www.crowsnestpassherald.ca • 403-562-2248 •passherald@shaw.ca
February 3, 2021 ~ Vol. 91 No. 5
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Crowsnest Pass
Herald Serving the CnP SinCe 1930
Frozen in time
David Selles photo
I was able to spend some great times outside recently and grabbed this photo that speak to the amazing beauty of the Crowsnest Pass area. A frozen Lundbreck Falls is always a beautiful site. I almost like it more frozen than flowing. I encourage everyone to get out and explore this area as much as possible. It really is a beautiful area we get to call home.
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2 – Crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, Fevruary 3, 2021
Crowsnest Pass ProteCtive serviCes - supporting a safe community
Fire & Rescue, Community Peace Officer Program and Agriculture/Field Services Fire Rescue Closing out 2020 and moving into the new year was a welcome transition for first responders. In 2020, we attended 145 calls for service involving the full spectrum of response types, including STARS landings, mutual aid, motor vehicle incidents, gas ruptures, and high-risk mountain rescues. Looking forward to 2021, we will be conducting a multi-jurisdictional structural protection exercise with the focus being protecting our community from the threat of advancing wildfire. We are also continuing to qualify our firefighters to professional standards so that we can continue to provide professional services for our community. Our mountains and backcountry are nothing short of spectacular and provide recreation opportunities few other places can offer. I cannot emphasis enough that they can also provide for conditions that can be deadly. Recently CNPFR, RCMP and Pincher Creek SAR, attempted rescue for a solo injured hiker on top of Crowsnest Mountain. Crews worked exhaustively throughout the night to access the climber however needed to engage helicopter support. The hiker was located and transported, succumbing to injuries and environmental conditions. It is critical that the public limits risk taking in our natural landscape. These types of incidents are tragic and highly preventable, in addition to putting responders at risk as we will always attempt rescue. Go out and have fun-but be safe and be prepared! - Jesse Fox-Fire Chief
SubScriptionS Due
Council Briefs DAviD SelleS
Pass Herald Reporter
The following topics were discussed at the January 26th, Regular Council Meeting. Development bylaw ready Council gave first reading to 1059, 2020 Municipal Development Plan Bylaw on November 10, 2020. Council had a public hearing and passed second reading on December 8, 2020. Council requested that Administration prepare suggested amendments to incorporate the information heard from the Public Hearing. During discussion, Mayor Painter and other council members said they would like to see an amendment to one section of the MDP. That section originally read that downtown Coleman design requirements “encourage a theme articulated by a comprehensive design approach that is historic or a theme complementary to existing buildings in the downtown area that respects the unique built heritage each contains and taking into consideration the Crowsnest Pass Historic District Design Guidelines (1980s)”. Council amended that section to read that downtown Coleman requirements “en-
courage a theme articulated by a comprehensive design approach that is historic or a theme complementary to existing buildings in the downtown area.” Following discussion, Councillor Filipuzzi made a motion to pass third reading with the amendment that was presented in section nine part two. The motion was carried. Coleman Post Office Members of Council received a letter regarding the Coleman Post Office. Councillor Sygutek asked that Council spend some time discussing it at this meeting. Councillor Sygutek mentioned the Coleman post office is currently run differently than others in the area. "I think what's really important about this is that the Coleman post office is quite a bit different than other post offices. We have an option if we ask to have that post office re-opened as a full functioning post office. " Councillor Sygutek also mentioned personal experiences during discussion. "If I take the paper to Blairmore people in Coleman sometimes won't get their paper for two days. The amount of product that's coming into Blairmore post office
is tremendous for those people to function. I don't know if it's something Council is interested in pursuing an opportunity to see if we can get that post office re-opened. I've had a number of people contact me to see if it can happen. It doesn't seem like it's that difficult to do. It's a matter of us writing a letter to the appropriate people." CAO Patrick Thomas also brought up the idea of seeing if the Crowsnest Pass could get one joint post office instead of having multiple different post offices throughout the community. "Instead of running as individual offices, they run a model similar to other large areas where everything is centralized. Right now we still have a very fragmented service.” Councillor Sygutek then asked if Administration could look into those two options. "What I would like to do is see if Administration can get in contact with any of the contacts that were given to us and see if those two options are on the table." After discussion, Councillor Ward made a motion that this topic be brought back to the last Council meeting in February to see if more residents contact council members regarding this issue.The motion was carried.
Keystone XL permit cancellation devestating news John Barlow, MP
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I am a proud Canadian and a proud champion for our natural resource sectors including oil and gas. Alberta energy must play an integral role in Canada's economic recovery, and the loss of a vital piece of infrastructure like Keystone XL only makes that harder. Especially here in Alberta. Keystone XL meant hundreds of needed jobs here in Canada, particularly as we try to navigate through a global pandemic. This project would not only bring important jobs to Alberta, but also billions of dollars in investment, corporate income taxes, as well as royalty payments for provincial and federal governments. When we look at the entire economic snapshot, there is also a larger picture of what these energy companies, like TC Energy, are doing. They are providing jobs and opportunities, and the benefits go far beyond simply building a pipeline. For years, Conservatives have been calling on the Trudeau Liberals to champion Canadian energy and workers. Yet, time and again, they fail to do so and have been "virtue signaling" to anti-oil activists through harmful policies like carbon taxes, Bill C-69 and Bill C-48. Liberals are determined to shutdown Canada’s energy sector. Trudeau has stated he wants to phase out Alberta’s oilsands, and by passing crippling legislation like C-69 and C-48, cancelling Northern Gateway and drowning Energy East under a wave of red tape he is well on his way to doing so. Canadian energy is not the problem, it provides the solution. World class Canadian environmental standards, technology and resources can be exported around the world reducing the reliance on more harmful energy from countries with no environmental or human rights standards. We must unleash Canada’s energy sector. More action needs to be taken to not only defend Canadian energy, but champion it on the world stage. COVID-19 shook the lives of every Canadian. It took the jobs of many, hurt small businesses and we should be preparing for our economic recovery by safeguarding projects of national interest, such as Keystone XL. As I said, Keystone XL is vital energy infrastructure. It provides jobs, certainty and much-needed revenue for all levels of government. It is essential for economic recovery and plays a key role in reconciliation. For the sake of national unity we need to set aside our political differences and stand shoulder-to-shoulder to advocate for this important project to get Canadian resources to market, to save Keystone XL and, with it, thousands of well-paying jobs in Alberta.
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - Crowsnest PAss herAlD - 3
In the lIne of fIre Between January 25 and February 1, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to a total of 24 calls for service including the following reported incidents. One (1) assault, one (1) threat/harassment, two (2) mischief (vandalism), one (1) disturbing the peace, one (1) other criminal code, three (3) other provincial statutes, one (1) driving complaints, three (3) motor vehicle collisions, two (2) assistance to general public, three (3) suspicious occurrence, four (4) assistance to other agencies, one (1) false alarm and one (1) animal call. Abandoned trailer On January 25th, 2021, there was a complaint of an abandoned utility trailer on highway 22 that has been abandoned for the past week. The owner from Edmonton area was contacted and advised the trailer would be towed.
Erratic Driver On January 29th, 2021, there was a complaint of an erratic semi truck driver from Elk Valley RCMP. The vehicle was located and the 41year-old male driver from Calgary area was warned about his driving. No charges were laid and alcohol was not a factor. Snowmobilers On January 30th, 2021, there was a complaint of overdue snowmobilers reported to Elk Valley RCMP. It’s believed they were lost in the Coleman area. The complainant later called to report contact was made with persons and all were okay. Vandalism On February 1st, 2021, there was a complaint of vandalism to vehicles parked on 21st Avenue in a parking lot in Blairmore. It is currently under investigation. Be aware of a new
~ rCMP news ~
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 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 403-562-2867, or Crimestoppers to remain
The Simple Raven’s Post by Avner Perl
The power of believing The teacher in school gave us a form to take home for parents to sign to allow us to take swimming lessons. My class was ecstatic, and we all talked about nothing else but swimming. The teacher also told us it was a life skill and that many people have been saved from drowning since the Red Cross developed a learn to swim program. She also explained how swimming is one of the best physical exercises suitable even for people with health problems. I was sold on the idea and gave my mom the form. She put it away…………… I asked her if I will be allowed to go with my friends and she said no. My world crumbled in front of my eyes. Why mom? I said with tears choking me and she said. When I was young, I went playing on the frozen river and fell through the ice. Some people saved me, but it was the most horrible thing that happened to me. I am scared especially about you son since you have medical problems and you are not very strong. I am strong mom I cried and swimming makes you stronger. I don’t want to risk losing you she said. But if I know how to swim, I will be able to save myself if… and she replied, sorry son, I don’t BELIEVE your teacher and I don’t trust some young lifeguard to watch you properly. My class went, and I stayed in the school office doing some boring homework instead of swimming. It wasn’t until I was 18 when I could go learn how to swim without my parents’ permission, and I did. I BELIEVED my teacher. Two years later I was a lifeguard, had the highest swimming qualifications, and made recreation my career choice. My body responded, and I became much healthier than I ever was. It taught me that belief can be good but also can be terrible. I was born in the cradle of the most popular religious beliefs, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. I was young when I realized that those were BELIEFS, and often the only difference between them was what people believed. Yet being a child of the second half of the twentieth century, I soon discovered that there was something that we all had to believe the same and that was science. We base science on proven facts and disputes are solved by proving things that could be repeatedly proven and peer-reviewed. I am a great proponent of faith and beliefs and know the significant role they play in human destiny. What people believe determines what happens to us in life. However, it has to be verifiable, and not make-believe theory. One can’t just say I believe and it will
anonymous at 1-800-422TIPS. 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. DO NOT OPEN EMAILS if you are suspicious of its origin. Do NOT purchase gift cards for payment to Revenue Canada. Do not send monies to person claiming you have won a prize and need to send money for delivery. Crime mapping is available online to residents who are interested can login online at Municipality of Crowsnest Pass website (RCMP crime map for Crowsnest Pass). Crime mapping shows property crimes that occurred within the past two weeks in our area.
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materialize. I watch the people who see folks dying obviously from a communicable disease and say that they don’t believe it. Their BELIEF is as good as murder. They also happen to be a group that is less affected by the particular virus for the time being. I see folks fighting against wearing protective masks and refusing the hard-earned vaccine. They BELIEVE it is going to change their DNA, or that microchips embedded in it will make them lose their imagined freedom. Their actions directly cause the deaths of the elders who built a beautiful world for them, but they don’t care. Others are ignoring an immense body of accumulated evidence that the earth is warming up thanks to the amount of carbon we inject into the air. Instead of making an effort to stop it, they personally benefit from inventing ways to delay action. Again, selfish reasons dictate their BELIEFS. Others yet advocate building more superweapons and invest in companies that manufacture the mega killing machines. The worst of all are the enemies from within who pose as investors and skim most profits and benefits from the productivity of the low-paid workers who produce wealth. Those watch essential workers live in objective poverty and convince them with targeted marketing to vote against their own interests. We are used to seeing a few collect millions enjoying food provided by many others who earn starvation wages. We BELIEVE that the lucky few work harder or are smarter in some ways. We don’t BELIEVE that farmers, ranchers, servers, and cashiers work hard or have important qualities. Well, science reveals that there is no physical difference between the lucky and the poor. People don’t choose where they are born nor the colour of their skin or the social standing of birth families. Some of us choose to be moral while others don’t. Some choose to help others and others to take advantage of the less lucky. That depends upon what we BELIEVE. Some chose to work towards making the world a better place for most or all, while others BELIEVE that caring for others is a weakness. Many BELIEVE that they were born into privileges prepared for them by their ancestors. Others KNOW that their place in the world was taken away from them and with it all its resources. Some First Nations still dispute the fact that natural resources should belong to Her Majesty instead of to them. The argument is that the original people in most places didn’t develop the resources. Mind you, those who now own resources often hired others to develop them. Anyone can do that, but mostly they need a powerful army to take it over. Is taking what you can by strength legal? Depends on who is making the laws. Even more, depends on what we BELIEVE. I know that what I BELIEVE will not change the world. Some will call me a dreamer. Yet I BELIEVE that if enough people will change their BELIEFS, we may yet have a better world, preserve what is most beautiful, and together will end wars, help all the children, make life wonderful for the hard-working mothers, and whatever else we can dream of. Here is a link to my blog: https://thesimpleravenspost.blogspot.ca/ Feel free to check other articles and comment.
4 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Editorial Well, I have to say people in our community and outside have hit an entire low. Yesterday I found out several industrial vehicles in the community had their gas tanks pierced allowing gas to pour into the street and most likely the sewer drains. In addition, I have heard through sources but can not confirm, as of press time both a municipal vehicle and several commuter vehicles have also been deliberately tampered with in the same fashion. Ironically, those who profess to want to protect the environment do not seem to have a problem polluting our community by allowing fuel to leak into the storm drains. What is going on in our little community? Where has common sense gone and when did it become okay to destroy property rather then have an educated discussion? When I did my editorial, I knew I was opening myself to negative comments. When you take a stand for your community you best be able to handle the backlash inevitably to follow. I did not, however, expect all the wing nuts of the universe to come out and show their presence. For example, on Saturday, I received a text on Facebook Messenger accusing me of calling the police on ‘him’ (I use that word loosely) and, as a result, he was coming down to make me pay. First, I had no clue who this person was, other than he lives in Calgary, and I cannot fathom why he thinks I would call the police on him. I also received an email from a person in Calgary who comes down to fish in our community. He told me, “if you people want a mine and think like this, I refuse to come down and spend my money in your restaurants and hotels when I fish your waters”. He goes on to say he will give the community a big middle finger as he drives by in his Ford F150. No lie, what a hypocrite! My response, “well you best get rid of that truck and stay in Calgary to fish because if you are anti-coal I guess you should be anti-anything made of steel.” I hope he can walk to his favourite fishing hole, but my guess he will not. In our last council package, which is public, we received a letter from Town of Edson Councillor Troy Sorensen which states:
A little background on myself: I have a master’s degree from the University of Alberta in Environmental Biology and Ecology. I used to work as a Level III Wildlife Biologist for the Alberta Research Council and the province’s Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. One of my jobs at the time was to review coal mining applications and Environmental Impact Assessments for wildlife concerns. I should also note I am a Director of the West Yellowhead UCP Board. I also door knocked for Robin Campbell’s 2015 MLA campaign (former Minister of Finance, Minister of Environment, and currently the President of the Coal Association of Canada). I do not view this as a partisan issue. I have many friends that have worked for coal mines and gone through the boom and bust of coal mining in the Edson/Hinton/Grande Cache areas. Many of which are currently unemployed or have moved on to other careers. In the letter he states: “The production of metallurgical coal at Grassy Mountain would directly compete with any sales from Vista Coal, Cardinal River, and Grande Cache Coal mines; making it extremely difficult to reopen mines that are already closed.” My question is honestly this, “Where did this fellow get his master’s degree?”. Does he not understand Vista is a thermal mine, Cardinal River and Grande Cache are not being mined because the cost of mining the remaining reserve is uneconomic in the current and foreseeable market. Much the same as Teck’s Coal Mountain operation. Also, he has not even done enough research to understand the changes to the 1976 Coal Policy did not at any time affect either Riversdale or Montem Resources application as a Class 4 mine. These are the people telling us we cannot have a mine. First, Mr. Sorensen we do not produce thermal coal here and the companies owning the resource rights have done the feasibility study to ensure it is cost effective. Now I see the Mayor of High River is on the anti-coal bandwagon. He is now beseeching the City of Calgary to join his cause. I would like to ask Mayor Snodgrass to perhaps look at his own backyard where
the Highwood River impacts people downstream every single time it floods. Perhaps he should concentrate on development in High River and how it has impacted flooding. He says he does not trust the provincial or federal regulatory process. Does he not trust his experts within the Town of High River? Did he question the experts who designed berms and diversions to protect High River after the 2013 flood? What would be his reaction if Albertans demanded the Province not spend another dime on flood mitigation in High River? How would others respond if faceless Facebook trolls demanded they surrender their livelihoods and sacrifice their homes, businesses and families? It is happening right now. Environmental activists have attacked two other pillars to Alberta’s economy including agriculture and energy. For example, activists have demanded an end to cattle ranching because of methane emissions and water pollution. We have seen the impact activism has had on Alberta’s energy sector with the cancellation of critical pipelines. These decisions were not based on science, they were based on politics and activists. Yet, as Albertans, we have stood sideby-side and vigorously
defended these industries because we know – at the provincial and federal levels - we have the most strict environmental standards in the world. So why such a different approach to coal? Why do we now question the experts and regulatory regime we have entrusted when in comes to agriculture and energy? This is what I am most upset about. We have a councillor actively writing a letter campaign to stop our mine and his information is not even accurate. We have a mayor from High River stepping in with absolutely no conversation with my council as a whole to even tell us what scientific information he has to back up his campaign. What insight does he have to become such an expert on our mines other than he has a condo in Fernie? I have not seen one piece of information come forth as a councillor. We have a group from Calgary and Lethbridge who are trying to host an anti-coal rally in our community. This is the post from Brian Moen, “23,000 FB users isn’t making a dent in Kenney’s plan. No changes, nothing. How many people here (I am assuming from the City) would be up to travelling to the Pass and physically protesting? … But if 23,000 FB users do not matter, maybe 5,000 angry, horn
Bricks & Bouquets
honking protesters will?” This is what is happening around us. Facebook warriors coming into our community to tell us what they think? Someone slashing gas tanks and threats to me on messenger? Is this about our mine or is this a much larger issue in the machination of things? For every post I receive about Selenium my response is where did you get your scientific study from? Some councillor in Edson who says he has a master’s degree in biology, but does not know the type of coal we mine? Or a paper from the Tides Foundation or a professor who is funded by an anti-resource group? I am not a scientist, however I do know I trust the scientists and experts the federal and provincial governments have hired to see if the Selenium issue is being mitigated in the 22,000-page proposal for the Joint Panel Review. I must believe these people are impartial and I must believe they are making sure our water source is not contaminated. If I cannot believe them, then really can we believe in anything? I hope these protestors do not come down because quite frankly I do not know how our community will respond. I believe most of the people are in
favour of the mine and I am pretty sure they will not take kindly to the city folk coming into our backyard and telling us what to do. I do not want to see that. I do not want more degradation of society. I am sick of the depths people will go to get their point across. I am off Facebook; I am not friends with people who did personal attacks on me who I once admired. The people in this community had six years to tell two different councils they did not want a mine and barely a handful showed up each time there was an open meeting to discuss this. There have been six years of consultations and weeks of public hearings for people to voice their concerns. Now, the public’s input and information is in front of a panel of experts, who have been tasked to make a decision on this project. The decision should be made by experienced experts who have the science and data at hand. It should not be made by angry ill-informed mobs fueled by Facebook venom. I am disgusted with parts of humanity at this point and our inability to have a reasonable conversation based on facts. It seems facts and science do not matter when you have emotion to back you up. LS
This is your column, THE READERS, use it but please don’t abuse it. All Bricks & Bouquets are expressions from OUR READERS and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of THIS newspaper. If you wish to expressly thank someone, please use our CARD OF THANKS section of this newspaper. We appreciate you making this column a success, and keep sending us your Bricks and Bouquets. All Bricks and Bouquets are kept on file at the Pass Herald.
BRICKS - To the people who turn their dogs loose on York Creek Drive in Blairmore. They are chasing the Moose and Deer causing injuries as it is very icy. This is NOT an Off Leash Dog Park. Control your Dogs!
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Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 5
John Pundyk.CoM
Simply Selles Musings from you local reporter
403
Royal LePage South Country Real Estate Services Ltd. cOleMAn AcreAGe
On Thursday, January 28th, Bell held their annual #BellLetsTalk day. It’s a day dedicated to encouraging everyone to speak out about their mental health and it also works to help end the negative stigmas surrounding mental health. It’s a day where the negativity on social media seems to disappear and messages of comfort and positivity dominate Facebook and Twitter feeds. The way the day works is that anytime someone uses the hash tag #BellLetsTalk on Twitter or TikTok, uses the Facebook Frame on their profile picture, watches a specific video discussing mental health, uses the Snapchat filter or anytime a Bell customer sends a text or has a local or long distance phone call, Bell donates five cents to mental health initiatives across the country. This year saw record-breaking numbers across the board. There were 159,173,435 messages of support over the course of the day, which raised $7,958,671.75 in new mental health funding. There are a number of people I know who have personally struggled with depression or mental health challenges so it’s amazing to see so much effort around the goal of ending the negative views on mental health. This past year saw many people face many different struggles. Maybe they lost their job to the pandemic or couldn’t see family members they normally would see on a regular basis. There are so many different factors that play into a person’s mental health. It’s incredibly important to stop and think about how your actions may impact people you interact with. There were countless stories told on #BellLetsTalk day about how the simplest of actions like holding a door with a smile, saying hello, or just being kind to others positively impacted so many people. We can be so quick to jump to judgment or even hatred when we find that someone has a different viewpoint on life than we do. Just because someone’s view on politics or even the possibility of local mines coming to fruition doesn’t mean they are any less of a person than you are. Speak with love, act humbly, show kindness, spend some time listening and you may just save a life.
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
lundbreck Beautiful home for active living in the Canadian Rockies. 2 + 1 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in Lundbreck, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Large, level lot with attached 30’ x 40’ heated garage. Meticulous inside and out. Town water and sewer, plus a water well. Fantastic view of the magnificent Livingstone Range. Fly fishing and Castle Mountain rec area nearby. $334,900 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
blAIrMOre Two-bedroom, top floor condo with fantastic southern exposure and beautiful mountain view at Crowsnest Condominiums in Blairmore. Close to the Crowsnest River, waking paths, Blairmore Ski Hill, fantastic mountain golf course, and bike trails. Also, hospital, 2 medical clinics, dental office and shopping close by. $119,000 CALL JOHN MLS
cOleMAn Fantastic commercial lot in downtown Coleman. This corner 50’ x 100’ lot has tremendous visibility, is close to the post office, and popular restaurants. Level and with back lane access. Crowsnest Pass offers incredible opportunity for mountain activities, hundreds of miles of back country trails, and mountain-bike trails. This property has two titles, creating additional opportunities. Both are to be sold together. $69,000 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
6 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - CrowsnEst PAss HErALD - 7
Chamber creates new Eat Local Passport DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter
The Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce has created another Passport for local residents to complete. This passport is the Eat Local Passport and runs very similar to the Shop Local Passport that was run at Christmas. Office Manager for the Chamber of Commerce, Brandy Fehr says shoppers will once again get stamps when visiting different restaurants. “For every $10 spent at a local Crowsnest Pass restaurant you will receive a stamp. Once your passport is full of 10 stamps snap a picture and email it to office@crowsnestpasschamber.ca. You can find the passports at local restaurants. There are no limits on the number of passports submitted per person.” Fehr says the draw will take place on March
15th. The winner of the draw will take home seven different $100 gift cards of their choice to local restaurants. Fehr says it’s incredibly important to keep supporting local as much as possible. “It is so important to support these businesses right now. They are the ones that sponsor our kid’s sports teams, donate to our over 50 events normally held in Crowsnest Pass every year, cater our social gatherings but most of all they employ a big chunk of our community. We ask that if you can, please try to dedicate one night a week to eating local. The Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce would like to send out a huge thank you to Crowsnest Pass Community Futures for sponsoring this initiative” Here is a list of all participating restaurants:
Bamboo Bistro Black Rock Pizzeria & Bakery Ben Wong Restaurant Captain's Pizza Charleybiggs The Cherry On Top Bakery and Koffie Shop Chris' Restaurant Cinnamon Bear Connected Cuppas Cozy Corner Café Crowsnest Café & Fly Shop Emilio’s Mercato Italiano Encounters Wine Bar and Small Plate Kitchen Country Encounters Accommodations Five Rivers Pizza Frida Hot Rolling Stove Limber Pine Smokehouse&Taberna The Pass Beer Co Pure Country Bar and Grill Rum Runner Soo Sushi Blairmore Stone's Throw Café Tin Dogs Pub and Brewery Vito’s
21021DS0
8 – CrOwsnest Pass HeraLD – Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Music Festival still a go with COVID restrictions in place Press release Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything”. The past year has been exceptionally challenging in so many ways and the CNP Music Festival Board believes music is needed now more than ever. Our festival is one of the longest running festivals in Alberta and even a Global Pandemic won’t stop it from happening this year! The festival will run online, via Zoom, March 22-26, 2021 and a grand concert, showcasing some of the exceptional talent from festival week, will be held at a later date, so please stay tuned! Zoom is a great way of connecting adjudicators and participants in a virtual festival setting and we are excited to be able to host the CNP Music festival during this unprecedented time. Participants will perform online in front of an adjudicator and may also invite family and friends to join the Zoom call to complete the experience. Adjudication will be done after each performance. To adjudicate our
bowed strings classes, we welcome Calgary native Christine Bootland who began her love affair of cello with her first teacher, Fay Johnson who instilled in her a love of all music. She later moved to John Kadz at Mount Royal College (now University) Academy of Music and completed a Bachelor of Music Performance degree at the University of British Columbia with Eric Wilson and participated in the Masters Program at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Shauna Rolston. Christine has been an active performer in various chamber ensembles and orchestras across Canada. She has studied with renowned artists Aldo Parisot, Janos Starker, Zara Nelsova, and Lawrence Lesser at the Banff school of Fine Arts and has performed with well-known classical musicians David Shifin, Andrew Dawes, Kai Glusteen and country artist Lyle Lovett. Christine is an active extra performer with both the Lethbridge and Red Deer Symphonies as well as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. She
has toured Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia as a member of the Armadillo String Quartet of Canada and enjoys doing educational outreach performance programs within the community. Her philosophy is to help create future generations of music lovers of all styles whether they be professionals, amateurs or concert goers. Each student is unique and her goal is to help them develop their own individuality and personality in their playing. Christine is on the faculty at MHC as cello instructor, ensemble coach, and conductor and program coordinator for both the Community and Junior Orchestras since 2001 and in 2010 became the director of MHC Summer Strings Camp. We welcome Linda Kundert to adjudicate our piano classes. Linda Kundert holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California. She has an Associate Teacher ’s Diploma from Mount Royal University and a ARCT Teacher ’s Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto (RCM). Her major teachers were: Willard Schultz, Charles Foreman, Priscilla King, Peter Turner, James Bonn, Adam Wibrowski, Donald Bell, Dr. Marienne Uszler and Dr. Jean Barr. Ms. Kundert is a successful independent
Complete & Professional Insurance Service • Insurance - 403-562-8822 • Registry - 403-562-2011 info@crowsnestinsurance.com • registry@crowsnestinsurance.com
David Selles photo
Finley Wilmot performed Different (Honk) for his musical theatre performance at Crowsnest Community Christian Centre during the Crowsnest Pass Music Festival on Monday, March 9th, 2020.
studio teacher, RCM senior examiner, Frederick Harris editor & reviewer, festival adjudicator, collaborative artist, and she is a master class and workshop clinician. She is the Co-Founder, President & Artistic Director of Cassa Musical Arts, which celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2018. Ms. Kundert was honoured with the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association (CFMTA) “Peak Performance” Conference and Celebration held in Calgary in 2005, and in 2011 was presented with the CFMTA Hugheen Ferguson Distinguished Teacher Award. Ms. Kundert was also honoured with the City of Calgary 2015 Community Achievement in the Arts Award and was awarded Teacher of Distinction by the RCM in 2016. She is currently a piano instructor at Mount Royal University and teaches from her home studio in Okotoks, in-person and online. Her students continue to receive many awards and scholarships in both performance and composition. Ms. Kundert loves to teach; she has nurtured many students of all ages and levels. With her guidance, more than 40 students have achieved their ARCT and Licentiate diplomas. For fun, she enjoys riding her horses, Leo and Caity and she plays competitive softball. From Calgary, we welcome Michelle Minke to adjudicate our Vocal & Musical Theatre classes. Pushing the boundaries of classical opera, Michelle Minke
has made a career out of inspired disruption. Michelle’s recent debut album, Expect the Unexpected, confidently merges genres and invites creative collaborations across the musical spectrum and brings Michelle’s years of top training and international experience to new audiences. With her boundless vitality and powerful voice, Michelle performed throughout Europe and North America before returning to her hometown of Calgary. As founder and artistic director of Calgary’s Cowtown Opera and the Cowtown Opera Summer Academy, Michelle’s heartfelt excitement for contributing to the cultural identity of her city has earned her a place among art champions. An alumna of the inaugural Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Program, Michelle proudly performs with the company that enabled some of her first steps as a professional artist. Her many standout performances in Calgary include her role as Edith in “Pirates of Penzance” at Opera in the Village and most recently, 2nd lady in the “Magic Flute” with Calgary Opera and as the high flying soprano on tightwire performing over the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show. In addition to operatic performances, Michelle has a strong reputation for her oratorio and concert work including: Brahms’ German Requiem, Bachianas Brasilieras, the Celtic
Mass for the Sea by Canadian composer Arthur Bachman, and in Ukranian-Canadian composer Anna Pidgorna’s one-act chamber opera On the Eve of Ivano Kupalo through NewWorks Calgary. She is a Masters graduate in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Toronto and the Opera School at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England as well as the Solti Te Kanawa Accademia in Italy, where she studied with operatic legend, Mirella Freni. Further training includes COSI, Banff Centre for the Arts, St. Andrews by The Sea, and received her first start in operatic training at Opera NUOVA in 2000. She currently is a voice teacher at Mount Royal University Conservatory where she teaches advanced students who have gone on to place in the Metropolitan National Council Auditions and have been accepted into prestigious schools such as Guild Hall, Julliard, Oberlin, New England Conservatory, Eastman and all major Canadian Universities for both Bachelor and Masters pursuits. We are very excited about the virtual 2021 Crowsnest Pass Music Festival and invite all music students to enter. For more information and to register online, please visit our website at www.crowsnestpassmusicfestival.com. Registration deadline is Feb 5, 2021.
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - croWsNest PAss HerALD - 9
~ Letters to the the Editor ~
Correcting misconception about coal development Dear Editor: Over the past few months, I have listened to the passionate concerns voiced by many Albertans about coal mining in the Eastern Slopes of southwestern Alberta in areas that were previously designated as category 2 lands under the former 1976 Coal Policy. Having heard these concerns, on January 18 I paused future coal lease sales in former category 2 lands, and cancelled leases that were issued through public offering this past December. This pause will provide the government with the opportunity to continue to listen and ensure that those concerns are understood. Since cancelling the leases issued in December, questions have been raised about other leases that still remain in former
category 2 lands in southwestern Alberta. I would like to provide some important clarity and context. To start with, many of these leases were put in place prior to the 1976 coal policy. They have been there for more than four decades. The remaining leases existed as applications to lease that have since been converted to leases through a longstanding commitment, dating back many decades, which gave application holders the right of first refusal to convert their applications to leases. The removal of the 1976 coal policy did not encourage development of these leases. The only thing the removal of the coal policy changed was the administrative process through which a company can apply to the Department of Energy for future leases. That is all.
To be perfectly clear: applying for or obtaining a coal lease, in no way, allows for exploration or development. It merely gives a company the ability to “stake a claim” in the minerals below. In fact, a coal lease itself allows no more right to set foot on lease property than any other Albertan has. A lease does not mean that there is going to be a coal mine. Only our modern regulatory process can allow that. And I cannot stress strongly enough: The rules around exploration, development and production remain unchanged. Some recent reports have suggested that rescinding the coal policy has opened up exploration and development that otherwise would not have been allowed. That is false. In fact, there was exploration in category 2
lands in southwestern Alberta since the 1940s. There were exploration drills in 2001, 2014 and exploration programs were authorized in 2017, long before the rescission of the coal policy. Other reports have suggested that the coal policy rescission has opened category 2 lands to surface mining, which otherwise was banned. That is also false. If there was uncertainty prior to May of 2016, the former NDP government at that time clarified that the coal category 2 designation does not preclude surface coal mine development and that coal development in category 2 lands would be reviewed through the normal regulatory processes. There are many misconceptions about coal development in Alberta. The 1976 coal policy,
which was rendered obsolete over the past 44 years, was replaced by modern regulatory and environmental processes and land use planning. There were no lost protections when the coal policy was rescinded and our government remains committed to responsible resource development that is in the public interest. Responsible coal mining and development has been important to the province of Alberta, its citizens and its industry. At the same time, the government recognizes how much Albertans cherish the province’s natural spaces. That has been made very clear through your passionate voices in recent weeks and your voices must and will be heard if and when there is proposed development of any coal project.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible energy development – and that includes ensuring that a coal project will only go ahead if it is in the public interest and only if it adheres to rigorous environmental standards set by a modern regulatory regime. Responsible coal development is the lifeblood of several Alberta communities and employs thousands of Alberta workers. It can only proceed if it is in the public interest and only under strict regulatory standards and processes that protect our air, land, water and wild species from harm. Scientists, not politicians, make the environmental decisions. Sonya Savage Alberta’s Minister of Energy
Ashcroft Homes begins building several residences in Pass DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter
New homes will be popping up around the Crowsnest Pass. Ashcroft Homes has begun building a number of homes around the community and there are more projects in the works. “Ashcroft homes has around 16 homes that are now under construction. Most of them are more affordable starter or move
up homes. Our price points so far have been between $330,000$475,000,” said Stephen Amonson, President of Trilogy Realistate Group the parent company of Ashcroft. Amonson adds that Ashcroft is currently working on a project that will help lower income families as well. “We're working on a project that will be a row
of duplexes. We're trying to bring those prices in closer to $300,000 to help meet a different affordability target. We are working on bringing our own community on. It used to be called Sunnyview but we're calling it Aurora. It's just north of the new seniors’ home. It will be a blend of double attached garage duplex homes and single attached garage duplex
homes. All of them will be three bedroom duplexes.” Amonson adds that many of Ashcroft’s new product have basement suite options that can provide a way to help pay mortgages as well. A new office is also open in the community. “We're just in the middle of getting everyone set up in the office. It is open now. The sales office will be open Wednes-
days and Thursdays from 2pm-8pm. The main office will be open MondayFriday from 8am-5pm. All of the staff that are working on these projects now live in the Pass,” said Amonson. A main goal for Ashcroft will be to hire local when business picks up in the area. “I really want people to know that our goal is that as we increase in vol-
ume we're looking for experienced local trades people. We want to help build local jobs and provide an affordable product. Our average home builds are four months or less. We're hoping that people consider us.” For more information on the homes and projects Ashcroft will be working on email dyllon@ashcrofthomes.ne t or call 403-892-1226.
Work N Play opens store in Blairmore and is ready to serve DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter
A new Work N Play store has opened in Blairmore. The store opened on Saturday, January 23rd and offers a variety of work and casual clothing items. Owners Gord and Laura Maljaars opened the store in the Pass after local residents travelling to their Lethbridge location began asking about a possible location opening in Blairmore. “The Pass has had Work N Play before.
There were two different locations of Work N Play at different points in the past. I own the Work N play in Lethbridge and have had many people from the Pass come in over the last few years.” Laura says that after hearing requests for a location in the Pass and having customers from as far as BC coming to Lethbridge, it was the right time to open a second location. “It is an exciting time in the Pass right now. We're hoping the Pass continues to grow. I have
“We want people to come in and try things out and see if there's anything for them. We have new shipments coming in every week so there are always new things coming in.” - Laura Maljaars customers from as far as the Cranbrook area who had been coming into Lethbridge for Red Wing items. That's a huge reason why we decided to open a store in the Pass. We found that opening a store in this area would be worthwhile.”
Laura says there are many different items in the store but the majority is work wear. “The majority of items in our store are work wear. We have a lot of Carharrt and Work King. We carry work boots as well. The biggest
brand would be Red Wing and then we have Kean and Irish Setter as well. Those are the main work boot lines at this point. We also carry hikers and other stuff like that for men and women. We have dress/casual every day or office clothing as well.” While Gord and Laura own the store, they decided to hire local. “We hired two local ladies to work in the store. We own it from Lethbridge but we hired local people to work in the store.”
Laura hopes that the community will take the time to check out the store and see what’s all available. “We want people to come in and try things out and see if there's anything for them. We have new shipments coming in every week so there are always new things coming in.” The store is open 10am-6pm Mon-Thurs and 10am-5pm Fri-Sat and is located at 13147 20 Avenue Blairmore.
10 – Crowsnest Pass HeraLD – Wednesday, February 3, 2021
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
For Rent
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To inquire about the availability of an apartment for rent in Blairmore call 403-562-8144. 1 TFN/NC
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For Sale Nordic Track treadmill - hardly used $450 Bissell steam mop and vacuum. For use on hard floors $90 For both items call Rosemarie 403 753 0888.
Services Is alcohol affecting your life? Alcoholics Meeting are Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:00 pm at the Lion’s Club, 12130 Ave. Blairmore. 1-TFN Looking for immediate living accommodation. Single, no
47-2P
Searching Wanting to rent a seasonal/year round RV site in CNP area to fit a 40 ft unit and 18ft Quad Trailer. Call Gary at 403-952-4071.
Canadian Prairie Pickers are once again touring the area!
$
We purchase rolls, bags or boxes of silver coins
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-2826903 Ext 225; www.awna.com. FIREARMS WANTED FOR FEBRUARY 20th, 2021 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual Items. Contact Paul, Switzer's Auction: TollFree 1-800-694-2609, sales@switzersauction.com or www.switzersauction.com.
Feed and Seed LOOKING TO BUY feed barley or feed wheat. Call Gary at 780674-0673 or Schmidt Livestock at 780-674-2851. HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. "On Farm Pickup" Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-
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Land For Sale DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA has for sale 4 project lands in Beaver County. Land locations are: SW27-50-16-W4, SE 18-49-14 W4M, S½ 3-46-11 W4M and NW 32-47-13 W4M. Call Brent T h y g e s e n , b_thygesen@ducks.ca or 780 678-0150.
Real Estate VERY INEXPENSIVE 2 QUARTERS OF PASTURE LAND, Central SK, for sale. 8 other good quarters may be available. Requires fencing. Great hunting $74,900. Call Doug at 306-7162671.
Services GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations,
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Obituary
or boxes of silver coins
If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by: March 8th, 2021.
PAYING HIGHEST PRIC
and provide details of your claim. with
VALERIE To L. SAjE arrange a free, discrete NORTh & COMpANy LLp 12537 - 21 AVENuE Bonded since 1967 BOx 810 BLAIRMORE, ALBERTA TOK OEO
in-home v
call Kellie at 1-778-257-86
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tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com. CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-3472540. www.accesslegalmjf.com GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.
are once again touring the area!
Estate of WINSTON guy LAWSON, who rolls, died onbags We purchase October 17th, 2019.
call Kellie at 1-778-257-8647
AWNA CLASSIFIEDS Coming Events
$
PAYING HIGHEST PRICES
50-4C
DEAD OR ALIVE
Paying Cash For Coin Colle Silver & Gold Coins Royal Can. Mint Set NOTICE TO CREDITORS Also Buying Gold Jew AND CLAIMANTS
$ $
To arrange a free, discrete in-home visit
WANTED
~ Love Peter
Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. Also Buying Gold Jewelry
$ $
“Miss the good times! 4 years”
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
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
LIONEL JOSEPH MacISAAC April 7, 1939 – January 26, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lionel “Lennie” MacIsaac on January 26, 2021 at the Crowsnest Continuing Care Centre, Blairmore, AB. He was 81 years of age. Lennie was the second of five children and had to grow-up fast after his father returned from World War II. He was a good student, but due to circumstances, left school and started working in the underground mines of Cape Breton, NS at fifteen years of age with rocks in his pockets so he could meet the weight requirements to go underground. He remained a proud Cape Bretoner for his entire life and made road trips back east whenever possible. Lennie headed west to Prince George, BC as a volunteer with the Catholic Church where he met the love of his life in a very patient and kind woman named Judy. They were married in her hometown of Broadus, MT on August 2, 1969 and relocated back to New Waterford, NS to start their new life together. They were blessed with four amazing children and seven much loved and cherished grandchildren. After a few quick moves in between, Lennie settled his family in the Crowsnest Pass, AB in 1974 where he lived, worked and played until his passing. He was a hardworking coalminer with a generous and giving nature. After retiring, Lennie found a love of cooking and baking. Many of his friends will remember the seemingly endless batches of muffins and seafood chowder. His spaghetti pies fed his children through their university years. Lennie also spent hours volunteering throughout the Pass, including for the Bellevue Mine, Crowsnest Museum, Holy Trinity Parish Council, and numerous Legion activities. He was always there for anyone who was in need. While his family and friends will endlessly miss him, they know he is watching over them with a Coors Light in his hand, his pup, Mini Miner in his lap, and a story to tell. His family will continue to strive to live by the life lesson he lived by: “Play as hard as you work.” Enjoy your rest now, Dad. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life is his wife, Judy MacIsaac of Coleman, AB; his son, Greg (Jessica) MacIsaac; his daughters, Carla (Kevin) Koe, Leah (Phil) McNeil and Karen MacIsaac; his grandchildren, Ava, Lila, Zachary, Allison, Paige, Ella and Etta; his brother, Frank MacIsaac; as well as his extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Josephine MacIsaac; his brother, Ray MacIsaac; and his sisters, Sheila (Terrance) White and Annette MacIsaac. With respect for Lennie’s wishes, a private family gathering was held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Parish Building Fund (PO Box 1410, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0), or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 Coleman (PO Box 448, Coleman, AB T0K 0M0). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - crowsnest pass HeraLD - 11
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.
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12 – CROWSNEST PASS HERAld – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Continuing on with Aniela’s story we find her in AlmaAta in 1942, in Kazakhstan struggling to make her way west. Aniela goes on to say in her memoirs, “In Alma-Ata, we worked in the cotton fields for a while. We lived in a small cottage built of clay and straw. When we lay down at night, we could see the stars shining through the holes in the roof. There, I got sick with a severe case of dysentery, and I thought I wouldn’t survive. One morning, a Russian soldier came to our door and said he was collecting all the Polish people he could find to get them to one place for a transport. The place was near Tashkent. He was sorry to see me so sick. He put us on a wagon and gave us some bread
Looking Back By John Kinnear
Freedom and Hope – Aniela Plonka Part Three
and boiled water to drink. Gradually I got better. We called the soldier an angel of mercy sent by God to help us. He was the first Russian I met who acted like a human being. From Alma-Ata we went to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, another Russian-occupied country. The Polish army was forming near Tashkent, in a town called Jang-Jul. In August 1942, I enlisted in General Anders’ army on Soviet Union territory in Jang-Jul. The army’s camp was full of Polish men and women just released from Russian prisons who had joined the army. There were also some Polish Catholic priests who’d joined the army.” Author’s Note: In June 1941 after Germany invaded Russia, Stalin needed help to fight this new enemy. A Polish-Soviet treaty was agreed allowing the release of all Poles held in labour camps and the formation of a new Polish army. But the Russians were reluctant to lose their slave labourers, and out of the million deported Poles who had survived, only 160,500 managed to escape from the camps. This included Aniela and her husband to be Czeslaw Plonka. The Poles struggled to reach southern Russia, where the Polish army was reassembling under General Anders. But the food, clothing and equipment promised by the Russians did not arrive, and thousands of Poles died of starvation and disease. In 1942 Anders’ army and Polish civilians were evacuated from the Soviet Union to British-controlled Iran. Anders’ army joined the Allied forces in Europe. Polish children and families were sent from Iran to India, Africa, Mexico and New Zealand where they remained for the rest of the war. Aniela continues, “For nearly three years, we had no chance to attend church or hear the Holy Mass. The following Sunday we gathered in an open field to hear the Holy Mass for the first time since our release from Russian prisons. There were thousands of men and women, young and old. It was very emotional; the tears were flowing as we prayed and sang, “Boze Cos Polske” (God save our Poland). In October 1942, I was transported with the Polish army to the Middle East. We travelled from Port Krasnowock (Krasovodsk Peninsula on the east side of the Caspian), through the Caspian Sea and arrived in Port Pahlevi (Bandar Anzali) in Iran. Iran was a nice place. I met many nice people there. For eight months, I worked in a Tehran hospital as a volunteer. I worked night shifts. Every night I started two hours earlier because I took nursing classes. It was a crash course, but it helped my work in the hospital. The hospital was a new building, not finished yet. There was no electricity, no telephones. We had to use lanterns. There was a shortage of doctors and nurses. Transports of Polish civilians came from Russia, filled with people with diseases like typhoid fever, tuberculosis and others. Most of the people died in hospital. When I was transferred to Iraq, in the 7th Division, Polish army, I worked in the YMCA canteen. The 7th Division was stationed in Quizil-Ribat near Bagdad. Bagdad is a nice city. The Tigris River flows right through the middle of Bagdad, and palm trees grow there. Iraq has a very hot climate, no rain, not a cloud in the sky, only sun and sand. When the wind blew, the sand hung in the air like a cloud. In Iraq, we lived in tents. Big nets were tied around our beds to protect us from dangerous stings from scorpions, tarantulas and other poisonous creatures. Many Polish people got sick with malaria from mosquitoes and other insect bites. The Arabian people were used to their climate and their kind of living. The Polish army in Iraq didn’t have any entertainment. While working in the canteen, I was asked to sing for the soldiers. With another soldier, I was sent to many camps and divisions. We sang solos and duets. If we put on a play, I took part in it, too. In Iraq, I met the man who became my husband; he was a Polish army officer. He was also a former Russian prisoner of war. He left for England to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) a few days after we met. I didn’t see him for a year but we kept in touch by writing letters. From England, the RAF sent him to Canada for navigation training for nine months. When he returned to England he was stationed at Newcastle and flew a two-person plane called a Mosquito (they were also called Night Fighters) His duty was to spot German bombers flying towards England and shoot them down. In July 1943, I was transferred along with the 7th Division to Palestine. While travelling in Palestine, we saw a beautiful mirage. It looked like a big city and water lying ahead of us, but when we got there—nothing. The view had moved a little farther away. We travelled through a corner of Syria then through Jordan. Our transport stopped by the Jordan River and we went in the water for a splash. In Palestine, I continued working in the canteen. Our camp was located in Haifa by the Mediterranean Sea. It was hot there so we would go to the sea and swim. We also took bus tours to Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv. It was just like Hawaii there. I went to Jerusalem four times. We visited the Holy Land and churches and went to Bethlehem and Nazareth. I also took a tour to the Dead Sea. I enjoyed every minute of it. Because I wanted to do more than work in the canteen, I applied to join the air force and go to England. I was accepted. In December of 1943, around Christmas time, our transport left for England. We travelled by train to Alexandria, Egypt, and embarked on a big ship on the Mediterranean Sea. The ship had to go slowly and very carefully because there were mines in the water. We had to stop right by Gibraltar and wait there a week until the navy fished out all the mines. The first week of January 1944, we arrived in Glasgow, Scotland. In February I enlisted in the RAF with the WAAF. (Woman’s Auxiliary Air Force). They sent me to the Halton Station near London for a mechanics course. In eight months I finished the course, and was a flight mechanic E, working on engines on Lancaster bombers stationed at Silloth (between England and Scotland). Living in England for four years, I visited many cities and made a lot of friends. It was there that I married and had my son George, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since August 1939, when I last saw my mother, I didn’t know what had happened to my family. It was useless to write because the Russians and Germans fought on Polish territory. The Polish army fought for freedom on many fronts; in Poland, the Battle of Britain, in Italy and Monte Casino, Narvik, Norway and other areas. But it didn’t bring freedom for Poland.” Epilogue “The conference at Yalta, in the Crimea, USSR was held Feb. 4 to 11, 1945, by American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Russian Marshal Joseph Stalin. They decided the future of Poland. Stalin demanded the eastern part of Poland- Lwow, Wilno and many other towns like the one my mother lived in. Stalin also demanded to take Poland under his wing and set up a communist government there. Poland was not very important to Roosevelt or Churchill so they agreed. The Polish army fought and died for nothing. Poland did not regain her freedom! The Polish army that had fought with the Allies wanted to have an independent government elected by the people- not one ruled by the Soviets. That’s why, on return to Poland, the Polish soldiers were treated as enemies of Soviet Russia. Photos from top: Map showing route taken by Aniela Author’s Note: Czeslaw Plonka and hundreds of other Polish pilots flew with the RAF in 15 squadrons during the that ended in Palestine - by John Kinnear, Aniela tries war and distinguished themselves in the Battle of Britain. They were brilliant and fearless flyers who all felt betrayed out a dromedary in the deserts of Iraq, Aniela and friends in 7th Division in Iran, Aniela and Czeslaw at the end of the war as they were not even allowed to attend victory parades. Cold war politics. Nor could they return home for fear of imprisonment by the now communist regime that controlled their beloved (Chester) Plonka in service in England, Aniela and homeland. Next week I’ll wrap up Aniela’s story, one that brings this remarkable woman to Canada and ultimately to Czeslaw with young son George Plonka in England photos courtesy of George Plonka. Fernie, BC.