Volume 1 Issue 14

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Volume 1 Issue 14

Your source for weekly news and views in the Robson Valley

Locals awarded millions in labour ruling Carrier Lumber Ltd. must respond to decision this week Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

A B.C. Labour Relations Board decision could mean more cash in the pockets of an estimated 130 former employees of the Valemount sawmill, after Carrier Lumber Ltd. lost an appeal to the labour board.

The ruling could force Carrier to dish out millions in severance pay to members

of United Steelworkers Local 1-417 who were laid off in 2006 and never re-hired.

If Carrier does not appeal to the Supreme Court by Sept 15, the company will have to arrange payment for every employee laid off between 2006 and 2009, the value of 10 days pay for every year they were employed by the mill.

For long-standing employees, that could

mean upwards of $70,000. Warren Oja, Financial Secretary for Steelworkers Local 1-417 has reported the total amount paid out would likely be just above $5 Million.

The Valemount sawmill had been in operation for half a century when it shut down in 2006 due to pressures on the logging industry.

Carrier Lumber took over the mill from

Northwest Specialty Lumber in May 2006, after Northwest had laid off most of its employees Carrier President Bill Kordyban says his company, operating under the name Valemount Forest Products, kept a dozen staff to maintain the plant while it attempted to re-open operations. It never did, and in 2009, Carrier announced the permanent closure of the mill. Cont’ A6

Geothermal industry steams over lack of government drive Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Submitted Bathers relax in the cloud-blue pools of an Icelandic geothermal operation. Canadian companies have been forced to invest outside of Canada, due to undeveloped regulations regarding its production.

While most other industrialized nations with any kind of geothermal power potential have long-since opened up properties to geothermal investors, multiple Canadian geothermal industry sources say that Canada is lagging far behind.

Magma Energy Corp. is one of several leading Canadian geothermal corporations. The Vancouver based corporation is listed on the TSX, but if one views their portfolio, something is missing: Canadian assets.

“We as a company did try to do projects in British Columbia, and we are not the only ones. Practically ever other company that has been through Vancouver or is still here has tried to do projects here.

But without permits, it’s impossible to legally have a geothermal project,” says Alison Thompson, VP Corporate Relations for Magma.

The Ministry of energy, mines, and petrolum resources has only allowed one permit option since 2004. The ‘Knight Inlett” property was purchased by Sierra Geothermal Power Corp., also a Vancouver-based corporation, in March of 2010.

Cont’ A6

More Inside:

Curbside recycling picks up

Banff Film Fest reaches Valley

A2 Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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Temporary power boosts village Locals to climb Mt. Terry Fox for 30th year of Terry Fox run Long-term answer to outages may not come for several years: B.C. Hydro Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com Three back-up generators will soon be nestled in McBride, as B.C. Hydro installs its newest plan to keep lights on in the village.

The 4.5 MW project is comprised of three 1.5 MW units. The third unit will only be dispatched during peak load times, such as winter, says Bob Gammar of B.C. Hydro.

Gammar says the power system around McBride is prone to longer outages because electricity must travel a long distance on a radio line. The community is fed power on a one-circuit line that runs from the Valemount sub-station to Dome Creek. The radio line that goes to Valemount comes from Kamloops.

The source of the outages are “source outages” he says, meaning loss of supply from the Valemount sub-station on the distribution line that runs to McBride.

Another problem are trees breaking the line’s connection.

Since there’s no power line coming from another direction, if one part of the

lines goes down no other line picks up the slack, he says.

The station could be there for several years as the Hydro Task Force works out a long-term plan to address lengthy power outages, Gammar says. The generators were seen as a temporary solution by the task force, comprised of Mayor Mike Frazier, local IPP developers, and B.C. Hydro representatives.

McBride B.C. is the only municipality in B.C. outfitted with temporary backup generators such as the ones being installed.

“This is a unique situation,” Gammar says. “We don’t have any plans to apply this situation to other communities.”

Crews have been busy at the village maintenance yard installing power poles and constructing the new building that will house the generators as part of the project to improve the reliability of power for McBride. The building is now substantially complete, the Village says, and the new generators are being tested in Surrey.

Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com The iconic image of Terry running along long and lonely roads during the 143 days of his Marathon of Hope does not convey the full picture of that historic effort. Around him were hundreds, even thousands of Canadians lining those very roads cheering Terry on and taking inspiration from his example.

When Terry recognized that he would not be able to complete his marathon, he instead passed on his mission to those Canadians who kept him going day after day. He knew before his death that there would be an annual Terry Fox Run in cities, towns, hamlets and villages across the country.

Nearly 30 years later, Canadians adopted Terry’s mission of finding a cure for all cancers with an enthusiasm and passion that has done him proud. In keeping with the approach of its founder, The Terry Fox Run (1981 - ) is an innovative and volunteer-led event, all-inclusive, non-competitive, with no corporate sponsorship, incentives or fundraising minimums.

It has become a fall tradition in Canada to gather your friends and family, lace on

your shoes, bring our pledge sheets and attend your favourite Terry Fox Run site, where Organizers have no budget for expenses but have unlimited appreciation for your attendance!

The Annual Run in Canada is usually hosted on the second Sunday after Labour Day, the month chosen by Terry to reflect when he had to stop running and when Canadians had to start.

In Valemount the Terry Fox 30th anniversary weekend is happening Sept18-19.

Sept 18 - Yellowhead Outdoor Recreation Association hike up Mount Terry Fox 7:30am – 6:30pm Meet at the highway 5 Terry Fox Pull-out @ 7:30am Bring: Lots of water (there’s no water until you get near the peak), lunch, warm clothes and rain gear. Elevation gain: 5,700’ Length: 9km one-way, approx.

11hrs return if weather permits access to the peak. For those wanting to do part of the hike you can choose your turn around.

Sept 19th - YORA-Terry Fox walk around the marsh, 1pm – 4pm Meet in front of Best Western Valemount Inn and Suites @1p.m. Approx. 6km, 2-3hrs. *pledge sheets available both days

Churches invite communities to imagine future of ministry The Robson Valley Shared Anglican/ United Ministry will be holding a series of three special vision events over the next three months at Dunster Community Hall. The first will take place this Sept.

18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The others will follow in October and November.

Everyone in the Robson Valley is invited to join in.

The Reverend Susan Hutchinson will be leading the process. Hutchinson is the Anglican priest who was recently

appointed Interim Ministry Developer to the shared ministry, which includes both Anglicans and United church-goers who worship together in Valemount and McBride.

Through this process the ministry will be exploring values and identity. Later it will go on to envision the ministry in the future and make concrete plans to get there, Hutchinson says. This is an important stage in the process before the ministry calls a new permanent minister.

Curbside recycling picks up speed in Blue River Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com Empty ice cream buckets, yogurt containers, paper and metal are now being picked up at the curbside in Blue River thanks to a Thompson-Nicole Regional district and electoral area initiative.

“We’re getting really good buy-in,” says Don May, manager of Environmental Health Services for the district.

Since August 12, residents have used their 240-litre carts and businesses their 360-litres carts to dispose of recyclable waste at the curbside each week.

The district has partnered with the Bluer River Improvement District, which has

hired drivers to man upgraded collection trucks.

The initiative is being funded through an extra tax, but is projected to decrease waste by 30 per cent, in terms of weight and 50 per cent in terms in volume.

Some items are not accepted for curbside pick-up such as electronics, plastic toys, Styrofoam, batteries, yard waste, and oil or liquid products.

Large quantities of cardboard should also be taken directly to the Blue River transfer station.

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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Dunster students crack books in canvas tents Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

A sense of pride seemed to sweep through the small crowd of protesters as Dunster Fine Arts School parent Terry Cinnamon peeled off the covers of black vinyl lettering on the new bus. “Dunster Fine Arts School” the crowd read aloud, with approval and hope beaming from their faces.

While the bus will continue to deliver determined Dunster students to the school site they are accustomed to, a new building facility is putting a new spin on the definition of a “rural choice school”.

“Right now we have an electric heater. The plan is to set up a little wood stove,” says volunteer teacher Sharon Stearns. Stearns says she is one of about six community volunteers who are taking turns teaching and assisting about nine students on their new home school curriculum. Dunster Fine Arts School had an enrolment of 27 students last year before the school district ruled to shut it down.

The walls are white and made of canvas.

While it is certainly not the first wall tent school, the new floor space for the Dunster Fine Arts School is considerably smaller than the boarded up facility lying just 50 feet away.

“We set up the tent on the General Store property as close to the old school as we could,” says Stearns.

Reactions from eager students are filled with excitement.

“I thought it was going to be fun,” says student Carrie Marlowe.

“I thought it would be really exciting, even before I knew it was going to be a tent,” says student Saeda Rose. “But I hope we get the school back before it snows.”

Meanwhile outside the entrance for the Dunster Fine Arts School property, parents have erected another tent as an info booth.

“At the meetings in March, they suggested that we would do well with the ‘Wells Model’. It was their suggestion. The Wells school was purchased for $1. We offered them $10.

They came back with an offer for an enormous amount of money, and we hear that they were just going to bulldoze the building anyway,” says Dave Macdonald.

The information tent is strategically placed only six inches from the school property line. It is also a drive-through tent so as not to block vehicle access to the school.

Parents, students and staff of the Dunster Fine Arts School have been locked out of the building since June when the school Photo: Joe Nusse district shut the doors permanently to the choice school serving 30 students.

“We notified the School Board that we would be back for September,” says parent Seth Macdonald.

The highlight of the first day of school was not in the classroom however. A fair collection of community members also gathered for potluck lunch, and to hear Rural School Activist Will VanOsch give some advice.

VanOsch drove up from Forest Grove, near 100 Mile House, specifically to support the Dunster cause.

“You’re going to get your school back, that’s a viable thing,” says VanOsch. The crowd applauds this remark.

“During the Great Depression they ran rural schools. Centralized schools do not work. You can’t see the Christmas concert; you can’t volunteer in the classroom.”

VanOsch is not just a man of words. He is now a school board trustee with School District 27. But in 2004 he was one of several

Forest Grove residents who defied a School Board decision to close their school. Civil disobedience followed in the form of a sit in.

Eventually, VanOsch says the protest turned into a legal and procedural battle. When parties agreed to negotiate, Forest Grove parents bought the school for one dollar, and for a while ran the school themselves.

But when school board elections came around, voter apathy was not even a word in Forest Grove, and VanOsch found himself in a Trustee’s position. Soon after, Forest Grove Elementary once again became a fully-funded public school. While VanOsch says he sees the re-opening of Dunster’s school as possible with persistence, he can note one major difference between districts.

“In School District 27, school trusties are elected by zones. In, School District 57 elections are general.”

The result is schools are not necessarily

represented by someone from their area.

Dunster parents have offered the school district $10 as a token with the hope of having the chance to run their own school as Forest Grove did initially. The offer has been countered by the school board, asking for around $40,000.

In Forest Grove, the battle took about two and a half years; the school was occupied for about six weeks. It cost $380,000 to close the school. Forest Grove bought their school back for one dollar, says VanOsch.

Both sides now feel that they are at an impasse. However, an in-camera meeting on Sept. 16 with Brian Mix, School Board Secretary Treasurer, in McBride has some Dunster parents hopeful, although guarded.

At a meeting Monday night, the Dunster Fine Arts School Society decided to stick to the game plan, and prepare for whatever might come of Thursday’s meeting.

Nusse Construction Basements to roofing Bathrooms and decks Renovations and retrofits If you need a job done right, put 35 years of experience to work for YOU!

Professional woodworking shop Completely self-equipped Concrete forms

Call 250-566-4840, ask for Tim

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Letters

Dear Editor.

For many years I have traveled through Valemount stopping the occasional time for a meal and once in a while staying overnight on my way to Edmonton.

My first time here was back in the early 1970’s when I ran out of gas and had to sleep at the pumps of the old Esso station.

I always thought it was a lovely place to stop and felt that one day I would really like to come visit and stay a few days.

This past summer I finished my contract at the Army Cadet Camp in Vernon and headed directly to Valemount with my 5th wheel in tow. I was going to make it happen – Valemount here I come!

I arrived on Sunday August 29th and booked into Irvine’s for three nights.

Those three nights turned into 14 days.

Once I got here and began to settle in I realized how nice it was, how beautiful the scenery was and how relaxed I got.

After two months of looking after cadets aged 13 to 18 plus all the staff I had under me, RVing in Valemount was a great way to decompress. Once I learned about the Canoe Train Crash and the planned memorial, I decided to get my Canadian Forces uniform back out of the box and stay the extra week to take part in the ceremony. Today was a very moving and

New Zealand ‘Mum’ says Thank You appropriate service to commemorate the accident. Well done to Branch 266!

The reason for this letter is to thank the folks of this great village and community. I met new friends with Les and Terri Dammann and others at the Legion.

I also want to thank the staff at the IGA and the Gathering Tree for their kind service on my sometimes daily visits. At the ‘Tree’ I felt I was in my own living room and I wish you success. Thanks to all whom I met or who waved as I rode my bike around town. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Irvine’s and I will certainly recommend the RV Park to my friends. I felt welcomed and enjoyed meeting you.

You have many advantages having a small community over what the ‘big city’ is like now. I hope you appreciate the peace, quiet and laid-back atmosphere.

I thank all of you for welcoming me to your community in Valemount and I will certainly come back and stay again in the future.

I was thrilled to be sent a copy of the great photo of the International Students currently studying in Valemount, as the mum (we say mum instead of mom in New Zealand, its a British thng!) of one of the students there, I just wanted to say thank so much to everyone for the wonderful hospitality, kindness and friendly welcomes that Ben my son has recieved since arriving. Biggest thanks has to be to the wonderful Kenkel Family, Ben’s Canadian mom and dad who have opened their home to allow him the opportunity to be part of a great community. Though it is a big journey for someone who has just turned 15 he is just absolutely loving the experience, so much so he thinks we need to move to Valemount as soon as

we can!! I am looking forward to visiting you all in late January too say hi and thank you personally Arohanui (much love always) Peta-Marie McLeod

Do you know of a new business?

Is there some business news the Valley should know about?

Sincerely, Ted Usher New Westminster BC & St George Utah.

Give us a call 250-566-4606

The Rocky Mountain Goat is distributed free weekly Office: 1070, 5th Avenue, Valemount British Columbia

Laura Keil

Telephone: (250) 566-4606 E-mail: jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com, or lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com Web-site: www.therockymountaingoat.com Mail Address: Box 21, Valemount BC, V0E 2Z0

Co-Owner Editor/Reporter lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Joseph Nusse

Co-Owner Publisher/Sales jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

The Rocky Mountain Goat is produced and distributed by ‘The Rocky Mountain Goat News’ and is subject to copyright. Reproduction, or distribution of any article, photo, or other content must recieve prior consent from Joseph Nusse (Co-Owner/ Publisher) or Laura Keil (Co-Owner/Editor).

Illustrations by Luke Siemens

The Rocky Mountain Goat is a free distribution newspaper serving a population base of approximately 4,000 residents in Blue River to Valemount, McBride to Dome Creek.

Convenience Mail Delivery Subscription For questions, call The Goat at (250) 566-4606, or e-mail jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Robson Valley ($70/Year) Subscriber’s Name: P.O. Box #: Street Address: City/Province/Country: Postal/Zip Code:

Within Canada ($90/Year)

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Please check off the appropriate boxes, fill out all of the lines, cut out the form along the dotted line, and mail with a cheque, or money order to: Subscription The Rocky Mountain Goat Box 21 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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Blue River hosts first backcountry course for youth Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com In an effort to train young adults in backcountry skills close to home, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing hosted the first annual Junior Summer Glacier Course last weekend.

The course, designed by the Canadian Ski Guide Association as an introduction to rock and rope skills, gives a basis for future backcountry learning, says Wiegele media spokesperson Michelle Meerse, and contributes to a new generation of backcountry enthusiasts and guides.

Endorsing youth programs is something Mike Wiegele says he believes is essential in small communities. His company hosts several youth camps throughout the year.

“I have seen so many children grow up and leave their rural community in order Submitted Photo Photo (from left to right): Neil Farren, Nyall Hawkins, Niels Graham, Jaime Fehr, Alex to find work – why not provide them with the skills and experience to stay close to Byrd, Andy Aufschnaiter, Mitchell Graham, Alex McLean. The seven students and two their friends and families?” says Mike instructors did rock climbing and rope skills over the course of the weekend course, sponsored by Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and the Canadian Ski Guide Association. Wiegele. “The fact that they have fun and get such an amazing experience is just the icing on the cake.”

Free Grade 8 park passes never arrive Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Last May, over 400,000 national park passes were supposed to be distributed to Grade 8 students across the country – but for some reason, School District 57 was left off of the mailing list when the passes were sent out across the nation last spring.

Staff at McBride and Valemount Secondary Schools and the school district are now making sure the free passes and teacher packages – which are valid until April of 2011 – do come in, even if a little late.

“I am looking into it immediately,” says Brian Pepper, Superintendent for Schools,

in a phone interview.

Thea Mitchell, representative for Parks Canada, says the error was Parks Canada’s and that if schools want to receive the free passes and packages, they should contact them.

The pass will provide free access for students to 27 national parks and 68 national historic sites that charge fees and that are administered by Parks Canada. The pass will also provide discount incentives for the kids to visit with their families.

“It is a great opportunity to encourage young Canadians to learn about Canada,” says Federal Member of Parliament Cathy

81-year-old Gibsons woman

An Airdrie man who was camping near Jasper National Park over the labour day weekend has not been in touch with family or friends for more than a week, prompting the RCMP to launch a missing persons file.

Jordan Darda, 20, who police say is an experienced camper, was expected home Sept. 6. Darda is described as Caucasian, medium build, brown hair, and hazel eyes.

Airdrie RCMP say he was camping alone and not equipped for this length of an outing. His black Ford Ranger is also missing.

If anyone has information on Darda’s whereabouts, contact Jasper RCMP at 780-852-4848.

RCMP are asking for the public’s help after Gibsons resident May Milling has reportedly gone missing in that area.

The 81-yearold woman was last seen leaving a B&B in Jasper at 8:30 a.m. Sept.

2nd and did not arrive at a friend’s home in Kamloops later that day as expected.

Jasper RCMP conducted a two-day search of the 400 km stretch between Jasper and Kamloops on Highways 16 and 5, which link the two towns and flew above the area in helicopter.

Webb said there is nothing to suggest foul play and RCMP are treating Milling as a missing person.

Webb said Milling has a cell phone,

Women be Whole

Ladies, consider yourself worthwhile by taking the time to come away and “be”, with other women survivors. Come and allow yourself to be encouraged, strengthened and and reinforced. Let this conference be “about you!”

Things can change for you too, and you do not have to do it all on your own.

McLeod. “It will be interesting to see what the uptake is.”

The free passes are still valid for those who were in Grade 8 in April of 2010.

In addition to free passes for this school year’s Grade 9 students, the program ofFri. Oct. 15 - Sat. Oct. 16 fers free school trips to this year’s Grade Registration begins 5:30 p.m.

8 classes as well. Parks Canada encourConference begins 7:00 p.m. ages teachers to look through packages Best Western Hotel - Valemount, B.C. designed to promote field trips to national (Eagles Room) 1950 S Hwy 5 250 - 566 - 0086 parks and historic sites across the nation travel west of Valemount on Highway # 5 Mitchell says once schools have contacted Parks Canada, they will be on their mailing list for annual promotions and Early Bird Registration - $50.00 per person $65.00 after Sept. 15, 2010 to registration day packages sent out each April.

Missing persons sought in Jasper, Robson Valley 20-year old Airdrie camper

Seven participants, aged 11-21, came from Blue River, Clearwater, and Kamloops and paid $20 for the three-day course. They tutored under Mike Wiegele heli-ski guides Tim McLean and Andy Aufschnaiter.

After a day of learning the basics at the indoor climbing wall in Blue River, the group took to the snowy woods to learn various knots and applicable anchoring systems, testing their new skills along the bluffs by the Monashee Hut. The lucky participants spent the night at the hut and re-capped their day’s adventures over cups of steamy hot chocolate. The last day was spent back on the bluffs with challenging activities and games.

Organizers say the course was such a great success that the Canadian Ski Guide Association has already started planning a similar event for next summer.

All ski guides employed at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing are certified by Canadian Ski Guide Association.

which appears to not be activated and her vehicle was equipped with OnStar, which the company has not been able to locate.

Webb said police will monitor Milling’s bank accounts in hopes that recent activity may provide information to her whereabouts.

Milling drives a blue 2009 Buick Lucerne sedan, with BC license plate 147 LHF. Anyone with information about Milling or her vehicle is asked to contact Jasper RCMP at 780-852-4848.

Register by mail with cheque (payable to Firm Foundations), money order or cash.

Box 581, Valemount, B.C. V0E 2Z0 250-566-4807(Marian), 250-566-4638 (Darlene) by email: tellmarian@hotmail.com with subject line - Women be Whole Conference

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Number of pay-outs still unconfirmed Cont’ from A1 Carrier submitted their appeal case saying that many workers were not entitled to severance pay because termination of employment was not “because of ” the permanent closure of the Mill – the closure came later.

After an extensive review of the jurisprudence presented to him by the parties, the arbitrator concluded the mill closed permanently on May 24, 2006. He further concluded the employees had been terminated because of the permanent closure, and accordingly they were entitled to severance pay, which upheld a previous decision this past winter.

“What they’re going to have to do now is base that number on the employees on the seniority list when it shut down,” says Marty Gibbons, president of the union.

“We’re forecasting this to bring millions into the Valemount community.”

Gibbons says the timing of the announcement of permanent closure in May 2009 worked in Carrier’s favour.

“One to two months after the employees fell off the seniority list, they contacted us and advised us they were tearing the mill down and closing it and it was a permanent closure and they would be paying severance only to the 12 or so workers left on the seniority list,” he says.

But Kordyban says he doesn’t see how those employees, who were laid off before Carrier even bought the mill, could be owed severance due to “permanent closure” when the mill was technically operational and still employed staff for three years after they were laid off.

“We think it’s just wrong,” Kordyban says. “When we bought the plant and tried to get it going again, we still had employees,” he says. “I think everyone would have agreed the plant was open. When the arbitrator ruled retro-actively the plant was permanently closed, you’re left with a scenario where the plant was open yet it’s permanently closed at the same time.”

If a plant is still open, workers who are laid off don’t have to be paid severance if they are not re-hired.

The mill was shut down, save for a dozen employees, but no one knew whether it was temporary or permanent.

The arbitrator ruled that, effectively speaking, the plant was permanently shut down when the majority of its nearly 200 employees were laid off in 2006.

“It cost us a heck of a lot of money to keep the place going,” Kordyban says. “I should have just shut the place down.”

“It cost us a heck of a lot of money to keep the place going. I should have just shut the place down.”

Bill Kordyban President Carrier Lumber Ltd.

Kordyban would not confirm the amount of severance that would be due to workers if the company accepts the ruling. Carrier Lumber Ltd. must decide within 15 days of the ruling which occurred Sept. 3rd. This means by the end of this week, elligable mill workers will know whether they will get severance pay, or whether Carrier has launched a legal appeal to the Supreme Court.

Shirley Gonyou, who worked at the mill 33 years, was chair of the union during discussions to re-open the mill.

As Chair, she was privy to meetings with Carrier between 2006 and 2009.

She says she is happy with the ruling, but the real victory would be to have a working mill.

“Through all those meetings, I never really believed that the mill would go,” she says. “You try to be positive for other people, but I don’t know if that was so good either to get people’s hopes up.”

Gonyou says most of the mill workers have moved away from the Valemount after they were laid off. But the severance pay will still make a difference in the community.

“It has a big impact,” she says. “My thoughts are Kordyban should step up to the plate, be a man and pay the people.”

Gibbons says the victory is only partial. Outside companies continue to capitalize on forestry in the valley with little benefit to the people.

“While it’s great for our members, it’s not the solution to the problem in Valemount,” he says. “The problem in Valemount is those logs that are driven out of your community every day. Those logs should be providing jobs for people in the community.”

“Although we got severance, our goal was always to keep the mill, keep people employed.”

Huge geothermal potential in province: industry Cont from A1 While the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources says that the bidding was competitive and permits will remain competitive in order to generate public revenue, the winning bid came in at 8,079 hectares for a price of $2.03/ hectare for a total of $16,386.

“There has been absolutely no way to do any projects in the province. The rest of us have raised money on the Toronto Stock Exchange and basically bought into land, projects and operations around the world,” says Thompson.

“Nobody has waited around for the government because they haven’t moved quickly enough for us. They were supposed to have a permit option in June, but it got cancelled. There is supposed to be a permit option here in September, but if they do not do that soon, it will not even be available by October.”

Thompson says their own corporation’s practices of investing overseas is typical of all Canadian geothermal companies lately.

“Everyone is completely disappointed and frustrated, but those of us with a team in place and finances have taken that money and spent it else ware.”

The Canadian Geothermal Energy Association is the main industry association lobbying for B.C. to open up and let geothermal investors build a green energy industry. Their goals are not modest: 5000 MW by 2015, according to the association’s website. Predictably, all major Canadian geothermal companies and corporations are members, but the emerging industry has attracted membership from oil giants such as Chevron, Suncor and Enbridge as well. Press releases on their web-site all tell a similar tale of permit frustration, and overseas investment.

In the United States, over 3,000 MW of electricity is already being produced by 77 geothermal power plants, mainly in Nevada and Californi. U.S. properties form a large portion of both Magma and Sierra geothermal’s

portfolio. They also own properties in Chile and Iceland.

As for interest in Canoe Reach geothermal south of Valemount, Thompson says no company would declare interest in a site before a competitive bidding process has been initiated, but she confirmed that the potential of Canoe Reach is known within the Industry.

“As you know, it is on a highway. It is on a transmition line. It has known geothermal potential. It is just a matter of having policies in place that would allow geothermal investment,” she says. “The government has made a number of promises over the last several years about what permits are coming available and on what time frame.

My comment “Everyone is completely dis- both from appointed and frustrated, Magma, and as a member but those of us with a team of CanGEA in place and finances have is that nothis going taken that money and spent ing to happen until it is enit elseware.” acted.”

The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroeum Resources say prior to late 2007 the amount of interest in geothermal permits in British Columbia was limited.

They say the ministry is working towards making additional geothermal permits available through the legislated process and will balance interests while ensuring responsible exploration and development.

The ministry says approximately 200 requests for permits were received between late 2007 and 2008.

“Once companies were informed of how the geothermal permitting system was legislated in the province, the majority of those requests were retracted,” says Liz Bicknell,

Alison Thompson, Magma Energy Corp

ministry spokesperson. She says geothermal permits are issued through a competitive bid process similar to how petroleum and natural gas tenure is issued and not through a “staking claim” process like is used through the mineral tenure process. She says legislation and regulation amendments are being reviewed with regards to geothermal exploration and development.

“Geothermal electricity production is recognized by the government as one of the many renewable energy opportunities and we will respond to industry interests as they materialize,” Bicknell says. “Government will continue to work with industry to identify areas of interest for geothermal permits.”

The ministry would not comment on whether or not BC Hydro will be directed by the minister to expand into geothermal production. BC Hydro was unavailable for comment at the time of print.

Magma’s Thompson says she is skeptical about the government’s resolve.

“One site, no matter how good it is, does not make an industry. There are literally thousands of leases available in the US. There are hundreds available in most other countries. Chile thinks that they can get 170 permits done by the end of next year. Any movement is encouraging, but I think that the public needs to get a reality check that the government is not doing enough to open up this industry.”

“Water boils at 100 degrees. Geothermal does not need incentives. It has been around for over 100 years. It is low base firm-cost power. We just need B.C. to open up.”

Got a comment?

Send it to us! lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

A7

Veterans gather for train memorial weekend Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com “It was a long, cold day. It was wet snow and we were all cold and wet.”

James Henderson was 21 when he found himself bound for Korea. The military was a way of life for him and his family.

“My father was a soldier in World War II. I joined the militia when I was 13. I was already in the army when the Korean War broke out.”

Henderson was the only soldier on the train crash 60 years ago near Canoe River who was present at the Canoe River Train Crash memorial held on Saturday in Valemount. Other Korean War veterans who were not on the train also came from as far as Ontario to pay their respects to fellow fallen comrades.

Henderson remembers the scene vividly.

“I was in the rear coach. When the train hit, there was not a lot of bumping in the back car. After that though, it was a very long day.”

While his own coach did not even leave the track, where the two trains collided was a mess of shredded metal, splintered wooden coaches, bodies, and dozens of injured men needing help.

“I knew some of them,” he says. “I was an officer, they were all privates, but I knew some by name.”

Lial McIvor from Bonocourt Alberta was already in Korea when it happened. He says that he and the men around him knew some of the men killed and injured in the wreck. He and several other members of the Korean Veterans Association enjoyed lunch and conversations of memories over beer. Younger active soldiers of The Royal Canadian Horse and Garrison Artillery out of Petawawa Ontario also took place in the event, first marching in formation with veterans and cadets down 5th Avenue, then

standing attention as dignitaries, relatives and cadets laid twenty one wreaths, one for each of the seventeen soldiers killed, as well as the four CN staff.

Enid Stables from Edmonton marched for her husband, Korean Veteran John Sterling Stables. Myrna Skinner, also from Edmonton also marched for her husband Hecktor Skinner. Both husbands are now in care at hospitals, but Stables and Skinner say that if it were possible, they would have attended the event.

“John did two tours, three years, in Korea.

He would sometimes talk about memories, usually not related to the war. For instance, one night he was in his sleeping bag and he woke up one morning to a rat having babes right beside his head,” Stables laughs.

“There were also some lighter tales such as sneaking some whiskey into camp after time off in Japan.”

“It was hard walking for them knowing that they couldn’t be here,” Skinner adds.

Dong Han served in the Korean Army from 1958 to 1961. He immigrated to Canada and worked for SaskTel for many years. He now lives in Jasper where he helps his wife run an ice cream shop. He is an active member of the Jasper Legion.

“We Koreans honour their sacPhoto: Charlene Montpetit rifice in fighting tyranny and Korean War veteran Jim Henderson was the only veteran aggression. Korea today is a viat the ceremonies who was on the train that crashed in brant democracy with a robust 1950, that killed 17 soldiers on route to Korea. economy and we are promot-

ing peace around the world,” he says in a speech.

“We are proud of what we have managed to accomplish and we thank all of you.

Please accept our deepest gratitude and respect. Kamsamnida!”

John Kolanchey is a Korean Veteran who was part of the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry who received the Presidential Unit Citation and the Distinguished Unit Citation (now Presidential Unit Citation (US)) from the President of the United States to recognize its stand at the battle of Kapyong during the Korean War in April 1951. The Patricias, together with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, which received the same honour, held the line in an attack by Chinese troops.

“The Chinese general promised Mao that they would take Seoul Labour Day. It was not a big battle, but it was one of the most important battles of the war,” says Kolanchey.

He recalls vividly the scene of the battle.

“It was night but everything was light up like day. We ran out of ammunition, water and food. The planes had to drop supplies for us. We were dug into position but it was hand to hand kind of Mountain warfare.”

Kolanchey says that even after the battle, the mountain warfare was a hard reality of their postion.

“We would stay 23-24 days without coming down. We were usally supplied by Koreans carrying backpacks of supplies. They were Korean conscripts, usually older.”

Kolanchey is one of many Korean veterans who have taken advantage of a revisitation offer by the Korean government.

Photo: Joe Nusse “Six years ago I went back. My wife wanted to know what it was like when I was there. We had to go to a museum,” he laughs. “When I was there, all three bridges into Seoul were blown up. When I returned there were many bridges with four lanes going both ways and a train on top.

Canadians are still well-liked in Korea.”

Later at the very scene of the crash, Henderson recalls his experience that cold day sixty years ago.

“The troop train was wooden coaches, they splintered on impact and caused a lot of the injuries to troops. The east-bound passenger train was steal coaches. Only the men in the Engine died. One officer was very enthusiastically taking photos on the scene. I remember wondering if he should be helping instead. Today those photos are priceless.”

Henderson also recalls the ensuing enquiries.

“If it had happened a little bit sooner, the trains would have seen each other on a straight stretch. If it had happened a little bit later, it would have been on the Canoe River bridge and been a lot worse. There were other questions. For instance, the first aid boxes in the coaches were empty, even though they were behind a ‘break glass in case of emergency’ case.”

A legal case brought forward by crown prosecution sought to lay blame and manslaughter charges on a switchman from Red Pass. A young attorney named John Diefenbaker successfully cleared the man of the charges. The mountain on which the crash occurred is now named after him, but for his role as Prime Minister of Canada between 1957 and 1963.

A8 Wednesday, September 15, 2010

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Business Watch: Winter Yoga classes at the New private fitness center Trading Post for Valemount Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Photo: Laura Keil Shelly Lewis is re-opening her home-based fitness business Oct. 1st, which will offer weight training facilities, a sauna and certified fitness training. Lewis is a certified weight training instructor, and she hopes to offer even more than just a fitness center. An infrared sauna, cardio studio as well as professional hand and foot care are also services offered at the centre.

Lewis hopes to offer weight training sessions for both individuals, and pairs. Her studio is located at 725, 13th Avenue in Valemount. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm by appointment only. Special times are available on request.

Photo submitted Smith says power yoga is not really traditional, but it is taught commonly in classes now.

“In power yoga one moves quickly from pose to pose while focussing on joining your breath with your movement. On Tuesdays I hope to offer Pilates and Hatha yoga. Thursdays will be power yoga.”

Snith also hopes to offer a community class once a month.

“It will be on the last Sunday of each month. It will be an intro to yoga class, a free class by donation of something to the food bank.”

Classes will be open to any person of any level.

Do you have a new business?

Let us profile you!

Small and home-based businesses welcome

Contace Laura at 250-566-4606, or lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Real Tree Wood Products Ltd. *Shop Welding & Fabricating *Portable welding-air arc *Custom aluminum welding / work *Bumpers / roof racks, etc.

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She has trained to become a yoga instructor in Victoria and California, now Dunster native Kathryn Smith is getting ready to teach yoga in Valemount all winter.

“We will be starting October 05 at the Trading Post, syas Smith. “There is a studio with a good floor. I will be posting a calendar and posters closer to October.”

Smith’s instructor training has been based on classical yoga courses. Technical fundamentals such as anatomy and physiology are combined with yoga theory and teaching techniques.

“In California, I attended a Sivananda Ashram school. It was classical yoga training. Both my studies in Victoria and California are certified in Canada under the yoga alliance.”

Smith has been instructing yoga for four years, both in Victoria and right here in the Robson Valley, but she says that she now wants to take her Robson Valley yoga classes to a new level. She will be offering three different classes based on different types of yoga routines.

According to Smith the pilates/yoga fusion class was developed for dancers to strengthen your core.

Hatha yoga is more traditional. In this class you can learn poses and breathing techniques. It is about body awareness.

It also builds strength and flexibility.

R E S T A U R A N T

PO Box 11, McBride, BC V0J 2E0 Phone (250) 569-2459 Cell (250) 569-7912 Fax (250) 569-0399 Email: realtreewoodproducts@gmail.com

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

A9

Seniors roof blocks mountain view Higher education options coming Laura Keil to the Robson Valley lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com College of New Caledonia to offer prep courses and upgrades Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Photo: Laura Keil

“I’m sorry it’s blocked, but there’s The roofs of the 10 new seniors residences on 3rd Avenue in Valemount nothing we can do,” he says. “Evenpeak towards the sky, but for Hiske tually somebody was going to build.”

Gerding, they are an unfortunate None of Gerding’s neighbours are negatively affected by that particular height.

They block the view of Canoe roof. She says she knew it would take away the bottom of Mountain almost entirely from she “If it were a hobby room or the mountain, but and her husband’s an attic for the residents we looking at the initial deck and bedroom wouldn’t say anything, but plans did not alert window. the roof won’t benefit any- her to the fact the cosmetic roof would “We live for the one.” views,” Gerding Hiske Gerding, Vale- block her view.

“I told my husband says. “If it were a mount resident. hobby room or an we may need to lift our house three attic for the residents we wouldn’t say anything, but feet.”

She and her husband have been livthe roof won’t benefit anyone.”

The roof is “purely cosmetic” says ing in the house since 2005, splitting Ray Guenther of Mierau Contractors their time between Valemount and Ltd. who is overseeing the construc- Edmonton due to health reasons. tion work. But he says the lot was They drive back to Valemount whenalready zoned to accommodate the ever they can because of the peace height of the roof and it’s too late to and quiet. Comments? change the plans. lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

The college of New Caledonia is kinds of instructors we have in the vallaunching a new continuing education ley, etc.

“These will be brainstorming sessions, program, and Riette Kenkel is co-ordinating the program for the Canoe Rob- and I hope to gather a ton of info from the community,” Kenkel says. son area.

Currently the Northern outdoor Kenkel says the college will be creating new continuing education programs recreation and eco-tourism program geared towards residents of Valemount (NORE) brings students from out of and McBride who wish to upgrade or town to Valemount for the year-long course. Recently class renew their skills in a certain area.

“What I’m looking to do is sizes have dwindled, “What I’m looking some more academic stuff, such leading college leadto do is some more as prep courses for university or ers to re-evaluate the kind of programs they academic stuff, such college,” as prep courses for Riette Kenkel, Co- have.

The NORE program university or college,” ordinator C.N.C. will not operate every Kenkel says. other year, with conShe will be asking for input on what type of courses peo- tinuing education classes filling in the ple would take – but also what kind of gap years. courses Valley residents might be inter- Kenkel will have a course calendar from ested in teaching, if they have a Master’s the College on hand at the information or PhD in the subject. meeting.

“We’re so remote,” she says. “We’re so As part of the planning, the college will be hosting two information sessions fortunate we have a facility, the college (Valemount on Sept 22 and McBride on so that people don’t have to move away.

Sept 29) where I will be gathering input We want to keep people in Valemount.” from the community as to what types Comments? of courses they would like to see, what lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Locally owned, locally operated!

Call to place your ad, 250-566-1444, ask for Joe

ACCEPTING RESUMES IMMEDIATELY Mill Positions

Fax – 250-569-3433, Email – trcinfo@trccedar.com, Or deliver in person.

A10

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Valley Photo Journal:

Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Valemount Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Photo: Art Carson McKirdy Mountain Resident Art Carson snaps a shot of the neighbours, a lone grey wolf.

Tourists flood Tete Jaune!

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will be coming to Valemount again this year, giving residents a chance to see award-winning films from around the world.

The tour aims to provide a concentrated presentation of the diversity of the multi-day Banff festival in just a couple of hours.

The tour film list always includes some award winners, but many of the jury selections are not suitable for the tour.

Shorter films are very important to tour audiences, and juries frequently pick longer, often feature length, films for awards. It’s also common for audiences to prefer other films

to some of the award winners.

The opinions of the five people on the jury are always considered, but tour host and audience reactions also play a big role in the tour film selection.

The presentation is Sept 26, 7:30 pm at the Valemount Community Theatre inside Valemount Secondary School Tickets are available at Infinity on 5th Avenue in Valemount for $20.

Some of the films that may be showed that day are Medeoz, Deep, Mont-Blanc Speed Flyers and The Ultimate Skiing Showdown. Organizer Naysa Weatherbee says that they are also trying to look into some more cultural films to balance out the outdoor sports content.

Valemount Arts & Cultural Society proudly presents:

“Harvey Station”, a few hundred metres from Hauer Bros. Mill.

It would seem like an unlikely drop off point for train loads of tourists, but Sun Dog Tours out of Jasper says that “Harvey Station”, a crossing on Old Tete Jaune Road, is the perfect spot for their tours to switch from the train onto tour busses.

According to Sun Dog representatives, the tour includes a train ride from Jasper to Tete Jaune where tour groups are transferred back onto buses.

On the return trip to Jasper, stops at Rearguard Falls, Mt. Terry Fox and Mt. Robson are

Photo: Joseph Nusse scheduled.

The tour runs two to three times a week and typically it tends to sell out. The company says that they have been running the successful tour for several years, and it is getting increasingly popular.

Real Tree Wood Products Ltd.

Sunday September 26, 7:30 pm Valemount Community Theatre

*Shop Welding & Fabricating *Portable welding-air arc *Custom aluminum welding / work *Bumpers / roof racks, etc.

Tickets only $20 at Infinity or at the door

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Robert Johnson

PO Box 11, McBride, BC V0J 2E0 Phone (250) 569-2459 Cell (250) 569-7912 Fax (250) 569-0399 Email: realtreewoodproducts@gmail.com

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

R E S T A U R A N T

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

A11

Single vehicle fatal collision north of Valemount RCMP seeking witnesses

Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com Valemount RCMP continue their investigation into a single vehicle fatal collision on Hwy 5 north of Valemount, the evening of Sept.12th, 2010 The Valemount RCMP are seeking the BC and Alberta media and public assistance in identifying possible witnesses to a single vehicle crash which occurred at around 8 pm Sunday evening, on September 12, 2010 on Hwy 5, near Blackman Rd approximately 5 km north of Valemount, BC. Police believe that the vehicle involved, a mid-size sedan, 1997 green Toyota Camry passed a single pick up truck that was also traveling north, just prior to the crash and police would like to speak to the driver of the newer model pick up truck.

Prior to the off road crash, a Valemount Detachment RCMP officer operating a marked police vehicle was traveling southbound on Hwy 5, when the officer observed a vehicle northbound traveling at a high rate of speed. The officer confirmed his visual observation via radar, confirming that the northbound vehicle was traveling at 145-146 KPH in a posted 100 KPH zone.

The officer engaged his emergency equipment to safely complete a U-turn in order to attempt to stop the alleged violator for an excessive speed violation.

As the officer completed his U-turn, he observed the vehicle continuing at a high rate of speed and witnessed it pass another northbound vehicle. This ve-

hicle, the newer model pick up truck was passed by the offending vehicle, then pulled off to the side of the road to permit the marked police vehicle by. The officer lost visual contact with the speeding vehicle and within 5.2 km of the initial sighting came upon a fresh dust cloud and smelt a pungent odour of burnt rubber.

The officer turned off the road with lights towards the ditch and found the Toyota Camry off the road in the ditch with the lone occupant driver inside.

The BC Ambulance Services were immediately dispatched once the officer checked the single crashed 1997 Toyota Camry and found the lone occupant driver pinned in the vehicle. The driver, a 28 yr old Edmonton area male was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The North District Traffic Services collision analyst attended the scene at the time of the crash, in efforts to examine the physical evidence found and determine the causal factors of the crash.

At this time investigators have confirmed that the vehicle encountered a tire failure prior to the crash which in part, combined with speed may have contributed to the vehicle losing control.

“We can state that 2 minutes and 30 seconds elapsed from the time our officer first saw the northbound speeding vehicle, up to his coming upon the crash site and had traveled a distance of 5.2 km. Although the

officer did loose visual contact with the sighted offending vehicle, which was traveling at an excessive rate of speed, we can state with a high degree of certainty that the crashed vehicle is the vehicle that was initially seen.

We do need to speak to the occupant(s) of that pick up truck, as they will be able to shed some light as to what they observed” stated Cpl Dan Moskaluk.

The Valemount RCMP and RCMP Victim Assistance Services are assisting the family of the deceased at this time in order to complete next of kin notification.

RCMP investigators and the BC Coroners Services are continuing their investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this collision are requested to contact the Valemount RCMP at 250566-4466 or their local police services here in British Columbia and Alberta.

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Columns and Editorials: Bud the Logger

Bud looks at 911

We all know sumpthin terrible happened on September 11/2001. Over three thousand people were dead within minutes and plenty more since from the ash cloud. News cameras covered the event from every angle and we were all properly horrified. Reporters and journalists swarmed the story and villains were identified within hours. You would think with so much coverage that today we could agree on wut actually happened.

Good reporting relies on the W’s, who, when, why, what, where an whow. We got plenty of whow an a terrific amount of BS regardin the who and why. Any information that cast doubt on the “official story” simply didn’t get airtime. Nine years later there is a mountain of evidence to disprove that story. Wut hasn’t changed since 2001 is that it is still damned near impossible to get the media to examine the evidence.

“The Central Intelligence Agency owns everyone of any significance in the major media.” –William Colby, former CIA Director, quoted by David McGowan,

“Derailing Democracy” (2000) Survivors, bereaved family members, first responders and thousands of New York citizens who believe there has been a cover up are still fighting for a new investigation. In 2009 they presented an 80,000 signature petition to this effect, they were turned down for technical reasons.

I’d use up a truckload of good timber ta write down wut’s wrong with the official story. Instead I’m gonna give ya a small sample of the books and websites where people with inside knowledge splain it better than I can.

9/11 Books -Towers of Deception by Barrie Zwicker -The War on Freedom by Nafeez Ahmed -America’s “War on Terrorism” by Michel Chossudovsky -Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 911by David Ray Griffin -Painful Questions by Eric Hufschmid -Without Precedent by Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton (co chairs of the 911 commission) -Crossing the Rubicon by Michael C. Ruppert 9/11 websites -New York City Coalition for Accountability Now

continues on next page...

(NYC CAN) -911Truth.org: -Intelligence officers for 9/11 Truth (includes Ray McGovern, 30-year CIA veteran who prepared daily briefings for Presidents Nixon, Ford and Reagan.)

-Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth (represents over 1200 professional architects and engineers who do not believe that the World Trade Centre buildings collapsed from aircraft impacts.)

-Pilots for 9/11 Truth represents airline, military, private pilots and aircraft engineers. Some of these pilots flew the alleged attack aircraft prior to 9/11.

When asked why there is no mention of 9/11 on Bin Laden’s Most Wanted web page, Rex Tomb, Chief of Investigative Publicity for the FBI, said, “The reason why 9/11 is not mentioned on Usama Bin Laden’s Most Wanted page is because the FBI has no hard evidence connecting Bin Laden to 9/11.”

“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.” --Winston Churchill Wanna make some extra cash? Multimillionaire Jimmy Walter is posting a million-dollar reward for anyone who can prove that explosives were not used to bring down the World Trade Centre buildings.

Logon, Bud

A12

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Editorial:

Investing in Gold is like investing in money What do massive RV’s and geothermal power plants have in common? They are both reminders of a looming energy crunch! Ok, this may be a bit of a stretch, but I am on a mission. In last week’s issue we broke a story about sudden renewed interest in our valley’s geothermal potential. This story if far from over! I have not even managed to list or use half of the contacts I have spoken to over the last two weeks. Some are from the private sector; some are from the public sector. Regardless, there was a continuing theme coming from all parties. “This is an amazing resource, too bad nobody has developed it yet!”

I am working on several follow up stories from different angles. Some of the conversations I have had with parties involved were so fascinating, it gave me a sense of awe and hope I have not felt in this valley for several years. I will use one (of many) industry contact’s ‘off the record’ comments to sum it up: “Canada is about 10 years behind all other industrialized nations when it comes to promoting this kind of energy resource!”

In other words, the only thing holding us back is ourselves. Wow! So why? Everybody wants to see alternative energy developed. Geothermal power generation is a well-established technology. In Iceland, 24% of the entire nation’s electrical grid is generated through geothermal power production. But the island nation’s use of the resource does not stop there. In Iceland, 87% of all homes are heated by geothermal heating systems. This is not a recent development either. Iceland’s massive geothermal industry is almost half a century old. So if it is as easy as importing some Icelandic technology and laying footings, what is the hold up?

I would like to draw some attention to the comments from Christopher Jams Gold Corp., the last party to do field work on site. “Due to the recession, we chose to focus our efforts on our Nevada gold properties instead.”

Before going any further, I wish to make it clear that I do not lay any blame on this corporation who, in any kind of business sense, made the correct decision to ensure that their stock holders’ interests were met. Recession equals good gold investments; gold is the global backup currency. But perhaps this is the perfect example of a kind of failure that is inevitable if a society relies only on private investments to spur badly-needed economic change.

This recession was caused, to a great degree, by a global energy crunch. Economist Jeff Rubin lays it out best in his book Why Your World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller. I will leave it up to readers’ interest to pursue this conclusion. But during the summer immediately before the recession, the price of oil reached staggering record highs over and over again.

It peaked out almost at $150 US/barrel! Then when this energy crisis causes a world wide collapse, what do we do? We ask our stock brokers to invest in Gold.

We could tell them to invest in other forms of energy, but this would be a 20 to 30 year plan. Instead we just hope to make it through the next five years, and gold has done this for us for millennia.

Enter large RV’s. Despite the recession, I can not help but notice that there are an increasing number of massive bus-sized RV’s gracing our highways and draining our gas stations. As a general rule, the drivers of these RV’s tend to look like they are in the early retirement demographic. Some of these RV’s are

even pulling Hummers behind. I can not help but ask the question “how many of these retiree’s portfolio’s include stock for Christopher James Gold Corp.”?

I guess all I can do is make a plea. I will not tell others how to live their life, or what to spend their money on, but if private individual interests will do nothing to make some positive economic change, can we please direct our government to get involved and make this change for all of us? We have funded massive energy projects before with public money.

Why can’t BC Hydro build a geothermal power plant?

What is the difference between a hydro dam and a geothermal power plant?

A quick google search tells me that a large brand new bus-sized RV costs about $50,000. One hundred million divided by fifty thousand equals…2000. In other words, our economy can either build 2000 more bus-sized RV’s designed to drain energy resources, or one highly productive geothermal power plant future generations will thanks us for immensely. I do not care if the plant is build through private or public means, but for Pete’s sake, let’s draw our gold stocks and build something productive. Money in the bank is no good if there are no real economic assets to back it up, assets like a functioning energy sector in the economy. As a final note, Iceland’s second largest geothermal power plant doubles as a tourist attraction.

Steaming hot “waste water” is emptied into outdoor bathing pools. Rumour has it clothing is optional.

Comments? jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Gardening with Pete Peter Amyoony Special to The Goat Many people think that spring is the only time for planting in the garden. It is certainly the busiest time, but many things can be planted at other times of the year and do just as well.

Of course, we have heard of planting bulbs such as tulips or daffodils in the fall, but many are not aware that many trees, shrubs or perennials can also be fall-planted and will settle in before the ground freezes. They will be ready to “spring” to life next April or May and bloom soon after. Early blooming shrubs and perennials such as spirea, trollius or lilac actually do best if transplanted in late summer or early fall – late August to mid-September.

Just last week (the first week of September) my neighbour and I dug holes and transplanted eighty blueberry bushes.

On Sept 8th and 9th, I planted sixteen

apple, plum, cherry and apricot trees.

They had been grown in large pots for a few years and wintered over very well as long as the pots were well mulched with sawdust.

If you want to plant or move some trees, shrubs or perennials here are a few tips I have picked up over the years.

1.

Dig a hole large enough to accept the root ball so the tree will be at the same level as it was. Don’t add any manure, compost or fertilizer to the hole. Just fill in with the native soil and tamp in well.

2.

When digging the tree or plant, try to leave the root ball intact as much as possible. It is o.k. to remove weeds or quack grass roots.

3.

When you place the root ball in the hole, add a pail of water and then fill in around the root ball with soil and

firm it down. Leave a “well” around the tree – build up a donut of earth about 2 ft. (.7m) across to hold the water and direct it down around the root ball.

4.

If you are in a windy spot, drive one or two steel posts or fence posts outside of the root ball and fix the tree to them with burlap or pieces of old garden hose with wire run through it.

5.

If you have damaged any roots in the move, prune up to 1/3 of the branches from the tree or shrub. Try to prune for shape.

6.

For the next two or three weeks, give 3-5 gal. of water every few days. (Little rain showers don’t count!!)

7.

If a sudden cold snap arrives before the end of October and there is no snow cover, mulch the root zone with straw or sawdust to keep the heat in the soil and keep the roots grow-

ing. Don’t forget to put tree-guards or woven wire around the bottom of the trunk to protect from mice and voles.

8.

When spring arrives, add compost, manure, straw or sawdust in a ring 2-3” (5-8cm) deep out to the “dripline” but not against the trunk. This will feed the tree for the next year.

Pete Amyoony is a gardener in the Robson Valley of central B.C. high in the Rocky Mountains near Mount Robson. He has lived, worked and gardened in the Dunster area for over thirty years.

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Call Joe at 250-566-1444 or jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Tourism Directory

A13

$40 for 4 weeks, or $20 for one week

Teepee Meadows Cottage

Spectacular mountain and marshland scenery Phone:250-566-9875 Located 3 km west of Valemount

Hosts: Claude, Alke & Noland Germain 545 Jack Adams Road, Box 786 Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Open at 4:30 pm daily 1002 5th Avenue Valemount, B.C.

Visit us at www.caribougrill.com

The Business Directory

CRACKMASTER

For Drywall Services

Windshield Repair/Replacement Specialists

PET SUPPLIES-HOME ELECTRONICS SHAW DIRECT TV-SIRIUS RADIOS FLAT GLASS-MIRROR-SCREENS CUSTOM VINYL SIGNS-BANNERS-VEHICLE GRAPHICS-MAGNETIC SIGNS WOOD & PELLET STOVES & SUPPLIES WOOD PELLETS

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WAHOO ENTERPRISES

@ Country Wide Sales & Services Ltd Conveniently located downtown @ 1160-5th Ave

Open 9 am -5:30 pm Monday thru Friday

250-569-0320

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Briefs: FIRST CONVICTION UNDER B.C.’S NEW ALIEN SPECIES LAW The first-ever conviction under B.C.’s alien species regulation introduced last year as been passed.

Kim Carlton pleaded guilty in B.C. provincial court in Williams Lake on Sept. 8, 2010 to one count of possession of controlled alien species contrary to the B.C. Wildlife Act. The conviction stems from an investigation by the Ministry of Environment’s Conservation Officer Service that culminated in the March 2010 seizure of two

lion cubs from Carlton. The cubs were relocated to an accredited wildlife facility for safe care.

In 2008, the B.C. government introduced legislation to amend the B.C. Wildlife Act to provide authority for regulations restricting the possession of species that pose the most serious threats to public safety. These include some types of mammals, amphibians and reptiles.

Violations can result in fines as high as $250,000 and/or up to two years of imprisonment.

NEW 20-CELL ADDITION TO PRINCE GEORGE JAIL COMPLETE Women inmates at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre will soon be moving into a new 20-cell building. The project has cost $11.5 million.

Although daily counts vary, about 21 women inmates currently housed in the main building at the jail will share cells at the new unit with two beds, a toilet and sink, and a desk and shelving, as well as a television purchased by inmates. In total, the general

population living unit accommodates 40 beds. One additional cell with one bed can be used for medical observation if needed.

The area in the main building at the jail previously used for female inmates will revert back to program and cell space for men.

The Province previously announced $3.9 million in upgrades to PGRCC as part of a federal/provincial accelerated infrastructure funding program. The emergency power upgrades are complete, security upgrades are ongoing.

A14

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Plain Talk Horoscopes

Twenty for a Toonie: The Classified Ads Classified ads policy If it is for free, it is free.

Up to 20 words for $2, 30 words for $3, 40 words for $4 etc. If the asking price is over $499, then it is $5 for 20 words, $6 for 30 words etc. Non-business announcements are welcome at the same rates.

The Rocky Mountain Goat reserves the right to refuse to print any classified submission that is not an advertisement of a private sale, or rental arrangement.

How to submit an ad

Building Materials

For Sale

For Sale

Salvaged metal siding for sale. Perfect for any outbuilding or shop. Approximately 550-600 square foot coverage. Will consider any offer! Call Joe 250-566-1444

500 gal. single-wall fuel tank. Asking $200. Call 250566-5069, ask for Jared

Glass carboys, $20 each (retail $40) and multi-purpose plastic tubs 30L, $15 Call 250-566-4606

Trusses for sale. Approximately 42 foot span. 14 units. Single slant, could be modified with a chalk line and skill saw. Now considering offers! Call Joe 250566-1444 and skill saw. Now considering offers! Call Joe 250-566-1444

Flooring, Wide Plank Fir, 8”, T&G, new, kiln dried, select grade, $2.95/sqft. Please call 250-573-1817 evenings.

Heifer and one-year old llama for sale. Cute kitten to give away. Call 250-5660010, ask for Maria.

Mobile Home with full addition, and large garage on a lot, in Valemount recently renovated. comes w/ fridge stove washer dryer.

Currently rented. Asking $110.000.00 O.B.O Call 778 328 7285 leave a message.

Mazda B4000 4/4 1994.

C/W Canopy, 2 sets of tires on rims, well maintained, kept all receipts, 293K. Reason for sale; family got bigger. Asking $2500. Call JF at 250-566-8411.

For Free

To submit your classified ad, e-mail or call the goat, or place your ad in an envelope with payment and drop it in our mailbox, 1070 5th Ave

By Craig Elder, M.A. Economics

Free ads! For any item or service you want to give away. Just submitt by e-mail, jnusse@ therockymountaingoat. com, or drop off your ad in our black drop box at 1070, 5th Avenue, Valemout.

For Rent

Roommate Wanted

$295 plus shared utilities.

1 bedroom in 2 bedroom apartment in Valemount.

250-566-4044

Nanny Needed

Nanny Required. Sept – Dec part time. Requires 2 days in Crescent Spur, 2 days in Dunster Jan–Apr – full time live in at Crescent Spur. Salary based on experience. Pls email resumes or inquires to Jessica@crescentspur.com.

You can reach me at 250553-2300 or 250-968-4486.

Shared Accommodation dwntwn McBride Incl: lge bdrm with private entrance, ADSL, phone/voice box, furniture. Shared: util, TV, house/yard. NS, ND/A (no drugs/alcohol), No Pets.

Refs plse. $450 - 569-8807

Aries: People will attempt to deceive you in attempt to make you look stupid, beat them to the punch and make a fool of yourself.

Taurus: You have been ignoring the minor things for too long, please brush your teeth.

Gemini: As mars moves through your sign, the cosmic rays permeate your body granting you mystical powers.

Cancer: If you put something off today someone else will probably take care of it.

Leo: You can’t seem to sit still this week, this could be a symptom of a serious illness.

Virgo: The planets warn against being risky, but they always worry, so you are probably best off ignoring them.

Libra: Nothing stays the same forever except for vapid phrases about change.

Scorpio: Your mind is on thoughts far away from you this week, you should be more concerned with what you just stepped in.

Sagittarius: Some people think you are too reckless for your own good, this week you will prove that you are only too reckless for the well being of others.

Capricorn: You have a great money making idea, now you just need to go back a few decades to before someone else had the same idea.

Aquarius: Continued success is your best path to succeeding at your goals.

Pieces: You may speak or act without thinking this week, it is likely due to some sort of mind control ray, tin foil hats are highly recommended.

Cheaps Ad! www. Sudoku-Puzzles .net Sudoku, Kakuro & Futoshiki Puzzles E-mail jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

or drop off your ad in our black drop box, 1070 5th Avenue.

Sudoku 9x9 - Hard (138503387)

THE CORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE OF MCBRIDE -TAX SALE

Under the authority of Section 403 of the Local Government Act, the following properties will be offered for sale

by Public Auction to satisfy taxes due to the Corporation of the Village of McBride. Said sale shall take place at the McBride Village Office, 100 Robson Centre – 855 SW Frontage Road, McBride, BC, on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 10:00 am, unless delinquent taxes and interest owing are paid before that date.

FOLIO

CIVIC ADDRESS

LEGAL DISCRIPTION

1.

00075.000 1057 3rd Avenue Lot 13, Block 6, Plan 1373, DL 5316, PID 013-918-397 2.

00155.000 1154 3rd Avenue Lot 11, Block 12, Plan 1373, DL 5316, PID 013-917-161 3.

70350.122

#12 – 151 Columbia St.

Manufactured Home Reg #61395

4.

70350.150

#15 – 151 Columbia St.

Manufactured Home Reg #13662

5.

70350.190

#19 – 151 Columbia St.

Manufactured Home Reg #32937

Eliana Clements CAO

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2 5

9

4

1

6

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9

3 3

7 4

5

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8

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1 6

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9 5

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

Solution:

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Community Events Sept. 15 Community Awareness Night 7p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Location: Valemount Community Hall Darryl: 250-566-4347

A11

September

Sept 19 Trapper’s Rendez-vous 10 a.m.

Location: Dunster Picnic Grounds Potluck, everyone welcome Claude: 968-4459

Sept. 17th Thrift Store Fashion Show & Tea 2:30-3:30 Location: Anglican-United Church, McBride Dress Shop Open 1-3 p.m.

Sept 26 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 7:30 pm Location: Valemount Community Theatre (Valemount Secondary School Tickets $20

Sept. 18-19 Terry Fox 30th anniversary weekend

Sept 18 - Yellowhead Outdoor Recreation Association hike up Mount Terry Fox - 7:30am – 6:30pm Meet at the highway 5 Terry Fox Pull-out @ 7:30am Bring: Lots of water (there’s no water until you get near the peak), lunch, warm clothes and rain gear.

Elevation gain: 5,700’ Length: 9km one-way, approx.

11hrs return if weather permits access to the peak.

For those wanting to do part of the hike you can choose your turn around point.

Sept 19th - YORA-Terry Fox walk around the marsh 1pm – 4pm Location: Best Western Valemount Inn and Suites.

Meet in front of the restaurant @1p.m. Approx. 6km, 2-3hrs. *pledge sheets available both days

Ongoing Diversions Continued

Ongoing diversions Every Wednesday Farmer’s Market in Jasper Location: Jasper Legion parking lot 10 a.m.

Valemount Seniors’ Music Night 7p.m.

Every Friday Farmer’s Market in McBride 12-3 Location: McBride Village Park In Valemount: Musical jam at The Gathering Tree cafe, 7 p.m.

Every Saturday Farmer’s Market in Dunster 10 a.m.

Location: Dunster Community Hall Farmer’s Market in McBride

Every Thursday Cribbage tournament, everyone welcome Location: Valemount Golden Years Lodge lower level 1-4 p.m.

Every second Saturday Valemount Circle Dance 7pm - 9pm Contact Micah: 250-566-1782

RE/MAX Centre city • 1679 15th Avenue • Prince George BC V2L 3X2 • 1-250-562-3600 The Right Agent... For Today’s Market 12300 Crown Rd,

3270 Hwy 16 E,

Tete Jaune Cache

McBride

Each office is independently owned and operated Data is from sources believed to be reliable but accuracy is not guaranteed.

13292 Bunbury Rd,

13710 Glacier Rd,

$315,000

$115,000

Tete Jaune Cache

McBride

REDUCED

$209,000 - 79 treed view acres - Southern exposure

- Year round creeks - Good access in

$350,000 - Log home on 4 acres - Large 2032 sq foot home -Awesome gardens & views - Fenced & private

Riverbend Rd,

806 4th Ave,

$79,000

$69,000

McBride

- Private 3.5 acre parcel - Right on Dore River

- Zoned M3 Industrial - Excellent for Shop

McBride

- Nice one bedroom home - Large lot in town - New doors & flooring - Good location

- Secluded homestead -On 10.32 treed acres

-Awesome views -2 storey 3 bedroom

14510 Blackman Rd, Tete Jaune Cache

- Close to Mt Robson - Awesome views

250-981-5742 or 250-569-0125 or Toll Free: 1-877-732-5767 • allanmiller@remax.net MCBRIDE, VALEMOUNT, AND AREA

View all listings at: www.robsonvalleyrealestate.ca

- Building sites in - Has water on parcel

Mountainview Rd, McBride

$349,000

$159,000 - Older nice mobile - Fenced 1/2 acre lot

- Level 2 acre Lot - Mostly treed

- Riverfront parcel - 217 prime acres - Semi treed & cleared - Lots of wildlife & elk

AL Miller

THE HARD-WORKING NICE GUY

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