Crowsnest Pass Herald - May 10

Vol. 93 No. 18 May 10, 2023

For Beau: Family makes decision to donate organs “Look good, feel good, do good.”

NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter The loss of one life has helped many others, with the organ and tissue donations from one 22-year-old man giving 11 people another chance. On August 18, 2022, Beau Walter was the passenger in a vehicle driving to a lake near Redcliff to relax on a day off. While on the way there, their vehicle lost control and Beau was critically injured, and succumbed to his injuries two days later.

Beau was born in Pincher Creek and raised in the area. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Redcliff, Alberta with his family.

His mother Carrah Walter spoke about what her son was like. She said he was an “adventurous kid and truly kind,” helping anywhere he was needed.

"He had an infectious smile. He always gave the biggest hugs. I feel that he is so proud. We are so proud of him and everybody that he's helped,” said Carrah.

Beau has been able to help 11 people so far. His heart was donated to a man that was almost a perfect match according to Carrah. His pancreas was transplanted to a person that's no longer insulin dependent, and his liver was donated to a recipient that unfortunately succumbed to his disease. His right eye cornea was given to a 45-year-old and his left cornea to a 47-year-old. Six other individuals have received help from bone and cartilage transplants with ages ranging from 26 to 56.

“Tissues can be stored up to five years before they have to be discarded, so we still look forward to each and every update that we receive from the HOPE program,” explained Carrah.

Submitted photo

Beau Walter (left) with his mother Carrah (middle left), his father Johnny (middle right) and his younger brother Brody (right). Beau was born in Pincher Creek, AB and raised on a farm near Glenwood, AB. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Redcliff, AB with his family and started working for Aecon Transportation West. The family said they will miss his morning wake-up Snapchats, watching him sing, and his TikToks with “Ruby,” his truck.

The Human Organ Procurement and Exchange Program or HOPE Program, helps coordinate the deceased organ donation process. She explained how the program lets you know when organs and tissue have been used to help other people.

"We are actually able to write letters back and forth to the recipients. We write a letter and then it goes back to the HOPE program and then the recipients decide if they'd like to write a letter back,” said Carrah, “They write a letter, and it goes back to HOPE and then HOPE forwards it to us. That's pretty special for us, we love hearing those updates.”

With Beau being an athletic 22-year-old universal donor, his mother said it was an easy decision to donate his organs and tissue.

“He would have wanted that... we never second guessed that we were going to help,” said Carrah, “He was such a kind-hearted person that he would have

wanted to help others.”

Carrah talked about how there are many people waiting for organs and tissues, not only in Alberta, but across Canada.

“Stop and talk to your family about it and make sure you're signing your donor card and getting it on your driver's license. Know that you can help so many lives,” added Carrah.

She said Beau always had a quote he would like to say: “Look good, feel good, do good.”

“I hope he's able to help many more with his tissue and blood and I look forward to those updates... I hope one day to meet some of the recipients and possibly listen to his heart beating,” noted Carrah.

Please visit myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/Pages/organ-and-tissue-donation-consent-to-donate.aspx to join the Alberta organ and tissue registry.

2 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Pass Community Pool prepares for opening day NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter The Pass Community Pool is preparing for its opening at the end of May, with filling starting on May 8, 2023.

Pool manager Katherine Seleski, who also manages the Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill, is starting her first year overseeing the Crowsnest Pass pool.

“We’re just finishing up some final touches and hope to announce opening day soon,” said Seleski.

Seleski added it is “looking great” in terms of the number of lifeguards they will have on opening day.

“We’re right now aiming for a full open and we’ve got the staffing to do so, obviously we still en-courage people to get their lifeguarding courses so they can look at this as a future employment opportunity, but we’re sitting really good,” said Seleski.

At the time of the interview, they were only on hour three of 24 filling the pool.

“It’s looking good for a great start to the season,” added Seleski.

When the pool does open, she hopes for great weather along with a great turnout of people for the first day of operations.

“Our website should have a calendar up and running soon with times and dates and programs should be launching soon for families to jump in on swim lessons,” explained Seleski.

They also have a few program announcements, including water volleyball and basketball leagues coming up. The pool is also working through a few technical difficulties, after which people will be able to sign up for lessons and pool passes online, a new feature this year.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everybody back to the pool this summer... if they have any questions, shoot us an e-mail, a Facebook message or a

Pass Pool photo

phone call, we’re always happy to answer,’ said Seleski.

According to the Pass Pool website, the Pass Pool is a community-owned swim area, designed for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

It says there is no need to “hunt for parking” and visitors can enjoy the mountain scenery and sunshine in the outdoor facility.

“I’m really looking forward to showcasing the Crowsnest Pass and this beautiful facility and really looking forward to welcoming everyone back,” added Seleski.

For more information about when the pool will open, the Pass Pool will be communicating everything through their Facebook and Instagram.

Nick Allen Photo

(Left) Livingstone-Macleod Alberta Party candidate Kevin Todd and (Right) Alberta Party leader Barry Morishita with an election sign on May 3.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 3

Frank Slide Template.qxp_Layout 1 2023-01-30 11:44 AM Page 1

CAMERA THEFT

POLICE BRIEFS

On May 4, 2023, there was a complaint of theft involving a camera from a weather station located at Crowsnest Lake. The incident occurred within the previous week.

SHARING PASSWORDS On May 4, 2023, a complainant was advised their Facebook account was hacked. The complainant gave passwords to someone he thought he knew. No finances were lost. Reminder not to share account passwords.

There was a total of 51 calls for service received between May 1 and 8.

The calls included one assault, one break and enter (residential), two frauds/forgeries, three thefts, four other provincial statutes, two driving complaints, five motor vehicle collisions, three assistances to the general public, one suspicious occurrence, four assists to other agencies, 15 violation tickets/warnings, three 911 calls, one municipal bylaw, five lost/found and one abandoned vehicle.

STOLEN RENTAL On May 1, 2023, local police assisted the Calgary Police Service in the recovery of a stolen rental vehicle parked at a hotel in Blairmore. The police attended and located the stolen vehicle.

A 53-year-old male from Calgary was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property.

STOLEN PLATE On May 3, 2023, there was a complaint involving the theft of a licence plate from a utility trailer parked on 28 Avenue in Coleman.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE On May 3, 2023, there was a complaint of a suspicious blue vehicle driving down a back alley in the early morning hours at Lundbreck.

A vehicle was entered but nothing appears stolen.

DIDYOUKNOW?

Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 to 70 km/h (43mp/h) in 3 seconds

REMINDERS TO THE PUBLIC Reminder to drivers to make notice of school buses stopped with children loading or unloading from the bus, vehicles are to stop when driving both ways when lights are flashing and the stop sign is activated.

Be careful when children are crossing the street.

Reminder to drivers to watch for animals in ditches which run across highways. Be aware of your surroundings.

Reminder to property owners to lock your doors and vehicles. Mark your belongings and record serial numbers of tools and other important items.

Reminder to residents of computer scams, credit cards scams, Grandparent scams and Revenue Canada scams, do not give out personal information to persons you don't know.

HWY #3, Frank • 562-8043 Blacksmith Ad 1.qxp_Layout 1 2023-01-12 11:42 AM Page 1

According to Alberta Law Insurance companies cannot tell you where to repair.

Your Vehicle - Your Choice

DO NOT OPEN EMAILS if you are suspicious of its origin. Do NOT purchase gift cards for payment to Revenue Canada. Do not send money to a person claiming you have won a prize.

If anyone has any information on drug activity, please contact Crime Stoppers. Tips can be phoned in to 1-800-222-8477.

The Simple Raven’s Post

BY AVNER PERL

Defacing election signs The official campaign for the provincial elections is on and on the first day, I see a sign at the entrance to town. Would be great if people voted for the issues, but signs and advertisements influence many. I went home and looked at my social media account, and here it is. A person wrote complaining that the NDP has a sign at the entrance to their town. He or she said that we are a coal town and we will not tolerate people who are supporting “rich ranchers” who are against coal mining.

The whole long letter looked like an invitation for “someone” to vandalize the sign, which to my knowledge is against the law. We are in Canada, not in China. It is a democratic country here and obviously, one political party was ready for the campaign on time with signs ready to go.

I am not the best authority to ask, but to my understanding, this whole hype about coal is really not about prosperity for the Pass. The coal is not in our municipality. People considered the workers will reside here but we are full as far as I know. The hills around us house many people also, and businesses are doing well.

If we want more people to pay taxes, we will have to build, but I don’t see much effort toward building condos so far. Looking at the political campaigns so far is a lesson in itself. One side is promising improvements to things I care about. Health care is my number one concern. The other day my young grandchild in Calgary had an appendicitis attack. The Children’s Hospital had a fourteen-hour waiting period at emergency. My daughter took him to the Rocky View, where waiting was only four and a half hours and they misdiagnosed him. Going back soon after he was diagnosed correctly and sent to the Children’s. Finally, he is being treated, but they can’t do the simple surgery until all the fluid is gone. It may be weeks or more. The waiting time endangered him, caused much pain, lost work for the parents, and will be much more expensive to fix.

I am disappointed. I worked since I was seventeen and paid to have a reason-

YOUR choice for auto body repair

Frank • 403 563 3999

able level of health care in our province and look where we are. We were warned in meetings with the doctors a few years ago, but didn’t act. Now the government is talking about placing some of our extra money into a saving account while Albertans are facing death for lack of medical attention. Show me a corporation that will move here if we don’t have good health care, education, and the rest of what people care about.

My next concern is increasing taxes. That can push me out of my home, which I worked all my life to have. The provincial government is talking against increasing taxes, leaving more money in our pockets, they say. Yet I see them deciding to remove government assistance from important services such as policing education and more. They forced the municipalities to pick up the slack or people end up with additional out-of-pocket expenses. I know seniors on government pensions who had to cut going for coffee with friends once a week to pay the increase in taxes.

They live hand to mouth in the richest province of Canada. Some chose between lettuce and Tylenol. They built our towns by working underground, but now they are impoverished.

The pension funds are also under threat. If the government takes them over and invests in oil sands instead of things with high returns, those seniors may be on the streets. We fought all of our lives and now we face losing the pensions we paid for with our blood, sweat and tears.

A friend was arguing against transfer payments. He believes Quebec is stealing our money and their citizens live better than we do. I pointed out that the French province has done more for its people. For example, they built hydroelectric power stations while we will have to catch up, which is very expensive but now is necessary. He answered we can build them if we have more time. I pointed out that Alberta’s forests are burning while we produce more pollution, which causes many fires. He left me and went to listen to some “news” by a news outlet that I think even the Federal Conservatives quit calling news. Now they say that the fires are being set up by “environmentalists.” I highly recommend that people should keep in mind that any goof can publish fake news on the net.

We went around and viewed a well-attended opening of an art show in the gallery in Frank. Wow, our towns are becoming an art hub. On the way back, entering Blairmore, I noticed another NDP sign. A big black X defaced it, sprayed across it. To me, it signified that some people are desperate. They know they can’t win the elections fair and square, so they get a can of spray paint. It is against the law.

Living in a democracy means a lot to me. At least every four years we can fix our mistakes. I want a good government watched over by capable media.

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

4 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS

information before 2023 Property Tax Notices and Assessments are mailed on April 28, 2023.

RV PARKING ON MUNICIPAL STREETS

The Development Authority of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass recently approved the following development application(s):

Please note: All Homeowners are responsible for paying the Recreational Vehicles are permitted on Municipal streets Property Taxes by the deadline of June 30, 2023, even if you from May 1 until September 30 annually, provided the did not receive a Property Tax Notice and Assessment. A 7% following conditions are met: penalty will be applied to all unpaid 2023 property taxes on DP2023-074 – 13546 18 Avenue, Blairmore (Lot 7-8 Block 3 July 1, 2023. The deadline for Assessment Appeals is July • RVs can only be parked on the area of the street Plan 6050L). For a fence (permitted use) with a 17% variance 10, 2023. immediately adjacent to the owner or operator’s place to the height from 1.8m to 2.1m. of residence • RVs may not be parked in a manner that would If you have not received your 2023 Property Tax Notices DP2023-080 – 7915 19 Avenue, Coleman (Lot 5 Block 25 constitute a hazard to other persons using the street and Assessment by May 15, 2023 or took possession of Plan 820L). For a “Single-Family Dwelling” (permitted use) • RVs must not be parked in a manner that would your home after March 1, 2023, please follow the link with a 1.7 % variance to the height and a 14% variance to obstruct any driveway, laneway, or road access, or below to fill out an application in order to receive a copy the maximum lot coverage. hinder or impede traffic of your notice. https://portal.laserfiche.ca/o8468/forms/ • RVs cannot be used as accommodation when parked on Assessment_Application DP2023-086 – 278 Southmore Place, Blairmore (Lot 36 Block streets 1 Plan 0812254). For a “Single-Family Dwelling” (permitted You will be required to upload the Statement of Adjustments use) with a 1.7 % variance to the height and a 14% variance provided by your lawyer at the time of possession and The Traffic Bylaw 704, 2006 as amended can be viewed at to the maximum lot coverage. https://www.crowsnestpass.com/municipal-government/ includes the physical address of your new property, your legal name, and the official date of possession before we can council/bylaws Any persons claiming to be adversely affected by the above provide a notice to you. discretionary development permits or variances may file an SPRING COMMUNITY BBQ appeal through our online form no later than May 25, 2023, We are unable to sign anyone up for our Tax Installment to the SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT APPEAL BOARD Payment Plan (TIPP) until the land title transfer has officially or the Land and PROPERTY RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, as may be been received by our office. applicable.

Subdivision and Development Appeal Board MUNICIPALITY OF CROWSNEST PASS BOX 600, CROWSNEST PASS, ALBERTA T0K 0E0 Fee of $400.00 must be included with the appeal Find the online form at www.crowsnestpass.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Land and Property Rights Tribunal 1229-91 Street SW Edmonton AB T6X 1E9 Development Officer Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Phone: 403 562-8833 Email: development@crowsnestpass.com

June 1 4:00pm - 7:00pm Gazebo Park, Blairmore

2023 TAX AND ASSESSMENT NOTICES

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF - PERMANENT FULL-TIME

The Deputy Fire Chief is responsible for providing excellent The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass 2023 Property leadership for a progressive department of paid onAssessments and Tax Notices will be distributed by April 28, call personnel. Assisting the Fire Chief with the overall 2023. Tax Payment due date is June 30, 2023. organization, coordination, and operational direction of the department, the Deputy Fire Chief will proactively seek Methods of Payment: opportunities for improving departmental efficiencies and • At the Municipal Office 8502 - 19 Avenue, Coleman service levels, providing expertise in incident management, Monday to Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm emergency response planning and general administration of • At any branch of most Financial Institutions, allow 2-3 the department. business days before due date for processing • By mail, postmarked on or before the due date Find the full job descriptions and application at https:// • By postdated cheque, dated on or before June 30 www.crowsnestpass.com/living-here/employment• Telephone or Internet Banking, allow 2-3 business days opportunities-page/careers before due date for processing • In the night deposit box at 8502 – 19 Avenue, Coleman Monthly payment plans are available for taxes up to June 30.

Contact the tax department for further details.

NOTICE OF VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

As designated by the Alberta Weed Control Act, the Municipality will be conducting vegetation management commencing on May 15 until October 31, 2023.

If you are a property owner and have not received your tax notice either by mail or email, contact the Tax Department at 403-562-8833 or by email at taxroll@crowsnestpass.com.

Municipal contract sprayers will be conducting herbicide Please check your Junk Mail folder before contacting us if applications and Municipal Weed Inspectors will be you did not receive your paperless notification via email. inspecting private properties, acreages, and industrial sites If you have questions regarding your property assessment, for noxious and prohibited noxious weeds. contact Benchmark Assessment Consultants Inc. at 1-800-633-9012 before July 10, 2023 to arrange for an appointment with the Tax Assessor.

Assessment Review Complaint forms are available at the Municipal Office or can be downloaded from our website: www.crowsnestpass.com. Appeal forms will be accepted on or before July 10, 2023 accompanied by the appropriate fee.

NEW HOME OWNERS AND PROPERTY TAX AND ASSESSMENT NOTICES

What can you do to help?

• Destroy prohibited noxious weeds and control noxious weeds from your property.

• Ask Ag &Environmental Department for assistance to help identify weed species.

• Dispose of weeds by double bagging the plant and placing it in the garbage destined for landfill.

• Volunteer for weed pulling events this summer (Every Wednesday in June, July, and August, please see location details on website and Municipal calendar) • Report any areas of concern to Ag & Environmental Department.

Alberta Land Titles Office is approximately 2 months behind in processing land title transfers for newly purchased properties. If you took possession of a new Our Agriculture and Environmental Department is always piece of property after March 1, 2023, it is likely that the here to help you with any questions you may have.

Municipality will not have received the change of ownership

The Municipality is hosting a Community BBQ in conjunction with the first outdoor Community Market of the season!

Free food, bouncy castles, entertainment, and more!

Everyone is welcome!

BEAR SEASON & GARBAGE COLLECTION Bear season is here! To avoid animal attraction, Bylaw 863, 2013 - Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw states that “refuse receptacles may be placed for collection no earlier then 6:00am on the day of collection and must be re-secured to an approved storage location no later than 7:00pm on the day of collection” and that the refuse is stored in an animal proof waste container. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that animals do not get into the garbage prior to collection.

View the complete bylaw at https://www.crowsnestpass. com/municipal-government/council/bylaws-listedalphabetically

MUNICIPAL DUST SUPPRESSANT PROGRAM The Municipal Dust Suppressant Program Policy defines the gravel streets, roads, and alleys which will be included in the program and to address individual requests from residents who wish to pay for their own individual dust suppressant service that falls outside of the defined streets, roads, and alleys.

Applications for the 2022 season and the complete Policy #2301-01 are available at https://www.crowsnestpass.com/ living-here/operational-services/dust-suppressant-program Please submit your application no later than May 31, 2023.

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

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 5

Mobile men’s health clinic coming to the Pass NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter The MAN VAN will be making an appearance in Blairmore in the fight against prostate cancer on May 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Elks Hall.

Canada’s first and only mobile men’s health clinic, the MAN VAN, offers free PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood testing for men aged 40 to 80 throughout rural southern Alberta and Calgary. According to Prostate Cancer Centre, one in nine men in Canada will be affected by prostate cancer and, when detected early, is very treatable.

A PSA blood test from your family doctor or a quick trip to the MAN VAN can aid in early detec-

tion. Ken Rabb, the Senior Community Partnerships Advisor for the Prostate Cancer Centre, explained how there is a lack of awareness around the importance of early detection.

“A simple blood test, a PSA blood test that takes half a teaspoon of blood out of your arm, can help with the early detection of prostate cancer,” said Rabb, “People don't understand everything there is to know about cancer, but it's important that people know it's the leading cause of cancer in men... It’s really treatable when it's caught early.”

This is a valuable opportunity to educate men and their families with the PSA blood test, which identifies the levels of a protein released from the prostate explained Rabb. If anyone is unable to make it on the day the unit is in Blairmore, they still have options.

“If men can't make it to the MAN VAN when we're in Blairmore, they can always ask their doctor and make sure when they're in there for their annual checkup say, ‘I want to make sure I get a PSA blood test when I go for my blood work’,” said Rabb.

Rabb said it can be difficult for men to go to the doctor unless something is “broken or bleeding” but with prostate cancer, there is no sign anything is wrong until too late.

“There are no symptoms, so we need things like the MAN VAN reminding us we're not invincible and

these things that you might not be able to feel or know about could be happening,” said Rabb.

Rabb has seen this program work when someone thought they were healthy went to get a PSA test on the MAN VAN and found out they have prostate cancer. Because it was caught early and treated, they were able to live a normal life.

"When the cancer is less aggressive there's a lot of different treatment options available,” said Rabb.

The Prostate Cancer Centre is excited about coming to the Crowsnest Pass for the first time, an effort in conjunction Family and Community Support Services.

With the potential for many of the men coming to the van being there for the first time, Rabb wanted to share some information about what a visit is like.

An Alberta health card is not required as they are independently run. Visits should last about 15 minutes, depending on if there is a lineup.

“The blood test will be e-mailed or texted to people. They get their results directly sent to them. If there was an elevated result, we will work with them and their doctor for a follow up,” added Rabb.

There is no appointment necessary to visit the MAN VAN. Visit prostatecancercentre.ca/manvan for more information on the mobile men’s health clinic.

Prostate Cancer Centre photo

FREE Plant for all Mothers Sunday May 12

20L Bag of Potting Soil 20% off

Lots of Motherʻs Day Specials in store!

1606 East Hillcrest Drive Hillcrest, Alberta

6 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Herald Editorial LISA SYGUTEK The other day one of my boys said that our house is like a halfway house. I asked what he meant, and the response was that we always have our door open when someone needs a place to stay. I was a bit shocked and then I started thinking.

In the last 23 years we’ve had a lot of people come into our home and share our space, some for just a week, some for years. It started when I was 27 and Keiran was just a baby. We took in a Timberwolves hockey player and he lived with us for almost two years.

Right after he left my niece Metallea moved in, she was 18 months old and stayed with us for almost a year until social services gave that poor soul back to her mother and father (I could say so much more, but I won’t). That experience was so traumatizing on me that I took a break for a few years. That is until my nephew Jimmy wanted to try living in Canada.

Jimmy is the oldest son of my brother Gary and he’d just finished playing Junior Hockey in the United States.

He wanted to see what Canada was like, so he moved in for almost six months. It was a blast having him, he even played hockey with the local mens league, making many friends in the community.

After that my nephew Tyler moved in as he finished high school. My sister got a divorce and I often say that I won her son in the divorce. Quinn was only two at the time and to this day he thinks of Ty as his third brother.

Ty was a beautiful addition to the house. I was now the proud mom of four sons. They played a ton, ate me out of house and home, and Quinn ended up with stitches on many occasions trying to keep up. The house was loud and messy, but man it was fun.

After Ty was my nephew Ricky. Bad move on my part and a good lesson learned on trust.

More recently Keeley stayed with us. She is from an old swim family and was doing work experience as she finished her degree as a Pharmacist. She was only with us for eight weeks, but like everyone else, she was with us all the time.

We’ve had a number of Keiran’s friends rotate through the house, the last being Treyton, who stayed with us for eight months while doing his co-op at Teck’s Greenhills mine. He’s always just been one of the family, even before he moved in.

I started wondering why my house is always open. I think it all comes down to my mom.

When Ricky was fourteen the pool opened in Blairmore and Dr. Irwin started the Pass Piranhas Swim Club. My brother joined and met a new friend named Gary. Gary had just moved to Sparwood with his dad Stan. Gary was from Orcas Island in California. Gary and Ricky became fast friends and Ricky asked my mom if Gary could stay for the summer. The summer turned into forever. I was two when Gary moved in permanently. When Ricky died at sixteen Gary stayed and since I was only four, Gary is really the only brother I know. How lucky am I to gain a brother when one was lost? I am extremely close to Gary and couldn’t imagine my life without him.

My mother had an open door for kids because when she was a young girl Edna Campbell allowed my mom to move into her house. My mom spent two years with the Campbell Clan and only went back with her mother because she desperately missed my Auntie Donna. My mom learned what family was like because of Edna and her clan, important lessons her own mother didn’t know.

So I guess at the end of the day my home is open because someone opened a door for my mom. That’s three generations of open doors.

How wonderful that I’ve had so many beautiful people walk through my door. It’s always open, the cupboards are full of food, and I’ve got lots of love to give those that need a little more. I often think I’m the luckiest person in the world because I learned very early to appreciate people, not things. When you die they don’t talk about the material things you have, but the people whose lives you impacted.

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.

Inheritor of the Lougheed tradition J.L. Chalmers - Claresholm Dear Editor; In this boom or bust province it appears the bust is lurking. Oil prices continue to drop. A multitude of windfall promises are being made almost daily by the UCP. There are many zeroes attached to those promises but no strategies or plans for implementation. This is worrisome.

Often the reason cited why voters cannot support the NDP is the amount of debt Alberta incurred during their four-year term. One of the biggest challenges during that

Will Petrovic show up for forums?

Sahra Nodge - Pincher Creek Dear Editor; I have a rant that ends in a request - that calls for respect for democratic conventions and respect for the electorate. We need candidates’ forums.

Democracy requires the contest of ideas, which involves the exchange of perspectives and sharing of reasons.

It requires that different perspectives are stated openly and that (aspiring) politicians give their view of what makes for a thriving community so we, the electorate, can make an informed decision about our representation.

Elections require those aspiring to leadership to demonstrate their values by showing up. Showing up

term was fall of world oil prices. Yet, the UCP, ran the largest budget deficit in the history of the province in 2021-2022. It was more than $20 B dollars.

Danielle Smith — who, as a columnist with the Calgary Herald, wrote in 2019 that “Notley is, without question, the inheritor of the Lougheed tradition. That’s not to say he was a full-on socialist, but Notley isn’t either.

I think most Albertans have been shocked to see how pragmatic she has governed, particularly as it concerns natural resources.”

This may be the election to consider voting for the NDP, as suggested by Thomas Lukaszuk, former Conservative MLA (2001-2015). Afterall, Danielle Smith lauded Rachel Notley in 2019. By voting for Kevin Van Tighem, we have assurance our collective voices and concerns will be delivered to Edmonton by a candidate of integrity, depth of knowledge, commitment, and compassion.

to candidates’ forums, visiting doorsteps, and attending community events.

I am worried about a rumour that I heard that Chelsae Petrovic does not intend to participate in all candidate’s forums. I am angered that someone seeking leadership disregards the people she wants to represent by denying us opportunity to hear her positions on issues. In a representative democracy, choosing our representatives is the key feature of self-governing, enabling our collective self-determination and empowering our representatives with the access and control over the rule of law. It matters who we choose to represent us and how they choose to meet with us.

We all have a rational capacity for thinking and decision-making grounded in mutual respect for each other’s fundamental dignity and rational ability. We have a responsibility as citizens to be informed about the ideas and views of those we support. Candidates have the responsibility to present their ideas, so we may be informed. Both are necessary for effective democracy.

Cont’d on page 7

Lisa Sygutek Owner/Publisher Nick Allen Reporter/Photography Tina Pedersen Advertising Devin Brady Community Reporter John Kinnear Community Reporter Avner Perl Feature Writer

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Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 7

Nick’s Notes

Calgary Expo

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I haven’t written a column in a couple of weeks and would like to take this opportunity to look back on my visit to the Calgary Expo on April 29.

I have never been to a convention like this before and was very excited to meet the different celebrities that would be present. Most of all, I was excited to meet Danny Trejo and Vincent D’Onofrio.

I’ve been a fan of both these actors for as long as I can remember and getting my photo taken with them was absolutely wonderful. They are already posted up on my walls!

The voice acting talent at the Expo was also unreal.

Not only did I get a photo with one of my favourite anime voice actors, Sarah Wiedenheft, I also got to meet a trio of voice actors from the game Apex Legends.

Getting to speak with the voices behind Octane, Wattson and Lifeline was surreal, especially when I discovered what other characters they have voiced.

Nicolas Roye, the man behind Octane, was also one of the best parts of the Halo Infinite campaign. He voiced the pilot that rescued Master Chief and helped him throughout the campaign. Speaking with him was a dream come true.

When I spoke with Lifeline’s voice actor, Mela Lee, I was shocked to see prints for Jade from Mortal Kombat available. This was when she spoke one of the characters lines for me and made that one of the coolest celebrity interactions I have ever had.

I left the Calgary Comic Expo with photos, signed prints and plenty of souvenirs. After visiting for only the one day I hope to go for the full four day experience next year. Maybe I will even get the VIP pass and go all out being a total nerd.

Looking back on the day, I am so happy I was asked to go and will cherish the memories I made. Who know, maybe I will even cosplay next time!

Nodge letter cont’d on page 7 In Petrovic’s choosing not to show up, she affects our ability to make an informed decision. She demonstrates that I, as a member of our riding community, am not an equal, not someone to be engaged with rationally. She is, in effect, denying you and I the opportunity to make an informed decision about who we choose to represent us.

A candidate’s unwillingness to stand before us, present their ideas, and defend their policy insults all of us who want to hear the candidate’s vision of the future.

Denying us the opportunity to hear the candidates speak for themselves makes a farce of elections and makes the practice a pantomime akin to cheering for sports teams and repeating party rhetoric. That is not an effective democratic practice. Showing up, stating your proposals for how you intend to govern, and delivering a message of policies, programs and plans you will champion on our behalf is. End rant.

So, the request - for those who have influence in this situation: Set up all candidates’ forums in Livingstone MacLeod.

And for Ms Petrovic, I hope this is a rumour and that we will see you in our communities, that we can expect to see you on our doorsteps and at all candidate forums.

Show us that you respect us enough to engage with us.

Show us you respect the democratic process by standing before us and sharing your vision for the future. Show us how you intend to lead because a decision not to participate and connect with our riding speaks volumes on what we can expect if you are elected.

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8 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Harold Pepper

photos taken by Andy Vanderplas, copyright Pass Herald

Celebrating the past, present and future of mining.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9

Cleaning Coal, 1930s style JOHN KINNEAR What remains at the West Canadian Collieries Greenhill mine site these days is but a very small portion of what once was a large, thriving and well run collieries with a rock solid reputation. All that is visible from the highway nowadays is the remains of the rotary dump section of the colliery where coal cars were moved by a chain conveying system through the rotary dump and then back into line-ups of empties headed back into the mine.

If we were to go back to the year 1937 though we would find a very active West Canadian Collieries (WCC) with its head office in Blairmore. It was one of the oldest mining companies in Western Canada.

Their operations started at Lille in 1902 and later expanded to the Bellevue and Greenhills Mines in 1903 and 1913 respectively.

Both these mines were equipped with what was considered state of the art coal cleaning plants in those days. Their plants had what was known as pneumo-Gravity cleaning systems in which all coal less than one and a quarter inch in size was sent to be mechanically cleaned by air.

The sorting of the coal was achieved using electrically vibrated screens which sized it to suit the cleaning tables. They were, quite simply, square steel mesh stretched tightly over metal frames that vibrated continuously and made for a very efficient sizing system.

Each screen had a hopper to catch the sized coal from it which was then fed to the cleaning tables.

The cleaning or “air tables” worked on a simple process that took advantage of the fact that coal was lighter in weight than rock. Air from a blower fan was forced upwards through the perforated deck on the cleaning tables which stratified the bed, raising the coal to the top and leaving the rock on the bottom.

The traverse slope of the table allowed the coal to flow

to the front while a reciprocating motion moved the refuse to the side of the deck.

Coal over one and a quarter inch was too large to be air cleaned and was put through what was known as hydro-separators. The system used water as a cleaning medium instead of air and also utilized gravity to separate rock from coal.

Two other interesting devices that operated within the cleaning plant were automatic mechanical samplers and magnetic separators. The samplers, which ran continuously, sampled every car of coal loaded and those samples were assayed before the coal was shipped. The separators removed track spikes, nails and any other unwanted metal from the coal. These separators were referred to as tramp magnets and were quite powerful and any operator who thought their anti-magnetic watch was immune to its power usually got a rude awakening with a watch stopped in its tracks, permanently.

Thus cleaned and sized “Greenhills” and “Bellevue” coals (which were registered trade names) were shipped all over the Prairie Provinces for consumption.

By 1937 West Canadian had shipped over 12 million tons of coal and in those days produced 2,000 tons from each mine in an eight hour shift. Their cleaned coals were categorized as: steam size mine run, nut, pea, stoker size, washed furnace and lump. Their “smithy” or blacksmith coal stood up to the finest American smithing coals in terms of retaining heat and coking ability.

West Canadian coal was used extensively by the

View of the Greenhill plant when it existed - Glenbow Archives

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railroads who were notoriously discriminatory fuel buyers. It had to be good coal to provide 200 pounds of steam on a heavy passenger or freight locomotive whose heating surfaces were exposed at times to 20 to 40 degree below zero weather. You can imagine the surface heat loss of a steam locomotive as it charged across the prairies at high speed in the middle of winter. It must have been phenomenal!

West Canadian finally gave up the ghost in 1958 when oil and gas took over the markets but for 56 years they were a premier producer of coal for all needs in the Crowsnest Pass and elsewhere.

For a time many years ago I worked as a summer student greasing equipment in a very similar type of plant; the old Coleman Collieries tipple, the predecessor to the green plant that was torn down a few years ago. I recall an occasion when I was working around a Tyler coal cleaning vibrating screen that was leaking water and a large puddle had formed on the floor.

While manoeuvring to get at the screen’s grease nipples I accidentally broke off the shell of a very large industrial size light bulb with my hardhat. The stem of the light was left hanging dangerously in its socket above my head. Not thinking, (remember I was a teenager at the time!), I decided to bust off the stem of that 220 volt bulb with my aluminum hardhat while standing in that puddle of water. It was a decision that had a very jolting consequence. Needless to say I was unable to close my eyes in bed that night and it took three haircuts from old Pete the barber to get rid of the curls in my hair.

10 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Coal Mining in Alberta in 1948 JOHN KINNEAR What say we step back in time to the post World War Two year of 1948 and see what was going on in the coal mining industry then? To do this I will extract some fascinating data from the chief mine’s inspectors hard cover summary report for that year. Every year an Annual Report of the Mines Branch was submitted by the chief inspector to the Alberta Government for publication and usually most mining companies got themselves a copy.

That year’s report by Inspector John Crawford provided just under 200 pages of summary of every possible aspect of coal mining one can imagine. The report is crammed with statistics and logistics and gives one a complete overview of who was mining what coal, where and why.

Total coal production in 1948 was the highest Alberta had ever done since they started keeping records in 1902. That production number was a whopping 8,111,013 short tons of coal from no less than 195 mines throughout the province. Alberta sold coal for consumption to itself, Saskatchewan, BC ,Manitoba, Ontario and the United States. There was even 200,000 tons of bituminous coal sold to Japan!

Of that total 2,312,000 was used by the railroads for steam power. The Crowsnest Division of those 195 mines contributed just under 2,000,000 tons of which 1,172,000 went to the railroads. Those mines included West Canadian Collieries (WCC) - Bellevue, Greenhill and Adanac mines, McGillivray Creek Coke and Coal, International Coke and Coal and Hillcrest-Mohawk Collieries.

In total an average of about 8865 men were working in the mines in Alberta that year, with the Pass employing about 2474 of them, around 28% of the overall total. 1600 men worked underground, 600 on the surface and about 265 men worked in the strip mines.

218 workers were referred to in the charts as salaried employees and the rest as wage earners!

Inevitably I knew I would run into the charts and summary lists of accidents as they were always an integral part of these reports. A way of monitoring the severity of incidents relative to other years. In 1948 Alberta suffered 13 fatalities of which 5 were in the Pass.

Two were underground and three were on the surface.

That year we lost George Quinlan (48) and Frank Puchala (49) at Hillcrest, William Witwicki (23) and John Omelusik (23) at McGillivray and Frank Zboya (34) at WCC, Blairmore.

For some irksome reason the mines branch generated some bizarre statistics around fatalities, serious injuries and slight injuries. Of what use they were beyond me. Each year they carried cumulative totals and from 1906 to 1948 the industry managed to kill 1,101 men in Alberta mines while producing a whopping 233,000,000 tons of coal. For the year 1948 the statistic was 623,924 tons mined per fatality. Of these statistics the inspector made the following comment.

“The number of accidents during the year was 13 as compared to 15 in 1947. This is a decrease of 13.3%, and equals 1.6 fatals per million tons of coal produced.

This figure compares very favourably with the average

rate in the United States and Great Britain.” Thank God these days are over and the ominous cloud of fear of losing a loved one in the mines has long since dissipated. Here is a statistic I generated along those lines.

In 1948 50 people were interred in the Pass cemeteries which mean 10% of those who died were from mine accidents.

Further on in the report the listing of how these men were killed or hurt is a familiar one to anyone who has studied mining history. There were literally hundreds of ways to be injured in the mines. Rope haulage and horse haulage led to crushings, getting caught in, under or around horses, mine cars, locomotives, coal cutting machinery, box cars, timbers and tipple machinery, all of which could lead to some nasty and sometimes fatal encounters. Coal and rock falls were particularly serious.

A section of the report is dedicated to listing all those miners with first, second and third class mining certificates, either newly attained or long standing. It was a pleasant surprise when I came across my father’s name: John Andrew Kinnear, Certificate No. 64 – Date of Issue July 22, 1943. The lists of certified pit and fire bosses contained many familiar Pass names like Fontana, Tamborini, Goodwin, Panek, Fraser and Sikora.

The district inspector for the Crowsnest Region, J.D.B. Brown, reported that there were six strip mines in operation in 1948 all of which were owned and operated by the six underground mines mentioned above.

He went on to mention a strike that ran from Jan 13th to February 18th of that year and that a shortage of railroad cars cost the mines in the district 96 working days.

Brown also stated that: “The demands for unskilled labour at the mines is almost completely satisfied. This need has been met with the arrival of Polish veterans and other immigrants, generally with some underground experience.” Some of the Polish underground miners I worked with underground, many years ago, were among some of the finest, hardest working men I have ever known.

Brown’s report mentioned that the “Adanac” (Canada spelled backwards!) strip mine south

of Blairmore placed into operation one Hayes-Lawrence 55-ton truck powered by a 200 H.P. diesel engine equipped with sanders and air operated dump doors.

That truck was custom built for West Canadian Collieries’ Adanac Mine and was the largest of its type ever built in “Canada” (Adanac spelled backwards) at the time. Bill Kovach told me this monster off- road haul trucks used to go right by his door. They must have been quite a sight. The annual report indicated a special reinforced steel bridge had to be built at the Bellevue tipple to allow the big Hayes to dump its coal.

In the year 1948 Mahatma Ghandi was murdered, Israel became a separate state and Mackenzie King, Joseph Stalin and Harry Truman were big names in the news. But here in the good old Crowsnest Pass we were mining coal like nobody’s business. Because that is what we did best.

The monster blowout of Leduc’s Atlantic Number 3 oil well that year made huge news. Atlantic #3 developed with such force that it went immediately out of control. For six months it spewed oil and gas, thereby causing the ground to soften. The rig then collapsed, snapping electrical cables which, in turn, fuelled a shower of sparks. The mammoth lake of oil caught fire and the well exploded into flames. Old-timers in the oil patch claim Atlantic #3 was the most spectacular well fire in Canadian history.

The coal miners in the Crowsnest Pass didn’t realize it at the time but the development of oil fields like Leduc was the beginning of the decline of an industry that was instrumental in making this province what it is today. 1948 was a banner year for mining in the Pass and the industry was at its phoenix during that time.

Extract from UMWA fatality list for Alberta miners - Kinnear photo Adanac Mine 55 ton Hayes hauler - Glenbow Archives

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Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 11

Coal Mine safety past and present JOHN KINNEAR 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 coal 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 mines to ensure the modern coal miner works in a safe environment.

This was not always the case. There was a time in the Crowsnest Pass and Elk Valley when injuries and fatalities were an accepted part of a miner’s life. This was back in the time when pretty well all coal mining occurred underground.

Italian Pete Rotella put it simply in 1967 after his amazing survival of the Balmer North blast that killed 15 men. Rotella was blown clean out of the mine and landed in the trees in the Michel Creek valley bottom.

Pete said: “A mine is a mine. You go in; you never know if you are going to come out”.

The most poignant evidence of how it was back then risk-wise can be found in a series of 14” by 22” ledger books in the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company archives stored in the basement of Fernie’s city hall. They are a remarkable compilation of accident records diligently kept over five decades by the company. The ledgers were printed with columns specifically laid out for this purpose and detail everything from 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 not indicated as there were so many of them so the word Fatal in an otherwise empty column jumps out at you.

It is aninteresting exercise to revisit these books and look at the nature and cause of accidents as it gives one a better appreciation of the hazards these men endured. The men who were charged with filling out these books faced, for the most part, an adjective challenge that would leave most medical types stymied.

The range of injuries and severity of accidents includes almost every descriptor in Webster’s dictionary. and included the likes of: severed, crushed, sprained, bruised, cut, frozen, fractured,twisted,ruptured,punctured and so on. These descriptors involved almost every single part of the human body, be it toes, legs, arms, ribs, ankles, backs, hands, eyes 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 struck that 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 #3796Date: 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, French and Ukrainian.

My 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 washhouse, the stables, the mines, the tipple, the machine shop or any other part of the Crowsnest Pass mines 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.

Table of accident record books at coal company archives in Fernie Extract from one of the books. - Kinnear photos

12 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

When everyone used coal JOHN KINNEAR We tend to forget that not so long ago it was coal and only coal that heated our houses, churches, schools and factories. Every place had to take delivery of a few tons now and then and coal was stored in sheds or shovelled down chutes into basements.

I recall while working for Manalta Coal in their Calgary office in 1972 that I had occasion to walk into the office of a man in charge of coal marketing for their subsidiary, the Great West Coal Company. One of his walls had a giant map of western Canada on it on which there were hundreds of color coded pins.

When I asked what they were for he informed me that they demarked all the places that the company shipped coal to. I was astounded at the implication and then got to thinking that, unlike here in the mountains, so many small prairie towns had no ready access to coal supplies and that coal would have to be shipped to

them.

This selling and shipping business was a part of the coal industry that had a lot of competitiveness connected to it and producers advertised their products across the prairie provinces in magazines and in the press regularly. Ads from different mines across Alberta promised cleaner (water washed) coals that were hotter burning and lower in ash. Coal was advertised as be-

ing available in various sizes from lump, nut, egg and pea. Lump was also referred to as cobble and meant anything over 4 inches in size. Brazeau Collieries at Nordegg (near Rocky Mountain House) claimed to have Canada’s most modern fuel, that being Brazeau briquettes. They were made with: “the most upto-date cleaning equipment” and it was stated that they were the perfect household fuel.

Alberta Coal Sales out of Edmonton sold Victory Coal which they claimed in their ads was free from dust had no fly ash and would be promptly delivered. Many Victory coals were oil-treated which they claimed made it ignite quickly and give good heat.

This type of coal was often referred to as oil stoker.

Michel coal was advertised as “Canada’s Highest Quality Steam Coal” and the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company ad showed a branch office in Winnipeg. It was not uncommon to see the name Winnipeg Supply and Fuel Company on buildings all across Western

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Canada. They helped facilitate the sale of a lot of different coals along with building materials like wood, brick, lime, Portland cement, fire brick and clay, sewer pipe and so on. At one time this company owned a lime kiln operation in the Pass. Those kilns are visible as you drive east through the Frank Slide on your right. Their head office was in Winnipeg but ads show them having agents in places like Yorkton, Edmonton, Regina and Saskatoon.

I recently discovered an ad for Hillcrest Mines steam coal in an old Spokane, Washington newspaper which showed more or less to what extent companies went to provide to far reaching markets what they all claimed was the finest steam coal around. CPR knew that mountain sub-bituminous coals usually delivered the highest heat value and when mined and cleaned properly could provide the best train coals.

West Canadian Collieries Bellevue and Greenhill coals were advertised as available in stoker, mine run, slack and furnace sizes and touted as top quality steam coals because they were “prepared and specially treated by the most up-to-date coal cleaning equipment in Western Canada.” They also offered what they called “Monitor Briquettes-the perfect household fuel.”

Canmore Mines advertised in 1952 that their “Nu-Seam” briquettes were weather proofed and dust-treated and was Canada’s hottest fuel. Coal companies usually had distinct trade names for their coal like Drumheller’s Atlas Coal Mine’s “Wildfire Coal.” Sometimes suppliers randomly painted pieces of their coal with bright paint to distinguish them from other products.

Bryan Mountain hard coal, south of Hinton in the old Coal Branch area, was sold as Phoenix Premium Elkhorn Stoker coal. Their ad said their coal was: “Now Available in New 2 inch by 12 inch Domestic Furnace Size.”

Lethbridge Collieries ads said: “Good Coal Makes Warm Friends” and sold Galt Mine Coal – “Burns All Night” and Cadillac Coal – “High In Heat.”

All across Western Canada coal products were marketed aggressively and with the assurance that theirs were the best burning, highest calorie and cleanest coals around.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 13

Online schools welcome students from across Alberta: Registration open for the 2023/24 school year NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter Summit Trails Online High School and Discovery Trails Online School are welcoming students from across Alberta to register for Grade 1 to 12 programs in 2023/24.

The schools, part of Rocky View School Division (RVS), said they are excited to welcome new students online for the next school year.

“We have built our online school community to be a supported, inclusive community where students can grow while following their own path,” said Dave Smith, principal of Summit Trails Online High School, “Summit Trails and Discovery Trails serve many types of students in many parts of the province, from those not comfortable in a traditional school to high-performance athletes.

Most of the students have joined the online school from urban and rural areas surrounding Calgary. More recently, some students are registering in the northern and southern parts of the province.

“Celebrating the unique diversity of our students has been an important part of building a positive and inclusive school culture,” said Smith, “Expanding our school community geographically is another opportunity to connect students with peers they wouldn’t have met otherwise and learn from each other.”

RVS’ online schools use a combination of real-time online video interaction and instruction, online activities/resources, pre-recorded videos and independent work.

Registration for the online schools is free for students in Alberta.

“Students have told us that were it not for our programs, they might not be successful in school,” said Bob Rodgers, principal of Discovery Trails, “Our teachers and administration work with students to ensure they get what they need from school, whether it is flexibility, support or simply space to be who they are.”

They explained the online schools were born out of necessity during the pandemic and became permanent schools soon after because of their success. The 2022/23 school year was the first one year they opened their virtual classrooms to all Alberta students. The schools offer opportunities to families who either do not have a fully online option with their local public school division or are looking for alternative options.

Each of the schools have their own culture and spirit, from the high school’s emphasis on mental health to Discovery Trail’s focus on exploring, learning and discovering.

“Our students have learned, grown and succeeded with us,” Smith said, “They are a diverse learning community and we are excited to watch them continue to flourish.”

For more information or to begin the registration and transfer process, visit www.rockyview.ab.ca/onlineschools.

Debate begins on Bill to Protect Farm Biosecurity (C-275, MP John Barlow) JOHN BARLOW PRESS RELEASE Ottawa (Ontario) - John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security, releases the following statement after the first hour debate of his Private Member’s Bill C-275, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act (biosecurity on farms) on May 8: “On May 1, I began the second reading of my Private Member’s Bill, C-275 which is An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act and preserve biosecurity on farms. This Bill will make it an offence to enter, without lawful authority or excuse, a place in which animals are kept if doing so could result in the exposure of the animals to a disease or toxic substance that is capable of affecting or contaminating them.

“After putting forward this Bill in the last Parliament, I have once again committed to protecting the biosecurity and health of animals in addition to our farmers and ranchers’ mental health by tabling Bill C-275. The protection of animals, farm families and workers will always be my priority when it comes to farms and processing facilities. It is becoming all too common for individuals or groups to trespass on farms and food processing facilities. This has the potential to cause massive biosecurity issues for animals and endanger the individuals who work with them.

“In its current state, this Act provides for the control of diseases and toxic substances that may affect animals or may be transmitted by animals to persons. However, the obligations and prohibitions presently apply in respect of the owner of the animals. Currently, there is nothing which addresses trespassers which is an oversight this bill aims to change.

“This Bill will in no way limit an individual’s right to peacefully protest on public property, but will increase the penalties for groups and organizations who encourage individuals to threaten the biosecurity of animals and workers. It is now more important than ever to protect Canada’s food supply as viruses like African Swine fever, Avian Flu and Foot and Mouth Disease are more prominent and present a real threat to Canadian agriculture and our food security. In the last Parliament, this Bill as C-205 was widely supported and still continues to be championed as a necessary measure to protect animal biosecurity by ranchers, food processors, farm groups and commodity organizations.

“Trespassing on farms and processing facilities affects so many individuals across our country. After hearing from a local family in my riding who owns a freerange turkey farm who were distraught after a number of protesters had trespassed on their farm, I am proud to push for positive change and defend the mental health of our farm families and protect the physical welfare of animals that comes from unlawful trespassing.”

When asked for comment on this bill, Roger Pelissero, the Chair of Egg Farmers of Canada showed support in stating, ‘Egg Farmers of Canada supports MP John

Photo taken from johnbarlowmp.ca

John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security.

Barlow’s bill to amend the Health of Animals Act. Canada’s more than 1,100 egg farmers follow comprehensive and rigorous food safety standards, which include strict biosecurity measures. The proposed amendments to the Health of Animals Act offer an avenue to further strengthen our overall food system by enhancing the measures in place to protect the health of farm animals across our country.’

In addition, Bill C-275 has seen widespread support from agriculture groups across the country, with Chair of National Cattle Feeders’ Association Michel Daigle stating, ‘The safety of producers, workers, and animals across Canada is paramount. NCFA appreciates the bill that MP Barlow is putting forward. It will provide protection and assure that our farms and ranches remain safe without risking the biosecurity we work so hard to maintain. Biosecurity measures ensure we can continue to produce safe, healthy food for Canada, and the world. Bills like this work to safeguard our farms from those seeking to compromise that safety by trespassing.’

Blairmore Lions trip of the month winners 1 - Bonny Harry of Coleman a 7 night Palm Springs, California trip for 2 valued at $2900.00 2 - Cindy Newman of Hillcrest a $200.00 Summit Home Hardware gift card 3 - Art Hoogstraten of Coleman a $120.00 Limber Pine gift certificate

14 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

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Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 15

PETER ANDREW HUCIK November 16, 1949 ~ April 28, 2023

Peter passed away suddenly April 28, 2023, getting his lawn mower ready for his summer passion – having the best-groomed lawn in the country. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Ilah; his children, Deena (grandchildren, Darius and Dakota), Tammy (Paul) (grandchildren, Zack and Kilah), and Kyle (Heather); his siblings, Louise Dalziel (Stewart) and Gerald Hucik (Tracey) and their families; brother-in-law, Norman Lee; sisters-in-law, Dianne, Bonnie (Aime), Nancy (Gary), their families, and many cherished others.

He was a man of many talents and through the years he re-invented himself from one career to the next and took on each of them with honesty, integrity, and pride.

Peter was a Petroleum Technologist and worked with Bryan Robertson in the “Oil Patch” and developed a lifelong friendship with him. We decided to come home to ranch and raise our family in the country. During that time, he was a volunteer Auxiliary with the RCMP for 7 years. We had Re-Fine Contracting working at the dam, he had several positions at Cowley Forest Products and ended his working life as a Realtor for 17 years, then retired in 2016 and we spent the last 7 years traveling, visiting friends, and enjoying life. We started traveling in 2001, never missing a year and gained some wonderful new friends, “our travelling buddies” from both Alberta and B.C. As we raised our family, we spent summer weekends camping in the gap and other local camping areas and never missed the Cowley Lundbreck Rodeo. We were also very involved in the kids sports in many capacities. The highlight of his life was the love and pride he had for his family, but he loved his friends and people in general always making a huge effort to keep in touch with them.

He will always be remembered with our love and cherished memories.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tracy Burton and all the nurses in the Pincher Creek hospital who took such good care of Peter, and Lorna for always being on top of things. Also, to the best neighbors one could have, Karen and Steve Rutledge, and Courtney who came immediately to our aid, and the EMS who did all they could with immense professionalism.

He was predeceased by his parents Jennie and Peter Hucik; sister-in-law, Mary Rose Lee; brother- in-law, Henk Zantinge; parents-in-law, Bob and Maxine Lee, and nephew, Randy Pigeon, and many cherished friends.

A Celebration of his life will be held at Pincher Creek Community Hall, 287 Canyon Dr, Pincher Creek, AB, on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Windy Slopes Foundation would be welcome, P.O. Box 2554, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0, (windyslopes.ca/donate).

RAYMOND JOSEPH PLAZA

Born on February 5th, 1955 in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta Canada, Raymond Joseph Plaza lost his brief battle with cancer on May 2nd, 2023.

He spent many years working tirelessly for the City of Calgary and the City of Saginaw and retired from the state of Michigan (MDOT).

He cherished and was beyond proud of his two son’s and his wife Carol. He is survived by his wife Carol (Nicole, Chris, Bryan), his sons Andrew (Adrienne) and Ryan, his sister Cheryl (Chris), Brothers Dennis (Diana), David (Sherri) and Ricky. His grandchildren Oliver (bigfoot), Oscar (littlefoot), Isaiah, many nieces and nephews, his great nieces Addalynn (little lemonade), Haven and great nephew Hayes and countless friends.

He will be greatly missed, his memory will live on through the people he touched.

In lieu of a celebration of life, you may donate to Raymond’s favorite charity (Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org)).

MARION JOSEPHINE NORMAN (Née: Reeves)

September 8, 1934 – April 5, 2023 It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of our dear mother Marion Norman, at the age of 88 years young, in the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre on April 05th, 2023.

Marion was predeceased by her beloved husband Verner Norman; parents Charlie and Mabel Reeves; brothers Wilfred and Wesley; Father and Mother-In-Law Albert and Julia Norman; Sis-ter-In-Law, Dagmar (Willy) Moller; nieces Marlys Knezacek and Brenda Peterson; and Brother-In-Law Fred Shiplack.

Our mother left us a “Record of Memories” where she told us the story of her life. She de-scribed being born on the family farm in Sheho, Saskatchewan as the best years of her early life where she developed her love for nature and all it had to offer. She also gained an appreci-ation for the things she learned from her parents on the farm, which made her into the hard-working and nurturing person we all knew her to be.

In 1954 she moved to Fort Qu’Appelle where she worked at Fort San. It was there that she met Verner, and in 1959 they were married. Together they began life and started their own family on the farm in Stockholm, Saskatchewan.

In 1970 they moved to Blairmore, Alberta, where Marion and Verner easily made lifelong friends. Mom had many interests and she liked to indulge her competitive nature through sporting events such as curling. She was always up for anything and had a great zest for life.

It was through these connections and her many interests and young-at-heart disposition, which led her to her future working opportunities. Mom was especially proud of her work at the hos-pital in Blairmore where she treasured not only the friends she made there, but the people she served in the community.

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Mom spent her senior years enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren, doing cross-word and jigsaw puzzles with her friends and family, and getting the most out of life as she could.

Left to celebrate her life are her children Danita (Kevin) Bradbury, and their son Colin (Danielle) and their children Rain and Ryland; their daughter Cheryl (Ben) and their children Penny and Dylan; and their son Andrew (Darcy) and their children Mason and Allie.

Son Darcy Norman and his daughter Shelby; and daughter Laurie Norman.

Sister Dorothy Shiplack; brother Richard (Marie Ann) Reeves; special friend Albert (Cathy) John-son and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Marion will be laid to rest later this summer in Stockholm, Saskatchewan.

“How lucky I am to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard”Winnie the Pooh In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation “Greatest Need”, Box 455 Blairmore, AB., T0K 0E0. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

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

16 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Local tourism association prepares for summer NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter A tourism association encompassing the southwestern Alberta area is hosting a pre-summer meeting in Pincher Creek on May 16. The South Canadian Rockies Tourism Association (SCR) is set to host an information exchange and get together at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (Pincher Creek Museum) from 6

YOU ARE HEARD

SENIORS DESERVE A POSITIVE FUTURE TOO The Alberta Party will

• Focus on preventative care

and keeping our Seniors as independent as possible

• Provide enhanced access

to financing to develop community-led, affordable housing solutions for Seniors

KE VI N TODD PROVEN PRACTICAL PRINCIPLED

• Develop a caregiver tax credit

to support in home care services provided by family

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AGM

BELLECREST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PLACE: BELLECREST SENIORS CENTER DATE: MONDAY MAY 15,2023 TIME: 6:00 P.M ELECTION OF OFFICERS

to 8 p.m., with the location of the meeting alternating each year.

“We're relatively new and there are so many people who don't quite understand what we do and why we're needed,” explained Dawn Rigby, treasurer of the SCR and local tourism operator.

The meeting of tourism operators was originally sponsored in the Crowsnest Pass by Community Futures around a decade ago, explained Rigby. Since the invention of the SCR, this will be the first time they have held the meeting.

“This year it's combined because it's regional. Tourism operators and SCR are trying really hard to take a regional approach because each of the communities in this particular region has different things to offer visitors,” said Rigby.

She talked about the variety of activities each of the different communities in the southern Rockies have to offer and how they can supplement each other's accommodations. For the SCR to do this, they have become a “destination management organization” which is an evolution of the original destination marketing organization.

“We do more than just advertise the community. We set up for our members different training programs, we market the area, we have different buy-in programs for members and others to promote their own businesses,” said Rigby.

She said the SCR also works closely with Travel Alberta and the Indigenous Council of the Piikani Nation. Other ties to the association include Pincher Creek, Waterton and Castle Mountain. Rigby said this is important because this area is still “young” in terms of tourism in the area.

“It's still a very young area in comparison to the legacy areas like Banff, they've been doing this for 100 years. We're kind of new to this scenario,” added Rigby.

An example she used is how the Crowsnest Pass is short accommodations, but Pincher Creek is short activities for people to do. For the business operators, she said a two or three-night stay is better than an afternoon visit. To attract guests and keep them in the area longer they decided it is best to take a regional approach.

"Today's society is very mobile. It's easy enough to stay in the Crowsnest Pass and go to Waterton for a day trip,” said Rigby, “[We want] to try and get them to stay in this region and visit all of our accommodations and keep them here for a [few] days.”

For any businesses concerned about entering the tourism association, Rigby reinforced it is a “grassroots organization” with the push coming from within the communities. For anyone wishing to learn more or contact the association, visit southcanadianrockies.ca or email info@southcanadianrockies.ca.

Come to the Crowsnest Historic Society AGM CHRIS MATTHEWS - CEO Heritage Crowsnest The Crowsnest Historical Society invites you to join them on May 28 at 2pm for their annual AGM and speaker series. The event will take place in the lovely Country Encounters Front Venue.

This year we are pleased to welcome Dr. Frits Pannekoek to speak on his very interesting project “Alberta’s New History”.

Frits has been Alberta’s Director of Historic Sites for Alberta for 25 years, the Director of Information Resources (Library Archives and Museums) at the University of Calgary for 9 years, President of Athabasca for 9 years, and is currently Professor of History and Heritage Studies at Athabasca University.

His passion there is to develop an online Alberta History course that will provoke and set new directions for thinking about Alberta. He has been working on the project for a while now, and has collaborated with a cartoonist, Ed Wiens, to illustrate some of his newer more radical ideas. So on the 28th of May you will be the first to see and hear about a different vision of Alberta’s past. Perhaps Alberta was after all the most innovative, the most politically radical and the most caring of any place in Canada? Or perhaps not? There will be twenty 9 by 12 cartoons which Frits will donate to the museum as well as one his own painting drawn from one of the cartoons. This is a talk that you will not want to miss.

We hope to see you at this year’s AGM and presentation. Remember, you need to be an active member of the Crowsnest Historical Society to vote in the AGM. All membership dues support the Crowsnest Museum.

(You can purchase memberships at the door or in advance at www.crowsnestmuseum.ca/annual-memberships)

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 17

Looking Back

BY JOHN KINNEAR

The Road Home Colton’s Journey I would like to share a story with you. A story of a game changing accident and a journey that has just begun for a young man named Colton Knowles. I thought it would be significant to let it unfold in the words of Colton’s mother who got the phone call where she heard the words every mother dreads. “There has been an accident”.

In this case it was a motor vehicle accident in Chilliwack, BC, that had catastrophic consequences for Colton. His mother, Kym Howse, is that remarkable person who transformed the old Coleman Catholic Church into a spectacular holiday home while maintaining most of this churches’ integrity. So I would like to walk you through her postings as she was plunged into the world of a literally paralyzing event.

Her first Face book post was on April 9 and reads as follows, “Things can change in an instant. I’ve really come to know this phrase intimately this last week. On Tuesday April 3rd, my Colton was in a devastating car crash in BC. He is in critical care in Vancouver general hospital. This was a phone call that I never imagined getting and still am processing. Colton had a major spinal injury, and a severed spinal cord, so he is now paralyzed from the sternum down. We are so thankful that he still has the use of his arms.

He has a long road ahead of him. But Colton is a fighter, and he will be able to overcome this. Colton has no financial cushion, and has so many expenses ahead of him. @maxhowse has started a gofundme to help us provide for Colton’s care.

I hope together we can show Colton that he can move on from these challenges and be his best version still. Please send your best vibes and prayer and Buddha chants… whatever you’ve got, we will take them! Thank you for thinking of my boy, thank you so much. Kym.” The GoFundMe was organized by Colton’s younger brother Max Knowles. Max reached out himself in a post with a plea and a link to the funding page. There I found a very cogent overview of what lay ahead for Colton that outlined the challenges physically and financially that he faced. Of course it was extremely important to Max that he be there for his brother in whatever way he could. Part of it reads, “Colton, who loves to skateboard and always strived to be physically active, will now be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Luckily, Colton retains full mobility in his arms, and with support and encouragement can learn to be self-sufficient and lead a healthy and happy life.

Colton has a long road ahead of him. Once he starts his rehabilitation he will have many new expenses; a wheelchair, adaptive equipment, physiotherapy, and more. Currently, our mother Kym is supporting Colton as he begins his recovery under the care of the medical team at Vancouver General Hospital. The travel and accommodation costs for Kym to be by his side already present a large financial burden. When Colton is well enough, the goal is to move him to Calgary, where his family and support system are based. However, Colton will face unique transport needs due to the nature of his injuries — presenting another cost to him and the family. As Colton begins his new life supported by his network of family and friends in Calgary, he faces more costs to pay for everyday living expenses, accessible housing, home support, and other ongoing therapeutical costs.

Because of his injuries, he will not be able to return to his work in construction — a career where he had acquired great abilities, gained confidence, and earned the admiration of supervisors for his exceptional work.” Max realized quickly that for Colton to have the ability to concentrate on his recovery and be able to retrain and find his new passion and place in this new world the fundraiser was critically important.”

He went on to say that, “Colton deserves a chance. A chance to live a full and happy life and be a son, a brother, and a friend. If there is one person who is up to this challenge, it’s Colton. Growing up, Colton taught me the value of resilience in the face of adversity — and more importantly than anything, taught me the importance of being there for those you love.”

On April 11th Kym updated his condition with the following note, “Day eight.

- Colton continues to show his strength. After a scary day yesterday where he suffered a pulmonary embolism, he spent the day and night being poked and prodded and having CT scans and an MRI to rule out any extra bleeding. He has not been stable enough to move from critical care, but this afternoon he was pretty excited about home-made BBQ and enjoyed a good dinner. He is very thankful for the support of everyone and is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. He is focused and determined to keep improving. I would like to also thank everyone, I’m so grateful to have the ability to be here with him. I’m so proud of Max and Maybry who have just been so strong and focused on their big brother.

Cont’d on Page 18

18 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

The Road Home Colton’s Journey cont’d On April 17 Kym’s post revealed how tricky Colton’s recovery was and her thoughts on moving forward. It reads, “Colton continues to heal, it is a slow progress, it’s tough, as so much of it is internal, and with broken ribs and cracked sternum etc any little move, even breathing can be extremely painful. We are hoping this week he will transition out of critical care. They are keeping a close eye on a spinal bleed around his neck, as he is on blood thinners to protect him against another embolism, but it is stable, and not showing any sign of change. All good news.

Our family has been advocating for Colton to be flown back to Calgary, as he has no supports in Vancouver. While the medical team does agree that Colton’s recovery would be more supported in Calgary, neither the Alberta health ministry nor B.C’s will cover the cost of transport. The quotes we have received to this point are about 21k. This being the case, and the medical facility in Vancouver being of an equally high calibre, we’ve decided that rather than spend Colton’s “go fund me” trust on transport, it makes more sense for me to relocate for the duration of his rehabilitation, and then move him back. (The trust will be much more valuable in helping him set his new life up) We are still focused on facilitating the transport, as Colton will likely still be in hospital for at least two to three more weeks, before he moves into a rehabilitation program.

At one point Kym flew back to Calgary for a break and shared some very profound thoughts regarding community, “It was very hard to leave Colton. Colton has been overwhelmed by everyone’s support and the kindness and generosity of people he may never have even met. He hasn’t processed his injuries entirely, and we know it’s a long road ahead, but it has given him an opportunity to feel hopeful.

I, maybe even more, have felt so grateful to all of you. I was so touched by so many people reaching out with words of encouragement and kindness. I have certainly felt buoyed and strengthened by all of it.

Bad things are ubiquitous, they happen all the time. There is no plan, or reason… I certainly understand this, spending eight hours a day on a spinal injury wing with multiple rooms, all full. The world tends to stop turning when it’s you or your family or loved ones that have been affected. How dare someone be running along the sea wall… or celebrating a birthday in the park?

As the days go by, I am able to realize we’re all just trying to get through it.

This life. We don’t know everyone’s story. And the people we love, their stories, we are lucky to be able to step in and participate. Raise a glass, offer a shoulder, or walk with them in grief. I know the reasons and the sentiment behind some of the donations, both large and small; they are equally as heartfelt and important. I don’t know the stories of the majority of them, but I know they all share one common belief, Community. And that is what we have created. Max laid the cornerstone and all of you created a community. A place that shows Colton how important he is and that we believe in him. For this I have no end to my gratitude. We go onward; we learn to live with our new normal. And perhaps most importantly, we continue to pay it forward.

April 26th- There was no support from Alberta to get Colton back home where he needed to be and of this Kym writes, - “I am so proud of my boy. He truly is a champion. He is trying so hard. You can see his drive. He gives 100 per cent in his daily physio. This 26 year young man is on his journey back from a catastrophic spinal injury that has forever changed his life.

His surgeon and rehabilitation doctor, as well as the psychiatrist, have all written letters saying he should be in Alberta, where his home and family are. This is a key component to his successful recovery. In fact they have all said if he remains here, a place where he has nothing, and knows no one, it will impede his recovery, (one of the team wrote), “I am convinced that this initial, relatively small financial outlay, will pale compared to the enormous financial, emotional, physical and societal cost of inaction.

Kym goes on to say, “We continue to work on getting Colton back to Calgary.

And we have so much support and encouragement from so many people I know it will happen. This month, amongst other things, has certainly taught me patience, anthe importance of just going day by day. So we wait. Onward! It’s truly inspiring to see how a life can be changed and a community can be strengthened. My gratitude is endless, and I am overwhelmed to think of how Colton’s life will have this foundation to start from, truly, where there was nothing, roots are taking hold. It’s a beautiful thing, and you all have done this.”

On May 6 the break came that they needed. Vancouver General agreed to cover half the transport and a bed was found at Foothills and that very day Colton was loaded onto a medical transport plane and brought home. So there will still be a tremendous amount of personal cost for the family moving forward and it is heartening to see that so many (145 so far) have pitched in to the fund, which now has about 20 per cent of its goal. The Recovery Fund link is. https://gofund.me/ d1025a2c.

Remember, as Kym said, bad things are ubiquitous. It brings to mind something that an 8-year-old girl said to me years ago,who raised, by herself, $45 towards a new swimming pool fund in Fernie. She said, “I can’t do everything, but I can do something and if everyone does something, everything will get done”

Kym Howse Photos

Page 17, Top: Early recovery days. Middle: “The kid with the appetite of a bear.”

Bottom: Leaning into physiotherapy.

Page 18, Top: Kym and Colton at Vancouver General. Bottom: Coming home to a new beginning.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 19

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20 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, May 10, 2023

New research shows Canadians prefer in-person shopping ALBERTA WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION Press Release A new research study examining How Geography Impacts Shopping Patterns, Habits and eCommerce was recently released by AdWest Marketing,the media research and planning support arm of the community newspapers associations on the prairies.

“There is a belief that shopping habits have shifted away from bricks and mortar Paid for by the Chelsae Petrovic Campaign

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shopping to online commerce due to the pandemic,” explains AdWest Advertising Director Jeff Beardsworth. “This mirrors the belief that engagement with newspapers is also shifting online.” But the research finds that location and size of the community have a more significant influence on in-person and online shopping habits.

While previous media consumption studies under the ‘How Geography Impacts…’ banner confirmed that a transition to online engagement is underway, it’s happening at very different rates and for different reasons in urban Canada than in smaller rural markets.

The urban-rural internet divide creates significant disparities in high-speed internet service and accessibility, affecting how people use the internet in rural areas.

When it comes to media engagement, residents in rural markets are very traditional in their consumption habits, whether reading a printed newspaper over visiting a website or watching network television instead of streaming a show on Netflix. The new research explores whether the same pattern exists as far as how rural people shop compared to their urban counterparts.

While there are contrasts between urban and rural populations regarding how often people shop for various types of products/services and the amount of money spent on in-person versus online shopping, one somewhat surprising similarity stands out, according to Beardsworth. “It’s very clear that if given a choice between shopping in-person for products and services or buying them online, citing reasons like ‘wanting to support local’ and ‘convenience,’ Canadians would much rather purchase something from a person than a computer screen.”

When asked about the value to advertisers, Beardsworth indicated that the benefits would be two-fold. “For larger, national advertisers, the results confirm that rural audiences differ from urban ones. We’ve seen it with how they consume media and now we’re seeing it in how they shop. Advertisers need to be aware that their strategies for connecting with rural audiences should differ from urban communication strategies, perhaps following a more traditional approach.

The results reaffirm that people genuinely want to buy products and services locally. As far as local advertisers are concerned, they should focus on nurturing and catering to that desire. Advertisers should use the platforms that are most likely to inspire an in-store visit, and local printed newspapers are at the top of that list.

In addition to examining frequency of visits to certain store types or store websites, the study, conducted in January 2023, also reveals the sources that people use to purchase various products and services. Also available are engagement levels with different media platforms, including the print, e-edition and posted content website versions of their local newspaper.

To view the results or learn more about the study, commissioned by AdWest, conducted by Totum Research Inc., and funded in part by the Department of Canadian Heritage, visit: https://adcanadamedia.ca/2023-adwest-how-geography-impacts-shopping-habits.

East Kootenay Mining Industrial Safety Association 100th Mine Rescue Competition Saturday, May 13, 2023 Sparwood Leisure Centre Sparwood, BC 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Teams will be tested in multiple focus areas, including mock emergency sets.

This event is open for public viewing.

Come out and cheer on these incredible teams.