Prize

FERNIE GYRO JUVENILE HOCKEY TEAM

Winners of East Kootenay Juvenile Hockey Championship and one of the fastest hockey aggregations to ever represent Fernie.

6-YEAR-OLD REACHES MOUNT HOSMER CAVE Among a group of ten Fernie residents who climbed to the cave on the face of Mount Hosmer, Victoria Day, was a six-year-old lad, Barrie Quail. The altitude at this point is in the vicinity of eight thousand feet. His brother, Jon, ten years old, was also in the group. The party was led by Rudy Smolik and Paul Kasmar, both of whom

visited the cave in 1933. At that time they discovered an old jar with names inscribed on a piece of paper therein. The earliest date recorded was 1911. Paul was accompanied by his wife on the 1947 trip, and the others were: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Quail, Barry and Jon; Mr. and Mrs. Doug. Graham, Rudy Smolik and Miss Peggy Dryden.

Arts&Entertainment WhatsOn THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

What’s on in the Elk Valley this week.

Selling out Shakespeare By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

ver 400 tickets for the Creative Energy Arts Factory’s performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream have already been sold. The May 12 and 13 evening shows are technically a sell out, according to Principal Director, Alana Rybar. “We always find room for fans that show up at the door,” she said. Doors will open at 6 p.m. at Traynor Hall and the performance will begin at 7 p.m. when the youth performers take the stage to use the medium of dance and song to tell the story of falling in love. Rybar thought this would be an enormous task and it was. “I did adapt the comedy a bit so it would work with our studio and cast and audience, but my intention was to keep as close to the play as I could. That was tricky because we are using the medium of dance and song to

tell the story,” she said. “It was definitely one of the more challenging stories we have ever taken on in terms of story, staging and choreography. There were certainly more than a few rewrites and additions.” According to Rybar, the most surprising aspect of the production is how the kids have embraced the story itself. “Many people think Shakespeare is dead among youth but I always felt if you approach the material with enthusiasm and really engage the kids, they would embrace it. I’m glad to say I was right, and all the kids from ages three to 18 have done an amazing job of bringing this legendary comedy to life,” she said. “It’s a bit of a complicated story because of the three plot lines but they have had no problem. And like all Creative Energy Arts Factory shows it’s our special blend of comedy, performance art, theatre and dance.”

.com rnfernie stweste www.be E NTAIN LODG

CAN’T MISS Mark Ferris Memorial Music Night at Infinitea Fri, May 13, 8:00 p.m.

This special night at Infinitea is to celebrate Mark Ferris, a regular at Infinitea and a true music lover. All donations will be going towards the purchase of a guitar for Fernie Secondary School. The night will be run open mic/jam style.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Fernie Secondary School, Thu, May 12 & Fri, May 13, 7:00 p.m.

Members of the Creative Energy Arts Factory are getting prepared to perform A Midsummers Night’s Dream this week. Submitted photo

By Leah Scheitel Free Press Staff

here was a full house at the Fernie Arts Station on May 5 for the premiere of the 2016 Banner Project. Thirty-nine local artists were featured on the banners and included a range of mediums, including oil painting, photography and watercolours. All of the work featured depicted local nature scenes of wildlife and the Rocky Mountains. Artists featured included Eleanor Cook, Bev Delyea, and Keya White. Irene Atkinson, 94, was the oldest artist to be featured in the project. Terry Nelson and Donna Miller both spoke to the crowd in the foyer of the Arts Station before opening A sample of the banners included in the 2016 Banner Project, which premiered on May the gallery to the public. Once the 5 at the Arts Station. Photo by L. Scheitel doors opened, people funneled into initiative, meaning the money earned along Highway 3. the gallery, where they could purchase Nelson, along wtih Lynda Hyde, helped from the sale of the banners is reinvested all of the banners at a cost of $100. They create the Fernie Banner Project over a into the project, allowing it to continue. will receive the banners in two years time, decade ago as a way to encourage public Roughly 30 artists per year for 12 years after they spend one year on display in the art in Fernie. equates to 360 banners being made within downtown area and another on display The Banner Project is a neutral-budget the project’s lifetime.

592 - 3rd Ave. 250-423-4458

816 Michel Rd 250-865-2912

110 Pine Ave. 250-425-2299

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

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

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

Space donated by The Free Press

Kitchen always open

i f in te

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

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FERNIE MOU

12th annual Banner Project premiere

ELK VALLEY Libraries

you by brought to e, Fernie BC

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Friday 13th: Mark Ferris Memorial Open Mic Night from 8pm gofundme.com /23dz2zt6 Located on 5th St. downtown Fernie

Creative Energy Arts Factory presents their Spring Production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance starts at 7:00 p.m. on both nights at Traynor Hall Stage at Fernie Secondary School. Submit your posters and approximately 50 words of text describing your event to customerservice@thefreepress.ca Only two events will be sponsored, so first come first served.

2X2? It’s newspaper talk for a two-column by two-inch ad.

TOO SMALL TO BE EFFECTIVE? You’re reading this one! Call Jennifer at The Free Press - 250-423-4666 or email advertising@thefreepress.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

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

Spring craft fair

www.thefreepress.ca

You’re invited BC Hydro public meeting

We’ll be hosting a public meeting with representatives from BC Hydro, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide information regarding Columbia Basin reservoir levels, fish operations and our programs and local activities. When: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Time:

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Presentations will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Jaffray Community Hall, 7375 Jaffray Village Loop Road, Jaffray, B.C. For more information, please contact Diane Tammen at 250 489 6862.

4962

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.

4986

The spring craft fair was hosted at the Fernie Community Centre on Saturday afternoon, with numerous vendors selling a variety of homemade goods. Photo by B. Catton

Launching boat access in Sparwood By Bryn Catton Free Press Staff

he District of Sparwood held a forum to discuss the idea of a public boat launch in Sparwood on May 4. The meeting had two objectives: to provide stakeholders with information on the boat launch initiative and to seek feedback on the potential environmental, economic and community impacts – both good and bad. The meeting started with a brief history of the boat launch initiative by staff followed by BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR) personnel providing information on the 2015 Kootenay Angling Management Plan (KAMP) and the general health and function of the Elk River for anglers. There is currently a gap in the river system for the public to launch between Line Creek and Olsen’s Pit sites. In a proposal by Fisheries Technician Joe Strong of FLNR, recommendations were made to improve boat access on the Elk River to make the upper reaches, which he defines as above Fernie, more accessible to boat anglers for a number of reasons. “This would be beneficial in a number of ways: firstly, it would decrease the congestion of anglers in the Fernie area, making the angling experience more enjoyable, while reducing site specific pressure on fish populations. Secondly, additional launch sites would allow anglers access to areas of the Elk River which currently receive significantly lower angling effort, but maintain vibrant and productive fish populations; thirdly, improved access in upper portions of the watershed would effectively improve the distribution of anglers and river related tourism resulting in tangible benefits to other communities in the region,” Strong said. The forum had 17 participants,

representing the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, the Elk Valley Economic Initiative, Sparwood Fish and Wildlife, Teck, Angling Guides, Elk River Alliance, Sparwood Council, and the general public. According to Sparwood’s Manager of Planning, Nelson Wight, it was a good turn out that brought a range of perspectives and stakeholders together. “I was really pleased with the turnout at the event, as there was representation from all the stakeholders from whom we were seeking input,” he said. “We heard from a range of perspectives from the angling community, who’s interested in having better access to the river for multiple recreation purposes, and those addressing the possible economic and tourism opportunities.” There was discussion on many issues throughout the forum. According to Wight, staff will report the relevant themes of the discussions to the city in a future council meeting. He also welcomes continued input on the topic. “There was great discussion on all the issues and I was encouraged to see the thoughtful participation of all who came. Over the coming weeks, we will compile those comments and capture the relevant themes that we can summarize in a future report to Council. We are continuing to solicit input from anyone with an interest in this topic,” he said. Along with a summarization, council will receive a recommendation from staff advising to either go ahead with the planned boat launch or not. “Furthermore, discussion on a possible location is also premature. In making our recommendation, however, we will endeavour to consider all the possible impacts — both positive and negative — to the environment, to the local and regional economy, and the local and regional community of users of this vital natural amenity,” Wight said.

Sports

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Little soccer stars practice rain or shine

Teams from the Fernie Youth Soccer Association were out practicing despite the rainy weather on Monday evening. Ten teams were practicing their ball handling skills at the fields behind Isabella Dicken Elementary School, including The Green Apples (left) and The Purples (right). Photo by B. Catton

Athlete of the Week Sponsored by

NOT Just Pizza

The Royal Blues

The Royal Blues, aka Team 10, endured the rain to practice on Monday evening. For their efforts, the team earns Athlete of the Week! If you are the athlete in this photo you have won a free pizza from Not Just Pizza! Drop into The Free Press office to collect your prize. Email your Athlete of the Week nominations to customerservice@thefreepress.ca

Fernie Judo Club wraps up 29th season Submitted

he Fernie Judo Club ended their competitive season this past weekend by traveling to Raymond Alberta and participating in the annual ‘Katsuta Kup’ judo tournament. With close to 200 competitors from Alberta attending, each of the eight Fernie competitors came home with medals. Fernie provincial team member Kara Goodman will end her judo season on May 13 and 14 when she competes in the Canadian Judo Championships being held in Calgary, Alta. The Fernie Judo Club will resume their training activities in September when they will celebrate their 30th year of offering recreational and competitive training of the Olympic sport of judo to the community.

The Fernie Judo Club celebrates the end of another successful season.

Submitted photo

Did You Know?

Top Ten Things Youth Need from Adults 1. Know – Get to know us! Don’t make judgements or stereotypes based on an impression. 2. Trust – Recognize our wisdom and treat us with respect. Trust us to try it in our own way. 3. Believe – Believe in us and never, ever give up on us. 4. Help – Provide help, support and guidance with patience, care and love. 5. Listen – Listen and value youth opinions and feelings. Be our advocate and ally. 6. Role Model – Be a positive role model. Be trustworthy, honest, fair and dependable. 7. Provide – Provide job opportunities. 8. Make time – Make time for us. 9. Work – Work with us in partnership. Have fun and teach us what you know. 10. Play – Provide a range of opportunities that are safe and playful and help us make a difference.

Grants available for projects that focus on the construction of new and/or upgrades to existing recreational infrastructure in the Basin. Eligible projects may include backcountry trail networks, swimming pools, ice rinks, curling arenas, sports fields, indoor & outdoor sports courts and parks.

Deadline for this intake is Monday, July 11.

Information obtained from Challenge Day: Next step to being the change. Community workshop: www.challengeday.org East Kootenay Addiction Services Society has sponsored this column. The intent of this column is to provide information and to encourage healthy choices. Free, confidential services are available to anyone dealing with their own or someone else’s substance addiction or misuse. For more information contact 250-423-4423, 1-800-644-6144 or visit www.ekass.com

Recreation Infrastructure Grants

New junior fiction now available at the library

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

Contact Rick Allen to discuss your project at 1.250.417.3665 or 1.800.505.8998. Learn more about this program at cbt.org/recreationapply. Connect with us

cbt.org/recreationapply

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Rotary club makes donations

about the Minimum Wage in BC with MLA Bill Bennett

1. The government will be raising BC’s minimum wage for a sixth time since 2011, bringing it to $11.25 in 2017. 2. This increase marks an overall boost of 39% in the minimum wage over the past five years, and will mean an additional $1,400 per year in the pockets of full-time workers receiving this wage.

Last week, the Fernie Rotary Club made donations to local groups. Above: Rotary member Dave Penner, Evelyn Cutts, Rotary president, and Patty Vadnais, Chamber of Commerce executive director, present a cheque for $1,350 to Grace and Janice Brulotte along with Stephanie Rogers in support of the Fernie Adaptive Snow Program. Below left: Fernie Trails Alliance representative John Shaw accepts a $1,000 cheque from Rotary executive members Aysha Haines and Evelyn Cutts from the 2015 Rotary Travel Lottery. Below right: Evelyn Cutts and Patty Vadnais donate $1,350 from the sale of Griz Pins to Major James Hägglund of the Salvation Army in support of the Fernie Food Bank. Submitted photos

3. With the increase, BC is also projected to have the third highest minimum wage in Canada. Bill Bennett MLA, Kootenay East www.billbennettmla.bc.ca

Elk Valley Spring Clean 2016

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 12, 2016

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To advertise in print:

Browse more at:

Call: 250-423-4666 Email: customerservice@thefreepress.ca Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

A division of

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements

Information

In Memoriam

Cards of Thanks

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank You

Love In Memory of

TRAVEL

Francesco Scarpelli

EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES

May 14, 2011

PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT LEGAL NOTICES

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Remembering Our Loved Ones

Let us not forget the day he died. It was a tragedy in the house. Your wife, sons and grandchildren always talk about the happy times. The jokes you told. We miss you everyday & every moment for ever in our hearts.

Thank you so much to everyone for your thoughtful expressions of sympathy in the loss of our dear Mom, Nanny, Great Nanny, Sister & Aunty, Mavis Kichler.

Nono come home we miss you, Love the family

We enjoyed every visit, hug, dinner & drink, flowers, cards and calls. You all sure know how to make a family feel loved! The Kichler, Mitchell, Sedrovic & Taillefer families

Obituaries REGIMBAL-GARLOCK: With overwhelming heartache and sorrow, we announce the death of Raven Leigh Regimbal-Garlock. Raven died suddenly at the University Hospital in Edmonton, AB on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the age of 25. Raven is lovingly survived by her precious daughter Mikaela Garlock; parents Christy Williamson-Regimbal and Ray Regimbal; sisters Jessalyn, Brittani, and Brooklyn; grandparents Dennis & Julie, Roland & Mable, Sharon, Pat, and Linda; aunts and uncles: Cari (Erik), Jason (April), Jon, Renee (Claude), Richard (Rosita), and Ryan (Angela), and her best friend and partner, Aaron Rowlinson as well as many cousins, extended family members and wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her birth mother, Robin Ann Ford. Born in Dawson Creek, BC on April 8, 1991, Raven moved to Fernie with her parents in 1997. In 2009 she graduated from Fernie Secondary and went on to pursue her degree in Business Administration, and just recently, had been accepted into the Care Aid program. When diagnosed with heart problems discovered during her pregnancy, Raven, with her “tough-as-nails” attitude and determination, confronted her life’s challenges head on and persevered in true Raven style. Though petite in stature, Raven was a force to be reckoned with! “And though she be but little, she is fierce!” Raven embraced life! She loved anything outdoors; hunting, bow shoots with Mikaela and quad rides, but she especially enjoyed mud bogging! Quality time spent with family and friends was always a priority in her life. Above all else, Raven was a loving and attentive mother to Mikaela. Together they spent evenings snuggling in their pj’s, watching their favorite movies. She was also a very proud dance mom, attending every recital. Mikaela’s greatest cheerleader, Raven encouraged, supported and loved her daughter with her whole being. Raven will be forever remembered for her zest for life, her beautiful, sparkling blue eyes, and her radiant smile. “In the midst of Winter I found there was within me an invincible Summer”. Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriefs. com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.

ELK VALLEY CHURCH SERVICES ST. MICHAEL’S PARISH

741B 2nd Ave. Fernie

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

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

KNOX UNITED CHURCH 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!

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

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

Everyone Welcome

Have You Heard? The Free Press needs paper carriers! Call Circulation 1-800-665-2382 to sign up for your route now!

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

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

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Employment

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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

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SHOP LOCALLY

Education/Trade Schools

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.

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

Career Service / Job Search

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

District of Kitimat, exempt staff position with generous compensation. Reporting to the Operations Manager, is responsible for repair and maint. of the municipality’s infrastructure including roads, signage, sidewalks, general clean-up, common services, buildings & fleet equipment, and assists with municipal water and sewer operations. Candidates will have a Civil Technologist Diploma and 5 years’ senior management experience in a municipal or similar work environment; an Applied Science Tech. Cert. is an asset. Submit resumes by May 29, 2016, 4:30 p.m., to Personnel, District of Kitimat, 270 City Centre, Kitimat, B.C. V8C 2H7, Fax: 250-632-4995 E-mail dok@kitimat.ca

Financial Services

$750 Loans & More NO CREDIT CHECKS

Open 7 days/wk. 8am - 8pm

1-855-527-4368

Apply at:www.credit700.ca 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 LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

All employment services are free! Eligibility criteria may apply.

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

Professional/ Management

Employment Opportunity Job Title: Meat Manager Employment Status: Full-time permanent Company: Fernie Your Independent Grocer Address: 1792 A 9th Avenue, Fernie, BC V0B 1M5 Key Responsibilities: t Responsible for the day to day management of all aspects of the Meat department including: ordering, merchandising, customer service and labour scheduling t To cut meat in compliance with the store’s cutting standards t Promote and support superior customer relations in a professional manner t Promote and increase sales through effective merchandising techniques, suggestive selling and attractive product presentation t Ensure that department budgets are met through efficient operation of the Meat department (includes gross profit, wage cost, operational expenses and inventory) are maintained t Provide direction and support to Meat staff as necessary t Adhere to company standards and ensure that company policies and procedures are followed Responsible for all aspects of Employee relations including, Interviewing, Hiring, Training t and the on-going Development and Motivation of the team t Adhere to strict cleaning schedule ensuring a high level of cleanliness and sanitation standards t Other duties and responsibilities as assigned Requirements: t Three (3) to Five (5) years experience and a sound working knowledge of the Meat Department t Previous management/leadership experience in the retail industry is an asset t Courses in merchandising or business management would be an asset. t Excellent communication and interpersonal skills t Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks t Systems skills (Email, SAP, and P.C. applications) Job Posting Notes: Thank you for your interest, however due to the volume of resumes only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted. Contact Information: Ann Zweerink Email: mon01814@loblaw.ca NOTE: The Employer noted in this posting is an independently owned corporation (“Franchisee”) which is licensed to use the “YOUR INDEPENDENT GROCER” trademark(s) by Loblaw Inc. If an applicant is hired by the Franchisee, then his/her employer will be the Franchisee. No employment or similar relationship will be created between the applicant and Loblaw Inc. or its affiliates.

Help Wanted

CRESTON, BC

250-428-0354 www.hairandscalpcentre.ca

Small Ads Get

Help Wanted

Your Independent Grocer Email: mon08578@loblaw.ca We thank all those who apply, however, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Paving/Seal/ Coating

NOTICE

Business/Ofﬁce Service

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Have you been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefits? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222 Website: www.dcac.ca Email: info@dcac.ca

Long distance household moving. Coast to Coast, in Canada.

NOW HIRING!

We offer a great working environment and the opportunity to work for one of Canada’s leading grocery retailers.

604-534-2775

BLACKTOP NOW!

Results

30 years experience.

Your Independent Grocer in FERNIE is looking for qualified employees to join our team in the following areas: • Cashiers • Deli/HMR clerks • PT Meat clerk/Cutters • Produce clerks • PT Grocery Clerks (early a.m start)

FOR SALE OR RENT

BIG

KOOTENAY MOVING

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

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

Capilia Hair & Scalp Centre

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

Help Wanted

WANT TO DELIVER NEWSPAPERS?

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

421-1482

FREE ESTIMATES!

CALL NOW!

POWER PAVING

SERVING ALL THE KOOTENAYS Pets & Livestock

Feed & Hay

TIMOTHY Hay for sale. Great quality. $15.00 per bale. 60 lb. bales. Pitt Meadows. Call anytime. 604 505 4087

Merchandise for Sale

Food Products BC INSPECTED

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

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) www.sutcliffefarms.com sutcliffefarms@gmail.com

250-428-2734

WE HAVE LOTS OF ROUTES AVAILABLE

in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford

Heavy Duty Machinery

Wanted:Will pay cash for construction equipment, backhoes, excavators, dozers, (farm tractors w/loaders)1985 or newer. Skid steers, wheel loaders, screeners, low beds, any condition running or not. 250-260-0217.

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

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 the coin collection also buying everything gold or silver. Todd’s Coins 250-864-3521

www.thefreepress.ca

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

Homes for Rent

Live in scenic & peaceful Elkford

ALDERWOOD PLACE Comfortable apartment units

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

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

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

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

250-425-9912

Scenic Downtown Elkford

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

250-865-2722 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 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 PineCrest Apartments

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 2 bed 1 bath condos in Sparwood Heights for rent. Furnished and unfurnished units. $600-$1000 no pets Call Rick 250-425-5432

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

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.

MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT Modular Homes 14’ wide Mobile Home for Rent 3 bedrooms, all appliances Call Abe at 250-423-1520 Sparwood - Several Mobile Homes for rent $400 - $1000 per month. Utilities not included. Please contact

assistant@sparwoodrealestate.ca

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD

or call 250-425-7711 for more information.

Apt/Condo for Rent

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

695 per month

1422 & 1462 – 6th Avenue, Fernie Located behind the Best Western

For more information call

250-423-1358

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. 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

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Rentals

Transportation

Homes for Rent

Auto Accessories/Parts

Recreational/Sale

Boats

2006 PROWLER

World’s Finest FISHING BOATS

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

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

250-423-3308 or 250-423-1236

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

For Sale 3 Soft tops for a tracker $250 for all 3 250-423-6591

TRY A CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

The Little Cabin Company: Tiny cabins for big adventures

comfortable but you still have campgrounds perhaps taking six plugged directly into a standard that close connection to the great or seven units and using one as a power supply. It is delivered fully outdoors.” washroom,” he said. “In terms of assembled and can be installed Interest in the buildings developments, we are currently very quickly without the need for is from more than just the in the process of finalizing details poured foundations. We estimate weekend glampers. Smith says with a solar supplier so we will around two to four hours for the product is used for a variety have an "off-grid" solution soon installation.” For power The Cobby plugs of purposes. and we are also looking at The “It is very versatile and can be Cobby's big brother and little directly into a standard power supply. For more information used for additional office space, sister.” a kids playroom, a yoga studio,” The Cobby is built to provincial or for the chance to visit a he said. and national building codes cabin built by The Little Cabin According to Smith, small and Smith says, “it is highly Company, visit their Facebook cabins are the goal of The Little insulated and requires minimal page or their website, at Cabin Company, allowing units energy to heat. It can also be Thelittlecabincompany.com. to be constructed without a building permit the majority of the time. All of the cabins are under 104 square feet, allowing them Jude Smith, Ian Larsen, Steve Whelan and Rachel Cline of The Little to be built without needing Cabin Company, hope to bring glamorous camping to the Elk Valley. a building permit. Smith does recommend checking Submitted photo Sponsored by By Bryn Catton the glamping concept in Europe on specific zoning bylaws Free Press Staff which has consistently been before constructing a cabin the fastest growing sector of to be aware of any zoning ernie has just become the vacation market for almost constraints. home to The Little Cabin a decade. The Little Cabin Company We see a huge Company, a manufacturer opportunity for the sector here has one model so far – The of little cabins. The Free Press as well,” he said. “Essentially it Cobby. But, according to spoke with Jude Smith, Fernie is ‘glamorous camping’. So, you Smith, it is not a one size fits resident and part owner of the leave for the weekend and all you all option. he ree ress business. According to Smith, need is a change of clothes, no “The shell of The Cobby the company idea came from tent, no sleeping bag or anything can be easily increased If you are the individual in this photo you have won a $10 gift voucher Europe’s Glamping- glamour like that. You stay in a little cabin in size and we can also from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Drop into The Free Press camping – culture. with a bed and electricity. It's produce them plumbed office for your prize. “The initial idea came from with a washroom. We see

A face in the crowd

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

Featured This Week

ROCK

from the historic Morrisey Quarry

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

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

Cherished Memories

Funeral Services Ltd. & Cherished Memories Crematorium Ltd. John & Lynda Gawryluk Certified Funeral Directors

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

cmfs@shaw.ca

•

www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com

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

We take electronics and ensure they are recycled safely.

Coalminer’s Gallery & Picture Framing Ltd.

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

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

• Afﬁdavits • Wills • Contracts • Leases • Real Estate

Business: (250) 425-2114

• Business Transfers

Fax: (250) 425-2204

• Mobile Homes

Toll Free: 1-800-668-7729

• Mortgages

Email: marian@gravellenotary.com

Classes Work Space Paper Crafting Mini Albums Home Decor

Phone: 1-888-649-5577

All framing services provided coalminersgallery@gmail.com

PHONE: (250)423-5805 9839 ELK STREET

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

After hours appointments available. No charge consultation.

OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

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

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

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

..... connect to your COMMUNITY

DJ Services

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

www.thefreepress.ca

YOUR HOROSCOPE

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

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 15 to 21 2016

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS AND PISCES.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

You must keep your emotions out of the negotiating process in order to be successful. And to avoid problems, follow laws and regulations to the letter.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

There’s lots of work on the agenda; you don’t have a second to spare at the office. In addition, your health may not be optimal and so you need to rest to regain your energy.

wifi available

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

BRAIN GAMES CROSSWORDS

ACROSS

PUZZLE NO. 820

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

You are proud of yourself after accomplishing a brilliant feat. You discover new talents you never knew you possessed. Your family may cause you a bit of stress.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

You spend lots of time at home, where you can find a wall or two to paint or some sort of work to be done. You may also decide to move on the spur of the moment.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

1. Small bit 5. Reserved 8. Love seat 12. Catholic leader 13. Prompt 14. Not tame 15. Carryall 16. Glazed 18. Male monarch 20. Lessens 21. Agree 24. Chew the ____ (gab) 25. Hammerhead, e.g. 26. Throb 30. Flat-faced dog 31. “____ and Peace” 32. Farm enclosure 33. Large turtle 36. In advance 38. Kindled 39. Salespeople 40. Slow-moving mollusk 43. Leafy veggie 44. Place of origin 46. Specks 50. Completed 51. Miniature 52. Prepare for press 53. Prospects for gold

54. ____ the good times roll 55. Reject

DOWN

1. Skillful 2. Excessively 3. Pick 4. Tamer 5. Aroma 6. Suspended 7. Supporting vote 8. Perspires 9. Olive products 10. Retreat 11. Totals 17. Dinner, e.g. 19. Sign 21. Certain vipers 22. Ignore 23. Adventure story 24. Bear’s coat 26. Bogey beater

27. Copycat 28. Boatbuilder’s wood 29. Football linemen 31. Soggy 34. Handyman’s tool 35. Medicinal form 36. Without exception 37. Minded 39. West Point student 40. Bargain-hunt 41. PBS science show 42. Congregation’s reply 43. On bended ____ 45. Piercing implement 47. Poem of praise 48. Cookie container 49. Porky’s pad

ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 819

This is an excellent week to seriously consider buying or selling a property. You are surprised to realize that you have the means to fulfill your ambitions.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

Everything advances at lightning speed this week. You settle a lot of things and you manage to reach people easily. You are surprised how quickly people return your calls.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

Your imagination knows no bounds and you bring to life a great masterpiece. You may also go to a show that really impresses you.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

Expect to receive lots of invitations from your friends. It seems as though you always have someone to talk to, and you may also attend several large gatherings.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

Your career takes off, as you have the audacity to make some really revolutionary suggestions. You could also start your own business.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

People want to confide in you. You may have to decipher a message in another language, or perhaps a cryptic comment made by your loved one.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

Your emotions are running high and you may weep tears of joy. One of your children accomplishes something special, such as learning to walk.

PUZZLE NO. 557

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

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, May 12, 2016

Associated with Legacy Auto Group

Where Quality & Service Meet Without Compromise 6165 Brenners Road, Fernie, BC â&#x20AC;˘ 250-423-9211 â&#x20AC;˘ www.fernieford.ca

Jordan Friesen General Manager

2016 Ford Escape

Finance Manager

Michelle Hattie Sales Specialist

Don Siska

Sales Specialist

Craig Zurowski Sales Specialist

2016 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium STK NC0204

SE STK NT1601

2016 Ford Fiesta SE

$218 Weekly for 60 months 1.49% financing $0.00 down

$113 Weekly for 72 months 0.00% financing $0.00 down

2016 Ford F-150 XLT

Jesse Johnson

2016 Ford F-350 Lariat

STK NT1635

$77 Weekly for 72 months 1.49% financing $0.00 down

STK NT1566

2016 Ford F-150 Lariat

STK NT1599

$215 Weekly for 72 months 0.00% financing $0.00 down

$252 Weekly for 72 months 0.00% financing $0.00 down

$359 Bi-Weekly for 84 months .99% financing $0.00 down Ask your Fernie Ford Team what accessories has been added to the this unit!

STK NC0199

Parts & Service Service Special $199.95- Spring Special

Sherry Lanktree Service Manager

Sheldon Orenchuk Parts Manager

Lewis Dominick Parts Advisor

CJ Mercer

Service Advisor

Includes full detail Oil change Tire rotation And multipoint inspection

Hailey Bodie

Service Advisor

Get up to

$750 Bonus Cash towards most new Ford Vehicles 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.