Crowsnest Pass Herald

www.crowsnestpassherald.ca • 403-562-2248 •passherald@shaw.ca

January 20, 2021 ~ Vol. 91 No. 3

$1.00

Crowsnest Pass

Herald Serving the CnP SinCe 1930

First Baby of 2021

Submitted photo

Congratulations to the Rygaard family on the birth of their son Waylon Harvey Holtom Rygaard pictured with sister Georgia Rygaard. Waylon was born at 7:03pm on January 7th 2021 weighing 8 pounds 1 oz. Baby Waylon is the first baby born in the Crowsnest Pass this year!

Foothills South Ltd.

Honest, experienced approach to Real Estate.

2 – CRowsnest PAss HeRALD – Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Crowsnest Pass Allied Arts Association Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery

AnnuAl GenerAl MeetinG February 8th, 5:30pm on zoom Please RSVP to cnpaaa@shaw.ca

Everyone is welcome!

pass community pool Society

AGM

Wednesday, January 27 6:00 p.m. venue/link to be posted when confirmed.

The Pass Herald will resume regular hours Monday - Friday 10 am to 5 pm You can email us at passherald@shaw.ca or contact us at 403-562-2248 for story ideas or advertising.

Council Briefs DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

The following topics were discussed at the Regular Council Meeting on January 12, 2021.

1214-01 Green Space Management Policy Administration has met with users groups that operate facilities in the Municipality and neighbouring groups that operate systems along our borders to obtain input on this new policy. Discussions have been held relative to best practices while installing green space area trails. All groups have mentioned the need for a governance document to assist them on a collective goal to ensure the vision and theme of the Municipality are met, while building new trail infrastructure or maintaining green spaces.

Administration has consistently applied the best practice to this policy.

However, Administration is requesting Council's input and/or recommendations. Administration is aware there will be a need to adjust this policy and resolve any "kinks" that

SubScriptionS Due

may arise. Also, Administration will not have a map of mowing areas and area classification, as the majority of areas that are mowed will be subject to a change of classification throughout the year, as needs dictate. As well, this policy will be subject to amendments as new areas are added or areas are sold. During the summer months of 2020, Council received concerns that arose with other groups not providing facility needs, such as garbage receptacles, staging areas and restrooms.

The general consensus is that user groups, stakeholders and the general public are in favour of a Green Space Management Policy. After holding a discussion, Councillor Ward made a motion that administration bring this policy back with advice from Council. That motion was carried.

Cemetery Monument Repair Update In 2020, Administration formed a partnership with Fantin's Funeral Chapel and the CNP Memorial Society to address

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Municipal Land Development Discussion There has been some discussion around how the Municipality should move forward with development in respect to Municipal parcels.

The Municipality holds several large parcels of land of various sizes and characteristics that have potential for primarily residential development.

As the community continues to grow within the confines of the mountain valley, a decision on the utilization of these parcels will be required. The ultimate decision could be very different between parcels and will ultimately depend on the vision for each parcel. If very little control is needed over the type of development, then the Municipality can simply sell off the parcel and let the developer decide how they wish to develop it. If the Municipality has a specific type of housing or a feel for a neighbourhood layout that it wants in a development, then the Municipality will likely have to develop the land itself and sell off individual lots versus the large parcel. Councillor Sygutek made a motion that Council defer this topic to a later meeting until they can get more information on some alternative funding and alternative ways the municipality can do this program. Councillor Ward made a friendly amendment that affordable housing options are looked at as well. The motion was carried.

Council to send letter to MLA Reid DaviD SelleS

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issues related to stabilizing and repairing monuments. The arrangement has Fantin's providing the expertise along with the Society providing labour and the Municipality providing funding. In 2020, this allowed eleven monuments to be repaired, including five, which were identified on the Top Priority Action List. It was also observed that two monuments on the Top Priority Action List had not survived the previous winter. Given the success so far, this project will recommence in the spring of 2021 and likely will take several years to complete.

Council was pleased with the report and Councillor Sygutek made a motion to file this for information and the motion was carried.

Council has made a decision to send a letter to MLA Roger Reid during their Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday January 12, 2021.

An article in the Airdrie Echo in their January 6, 2021 issue was recently brought to the attention of council. The article was an interview done with MLA Reid and within it he addresses the Grassy Mountain coal-mining project.

Part of his statement says he is currently undecided if he is in support of this project.

Councillor Sygutek said she found what MLA Reid said in that article disturbing.

“What I find interesting about his comments is that he is talking to a newspaper that isn't in his constituency about a topic in our community. I have had several discussions with Mr. Reid and I think all of council is on board with Mr. Reid that we believed he was in favour of this mine as is his government.

To read his comments in the Airdrie Echo that have

now been picked up by the High River Times which is in his constituency, I find very upsetting and disturbing.”

Councillor Sygutek also said she’d like to see Council respond to MLA Reid’s comments via letter.

“I would like this Council to write a letter to Mr. Reid and have it cc'd to Jason Kenney, The active Minister of Municipal Affairs Mr. Frank McIver and I would like our letter to say that we support the program, that we live in this community. I think it's time that this community stands up for what we have been saying about this mine. To have our MLA throw us under the bus the way he did is very upsetting. That is not what I expected from my MLA. I think that people should be held accountable for what they say and although I like Mr. Reid he needs to be held accountable for what he's said and he needs to explain to the people of the Crowsnest Pass why he said what he did.”

Mayor Painter said he agreed fully with Councillor Sygutek and that he

feels the same way.

"I also reached out to MLA Reid with no response back. I'm not happy with that either."

Councillor Ward then said that he believes they should have a face-to-face meeting with MLA Reid as well.

"This has been going for seven or eight years. If this had just started two months ago I could understand his comments but after seven or eight years he still hasn't made up his mind? He certainly left us with a different impression here the last time he came to talk to us. When we write the letter could we also include we've made a number of requests and not received anything back."

Councillor Sygutek then made a motion that Council responds to the article that was printed in the Airdrie Echo and I would like that letter sent directly to Jason Kenney, Roger Reid and the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

Councillor Girhiny also made a separate motion that Council request to meet with MLA Reid in the near future.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - Crowsnest PAss herAlD - 3

In the lIne of fIre Between January 4 and January 18, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to a total of 59 calls for service including the following reported incidents.

Two (2) assaults, one (1) threats/harassments, two (2) theft, two (2) disturbing the peace, one (1) drug, two (2) other criminal code, six (6) other provincial statutes, nine (9) driving complaints, thirteen (13) motor vehicle collisions, six (6) assistance to general public, three (3) suspicious occurrences, eight (8) assistance to other agencies, one (1) 911 calls (invalid) and one animal call.

over the past year. It is under investigation.

Arrest On January 1st, 2021, a 29-year-old male was arrested on outstanding warrants. A Justice Hearing was held and he was remanded in custody for next Court date.

Turned In On January 3rd, 2021, a 49-year-old male turned himself into RCMP detachment on outstanding warrants from Leduc. He was released on documents for Leduc Court.

Vandalism On December 30th, 2020, there was a complaint of a broken window of a business in Lundbreck. It occurred in the previous week.

Abandoned Vehicle On January 4th, 2021, there was a report of an abandoned vehicle in Blairmore. The vehicle was not properly registered and was towed. The owner was contacted and advised of same.

Fraud On December 31st, 2020, there was a complaint of money fraud at a business in Coleman

Arrest On January 6th, 2021, a 29-year-old male was arrested on outstanding warrant. He

~ rCMP news ~

was released on documents for Provincial Court.

Tickets On January 8th, 2021, a 36-year-old male was issued violation tickets for no registration and no insurance on vehicles that were parked near Crowsnest Lakes west of Coleman.

The vehicles were not registered and towed.

Theft On January 11th, 2021, there was a complaint of theft of personal items over the past year from a dwelling unit in Blairmore.

Collision On January13th, 2021, there was a report of a three vehicle collision at the highway 3 traffic lights in Blairmore. Two vehicles were rear ended by a third vehicle. A 21-year-old female from Cardston had her drivers licence suspended and vehicle towed. She was later ar-

The Simple Raven’s Post

by Avner Perl

Peace on Earth A new economy may rise from COVID. Spending Christmas without family and friends is new to me, but I thank the stars, or God, for my faithful companion in life, which I am blessed to have. I feel so sad about all the people who lately lost their companions because of the raging pandemic and other causes. I look at my many emails and identify some from people who wish to convince me that there is no problem and we should live life taking no action to slow the microscopic killer beasts off. Rage fills me hearing that the kids will go to school. The government is worried about their mental health or wish to allow their mothers to work. It’s now a contest between the economy and lives, mostly of the elderly, but spread by the young. Well, I didn’t run for any political office so I don’t have a right to complain, or do I? All the people I know are wishing for the world to return “back to normal.” It upsets me since I don’t think that it will, ever. The last event I remember from before the pandemic was a raging community meeting in which the town people were trying to figure out how to stop the government from chasing away the rural medical staff by cutting their income. Some were worried about losing regional hospitals in the countryside. The world that we wish to go back to is changing and people were ready to fight. And then COVID came.

Our society is obsessed with saving lives. People spend a lot of money on looking for cures and discovering ways to prolong life. Some are very concerned with the lives of the unborn, but much less with those existing already. There is always pressure to save the lives of the rich and pressure to restrict care for the general population. Now, much of the general population is essential workers. Economics is often cited as a reason for the discrepancy. Economics also plays a major role in people’s ability to stay healthy and alive.

I look around and I see us managing to exist while a significant portion of the economy is shut down. That makes me reassess our priorities. I remember the last few elections here and everywhere. Aspiring politicians in our time always play the “jobs card.” Yet how many jobs do we must-have for us to survive?

A year into the pandemic we see that we can do many jobs from home. We can do a large portion of services over the internet and we already see that much of the manufacturing can be performed by robots. It will not be long before most “jobs” from the past

rested for obstruction and cause disturbance.

Suspicious Person On January 16th, 2021, there was a complaint of a suspicious person in a yard of a Coleman residence. Police attended and spoke with a 22-year-old male from Fort Macleod who was waiting for a friend.

No other suspicious activity was reported in the area.

Anyone with information regarding any crime is urged to contact the Crowsnest Pass RCMP Detachment at 403-562-2867, 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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will be mechanized. A few people with modern equipment can perform what used to employ thousands of people. We employ a large cheap labour force overseas to produce stuff that is used for a short time and fills up our garbage dumps.

Governments and large corporations employ people for political reasons but many folks do unsatisfying often useless work. You can tell who when they quote repeatedly: TGIF. “Creating” jobs is mostly not very useful. Yet we believe that if you don’t force people to work by impoverishing them, they will only stay intoxicated on the couch.

For as long as we have written records, there are stories of slavery. We used to buy and sell slaves and whip them to make them work, so we don’t believe that there is another way. We used to strap children at schools, yet now the children learn a lot more without corporal punishment. Husbands used to beat wives regularly and now we quit and they willingly do more than their husbands.

The other popular belief is that people will cheat to have free food and shelter instead of working. Some will. Yet from personal experience, I vouch that most will not. Our saving grace in the future, when there will be no more jobs for most people, is that they will develop small businesses and work for pride and to serve others. All we have to do is dig up the history of our great grandparents, and we will have ample examples of people working hard for very little money.

All we need to do is cut off the manufacturing of “build to fail” items, things that are cheaper to buy than to make or fix, and we will see a new economy emerge. My mother knitted my sweaters for free, and I still use some of them. It is the nature of humans to be productive if no one forces them to.

I think that it is completely possible to build an economy around honest work and reasonable pay. People wish to serve each other and make things that others will be happy to use and will last for a lifetime.

I strongly believe that we can build a new economy much different from the one that collapsed when COVID arrived. By maximizing our technology, we will reduce the need for labour. Laws could make it illegal to build things that are designed to fail. Reducing Marketing can eliminate our desires for useless goods and manufactured pleasures such as travelling pointlessly. Less marketing of unhealthy fast foods and needless medications will improve our health and reduce health care expenses. It will also make us spend less on ever-changing fashions of clothing, home “improvements” and vehicles.

Overall, we could build an economy that will provide the most critical needs and wonderful services for a fraction of what we have been paying. Our taxes could be reduced and we can sustain all of us cheaply and see if people will not work when they are not forced to. I bet that most will.

A few will suffer from addictions, a few will not contribute by working, while some will be criminals, but most will find ways to serve. It’s in our human nature. We have a big problem with COVID and another with political systems. It is possible that we will come out of it better than we were before. We will serve instead of win.

Here is a link to my blog: https://thesimpleravenspost.blogspot.ca/ Feel free to check other articles and comment.

4 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, January 20, 2021

new Italian store open in Blairmore DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

A new store has opened up in Blairmore.

Emilio’s Mercato Italiano is an Italian and European Groceries and Delicatessen located on main street.

Owner Johann Maritz says the theme is very intentional.

“It lends itself to an Italian themed store. 100 years ago there were a lot of Italians who came out here.”

Maritz says he wants to bring another grocery option to this area.

“Serving this part of town is something we want to do. There used to be a couple of convenience stores in this area. I think it would be very good for the town to have a convenience store.

That's one thing this store

will have fresh produce as well. In addition to all of this we'll have a deli. We'll serve different types of cold meats and cheeses.”

Maritz says they'll also be something for the sweet tooths as well.

"We'll have different sweets as well including crepes and other things like that."

Maritz says he plans to incorporate more European foods over time.

“I would say it's not only going to be Italian but European style foods.

We have Italian, we'll have Polish, some French,

as well so we can match the recipes in the books with some of the food that we have.”

Maritz says his plans will make it difficult for any further seating to be placed in the store in the shorter term but there may be some expansion in his long term plans.

"We're looking at expanding our products so much we won't have a ton of space for seating. We will serve the community better by having items available. The seating may be better when we expand further into the

David Selles photo

Saylor Mae Chambers July 29th, 2015 Pincher Creek, AB. Parents: Mike Chambers and Cierra Shortreed The Crowsnest Pass Herald will be publishing a

Babies of 2020 issue on February 10th, 2021.

This is an amazing keepsake to show to all the kids at graduation time!

Bring in, mail or email photos of your babies born in 2020!

Along with Baby Name, Birthday, Birth Place, Parents Names and your payment of $20 Deadline for submissions is February 5th, 2021.

Call 403-562-2248 for more details!

P.O. Box 960 • Blairmore, AB. • T0K 0E0 Email: passherald@shaw.ca

Emilio’s Mercato Italiano has opened in Blairmore. Owner Johann Maritz says he hopes the store will provide customers a chance to purchase unique items and that the store will provide a new service to all its customers. The store is currently open from 9am6pm with expanded hours to come.

can provide to the area.”

The store won’t be strictly grocery items according to Maritz.

“When I say it's an Italian grocery store, I'm saying we'll sell anything from prepackaged food to food people can come and pick up, delivery services and even some tables for people to sit and enjoy some of the foods we offer. We plan to incorporate the kitchen and have food ready to go. We'll have coffee, sandwiches and paninis, some pastas, soups, lasagnas, desserts and also some prepared meals we can vacuum pack. We'll have things like meat platters as well that people can order or they can come to us and we'll suggest what they can use to create their own platters."

An expanded bakery is also something Maritz has planned for the store.

"We'll have bread.

Some will be coming from other bakeries but some we will bake on site. We'll have other baking as well like birthday cakes and other cakes for special occasions. We plan to open a room in the back that

some Spanish and Portuguese as well.”

The store will be open seven days a week and Maritz says he hopes to expand the hours the store is open from the current 9am-6pm hours.

“We'll stay open seven days a week. Currently we're open 9am6pm. We want to be open earlier and open later in the summer.”

Maritz says he’s learned a lot since the opening.

“We opened two days before Christmas and we found that it was a steep learning curve. We decided to start with a soft opening. We'll have coffee reaL soon and some of our cold meats. We're hoping to have the kitchen start up in a few weeks. We want to have our produce ready for the summer as well.”

Along with all the food, Maritz has cookbooks available for sale as well and he hopes to provide the ingredients from the cookbook recipes in the store.

“I have a lot of cookbooks for all these types of foods that I want to sell

building and develop other parts as well.”

Maritz says he wants his store to be unique and create a real sense of community and says he is open to outside input on how to help the store grow.

"We don't know everything but we would like to go on a journey together with locals. We've learned a lot already and we want to bring in unique things that people hear and read about. We want to promote the idea that people can buy food for gifts and that those gifts will be used. We want to give people an authentic experience. It's not an average grocery store. We want it to be part of the community.

When people come here we want to treat them like family and get to know customers and make it a little more personal. If people have an interest to help us in any capacity, can offer something, they are welcome to bring us resumes and talk to us. I think we have amazing potential here."

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 5

6 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Editorial The role of a newspaper is to report on the facts, present both sides and allow the reader to come to his/her own conclusion. My job as publisher/editor is to provide you with an Editorial. This is the only place in a newspaper where I am allowed an opinion.

So this week’s editorial is on the two proposed coal mines in the Crowsnest Pass. I am going to be as succinct as I can regarding my personal view on the mine.

On Monday I interviewed on The Current, a CBC National Broadcast where I gave my opinion on the mines and future of the Crowsnest Pass. It was pre-recorded and so snippets were missing.

I did throughout the interview state that I was giving my opinion, both as a small town newspaper owner and as a councillor. When I ran for council I stood up in the MDM hall and told everyone there that I was 100 percent in favour of Riversdale Resources Ltd. (Riversale) and I have not backed down from that stance. That was three years ago. You can read the council briefs to find out how your council voted in support of the mine at their last meeting.

My family emigrated from Poland to work in the coal mines.

In fact, all four generations of my family have worked in the fossil fuel industry and, as a result, we were able to have a decent standard of living.

Riversdale vs. the 1976 Coal Policy Let's be clear on this issue. Riversdale has been in the process of trying to redevelop the Grassy Mountain mine for six years. This includes an approximate 22,000 page document justifying to both the provincial and federal joint panel review on why it is safe and viable to open a mine on a pre-existing mined area that was

not properly reclaimed. Interesting fact when Britain published the text of its trade agreement with the European Union, the document was only 1,246 pages.

The changing of the Coal Policy introduced in June has nothing to do with the Grassy Mountain mine.

NOTHING! Riversdale has always been Category 4 land (land that has already been disturbed) and that part of the policy was not touched in the update of the coal policy It is for future mines that want to open up in our province, and does not affect Montem or Riversdale. So make sure you understand that. We have two issues on the table; the developmental potential of Riversdale vs. a change in coal policy for future mines. This is getting lost in the rhetoric. So ranchers in Municipal District of Ranchland No. 66 can take the policy and the Alberta Government’s suggested failure to consult to court, but the outcome either positive or negative will not affect the future of Riversdale or Montem Resources Limited (Montem), the joint panel review committee will.

This past Monday Honourable Sonya Savage, Alberta’s Minister of Energy, released the following statement: “We have listened carefully to the concerns raised in recent days, and thank those who spoke up with passion.

As a result, we will pause future coal lease sales in former Category 2 lands … This decision has no impact on existing coal projects currently under regulatory review”.

Mines vs. beauty Again let’s be clear on this. Grassy Mountain is on a previously mined area, a mine that I don’t hike on because quite honestly it’s a scar in the community.

It was never reclamated properly because that was not a

prerequisite of accepted 1970s practices.

Grassy Mountain is not tearing up a pristine area, they are looking to mine a previously mined area, a mine that they will be forced to reclaim when they are done. Fun fact, when mines ask for permitting part of their mine plan that they have to submit is their reclamation plan for the life of mine. They are forced to place bonded money, held in trust by the government, to ensure that reclamation takes place. This is a failsafe in a situation where the mine goes bankrupt.

Selenium Selenium is a huge topic and should be in the forefront of all our thinking. Let's put emotion aside and talk about science. Selenium is an element that is locked into the waste rock surrounding the coal. It, along with other elements are laid down in the making of the rocks and mountains. Through the activity of mining, the rock is broken into smaller pieces and dumped into large waste dumps.

The rocks in these dumps are then exposed to both water (snow/rain) and oxygen, which enables the Selenium to oxidize, thereby potentially releasing into the water systems.

Reducing the amount of water that penetrates the waste dumps as well as reducing the amount of fresh water (flowing

rivers) that interacts with the dumps is the focus of elimination.

Covering waste dumps with less permeable materials is currently being tested as well as always looking at moving creeks away from waste dumps or placing dumps in strategic places to not impact them.

When there is no option, Selenium needs to be removed from the water. Currently there are two types of treatment, passive and active.

Passive treatment leverages the natural process of removing Selenium by increasing both the reduction rate and capacity. In nature there is a biological process where organisms create an environment where the selenium drops out of the water. Saturated Rock Fills (SRF)utilize old pits or mining areas that have been backfilled with waste rock to naturally remove Selenium. Contaminated water with additional carbon sources is injected into these pits where the natural bacteria converts the Selenium back into the solid (safe) form and is left in the pit. The clean water is then tested and pumped out of the pit and back into the creek or river only if it meets the correct levels. This system is the best as it is much quicker to build, treats very large volumes of water, has significantly less environmental footprint and costs much less to build and

maintain. Currently one running at Elkview (a Teck owned mine) that is treating 10 million cubic litres per day and will be doubled to 20 million by 2021.

This system removes almost all of the Selenium from the water.

Active treatment requires a significant amount of infrastructure and investment. It uses the same biological treatment theory as the passive treatment, but it is done in tanks and holding cells. The right biological environment is created in these tanks to convert the dissolved Selenium into a solid form where it is then captured and stored safely. The clean water is then deposited back into the creeks and rivers. Currently the West Line Creek treatment facility is the only one in production cleaning 7.5 million litres per day. The Fording River active treatment facility is nearing final stages of construction and will be on line in 2021 with the capacity to clean 20 million litres per day.

By the end of 2020 Teck Resources Limited (Teck) will have invested $742 million with further $350-$400 million from 2021-2024 in passive and active treatment. It will have the capacity to clean 47.5 million litres per day by the end of 2021 and 77.5 million by the end of 2024.

Selenium treatment of this capacity has not been done (to my knowledge) and Teck has been working with numerous engi-

neers and scientists, as well as research companies, to get to where they are today. They have leveraged the knowledge of scientists as well as industry to develop treatment of this magnitude. The SRF process is the future and we will see future pit designs taken into consideration.

Landform designs and reclamation activities have also significantly changed over the past years. Additional to that they are no longer just sloping off the dumps and covering it with grass seed. Land is being designed and re-formed to accommodate the habitat that has been identified as the species of interest.

Dumps are contoured to mimic natural habitat. High alpine southern exposed grass, escape terrain, avalanche shoots, etc are all designed in. It is a extremely scientific process, very progressive and much more integrated into longterm viability.

Part of the submission Riversdale included in their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is that they are planning on using the SRF process, however there is a contingency to build a water treatment plant if required.

Riversdale has also learned from Teck and have plans to position their dumps with the forethought to Selenium and water management.

Cont’d on pg. 10

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Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - Crowsnest PAss HerALD - 7

John Pundyk.CoM

Simply Selles Musings from you local reporter

403

Royal LePage South Country Real Estate Services Ltd. COlemAn ACreAge

After a refreshing few weeks back in Lethbridge for Christmas I’m feeling ready to tackle 2021.

It was great to have some time off and visit with family on walks in the river bottom and other areas around Lethbridge.

The restrictions on gatherings made it feel like a much different Christmas than previous years, especially because my brother and sister in law in Ontario couldn’t come, but all in all it was still a fun time.

We managed to visit over zoom on multiple days and even had a family gingerbread house competition where each individual family built one.

My dad and I came out victorious in the end after an anonymous vote over Facebook.

Some people think we won simply because we were the only team who didn’t have young children involved in the creation of these houses. (Those people may have a solid point) Christmas Day didn’t really feel like Christmas this year because no family came over first thing in the morning, we didn’t have a massive dinner with everyone, and we weren’t all face to face to play board games like usual.

Instead deliveries of gifts were made, individual dinners were had and game time over zoom filled our Christmas.

Overall we managed to make the best of it and enjoyed our virtual time together.

Now, I’m looking forward to what 2021 has to offer.

It will be a while before we’re fully back to normal (if that’s even going to truly happen) but eventually we’ll get there.

2021 is bound to be better in some ways than 2020 was and that’s something we can look forward to.

I’m looking forward to being out in the community covering any events that happen over the year and hope that I’ll be able to see many of you face to face at points throughout the year.

Fatality on Crowsnest Mountain RCMP Press Release

Crowsnest Pass, Alta. – On Jan. 9, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., Crowsnest Pass RCMP were dispatched to a Garmin SPOT emergency activation on an area of Crowsnest Mountain known as "the chutes".

The information that was provided indicated an injury.

Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue as well as Pincher Creek Search and Rescue were engaged to conduct search efforts.

A joint endeavour comprising of a team of 10 attempted a ground rescue – six members from Crowsnest Fire & Rescue hiked into a base point and from there four members from Pincher Creek Search & Rescue climbed further into the rugged terrain.

Due to the high winds, darkness and the potential for avalanches, the team was forced to turn back.

On Jan. 10, 2021, Kananaskis Country Public Safety was utilized due to their alpine and long line rescue capabilities and located the registered owner of the Garmin SPOT. The male had succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased male was subsequently extracted from Crowsnest Mountain and transported to the Medical Examiner’s office.

It is believed that the rugged terrain as well as environmental conditions of ice, wind and snow contributed to the incident.

The 31-year-old male had been climbing alone.

The deceased’s name will not be released and no further updates are anticipated.

The Crowsnest RCMP would like to thank the Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue along with Pincher Creek Search and Rescue for their assistance and efforts during this incident

5 bdrm acreage. Big mountain views to the south. Spacious floor plan. 2 fireplaces. Surrounded by mature Douglas Fir trees, close to Forest Reserve and mountain trails. Large garage with big loft. Located between Fernie and Castle Mountain resort. Championship mountain golf course, Blue-Ribbon fly fishing, and X-country skiing nearby.

Tremendous value and opportunity. $504,900 CALL JOHN MLS

26 KAnAnASKiS COUrt Spectacular south-facing mountain lot. Northside of the valley, off Alberta Forest Trunk Road, and Forest Reserve. Sun exposure all year round. Suitable for a walk-out bungalow looking towards the South Range and the Flathead. No timeline to start building. 1/3 acre with all required services: water, sewer, power, gas, cable, telephone. $127,000 CALL JOHN MLS

61 irOnStOne 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms. Fantastic mountain view. Deluxe townhome still under construction, purchaser can choose own finishes. Large attached double car garage; double car driveway. Spacious laundry room and storage area. Crowsnest Pass has championship golf course, hospital, 2 medical clinics, dental clinic, and 3 pharmacies. Area famous for blue ribbon mountain fly fishing, x-country skiing, hiking. Close to down-hill ski resorts. $419,500 + GST CALL JOHN MLS

HillCreSt lOt Affordable mountain property. Large corner lot on the edge of town. Spectacular open vistas to the south and east. Extra large 66’ x 120’ lot. Good location for an RTM. Access from front or sidestreet allows for large garage. Services in front street. Close to 4 season recreational activities. $75,000 CALL JOHN MLS

belleVUe COmmerCiAl Commercial land with east and west bound access on busy Hwy 3 corridor. Located at first entrance to Crowsnest Pass with access to municipal water and sewer. Tremendous traffic count in front of the property. Zoned commercial and suitable for many different activities. $190,000 CALL JOHN MLS

timberline ridge Hillcrest Lot 7, Block 2 is ready to build.

All services underground and on property. Beautiful, sunny location. 65.5 feet wide and 119 feet deep. Crowsnest Pass is a great mountain community nestled in the Alberta Canadian Rockies. Home to renowned mountain golf course and mecca for unparalleled mountain activities. Close to Fernie, Castle Mountain ski resorts. $88,000 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 $88,000 to $115,000. 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

562-8830 jpundyk@shaw.ca 31 irOnStOne Beautiful bungalow under construction at Ironstone Lookout.

Open floor plan with luxurious finishes. Magnificent mountain views. Unobstructed vista to the south. Two bedrooms up and two down. 3 bathrooms. Kitchen with quartz counter-tops. Spacious media room. Large double car garage and driveway. Hardwood and tile flooring. Main floor laundry. Tremendous value for a luxurious home. Choice of finishes if bought early in the process. $439,500+ GST CALL JOHN MLS

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. $475,000 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

COlemAn Solid 2 bedroom home with a newer 16x26 garage. Located on corner lot, very sunny Coleman location. Great mountain views. Fenced yard and RV parking. Affordable mountain get-away or revenue property. Very solid foundation for home in this price range. Crowsnest Pass offers tremendous opportunity for mountain enthusiasts. $135,000 CALL JOHN MLS

blAirmOre COmmerCiAl Opportunity for first class office space in busy downtown Blairmore location.

Currently used as a mine office, but may be re-purposed into any other commercial use. Excellent main street location. Current zoning is commercial. $104,000 CALL JOHN MLS

COlemAn Fantastic mountain views, lots of sun. Tremendous B&B potential. 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom home northside of the valley facing Flat Head Mountains. 2 gas fireplaces. 4,544 square feet. South facing walkout basement. Large decks. Natural gas BBQ. Two soaker tubs. 4 pc ensuite in master bedroom.

Washer and dryer on each floor. Two great rooms with plumbed in counters. Attached double car garage with additional parking. In floor heat and heat exchanger. $555,000 CALL JOHN MLS

blAirmOre COmmerCiAl

Large lot in fantastic Blairmore location with lots of parking. This former popular “SIDE TRAX” diner can be brought back to life. It has a commercial kitchen and large outside patio. This commercial kitchen can be reconfigured to bring your different food ideas to life. $225,000. CALL JOHN MLS

38 KAnAnASKiS WildS South facing, stunning mountain views and mature douglas fir trees. Great building site. All services, including water, sewer and high speed internet at property. Special mountain community, northside of the valley above Coleman, just off Kananaskis Hwy. Beautiful 1/3 of an acre fully serviced lot. $119,000 CALL JOHN MLS

New ShowhomeS

8 – Crowsnest Pass HeraLD – Wednesday, January 20, 2021

21014DS2

Crowsnest Pass Boys and Girls Club still operating DAVID SELLES Pass Herald Reporter

The local Boys and Girls Club is still operating under current Covid19 restrictions.

The club is limited in what it can currently offer but is still providing services.

CEO for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Foothills, Shirley Puttock, says the Crowsnest Pass Boys and Girls Club (CNPBGC) has received great support from the community.

“We've had great support from the community. The golf course donated a bunch of golf clubs for our kids. Canadian Tire Jump Start donated snowshoes for all of our kids as well.”

The CNPBGC also has a new Program Supervisor, Vanessa Simon.

Puttock says Simon and the staff have been doing a great job of ensuring the safety of 21013TN0

everyone during Covid19.

“We've got all the new Covid protocols in place and our team has been doing a great job of making sure those are met as well.”

Enrollment in the club is currently low as

around the MDM. We have to wait on that decision. We may be allowed to go ahead shortly with that.”

The club is currently running some virtual events for youth in the community as well.

“We are also running

“We're very concerned about our kids and their emotional well-being right now. Particularly when they're not in school. They're used to being so connected to their friends and some don't have that right now.”.

-Shirley Puttock - CEO for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Foothills there is space for 27 kids right now but only 14 are registered.

Puttock says they are still taking new registration.

“We would definitely take new registration up until that 27 limit is hit.

Anyone interested in registering his or her child can do so by contacting Vanessa at 403-562-8664.

The age group for the club is ages five through 12. We'd love to see more kids register.”

Despite restrictions on what the club is able to do at this time, Puttock says they’re finding fun activities for the kids.

“We're still organizing as many fun activities as we can with the kids.

We're doing crafts and outdoor time with them right now. We'll be doing snowshoeing and some indoor games as well.

We'd like to see the days when we can start field trips again. We're looking forward to going snowshoeing and hiking in other areas than just

virtual programs for youth. In the evenings people can go to our Facebook and there will be notices for either a cooking program or cool moves, which is a fun physical activity program,” said Puttock.

Currently the club is also running a recipe and food program called the backpack program.

"Every Friday we send home a backpack with a full meal and a recipe for our club members to try."

Puttock says there is some concern over the mental health of kids due to the isolation some are facing due to Covid-19.

“We're very concerned about our kids and their emotional wellbeing right now. Particularly when they're not in school. They're used to being so connected to their friends and some don't have that right now.”

For more information on the CNPBGC visit bgcfoothills.com.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS Estate of KIM DALE LIVINGSTON, who died on December 21st, 2020. If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by February 28th, 2021. and provide details of your claim with

Guy Livingston Box 568 Coleman, AB. T0K 0M0

If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - CrOwSneSt PaSS HeraLD - 9

~ Letters to the the Editor ~ Cutthroat the Spotted Owl of the Crowsnest Pass?

FEATURED PROPERTIES

Dear Editor, Open Letter to Jonathan Wilkinson, federal minister of Environment and Climate Change: The northern spotted owl campaign was a savior for the environmentalists. This owl became the focus of an environmental battle over ideology in Washington & Oregon where environmentalists were against local logging communities. The resource analysis with Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund Andy Stahl declared: “Thank goodness the spotted owl evolved in the Northwest, for if it hadn’t, we’d have had to genetically engineer it. It’s the perfect species for use as a surrogate”.1 The bird was a perfect surrogate because it had a large home range which could require protection in every direction. Scientific knowledge of the bird was limited, but the campaign managed to destroy the economics of communities in the area through the elimination of high paying family jobs associated with local sawmills. After the fact (in 2002), it was discovered that Large Barred owls migrated west and were preying on the spotted owl. The US government began in earnest shooting the barred owls under the Obama administration official policy in 2012. Do we have a new spotted owl that will prevent development of the Grassy Mountain Project?

You bet; the pure stream Cutthroat of Southern Alberta.

The declaration of

VT

West Slope Cutthroat trout (WSCT) federally is the great hope of environmental groups concerned about Southern Alberta.

Information on WSCT is sketchy, mostly based on a report from the interior of British Columbia. Cutthroat in other locations in western Canada are not all covered by the designation of critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act. In many locations, the population is healthy. Here on the eastern slopes, biologists are still testing streams for abundance and, shock of shocks, they are showing up in the headwaters of many streams, but there is little chance of the cutthroat listing being dropped. When the biologist speaks of lost habitat, they include the irrigation country of Southern Alberta and come off with huge territory losses.

That ship sailed long ago when irrigation started and dams were built. To maintain some integrity with the public, the habitat statistics need to be revised. It appears that biologists want the habitat for cutthroat to be deemed critical not only in the stream and stream buffer strips, but also for the entire land-base. It is in this way that the Cutthroat can become the perfect surrogate for halting all development of the Eastern slopes and thus rendering communities depending on primary resources to poverty status. Surely there are means by which to develop a West Slope Cutthroat Recovery Plan

that allows for development and increasing numbers of pure stream WSCT in lower population number streams?

Oh great, the Riversdale Grassy Mountain Project hearings are over and now all of a sudden, the Poets come out of the woodwork. People like Corb Lund and Paul Brandt, who I admire.

Many others are in shock that they were not informed of the possibility of a coal mine in the Crowsnest Pass. Where have they been for the last eight years? Now people living in Edmonton are concerned. Well perhaps those not living in the area should be taxed to complement the Crowsnest Pass municipality tax revenues.

Revenues that are basically generated from personal income tax because the industrial high paying family jobs are near nonexistent here.

The grazing lease holders are also lamenting about a little grass loss on a mountain top. So, the grazing lease holders are out front and center. You would think they would want to remain inconspicuous or silent given the token revenue they generate to the crown for allowing their cattle to defecate in every creek in the forest reserve. Oh well, perhaps their activism will reflect in a public shunning and an increase in cow calf pair revenue to the crown will develop. Or perhaps they will be required to build ‘off stream water bowls’(increasing their

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numbers yearly) so that the cows will reduce the crap in the streams. We can only hope.

The Government of Canada has largely ignored the plight of western Canada regarding the

fossil fuels industry job losses. Westerners are disillusioned with policies favoring eastern Canadians.

With this in mind, it would be more than intelligent, actually brilliant, for the Government of Canada to

support Alberta’s Covid Recovery Plans and approve the Grassy Mountain Mine Project near the Crowsnest Pass.

Tim Juhlin Crowsnest Pass

Local resident Carmen Linderman is spearheading a way for community members to show their support for coal mining in the area. Different merchandise will be for sale that will give local residents a way to show their support for coal mining in the Crowsnest Pass. There will be shirts, hoodies, hats, bumper stickers, decals and yard/business signs for people to purchase. Linderman also says she hopes to be able to give back to the community through these sales by donating profits to local heritage sites. Linderman and her husband say this community was based on coal and has a history of coal so they want to celebrate the community’s past but also support the future. Linderman also says this is a way to combat some of the negativity that has recently surfaced around the topic of coal mining in the Crowsnest Pass. Check out https://cnpcoal.itemorder.com/.

Submitted photo

10 – Crowsnest Pass HeraLD – Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Editorial cont’d Statistics on the Crowsnest Pass Here are the statistics from the Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) Grant, a study on how the community will look towards future economic growth.

Average household income in the Crowsnest Pass is $87,070 - more than 30% lower than the provincial average in Alberta, which is $124,705, and unemployment rate is 8.8% in Crowsnest Pass compared to the provincial average of 7% sources from Environics Analytics (2019) The following is from Statistics Canada 2016 Census profile for Crowsnest Pass: 2910 people in this community make $50,000 or less 930 people in this community make between $51,000 to $99,000 719 people in this community make over $100,000 out of that number approximately 430 work for Teck This number tells me that we have no middle class in this community.

You either make a good wage in the mine or you try to have your family survive on less then $50,000 a year.

Read that 2910 residents in this community make under $50,000 a year.

Participation in the workforce among people 15 years of age in CNP is 59.15%, well below the average of 71% in Alberta.- median age in CNP is 51 years of age, the rest of Alberta is 41.

The Municipality sent out a survey and asked the question, “Can Tourism and Mining Coexist”. 70% of the respondents said yes. That tells me that 70% of our population who actually made the time to look at the future development of the Crowsnest Pass, and completed the survey, agree with the mines. We had 700 people respond to the survey or 15% of our population. When Shannon Phillips proposed the creation of Castle Park 10,000 Albertans responded or 0.25% of the population of Alberta and the project went ahead. So I feel comfortable saying the majority of our community is in favour of the mine while understanding that recreation is also viable.

77% of the tax base within the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is based on residential.

That means that residents pay the majority of our taxes. One of our major employees in the community is in fact Riversdale. With mines come commercial taxes to help offset future growth and prosperity in our community. I remember my first year on council and when the library needed extra funding we had a serious conversation about how much pavement we were not going to be able to do in that budget year. That blew my mind.

Ranching I find the views of approximately 100 ranchers, who have objected to eastern slope mining development, and have recently been joined by a small but vocal group of well-known country music artists, interesting.

This is of course, their democratic right and their concerns for their livelihood – their cattle – is understandable. I do not believe their concerns are well-founded or represent a majority view in my community, it is my opinion that a clear majority of voters in “business friendly” Alberta support eastern slope mine development, just as they have traditionally supported oil and gas development.

I believe most Albertans trust the world-class provincial and federal environmen-

~ Letters to the the Editor ~ Coal Development Dear Editor, For months I have been hearing from concerned constituents regarding coal development.

The Eastern Slopes have blessed our communities with unparalleled natural beauty. Their majesty is a source of natural pride and Alberta’s government remains committed to protecting them.

Alberta’s government has listened carefully to the concerns that I and many residents in our constituency have raised, and we will pause future coal lease sales in former Category 2 lands.

The coal leases from the December 2020 auction will be cancelled.

Under the current terms, just as it was under the 1976 coal policy, coal leases do not allow for exploration, development

or production without a comprehensive regulatory review. A leaseholder has no more right to set foot on lease property than any other Albertan. The same rules apply now, as before.

The status of the Grassy Mountain Coal project has been of particular concern for some in the riding. This project has been in the review and approval process for five years – well before the 1976 Coal Policy was rescinded in June 2020.

Rescinding the 1976 Coal Policy has had no impact of the regulator review process for Grassy Mountain. The provincial review process was initiated in September 2014 when the project proponent submitted a project description to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).

The joint review process, that included extensive

public consultations, officially began in May 2015 when the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency made the determination that a federal environmental assessment was required.

The AER is an independent regulator that carefully assess mining project proposals and holds public consultations on mining and energy project applications.

This is a regulatory process that is strict, thorough, and independent with project decisions being made by subject matter experts – not politicians.

The AER’s decision to rescind the 1976 Coal Policy does not allow coal companies to bypass the strict environmental rules Alberta’s government already has in-place. Since the introduction of the 1976 Coal Policy, modern

tal regulatory system that is currently in place through the AER. We all drive to Calgary and see the “stop mine development'' signs posted on land adjacent to Highway 22. Obviously, the people that posted these signs drive vehicles made of steel. There is no steel without coal. To this point, I have a few questions for these disgruntled ranchers: Does the run-off from rancher’s fields have any negative effect on potable water or wildlife in the Oldman River basin, specifically the millions of gallons of petrochemical poured onto farmer’s fields to grow grain and or hay for the rancher’s livestock?

Is this good stewardship of the land? Would this minority of ranchers support a ban on ALL human activity on the east slope of the Rockies and surrounding foothills until these questions can be answered? Would these ranchers be willing to abandon their lifestyles for the greater good ad we are being asked to?

It is important to note here, in contrast to the misinformation being spread on social media, Grassy Mountain first made it application to reopen the mine six years ago, went through years of consultation, has the support of Piikani, Kainai and Stoney First Nations,

environmental protections like the Eastern Slopes Act have long since replaced the protections originally offered.

Thanks to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), which came into effect in 1993, mine operators of mountain mines are required to manage selenium in water. This includes submitting a selenium management plan to the AER that details any risks and how to mitigate them.

The 1976 coal policy was silent on selenium, which is why EPEA was required to fill that legislative gap. This is similar to the current efforts of Alberta’s government to modernize environmental protection legislation.

Alberta’s government will continue to hold companies to a high standard, including requiring the submission of detailed environmental work plans prior to a project getting off the

and a 30-day public hearing just concluded. So, to say there was no consultation with local residents or First Nations simply is not true. In fact, the previous NDP provincial government had no concerns with the mine either. Now the Joint Review Panel has several months to review all of their information and their decision will be based on science, data and the onus is on the proponent to prove the mine will not impact the environment or the watershed.

My final ask is please no matter what you do, educate yourself. Understand what metallurgical coal is. Understand that without it we don’t have steel. Come look at a reclaimed mine. The world demands steel, if we don’t ethically produce it someone will fill that niche, that’s Economics 101. Understand how Selenium is being managed.

Understand modern day mining and how reclamation is done today not back in the 1970s. Understand that the changes to the coal policy do not affect either Riversdale or Montem. Remember that we can have recreation and industry; why does it have to be an all or nothing! Please Corb Lund, continue to sing your song on your guitar that

ground. As always, these decisions will be made by experts – biologists, hydrologists, ecologists, and engineers – not politicians.

My phone remains

was made by the coal that is steeped in the history of the Crowsnest Pass, because of course you are not a hypocrite. I leave you with this, I love debate, and I love researching information. Please send me facts good and bad and I promise I will read it and if it changes my perspective I will admit it, but stop with the disparaging comments. I have incredibly thick skin and honestly texting me that I’m the anti-Christ of the environment just makes me laugh, your social media posts and memes are creative. I’ll give you that! If you feel the way I do find your voice and use it. Be as loud as the armchair environmentalist and sudo scientists. Be as loud as the Facebook groups expounding my stance on mining. It obviously bothers them that someone like me has an opinion that doesn’t match their dogma. Remember coal made the Crowsnest Pass, coal mining stopped in the early 1980s and we have seen decline since, and coal has the possibility of being our future. We were made from coal, why not see it as future prosperity in a country with the tightest environmental restrictions in the world.

LS

on and my email available to the people of Livingstone Macleod.

Respectfully, Roger Reid, MLA Livingstone Macleod

From where should the coal come?

Dear Editor, Corb Lund you don't have a guitar without coal. You need steel to make the strings. From whose backyard should that coal come from? This is a historical coalmining region in Alberta. Grassy Mountain was on the coal region map long before it was on the ranching map. It is part of the Crowsnest Coal Mining Region. From where should the coal come from that Albertans depend on to provide all of the equipment and goods that Albertans use that require coal in their making?

Without coal we do not have the Tar Sands. Without coal we don't have drill stem. Without coal we don't have pick up trucks. Whose backyard should our coal come from? Every inch of our planet is pristine but we disturb it to maintain our way of life. If proper reclamation is done there is minimal damage. Should a rich rancher be able to dictate and protect their little niche while resourses that they too use are extracted from other areas?

Bill Stuart

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - crowsnest pass HeraLD - 11

~ Letters to the the Editor ~ Look at the area in which you live

Dear Editor, I am writing to you to express my concern that your municipality has lent its support to the Kenney Government’s rescinding of the 1976 moratorium on open-pit coal mining in the Rocky Mountains. Resolution against the open-pit mining proposed for Alberta.

I hope you will share this letter with your Council members as well. I understand your desperate need to improve the economy of your area. We have friends in the area.

We live in Nanton and visit the area as often as possible. Due to Covid 19 and the restrictions our family has taken according to public health measures, we find ourselves watching more CBC television these days. We have discovered the show “Still Standing”, by the loveable Jonny Harris. He featured Coleman on one of his episodes. It’s in a sad state, to be sure. What immediately becomes apparent in the over 75 Canadian small towns he has visited, is one commonality: all were laid waste and left to rot by resource companies that abandoned them once they were tapped out.

This is the history of our planet. My ancestors left the Isle of Man in the early 1900’s when the English lead mine owners left them to starve. None of the people in these small towns is laughing, except at the tragic-comedy Jonny presents. They are struggling to survive.

What is not stated in Jonny’s episode, when he visits the Frank Mine, is that the people were warned this would happen. The Indigenous People told them so. Did they listen? No, they scoffed. I have been through the museum and visited the site more than once.

When my daughter went there on a Jr High field trip from Calgary, she had nightmares for months. There is still so much negative energy there, and the feeling of death pervades that place. I mourn those people and their ancestors who have surely suffered from the intergenerational trauma of this

event.

This was an environmental disaster that might have been prevented, if people had only listened. Let me tell you my story of the same.

High River was our intended choice for retirement from two busy teaching careers in Calgary. We constantly visited the Porcupine Hills and drove Highway 22 during the 28 years we lived in Calgary. We moved there in 2012, excited to start a new journey. Now, we live with PTSD from the 2013 flood. As I said to my husband recently, after a triggering incident brought on a terrible reaction, how many people have been rescued from the water by helicopter, with their dog and cat in their arms? He was. And despite all his efforts to save it and our belongings, we lost our retirement home in the community Beechwood.

It was bulldozed, not even saved, after all the renovations we had put into it, over one year and thousands of dollars, for a “forever” home. We learned never to say “forever” again.

Why was Beechwood totally destroyed? Because people refused to accept to the engineers' reports, telling the builders and Town Council and the Mayor (who was the developer of the same land) in 1985, that the floodplain would be inundated with water, Absolutely no doubt. No. They were smarter than the engineers, one of whom I later met in Nanton. They weaselled their way around it, got approval, and then had to have the government bail them out in 1995, after the area flooded.

They blamed the government for approving the site!

Berms were built, at great government expense, for the 100 year flood. We were told when we bought our home, that had a huge berm right behind it, if the water came over that edge, downtown Calgary would be underwater. And how likely was that? One year, 20 days later...

After the 2013 flood,

my husband was asked to provide video to the engineers deciding if the berms could be rebuilt. It showed the 18 foot berm behind our home capsizing, as the Highwood River burst into our basement. The area was declared uninhabitable, and all of us were forced to leave. Lies, deceit and shoddy environmental controls caused untold damage to hundreds of people, throughout Southern Alberta, as well as to all those in Wallace and Beechwood who lost their homes entirely.

The flood can also be blamed on climate change and the clear-cutting of Rocky Mountain slopes, which we didn’t even know about. Seems we always have to wait until disaster strikes. Will the people of Crowsnest Pass sell their kids’ future, for 400 jobs? Ah but they say: the economic development, the trickle down economy - they never work. Ask anyone who has studied “Reaganomics." The rich get richer. That’s all. And the cost? Just on our little family of three, the impact of this environmental disaster has been huge. Think of the damage to thousands of people, the wildlife, the way of life of the ranching community that has been there for decades preserving the land, the watershed….It’s all unthinkable.

Do companies today ever come in with a sustainable, long-term, environmentally-sound proposal? Not to my knowledge. Why is Alberta even thinking of developing a non-renewable resource that will only add to our carbon footprint and accelerate climate change?

This demonstrates a total lack of vision and responsibility to the future of our province. Contrast this with the statesmanship and leadership of Peter Lougheed. His government saw the impact such mines would have, and stopped it, back in 1976. The UCP trashes all those years of protection, with the swipe of a pen.

Crowsnest Pass has so much to offer. It’s a

paradise in the making.

But the government has done nothing to promote tourism or economic diversity in this area. The fly-fishing alone in this pristine environment should be raking in the tourists. They lack vision, leadership and commitment. They only think of getting re-elected. Our MLA Reid called the NDP “traitors,” for protesting this atrocity. It has not been done in a democratic manner, but rather behind closed doors when we were all under pressure from Covid-19. Just for the sake of democracy alone, this must be opened up for a full assessment by sound environmental management and Treaty stakeholders. But they are trying to have legal action thrown out of court.

Dear Ms. Painter, as a nest monitor for the CANMS, the Central Alberta Nest Monitor society, I am privileged to spend many hours on Highway 533, with the bluebirds, the eagles, cattle, moose, deer, geese and the blue Alberta sky.

The area is sustainably ranched and managed by ranchers who have done so for generations. If cattle were not here, the land would be desert, as I am sure you are aware. I fully believe that the Eastern Slopes are one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I’ve been fortunate to have travelled quite a bit.

Think of the impact this will have on the land, the water, the fish….you cannot rebuild a mountain once it has been razed to the ground.

Look at the area in which you live. Walk the Frank Slide and ask yourself, is this what we want for our children? We are at a turning point in the climate crisis. If we don’t act now, it will be too late.

More coal is the last thing we need. You in the Crowsnest Pass have so many renewable resources to promote: clean air, pure water, the last native grasslands in North America, the eagles, hours and hours of sunlight…. Please, please think carefully and don’t let the lure of money in the short term dissuade

you from protecting your fragile world. And that of all of us who live downstream. For the sake of everyone, don’t do it.

I sincerely hope you and your Council will reconsider bringing in Australian open-pit coal mine

developers, for a measly 1% royalty, who will ravage our sacred Rocky Mountains, ruin our watershed, and run when it’s done.

Sincerely, Lise Mayne Nanton

Josephine Stoklosa Sadly missed and always remember in our hearts and minds May the winds of love blow softly, Mom. And whisper so you can hear That we all love and miss you And wish that you were here.

Each time we see your photo You seem to smile and say Don’t cry – I’m only sleeping We’ll meet again someday.

Dearly loved, always respected and remembered, sadly missed.

Mr. Stanley John Stoklosa Deceased November 19, 2019

Sadly missed and always in our hearts by family and friend (from his Tragic Death!)

Never Grow Old I have hear of a land On a far away strand Is a beautiful home of the soul Built by Jesus on high Where we never shall die Tis a land where we never grow old.

When our work here is done And the life crown is won And our troubles and trials are o’re All our sorrow will end And our voices will blend.

With the “loved ones” who’ve gone on before. by youngest sister Ms. Eleanor Stoklosa, from “Jim Reeves CD”

The Night Watch for Stan Stoklosa God’s keeping the night watch for you and for me Bright starts are watching the world as it sleeps.

Shepherds watch over the little black sheep.

The lighthouse is shining for ships far at sea As God keeps the night watch for you and for me.

So sleep/sleep/ in peace and rest Don’t be afraid of the darkness.

All’s well for over the land and the sea God’s keeping the Night Watch for you and for me. by youngest sister Ms. Eleanor Stoklosa From Jim Reeves’ CD

12 – CROWSNEST PaSS hERald – Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 13

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Some units are inside chain link fenced area. All units have interior lighting.

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14 – Crowsnest pass HeraLD – Wednesday, january 20, 2021

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS Estate of IvON jOSEph gODIN, who died on October 25th, 2020. If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by February 28th, 2021.

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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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Marie Forget Box 1345 Blairmore, AB. T0K 0E0

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE

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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Art Garland

With gratitude and appreciation we reflect on a life well lived. Art chose his own path to die in the same way he chose to live, with dignity and courage, surrounded by his family that he loved so much.

His characteristics of adventure, hard work and confidence were evident as he worked in the oilfield and in marketing careers . His enthusiasm for new experiences took them to North Bay Ontario, where he was a salesman for GWG ( Great Western Garment Company) .

Living on Lake Nipissing was full of activities-swimming, canoeing, sailing, and Beach BBQ’s. There are many who have fond memories of the lake gatherings on Campbell ave.

Moving “back out west” to Edmonton, he became Sales Manager and Director of Marketing for GWG. With the purchase of a“hobby” farm at Gainford, AB, Gail and Art created a place where all kinds of experiences happened- horses and hay lofts, sleigh rides and farm breakfasts on the coal and wood stove. “The farm” provided freedom and relaxation away from the city for many friends and family.

Art was the original horse whisperer, many a spirited horse would be ridden with his light hands, confident voice and gentle leg commands. Art and Gail joined the Edmonton Klondike Sheriff’s Posse and rode in parades all over the province. -living up to his swashbuckling cowboy persona. He loved horses, riding and driving teams of haflingers.

Skiing is a significant part of the Garland identity-Art first skied at Norquay, later skinned up Brewster (currently the Great Divide at Sunshine), with leather boots and wooden skis. Art and Gail travelled to Austria in the early 70’s. Skiing continues to be a great common love of the Garland extended clan.

Moving to the the Crowsnest Pass in 2009, Art spent many hours driving Calvin and Stephanie to lessons and practices, and sat in many bleachers. He relished this grandfather role, -he loved “supervision without supervision”. He also spent a fair amount of time defending his choice of flags — The Oilers and Eskimos continue to fly.

Art was known for a few famous sayings- “The harder I work, the luckier I get” and the KISS principle ( Keep it simple stupid).

Simply, these are the words the describe Art: love of family, steadfast fullness, horseman, hard work, connection with cousins, , commitment, independent, warm, patient, inviting, kind, teasing, quirky sense of humour, charisma, cowboy, business man,husband, father, grandfather His memory lives on with his wife Gail, children Leslie and David (of Kelowna), Michael Duarte-Pedrosa and Janet (son and daughter -in-law) grandchildren: Kevin ( and Kathryn), Richard , Stephanie and Calvin Duarte-Pedrosa, great granddaughter Brooklyn Art-know that as you embark on your journey, that you will be missed, that you are very much loved and that you will be remembered always,.

We are at peace.

Please donate to the Crowsnest Food bank. Consider donating monthly, or with every grocery shop.

To celebrate Art, a family reunion is being planned for May (COVID restrictions pending) and a hike up Turtle Mountain to commemorate his life’s journey this summer.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 15

~ OBITUARIES ~ Obituary

MICHAEL BERNARD FORGET February 1, 1949 ~ January 5, 2021

With sadness we announce the passing of Mike Forget on January 5, 2021 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre, Blairmore, AB. He was 71 years of age.

Mike was a family man. Growing up in Ontario, he spent a lot of time camping and being outdoors with his brothers. Mike moved to Calgary in 1977 where he met his future wife, Marie Loose. They relocated to the Crowsnest Pass in 1980, and were married in 1981. They went on to be blessed with three sons and Mike raised them to appreciate nature and the outdoors as much as he did.

Over the years, Mike was a Boy Scout leader and T-ball coach for his boys. He also enjoyed photography, going canoeing, and was an avid golfer, woodworker and fisherman, but his priority was always his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Although Mike has left us, he will remain in our hearts and fond memories will never fade.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life is his wife, Marie of Blairmore; his mother Isabel Forget (Née: Parent); his sons, Keith, Steven (Joyce) and Adam (Kylee); his grandchildren, Madison, Kataly, Victoria, Tallyn, Emily, Jonathan and Xavier; his brothers, Francis, Danny (Donna) and Robert, all of Ontario; his sisters, Bernadette of Calgary, AB and Kathy of Ontario; as well as his extended family and many friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Edward Forget, and his brothers, Clifford and Richard Forget.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Crowsnest Conservation Society (www.crowsnestconservation.ca, or PO Box 242, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

Obituary

ANWEN WILLIAMS (Née Davies) January 30, 1948 to January 12, 2021

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Anwen Williams on January 12, 2021 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre, Blairmore, AB. She was 72 years of age.

Anwen (known to most as Annie) was born within the town walls of Conwy North Wales to Muriel and Samuel Davies. In 1973, she and her husband, Mike, together with their young children Martin and Julie, moved to Calgary, AB to start a new life. They relocated to Fernie, BC in 1975. Annie worked for many years at Fernie Quality Bakery where staff was like family and she became a fixture for town residents.

She studied business at East Kootenay College, but found her calling as a Long Term Care Aid after briefly moving back to Wales in 1999.

She moved back to the Pass in 2001 and began working in Extended Care at the Crowsnest Pass Hospital. She was known for her no nonsense attitude, but also for her compassion and humour. She loved the residents whom she cared for and found lasting friendships in the staff.

Annie volunteered with York Creek Seniors Housing and was crucial in fundraising for the new Seniors Bus. She was an avid knitter, donating items to the Tuck shop, of which she was also the Treasurer, and knitting items from socks to sweaters for anyone who asked. She loved the beach and reading crime novels, as well as watching the next NASCAR race or the Seahawks play.

She was predeceased by her parents, Muriel and Samuel; her sister, Valmai; and her brother, David. She is survived and will be greatly missed by her children, Bethan, Marty, and Julie, and her grandchildren, Emily, Henry, Callum, Griffith, Rhys and Ryan.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, Annie has requested that memorial donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca). The family would like to thank Dr. Rogers and the staff at the Crowsnest Health Care Center for all the love and care they showed our mother during her illness.

Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

Obituary

Martin, Vernon 1935 ~ 2021

Vernon James Martin born October 25, 1935 in Kindersley, SK passed away January 11, 2021, in Westlock, AB in the presence of beloved family members.

Vern will be greatly missed by his daughters: Heather (Brian), Michelle (Rob) and Linda; stepchildren: Karen (Allen), Barry (Angel) and John; grandchildren: Kory, Matthew (Lisa), Jeremy, Sarah, Maria (Eric), Amanda (Zac), Dani (Mason), Jason, Taylor, and Alyssa; greatgranddaughter, Peyton and his large extended family.

Vern was raised in Flin Flon, MB, the 4th eldest of 16 children. His working life took him to Lynn Lake, MB; Calgary, AB and Prince George, BC, which he called home for almost 30 years.

Vern is predeceased by his wife, Joan Ann; parents, Julius and Jane Martin; and other siblings.

Vern and Joan retired in Blairmore, AB, where they enjoyed their outdoor adventures. He was a member of the Lion’s Club and was a proud founding member of the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, quadding, and snowmobiling. One of his great joys was camping with family and friends, exploring the woods, and telling tall tales and singing songs around the campfire. He and Joan were fortunate to spend many winters as ‘snowbirds’ in Arizona and Mexico, often travelling with family and life-long friends.

Due to health issues they moved to St. Albert in 2016 to be near family.

Thank you to the healthcare teams of Westlock Medical Centre, Aspen Villa in Morinville, North Ridge Lodge in St. Albert and to the wonderful ladies of Sturgeon Hospital’s Adult Day Program.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Cancer or Alzheimer Society.

To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.

Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home St. Albert Chapel (780) 458-2222

16 – CrowSneSt PASS HerALD – Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Looking Back

Many times I have delved into the past history of a Pass immigrant family and in so doing have been taken on a tremendous journey of adversity, perseverance, tragedy and eventual success. That’s why I love digging deeper into these stories. The Pass was built, in large part, by immigrants who chose Canada and ultimately the Crowsnest Pass, working within our logging and coal mining industries, to rebuild their lives and find opportunity.

Amongst us, living in Hillcrest, is a man by the name of George Plonka, more commonly known as Doctor Cool, a colourful character who can fix just about any appliance. Recently I came across the story of George’s mother Aniela and would like to share it with you the readers.

Aniela had six children and wound up in Fernie where she passed in 2009. George is her oldest son and was born in Edinburgh, Scotland just after the war ended. Be forewarned, this story will probably go to three parts and take you on a gut-wrenching journey, one that will illustrate the raw courage and determination that can be summoned when one is pushed to one’s limits.

What follows is the remarkable story of Aniela Plonka. I will preface what unfolds by pointing out that most of this saga is in her own words, recorded some years ago for posterity. I will, at appropriate times, digress from her quoted words to put in context what was going on and why. It is a war story that involves oppression, enslavement, incredible hardship and an unbending will to survive. In these times when many bemoan their precious loss of freedom I thought it might be sobering to see what true loss of freedom is like.

She begins with: “I remember the last day of August 1939 when I said goodbye to my mother. She had tears in her eyes and asked when she would see me again. I said, “Mom, I’m going to Przemysl, only a few kilometers from home.”

I was going to Przemysl to stay with my auntie who was expecting twins, and her husband was away in the army. Living with my aunt was closer to my school than travelling every day by train. (I was a high school student). Since that goodbye, 32 years passed before I saw my mother again.” (Przemysl is in the very south east of Poland near the border with Ukraine) “On August 28, 1939, the ten year Treaty on Non-aggression was signed in Moscow by German Joahim von Ribbentrop and Russian Vyacheslav Molotov. On Sept. 1, the German army attacked Poland, bombing cities, towns and villages, killing not only soldiers but shooting civilians running in panic, women, children and whomever was in sight. It was a horrible thing to see and live through.”

Author’s Note: The treaty had an undisclosed Secret Protocol which basically cut Poland in half like a pie with annexation and invasion planned. Germany took the west half, Russia the east half. It was not until the Nuremberg Trials six years later this protocol was confirmed.

“On Sept. 17, the Russian army invaded the eastern area of Poland. Then the Germans and Russians divided Poland in half. The river San, which flows through the middle of Przemysl, was made the German-Russian border.

My mother’s house was on the Russian side of the San. I worried very much for my mother and family. I hadn’t heard from them since I left to go to school.

I tried to get home but the Russians didn’t let people through their border. They dynamited the bridge so it was impossible to get to the other side. I decided to wait until the river froze. I hoped the Russians were human too and would let me go home.

In the early morning of Jan. 19, 1940, I crossed the frozen river and two Russian soldiers grabbed me.

They took me to their headquarters for questioning and kept me there all day. I pleaded with them to release me and let me go home to my mother. When night fell, they took me in a covered truck to prison.

The prison cell was full of people, older ladies, school kids and young children. There was no room to sit down. When night came we had to take turns to lie down on the floor.

Once a day, we were given soup. We were starved, longing for a piece of bread. There was no place to wash either. After about two weeks, they loaded us in the canvas-covered trucks and took us to the rail station. I wanted to let my mother know what had happened to me, so I wrote a note. When the truck was moving, I cut a hole in the canvas with a razor and threw out my note. Looking through the hole, I saw someone pick up the note and run fast. He let my mother know what had happened to me.

At the rail station, they loaded us in the freight wagons, which were empty except for some straw on the floor and a can standing in the corner. We travelled like that for two days and nights.

Our first stop was Nikolayew, Russia. They brought us to the prison door and gave us some water. I remember I drank at least three quarts of water at once. I was kept in Nikolayew prison for six months.

Many times, and always after midnight, they called me for questioning. Again they put us in covered trucks in separate partitions and drove us far away to another prison.

At that prison, they let us out one at a time and then put us each in separate little cupboard-like boxes in the wall, standing up. In front of me was a door with a few air holes so I wouldn’t die in there. If I fainted, I couldn’t fall because there was no room to fall. The Russians were very advanced in their cruelty.

Sometimes they kept me standing there for three or four hours before calling me for questioning. By then I would be totally exhausted; I just didn’t care anymore.

Then the Russian commander insisted I admit I was an enemy of Soviet Russia. He would yell at me to scare me. “Why don’t you cry?” he yelled! For Pilsudski you would cry, but you will not cry for me!”

I answered, “Yes For Pilsudski I would cry, but I will not cry to please you.” (Joseph Pilsudski was a Polish patriot and leader during the First World War.) The next prison they sent me to was in Kharkow, and I will never forget it as long as I live. They put me in a large cell with Russian women who were hardened criminals. They were in prison for murder, assault, theft and many other crimes. They swore and fought between themselves terribly. I was so scared.

Photos clockwise from top: Aniela Plonka at age 18 just before she I thought I’d died and was in hell. Every night, two Russian guards came to the cell to count us. I kept was taken - courtesy George Plonka. The San River bridge blown asking them, “Please put me in with Polish women.” They asked, “Why?” “Because I can’t speak Russian,” up by the Russians - wikipedia. Routes to the camps Aniela was I told them. “You have to learn,” they answered. “Learn from these women.” taken - map by John Kinnear. Map showing hundreds of gulags in Every night they asked us what we did before we came to prison. The Russian women answered that Russia - map by John Kinnear, Upwards of 250,000 Polish prisoners they were thieves, stealing large items or picking pockets. One night, when they asked me again what I of war were taken away - wikipedia. did before coming to prison, just to make fun of them, I said I was a pick pocket. The guards looked surprised and smiled. The next day they put me in a cell with Polish women.

For another six months I was in Kharkow prison. Then, one day they called me to the commander’s office and read my sentence. They said, because I was an enemy of Soviet Russia, they sentenced me to five years of hard labour in a camp for women. The place was called Akmolinsk. It was the winter of 1941.”

By John Kinnear

Surviving the GulagsAniela Plonka’s Story

Authors Note: Part Two will carry on with Aniela’s life in the Gulag and eventual release which was not always the case. Thousands were starved or worked to death in the hundreds of gulags that were set up all over Russia and the Ukraine. They held anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 people in these force labour camps. They operated from the 1920’s until shortly after Stalin’s death in 1953. Stalin rivaled Hitler for the out and out merciless killing of literally millions of people. In Part Two some of this will be briefly revisited including the terrible story of the Katyn Forest massacre. So stay tuned to follow Aniela as she makes her way out of Russia to the Middle East and England.