VISIT US AT: crowsnestpassherald.ca CONTACT US AT: passherald@shaw.ca 403.562.2248
Crowsnest Pass
Herald
Vol. 94 No. 5
February 7, 2024 $1.25
Serving our communities since 1930
Contributor photo
Ravi Sankhavara, owner of Pharmasave in Blairmore, celebrating his hike to Mount Everest Base Camp.
Mount Everest -
a climb to the base NICHOLAS L.M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter In an interview with Ravi Sankhavara, owner of Pharmasave in Blairmore, he shared the remarkable
story of his journey to the Mount Everest Base Camp. What began as a pre-COVID travel plan turned into a series of postponements, but Sankhavara’s determination finally led him to conquer the iconic base camp, overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic. Sankhavara, spoke of how the idea of trekking to Everest Base Camp was planted during a two-week trip to Nepal before the pandemic. Surrounded by backpackers and tour guides, he found that almost everyone was either planning or had experienced the trek to either Everest or Annapurna Base Camp. Intrigued by these stories, it became a prominent goal
on his bucket list. He initially planned to embark on this adventure in July, but the onset of the pandemic led to multiple postponements. Despite opening a new pharmacy location, he managed to secure a relief pharmacist, allowing him to finally pursue his dream. Describing the Everest Base Camp experience, Sankhavara explained that the trek takes approximately 14 days round trip, including 9 to 10 days for the ascent. Acclimatization hikes were crucial, and Cont’ on page 4
2 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, Feruary 7, 2024
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Is accessibility legislation coming to Alberta? GEORGE LEE Local Jouralism Initiative - Fort Macleod Gazette
Improving accessibility for people with disabilities remains on the government’s radar, but confirmation hasn’t come yet that United Conservatives will introduce legislation in 2024 to align Alberta with much of the rest of Canada. Marie Renaud, the NDP critic for community and social services, told her legislature colleagues last month that accessibility legislation is long overdue in her province. “Alberta is one of the only jurisdictions in Canada without accessibility legislation, which means we have not even begun our journey to barrier-free,” she said Dec. 4. “That needs to change. We need accessibility legislation right now.” A provincial spokesperson said the government is working on accessibility. “Alberta’s government is committed to working with the disability community to make sure we are providing appropriate supports to help Albertans with disabilities live healthy, successful lives,” said Heather Barlow, press secretary for Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon, the member for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre. In an email statement, Barlow said that the minister hosted roundtables across Alberta last fall to discuss accessibility with 24022ka0 disability stakeholders. Renaud, the third-term member for St. Albert, said others are blazing the trail with the help of clear national guidance. “The feds have laid a path and established benchmarks.” In 1978 Quebec became the first province in Canada to enact accessibility legislation. Six other provinces—British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador—have since passed their own versions. The most recent of those is Saskatchewan, which enacted legislation in December. “Accessibility cannot be an afterthought. We have to plan for it, invest in it, protect it by enshrining it in law,” Renaud said. About a quarter of Canadians live with at least some level of disability, but definitions vary of what constitutes a disability in the first place. Canada’s Employment Equity Act classifies a person with a disability as “any person who has a long-term or reoccurring physical, mental, sensory, psychiatric, or learning impairment and who considers themselves to be disadvantaged in employment by reason of that impairment.” The Canadian Human Rights Act says “any previous or existing mental or physical disability” qualifies, adding that disability includes “disfigurement and previous or existing dependence” on alcohol or drugs. Person with a disability “refers to a person whose daily activities are limited as a result of an impairment or difficulty with particular tasks,” says the Statistics Canada website. In 2022 Statistics Canada found that about eight million Canadians, or 27 per cent of the population 15 or older, reported having at least one disability. That’s about twice the percentage reported 10 years earlier. In 2022, the province said that the percentage for Alberta was more than 21 per cent. Through the Accessible Canada Act of 2019, the federal government is pushing for a barrier-free Canada by 2040. Part of the process is removing and preventing barriers to access in areas under federal authority. The law covers the federal government’s own services, facilities and responsibilities, such as federal buildings, banking, air travel, and television, radio and telecommunications. If Alberta follows the example of other provinces, its legislation will drill down to provincial, municipal and educational properties and services, along with the other organizations and businesses it regulates. Legislation of this type typically paves the way for further actions over time, like the creation of standards and regulations, planning and strategic documents, reporting and monitoring structures, and even new bodies. The Crowsnest Museum and the Pass Herald are thrilled to give you a weekly historic Saskatchewan’s law calls for the creation of the update from the archives of the Crowsnest Museum. Saskatchewan Accessibility Office, which will be
The Crowsnest Museum is located in downtown Coleman - 7701 18 Ave, Coleman, AB T0K 0M0 It is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm.
Cont’d on page 7
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 3 Frank Slide Template.qxp_Layout 1 2023-01-30 11:44 AM Page 1
POLICE BRIEFS Between January 30 and February 5, the Crowsnest Pass RCMP detachment responded to 32 calls for service, of which none were unfounded. A total of two charges were made during this period. The Crowsnest Pass RCMP encountered a diverse array of incidents, ranging from concerning criminal activities to accidents and mental health concerns. Strange Calls and Suspected Stolen License Plate The series of events commenced with a peculiar lady making multiple calls about having warrants. Simultaneously, there was an ongoing issue involving a suspected stolen license plate. A gentleman inadvertently left his license plate on a vehicle destined for wrecking, leading to its unauthorized use in Edmonton and subsequent traffic violations. Theft and Attempted Fraud In the realm of property crimes, a theft occurred involving tools and batteries stolen from an unlocked shed, emphasizing the importance of securing belongings. Additionally, a vigilant individual reported an attempted fraud on Facebook Marketplace, where a potential scammer tried to deceive a seller into divulging sensitive information. Crime Stoppers Tip and Domestic Assault Crime Stoppers provided a valuable tip regarding a theft from the Home Hardware in Blairmore, initiating
ongoing investigations. On January 31, a domestic assault unfolded, where an individual physically harmed his girlfriend and inflicted damage to her vehicle, marking a serious criminal incident. Hospital Incident and Arrest with Warrants A concerning incident transpired at the hospital involving a lady with warrants who wielded a knife. Although the situation was diffused by hospital staff, she managed to escape before later being arrested on her warrants.
DID YOU KNOW A bear has 42 teeth.
Traffic Incidents and Disturbance at Hotel Various traffic-related incidents occurred, including an erratic driver on Hwy. 3, an injured deer at an intersection, and a person contemplating self-harm while pulled over. On February 1, a disturbance unfolded at the BCMI hotel, involving a disruptive woman making false reports to 911 while simultaneously creating a disturbance in the hotel.
HWY #3, Frank • 562-8043
Search and Rescue, Suicide, and Hazardous Conditions The RCMP engaged in search and rescue operations, including body recovery efforts on Turtle Mountain following a reported suicide on the weekend. They also responded to hazardous conditions on Hwy. 22 during a storm. Threats, Attempted Dog Theft, and Mental Health Concerns Instances of vague threats and reports of people attempting to steal dogs surfaced and mental health concerns were raised in a case where a young female, not taking her medication, required hospitalization.
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Bellevue - Crockets Trading Company
Various Calls and Investigations
Blairmore - Pharmasave, IDA, IGA, The Pantry and the Circle K
Numerous other calls were addressed, ranging from lost wallets being returned to owners to an uncontrolled intersection collision involving a Bobcat. A reported sexual assault is also under investigation.
Coleman Remedy’s RX and Happy Mart
The Simple Raven’s Post BY AVNER PERL
A rock speeds through the Milky Way, which is assumed to be empty, but it’s not. It is turning around its axle. Flying around a small burning star (Sun) that gives it heat energy providing “Life.” The formation is named by the humans upon it, the world.” Some stardust captured material that is rotting slowly doing things on its own. A thing that has a mind. From tiny to huge particles and observable waves, a small veneer is what humans call “Life.” I am existing in “Life.” Life as I know it can only be in “Light” and “Light” is something material. It is balanced against something “Spiritual” which I can’t understand. The people of old understood that the emptiness we can sense is full of something that yet is not observable by my human senses. It is not material, but we would call it energy. Just like our human subconscious, it has a mind that stirs it towards goals. It can “Act.” At this point in my life, I am suffering and having a hard time wanting to stay alive while in pain. We don’t crave pain, but we want to be with others we care about. However, I have a job to do and I don’t want to give it up, pain or no pain. My task is to sow the seed of hope and happiness, starting here and spreading out. My mind is whispering, do something good. It will spread. We talk a lot about saving lives and invest much in saving lives. Equipment, training, infrastructure, and insurance all go in. Also, at the same time, we make significant efforts to destroy life as we know it. The year 2024 just began and I see efforts expanded toward human action that will cost lives and many resources. Nations are getting ready to fight over water, air, living space, and other resources we dig up from the ground. There are millions and billions of dollars budgeted for weapons and gaining strategic or economic advantage. Over here in my peaceful
valley, we are working hard to produce materials for weapons and industry. In other areas, efforts are geared towards the production of cheap energy. Metallurgical coal and carbon for burning is what we produce and we try to do it without paying taxes. CEOs are getting rich while migrants and less skilled people are forced to work for less. The competition is the fiercest at the bottom. I work hard to figure out if there is a way to achieve Christian love and peace in this world, considering what we have become. Is the Christian model the answer to our inequality, which brings wars, poverty, and a need or desire to fight and kill each other? We have a complicated task to solve. About half of us learned through life to fight for advantage over the other half. I know I used the word “fight” and we hurt and kill to do so. My present provincial leader is openly advocating to fight my federal leader to gain more prosperity. We call it the “right” of the political divide, and I pay for lawyers on both sides left and right. Politicians and business experts are busy creating an environment that will help them gain more prosperity in many ways. The Casino must always win. Is that enough to keep someone interested in life? However, I like to view what we do from another vantage point. First, look and see what is good for all of us. The group is most important. Be sure that some will cheat, and take advantage. Society trained us how to be humans and is often not the best example of such. Life must go on with small and great contributions each doing what they can. I look at the forest until I can start seeing trees. Now I look more to see what is good. I follow a young Jewish Rabbi from thousands of years ago. He had no technology or modern tools. His teachings were about human behaviours and he lost his earthly life. Is it wise to use Christianity as guidance for this time in history? I take examples from my faith and trust God to lead where I should go based on intuition. I have to trust in God blindly. I am scared, but I do it. My Christian faith fills me up stronger than intellect and all material things. Life is all there is, and it leads to something eternal. If I have the faith that I need, I may move our kind forward. If I don’t, we go on searching where there is little hope of finding. Should we living humans invest our time on earth believing something immaterial? I am ready. Here is a link to my blog: https://thesimpleravenspost.blogspot.ca/ Feel free to check other articles and comment.
4 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Climbing Mount Everest cont’d Sankhavara detailed his most memorable moment during the second acclimatization – witnessing the breathtaking mountain range, including Mount Ama Dablam, a renowned peak in the Himalayas. “When I did the second acclimatization, I got to see that mountain, which was very fascinating,” said Sankhavara. When asked about the number of people on the trail, Sankhavara revealed that the winter months, December, January, and February, are less busy due to challenging weather conditions. Despite this, there were still a notable number of trekkers on the trail, each adapting to the thin air and high altitude. Reflecting on the difficulty of the climb, Sankhavara emphasized the impact of elevation on the body. He recounted that the oxygen level dropped to 42% at the Everest Base Camp, making the last 8 kilometers of the hike particularly challenging, taking 8 to 9 hours to cover. One of the key takeaways from the experience, Sankhavara shared was the realization that mental resilience plays a crucial role in such endeavors. With Everest Base Camp now checked off his list, he revealed plans to conquer the base camps of all 14 peaks in the Himalayas, expressing a newfound passion for exploring the region further. Back at work in Blairmore, Sankhavara expressed gratitude for the support from colleagues and patients during his absence. “I always miss my people, my patients. I miss my employees. They are really, really great to me,” said Sankhavara. He encouraged others to pursue their dreams without waiting for the perfect moment, concluding the interview with a powerful message: “Just get it done. Go for it. Whenever you can.”
Contributor photo
Enjoying a cup of coffee at the top of the world.
Revive the Roxy Fundraiser Currently on display at the Crowsnest Pass Public art gallery are 40 spectacular hand-painted violins done by various artists. The violins are part of a Revive the Roxy fundraising effort. The Roxy group are planning an open house at Country Encounters on Saturday April 13th from 2pm to 4pm where the public can view these amazingly creative works. Later on in the evening starting at 6pm there will be a ticketed cocktail event and auction there with entertainment from Calgary
John Kinnear photos
along with Tynan and Shelley Groves. Watch for details on this special event.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 5
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED BYLAW NO. 1175, 2023 7:00 pm, February 13, 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. 1175, 2023, being a bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 1165, 2023, being the municipal land use bylaw. The purpose of Bylaw No. 1175, 2023 is to rezone the lands legally described as a portion of Lot 14, Block 19, Plan 101 1620, within NE¼ 20-7-3-W5M, containing ±0.04 ha (0.09 acres), as shown on Schedule ‘A’, from “Retail Commercial – C-1” to “Residential – R-1”. The subject lands are known municipally as 2513 214th Street and are located in Bellevue.
NOTICE OF BORROWING BYLAW of the borrowing, and not to exceed Eight (8) percent. NOW THEREFORE NOTICE is hereby given by the Council of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass that, unless a petition of the owners for a vote on Bylaw 1171, 2023 is demanded, as provided for by the terms of Section 231 of the Municipal Government Act, the said Council may pass the said borrowing bylaw. The deadline for a petition to be received by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer is February 29, 2024. Second and third readings of this bylaw will be presented to Council at the March 5, 2024, Council meeting. This Bylaw is being readvertised as Council approved an additional $1,100,000 in debt at the January 23, 2024 Council meeting. For information on the process to file a petition and to view the proposed bylaw, visit https://www.crowsnestpass.com/municipal-government/council/notice-of-borrowing-bylaw
BOARD VACANCIES The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has vacancies on the following Boards & Committees: • •
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Pass Powderkeg Ski Society
The Board and Committee Application Form and the applicable Bylaw or Terms of Reference for each Board & Committee are available at the Municipal Office or online at https://www.crowsnestpass.com/municipal-government/boards-and-committees/board-and-committee-application-information. Applications may be returned to the Attention of Bonnie Kawasaki by: Mail: Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, P.O. Box 600, Blairmore AB, T0K 0E0 Email: bonnie.kawasaki@crowsnestpass.com In person: 8502 – 19 Avenue, Coleman (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm) Fax: 403-563-5474 The Municipality does not retain applications. If you are interested in volunteering, please resubmit your application.
VOLUNTEER NOMINATION PICKLE BALL CLINIC
Crowsnest Pass – MDM Gym
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 “Residential – R-1” land use district.
Join Brooke Siver, an IPTPA Level 2 Certified Instructor and Master Teaching Professional, for an interactive Pickleball clinic at the MDM Community Center Gymnasium 2802 222 Street. Players will be shown a variety of skills, drills and techniques to learn/improve their game of pickleball.
Thursday March 7 2024 Beginners Level 1 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Intermediate/Advanced Level 2-3 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Beginners/Intermediate Level 1-2 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $55.00 each
THEREFORE, TAKE NOTICE THAT a public hearing to consider the proposed Bylaw No. 1175, 2023 will be held in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers at 1:00pm on February 13 , 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: reception@ crowsnestpass.com with the bylaw number and public hearing date clearly marked in the subject line no later than 12:00pm on February 6, 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 24th day of January, 2024. NOMINATE AN OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
NOTICE OF BORROWING BYLAW TAKE NOTICE THAT the Council of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has given first reading to Borrowing Bylaw 1171, 2023 on December 12, 2023. This by-law authorizes the Council of the Municipality to incur indebtedness by the issuance of debenture(s) in the amount up to $3,100,000 for the purpose of upgrading Bellevue Main Street project. The Municipality shall repay the indebtedness according to the repayment structure in effect, namely semi-annual payments of combined principal and interest instalments not to exceed twenty (20) years calculated at a rate not exceeding the interest rate fixed by the Province of Alberta or another authorized financial institution on the date
2024 Order of the Crowsnest Pass - Outstanding Volunteer Awards. Nominate a deserving community volunteer before March 8! This year also marks our 12th annual Youth Award and $1000 scholarship! For details and nomination forms, visit https://www. crowsnestpass.com/living-here/volunteer-crowsnest
Paddles and Balls will be available to DEMO! Inquiries / Register: Community Services : 403-563-2208 tracey.linderman@crowsnestpass.com
BOARD VACANCIES PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS Who is the Committee: • The Committee is made up of community members who live and play in the CNP. We are the eyes and ears in the community regarding all things within the Municipality of CNP’s Parks, Greenspaces and Recreation Facilities such as MDM Community Center, Crowsnest Sports Complex. • The Committee advises community leaders on the priorities and future direction of our parks and green spaces, and both MDM Community Center and Crowsnest Sports Complex. • The Committee works in the community to enhance citizens’ engagement within the community. We listen to ideas on how to make the CNP a better place to live and play, research possibilities and advise CNP Municipal Council. • Committee member terms are three years. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month. If you are interested in being part of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee please submit an application - available on the Municipal Website crowsnestpass.com
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
FAMILY DAY
6 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Herald Editorial LISA SYGUTEK When you live in a small town the people in it truly become your tribe. Beyond the negativity of social media in this town, there is still a prevalence for kindness and decency when it comes to the people who make up the fabric of our community. I look around and see so much hope. Last night I was at a Family Community Support Services meeting where we talked about the Christmas Food Hampers. We packed and delivered 150 baskets to people in our community, feeding the most vulnerable. I look at the Blairmore Lions, they are at every event this community has to offer cooking and serving, always with laughs and smiles. I watched them dancing together in joy at one of the markets Tynan Groves was singing at with his beautiful voice. I see Northback donating $75,000 to the Livingstone Range School Division to feed the students in our schools. This corporate sponsor just donated $10,000 to retrofit the van for the Crowsnest Cruisers to help the most vulnerable in our community with transportation. Recently I listened to a presentation by Crowsnest Cruisers representatives Rick Jeune and Pauline Desjardines, who outlined a new transportation program for seniors in the community. The service 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. This groups saw a need and did something to rectify it. We have so many wonderful people and groups in this community, and I often think we get mired in the negativity of social media posts, but if you look around you see so many remarkable altruistic endeavours. We have the newly invigorated Southwest Alberta Regional Search and Rescue (SARSAR) based here in the Crowsnest Pass. As recreational growth has been exponential in our region with trails such as the Great Divide and an expanse of mountain biking and hiking activity, it has become necessary to have volunteer organizations such as SARSAR here to assist the public during times of crisis. Vice President Andrew Fairhurst and Director-at-Large Ryan Legroulx recently attended Council to give a presentation on their mandate. I know I feel much safer in the back country knowing they are around. My feeling is this group will eventually become one of the premier volunteer search and rescue groups in the country. I love this community, not because my family has lived here for five generations, but because of the people. It’s a small area built on tragedy, but that tragedy also makes it a place filled with gratitude and appreciation for what we have, not for what we don’t. Recently we lost one of the people I truly feel exemplified this community with the passing Troy Missghers. As a novice hiker compared to him, he was the go-to when I was looking for routes up toughest peaks, or trails to ski down in the back country. He always answered by texts, gave me thumbs up when I did difficult climbs and always, always had that wonderful smile. I often was in awe of his love of the backcountry and love our community and boy could he roast an amazing coffee bean. This community is a little less without him in it. He truly left an impact in ways I’m sure he didn’t even know. My thoughts and prayers go out to Christine and all his family. I’m heading out of country next week for work. We are a small group here at the office, so I decided to shut the office down for a week. Nick can concentrate on the news and Tina the ads without having to worry about running the shop. We will have a paper out, just not the doors open. Take care, hug your family a little closer and when you read the negativity on social media remind yourself as I do that we really do live in the Garden of Eden!
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.
Pause on Pension JOSEPHINE ARISTONE Crowsnest Pass In regard to the article “Pause on Pension Plan”-- Jason Stephan UCP MLA for Red Deer South says workers can save $1,000.00 or more each year. We’ve heard that song before! I prefer a Canadian Pension, thank you very much.
Online chronic pain management workshop available ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES Crowsnest Pass Albertans living with chronic pain symptoms or who support someone with a long-term health condition(s) have an opportunity to join a free virtual workshop designed to help them take control of their health. Better Choices, Better Health is a six-week series of workshops designed to support Albertans living with chronic pain conditions explore ways to manage their health. The workshops will run from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays starting Feb. 14. Residents can register by calling 403-529-8969 or tollfree at 1-866-795-9709. Better Choices, Better Health workshop sessions are led by trained volunteer leaders, many of whom live with a chronic pain condition. This approach en-
Do you have an opinion you would like to share? If so write us a Letter to the Editor. Send you letter to passherald@shaw.ca and we will print it in the paper!
sures an understanding of the challenges participants face, and provides a supportive and welcoming environment. Because those living with ongoing health conditions are often faced with the same day-to-day challenges, Better Choices, Better Health focuses on teaching tools and techniques common to all chronic pain conditions. Participants will learn: Techniques to manage their chronic pain symptoms. Tips for pacing activities and becoming more active. Strategies for talking with their healthcare team. Methods for dealing with difficult emotions. Making healthier food choices to decrease inflammation and flare ups. Ways to take care of themselves to enjoy a better quality of life. This virtual workshop will be available via Zoom. Interested participants require access to a device (computer, tablet or smartphone) that connects to the Internet, and has both a camera and microphone. Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 7
Assessibility cont from page 2
JOHNPUNDYK.COM
403-563-0771 Royal LePage South Country Real Estate Services Ltd.
responsible for education, public awareness, and monitoring compliance and enforcement of the act’s requirement. In B.C. the law requires that 750 public-sector organizations establish an accessibility committee and plan, and a tool to receive public feedback on accessibility. In Alberta the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities has been researching what accessibility legislation could look like here, including what other federal and provincial jurisdictions have done, said the ministry spokesperson. The advocate has “engaged with persons with disabilities, disability groups, and the general public to hear their views on the state of accessibility in the province,” Barlow said. The advocate office, created by Rachel Notley’s NDP government in 2018, is operating under a strategic plan that says a priority is to “champion and mobilize stakeholder outreach work toward accessibility legislation.” The advocate strives to “champion and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Alberta’s social and economic fabric,” the strategic plan says. It also seeks to “represent the rights, interests and viewpoints of persons with disabilities” and “provide information and advice to government to address the challenges and opportunities to enhance the lives and well-being of Albertans with disabilities.” Advocate staff build partnerships with community groups, other advocacy organizations and people with disabilities “to better understand issues and changes in disability supports in Alberta,” says the Alberta government website. “Ongoing input from the public is used to provide information and advice to the government with respect to the rights, interests and well-being of persons with disabilities.” Creation of the advocate position followed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the UN adopted in 2006 and Canada ratified in 2010. Among the convention’s principles are full and effective participation and inclusion in society for persons with disabilities. The document calls for respect, acceptance and equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities, saying they should be recognized as representative of human diversity. Renaud said the province needs better information to work from. “The government of Alberta does not collect data on accessibility in a meaningful way; nor does it collect and share data on the accessibility of employment, communication, transportation, technology, and so much more.” The ministry did not address data collection in its response to an email inquiry. Data in the most recent annual report of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities centres mostly on its public interactions and cases. The advocate heard from 1,038 individuals in 2021-2022, and their contact generated 1,360 cases. Of those cases, 89 per cent related to individuals seeking support for themselves or someone close to them for specific challenges. The number of cases was up 7.5 per cent over the year before and 26 per cent over 2019-2020. Individuals and governments around the world marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3. The Legislative Assembly of Alberta, however, does not host a formal event in its rotunda to recognize the day, Renaud pointed out. On the positive side, the legislature does provide American Sign Language during Question Period. Renaud said she’s thankful for that but wants to see ASL extended to other proceedings.
COMMERCIAL One of the best Blairmore commercial locations, including 3 residential apartments in the core of the Crowsnest Pass. Mixed-use commercial residential building is approximately 8,550 sq. ft. on 3 levels and includes a walk out basement with a two-bay garage, opening to the back lane. Formerly used for retail on the main level and the basement. Located on one of the busiest commercial blocks in Blairmore. Three semi-furnished apartments pro- and great access. $449,000 vide strong, steady income. Newer roof CALL JOHN MLS
NEW HOME COLEMAN
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8 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Business resiliency in the face of disasters
businesses. The Community Economic Resiliency event served as a platform to educate businesses on disaster preparedness to safeguard the economic well-being of the region.
NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter Community Futures hosted an event at Elks Hall in Blairmore on January 31, shedding light on the vulnerability of businesses in the face of disasters. The Community Economic Resiliency event featured presenter Natalie Gibson from Economic Developers Alberta. Brandy Fehr, Community Economic Development Coordinator with Community Futures Crowsnest Pass, and John Husch, Chair of the Community Futures Board spoke about the purpose of hosting the event along with the primary focus of the organization. “Community Futures is a federally-funded program to support small and medium-sized enterprises within rural communities. The support includes financial support, business support, and education. The purpose of today is really to help businesses that experience some impact as a result of an emergency or a situation,” said Husch. As disasters can take various forms, from fires to cybersecurity attacks, Fehr emphasized the importance of proactive community preparedness. “As we start to see disasters hit communities across the map, we feel it’s important just to be pro-active about it and work as a community to be prepared if an emergency ever does hit,” she noted. Husch highlighted the grim reality, saying, “Most businesses don’t see the impact of a disaster until after it’s over. So, what we’re trying to do is help them be proactive so that when there is a disaster, the mitigation is quicker.” The event aimed to bring key stakeholders together, including municipal leaders and Chamber of Commerce representatives, to minimize the impacts of disasters. Fehr expressed the importance of having a plan and collaboration among community leaders to avoid severe implications. When asked about the event’s progress, Fehr noted, “I think the event’s going really well. If we could change anything, I would say that we would have more businesses at the table, just getting more educated on how they themselves can prepare.” Husch added that part of the process there was building awareness for small
Nicholas L.M. Allen photos
Top photo, facilitators and government officials attend the Economic Resiliency event. Bottom photo, business, non-profit and the public work together at a round table session.
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Wednesday, February 7, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9
Hillcrest Fish and Game annual Trophy Day Ian Gazeley, a current PhD student at the University of Alberta studying bighorn sheep movement and disease risk spoke at the event NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter The Hillcrest Fish and Game Protective Association recently celebrated their annual trophy day, while highlighting achievements in wildlife conservation and research. The event lasted from noon to 4 p.m., with an admission of $2. There was also a toonie chili supper and from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and family bingo taking place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event featured an intriguing presentation by Ian Gazeley, a current PhD student at the University of Alberta studying bighorn sheep movement and disease risk. Gazeley, with over 20 years of experience, shared insights into his journey from a professional photographer to a dedicated wildlife enthusiast. Having volunteered on various projects, Gazeley’s involvement with a biologist in British Columbia marked the beginning of his wildlife conservation career. His initial work involved monitoring mountain goat populations, leading him to collaborate on a project focused on the reintroduction of Roosevelt elk to the mainland. Transitioning back into academia, Gazeley pursued a PhD, focusing on the movement ecology of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. His research delves into the risks posed by respiratory diseases, particularly mycoplasma, emphasizing the impact on bighorn sheep populations in Alberta. Gazeley highlighted a recent outbreak in the Sheep River Region, raising concerns about the transmission of diseases from domestic sheep to their wild counterparts.
Gazeley’s extensive fieldwork involves collaring bighorn sheep to track their movements and behavior. His research aims to understand the foray behavior of rams during the summer, a critical period for disease transmission. The data collected from these collared rams will be utilized to improve habitat selection models, especially in the context of changing landscapes and potential risks. One of the key points Ian emphasized was the significant expansion of the domestic sheep industry in the province, posing a potential threat due to the prevalence of respiratory disease in domestic sheep herds. The risk of disease transmission becomes more pronounced as bighorn sheep, known for their foray behavior, explore different areas. Gazeley’s groundbreaking research aims to inform disease risk analysis models, offering crucial insights into regional and population-specific parameters. The goal is to devise effective conservation strategies that mitigate the risk of disease transmission between domestic and wild sheep populations. The Hillcrest Fish and Game Protective Association also revealed a new logo, with the list of winners from the trophy day as follows: (List was to be emailed. Had not received it at time of writing). Full results in next week’s paper.
Nicholas L.M. Allen photos
Hillcrest Fish and Game Protective Association recently celebrated their annual trophy day, while highlighting achievements in wildlife conservation and research.
Ben Wong
Restaurant Grill & Wok
Chinese Buffet Friday & Saturday, February 9th & 10th 4:00 - 8:30 pm both days Dishes for the Celebration
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10 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, January 31. 2024
Engagement sessions on Alberta’s health-care future DAVE LUENEBERG Local Journalism Initiative - Shootin the Breeze The Alberta government is looking at changing the province’s health care, a system many describe as broken. A series of in-person engagements began last week, hearing from health-care providers and community members on what the government called some of the challenges Albertans are facing. Two of those gatherings were held January 24 in Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek. Unlike a packed town hall meeting in August 2023 at Pincher Creek Community Hall, last week’s sessions can be best described as roundtable discussions. “I think any time that there’s change there’s an opportunity, and with opportunity a chance for folks to participate, to contribute,” said Sarah Murrant, speaking on behalf of the province. “What I understand, and why we’re running this entire process, is not every answer is there.” Discussion during the two-hour event centred around topics including experiences and outcomes, but also on a proposed unified health-care system the current
Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project Public Comments Invited NWP Coal Canada Ltd. (the proponent) is proposing to build and operate an open-pit metallurgical coal mine, the Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project, in the Elk Valley, 12 km northeast of Sparwood, British Columbia. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) and British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office (the EAO) are working together to review the project. We are holding a comment period on the proponent’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) / Application from: January 29, 2024 until February 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) The document identifies potential environmental effects of the project and the measures proposed to mitigate them. You can visit either website to review this document and provide your feedback to: •
The Canadian Impact Assessment Registry at canada.ca/iaac-registry (reference number 80087). A summary of the EIS / Application document is available in English or French.
•
The Environmental Assessment Office’s website at gov.bc.ca/EAOPublicComments.
To learn more, join us at one of these upcoming events: In-person open houses Tuesday, February 13, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. MT Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort Baker Salon and Van Horne Salon 209 Van Horne St S, Cranbrook, British Columbia V1C 6R9 Wednesday, February 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. MT Causeway Bay Hotels Sparwood Emerald Room, 102 Red Cedar Dr Sparwood, British Columbia V0B 2G0
government says will enhance local decision-making and lead to early detection and intervention. Just what that might look like is yet to be determined. Chelsae Petrovic, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod, feels any conversation must include patient care outside of the larger centres. “It’s extremely important that we look at rural health. That we start to see the unique challenges and some of the unique solutions that, maybe, can be brought forward,” she said. A former nurse with 13 years in the field, Petrovic knows all too well about the challenges. “I think it’s great to meet with front-liners, coming from that experience and understanding where they’re coming from. Being able to, I guess, sympathize,” she said. “And it was only seven months ago that I was in those same positions, so I really do understand.” Some health-care providers at the Pincher Creek event, who didn’t wish to go on record, felt the agenda items lacked details and “weren’t sure what they were signing up for” in any future plan. Dr. Gavin Parker, a local physician, agreed engagement is important, however. “I think we have a system that has long failed Albertans, in particular the lack of investment in primary care and rural services. But if these conversations lead towards improving that, then it was time well spent,” he said. One of the talking points zeroed in on Alberta’s burgeoning population and the added stress it’s putting on the health-care system. Parker acknowledged there’s more at play. “I think what you’ve seen in the last few years is not only an exodus of family physicians in the province or people going into early retirement, but also changing the scope of their practice.” He said the end result is less focus on primary comprehensive care and more doctors working toward a niche practice. “Until we train, pay and support rural family physicians better, the situation won’t change,” he said. “The problem is we’re running into a dearth of physicians who are trained as rural comprehensive physicians, and when they are trained, they aren’t compensated adequately.” Parker also noted a drop in specialty practices, like maternity, declining to less than 50 per cent inthe south zone compared to when he started his training. “So, these young doctors that want to provide comprehensive rural care, including maternity, feel utterly unsupported to do that right now because of the current situation,” he continued. The sessions in Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek were the second and third of more than 40 visits scheduled to communities across Alberta. Although there aren’t further meetings scheduled for the southwest region, a complete list of the remaining sessions can be found online at bit.ly/3Ujdry0.
Let Laura Cook serves up home made meals NICHOLAS L.M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter
Virtual Information Sessions •
Wednesday, February 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. MT
•
To register for the virtual session, please visit: gov.bc.ca/EAOPublicComments or https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80087.
•
A French virtual information session is available upon request.
The sessions will include information on the project as well as the assessment process. Federal and provincial officials and the proponent will also be available to answer questions. You can also contact the Agency at crown@iaac-aeic.gc.ca to learn how to provide your input in a different format.
A new culinary venture is making waves by offering not just meals but a comforting taste of home. Let Laura Cook, owned and operated by Laura and Glenn Strandquist, opened its doors at the end of November 2023, and locals are quickly discovering the joy of having hearty, homemade dishes delivered to their doorstep. Glenn Strandquist, a seasoned career logger and road builder, found himself at a crossroads due to health reasons. “I was a career logger for 40 some years, a road builder running heavy equipment. My whole life, and now my back isn’t very good with the arthritis my parents gave me and stuff,” Glenn shared. As retirement beckoned, the couple sought a meaningful project that combined Laura’s passion for cooking and Glenn’s knack for handiwork. The couple decided to transform their home into a hub of culinary creativity, converting a portion into a deli prep space. “We just didn’t want to spend all our retirement money already. We’re only in our early 60s,” Glenn explained. Laura, who previously worked at a deli in Cost-Less, brought her expertise to the table, creating a menu filled with comforting classics. Laura shared the journey of setting up their kitchen from scratch. From building walls to learning drywalling and crafting a pocket door, Glenn took charge of creating the perfect culinary space. Let Laura Cook offers a diverse menu, featuring Laura’s signature dishes like cabbage rolls, Swiss steak, Salisbury steak, and beef stroganoff. The meals are carefully prepared, ensuring they freeze well for customers to enjoy at their convenience. Cont’d on back page
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 11
CNP Thunder Hockey Update THUNDER U7 Lindsey Michalsky Thunder played a home game against Elk Valley Saturday February 3. The skill set of the Thunder players continues to strongly progress throughout the season making it fun and exciting to watch. All the players continue to show commitment, determination and true sportsmanship as they support one another. Goals were scored by Bowden Williams, Van Pawlowski, Colter Michalsky, Nixon Lafreniere, Rory MacDonald, Gus Trotz, Austin Bley and Parker Pow. Come cheer on U7 Thunder at their next home game February 11th at 2:45 pm against Fernie A.
THUNDER U9 Lindsey Michalsky U9 Thunder headed to Lethbridge for a three game away tournament. The excitement began with Game 1 Saturday afternoon against Lethbridge 1. Jesse Ball started the game in net followed by Jax Bjorgan for the second period. The hustle from all players was evident. They were determined to have a strong start to the weekend. Goals were scored by Mason Bradbury and Gordon Chambers. Heart and Hustle went to Dawson Vanderplas and MVP to Jesse Ball. Game 2 of the tournament was against another Lethbridge team. Thunder fought hard. Jax Bjorgan
took first period in net and Jesse Ball took second period. Goals were scored by, Levi Michalsky, Weston Sagrafena, Oliver Samaha and Chase Plowman. Heart and Hustle went to Jack Kaprowski and MVP to Jax Bjorgan. Game 3 played on Sunday was against the Lethbridge Reapers. Goaltenders, Jesse Ball and Jax Bjorgan continued to play strong. Thunder played a defensive game, working hard to keep the puck out of their net. Goals scored by Mason Bradbury and Levi Michalsky. Heart and Hustle went to Hudson Parks and MVP to Mason Bradbury. Up next for U9 Thunder White and Green are homes games February 10th at 2:45 pm against Fernie B and C.
THUNDER U11 Rhonda M
The U11 Thunder continue with a strong regular season with two more wins this weekend! They hosted the Foremost Flyers for two back-to-back games Saturday and Sunday at the Crowsnest Sports Complex. During the February 3 game, Griffin Luini (11) got a hat trick, with Cruz McKee (5), Jax Fulkerth (8), Ben Vanderkooy (9), and Nash Lafreniere (19) each getting one goal, and Noah Burton (3) getting an assist. The final score for this game was 7-3. On February 4, with a final score was 6-1, Jax Fulkerth (8) and Griffin Luini (11) each scored two goals, and Chase Legroulx (2) and Ben Vanderkooy (9) each scored one. Two assist points went to Jax Fulkerth (8), and Noah Burton (#3) and Nash Lafreniere (19) got one assist each. The U11 Thunder have just two more regular season games, they will both be home games, and they are coming up this weekend, so come on out and cheer for them! On Saturday February 10, they challenge the
AB Transgender policies and restrictions update BRETT MCKAY Local Journalism Initiative - St. Albert Gazette During a press conference Thursday, Premier Danielle Smith provided further details of the sweeping changes to gender and sexuality policies previously announced over social media, many of which are considered unprecedented in Canada. Once implemented, the Government of Alberta policies would restrict or prohibit many aspects of gender-affirming care for trans youth. Top and bottom surgeries for youth 17 and under will be prohibited, as will the use of hormone therapy for those 15 and under. For minors aged 16 and 17, hormone therapy will require the parent and physician approval. For children 15 and under, parental consent will be required to change their preferred name or pronouns in school, and parents will be notified if youth aged 16 or 17 change their preferred name or pronouns. Transgender youth will also be barred from competing in women and girls sports, which Smith said is meant to ensure “fairness and safety.” “We will work with sporting organizations to ensure that women and girls have a choice to participate in competitive sport without having to compete against biologically stronger transgender women athletes,” Smith said. All sex education in Alberta schools will also be subject to changes. Parents will be required to opt-in their child when teachers plan to discuss subject matter related to gender identity, sexual orientation, or sexuality for K–12 students. Currently, parents are able to opt out of these lessons if desired. Resources related to these subjects provided by third-party organizations would
Magrath Chiefs with the puck drop at 10:00 am, and on Sunday Feb. 11 they face off vs. the Fort Macleod Mavericks with the puck drop at 12:45 pm. The U11 Thunder team is part of the Central Alberta Hockey League (CAHL), which will take a week off mid-month to plan for the playoffs, which will start Friday, February 23! Be sure to keep up to date on all local minor hockey action on the association’s Facebook page: CNP Thunder - Crowsnest Pass Minor Hockey Association, and on their website: www.crowsnestpassminorhockey.
THUNDER U13 Lauren Kirkman
Thunder U13 were on the road for two games over the weekend. Friday evening, Thunder played against the Cobras in Coaldale. With the opposition scoring two goals in the first period, Thunder was also able to score one goal by Sam Graham and trailed by one point. In the second, Cobras managed to score three more goals and was ahead by four goals. Thunder made one more goal in the third by Parker Bunnage but lost the game with the final score being 5-2. Assisting those goals in the game were Josh Heyboer and Ryder Jorgensen. Goalie Owen Kirkman had a total of 25 saves. On Saturday, Thunder travelled to Diamond Valley to take on the High Country Rockies. Thunder played strong in the first with a tie score of 2-2. Those two goals were made by Jameson Patrick and Jack Bishop. Another two goals scored during the second period by Josh Heyboer and Jameson Patrick. During the third, Thunder was trailing but scored one more by Jack Bishop. Final score being 8-5 for High Country. Assists in the game from Ryder Jorgensen (2), Parker Bunnage, and Sam Graham. A total of 30 shots were made on goaltender Owen Kirkman.
also be subject to approval by the education ministry. When asked whether there would be penalties for teachers or doctors who didn’t comply with the new rules, Smith said she hopes that they would follow what is being laid out in the policies, but that aspects would be clarified as the policies are prepared for implementation. “We have just put out the high level policy at the moment. We’ll be talking about implementation as we go forward in the coming months. We’re looking at having those things that need to be legislated, or put into regulation or policy, having that package ready for the fall. So we’ll be seeking consultation on the implementation of it,” she said. Smith said she hopes Albertans can “depoliticize the issue as much as possible and focus on the well-being of the children involved.” In a separate press conference Thursday, Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley said Smith’s claim she didn’t want to politicize the issue was “a cynical, and deeply dishonest statement.” “I believe we all want our kids to be cared for and safe. But weaponizing their individual experience is absolutely not the way to do that. That’s politics,” Notley said. Notley said the proposed policies go well beyond similar legislation introduced in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick last year, and affect the entire LGBTQ+ community and anyone who benefits from sex education. “When it comes to gender-affirming health care, Smith’s new policy represents government interference in what should be a collaborative and private decision between parents, their child and their doctor,” she said. Current practices for gender-affirming care follow Canadian Medical Association guidelines, which necessarily include parents, and by making these policy changes, “Daniel Smith is playing dangerous politics with the lives of young people,” Notley said. Making Alberta the only province where parents have to opt-in for sexual health education would not only be a bureaucratic hassle requiring thousands of consent forms, Notley said it is her belief that the “plan to get into the process of reviewing materials related to sexual health is the first step towards bringing pro-life education into our schools.”
Did you know what we have the Air Quality monitor information on our website visit passherald.ca
12 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Looking Back BY JOHN KINNEAR
Roy Lazzarotto – Standing By Your Guns The only time Roy Lazzarotto ever got hurt was when he slipped on ice and broke his leg while getting off a mine bus. Otherwise, he remained uninjured through his whole working career. His philosophy was, “If you’re taught the proper way for safety, which I believe in that, first is safety, then the work. But safety first.” In an interview he stated, “In my time, I had a crew all the time, men working under me, and nobody got hurt. Nobody. That’s because I follow the way I was taught.” You can be sure that if any one of his crew had ever got hurt he would have taken that very personally, so he was all business when it came to mining coal. As I mentioned last week Roy was in the Michel Creek Valley mines for 13 years and he saw a lot. When he was in the hospital with his heart acting up in 2012, I sat and talked to him and, not being certain about the gravity of his condition, chose to audio record our conversations. I don’t think he was aware that I was doing that, so out of respect for him I will not share some of the hair-raising things that came out. Suffice to say he dealt with a lot of heartache at some of the tragic events that unfolded in his career there. Roy said to me from his hospital bed that night, “Sit down Jack, we gonna talk.” Then he proceeded to relate some of the situations he found himself in and the choices he made around them. It is a story that a few others have heard and part of his legacy is referred to as the Three Times saga. While lying there he held his hand up with three fingers and said, “Tree times Jack, tree times I decide it’s too dangerous and refuse to work in the place. And each time it probably save my life.” I knew it would be a straight up “that’s how it was” conversation and that he wanted to reveal to me those three occasions that happened in three different mines. They were scenarios in which Roy sized up how the mining was proceeding and the level of safety present and chose to walk away. This was not an easy thing for a respected and highly qualified miner like Roy to do but his instincts were strong and his belief in safety was uncompromisable. In one instance, that astounded him, he was told to pick up his bucket and go home. And incredibly, he said, the union did not back him. As an aside, a little research reveals that the year that Roy started in Michel there was a fatality, the first of the 42 that occurred during his time there. In 1957 a Swiss miner, Jacob Manzer, was bucking coal when a rock came down a chute like a missile and hit him right in the temple, killing him instantly. Bucking coal could be dangerous, I know, because I did it in Vicary Mine. Imagine starting work there and having that news break. Many years later Roy had just come off day shift when Balmer North blew up in 1967. By then 15 men had died in mine accidents and that number doubled in an instant. It was a devastating event and I can’t imagine how it felt for that day shift crew to hear that news and that it could have just as easily been them. While it was hard to translate what Roy is saying with his low, strained broken English voice on the recordings, the carnage he described walking down that entry is almost imponderable. He saw 7 foot rock bolts and a shovel driven into timbers from the force of the blast. The rock tunnel entry, which I liken to the barrel of a shotgun, was where 13 of the 15 men were killed while heading into their afteroon shift places. Roy was involved, along with the draegerman, in the response to this catastrophic explosion and saw things no man should ever see. He said he was sick for two weeks after that. He always claimed to be lucky and sometimes it wasn’t decisions but more about not being where he could have been when things went wrong. Explosions, fires, floods, cave-ins, the threat was always present and he knew it well and knew when it was not
safe. Roy walked away from Balmer North, literally, and would not go back into that mine. The Balmer South flood of 1969 is a well documented story in which three men were lost and three were trapped for 84 hours. Roy said he refused to work in the place just prior to the disaster and incredibly, shortly before it happened, they moved him, his crew, and his Joy mechanical miner, #765, out of the workings and put another crew in with the Lee Norse miner. He was there once again for the aftermath of that terrible flood and the subsequent search and was once again witness to some heartbreaking discoveries. He worked with the crews that, for 15 hours, frantically drove a connecting tunnel into where they suspected trapped miners Frank Kutcher, Donald Evans and John Krall were holed up and ultimately rescued. Another of his decisions, he claims, was made in a mine called A North where dust, high levels of methane and a recalled memory of ten sets of timber catching fire was mentioned. Fire underground can be absolutely deadly. He was having none of that. Roy had had his fill of Michel and in 1970 went to work in Vicary Mine north of Coleman as a first operator, trainer and fire boss. He claims he was the one to cut the very last ton of coal there before they shut the mine down in 1978. He then went back to BC where he worked outside on reclamation for Westar until finally retiring. During his reclamation time he was asked to go back underground at Balmer #1, the hydraulic mine, which was a unique development that used high pressure water to cut coal. Roy had worked there during development stages but what he saw there was disturbing, with a ventilation system he felt was not working (short-circuited) and a gas threat. Roy refused the work and sadly, in January of 1983, there was a terrible incident there in which Martin Hruby and Jack Doddsley were killed. That one was number three for Roy. It was in 1988, after two heart attacks, that Roy retired and eventually, a couple of years later took on the three year Bellevue Mine restoration project, something he said he was very proud of, and rightly so. Because of his efforts and skills, along with others, we have a one-of-a-kind tour mine where anyone can see how it all was back then. As a mining historian, who has studied in-depth so many instances like Balmer North and South, I found that if I dug deep enough it always seemed to come out, especially from the miners themselves, that things were not right. Balmer North was not properly ventilated to handle the huge volumes of coal dust that those mechanical miners generated. And despite what reports say there was a gas issue. In the case of the hydraulic mine, the ventilation system was not working properly, and improper or poor ventilation can be deadly. Gas buildups can be triggered by a spark and the resulting explosion becomes multiplied exponentially by the coal dust in the air. The rolling blast will continue until it has exhausted itself and leaves behind carnage and toxic gases. And because the explosion is confined, its power does not diminish through long distances. There are engineering specifics as to how ventilation should be designed and maintained and it is the responsibility of mine management to ensure that proper volumes of fresh air are available and monitored and are moving in such a way as to dilute and remove gases with the return air. The inquests held after fatalities left coal miners very cynical back then. For just about every fatality one was held and for the Michel Creek Valley mines there could have been 181 of them. There was never any blame attached, no one ever went to jail or was charged. Inquests were restricted only to cause of death and in some instances recommendations made for changes. In some of those instances the changes should have happened long before the incident. It is because of the terrible management negligence that occurred at Westray in 1992 that unions across Canada, like the United Steel Workers of America 7884 Fording River, pressed for and finally got Bill C-45, the Westray Bill, passed into law on March 31, 2004. An amendment to the Criminal Code now provides new rules for attributing criminal liability to organizations, including corporations, their representatives and those who direct the work of others. I am fairly certain that had that bill been in effect decades ago charges would have been brought in some instances, especially Westray. Yes Roy Lazzarotto, I can see you nodding your head and this and saying, “ You got dat right Jack.”
Photos left to right:: Roy’s son Junior at the controls of Joy Miner #765 - John Kinnear photo; Roy Lazzarotto- the coal miner’s miner - courtesy Colt Lazzarotto; Kral, Kutcher and Evans in hospital after Balmer 1969 rescue”- courtesy Lethbridge Herald
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 13
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14 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, February 7, 2024
THE
CLASSIFIEDS
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 ANNOUNCEMENTS AIRDRIE DREAM VACATION LOTTERY 2024. Tickets at airdriedreamvacation.ca. Only 600 tickets! $35,760 in prizes and $3,900 in Early Birds. 12 - $2500 Dream Vacation Vouchers & 48 prizes of $120. AUCTIONS 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. 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. COMING EVENTS FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-6942609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com. CUSTOM HOMES 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. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES CROWSNEST RIVER RV PARK. Seasonal contract May 01 - October 15. Couple for Camphost & Maintenance Groundskeeper. Serviced seasonal site provided. More info or resume: info@crowsnestriverrvpark.ca. 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 1-877250-5252. 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
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NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS Estate of LESLIE ROBERT BILLINGSLEY, who died on January 18, 2024. If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by March 11, 2024. and provide details of your claim with
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS Estate of ELVIS WAYNE MCDONALD, who died on September 29, 2023. If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by March 8, 2024. and provide details of your claim with
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VALUE ADS
Ranchlands Victim Services Unit works in partnership with the Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Piikani, Fort MacLeod, and Claresholm RCMP detachments to provide support, assistance, information and referrals to victims of crime and/or tragedy. This part-time position requires a self-motivated individual to provide the Victim Services program service delivery to support victims of crime and tragedy in these communities on a regular and consistent basis. This position would provide a liaison between the Ranchlands Victim Service Unit, Child Family services, community agencies, criminal justice system, social services and RCMP. This position is subject to Grant funding. Responsibilities of this position focus on providing targeted services to ensure that victims of crime can access their rights as victims as outlined in both the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and the Alberta Victims of Crime Act. The key to this service is the building and maintaining of relationships with the victim(s) that may require a facilitated referral approach. Relationships with community agencies/stakeholders and with other community representatives/members are also significant service targets. Additionally, it will be vitally important to participate in activities that promote victim services. The goal is to provide a consistent, safe response to all victims of crime. Qualifications/Skills Required: • Post-secondary education in the human services field or equivalent related experience and education • Excellent problem-solving, time management and organizational skills • Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build relationships with staff, volunteers, RCMP members and other community partners and stakeholders. • Ability to work with diverse populations and people in crisis • A willingness to sometimes work a flexible schedule to accommodate events • Must be proficient in the use of technology • Must have a valid driver’s license • Must obtain and maintain an enhanced RCMP security clearance • Ability to work within RCMP-VSU operational policies and procedures • Complete all training through Alberta Justice and Solicitor Genera • Knowledge and experience working in the Criminal Justice System would be an asset Salary commensurate with education and experience Office Hours: Thursday, Friday, Monday – 4 hours per day Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is hired. Submit resume via email only to: shelly-anne.dennis@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Shelly-Anne Dennis - Executive Program Manager Ranchlands Victim Services Society Unit Office: 403-627-6040 We thank you for your application however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 15
IN MEMORIAM
7 years! I miss you my friend. - Love Peter
OBITUARIES DALE EWASHEN It is with great heartbreak that we lost our brother, son and father unexpectedly, tragically on January 17, 2024. Dale grew up in Bellevue with his family and was an energetic, hardworking helpful person with a big heart. He would help anyone, and he did that all his life. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone if needed. After quitting school in grade 11 he worked at the Coleman Collieries Mine. After a few years at the mine his dad secured a welding apprenticeship for him at Bonertz Welding shop in Pincher Creek. Once he got his journeyman ticket, he set up his own welding truck and worked at Shell Waterton and local gas plants. He also took it upon himself to purchase a Kenworth and haul cattle for his father-inlaw Bob Tourond. Being the hard worker that he was, he also had a successful log hauling company out of Grande Cache and eventually Pit Meadows, BC area. The people who worked with him said he was an excellent worker and great guy to be around. Dale eventually levitated back to pipeline welding and apprenticed many young men in the welding trade. Dale was a hard worker with a great work ethic and his welding career lasted 46 years. He always had so many stories to tell, and they were so awesome to listen to. He could keep you entertained for hours. He was the best storyteller as many of his friends and family know, from many BBQ’s and gatherings. Dale joined the Masonic Order while living Pincher Creek and thought very highly of the organization. He worked hard his whole life to support his family. If anyone visited, they never left hungry or without a few drinks and stories, he was a very gracious host. He was also a wonderful cook and was always making some of his mom’s recipes, especially traditional ones like cabbage rolls, borscht and kapustka. Motorbikes and snowmobiles were a passion of his and in his younger years you would find him riding around on his dirt bikes and going out sledding with his friends. There was always someone at the garage working on bikes, something our dad helped a lot with. He was not just a B pressure welder; he was a great mechanic and could fix his vehicles as well as being an efficient handyman. He learnt many skills from our dad and could fix many things. Dale was an avid reader and when chatting often with his sister they would have many great discussions on some of the books and other reading material he enjoyed. They always ended up reminiscing about the days they were kids playing around town and the things they did with their parents and brothers and family. His first marriage was to Kellie Tourond where they lived in River Bottom and then Hillcrest. They had a lovely daughter Erin together. Later, he met his next partner Carrie Cope and were together for 15 years. They had a daughter Lindsay and son Sean. His other friend of 15 years was Shari Adams who passed from cancer. Lastly, he had his special friend Maggie Gilday, who would come, spend time with him and help him out as his health unfortunately deteriorated in the last year. He leaves behind his daughter Lindsay and his beloved sister Jude, brothers Lyle and Howard (Leanne) as well as his favourite nephews Cody (Tanya), TJ (Cassidy), Cole and Alex, as well as many extended family members. His nephews thought the world of him and just loved listening to him tell stories.
OBITUARIES LAWRENCE PHILIP POTAPOFF Born October 13, 1945 - Passed away December 23, 2023 Lawrence passed away in Calgary after a courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease, but succummed with pneumonia. He is survived by his twin, Laurie, brother Alex, Alexis, Jeremy, Maisie, Shayla-Rae, Cosmo, Jason, and many cousins and friends. Play on my self taught musician. Until we meet again. Miss you always. Love Laurie and family.
DAVID “CHOPPY” COLE November 1, 1950 - January 21, 2024 The world lost a wonderful man on the evening of January 21 when David “Choppy” Cole passed away peacefully in hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica. He went quietly and painlessly, in a country that he loved, with his wife by his side. He was 73 years old. Someone once said of Choppy that “whether you knew him for 10 minutes or 10 years, you felt a connection” and many people throughout his life found that to be true. Choppy was a man with a quick smile and friendly words for anyone he met. He was a practical joker, a silly nickname giver, and enjoyed a good laugh and warm conversation. He had many friends and was always making more, and was the kind of person that everyone has a funny story about. Choppy was born in 1950 in Bellevue, to Ron “Tinner” and Pat Cole. From a young age he was always to be found outside; he loved hunting, fishing, and being out in the bush. He shared this passion with his sons-in-law as he taught them to hunt and fly-fish, and with his grandkids who were always excited to go on an adventure with Grandpa. He also loved to be outside on the golf course. Choppy was a member of the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club for many years, and especially enjoyed Wednesday night Men’s League. Choppy was also a great dabbler in things. He loved to learn and research and teach himself all manner of new skills, and he was as good with tools as he was with a computer. He was always fixing, making, or putting something together, and he usually had several interesting projects on the go - from making wooden guns for his grandkids to helping friends and neighbours with their computers or TVs. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and his knowledge and skills were much appreciated by family and friends. He spent his whole life in the Crowsnest Pass, and he loved and served his community. He was elected to two terms on town council, and spent many years as a volunteer firefighter and later as Fire Marshall. He was a proud member of the Sentinel Summit Masonic Lodge for many years, and served two terms as the President of the Bellevue Legion. Choppy also helped to refurbish the Bellevue Under-ground Mine, and built the Bellevue Fireman’s Park with his fellow firemen. After retirement, Choppy looked forward to spending the winter in Playas Del Coco, Costa Rica where he became a much-loved member of another community. He en-joyed touring the country and photographing the wildlife, and he will be deeply missed by many friends made there. Choppy’s greatest dedication, though, was to his family and close friends. He shared many things with the people he loved - his humour, his warmth, and his zest for life. Left to celebrate his life are his wife, Beverley; their daughters, Erin (Marc) Boissonnault and Jodi (Dallas) Traill; his grandchildren, Blair and Laurel Boissonnault, and Charleigh and Brady Traill; and his sisters, Sharon (Doug) Amatto and Denise (Stuart) Root. His relationships with his nieces and members of his wife’s family were very important to him, and he will be especially missed by his mother-in-law, Clara Haslett. He was predeceased by his father, Ron “Tinner” Cole (1974) and his mother, Pat Cole (2002). One place that was especially dear to Choppy’s heart was the Bellevue Legion. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held there at a later date, and, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 19, Bellevue (PO Box 58 Bellevue, AB T0K 0C0) will be gratefully accepted. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555
16 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, February 7, 2023
Northback Corporation feeds hungry students Press Release Northback Holdings Corporation (Northback), a dedicated supporter of neighborhood initiatives, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of a school breakfast program with Livingstone Range School Division (LRSD) aimed at nourishing and empowering local students. The new program is called the Northback Breakfast Program. Reflecting its passion to foster healthier and more vibrant communities, Northback has committed to supporting the LRSD Nutrition Program by providing $75,000 per year to expand this important initiative. The sponsorship will provide crucial resources to ensure the continuity and
growth of the LRSD Nutrition Program, which serves healthy foods to all students within the Livingstone Range School Division. This contribution aligns with the Company’s vision of creating a better future and supporting communities and families. “Many of our students face food insecurity at home,” says Richard Feller, Associate Superintendent of Human and Learning Services. “Our Nutrition Program helps ensure students don’t have to be hungry and can focus on learning. This generous donation from Northback will positively contribute to our Core Value of wellness in our schools.” Northback CEO Mike Young is enthusiastic about the partnership, saying “Nutrition plays such an important role in enabling kids to have a good day at school and an even brighter future. Through this initiative, we hope to contribute to the well-being of the kids in our southern Albertan community.” The Northback Breakfast Program exemplifies the Company’s dedication to making a positive impact. The Company believes that by investing in local initiatives, it can contribute to building a healthier, more resilient community for all. Northback is a Canadian steel-making coal mining company committed to supporting our neighbors in the Crowsnest Pass and southwestern Alberta.
Let Laura Cook cont’d from page10 “Our goal was to make it reasonable, we wanted to provide meals that feed two people under $20.00,” Laura added. The couple’s commitment to the community extends beyond just serving delicious meals. They provide free delivery within Blairmore, understanding the challenges seniors and mine workers face in finding time to cook. “Our thing is trying to get reach out to these people so that we can help the seniors and all the mine workers that come from out of town,” Glenn emphasized. The business has gained momentum through word of mouth and social media, with their Facebook page becoming a hub for menu updates and customer interactions. Laura and Glenn hope to con-tinue expanding their reach, offering not only nourishing meals but also a sense of warmth and care to the community they love. As Let Laura Cook carves out its place in the hearts and homes of Blairmore residents, the Strandquists are excited about the future. Their commitment to providing affordable, homemade meals is a testament to their passion for both cooking and community, making Let Laura Cook a strong addition to the Crowsnest Pass culinary scene.