Crowsnest Pass Herald - January 24

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VISIT US AT: crowsnestpassherald.ca CONTACT US AT: passherald@shaw.ca 403.562.2248

Crowsnest Pass

Herald

Vol. 94 No. 3

January 24, 2024 $1.25

Serving our communities since 1930

Devin Brady photo

Hockey night in Crowsnest Pass DEVIN BRADY Pass Herald Community Reporter The second showcase Junior A hockey game was played Saturday night at the Crowsnest Pass Sports Complex. The puck dropped shortly after 7:30 PM and was a battle between the Vulcan Rampage and the Gibbons Pioneers. The Rampage were the home team, clad in blue and gold, and they took to the ice with the intent to defeat the Pioneers and end their losing streak. As both teams made their way onto the ice for warm-up, they were greeted with a flood of young fans seeking autographs. Players were noticeably pleased with the turnout and were more than happy to sign jerseys, pucks, ticket stubs and the odd

arm cast. From the beginning it was a high intensity battle between the two teams. Players were putting in their all and it was not long until the away Pioneers landed on the scoreboard setting an early lead. They must have brought a large crowd with them because the stands roared when the puck went past the goalie and shook the net. From then on the fight for victory only grew and both teams were head-to-head when it came to shots on goal, 31 for the Rampage and 40 for the Pioneers. Although at times there was some words exchanged after a hard hit, it was apparent that the ice was shared by friends. For all of the near scraps there were more laughs shared between opponents after the final whistle blew. It was sixty minutes of pure unadulterated hockey. During the first intermission our very own Crowsnest Pass Thunder took to the ice to play a short exhibition and wow the crowd. It was Saturday night hockey in the Crowsnest Pass, and it was exhilarating. In the end the Gibbons Pioneers defeated the Vulcan Rampage 6-3. Period 1: 8:11 Pioneers Goal. #61, Cody Harper. Assist #9, Dustin Ackabee 02:10 Pioneers Goal. #7, Oliver Lovely. Assist #22,

Seth Williams and #72, Kale Williams Period 2: 17:02 Rampage Goal. #6, Jordan Szilagy. Assist #12, Ethan Fraser and #7, Brydon Fleming14:49 Pioneers Goal. #90, Zachary Okemow. Assist #97, Tyrick Blackhawk and #7, Lovely 13:53 Pioneers Powerplay Goal. #16, Jaye Dixon. Assist #92 Elijah Ramirez-Roszko 10:21 Rampage Goal. #6, Szilagy. Assist #12, Fraser 04:57 Pioneers Goal, Short Handed. #11, Brandon Corbeil. Assist #19, Storm Burns 03:50 Pioneers Goal. #22 S. Williams. Assist #23 Jayden Shott Period 3: 088:23 Rampage Goal. #6, Lovely. Unassisted This was the second of the showcase games hosted in the community in the lead up for the Crush to take the ice next season. It has been nineteen years since the Timberwolves played their last game in the Coleman rink and it is apparent that people are ready for a new team to take to the ice and represent Crowsnest Pass in some good old fashioned hockey.


2 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Grace period for sheds, decks and accessory structures PASS HERALD STAFF The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has provided an opportunity for people to secure compliance approvals for existing accessory buildings that were constructed or placed without prior approval. From January to June of 2024 residents can make an appointment with the Development Officer at the Municipality to determine if there are any accessory buildings that need to be registered. Why did the municipality decided to do this program? According to the staff in the Development Office, “we deal with 80-120 compliance certificates per year”. A compliance certificate is what a lender and buyer wants from the seller when a homeowner sells their property. In essence a buyer wants to know if the property meets municipal standards. For example, building dimensions and setbacks to the property boundaries are shown on a Real Property Report. A buyer will ask if the structures are compliant with the municipal land use by-law standards and if development permits were issued. Often a purchase is delayed because there are one or more structures on the property that do not comply, and the homeowner must then go back to the municipality to get the structure(s) approved. During a review of the compliance of the property, for a letter of compliance or a proposed development (accessory building, deck, house addition), issues may arise if the development department finds an existing building or use not in compliance. A development permit may need to be issued for the existing structure. The process for a development permit can take upwards of 6-8 weeks therefore holding up the sale. If a homeowner is found to have built a structure that did require a development permit, then the penalty fees is five times the regular application fee. If a building permit or an electrical permit is required, penalties may also be incurred for those permits.

Crowsnest Museum Master Plan discussion JOHN KINNEAR Feature Writer Last Thursday afternoon Heritage Crowsnest reached out to many of those connected to historical interpretation here in the Pass for their input into a proposed new exhibit plan for the Crowsnest Museum, Bellevue Mine, and APP Barracks. That plan will be designed to better tell the stories of the Crowsnest Pass region, determine the shortcomings of the current exhibits and tell more stories through artifacts rather than passive facts. It will also partner heavily with other regional

For example, a development permit fee for a shed is $100. If there is a variance needed the cost may be as much as $275. If a structure was placed or constructed illegally, the fine is five times the development permit fee, so it could be between $500-$1375. According to the Development Office staff, “the penalties were increased because there was so much non-compliance and construction without the benefit of a development permit and/or building permit that Council raised the penalty as a deterrent”. This six-month grace period program now gives homeowners an opportunity to come in and not pay an application fee or be penalized. According to the Development Office staff, “there is no development permit fee nor penalty for six months where you can come in to see if any structures are non-compliant and then get them into compliance”. Those who wish to use the program can make an appointment with a Development Officer either online or through the municipal office. “The development department will review your property and existing permits on file to help guide you to the next steps,” said the staff. Residents can bring in their Real Property Report or sketch a plan of what is existing on the land. The Development Office staff said, “people may think it’s just a shed, but there is a by-law in place, and you should double check with a Development Officer that you follow municipal standards. It will only help when you sell.” The Development Office staff also noted, “this is not an enforcement issue but a voluntary program that can help you when and if you want to sell or expand your existing property”. Some of the questions already asked by homeowners who have used this program are, “Is my bear bin compliant? Is my flagpole? Is my fence or light standard compliant? Is my little shed from the local hardware stores compliant or my greenhouse?” The Development Office staff noted that this is not always a simple answer, and more information may be required. That is why an appointment with the development Officer is preferred if at all possible, to get further information. “Each case must be assessed on own circumstances and merit.” The Development Office staff remind residents that this program is not for development permits on future buildings and is only for existing accessory structures (including decks) built prior January 1, 2024. The program runs from January 1 to June 30, 2024. Please refer to the “Shed Grace Period” on page five for more information. organizations to get the best fit for the sites. I was thankful to be able to attend the session and provide my input. During the meeting we were asked key questions so that the potential limited resources available were used to create high-quality and engaging exhibits. The question, “Does this tell the story of the Crowsnest Pass?” would be a guiding filter for any exhibit. Also the questions of whether the story (exhibit) is “engaging to the audiences who frequent the sites” as well as “is the story being told, or could be told better elsewhere? Heritage Crowsnest is a conglomerate of any non-profit organizations who want to partner to be a “leader in and catalyst for heritage in the Crowsnest Pass”. Those attending the session were asked to consider what were deemed the five key historical themes for exhibits. These were Natural History, Indigenous History, Industrial Heritage, Community Histories and Contemporary History. Within each, the subjects of an introductory panel, interactive components and a list of themes were reviewed and in some cases added to. It was strategized that certain sites (Museum, Bellevue Mine and APP Barracks) can be the principal focus for certain themes, and that each site didn’t need to detail every theme. It was also recognized by all attending the review, including a representative of the Ktunaxa First Nation, that the Indigenous History component would be a new and important aspect, and one long overdue. The Museum conducted, prior to the meeting, a survey of their heritage partners regarding the theming topics listed above. There was also a demographic review that looked at ages of visitors, time of year and whether they were from out-of-town or local. From this the target audience for the museums was determined to be mostly from out of town. It was suggested that this audience needs to come away from their visit with a “strong sense of the Pass’ identity.” To re-engage the locals, periodic temporary exhibits that target the particular interests of groups within the community would be in order. All in all it appears that Heritage Crowsnest is poised to rejuvenate and prioritize its offerings to the public at the Crowsnest Museum, APP Barracks, and the Bellevue Underground Mine, all with the goal to “preserve, protect and portray the heritage of the Crowsnest Pass for future generations.”

The Crowsnest Museum and the Pass Herald are thrilled to give you a weekly historic update from the archives of the Crowsnest Museum, located in downtown Coleman.


Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 3 Frank Slide Template.qxp_Layout 1 2023-01-30 11:44 AM Page 1

POLICE BRIEFS Between January 16 and 23, the Crowsnest Pass Police Detachment responded to 25 calls for service. There were nine speeding violations, one non-moving traffic and roadside suspensions issued. There was one mental health call, one failure to comply with undertaking, one written traffic offence warning, and two victim services offered but declined. There was one harassing communication, mischief complaint, and fraud complaint. Police dealt with two abandoned vehicles, two animal calls, and one lost and found situation. Police also dealt with one well-being check. On January 17 at 9:30 am, RCMP attended a situation in Coleman where a female was standing on Hwy 3 in front of the Subway store. A mental health assistance was initiated. On January 17 at 11 am, police were requested at the dog park in Blairmore. A gentleman was in the park with his dog during school hours. The complainant was worried that the man was watching the children in the school yard. Police attended and confirmed the man was indeed at the dog park with his dog. Again on January 17 at 4:40 pm, RCMP responded to a Breach of Conduct. Police attended the scene, no charges were laid and a safety planning initiative was performed. On January 18 at 3:30 pm, a complaint was re-

ceived about three horses on Hwy 3 running loose between Blairmore and Coleman. Owner was notified and horses were found and return to pasture. On January 18 at 10:40 pm a report was made regarding an abandoned vehicle at the Fas Gas in Frank. The vehicle was found to have not been registered since July of 2023. Vehicle was towed. Again on January 18 at 11:20 pm the detachment was called for EMS assistance, for a violent patient during a mental breakdown. The patient was on anti-depressants and also taking narcotics. On January 19 at 11:17 am, police received a call from a senior citizen who believed a family member was stealing from them and also abusing their dog. The family did not support the claim and the dog was taken to the vet and deemed healthy. Follow-up was made by the RCMP.

DID YOU KNOW Your most active muscles are in your eye.

HWY #3, Frank • 562-8043

On January 19 at 2:00 pm, RCMP received a call from a local business about an employee leaving work while impaired. The complainant would not do a statement to police. Police did find the person, impounded the vehicle, and gave a 24 hour suspension. On January 32 at 8:15 pm, Pincher Creek EMS called for assistance with a patient who has Bi-Polar Psychosis. When RCMP called for follow-up the patient had been subdued by EMS. A senior citizen was called by a fraudster stating that they had won money in Publisher Clearing House contest and asked to give banking information. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, especially during what police termed “fraud season.” 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 buy gift cards for payment to Revenue Canada.

The Simple Raven’s Post BY AVNER PERL

Like water under a bridge, time can’t stop Life is a constant change. Nothing ever stays the same for long, and it is filtered by the human mind. Only some events are remembered, while others must be forgotten. The most important event in my human memory is my birth into this world, and I remember none of it. Many thousands of years ago, humans appeared on earth. Later, writing happened, and a story emerged. Humans were created from nothing and were assigned names. The male human was told to name all the other creatures, and they recorded in writing. The humans were destined to suffer by working for a living and giving birth. That was written. Hundreds of thousands of years later, memory at last. Memories aside, I wish to know about my humble beginnings. All that I can know is from the memories of those older than me and their stories are not the same. I remember some things on my own, but my mind is playing tricks on me. Is it trying to remember the good and forget the bad? Could it be remembering the most useful information? Useful for who or what? Confusing. Does the mind try to remember things to lead me to behave or make choices other than I would make on my own? I wish I knew. Would that be the wish or direction of God? Is He the boss or do I have free will? I belong to a big church organization we call Roman Catholic. There are many others and we should honour them all for their good intentions. Many we should be careful with, especially where money is concerned. It’s easy to lose faith in God if we are cheated. Sex plays a part as well. Christ didn’t teach about pleasure, but people expect pleasure and benefit from religion. A few years ago, my church elected a new leader. The Pope can assume a name other than his birth name and use it for inspiration. Our newly elected Pope chose the name Francis, based on the most popular saint in the world, St Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is popular with Catholics and other religions. He is the most Christ-like person

You can pick up the Pass Herald at:

Bellevue - Crockets Trading Company Blairmore - Pharmasave, IDA, IGA, The Pantry and the Circle K Coleman Remedy’s RX and Happy Mart

we know of. The name inspired people all over. It does not remind people of prosperity or winning in competition. Francis in the 12th century tried to be a soldier but ended up paying a ransom for his freedom. He was a classic case of God directing a human towards a divine goal. He became the living example of a perfect human being for those of us who care about what a human should be like. Most of us humans can only wish to have a role model of a human that is worth trying to be like. Our constant search for how to be better, stronger, more powerful, and so on, blocks us from becoming better persons. The best we can manage is increased production or other traits that don’t improve the kind of human we become. Pope Francis, who was elected to be the spiritual leader of over a billion human beings, made a statement by choosing the name of the simple little Friar Francis, who changed the church a thousand years ago. If the Church is going to survive into future generations, it must change. Not change into a more attractive or popular form but into the vision of the founder, known to its followers as the son of God. A thousand years of making the institution more rich, elaborate, and beautiful, must go back to the original teachings. The greatest commandment of them all is “Love your neighbour as yourself.” How could it be done without destroying the fabric that held it together remains unknown. The Pope wants change, so change will come. It will be a change in the hearts and minds of its people or it will fail. The vast organization is searching for how to change back to its origins. We are looking for a simpler way of life. No better artwork, more financial influence, or artistic expression. Humans are looking to improve the way we exist together. The change is happening in the remote prairies of Canada. Where there are only a few churches and a sparse population, churches are burning down. The art is destroyed, becoming burnt black holes and the music almost stops. The church is changing whether we like it. Those who cause the change feel justified by an old vendetta. Unmarked graves. So sad that it came to this. The predominant religions will all need to change. They strayed away from the original goals and must correct the destination. People are needed to build a new society and we can only get them from around us. We will harness our efforts towards working together. Humans have the power of God in them. It can only release and be usefully combined with others. Free will works only when humans want it to work, for a common good goal. It is happening here and now. 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 24, 2024

Jersey Day at PPK a hit! CCHS GRADUATING CLASS OF 1984

SAVE the DATE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5TH 2024 CROWSNEST PASS, AB LOCATION/TIME TBA

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP CLASS OF 1984 TO STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THE DETAILS OR CONTACT WENDY CATONIO THROUGH EMAIL SDCATONIO@GMAIL.COM

JENAYA LAUNSTEIN Pass Powderkeg Booking and Event Co-ordinator With a balmy temperature of -4C, the weather couldn’t have been better for Pass Powderkeg’s first-ever Jersey Day, as well as the return of Saturday Night Skiing. Jersey Day was created as a way to bring the community together over Crowsnest Pass’ love of sports...we’re quite the sports-crazed town if you haven’t noticed! Dozens of guests were seen donning their favourite team’s jersey, from hockey to football and basketball. PPK employees also joined in on the fun, with lodge staff and several liftees sporting their team merch. The most popular jersey seen on the hill was by far the Montreal Canadiens. Second was the Calgary Flames and third was a tie between the Edmonton Oilers and Team Canada. Anyone wearing a jersey enjoyed 10% off food purchases all day long, as well as the opportunity to participate in trivia. Those who correctly answered trivia questions won free poutine or tickets to the NJHL game in Coleman between the Gibbons Pioneers and Vulcan Rampage. We also had a draw box set up at the lodge for Lethbridge Hurricanes tickets! Once the sun went down, it was time for night skiing! Thanks to the generosity of Pincher Creek Co-op, our twilight tickets were free by donation to the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank. It was one of our busiest Saturday Night Skiing events, with over 80 guests coming through just between 6 and 7:30pm. Thanks to community members’ donations, $300 was raised for the food bank and over 50lbs (approximate weight) of food was collected! All of us at the Pass Powderkeg would like to thank everyone who attended Jersey Day and Saturday Night Skiing. Thanks to you, the day was a massive success! Of course, none of this could have happened without our event sponsors, so a huge thank-you is also in order for Pincher Creek Co-op, the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Crowsnest Pass Crush. Our next Saturday Night Skiing is scheduled for Feb. 3 from 6-8pm. The evening is sponsored by Kirkham Insurance and donations will be going to KidSport.

MUNICIPALITY OF CROWSNEST PASS

NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMIT LAND USE BYLAW No. 868-2013 The Development Authority of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass recently approved the following development application(s): • DP2023-196 – 12106 20 Avenue, Blairmore (Lot 15-17 Block 2 Plan 2347BS) For existing “Personal Services” (Massage Therapy) (permitted use) DP previously issued as Home Occupation Class 2 DP2020-016. • DP2024-002 – 909 227 Street, Hillcrest (Lot 12 & W ½ of 13 Block 36 Plan 5150S) For two existing “Accessory Buildings up to 72.8m2” (7.86m2 and 9.01m2) (permitted use) • DP2024-007 – 909 227 Street, Hillcrest (Lot 12 & W ½ of 13 Block 36 Plan 5150S) For an existing “Single Detached Dwelling” (Built ~1914) (permitted use) with a 68% variance to the west side yard setback. Any persons claiming to be adversely affected by the above discretionary development permits or variances may file an appeal by February 8, 2024, to SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT APPEAL BOARD (SDAB) through our Municipal online form or to the or the Land and PROPERTY RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, as may be applicable. Subdivision and Development Appeal Board: Online Form Submission: https://portal.laserfiche.ca/o8468/forms/Development_Appeal Fee of $400.00 must be paid with the appeal (will be contacted for payment once the form is sent). Land and Property Rights Tribunal: 1229-91 Street SW Edmonton AB T6X 1E9 Development Officer Municipality of Crowsnest Pass 8502 - 19 Avenue, Coleman Box 600, Crowsnest Pass, AB, T0K 0E0 ph: 403-562-8833 e: reception@crowsnestpass.com www.crowsnestpass.com After Hours Public Works Emergencies: 403-562-2021

Jenaya Launstein photos

Pass Powderkeg ski hill held their first-ever Jersey Day on Saturday, January 20. Anyone wearing a jersey enjoyed 10% off food purchases all day long, as well as the opportunity to participate in trivia. Those who correctly answered trivia questions won free poutine or tickets to the NJHL game in Coleman between the Gibbons Pioneers and Vulcan Rampage.


Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 5

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PROPOSED BYLAW NO. 1174, 2023

the lands legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 991 0376, within NE1⁄4 9-7-3-W5M, containing ±2.7 ha (6.7 acres), as shown on Schedule ‘A’, from “Non-Urban Area – NUA-1” to “Non-Urban Commercial Recreation – NUCR1”. The subject lands are known municipally as 1719 East Hillcrest Drive.

provide slide decks, maps, videos or a written submission regarding the proposed bylaw should email: Bonnie Kawasaki, Executive Assistant to the CAO at bonnie. kawasaki@crowsnestpass.com no later than 12:00PM on January 30, 2024. Verbal presentations (limited to 5 minutes) will be accepted at the public hearing.

7:00pm , February 6 , 2024 Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers 8502 – 19 Avenue, Coleman PURSUANT to sections 216.4, 606, and 692 of the Municipal Government Act, Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000, Chapter M-26, the Council of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in the Province of Alberta hereby gives notice of its intention to consider proposed Bylaw No. 1174, 2023, being a bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 1165, 2023, being the municipal land use bylaw. The purpose of Bylaw No. 1174, 2023 is to redesignate the lands legally described as Lot 4, Block 1, Plan 991 0341 and Lot 1, Block 4, Plan 071 4095, within NW¼ 12-8-5-W5M, containing ±23.3 ha (57.7 acres), as shown on Schedule ‘A’, from “Comprehensive Resort Village – CRV” and “Direct Control – DC-1”, respectively, to “Non-Urban Commercial Recreation – NUCR-1”. The subject lands are located in the Sentinel area and are known municipally as 100 Wolfstone Drive. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to provide for the opportunity to use and develop the lands in accordance with the provisions of the “Non-Urban Commercial Recreation – NUCR-1” land use district. THEREFORE, TAKE NOTICE THAT a public hearing to consider the proposed Bylaw No. 1174, 2023 will be held in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers at 7:00pm on February 6 , 2024. Each person shall be allotted 5 minutes to present their position. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that anyone wishing to provide slide decks, maps, videos, or a written submission regarding the proposed bylaw should email: Bonnie Kawasaki, Executive Assistant to the CAO at bonnie. kawasaki@crowsnestpass.com with the bylaw number and public hearing date clearly marked in the subject line no later than 12:00pm on __ January 30 , 2024. Verbal presentations (limited to 5 minutes) will be accepted at the public hearing. For questions regarding the proposed Bylaw Amendment please contact the Development Officer by calling 403562-8833 or emailing development@crowsnestpass.com. A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected at the municipal office during normal business hours. DATED at the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in the Province of Alberta this 17th day of January 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED BYLAW NO. 1176, 2023 7:00 pm, February 6, 2024 Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers 8502 - 19AVENUE COLEMAN PURSUANT to sections 216.4, 606, and 692 of the Municipal Government Act, Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000, Chapter M-26, the Council of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in the Province of Alberta hereby gives notice of its intention to consider proposed Bylaw No. 1176, 2023, being a bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 1165, 2023, being the municipal land use bylaw. The purpose of Bylaw No. 1176, 2023 is to redesignate

The purpose of the proposed amendment is to provide for the opportunity to use and develop the lands in accordance with the provisions of the “Non-Urban Commercial Recreation – NUCR-1” land use district. THEREFORE, TAKE NOTICE THAT a public hearing to consider the proposed Bylaw No. 1176, 2023 will be held in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers at 7:00pm on February 6, 2024. Each person shall be allotted 5 minutes to present their position. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that anyone wishing to provide slide decks, maps, videos or a written submission regarding the proposed bylaw should email: Bonnie Kawasaki, Executive Assistant to the CAO at bonnie. kawasaki@crowsnestpass.com with the bylaw number and public hearing date clearly marked in the subject line no later than 12:00pm on January 30 , 2024. Verbal presentations (limited to 5 minutes) will be accepted at the public hearing. For questions regarding the proposed Bylaw Amendment please contact the Development Officer by calling 403562-8833 or emailing development@crowsnestpass.com. A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected at the municipal office during normal business hours. DATED at the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in the Province of Alberta this 17th day of January,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED BYLAW NO. 1178, 2023 & BYLAW 1179, 2023 7:00 PM, February 06, 2024 Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers 8502 – 19 Avenue, Coleman

For questions regarding the proposed Bylaw Amendments please contact the Development Officer by calling 403-562-8833 or emailing development@ crowsnestpass.com. The proposed bylaws may be inspected at the municipal office during normal business hours. DATED at the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in the Province of Alberta, January 17, 2024.

2024 COMMUNITY HANDBOOK The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is now accepting applications for our 2024 Spring & Summer Community Handbook. These handbooks are created to promote community through Canada Post and will be available online. Copies will also be available at the Municipal Office and at the MDM Community Centre. How to Get Involved? To have your facility events (i.e. community or fundraising event), or organization contact information included in the Community Handbook, please complete and submit the Spring & Summer Community Handbook Application Forms by following this link; https://portal.laserfiche.ca/ o8468/forms/CNP_Community_Handbook Submission Deadline: February 2, 2024.

SHED GRACE PERIOD DO YOU NEED A DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR YOUR ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE? Grace Period Jan 1-June 30 • One accessory building under 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) does not require a development permit if it meets certain criteria (see sample site plan). • Additional accessory buildings may require a development permit, regardless of size or foundation type. • Whether your accessory building/structure is on a permanent foundation or is movable, it may still require a development permit under certain conditions. • If you are unsure, please contact the Development Office for more information. SAMPLE SITE PLAN FOR SHED ON AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL R-1 LOT

AVERAGE RESIDETIAL R-1 LOT

PURSUANT to sections 8, 216.4 and 606 of the Municipal Government Act, Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000, Chapter M-26, as amended, the Council of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in the Province of Alberta hereby gives notice of its intention to consider proposed Bylaw No. 1178, 2023 and Bylaw No. 1179, 2023, respectively being bylaws to amend Bylaw No. 1140, 2023, being the municipal Fees Rates and Charges Bylaw, and Bylaw No. 946, 2016, being the municipal Safety Codes Permit Bylaw. The purpose of Bylaw No. 1178, 2023 is to establish a fee in connection with an application for an occupancy and completion certificate, and the purpose of Bylaw No. 1179, 2023 is to provide for a process whereby the owner or contractor of a new construction project must be made aware of their responsibility to apply to the Municipality for an occupancy and completion certificate prior to occupying the new building. THEREFORE, TAKE NOTICE THAT a public hearing to consider the proposed Bylaw No. 1178, 2023 and Bylaw No. 1179, 2023 will be held in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers at 7:00 PM on February 06, 2024. Persons wishing to speak to the bylaw shall be allotted 5 minutes to present their position. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that anyone wishing to

While permits may or may not be required for certain structures, this is not an enforcement campaign. During the grace period, no fines or development permit fees will be charged if you submit an application to bring your previously existing accessory buildings or structures into compliance with the bylaw. *Permit fees still apply for new construction. The grace period serves as a window for residents to bring their structures into compliance. Acting now means avoiding potential fines after June 30, 2024, should a compliance certificate request or other development application be submitted. We encourage you to seize this opportunity and contribute to a well-regulated community.

8502 - 19 Avenue, Coleman Box 600, Crowsnest Pass, AB, T0K 0E0 ph: 403-562-8833 e: reception@crowsnestpass.com www.crowsnestpass.com After Hours Public Works Emergencies: 403-562-2021


6 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Herald Editorial LISA SYGUTEK

Recently I posted on my Facebook the following statement: “I love many of you on Facebook, but the amount of misleading information being posted about people is garbage. It’s like the blatant anti-semitism in this country has spilled over to absolute vitriol in our own community. People are too lazy to do their own research and take false information at face value then demean people to an extent I honestly can’t comprehend. Most would not have the guts to do it in person. If you are not a good person, and you know deep down in the pit of your stomach you are weak, please unfriend me, but don’t ever say hi to me on the street and talk trash about me or those I care about on this site. My advice to many of you, ask questions in person, do your own fact checking and be a decent person. If you need me, call or text. If you don’t have my contact, most likely there is a reason. I’m choosing to live my life with dignity, integrity and with intellect, I suggest many of you do the same and perhaps you will be happier people. If this hits a nerve, ask yourself why? I’ve come to realize the happy, joyful people in my life are NOT on social media.” This comment came as the result of vitriol I see on social media regarding people in this community. It makes me sick to see what people say when they hide behind a keyboard. Is it post-COVID anger? Is it the state of the world with the wars in Ukraine and Israel? Is it seeing violence everywhere in the world that allows people to think they can say awful things about people on social media? I can’t wrap my mind around any of it, but I do know it’s ugly! I suggest next time you decide to write a negative post about someone, substitute their name with some you love in your family. I’m sure it will give you an idea of how you would feel if you read the same comment about your loved one. I read a comment recently from a good friend of mine. She said that when she’s driving behind someone slow in traffic instead of thinking, “what a jerk, learn to drive”, she thinks, “I wonder why this person is driving so cautiously”. Perhaps the person has anxiety driving because they have experienced an accident or lost someone in an accident”. I loved this state of mind. Perhaps if we all thought this way, we would live in a world a littler kinder by being a little softer and a lot more compassionate. The comments I see our this community show it to be a microcosm of what we see our this country. We see masked pro-Palestinian protesters threatening people in malls and on skating rinks. We see people celebrating Hamas on social media for their “freedom fighting”. Many, including women, are not denouncing the rape and slaughter of women, children, and men. If you must protest with your face covered, I contend your intent is not peaceful in nature. It feels to me that we have lost our moral compass and I never thought it would happen here. We are a community built on tragedy and resilience, and yet I see people I once respected, act like vicious individuals I no longer know or understand, I’ll leave you with this thought next time you want to write something mean on social media: A) would you say it to someone’s face, and B) substitute their name with some you love and see how it feels. As a quick update here at the paper. We have had a few personal issues happen here, so we are running short staffed. I may have the office closed during regular hours if I need to attend a Council or committee meeting or am delivering papers. We are a small team here and doing our best. If you have an urgent need, please email the office, or call me on my cell.

Herald “Letters to the Editor” Policy

Policy: The Pass Herald welcomes Letters to the Editor that examine issues, but reserves the right to edit for length, libel and syntax. Writers must sign letters and include first and last names, address and telephone number. Address and telephone numbers will not be published. Only in exceptional cases will the Pass Herald withhold the name of the writer and in those cases the writer must disclose his/her name, address and telephone number to the Editor. Electronic email will be considered an electronic signature. Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinion of the Pass Herald. Letters cannot exceed 600 words. We have limited space, but we do enjoy printing ever­y article. So please, to allow everyone to express their opinion, keep the letters short and to the point. We do have the right to refuse any letter that in our judgement may contain libel or libelous opinions. Should a litigation result from your letter, you as the writer are responsible but so is this newspaper as the publisher. The Pass Herald is a family owned community newspaper and therefore reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that in our opinion does not follow our mandate. We cannot accept advertisements or letters criticizing or disparaging other advertisers, companies or individuals or any advertisements directed to a religion or race. Deadline for submission is the Friday prior to publication.

Save the Frank Slide KEN ALLRED Crowsnest Pass Monica Field’s letter in last week’s Herald was right on the money. Monica’s opinion should be regarded by Alberta Transportation (AT), not just for her strong arguments but also given her lengthy dedication to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and everything surrounding this historic site. Monica is correct in noting that this is a protected historic site and hence should be protected from all development. AT appears to feel that in addition to a four lane highway, a service road is required to connect the Crowsnest Pass communities which may in fact be a good safety feature in highway design. It should not however be allowed to destroy an historic site. I would suggest that there are other options to provide a service road without creating a new roadway thru this protected historic site. The old road thru the slide to the south of the existing highway and railway

tracks could easily and more cheaply be improved and paved to create a service road between Frank and Hillcrest which then could connect to the main road thru Hillcrest and on to the Hillcrest East exit. This would create an adequate connector between the two communities and Bellevue and then back onto the highway. Perhaps an equally disconcerting issue is the proposal to wipe out the entire business and residential district on the north side of the highway thru Frank. To wipe out the entire frontage with several viable commercial enterprises, a motel, a church, an art gallery, a war memorial and 15 homes, extinguishing half of the community is just not acceptable. The logical solution is to have the CPR tracks and right of way relocated 50 metres to the south in order to widen the highway. A further issue is the proposed speed limit. 110 km/ hr is unreasonable through these communities. There are numerous examples in Alberta of speed limits of 80 km/hr thru communities on four lane divided highways, which is much more reasonable. Surely there is adequate time to rethink and redesign this section of the highway to accomplish the objectives of a major traffic artery while still preserving the existing historical features of the community and saving the viability of our communities.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 7

Crowsnest Cruisers, cruising into community transportation PASS HERALD STAFF On Tuesday, January 16, Crowsnest Cruisers representatives Rick Jeune and Pauline Desjardines met as a delegation to Council to outline a new transportation program for seniors in the community. The new service, Crowsnest Cruisers, enables older Crowsnest residents with mobility issues to access affordable, assisted transportation so they can go to and from medical appointments, social services, banking and other destinations and social events, all of which are essential for well-being. Jeune provided Council with an explanation about the community group. “Crowsnest Cruisers, a local not-for-profit, community-based project, is set to launch an assisted transportation service in March 2024. A simple trip across town or to Pincher Creek or Lethbridge can be a challenge for seniors requiring physical assistance and can become prohibitively expensive very quickly. The new service makes it easier for older residents to access affordable, suitable transportation to and from medical appointments, banking and other services and social events. Crowsnest Cruisers uses a bus and a van to help those seniors access services in ways that most of us take for granted.” Grant money was used to procure a van, and the group will use the bus presently owned by the Peaks to Pines Residents Association. Northback has also committed $10,000 to the group so that they can could retrofit the van to make accessibility easy for the users. Crowsnest Cruisers did not ask for any monetary funds from the municipality stating that they had secured funding for two years. As the program develops, there may be an opportunity to explore partnerships in for the community to provide financial aid. Crowsnest Cruisers is slated to offer rides starting in early March 2024. Local rides within the Municipality of Crowsnest will be supported with a van with 3 seats plus a wheelchair. A 13-seat bus with a wheelchair ramp will be used for out-of-town trips to Pincher Creek and Lethbridge. Crowsnest Cruisers was created in 2023 with the aim of providing assisted transportation to older residents in Crowsnest Pass who need help going to and from medical appointments, banking, grocery shopping and other services or events. In its initial stage, the project is being developed by a small team of community members with help from the Peaks to Pines Residents Association in Coleman. Funding for the project is an investment by the Government of Alberta, facilitated by Healthy Aging Alberta, an initiative dedicated to improving the lives of older adults in Alberta with coordination and additional expertise provided through United Way, Calgary. Crowsnest Cruisers is one of seven similar community-based projects being developed across Alberta. All funding will be handled through the Peaks to Pines Residents Association. The group is presently looking a part-time coordinator to oversee the program. A Facebook page has been created at https://www. facebook.com/CrowsnestCruisers. According to Desjardins, “Initially the program will service just seniors, but as the program builds it could include other people in the community persons with disabilities”. Mayor and Council praised the group for their hard work and initiative and wished the success in their much-needed community transportation program

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8 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

CCHS students showcase creative writing DEVIN BRADY Pass Herald Community Reporter The Crowsnest Consolidated High School (CCHS) held their third creative writing showcase on January 18, 2024 with a total of twelve students participating. The students were encouraged to submit “their favourite piece from each of the main genres studied – short fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and script.” said Krysta MacDonald, senior high English teacher at CCHS. The showcase was held in the CCHS Learning Commons and although it was for those in the class to portray their work and process, all students at the high school were invited to view what their fellow classmates had created. The authors completed biographies and reflections of the showcase, which they shared alongside their portfolio. Writing is an art and sometimes that art can be a journalistic report and other times it takes weeks of preparation and studying to become a subject matter expert. Making the attempt to make the reader feel emotions with each paragraph and relate to the characters is all to the imagination and the pen of the writer. Fiction or poetry is the world’s way of expressing our imagination and emotions through the written word and creative nonfiction is how a writer can report the truth while engaging the reader. “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it,” a quote by American author Toni Morrison. Throughout the semester the students wrote many creative pieces, some over multiple classes while “others were timed”, “This entire project they worked on for a bit over a week, though they planned longer,” said MacDonald. This showcase was the third of it’s kind and the final one for this year but MacDonald says “next time I have a creative writing class I intend to host another showcase as well”. Writing is an extension of your personality, and it can vary from person to person. Authors such as Stephen King began their writing career in school just as each of these kids are. King would write and submit his stories to various magazines and while doing so, he collected rejection slip after rejection slip. With each failure however he took the criticism and adjusted his work so that he would become a published writer. Eventually King began to sell his short stories and finally one day, after years of writing and submitting, he sold and published his first novel, ‘Carrie’. It all begins with a passion and continues with hard-work and perseverance. In the showcase the students had their own spot called a ‘centre’. At each centre, the authors displayed portfolios for anyone who came by to view and enjoy. In their centre’s MacDonald noted “they explained the process, their chosen pieces and may or may not have read them aloud depending on the audience”. The students

have been encouraged by MacDonald to submit their work for publication with some having done so already. “You can make anything by writing” – C.S Lewis

Star-Girl - Rye Oberholtzer

She shone brighter than the stars themselves, speaking both physically and psychologically. Her mind was astute and brilliant as if she could see the world in different shades and colours than others could, despite being colour blind. She works harder than anyone else, always one step ahead. In her case, a whole grade ahead. There comes a time when stars explode in brilliant bursts of light, radiating more energy than our sun has ever been able to. Her personality is just the same. Bright enough to light up any room she walks into, radiating positivity and sharing it with all those around her even if they don’t necessarily deserve it. Her laughter is explosive, a voiceless exhalation followed by loud cachinnating. When she laughs, you can’t help but laugh with her. Her humour is unlike any other, unique in a way that only her friends understand. Every night, stars will rapidly shoot across the sky, moving so fast that you might miss it if you blink even once. Similarly, she is as quick mentally as she is on her feet. The way she streaks across the gymnasium and dives for the ball, intimidating any team who dares to go against her. Stars often group to create a pattern or picture for others to look into the sky to admire. When she finds a topic she is passionate about, you could swear that you could see those same magnificent, twinkling pictures in her eyes. Sometimes, groups of stars will create gorgeous globular clusters, some of which will have a blemish, marring its beauty. Only her beauty can not be tainted by any typical flaw. Perfection is unachievable, but she is as close as one will get.

My Choice - Kalie Scott

I’m running down the hallway dragging Sadie with me, the only place I can think to hide is in the bathroom. I turn the corner and the familiar smell of nicotine and perfume hits me. Normally I wouldn’t care about the smell, but right now all my senses are heightened. I think they did some study on it but \i think it has something to do with stress. From the moment you’re in school to the moment you graduate they try to warn you about shootings. They tell you to stay away from the doors and window, arm yourself with a textbook, turn off the lights. Except that textbook won’t do much when a bullet is flying at you at 3000 KM. They don’t however tell you what to do when you’re stuck in a hallway and there’s a man walking around with a gun. I started my morning math test. I’m mean to be meeting my friend Sadie in the bathroom so she can give me answers, instead we’re hiding in the stall. Further down the hall there are distant screams and shots. I still have Sadie’s hand in mine, I can feel her shaking. Another shot rings out, this one’s closer, this one cause |Sadie and I to jump. I can hear him getting closer to the bathroom, I hear him go into my math class and start firing bullets. I can hear the screams of the people I was sitting with five minutes ago. That’s when the reality hits me, I’m in a school shooting. I could die, he’s going to find us. His footsteps echo as he steps into the bathroom. I feel something wet fall onto my hand and look up, Sadie’s crying, but then I realize I’m crying too, he walks towards the wall of stalls and starts opening the doors. ‘We need to get out of here, we’re going to die’ except I can’t think of a way to get us out of this situation. “BANG”

SUMMIT

JOB OPENINGS

Customer Service Lumber & Building Material Salesperson Summit Home Center has an employment opportunity for a building supply salesperson. This position is responsible for providing prompt, courteous and efficient service to customers, advising them on appropriate merchandise and related items. The duties include being familiar with building materials and how to apply them into a project, pricing, local building codes, building permits, preparing quotations, as well as a variety of other related duties. Grade12 plus 2 years experience in a trade. Having a valid PAL is an asset. Valid drivers license required. This is a full-time position with competitive wages in a fast-paced, positive working environment. A health plan is available. Send resume to joel.painter@shaw.ca Closing date: January 29/24

Sales Associates Summit Home Center also has job openings for retail sales associates. Duties include processing transactions, merchandizing, replenishing stock, inventory cycle counting, general housekeeping, and other duties as required. These are full or part-time positions. The seasonal Garden Center position is also available. We are looking for motivated people with grade 12 or equivalent. Retail experience is beneficial. A valid PAL is an asset. Send resume to joel.painter@shaw.ca Closing date: January 29/24

I, an Insect - Rye Oberholtzer

I, a beetle, clad in chitinous cataphract, Ready to defend and conquer, though alack– I freeze, I can’t breath, I stutter, Once again, renounced to the discreditable gutter. I, a ladybird, adorned in glamorous spot, Unique to only me, or so I was taught. But the others like birds, see me as prey, Prey so distasteful, they wander away.

I, a butterfly, with wings of ethereal beauty, I’m illuminated by the spotlights, there for all to see. But one step off the stage and my frail wings break, My lungs collapse and my heart begins to ache. I, a spider, contriving articulated gossamer, Praised for my impressively cognitive character. But my wits fall short upon antipathy, An imbecile I am, I won’t expect sympathy.

I, a bee, palliate the flora below, Salvation to some, for the pain they undergo. Yet I long for salvation that I myself, lack, But I’ll keep helping others until I crumble and crack.

I, a mantis, agile and percise, Hiding within the pulchritudinous buds with hope to suffice. If I camouflage, I’m safe, I am not to be percieved, I’m just like you, keep being deceived. I, an insect, an arachnid, a bug, Nature set its course and I continue to tug. I’ll keep flying, crawling, soaring, weaving, I venture forth in this life, nonetheless, interleaving.


Wednesday, January 24, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9

Tracks and Wheels hits a stall in production DEVIN BRADY Pass Herald Community Reporter William Percival (Percy) Williamson has endured more hardship than most in his lifetime, especially in the last ten years. Nine years ago Williamson was involved in a motor vehicle collision with a semi-truck resulting in his vehicle being flung into the air and written off. Williamson was off work for ten months while he recovered from the incident but was ultimately back up and moving, returning to his hobby - Hunting and Fishing. He recounts the accident vividly and that if he had not been driving cautiously or in a sturdy pick up truck, he may not be here today. Three years later in 2018 he was involved in another collision, this time on his motorcycle. This collision left Williamson with a broken back and now paralyzed from the waist down. It took a year of rehabilitation in the hospital and another year to acclimate to his newly renovated home to begin to adapt to his new life. Even after suffering a severe accident such as his, Williamson kept a “positive attitude and focus on living life to the fullest”. When he saw the outdoor network Wild TV announce they had a contest searching for new program ideas, Williamson pitched his idea ‘Tracks and Wheels’. The network liked his idea and gave Williamson a three to five year contract with his show scheduled to air in 2023/2024. Williamson has been an outdoor enthusiast, hunting and fishing, for fifty seven years. The sixty three year old, now paralyzed has been unwilling to let this get between him and his passion and purchased a track chair. The track chair is an electric ATV wheelchair where rather than on wheels it is propelled on tracks. This chair allows Williamson to reach locations that he would be unable to without it. Over the years Williamson wrote over 150 feature articles for popular outdoor publications throughout Canada. After the accident with the semi-truck his writing came to a halt and now he is hoping to channel his creativity in his new show Tracks and Wheels. Tracks and Wheels is looking to premiere on Wild TV in the third quarter of 2024 with a total of fourteen episodes per season. The premise of the series is to show that anyone can enjoy the outdoors and to bring light on the fact that more work needs to be done to provide accessibility ton those who are impaired but are longing for the wilderness experience. The episodes will follow Williamson on his adventures in the wild being both educational and entertaining. Some of the episodes will be focused on indigenous history, wildlife facts and equipment breakdowns. He hopes to aim the show towards young people who have an interest in the outdoors and inspire them to get out there. One of the ideas ‘Critter Corner’ will be directed toward younger viewers and teach them about different species found in the wild. Along with the educational component, the show will also display Williamson breaking barriers in the outdoor world as he continues to follow his passions and be successful in his hunts and reeling in trout from the river. As a child Williamson dreamed of creating his own hunting and fishing show. During his fifty seven years exploring the backcountry of Alberta and British Columbia he was able to learn about the wildlife he admired. He learned how whitetail deer move throughout the different seasons, the ideal habitats of elk, what sort of vegetation moose prefer and where a trout may be hiding on any given day. As a young man Williamson worked at his fathers VW and Subaru dealership and managed the Suzuki/Skidoo dealership. During this time, he learned the possibilities and limitations of these machines. How to operate them, care for them and ultimately fix them, especially when you are miles from town. When he felt he had enough knowledge on his field he began to write for various outdoor publications. The culmination of all these different skills has given Williamson the confidence to write his “own scripts, proposals and itinerary”. As of January 2024, William-

son has enough footage to compile five episodes but has been waiting for funding to hire an editor. Due to budgetary reasons, production has come to a halt. “I am in dire need of sponsors or donations” said Williamson. Williamson has been funding the endeavour primarily from his personal savings and the help of a few sponsors but is hoping that others will step in to assist. He asks that if any businesses or individuals wish to help him pursue his dream to please reach out and email wpwilliamson98@gmail.com.

Percy Williamson photo

Percy Williams is working with the Outdoor Network WildTV in search of new program idea.

24014ds0

Community Events Listing Sponsored by: Event

Date

Time

Place

Municipality Planning Comm.

Jan 24

2pm

Municipal Office

PPK Uphill Series

Jan 25

6pm - 7:30pm

Skihill

Family Dance

Jan 27

1pm-2:30pm

CNP Library

Brat Pack

Jan 30

11:30am

CNP Library

Adult Colouring

Jan 31

6pm

CNP Library

Double Trouble

Feb 2-3

various

allielee@shaw.ca

Contact The Pass Herald if your non-profit organization would like an event listed

passheraldads@gmail.com


10 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, January 24. 2024

Avoiding highway wreckage, saving Crowsnest Pass DAVID MCINTRYE Op-ed “Once you wreck a community, putting it back together is much more work than just removing an interstate.” That’s what Beth Osborne, director of Transportation for America, said as she contemplated the phenomenal costs associated with redesign and reengineering of more than 30 U.S. interstate highways. Why does this need for highway redesign exist? Because many highways, in initial design and function, failed to serve society’s complex needs. They destroyed communities, made the poor poorer, and caused colossal devaluations in real estate. Poorly designed interstate highways—they span the U.S.—were created because people with power and money wanted them, and because rural residents and low income neighbourhoods did not have the power to resist or reshape perceived progress. The times they are a-changin’. Everyone knows that roads, armed with vehicles, kill wildlife. It’s taken longer for society to see how ill-conceived highways destroy human life and neighbourhoods. The net result of flawed highway designs: severed communities, plummeting property values, the crippling of local and regional economies. Residents impacted by these poorly designed roads talk of how yesterday’s highway construction degraded their communities. The highways bankrupted thriving businesses, destroyed entire business districts, and prevented residents from neighbourhood shopping and walking or cycling to nearby grocery stores. The people impacted by these social injustices describe the pain in seeing their communities wilt after highways were built. The U.S., today, is spending billions in efforts to undo these past wrongs, to correct the damage created by the costly construction of poorly designed interstate highways. Here in Alberta, a vision that serves a valid need to redesign and twin Highway 3 from Medicine Hat to Lundbreck, now threatens, at colossal cost, to sever and degrade the highway’s westernmost 45 km traverse of the province within the tight confines of the Crowsnest River valley. This design flaw occurred because planners failed to recognize the worth of a largely intact headwaters landscape. This, coupled with blind vision among affluent and politically connected twin-the-highway proponents, led to the creation of a plan that, if acted upon, would create wholesale collateral damage to the Crowsnest River valley corridor, the people of southwestern Alberta, and to Alberta as a whole. It’s imperative that society recognizes the harm, the ecological and social degradation the proposed highspeed twinning of Highway 3 through this narrow river valley corridor would create. It’s imperative that quality of life values and the integrity of connected communities

are retained. It’s imperative, too, that southwestern Alberta’s tourism worth, as recognized by Destination Canada’s Tourism Corridor Strategy Program (The Prairies to Pacific Corridor initiative to support investments in authentic and transformational experiences) not be squandered in a headlong rush to create, at colossal cost, a community-dividing, concrete speedway through a spectacularly beautiful and vibrant Rocky Mountain landscape. This is not the year, nor the century, for society to sit and watch as tunnel-vision engineers prepare to blast and bulldoze Alberta’s priceless heritage into oblivion in an ill-advised attempt to build a twinned, high-speed superhighway through deep time, trout-rich waterways, and drop-dead-gorgeous mountain ranges. Alberta does not need, nor want, nor can it afford, a community-consuming speedway with a high-speed exit ramp into British Columbia. What Alberta does need, and can create at a fraction of the cost, is a highway designed to move traffic safely while maintaining and complementing the integrity of a remarkable landscape framed by spectacular thrust-faulted mountains. Within Alberta and the greater Crowsnest Pass, Albertans can sustain and nurture a tourism paradise that already exists by simply ensuring that Crowsnest Pass’s foundation for future economic virtue is not needlessly compromised by a myopic vision that defines super-highway speed as the sole measure of a highway’s worth. Proposed is this: a Crowsnest Heritage Highway designation for the westernmost 45 km of Highway 3 in Alberta—from Lundbreck to the Alberta/British Columbia border. Within this historic and scenic corridor, Highway 3 residents and travellers require a design that: 1. Places safety, health, and quality of life issues at the fore. 2. Reduces the speed of travel to a level compatible with the footprint of the existing two-lane highway—a target speed of 80 km/hr Is envisioned. 3. Opens the door to a vibrant art scene, photographic opportunities, and a year-round recreational wonderland. 4. Introduces and promotes the existence of a community laden with historic worth, a living landscape with compelling old-world charm. 5. Provides passing lanes, scenic pullouts, and places to gain added glimpses into this land of intrigue. 6. Preserves internationally and spiritually profound viewscapes, such as the iconic, power peak views of Crowsnest Mountain and the similarly arresting views of Turtle Mountain and the 1903 Frank Slide. 7. Perpetuates the deep time, sense-of-place-integrity of southwestern Alberta’s profoundly rich and historic Crowsnest River valley corridor. 8. Incorporates a designated highway rest stop at Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site. 9. Provides state-of-the-art wildlife corridors— cross-highway overpasses and underpasses designed to reduce the current large mammal mortality, millions of dollars in damage claims, and risk to human life. The key to this vision lies in producing a design that, with a modest reduction in maximum highway speed and the creation of a uniform sustained speed, promotes a catch-and-release brand of tourism within the existing highway’s weaving, serpentine course past knife-edged mountain ranges. Picture this: a highway where motorists think more

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about casting a fly than a need to keep their foot on the accelerator … a design that allows travellers to feel relaxed, able to see and contemplate exit options and opportunities to hike, fish, climb mountains, and immerse themselves in Canada’s storied past … a design that liberates thoughts of rising trout, bugling elk, and the ability to look up to see the world’s greatest concentration of migrating golden eagles. Here, where the Crowsnest River has carved a magnificent trellis drainage between mountain ranges, the goal is not to fill the valley with concrete, or—as engineers have proposed—move the Department of Transportation Weigh Scales into the bloodiest core of Highway 3’s existing large mammal death-zone (Rock Creek). The goal lies in retaining the raw beauty of the land, honouring and planning to accommodate wildlife and the connectivity of traditional wildlife corridors through the creation of strategic wildlife crossings (overpasses and underpasses) that are visually stunning in their conveyance of the importance of wildlife conservation and respect for the environment. The community of Crowsnest Pass, the largest community in southwestern Alberta (in size and population), is perfectly poised to put its world-class mountains and recreational opportunities on display. In order to achieve this outcome in a multi-goal, 21st century way, it needs an award-winning Crowsnest Heritage Highway to save and serve its relaxed pace of life while channelling the flow of visitors and assisting in management of the region’s profound wealth in natural capital and cultural charm. The Crowsnest Heritage Highway—designed with elegant simplicity and minimal impact on the environment—is a sustainable blueprint for the future, a vital component of Crowsnest Pass’s future worth. The residents of Crowsnest Pass and Albertans do not need, nor want: • A Deerfoot Trail brand of high-speed superhighway that cuts though the heart and soul of headwaters virtue. • Racetrack noise—it scares wildlife and drives animals and people away!—and a cold, concrete, monolithic wall that severs and overwhelms the community and transforms the envisioned Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor into the Jim Prentice Memorial Speedway. • To spend one-billion dollars to cripple one of Canada’s most intriguing, heritage-endowed, wildlife abundant, scenery-rich communities and transform it into a wasted-space, high-speed exit ramp into British Columbia. It’s time to honour a revered, world-class, Crown of the Continent landscape, nurture quality-of-life living, and impress—and attract—world travellers with thoughtful decisions and designs that speak to a changing world, future wealth, and prosperity. It’s time to bury yesterday’s high-priced, high-speed thinking and embrace the Crowsnest Heritage Highway. David lives on the land he loves in the storied headwaters of southwestern Alberta’s Oldman River. He has passionate interest—and knowledge—in diverse natural history disciplines, and is a strong advocate for the longrange economic and ecological worth of intact landscapes. David holds a MSc from the University of Washington (College of the Environment) and, for decades, led multi-day study tours for the Smithsonian Institution—via hiking and whitewater rafting trips—throughout the U.S. West and the Canadian Rockies.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 11

Nature is Magic Scientifically Speaking Leanne Marie Cameron Wirch

(originally published by the Western Parent December 1998)

So, what do you know about snow? I have always enjoyed waking up to a snowy day. Now living in the Crowsnest Pass, I not only look out to discover wet, wonderful, swirling snowflakes, but also a winter wonderland with a brilliant white blanket of snow covering the mountains and trees, and softening the sounds. I feel inspired to go outside and explore the magic of snow. So what do you know about snow? I have discovered that there is much to learn and a flurry of activities to try. So bundle up (don’t forget to dress in layers, like the animals; they prepare for winter by growing extra fur or feathers, and some even put on an extra layer of fat for insulation), head out for a walk and have a ball (SNOWball that is). Know Your Snow By Catching Snowflakes: Isn’t it amazing that no one, to my knowledge, has ever discovered two snowflakes that are exactly alike? In 1988, an American physicist thought that she had, but on closer inspection tiny differences were found. It was determined that these snowflakes were “almost identical”. So how many “almost identical” snowflakes can you find? You will need:

black construction paper (or dark material) magnifying glass paper and penci1

1. Put the construction paper in the freezer for a few minutes. (This will keep your snowflakes from melting too quickly). 2. Take the paper outside and let several flakes land on it. 3. Use your magnifying glass to take a closer look. * Of what do snowflakes remind you? * Can you find 2 snowflakes that are almost identical? * How do snowflakes change as they melt? 4. Some snowflakes may remind you of stars, or of dinner plates, or even pencils. Some may resemble a combination of several of these shapes. Here are the seven basic snowflake shapes:

Snow fact: The largest snowflake ever recorded measured 38 cm across!! Dig a Little Deeper (if you get my drift): You can be a snow scientist by studying a snow drift: You will need:

shovel large paintbrush (optional) ruler or measuring tape outdoor thermometer paper and pencil black construction paper magnifying glass

1. On a COLD day, go for a walk to find a snow drift. Snow drifts are caused by the wind blowing snow against objects such as buildings, trees, and fences. 2. Use the shovel to CAREFULLY slice through the drift until you hit the ground. GENTLY scoop away the loose snow from where you made the slice until you can see a side view of the snowdrift from the top to the bottom. Using a paintbrush or your mitten, lightly brush the loose snow away from the side of the drift. * How many layers can you find? * Can you count how many times it has snowed? * Why do you suppose some of the layers are different colours? 3. Measure each layer of snow. * Can you tell how much snow fell each time it snowed? 4. Leave your thermometer on top of the snow for 3 or 4 minutes and record the air temperature. 5. Now record the temperatures in the same manner halfway through the drift and then at the bottom of the snow. * Are the temperatures different? * Where is it the coldest? The warmest? Why? (Then ground is probably the warmest because the snow acts as a blanket keeping in the warmth from the ground.) 6. Take a sample of snow from each layer and examine it on the construction paper using the magnifying glass. * Are the snowflakes the same from each level? How are they different? * Can you match any of the snowflakes to the snowflake sketches? (See above.) 7. Look for signs of life at the bottom of the drift. If you were a plant or a mouse, where would you rather be during a cold winter day? Why? 8. Choose a warmer day (above -5C) to study another snow drift. Did you get the same or different results? Why, do you suppose? Snow riddle: Were does a snowman keep his money? In a snow bank! A Winter Colour Walk: When you say the word “snow” the first colour most of us usually think of is white. But if you go on a winter colour walk you may be in for a surprise. You will need:

small pieces of coloured paper (use recycled paper from magazines or coloured flyers) a favourite nature trail

1. Have a family discussion as to what colours you may find on your hike. 2. Give each family member 2 or 3 different pieces of coloured paper and ask them to watch for those colours during the walk. 3. Use all the colours! 4. Don’t forget to study the colours created by snow crystals. 5. Take time to share your colour discoveries. Snow fact: Watermelon snow or pink snow is caused by a red algae growing in the snow. Now you know so much more about snow! Isn’t it cool?!

* Do all snowflakes have 6 sides? * Which of the shapes can you find? 5. Sketch your favourite snowflakes. 6. Try the experiment again on a day that is colder or warmer or windier. * How are the snowflakes different?

Leanne Wirch Bio I have often looked to the natural world as an inspiration and a teacher. From exploring the creek and fields on the farm where I grew up, to my many roles as an educator (naturalist, elementary school teacher, and museum educator), experiencing and sharing the magic of nature has been a vital part of my life. Leanne Wirch is a retired teacher and museum educator who now resides in the awe-inspiring Crowsnest Pass with her wonderful husband and two adventurous cats.


12 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Looking Back BY JOHN KINNEAR

No Safety, Know Pain – Know Safety, No Pain It cannot be said enough times and in enough places that modern coal mining’s safety record is something to be proud of. It stands heads above most other industries in Canada and the safety programs put in place at the Elk Valley mines are as rigorous and thorough as can be found anywhere in the world. There is a very concerted and diligent effort to reduce and eliminate hazards at the mines and injuries are fairly rare. Occupational Health and Safety committees work closely with the management at all Elk Valley coal mines to ensure the modern coal miner works in a safe environment. This was not always the case. There was a time in the Elk Valley mines and here in the Crowsnest Pass when injuries and fatalities were an accepted part of a miner’s life. This was mostly back when pretty much all coal was mined underground. We sometimes forget the toll that was taken in injuries and fatalities. My records reveal that in the Crowsnest Pass area, which ranges from Leitch Collieries to Vicary Mine, that 492 men were lost from 1904 onwards. Italian coal miner Pete Rotella summed it up simply, in 1967, after his amazing survival of the Balmer North blast at Michel that killed 15 men. Pete said: “A mine is a mine. You go in, you never know if you gonna come out”. Incredibly, Rotella was blown clear out of the Balmer Mine entry in that disaster and landed in the trees in the valley bottom below. He promptly found his way back up the hillside, with a broken ankle no less, so that he could help with the aftermath. The most poignant evidence of how it was back then risk-wise can be found in a series of 14 inch by 22 inch ledger books in the Crows Nest Pass Coal Co. archives in the basement of Fernie City Hall. These dozen or so large ledgers are a remarkable compilation of accident records diligently kept over five decades (1898 to 1958) by the coal company. The ledgers were printed with columns specifically laid out for recording accidents and detail everything from date, location, occupation, nationality, nature of injury, cause of accident and so on. Probably the most disturbing column in each two-page spread is the one labelled, “Fatal or Non-Fatal”. The non-fatal’s were usually not indicated as there were so many of them, so the word Fatal in an otherwise empty column jumps out at you. It is interesting to revisit these books and look at the nature and cause of accidents, as it gives you a better appreciation of the hazards these coal miners endured. The men who were charged with filling out these books faced, for the most part, an adjective challenge that would leave most medically trained types stymied. The range of injuries and severity of accidents covers almost every painful descriptor in Webster’s dictionary. They include the likes of: severed, crushed, sprained, bruised, cut, frozen, fractured, twisted, ruptured, punctured and so on. Along with these descriptors went almost every single part of the human body, be it toes, legs, arms, ribs, ankles, backs, hands, eyes, skull and on infinitum. Never in the history of Canadian labour have men faced so many hazards, as did those in our coal mines. Also never in the history of Canadian labour did working men find so many ways to get injured. One can turn to any single page of these pain chronicles and find more ways to get hurt than one can imagine. As you run your finger down the cause column you will come across statements like:”fall of rock, squeezed by car, tripped on rail, struck with pick (ouch), thrown off trip, cut with saw and the always dreaded “cave-in”or “explosion”. The word “caught” shows up a lot as in: “caught between bumpers, caught by coupling or caught by rope. Struck was also heavily used as there are many things one can be struck with in a mine, be it a piece of roof rock, an axe, a timber or a flying wedge. Probably the most painful use of the word struck one comes across has to do with the horses or mules used underground. Miners endured bites, trampling, kicks, toes being stomped and inevitably being dragged by a creature that was really unhappy about living in the dark and being forced to work all day. Here is one of 2,672 entries out of one of the ledgers that spans the years 1914 to 1923: “ Entry #3796- Date: May 29, 1916-Time: 7:15 PM-Name: Brown, Benjamin-Work #2863- Occupation Bellboy-Location #1 East-Nature of Injury: Compound fracture right forearm, severely lacerated hand and dislocated left shoulder-Nationality: Welsh-Age: 16-Marital Status: Single-Cause of Accident: Found lying in center of tracks-Date Returned to Work (never did)”. Oh yes, I forgot to mention the nationality thing. Ben was classified as Welsh, one of dozens of nationalities listed in this ledger. They included countrymen labelled as: Galician, Austrian, Hungarian Polish, German, Slovak, Russian, Belgian, Welsh, French, Ukrainian, Slav, Canadian? and American. My own particular nationality is put down as Scotch (not Scottish), a mistake quite common back then. Mind you, a drink of Scotch was probably in order for a Scottish miner who had endured the viciousness of a well-directed hoof.

After a while, as you cruise through the lists, they begin to blur into one huge legacy of pain. “Pick went into knee. Nail went into foot. Timber rolled onto hand. Coal fell into eye. Fingers squeezed between props.” One finds oneself looking for anything unusual to provide some relief from the endless scroll of things that went wrong. Like Charles O’Neil, a horseshoer, who was “driving nail into hind shoe when horse kicked and nail went into thumb”. Doesn’t that one just make you wince? I guess the most unlikely accident I was able to find was that which befell Joe Fratenna, an Italian, who just about took a finger off when “knife slipped when cutting cheese”. Whether it was the stables, the mines, the tipple, the rail yard, the machine shop or any other part of the Elk Valley or Crowsnest Pass mine infrastructure, it seems that personal injury was always lurking just around the corner. The few miners living today that survived this endless stream of wrong place at the wrong time no doubt carry the physical marks of this legacy, battlescars of just about the toughest men ever to walk into a mine. In the next couple weeks I am going to delve into the life of one of the most respected and beloved coal miners I have ever come across. Roy Lazzarotto’s journey of working in the many different coal mines in the Michel Creek Valley and here in the Crowsnest Pass are a legacy unto themselves. A legacy of always working safe and teaching those that worked with him the same. Roy took some important decisions throughout his career that spared him and his crews any of the above listed injuries and in three separate occasions undoubtedly saved his life. It is quite a story.

John Kinnear photos

Photos top to bottom: The amazing Crows Nest Pass Coal Company Museum room Accident record books on oak table in museum Typical page from an accident book


Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 13

Sparwood coal mine passes review stage PASS HERALD STAFF NWP Coal Canada Limited’s Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project has passed the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s (IAAC) Conformity Review Process. This process, pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 (CEAA 2012), confirms that application contains all the required information to proceed to the next regulatory phase. The Project is subject to an environmental assessment by both BC and Canada which began in 2014. The IAAC has been pre-reviewing the assessment since late in 2021. The Agency announced that NWP passed the Conformity Review on Jan 12, 2024. This triggers the start of technical review of the assessment by both BC and Canada. The Project is located near Sparwood between Elkview and Line Creek. The mine has ~30 mMtcc deposit of high-quality coking coal in the West Alexander Creek watershed. If permitted the mine will have 15 years of operation at 2 million tons produced per year. It is expected that the mine would produce 500 plus construction jobs at the outset with 330 plus jobs during operation. According to Dave Baines, Director of Project Development for NWP, “The Project represents a new era in steelmaking coal projects. The location and scale of the Project provides a unique opportunity for the development of a premium steelmaking coal project with a substantially reduced environmental impact than that of historical and current coal production in Canada and other key producer locations.” NWP is owned by Jameson Resources Limited (ASX:JAL) and Bathurst Resources Limited (ASX:BRL). Jameson Resources brings to NWP a highly experienced board and management team with a track record of coal mine development. Bathurst Resources brings to NWP the hands-on know-how of New Zealand’s largest specialist coal company. In 2023 Bathurst purchased Telkwa Coal Limited and is progressing the Tenas Project in northeast BC. According to Baines, “now that we’ve passed the Conformity Review, we get to start the Technical Review of application. This review formally starts on January 29, 2024. A 30-day public comment period starts the same day. This period

is intended to allow the public, community groups, governments, and Indigenous Nations to file comments or questions about the Project with the regulators. The public comment period will include open house information sessions hosted by the regulators in Sparwood and Cranbrook. NWP is committed to speaking to all the stakeholders in the region and will be hosting additional open houses in Elkford, Fernie, and the Crowsnest Pass”. The Crowsnest Pass open house is slated for Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club. Project information will be accompanied by snacks and appetizers. According to Baines, “the Technical Review of the application assesses the technical quality of the required information within the EIS/A. The regulators and their technical experts, Indigenous Nations, and comments collected during the public comment period will be sent to NWP as formal Information Requests. NWP will respond to the requests with additional information or studies. NWP anticipates that the Project will evolve to meet regulator, public, and Indigenous Nations’ expectations. Key areas for change will likely include water management, the location of our rail loadout, and the type and amount of fish and fish habitat offsetting”. Technical Review of the application depends on the number and character of the Information Requests. Sometimes they take additional engineering work or environmental data collection. On paper this step takes 18 months but in practice takes two or more years. According to Baines, “NWP has engaged extensively with regulators, Indigenous Nations, and community stakeholders through the development of the EIS/A to ensure that all issues of concern are well understood and have been incorporated into the EIS/A. If we’ve done our job well, we expect the Information Requests to be tough, but not insurmountable.” According to Baines, “NWP is proud of the work we are doing with the Tobacco Plains Indian Band to understand and incorporate their views into our Project designs and plans. Our Process and Consent agreement has led to great discussions and learnings. We hope that through the Information Request and response process that the Tobacco Plains Indian Band as well as the regulators conclude that our Project should be approved.” The final steps of the process are managed by the regulators with very little NWP involvement. These steps focus on internal decision making but integrate the voice of Indigenous Nations in the process. The public has a voice at the step where the regulators are looking for feedback on their reports and draft approval conditions. Legislation requires that these steps should only take six months, but on occasion they can take more time. According to Baines, “this milestone confirms the Crown Mountain Project as the most advanced steelmaking coal development project in Canada”.

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14 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Small ads. Big deals.

FOR RENT To inquire about the availability of an apartment for rent in Blairmore call 403-562-8144.

SERVICES The Crowsnest Pass AA group has moved effective January 2, 2022. We now meet once a week. SUNDAY NIGHTS ONLY at 7:00 pm. Compass Fellowship Church. 2029 - 130th St., Blairmore, AB. Looking forward to seeing you.

AWNA CLASSIFIEDS BUILDINGS FOR SALE INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com. CAREER TRAINING BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 80 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com. Coming Events 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 $799 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, 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. FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES SPRUCE POINT PARK Association now accepting applications for the position of: PARK MANAGER, 2024 season, May 1st to September 15th (end date flexible). Spruce Point Park Campground and Marina is located on Lesser Slave Lake approximately 285 kms northwest of Edmonton, AB near Hamlet of Kinuso. Manager must live on site in own RV unit. Full-service lot provided. For complete job description package please call 780-775-3805 or email sprucepointpark@gmail.com. Closing date: Until a suitable candidate is found. FEED AND SEED WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. “On Farm Pickup”. Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252. ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789. HEALTH HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372. SERVICES CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com. WANTED CASH PAID FOR GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM! Buying coins, collections, 999 bullion, bars, ingots, jewelry, nuggets, sterling, old money. PURCHASING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS! Call Todd 1-250-864-3521. WANTED OLD ADVERTISING: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908.

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EMPLOYMENT Employment Opportunity

TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR/DRIVER Want to be part of a new and exciting service in the Crowsnest Pass? Are you organized, reliable, and dependable; have excellent communication skills; know vehicle safety and inspection requirements; able to work with a minimum of supervision; and interested in part-time work? The Peaks to Pines Residents Association is hiring a Coordinator/Driver for the “Crowsnest Cruisers”, a program that will provide assisted transportation services to older adults and persons with disabilities. You will coordinate bookings, collect payments, maintain statistics, and operate vehicles safely. The position is part-time, 25 hours per week. The wage range is $25.00$28.00 per hour, and will be based on your education and experience. Minimum Qualifications include: • High school diploma or equivalent. • Valid Class 1, 2, or 4 Alberta driver’s license. • Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to acquire. • 5 years of driving experience. Please send your resume with references to peakstopinesresidents@gmail.com by noon, February 2, 2024 We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

OBITUARIES JAMES RICHARD SHELLY February 1, 1988 ~ December 28, 2023

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our son James Richard Shelly on Thursday, December 28, 2023. He was born in Comox, British Columbia on February 1, 1988. James worshipped his wife Jacqui and their four daughters Savannah, Mila, Adley and Renley. His family was the world to him. When James was not spending time with his family, he was enjoying basketball, mountain biking and most of all golf. James enjoyed working with his hands in his mastered skill of carpentry. He always made himself available to lend a helping hand to his family and friends, especially if it involved his forte of carpentry. James was employed fulltime with Vertex Custom Carpentry. Son of Jackie Hollingsworth of Fort McMurray, Alberta, and Chris Shelly (Mirjim) of Orillia, Ontario. Son in law of Susan Dugas and Rick Larocque (Heidi). Stepson to Ruth Downe. Nephew to Wendy Shelly (Joe), David Hollingsworth (Debbie), Cindy Landry (Martin), Donna Hollingsworth-Tymchyna (Rob), many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and their families. Uncle to Rayden Shelly, whom Rayden considered a big brother. Brother to Rebecca Bird (Gord), Half-brother to Abby (Brandon), Britnie, and Cooper Zur. Stepbrother to Ashley Olimer (DJ), and Josh Olimer (Karla). Grandson to Junior Shelly and Bill McHugh. James was predeceased by his grandmothers Judy Shelly, Margaret McHugh, and Margaret Whatley. His grandfathers Howard Hollingsworth and Ken Allen. Great Uncle Cecil Somerset, as well as his great-grandparents. James was also considered an army brat and yes, his momma wore army boots. Size 6 American. Our bonus military family will remember James for the awesome, kind-hearted soul that he was. A cherished memory of mine is James yelling in the bleachers “We want a pitcher, not a belly itcher!” I was the pitcher. Relatives and friends were in attendance at the Celebration of Life which took place in Gravenhurst, held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Sunday January 7, 2024. Donations in his memory can be made to Concussion or Mental Health Awareness. Personal messages of condolence and memories may be shared at www.cavillfuneralhome.com. Let us all hold onto the memories we have so that we may find comfort in this difficult time.

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Miss you to the moon & back James. My first child. My little man. Love Mom ♥


Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 15

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16 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, January 24, 2023

Celebrating Minor Hockey in CNP

CNP Thunder Hockey Update THUNDER U7 Lindsey Michalsky This past weekend U7 headed to Sparwood for an away tournament. Early Saturday morning U7 hit the road for their first game of the tournament. Game 1 was against Elk Valley B team. It was a great first game with excitement and enthusiasm on the ice from the whole team. Goals were scored by, Bowden Williams, Nixon Lafreniere, Colter Michalsky, Austin Bley, Gus Trotz and Rory MacDonald. Player of the Game went to Austin Bley and Heart and Hustle went to Rory MacDonald. Game 2 against Crandbrook Maple Bucks was a tough match but our players gave it their all. Goals were scored by, Benji Christopher, Van Pawlowski, Colter Michalsky, Bowden Williams, Nixon Lafreniere and Gus Trotz. Player of the Game went to Benji Christopher and Heart and Hustle went to Bowden Williams. Sunday game 3 was against Elk Valley A. It was a great end to the tournament with an evenly match game. Goals were scored by, Gus Trotz, Nixon Lafreniere, Colter Michalsky, Rory MacDonald and Bowden Williams. Player of the Game went to Parker Pow and Heart and Hustle went to Lawson Williams. All the players were rewarded for their hard work at the end of the tournament by receiving a trophy. Up next, the U7 head to Fernie on January 28th to play against Fernie B at 10:00AM

THUNDER U11

THUNDER U13

Rhonda M

Lauren Kirkman

The U11 Thunder hosted their home tournament this weekend and it was certainly a weekend full of great hockey! The tournament kicked off with a Friday night game at 5:30pm. The Thunder faced Elk Valley Wild B and came out with a shutout win. Next, the Thunder faced the Lethbridge Ghostriders on Saturday afternoon and won this game 4-0, which led to them facing the Cremona Cowboys in the semi-finals on Sunday morning. The Thunder won this game 10-1, qualifying them for the final game vs. the Chestermere Lakers! This was an intense game to watch, and in the end, the Thunder pulled ahead with a 5-1 victory. They definitely played hard, came together as a team, and earned their gold medals - well done U11’s! A huge thank you to ALL who contributed to the success of the U11 home tournament – it is a lot of work, and the team is very grateful to everyone who stepped up to help out! And a special thank you goes out to the referees and linesmen, without whom the U11 Thunder may not be able to play hockey! Thank you for creating the opportunity for the U11’s to play the game they love! The U11 Thunder continue with their regular season games on Saturday Jan 27 with an away game vs. Cardston.

Crowsnest Pass Thunder U13 had just one away game over the weekend. Taking on the Cobras in Coaldale on Saturday, it proved to be a high shots yet trying game. Thunder had the opponents goalie standing on his head throughout the whole match but snuck in a couple goals. A total of 60 shots on Cobras goaltender with goals made by Joshua Heyboer and Parker Bunnage. One assist coming from Aidan Bishop. Between the pipes for Thunder was Branson Gillard with a total of 32 saves. Final score being 7-2 for Coaldale. Thunder will be back on the road to Vulcan this Saturday. Publisher’s Note: Last week during our minor hockey week celebration I erroneously repeated two photos and missed the U9 team. Above are photos of all the teams in Crowsnest Pass Minor Hockey. - LS

Be sure to keep up to date on all minor hockey action on Facebook: CNP Thunder - Crowsnest Pass Minor Hockey Association, and on their website:

www.crowsnestpassminorhockey.com


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