www.crowsnestpassherald.ca • 403-562-2248 •passherald@shaw.ca
May 13, 2020 ~ Vol. 90 No. 18 $1.00
Crowsnest Pass
Herald Serving the CnP SinCe 1930
John Kinnear photo
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions in place, the graduating class of 2020 was unable to have the regularly scheduled ceremony that previous classes have enjoyed. In lieu of the regular graduation ceremony that would have taken place on May 8 the parents of the graduating class and community members came together and provided these graduates with a celebration of their acheivements in a very unique way. Through a parents-driven idea, the graduating class of 2020 was able to parade down main street in Blairmore as community members and parents watched from sidewalks and cars, while socially distancing. Hundred of people gathered with signs, microphones and cheers to the graduates who never had a chance to celebrate. Many of the girls wore their formal dresses and those boys that had purchased their tuxedos dressed for the drive. Businesses put signs in their windows showing their support for these kids who have lost so much. Throughout the paper are photos of the procession and our 2020 graduates. See more photos on pages 8 and 9.
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No formal ceremony, yet class and community come together
DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter This year’s graduating class at CCHS was forced to celebrate in a unique way. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions in place, the graduating class of 2020 was unable to have the regularly scheduled ceremony that previous classes have enjoyed. Parents and community members came together and provided these graduates with a celebration of their acheivements in a very unique way. Through a parentsdriven idea, the graduating class of 2020 was able to parade down main street in Blairmore As community members and parents watched from sidewalks and cars. Graduating students Colby Snider and Maron Lim say the support that was shown by the community made the day special for them. "It was difficult but with the parents and all the people showing up, it made it special to us. I thought it was a good experience overall. Leading up to the day, I think everyone was a little upset ‘cause they knew grad wasn't going to be that day. We've been looking forward to it all school year. When we found out that people were trying to make it special for us and have a good time on that day it meant quite a bit to us. It was good to get a taste of what was actually supposed to happen that day," said Snider. “It was extravagant, lovely and most of all unbelievable. It was unbelievable because I didn't expect everyone to come out and show so much support for a small grad class like ours. It was so thoughtful and it moved a lot of the girls to tears," said Lim. Lim added that this was more unexpected because of what she had heard other schools were doing for their graduates. "It was unexpected and different from what
we'd been hearing because we have a lot of different connections with different schools and we'd been hearing some things that they had been doing to help us decide what we could do. This was definitely worth it and something our class loved.” Both Snider and Lim want to thank the community for the support. “Thanks to all the parents and all the people who came out and supported our grad,” said Snider “This showed me that everyone in the community as a whole is linked together and close no matter what. Overall, we're all so close together and everyone was so thoughtful and considerate that we're going through something. By showing their support they showed us that they understand what we were going through. Thank you for celebrating with us and for all the years that I've spent in this town have been amazing. Ending it with this big blast was greatly appreciated.” From the point of view of a parent of a graduate, Kim Lewis says she felt it would be important to celebrate these students in some way. “I have a son who is graduating and I just felt like it was important to not let that day go by without some acknowledgement, support and celebration of those kids. It's important that the kids were still acknowledged and knew that the community was behind them and supported them.” Assistant Principal, Jill Klapp, also wants the students to know how much they meant to the school and the community. The following is a statement from Klapp. “The CCHS Grad Class of 2020 is special. They are our warriors. They are our pioneers in technology and first responders during educational engagement during a pandemic. They have navigated themselves
through their own learning platforms to graduate and have not wavered from their ultimate goal. CCHS 2020 grads are innovative leaders in community politics, are provincially recognized dancers and are worldrecognized athletes. They are self-taught while others have raised themselves. Their school community loves them. They are leaned on for voice within the school and often share their insights with administration, their community and stakeholders on matters relating to the school, curriculum or citizenship. MP John Barlow has recognized members of the Grad Class of 2020 for outstanding achievements in historical stewardship. The Grad Class of 2020 has had half of their membership graduate a semester early this year so they may enter into trades and/or the workforce early to begin earning money for post secondary studies. The Grad Class of 2020 is also composed of album producing musicians and winners of prestigious scholarships in leadership. They are citizens who care for one another and their community. Members of this grad class are budding entrepreneurs and could often be found cooking three course lunch meals for the school. CCHS grad class 2020 could be found during the brighter days of the academic year in collaboration and learning outside our learning commons while waiting for their next classes or working on projects. CCHS grad class of 2020 were the first to say good morning to the office staff and would often bring in an extra coffee for some of their teachers or peers. This grad class of 2020 could be leaned on to mentor younger students in our building in mathematics, athletics and debate prep. To say this grad class will be missed by staff and the community of the Crowsnest Pass is an understatement.”
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Thank you to everyone who sent cards and well wishes for the passing of Joe Woodward. They were greatly appreciated. ~ Cory and Tom Woodward and families.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - Crowsnest PAss herAlD - 3
In the lIne of fIre Between May 4 and May 11, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to a total of 44 calls for service including the following reported incidents. Two (2) mischief (vandalism), one (1) theft of motor vehicle, one (1) theft, one (1) disturbing the peace, one (1) other criminal code, eight (8) other provincial statutes, nine (9) driving complaints, three (3) motor vehicle collisions, five (5) assistance to general public, five (5) suspicious occurrences, four (4) assistance to other agencies, one (1) 911 call (invalid), one (1) false alarm, one (1) animal call and one (1) municipal bylaw. Fire On May 2nd, 2020, there was a report of a fire in Forestry area outside of Coleman. The fire appears to be of suspicious nature and is under investigation. Anyone having information can contact the RCMP detachment or Crimestoppers Tips.
Theft On May 3rd, 2020, there was a complaint of theft of a licence plate from a Chevy truck parked in Frank. The theft occurred over the past couple weeks. Arrest On May 7th, 2020, Lethbridge Police Service requested assistance in arresting a 22-year-old male on an outstanding warrant. He was located and released on documents for Lethbridge Courts. Traffic Stop On May 9th, 2020, there was a traffic stop in Blairmore at approximately 11pm. 3 occupants of a vehicle were all charged with having liquor within easy access of the occupants. Disturbance Complaint On May 9th, 2020, at approximately 12am, there was a complaint of youths throwing rocks at vehicles on highway 3 in Coleman. Police attended and the youths ran away.
~ rCMP news ~
Vehicle Search On May 9th, 2020, there was a complaint that a vehicle had been rummaged through sometime overnight. Disturbance Complaint On May 10th, 2020, there was a complaint of disturbance in Blairmore. A 42-year-old male from Lethbridge was arrested on outstanding warrants. Judicial Remand hearing was held and he was released on documents for Lethbridge Courts. Effective immediately the RCMP office will be limited to persons attending detachment. If you need to attend the detachment, there will be limited persons at the detachment including front counter. Please call to make appointment at 403 562 2867. Be aware of a new scam. Victims get phone calls from someone pretending to be from Service Canada or another government agency, saying their social insurance number (SIN) has been blocked, compromised or suspended. The call might
The Simple Raven’s Post by Avner Perl
A world after COVID When I turned six years old, it was time to go to school. We lived on a farm a few kilometers from school and an old guy was charged with the task of taking four kids from three farms to school and back. We went in a wagon pulled by a white horse. The kids all wanted to sit in front to see when the horse went poo. The old guy enjoyed talking so he would tell what he knew about the news. News came from newspapers and was passed on from person to person. Now, people are worried about fake news and conspiracy theories. In my younger days, news reporters and editors had a code of honor and tried hard to tell the truth without taking sides. However, people often mixed into the news stories some of their personal experiences and a little bit of the stories they read in the popular fiction at the time. The old cart driver would talk to us kids while the horse slowly hauled us to and from school. He probably influenced us more than our teachers and parents combined. He spoke with us at our own level. His favorite subject was the early space explorations, mostly by the Soviet Union and the stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs, one of the first Science Fiction writers. At the time only a few people had radios and people treated what was said on the radio as God’s truth. I remember the wagoneer saying that scientists are planning to try to contact people from space with radio and that he thought it was dangerous. We may bring around some creatures that we can’t fight against. On the other hand, the wagoneer surmised, the “things” from space may be completely different from us. They may not use the radio, not even see and hear as we do. They may be a virus that just eats people from inside. Now after all those years later I remember his words. I am sitting in my truck on a hill. The old Crowsnest Pass towns are behind me in the mountains and a prairie town is in front. The towns look like medieval cities under siege by an enemy. The streets are empty, schools and shops are closed and only a few people quickly move from buildings to vehicles. There is fear in the air. A lonely train snakes its way in fields dotted by cattle that gained a few more days of life while the meat processing plants are closed. They don’t mind. From my vantage point, I can see mountain peaks over the border in the US. The invisible enemy is attacking both countries the same, but the response is dif-
be one of the latest variations on caller ID in which fraudsters disguises the number seen on the ID display in order to trick victims into answering phone. The person will ask for SIN and other personal info, such as date of birth, address, etc. Victims who provide personal info are at risk of identity fraud. Also, Do not say yes to any questions if you are unsure of who is calling as people can use voice recognition to access other information. Anyone with information regarding any crime is urged to contact the Crowsnest Pass RCMP Detachment at 403-5622867, or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous at 1800-422-TIPS. Reminder to residents of computer scams, credit cards scams, Grandparent scams, Revenue Canada scams asking for money or cash cards and saying warrants out for arrest, do not give out personal information to persons you don't know.
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ferent. Here the government is helping the people survive during the most dangerous part of the unusual health crisis, while there the push is to force the population to walk into danger or face hunger. I am so glad to be a Canadian, even though I feel that we could do more. Everyone around us is concerned about how we will come out of the mess. Can we survive without everyone working? Those who need to work for the rest of us to survive are working. The farmers and ranchers, store employees, and postal staff risk life to keep us afloat. The health care workers and government workers who dispense money, keep us safe, and plan how to deal with the crisis are working more than they normally do. Someone is driving the train below, others are taking care of it and transport trucks are on the road. The Canadians whose work is detrimental to society are not staying home taking government handouts. There are too many to name. We are calling them heroes but in “normal” times we try to cut their wages or working hours to save money, money that will be given away to large corporations. I look from my vantage point and consider the injustice of it all. We need shelter, food, health care, and other essentials and we have it. Most other things we can wait for. A lot of us make a living doing things that are “nice” but unnecessary. When we spend the emergency allowance from the government, we will keep the economy going. However, the much bigger economy next to us can’t maneuver as easily as we do. When their hundreds of millions begin to starve or walk into death traps where the jobs are, there will be a reaction. If the reaction weakens them, they will lose their ability to keep their empire together. There are others on the sidelines ready to run into the field. We can go on very well if we forget about expanding the economy and always having MORE. There is enough room at the top to divide and keep all the people fed, housed, educated, and in good health for a while if we stop expanding and producing more junk. We can have sustainable homes, vehicles, and a few trips, but we must stop. Calgary can’t keep spreading over more farms forever. I see the possibility of riots and disorder spreading if people find it impossible to stay alive. I see a shift in public opinion coming where people will believe science and quit politicizing genuine dangers. Above all, I see women finally becoming equal to men when they save the day. COVED will expose it. The push towards producing more things cheaper will soon die off as the world will react to what humans are doing. People will discover that there is value to human beings that is greater than what they can make and sell. In the Bible, it says that we are the yeast of the Earth. What does yeast do when you make wine? It keeps growing, multiplying slowly, then faster and later quickly producing heat, and eventually, spirit. We humans are not yet at the stage in which we can comprehend a transition to spirit, but we are getting closer. Here is a link to my blog: https://thesimpleravenspost.blogspot.ca/ Feel free to check other articles and comment.
4 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - Crowsnest PAss HerALD - 5
Crowsnest Council Briefs DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter
The following topics were discussed at the May 5th, Council Meeting. Tax Penalty Amendment Administration brought forward a report to Council on March 31, 2020 for Tax and Utility Penalty Deferral and Council passed Motion 16-2020-03-31 to delay late fees on 2020 taxes from July 1, 2020 to September 1, 2020. To complete the motion, an amendment to the Property Tax Penalty Bylaw 995, 2018 is required to reflect the decision made on March 31, 2020 by Council. Administration brought forward a report to Council on March 31, 2020 for Tax and Utility Penalty Deferral and Council passed Motion 16-2020-03-31 to delay late fees on 2020 taxes from July 1, 2020 to September 1, 2020. To complete the motion, an amendment to the Property Tax Penalty Bylaw 995, 2018 is required to reflect the decision made on March 31, 2020 by Council. At a Webinar held by Municipal Affairs regarding options for deferring
the school tax requisition for non-residential property owners, it was disclosed that an amendment is needed to either the property tax bylaw or if a Municipality has a property tax penalty bylaw to account for the delay in payment. Council then made motions passing first, second and third reading of the bylaw and all three motions were carried. Subdivision and Development Securities Policy When Council approved the Development and Securities Policy at the November 26, 2019 Council Meeting, they also requested that a legal review be completed on the policy. The policy was forwarded to our solicitor and Administration has now had the opportunity to review their recommendations. The recommended changes are not only to address legal concerns, but also to increase functionality, readability and clarity of the policy. With respect to the latter, the definitions section was revised to ensure consistent terminology and language between the policy and the stan-
dard form development agreements recently drafted by our solicitor. Throughout the Policy, Council may delegate decision making authority and implementation discretion to a development officer, manager, director, or CAO. The current policy often referred to the Municipality as having discretion to make certain decisions, however it is recommended that Council be more specific in its direction regarding who can make decisions under the Policy. Furthermore, throughout the policy, there were blank spaces where Council can specifically identify who has the authority and discretion to make certain decisions regarding the taking and releasing of security. The Governance and Priorities Committee recommended this be the CAO or designate. Various sections of the current policy make reference to a decision or process being carried out as per a development agreement, however the policy is to act as a guiding document where Council is able to provide clear direction as to the key requirements for security
under the development agreement 68 process. Therefore, any reference that suggests that the process to be followed is dictated by the development agreement has been removed and instead expanded upon in the key terms and provisions regarding security. Added a provision on change of ownership and on drawing on and releasing of security. If Council wishes to retain authority over certain exception requests, then the factors that will determine when a request must be reviewed by Council and when it must be reviewed by the CAO should be outlined. There also should be clear parameters regarding which situations will constitute a "unique circumstance". Councillor Anctil made a motion that Council accept the Subdivision and Development Securities Policy as presented. The motion was carried. Crowsnest Pass Regulation The Crowsnest Pass Regulation is set to expire on August 31, 2020. From discussions with the Minister of Municipal Affairs in the fall of 2019, the Provincial Government does not have a desire to renew the Regulation. Further discussions were
to have occurred at the Spring RMA convention although these did not happen due to Covid-19. Administration is recommending to request a oneyear extension to allow more time to review the ramifications of the Regulation not being in place. Administration has had some initial conversation with Municipal Affairs staff, however more discussion is needed. Some initial points are that without the Regulation the way that policing is calculated will change, less grant money will be available, and the area that fire bylaws can be enacted will be unclear. The provision regarding adjusting land boundaries will not be as simple, however it is not likely that this will be easily executed anyways. Council discussed their options to ask for an extension or not and Councillor Filipuzzi made a motion that council ask for the one year extension to the Crowsnest Pass Regulation and that motion was carried. Bellecrest Community Association Lease Administration has been working with the Bellecrest Association to finalize the lease agreement for the Bellevue Me-
morial Park and Concession. Recently, during this process, the Association has asked Council to consider having the Municipality take over the garbage pick up and mowing of this area. After a discussion, Councillor Filipuzzi made a motion that council approve the Bellecrest Community Association request of providing mowing and garbage removal in the new lease. The motion was carried. Kid’s Corner UROC Mountain Bike Trail UROC presented a Kid's Bike Trail plan to Council, located behind 16th Avenue in Blairmore. After the project information packages were delivered to residences within the location of the trail plan, Council received responses from concerned residents in this area. Council directed Administration to review this project and meet with all concerned residents and provide feedback to Council for reconsideration of this project. Council directed Administration to review this project and meet with all concerned residents and provide feedback to Council for reconsideration of this project. Cont’ d on page 16
6 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Editorial Well you are going to read a lot about graduation in this issue. Last Friday would have been graduation day for the Class of 2020. Unfortunately it wasn’t the graduation these fine young men and women expected and I know this because one of those graduates was my son Aiden. I pretty much cried the whole week leading up to the day. I remember grad week for Keiran and each night was an activity at someone’s house for the kids. They had 80s dress up night, Hawaiian night, five nights of fun themed dressed experiences leading up to the ceremony. Unlike his brother, I watched my son’s week leading up to grad in front of a computer doing virtual school. It broke my heart. There are moment in life you remember, your marriage, the birth of you children, death and your gradation. COVID-19 took this from these kids and it broke my heart. Most of the girls and a lot of the boys had their dresses and tuxes and now they had nowhere to wear them. They lost a night that was all about them and their accomplishments. Thursday morning, eyes swollen from tears, I received a call from Kim Lewis, her son Jace was graduating, and she said, “Lisa we have to do something” and do something we did. In the matter of a day and a half we had a parade booked for these kids down main street Blairmore. We called Real Country Radio, we hit social media and we asked the community to come forward and celebrate, socially distant of course, the Grads of 2020. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but half the municipality showing up to cheer was not one of them. Businesses decorated their window and signs, the RCMP lead the procession (they didn’t hesitate when I asked) and the health unit nurses held up signs and rang buzzers. I even heard someone on a loud speaker yelling congratulations class of 2020. I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes and the kindness and support of this community humbled me. I have heard all the rhetoric about social isolation and I get it, but to those of you who didn’t think it was a big idea for these kids to miss their grad I’ll tell you is was a huge deal for them and their families. When it was over I asked Aiden if he thought it was cheesy and his reply to me was, “Mom thank you so much for a period of time we felt special. We dressed up, the community support blew my mind and we didn’t feel like we had lost everything”. Humbling words from a kid who didn’t expect anything and in the end got everything this community could give. I’ve even heard grumblings from the class of 2021 that they may even want a parade down Main Street. So I guess if we can do it, it will be remembered that the class of 2020 started a new tradition in the Crowsnest Pass. So thank you to everyone that showed up in support of these kids, thank you to Kim and Cherie for helping me wrangle kids and keep them socially distant. Thank you to the RCMP who could have stopped it and instead showed up and led the way. This, my readers, is why we love the Crowsnest Pass and good, bad or ugly we stay and support it. We really are a community that loves its people and I have never been more proud to be a resident of this fine community. Even though it was not the day the graduates had planned we as a community were able to make it a memory they will have forever!
Bricks & Bouquets BRICKS - Tons of bricks to the senior (lady) who shoved me physically, shoved and elbowed me aside to put her wares on the counter in Blairmore. She wasn’t keeping her physical distance. It might be a good idea to put circles on the floor to remind people to keep their physical distance. Stop the virus, stay home. BOUQUETS - To Joe Filipuzzi for filling in sunken graves at the cemeteries. He’s using his own fill and time to make sure there is some dignity at the place.
Letters to the the Editor Policy: The Pass Herald welcomes Letters to the Editor that examine issues, but reserves the right to edit for length, libel and syntax. Writers must sign letters and include first and last names, address and telephone number. Address and telephone numbers will not be published. Only in exceptional cases will the Pass Herald withhold the name of the writer and in those cases the writer must disclose his/her name, address and telephone number to the Editor. Electronic email will be considered an electronic signature. Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinion of the Pass Herald. Letters cannot exceed 1,000 words. We have limited space, but we do enjoy printing every article. So please, to allow everyone to express their opinion, keep the letters short and to the point. We do have the right to refuse any letter that in our judgement may contain libel or libelous opinions. Should a litigation result from your letter, you as the writer are responsible but so is this newspaper as the publisher. The Pass Herald is a family owned community newspaper and therefore reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that in our opinion does not follow our mandate. We cannot accept advertisements or letters criticizing or disparaging other advertisers, companies or individuals or any advertisements directed to a religion or race.
COVID in a foreign country Dear Editor; Yesterday the president extended the present quarantine until the end of May, but said that they could continue with some easing of restrictions to begin in a few days. Probably some businesses will reopen and the beach, for locals only. Access to town is guarded by the military and if you don't live here you don't get in. Huanchaco has no confirmed cases at this time so we don't mind the blockade. What does this mean for me? Firstly, because there are almost no tourists left here, my Spanish is improving every day. I have a lot more time to reflect on life in general and the difference in social and cultural values between here and north America. We are under a lock down far more severe than anything that exists in Canada or the USA. This government has not got the resources of northern countries, so their main weapon of defence is isolation. they are not able to
compete in the bidding for personal safety devices against richer nations. They are making masks which are distributed from clinics but also encouraging the making of homemade ones. they trying to manufacture test kits but again the resources are limited. The reason for success to day hinges on the cooperation of the people. This , they have almost totally.. These people are suffering from unemployment but they have an abundance of empathy for the well being of their fellow sufferers. almost nobody complains or whines about their misfortunes and almost everyone is compliant with the rules of distancing and wearing masks. If you are seen outside without a mask,you will get the stink eye and be shunned. Vendors will not sell to you and practically none will speak to you. This is a cultural thing. The Latino societies are societies of WE; as opposed to the north's
society of ME. When I see the political battles, and protests mostly in the U.S. but in Canada as well. it all seems so childish and selfish. The concept accepting any inconvenience for the welfare of some stranger and for the survival of the whole doesn't seem to register with many up there. I see the selfish disregard for others in the refusal to wear masks or distance daily in the news. It seems to be divisive and stupid. Here the people understand instinctively that survival of life depends on the cooperation of all. . That idea doesn't sit well with our capitalistic thinking. Here respect from others equals success. There the guy with the most toys gets the most respect. By no means is this culture without its drawbacks , but when it comes to family values and personal happiness, they are light years ahead.. They don't need the glitter and trappings of Hollywood to feel self worth. they don't judge people by their
possessions or profession but by who they are as a person. They read a great deal more than most in the north and are way ahead at a personal level of what is happening in country and worldwide. they certainly don't make their life or political descions based on what celebrities think and say. They are poor but they are not ignorant. In short; I may be stuck here for several months which I regret, but I am safe, the weather is great, and I am among people who accept me for me without worrying about where I come from or my personal beliefs. If they disagree they don't argue or deride me to others. They simply cease to interact with me because they believe that arguing is dumb I don't think much will change for me over the next while so I won't be writing for a while. If something major occurs I will try to pass on an opinion from this different world. Stay safe and hug your family. Rick Belliveau
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Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - cRowSneSt PASS HeRALD - 7
Livingstone Range School Graduation 2020
Three workers from Pincher Creek Harvest Coffee House made personalized meals for delivery to each of Livingstone School’s graduates on Friday, May 8th. The entire staff also convoyed over 150km to the houses of every grad Friday to celebrate Livingstone Schools traditional Staff Grad Breakfast. One staff member says, “teachers have a moral obligation to help look out for not only the well being of our students but community as well.” The Staff Grad Breakfast is a yearly tradition for LHS and due to the pandemic, a different way to hold the event was found. The School's Motto is "It’s Personal" and you can note that the coffeehouse Staff personalized each of the breakfast bags. Herald contributor photo
8 – CrowSneSt PASS HerALD – Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - CrowSneSt PASS HerALD - 9
Crowsnest Consolidated High School Graduation 2020 Highlights
John Kinnear and Lisa Sygutek photos
Jennifer Vanderplas photo
10 – Crowsnest Pass HeraLD – Wednesday, may 13, 2020
My good friend and mentor - the life of my publisher
Dan Barr former Cardston Chronicle publisher Dan Barr passes away after years of newspaper publishing.
Arnim Joop On April 27, I have lost a good friend who was my mentor. When I immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1988/89 and was looking for a job as a journalist in Alberta, I obtained a list of all the community newspapers in this province, and my wife Susan and I drove all the way from Wetaskiwin,
where we first lived, to southern Alberta, and we stopped in every small town on Highway 2, and I dropped off my resume at all these small newspapers. The reception was not overwhelming, because many of those community newspapers had only a few reporters, but when we reached the small town of Cardston south of Lethbridge at the
end of the day, we were greeted by a friendly, jolly and tall gentleman who needed a reporter for his “Cardston Chronicle”, and that gentleman was Mr. Dan Barr. Dan, a Canadian with Scottish ancestors, was sceptical and asked me how good my command of the English language was, because I had a heavy German accent, but he promised to read my resume and get back to me as soon as possible. A few days later, he phoned me and offered me a job, so we drove back to Cardston and then to Lethbridge with Dan where he signed an Offer of Employment at the local office of Employment and Immigration Canada, and this document became my entrance ticket for Canada. A few months later, I started working for the “Cardston Chronicle”, and that became a very interesting and memorable chapter in my life.
The newspaper office was on 3rd Avenue West, across the street from the Town Office, the Courthouse Museum, and the Cardston Public Library. During the next two years, I learnt a lot from Dan and his wife Marie. Dan was the publisher and a jack of all trades who did not only sell advertising for the newspaper but was able to repair anything, and Marie was the editor. I learnt how to use a computer, develop films and photographs in the darkroom, improve my English, and many other things. And Dan, who liked to call me “the damn German”, sent me to many seminars where I was able to spruce up my journalistic skills. Working with the Barrs was a challenge at times, because both of them were powerful persons with strong characters and smart business people, but they didn’t always agree with each other, and sometimes the staff was caught in the middle of their arguments. That gave me the idea to create a weekly column for the newspaper which I called “Behind Barrs.” Both of them loved the idea, and I wrote my column every week and talked about a variety of topics, and it became quite popular among readers. When I worked at the “Cardston Chronicle”, I had to cover rodeos, small town parades, many high school basketball games, minor hockey, curling, meetings of school boards and the Municipal District of Cardston, and town council meetings in Magrath and Raymond, which were all new to me, but I learnt a lot and have many fond memories of that time. One time, when there was a municipal election coming up, I had to interview some of the candidates, and most of them were farmers, and it was harvest time in southern Alberta, so they didn’t have time to meet with me. One of them agreed to be interviewed, but I had to meet him on one of his wheat fields where he was driving his combine. His wife drove me there when she brought him his lunch, I climbed on the combine and interviewed him while he was making his rounds with the combine. Cardston and the surrounding area is an interesting region with its diverse population: the predominantly Mormon Town of Cardston, several Hutterite colonies with
their old-fashioned, down-to-earth and deeply religious lifestyle, and the Indigenous people on the Blood Reserve which is the largest First Nations reserve in Canada. And the landscape of the area is also beautiful with the prairies meeting the Rocky Mountains and Waterton National Park. This was an environment quite different from the big cities in Germany where I had lived the first 37 years of my life before I immigrated to Canada. Cardston was our first home when my wife Susan and I immigrated to Canada, and the community was very welcoming, although we were not Mormon. We got married at St. Andrew’s United United Church just two weeks after arriving in Cardston, my wife Susan worked as a nurse in long-term care at the Cardston Municipal Hospital, and our son Alvin graduated from Cardston High School. During my time working for the “Cardston Chronicle”, the unique Remington Carriage Museum was built, and I covered the groundbreaking ceremony with Jack Ady, who was the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Alberta for Cardston then, and the grand opening of that beautiful facility was in 1993. One of the highlights for me, working for the “Cardston Chronicle”, was the renovation of the Mormon Temple in Cardston and its rededication in 1991 when we published a special section with stories about the history and significance of the Temple. On that important occasion, Alberta’s Premier Don Getty and several cabinet ministers visited Cardston, and I had the opportunity to interview one of the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Salt Lake City, Utah. Dan Barr was not Mormon but a very community-minded businessman. He was a long-time dedicated member of the Kinsmen Club, a proud member of the Masonic Order, and an active member of the Cardston and District Chamber of Commerce. And he was passionate about people who were less fortunate. For example, before I worked for him, I read in the “Cardston Chronicle” that he had an employee, Jerry Cahoon, who was living with cystic fibrosis and worked for the “Cardston Chronicle”, doing adver-
tising design and graphics, and Dan kept him on his payroll even when he was very sick and couldn’t work anymore until he died at age 33. Dan’s motto was “Work hard and party hard.” We worked long hours, but it was a lot of fun, because we were a good team, and when the paper was done, we had many social gatherings at Dan’s and Marie’s house, celebrating Christmas and birthdays together. Every Monday was the production day for the “Cardston Chronicle” and the “Raymond Review”, when we put the papers together, and it was always a long day without breaks, but my wife Susan often cooked delicious meals for the whole team which were appreciated and enjoyed by everybody. We were like a happy family. But this happy family fell apart when Dan and Marie separated and sold the “Cardston Chronicle” in 1990, but I was able to find a new job and worked two years as a reporter for the “Lethbridge Herald” in Taber. When I started my own newspaper in 1995, the monthly publication “Albertaner” for Germanspeaking people in Alberta, and a second paper in 2008, the multicultural community newspaper “Mill Woods Mosaic” in southeast Edmonton, Dan gave me some good advice, but he admitted that he did not always make the right decisions when he was in business, and I admired him for that. When I found myself in a challenging situation, I often asked myself: “What would Dan Barr do?” The newspaper industry is not an easy business, especially in times of crisis, like we are experiencing now, but Dan has taught us with his cheerful attitude how it can be managed without getting burnt out by the daily stress. We stayed in touch with Dan over the years, he visited us several times in Edmonton, and I think he was proud that his former reporter, “the damn German”, started his own newspaper business and became “reasonably successful.” Dan Barr died in Lethbridge on April 27 which was his 77th birthday. Rest in Peace, my good friend! I miss you. Arnim Joop is a German-Canadian journalist and publisher and editor of two ethnic newspapers which are based in Edmonton.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - crowsnest pass HeraLD - 11
John Pundyk.CoM
Simply Selles
403
Musings from you local reporter
The community of the Crowsnest Pass continues to surprise me. This past weekend, as many are aware, would’ve been the grad ceremonies for this year’s Grade 12 graduating class. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these graduates were unable to have the same ceremonies as previous graduating classes and were poised to miss out on a great celebration, that is until parents and the community stepped up to the plate. A parade down main street in Blairmore gave these students the chance to feel the love and support they would’ve felt had this pandemic not happened. It was amazing seeing all the videos posted online after the parade and seeing how special it was for the students to still have a chance to celebrate. I remember my high school grad vividly. I wore a white suit, a top hat and used my Opa’s cane to complete my look. The weeks leading up to my grad were exciting. I knew the time was almost here that I would be able to walk across the stage and be able to say I completed high school. Sure, the speeches that follow can seem repetitive and boring at times but it’s another way that people show love and support to the graduating classes. I’m glad to see the community stepping up in this way to celebrate the graduating class of 2020. Graduating high school is a major accomplishment and every student who does deserves recognition for it. Here’s to the graduating class of 2020 for a job well done. Not many people can say they graduated during a global pandemic but you all managed to. Congratulations to all the students and good luck in wherever life takes you next.
By-election Update DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter
During a Council Meeting on Tuesday, May, 5th, Administration and Council looked further into their options for a by-election. The purpose of the by-election would be to fill the vacant seat on council left by Gordon Lundy. Given the current Covid-19 Pandemic it would not be possible to hold a by-election, therefore Administration contacted a Municipal Affairs Advisor to confirm which options are possible; as a blanket extension to byelections was not included in the recent MGA amendments. Administration was informed that ultimately it is only the Minister of Municipal Affairs that can alter the current requirement for holding a by-election. Council had three options to consider for this byelection and they are as follows: 1. Plan for the by-election and hope that the Covid19 restrictions are lifted prior to June 27, 2020. 2. Request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs grants an extension to the Section 165 requirement of 120 days to October 31, 2020. 3. Request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs grants an exemption to Section 162 to allow Council to remain at 6 Councillors. It will be within the 18-month window before a general election prior to the restrictions being lifted and given that there is only one vacancy, would meet the allowance for not having a by-election. After a discussion around whether or not to hold a by-election, Councillor Filipuzzi made a motion that Council plan for a by-election on June 27, 2020. Once the motion was made, council had a chance to ask for further clarification or add comments and Councillor Sygutek said she doesn’t believe it is possible for Administration to legally put together a by-election in such a short period of time due to certain advertising times and other factors. Council then asked Councillor Filipuzzi if his motion could be amended and make the final date July 27th or at the earliest possible date. Councillor Filipuzzi accepted the amendments and council passed the motion meaning there will be a byelection by July 27, 2020.
Royal LePage South Country Real Estate Services Ltd. moUnTaIn PRoPeRTy Great opportunity to own a mountain acreage close to Lee Lake and en route to Castle Mountain Ski Resort. This acreage offers many opportunities for someone who would like to keep horses or other farm animals on a small piece of land. Small acreages in this area are few because of the subdivision process and requirements. Just off of Highway 507. $249,000 CALL JOHN MLS
562-8830 jpundyk@shaw.ca coleman loT Serviced, flat building lot in Coleman. Close to York Creek staging area. Miles of groomed backcountry trails for motorized and non-motorized activities. Fantastic fly fishing. Affordable property in the Canadian Rockies. Close to Fernie, Castle Mountain. This property offers fantastic value whether you wish to build or move in a ready built home. $54,000 CALL JOHN MLS
coleman Full lot with exceptional mountain views. House is to be removed so this property is priced for the lot value only. One of the very few sites where you can see Crowsnest Mountain, Tecumseh and the South Range all at the same time. $69,000 CALL JOHN MLS
BlaIRmoRe conDo Very nice condo apartment in a historic building in a central location. This unit has been expertly updated for the comforts of modern living. An affordable option whether as a home or an investment. Parking at rear. Ski hill, swimming pool and other amenities within walking distance. $84,000 CALL JOHN MLS
coleman Spacious 3 bedroom home. Expertly rebuilt one level house, with an addition featuring large sitting room and ample sized master bedroom. Large family room with a gas fireplace and bright front room with mountain view. Large screened front porch. Garage accessible from the back lane. Excellent starter home or revenue property in tight rental market. $172,500 CALL JOHN MLS
HIllcReST Fantastic value for the most discriminating buyer. This very large 20' x 76' modular home was built in 2002. Excellent location with fenced yard in Monte Vista Park. 3 bedroom, plus a large Bonus room. Brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring just installed. Bright, spacious kitchen. Beautiful large deck and 12' x 16' outdoor shed. $114,900 CALL JOHN MLS
coleman Large, flat lot with sunny exposure and big, mountain views. Large 3 bedroom home to be sold 'AS IS'. Great opportunity for a place to park an RV in the Canadian Rockies. Close to York Creek staging area and miles of backcountry trails. Crowsnest river and fly fishing nearby. $125,000 CALL JOHN MLS
PRIme BUIlDInG loTS UnDeRGRoUnD PoWeR SeRVIce anD all oTHeR UTIlITIeS Timberline ridge in Bellevue offers a sunny location, beautiful mountain views and wide paved streets. These prime building lots are available at affordable prices, from $68,000 to $140,000. Large and fully serviced lots have underground power, easy topography, and are ready for the spring building season. Crowsnest Pass offers unparalleled value in the Canadian Rockies. Active, friendly community. CALL JOHN FOR MORE INFORMATION MLS
Ranked #3 in units sold in ALL of Alberta Royal LePage in 2019
BlaIRmoRe One of a kind historic brick home located on an extra-large corner lot in Blairmore. This five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 1920 with brick.. Self-contained apartment on second level. Amazing decks and backyard. Huge lot. Possibility of building another home without compromising the existing living and outdoor spaces. 24’ x 38’ garage, large garden shed and fenced RV parking. Phenomenal value and potential. $619,000 CALL JOHN MLS
BelleVUe Fantastic opportunity for commercial location along busy Highway 3. East and West bound traffic access. Currently occupied as a successful fly-fishing shop, known to fly fishermen throughout Canada and the U.S. Can be sold as a business to someone wishing for a change of pace or for a property that can be re-purposed. C1 zoning allows for different opportunities. High traffic volume in front of the property. $435,000 CALL JOHN MLS
11 IRonSTone Luxurious semi detached bungalow at Ironstone Lookout. End unit with luxurious finishes. 2 bedrooms, plus a bonus room down. Vaulted throughout. Open floor plan with integrated living space. Fantastic family room and media room. Two gas fireplaces and central air. Beautiful mountain views. Garage with commercial grade floor finish. Main floor laundry. $395,000 CALL JOHN MLS
PaSSBURG DRIVe Affordable 3 acre lot with a well. Perfect place for a modular home and a large shop. Short drive to Crowsnest Pass and world class recreational areas that include fly-fishing, backcountry hiking, skiing and sledding. Incredible mountain views. $145,000 + GST CALL JOHN MLS
lUnDBReck HoTel Live and work next to magnificent Alberta Rockies in Lundbreck. Large cinderblock building includes a restaurant, tavern, seven rooms, plus spacious manager's suite. 1.57 acres of land allows for plenty of parking. Large lawn. Huge garage. Close to Crowsnest/Castle rec area. Affordable opportunity for a new lifestyle. $250,000 CALL JOHN MLS
24 IRonSTone 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, bungalow with vaulted ceilings and open floor plan. Hardwood flooring, alder wood cabinets and quartz counters. Stainless steel appliances and gas fireplace. Master suite with large walk-in closet and 3-piece bathroom. Double car garage. Main floor laundry hookups and downstairs laundry. Spacious family room downstairs with wide stairway. Ample parking and beautiful green space. $345,000 CALL JOHN MLS
commeRcIal loT and with east/west access on busy Hwy 3. Located at first entrance to Bellevue. Has access to municipal water and sewer. This bare land property can be acquired with bordering property, Crowsnest Angler. Tremendous traffic count in front of property. Suitable for many different activities. $190,000 CALL JOHN MLS
New ShowhomeS
12 – CROWSNEST PaSS hERald – Wednesday, May 13, 2020
The Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and taking all necessary precautions to support the health and safety of our members, team and community members. We are working remotely to try and keep you as updated as possible, you can continue to reach us by phone (403-562-7108) or email (office@crowsnestpasschamber.ca). During these hard times we will see a lot of people hurting and vulnerable, we encourage you to show compassion and empathy. We will get through this, but it is important we all stay strong, healthy and continue to practice all the preventative measures in order to make that happen.
WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES WHILE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING: • Share social media updates • Order takeout/delivery • Buy merchandise online • Attend online classes • Buy a gift card • Leave a review • Read your local paper As tough as this situation has been, we have seen our local businesses increase their support for one another, highlight their innovative sides and decorate their windows with messages of support/silly faces/teddy bears and hearts. Thank you to our local businesses for going above and beyond to try to continue to provide our community with their amazing services. Please visit www.crowsnestpasschamber.ca for a listing of information and resources for the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also follow us on Facebook to receive updates on Local businesses and governement announcments.
Alberta Biz Connect is providing workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely. As businesses prepare to reopen as part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, resources are available to help keep you, your staff, and your customers safe. By working together, we can ensure our sacrifices to slow the spread of COVID-19 are not wasted. To be successful during the economic relaunch, businesses should continue acting responsibly by following public health and physical distancing measures and using good hygiene and disinfecting practices. If you are looking for guidance on reopening please visit:
https://www.alberta.ca/index.aspx
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Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - CrowSneSt PASS HerALD - 13
Looking Back
The initial strategic locating of coal mines in the Crowsnest Pass and the Elk Valley was driven by some simple criteria, access to the railroad and access to the coal-bearing Kootenay Formation coal seams. In the Pass, accessible exposures of coal within the Kootenay Formation brought about development of many mines within the Pass whose locations are well known. In the Elk Valley, where the seams of the enormous Crowsnest Coal Basin dropped down close to valley bottom geologically, several mines were also developed. These mines came to be known as Morrissey, Coal Creek, Hosmer and Michel. The most well known of these is the Coal Creek Mine which operated from 1898 until 1958 until it was finally shut down due to a drastic drop in demand and conversion to oil and gas. Coal Creek Mine had a remarkable history and a unique small town that developed around the various mine buildings. The entire Coal Creek mine and town infrastructure has been more or less obliterated now, either torn down or left to degrade and be swallowed up by deciduous growth. Canada’s third-worst mine disaster, in which 130 miners were lost in one brutal devastating explosion, occurred up at the Coal Creek mines, seven miles from the town of Fernie. Two problems that made Coal Creek so dangerous were that the coal was very gassy and the topography was so abrupt on either side of the valley. Once an entry was driven in a few hundred feet into the hillside there could be as much as 2,000 feet of cover over top of it. As coal was extracted (pillared) the collapsing pressure bearing down on this development caused massive gas bumps and cave-ins. Indeed the topography was so severe that on several occasions the town site endured snow slides that ran right through the town. At one point, later on in Coal Creek Mine mining history, a decision was taken to build a new tipple (preparation plant and facilities) and to develop a mine that would potentially not suffer from such catastrophic pressure. In 1943 that plant was completed and a new mine opened to be its principal feed. That mine was known as #9 Mine and its location is just about as spectacular as any coal mine you will ever see. The plant was known as the Elk River Colliery and the entries, fan house and hoist house were built 600 feet above the valley floor from where the cleaning plant lay. The infrastructure installed to connect the mine to the new tipple included a pair of unique retarding conveyors that brought the coal down to the valley bottom and a 1,900 foot long surface incline track. The incline track system went straight up the 30-degree slope of the mine’s mountainside, mostly on a trestle because of the uneven ground. Men and supplies were hoisted up and down the mountain in coal cars and timber cars using a big cable hoist perched above the entries. The location of #9 Mine was at the very top of the Kootenay Formation and directly below a massive 75-foot thick quartzitic sandstone band. The fine grained sandstone band stands out very prominently amongst the now tree-covered mountain-side when viewed from the valley below and therein lies a story. The hoist house for the incline sat directly below that sandstone bluff and when one stands on its roof, one realizes the peril that existed there. They recognized the danger of rock falls and subsequently the roof of the hoist house was built over two feet thick, comprising of a layer of 2 x 10’s on edge covered by 3 inch plank lain flat, then a layer of sheet iron, then 4 x 4’s every 16 inches on center and then another layer of 3 inch plank. I stood on this roof years ago and looked up and can tell you that the structure on that building’s roof could have been 8 feet thick and I still would not have worked inside that hoist room. The view down to the valley bottom was also astonishing and my vehicle, parked down at the old plant site, was barely visible. Alongside the hoist house they poured specially tapered concrete columns to hold up the sandstone lip that the hoist room was tucked in under. Those massive support columns are still holding today. What is even more remarkable about this sandstone bluff is that, in 1947, a 100 ton section of it broke loose, tore down the mountainside and severely damaged that special retarding conveyor system, the snow sheds and some of the supply track. Fortunately, it was an idle day at the mine but the amazing thing was that ten men, including the mine overman Dan Chester, had just made the trip to the valley floor from the top on a man skip only minutes before. The après damage inspection revealed the disturbing fact that a body of rock about twice the size of what had fallen out was left suspended up there, held only by two small ledges. For this mine, the main coal supply to the plant to continue running safely, this hazard had to be dealt with. A rather novel idea was hatched to build a restraining steel harness to hold back that weakened sandstone zone. The harness was to be built with 7/8 inch steel hoist cable that had been retired from what they call an endless underground haulage system. In time old underground hoist cables became weakened and need to be replaced for safety reasons. The way in which the harness was built was as unique as the mine itself. At the top of the bluff, above the bad zone, holes were drilled and one end of long strands of the harness cable was cemented into the holes using flowers of sulphur. I cannot find any reference anywhere as to why this sulphur agent, normally used in the medical profession, was used to bond the cables into the holes. Once a series of parallel vertical strands were dropped down, they were then grouted into the bottom of the cliff. Next horizontal cables were attached in a cross pattern series using large cable clamps, thus forming a giant steel net. I found a 1947 picture of the mine overman (pit boss) Dan Chester, hanging off the harness as he was attaching the clamps to bond horizontal and vertical cables together. In the photo he wore his miner’s lamp, even though he was working outside. No doubt that monster bluff casts a pretty dark shadow. I first visited #9 Mine in 1991 and the memory of hanging off that harness and looking out northward across the valley towards Mount’s Fernie, Proctor and Trinity was spectacular. The harness is still holding to this day and the site is still accessible by means of an 11-switchback overgrown road that climbs up the hillside at a tolerable 4 per cent grade. The mine is included as part of the Coal Creek Heritage Trail interpretive trail which was installed years ago and is an unforgettable hike. There is one more fascinating aspect to the #9 Mine story and it is that there was a stunning fossil find located nearby. It lies at about the same elevation but about a half mile west of the #9 Mine entries. The fossil was discovered in 1947, the same year the mine was dealing with that hair-raising sandstone collapse. Its discoverer was Chuck Newmarch, a geologist with the B.C. Geological Survey. It was named Titanites Occidentalis after ammonites of similar size found elsewhere and it unofficially became Canada’s largest ammonite fossil. The spectacular stone cast lies near a steep, ephemeral drainage that flows into Coal Creek and is a whopping 5 ½ feet in diameter. This ancient version of a modern day nautilus is partially a cast and partially an impression. When they existed, ammonites were predatory, squid like creatures that lived inside coil-shaped shells. When I try to imagine one 5 ½ feet in diameter, bobbing along in the ancient Western Interior Seaway that covered most of Alberta, it leaves me speechless. The Coal Creek ammonite is often referred to as the “fossil truck tire.” I have found several miniature ammonites in the marine shales of the Bearpaw Formation just east of Coleman. It is always exciting to spy one sticking out of a shale bed. The ancient fossilized remains of a creature that dates back 75 million years! The Number 9 Mine development lasted from 1943 until the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company finally shut down all operations at the Elk River Colliery, leaving 284 men out of work. The plan to reduce subsidence and bumping at the mine by going up higher didn’t work that well and the mine experienced some bumping events like the mines in the valley below. It seems the issue then was more about speed of extraction than depth of cover.
By John Kinnear
Coal Mine in the Sky
Authors Note: Check out the on line version for more fascinating image.
From top: Elk River Colliery and Number 9 Mine - credit Fernie Historical Society; Local MLA and reluctant visitor take a ride on incline track - credit Fernie Historical Society; View of the massive sandstone bluff and hoist house - John Kinnear photo; Rock cable harness- 1947 Dan Chester inset - John Kinnear photo; The Coal Creek ammonite near the mine - John Kinnear photo
14 – Crowsnest pass HeraLD – Wednesday, May 13, 2020
In Memory of
Margaret Osadan October 27, 1942 - May 22, 2016
For Rent
For Rent
For Sale
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Deadline for Classified is
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Our lives gO On withOut yOu But nOthing is the same, we have tO hide Our heartaches when sOmeOne speaks yOur name. sad are the hearts that lOve yOu silent the tears that fall, living Our hearts withOut yOu is the hardest part Of all. yOu did sO many things fOr us yOur heart was kind and true, and when we needed tO talk tO sOmeOne we cOuld always cOunt On yOu. the special years will nOt return when we were all tOgether, But with the lOve within Our hearts yOu will walk with us fOrever.
~ Sheryl, Trevor & Brandan Shelly & T.J.
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Real Estate SASKATCHEWAN FARMLAND on Bakken oilfield. Under $1000 an acre. Paying 5% return with long term lease. For more information contact Doug at 306716-2671.
Obituary To the Love of my Life, and my Best Friend. I travelled through time without knowing, And saw us with ancient eyes. Our vigour and youth shone like crystal,
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DONALD JAMES MORRIS 1951 ~ 2020 Our hopes not yet dashed by the lies. I could smile at the plans and the joys, The dreams, the tears and the gain I wouldn’t change one whit with the knowledge Of the endings, the loss and the pain
Donald passed away April 28, 2020 in the compassionate care of Swan Valley Lodge, Creston B.C., after a courageous battle with cancer. Donald had an enjoyable childhood is the original town of Port Alice, B.C. later moving with his family to Prince Rupert, and then Duncan, B.C. He left in his early 20’s for Blairmore, Alta., where he worked in the Vicary Coal mine near Coleman, Alta., then later for Kaiser Resources coal mine in the Elk Valley. He and Linda met in the Crowsnest Pass, and married soon after. He is predeceased by parents Desmond and Marjorie, and survived by his wife of 43 years Linda (nee Brooks), son Jason, and grandsons Nelson, Braeden, and Leif. Donald had a keen sense of justice, a ready sense of humour, and an ever-present desire to learn and discuss. At Donald’s request, there will be no service or flowers, but please take any money you would have spent on flowers or travel, and spend it on any worthy cause, or celebration of his life as you see fit.
Obituary
PENNY SINCLAIR 1953 ~ 2020
It is with deep sadness that we announce the premature passing of Penny Sinclair who fiercely battled cancer but, on May 4, 2020, she succumbed to her illness while receiving care at the Crowsnest Pass Hospital in Blairmore at the tender age of 67 years. Penny Jo Anne Sinclair was born on April 14, 1953 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to proud parents, Vernon and Elsie Sinclair. She was raised with a great appreciation for family and community. She experienced many an adventure throughout her travels; she called many places home including Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Alberta. It was in 2013 that she decided to settle down in the Crowsnest Pass amidst the majestic mountains and forests. She had many hobbies and interests. Penny enjoyed playing bingo, cribbage, dice and marbles. She loved to bake and entertain company but her greatest joys in life were time spent with family and helping those in need. Her heart was gracious and her nature was kind. She is survived by her beloved children, Jennifer (Brock) MacMillan, Terry (Norine) Barr, Mike Barr and Evan Sinclair, all of Red Deer, AB; her grandchild, Dominique Barr of Calgary; her great grandchild, Marley Skelly of Rocky Mountain House; her mother, Elsie Scow of Blairmore; her sisters, Ellen Sinclair, Cynthia White and Debbie Scow; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends, especially her trusted and dear confidant, Glen Barry of Coleman. She was predeceased by her cherished son, Andrew Barr; her father, Vernon Sinclair and her brother, Dale Sinclair. Penny will forever be fondly remembered for her compassionate nature, bright smile and love of life. May she find peace and happiness in the eternal paradise of heaven. A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Penny’s life at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel in Blairmore with an informal gathering in the family section of the New Blairmore Union Cemetery to follow. Tributes will be provided by the family and due to the pandemic, the service will be recorded for extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donation in memory may be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca) and condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555
wide version PAss HerALD - 15 Wednesday, May 13, 20203” - crowsnest NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS Estate of KAROL AgAThA LENTzEN, who died on February 8, 2019. If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by June 22, 2020 and provide details of your claim. with Yvonne M. Williamson at
Beaumont Church LLP, Barristers & Solicitors #300, 2912 Memorial Drive SE, Calgary, AB, T2A 6R1 Phone: 403-264-0000 Fax: 403-264-0478 Email: yvonne.williamson@beaumontchurch.com
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
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#RuralHealthMatters May 25-29, 2020 is Alberta Rural Health Week Honour the contributions of the rural Alberta health-care providers and community volunteers who help keep health care close to home. Plan to give a shout-out to health professionals in your area. Visit www.ruralhealthweek.ab.ca for COVID-safe suggestions to celebrate your local health-care heroes!
@AlbertaRhPAP
A&K Self StorAge Located in the Frank Industrial Park
Units range in size from 5' x 10', 10' x 10', 10' x 15', 10' x 20', sea can 8' x 20' and a 12' x 20' building with auto garage door. Units are finished inside with hard board or plywood and freshly painted. Some units are inside chain link fenced area. All units have interior lighting. Area is secured by exterior lighting.
Residential & Commercial Excavating Landscaping • Snow Removal
jfilipuzzi@shaw.ca
403-563-7285
lorne@completeext.ca
lannie@westerraearthworks.com
summit storaGe • Secured by Video • Dry & Clean • 24 hr Access • Caretaker on Site • 1280 CU Ft. 8x8x20 • Free Local Transport to Storage • RV Storage • Water Available
403-583-0020
Glen Girhiny 403.563.0300 glen@realestatecentre.ca
13013-20th Ave., Blairmore 403.562.2844 @RealEstateCen
Real Estate Centre
crowsnest
t&s self storage
taxi 403.583.4000
Units in Frank Industrial Park
5’x10’ • 10’x10’ • 10’x15’ • 10’x20’
call 403-563-8384 - availability & prices
PRESTIGE CLEANERS RENT A CARPET CLEANER Clothing Alterations, Zippers, Coverall Rentals, Etc. & TUXEDO RENTALS
562-2112 Blairmore • 425-7272 Sparwood
16 – CRowSneSt PASS HeRALD – Wednesday, May 13, 2020
NOTICE
First baby of the Year
Dear Customers,
Marly Rose Senkow
We at TELUS/CT Communications - your local TELUS store - have decided to close our doors permanently.
Born: April 7, 2020 Time: 9:10am Weight: 6lbs 6oz Length: 21-3/4” Parents: Travis & Mandy Senkow Proud older Brother: Jay Senkow
When it's safe to do so, we will host a pop-up flash sale and will advertise it on social media. From all of us here, a HUGE thank you to our loyal customers over the years, some of whom became friends. We truly appreciate your business.
Thanks to all the wonderful staff at the Crowsnest Medical Center for taking such good care of Us!! Everyone we encountered was exceptional and we couldn’t feel more grateful.
We’d also like to thank our amazing right hand woman, Jenaya Launstein, for all her hard work and patience over the years. We couldn’t have done it without you!
The Pass Herald along with Copy Magic, Ben Wongs Restaurant, Community Fitness Connection, Sinistra Salon & Gallery, Crockets Trading and Allied Ace Hardware have contributed gifts towards the first baby born at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre. Welcome Marly to the Crowsnest Pass!
Love where you live. Shop local.
REOPENING Thursday, May 14th
Hours: Until the end of May
Tues. & Thurs. 12 - 6 • Fri., Sat., Sun. - 12 - 4 CLOSED: Mon. & Wed.
• New Procedures • Limited Number of People
Thank you for all your years of support. CrOCkETS TraDiNg COMPaNy 2701-226, ST. BELLEvUE (403)-564-4389 • crocketstrading@gmail.com Bellevue East Access
Council Briefs cont’d ... Administration/Cou ncil received 8 letters of concern. Administration, along with a UROC member, met with each resident on site, to address their concerns. UROC also provided answers to any questions they had during this meeting. The following is a list of residents' concerns: 1. Privacy - the trail overlooks properties and residents are concerned users can view their backyards. 1. Noise - this area
is generally quiet, and residents believe this trail for kids will bring excessive noise. 2. Animals residents were concerned that this trail could result in encounters between youth and wildlife or impede wildlife movement. 3. Human waste and more garbage - residents were concerned this property has the potential to turn into a public bathroom area or have more litter. 4. Trespassing onto private property - bikers may go off the trail and trespass onto private 79 property. 5. Kids leaving the trail and accessing the creek. 6. Do not want it at all, move it somewhere else. 7. Bike trails - residents felt there are enough bike trails. 8. Tree removal - canopy could be opened and possibly create berry growth that would attract wildlife. Council will have to wait to make a decision as Councillor Sygutek explained during the meeting she might have a pecuniary interest due to the proposed location of the bike park. “I live in that area and as a result of evaluations of land I could have a pecuniary interest based on whether or not the bike park is there. I did contact municipal affairs and talked to a municipal advisor and they could not give me a clear
definition of whether or not I have pecuniary interest. In order for me to not vote I have to establish pecuniary interest. I have to contact a lawyer to see if I'll be able to vote on this topic or not. If I do vote and find out afterward that I'm not legally able to vote I can be kicked off council. I have asked a lawyer to look into the grey area. I make a motion that we table the Kid's Corner UROC Mountain Bike Trail Update until I have confirmation from the lawyer on whether or not I have pecuniary interest as a Councillor.” Councillor Sygutek then made a motion to defer discussion and voting on the bike park to the next Council meeting. The motion was carried. Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill Association EPEA Administration received notice from the Environmental Appeals Board requesting that the Notice of Hearing for the Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill Association EPEA Amending Approval be placed on the Municipal public bulletin boards or websites. The notice of hearing is happening with respect to the June 23, 2018 decision of the Director, South Saskatchewan Region,
COURSE OPENS MAY MAY 27, 2020
Operations Division, Alberta Environment and Parks, to issue Amending Approval No. 18701-0201 to the Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill Association for the construction and maintenance of a Class II Landfill with an incinerator. Councillor Ward provided the following statement on the topic. “Regarding the Incinerator, the Landfill board of Directors five years ago decided that the landfill needed to look at options for disposal of dead carcasses. The board at that time made the decision to direct the landfill administration to explore the Incinerator option. The landfill applied for and was given as part of their license renewal the ability to proceed with an Incinerator. The present board has made the decision that the Incinerator will not be proceeding. From the Crowsnest Pass point of view less than 5% of the carcasses originate in our area, it is much larger of an issue for our neighbors to the east. So we as a council have chosen to respect our partner’s position on this issue. We also had to keep in mind that an Incinerator would be a very significant project costing a minimum of $34 million, and would be dependent on grant funding and a sound business plan neither of which are in place today.”
YEARS OF GOLF IN THE
403 562 2776 • #GolfT #GolfTheCrow heCrow • www www.crowsnestpassgolf.com .crowsnestpassgolf.com
CROWSNEST PASS