Volume 1 Issue 15

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Your source for weekly news and views in the Robson Valley

Volume 1 Issue 15

Jail birds will not roost in Valley

Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

The Prison/Correctional Institute Facility Committee commissioned by the Village of Valemount delivered its final report to council on Sept. 14th, at the regular council meeting. The committee confirms that there is no interest from federal or provincial correctional agencies to expand facilities to the Robson Valley. In addition to this, both Corrections Canada and B.C. Corrections say that their capital plans are already finalized through to 2020. They both add that any construction of new facilities will occur nearer to major

centers in order to utilize already existing services.

Over the summer, the prison committee has contacted various government agencies including the Minister of Public Safety, Vic Toews. While multiple government agencies say that nothing is for sure, a recommendation by village council to shelve the prison lobby for future reference and dissolve the Prison/Correctional Institute Facility Committee, carried. There will be no more active lobbying for a correctional facility in the Robson Valley for the foreseeable future.

Mcbride weighs in on community forest Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

More Inside:

Why walk when you can glide? Valemount resident John Grogan didn’t attach his harness to his paraglider last weekend, with mixed results. Grogan seeks other enthusiasts to build a local gliding culture. See A8

Marina expansion

Good communication with the public, openness and accountability were the greatest priorities marked by the 38 respondents to the McBride Community Forest Corporation (MCFC) survey, which was commissioned this spring by the Village of McBride.

A report on the survey released this month recommends that the MCFC more actively promote information about its decisions and activities in order to enhance its accountability and create a better-informed public that can judge the corporation’s activities.

Photos: Laura Keil

“I agree there’s definitely more to be done,” says community forest manager Marc von der Gonna. “We need to be more proactive in communicating things to the public and given accurate information the public will be a reasonable assessment about what’s going on.”

The survey, conducted in May to June, asked residents of McBride and the forest “footprint” area to select and rank three attributes of governance they believe are most important for their ideal board of directors and to provide a description for each attribute.

Cont’ A3

Multiple suites for local homes

A2 Wednesday, September 22, 2010

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Major boat ramp expansion in store for Kinbasket marina Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com The Valemount Marina Association has big plans on the horizon. Although it was originally supposed to begin this year, major expansions of the marina boat ramp on Kinbasket Lake are going to have to roll over until this spring. According to association president Don Bennett, the expansion is necessary in order for Kinbasket Lake boaters to enjoy a longer season.

“We don’t usually get water to our existing ramp until June or even July,” he says. “We are aiming for the May long weekend, and would like to have access even in April.”

The plan to extend the ramp came out of water use planning sessions held between 2001 and 2004, Bennett says.

“It has all been approved. BC Hydro must extend the ramp. It was supposed to start this year, but nothing was in place in time.”

According to Bennett, work on the ramp can only be completed in April and May due to water levels. While they missed the target this year due to the fact that they did not have a project manager lined up, Bennett is planning on getting at least the top half of the ramp built this coming spring.

Submitted

Dunster flowers part of bridge upgrade The Dunster Flower Bridge has once again stayed true to its name.

Volunteers from the Dunster community repainted bridge sideboards with the running flower designs which have decorated the bridge for years.

Recent upgrades by the Ministry of Transportation led to older flower painting being removed. With permission from the ministry, local residents attached white wooden backboards and repainted.

Photos: Curtis Culp

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

www.therockymountaingoat.com

A3

Secondary suites Poor survey response an endorsement one step closer for of the status quo: forest manager Valemount landowners Cont’ from A1

Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

It would seem like a futile fight with city hall no too long ago, but Valemount resident Rhondi Hurlbut is making headway in her request for bylaw changes that will allow secondary suites, or detached multiple dwellings on town lots.

At a village council meeting Sept. 14th, the councillors voted to proceed into the legislative process of changing bylaws allowing secondary suites on some lots.

Hurlbut’s mother lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She lives in a town house with lots of stairs, and Hurlbut says she is getting concerned with her current living arrangements.

“She is getting older, but she still wants to be independent.”

Hurlbut says she envisions a smaller dwelling independent from her own house with a ground level entrance for her mother. She says that it will be just big enough for her to be comfortable, but small enough for her to be able to clean and maintain on her own.

“Secondary suites, or laneway housing, just passed in Vancouver. The reasoning was both to reduce the city’s ecological footprint, as well as to help address concerns over the high cost of housing in that city.”

While multi-generational care is Hurlbut’s main drive, she says she does not think secondary suites should only be granted for relatives’ use.

“It is a way to keep costs down. I think low rent might be an attraction to bring more people to the area.”

She says that while she understands landlords need to get a reasonable return for their properties in order to maintain services, the advantages of more compact housing outweigh the disadvantages.

“The examples I have looked into were not restricted to in-family use. I have been told that there will be restrictions on it, and the size of a lot will be a consideration.”

Since any bylaw changes will be general, the $450 fee has been waived for Hurlbut. While a firm lot size has yet to be decided, half an acre has been identified as a viable target.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation currently offers financial assistance for the creation of a secondary suite for any low-income senior or adult with a disability.

In addition to working on communication and acScores given to the various attributes were weighted, countability, it’s also important to work on the perception such that those receiving the highest priority also re- of accountability, the report says. ceived the largest score.

“People have been led to believe that there’s all this soThe attributes receiving the highest scores were, in de- called secrecy in terms of the community forest but in scending order, accountability, profitability, accessibility, terms of running a business, there’s certain things you knowledge, longevity, and transparency. The report notes have to keep in confidence.” these are attributes the public would like to see, rather He notes the corporation has to comply with the Freethan the public’s opinion of the actual operations of the dom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. MCFC. He says more than anything else, increased commuDescriptions of accountability varied, but in general nication with the public about the respondents indicated they intend “People have been led to be- MCFC activities is the biggest priority. this attribute to mean that board Compared to other community formembers, in addition to being re- lieve that there’s all this so- ests such as Revelstoke, Prince George, sponsible for their decisions, avoid called secrecy in terms of Burns Lake, Well Gray, to name a few, favouritism, obey the law, and keep the community forest. But in he says the MCFC has done well in the public informed. The report comparison. notes it is similar to other attri- terms of running a business, “You’re in a way comparing apples butes such as integrity, openness, there’s certain things you have to oranges. It depends on how differprofessionalism and transparency. to keep in confidence.” ent community forests are structured, The report notes that when what their goals are.” grouped together, accessibility, “It’s highly variable but I will say, in a MCFC manager availability, diversity, inclusive and general sense, from what I gather from Marc von der Gonna representative represent three distalking to other community forest tinct concepts a) making informanagers, we have been very successmation about the MCFC and its operations more avail- ful in comparison. We’re as successful as any out there.” able b) directors and staff considering ideas or concerns The majority of respondents to the survey were from the shared by residents of McBride and the Footprint and forestry industry and lived in McBride, not the footprint. c) the board needing to represent Footprint residents as The full report is available on the village website. well as McBride taxpayers.

Weighted scores of the top attributes Von der Gonna says the lack of response is as telling as Attribute McBride and Footprint combined scores the input they received.

Accountable 54 “It’s kind of an endorsement of the status quo,” he says. Profitable 31 “For the hundreds and hundreds of surveys put out there, Accessible 18 to only get 38 back, that’s pretty pitiful.”

Knowledge 12 “There’s a handful of people who feel strongly there’s Longevity 12 things wrong with the community forest, and a just as Transparency 12 many people who feel strongly the community forest is Available 9 doing a good job, and then there’s the vast majority that Capacity 7 haven’t been budged away from their TV set.”

Diversity 6 He says people want to see the company accountable, Honesty 5 but they also want to see it profitable and sustainble for Inclusive 5 the long-term.

Professional 5 “(They’re saying) don’t be doing things that are fool- Strategic 5 ish and don’t be losing money and make sure you’re ac- Respondents were asked to choose the top 3 attributes countable to the taxpayers of the village because they’re they would use to describe their ideal MCFC board of the ones bearing the risk here.” directors. First choice got a weight of 3, second choice, 2, As the primary shareholder, the Village of McBride third, 1. Other attributes such as balance-wisdom, integwould be the body to look at any changes in governance. rity, representative, respect for local interests, risk aware, Von der Gonna says there are good recommendations independent, open and fair bidding process, respect in the report. As the report suggests, a public advisory for important ecosystems, creativity and ethical, scored group would likely not be the best solution. under 5, meaning low statistical significance.

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

A4

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Letters

The ins and outs of The Rocky Mountain Goat

TV news only news that can be endorsed

In my letter to the Editor of The Rocky Mountain Goat on Sept. 8th, I encouraged the new newspaper and wrote about what I felt it was doing right. I should have stated that those views do not reflect the position of the Valemount Community Television board. The official position of our society, naturally, is that they do not endorse any newspaper. The society is a stalwart proponent of television. Only.

Truly, the clarity, brevity and serenity of weekly community news delivered via the magic of television is the only news which can be endorsed. If you want to know more about what the board thinks, tune in to Valemount LIVE! everynight at 7 p.m., with new live episodes every Thursday at 6 p.m.

Andru McCracken Station Manager, VCTV

Lately we’ve received many comments and requests for information regarding our newspaper. It seems our readers are curious about our plans and how we operate. I have prepared the following outline to hopefully answer any questions you may have about The Rocky Mountain Goat.

The Rocky Mountain Goat is entirely owned and operated by myself, Joseph Nusse, and Laura Keil. We are an equal partnership and we both contribute equally to weekly operations of the newspaper. In addition, we employ Leigh Jackson out of McBride as a sales representative. The daily operations of our paper are very formal and regimented. Who am I kidding! Each week is vastly different than the last. Having grown up here, I have the local expertise and background knowledge; Laura, who moved here from Saskatoon and has her Master’s in Journalism, has the experience and credentials to turn stories into professional journalistic coverage. Laura tends to do more reporting than I do, and I handle advertising and ac-

counting as well as publishing. In addition to our reporting, we scan the horizons for regional and provincial stories and edit them as they relate to the Robson Valley.

We feel it’s important to have community content and submissions in addition to coverage by professional journalists.

Our newspaper is printed Tuesday evenings in Kamloops by The Kamloops Daily News. Our electronic files are transferred to Kamloops via access to their server. As fate would have it, our print is off of the press by 10 p.m. and onto a regular Greyhound bus by midnight. We really could not ask for a better printing arrangement.

We tend to minimize colour content in order to make our advertising affordable, but we can print just about anything our customers wish to order.

We now print at least 1,500 copies per week, however we do bump that up to 1,600 copies on occasion. With fewer than 100 copies left on the stands for the last four weeks running, we are the most widely read and distributed newspaper in the valley. We also have a website and every issue of The Goat is available to view online, in addition to extra photos, videos and multimedia. The paper is distributed to Blue River, Valemount, Dunster, McBride, Mt. Robson, and Jasper through a combination of Greyhound, paid couri-

ers, or our personal efforts. We operate out of my house 1070, 5th Ave. in downtown Valemount. We now have a sign, and one of us is usually around during normal business hours.

We have learned that as a new newspaper we are shunned by the industry, and told that we do not qualify for government ads or community newspaper subsidies, unlike established papers. I am not really sure why the print world is so entrenched, but it is, and we are aware that until we exist a year, we will rely on local business ads and community subscriptions, the latter of which is difficult seeing as we distribute for free. We currently have a fairly substantial number of out-oftown subscriptions, as well as a few local subscriptions (local mail subscriptions cost $70 including tax).

Our vision is to remain a weekly free newspaper owned and run by journalists. We would like to become a kind of journalists’ co-op and avoid the situation where newspaper owners are absent and detached from daily operations.

We would also like to be your medium through which all amazing local stories can be told to the millions of people who pass through this valley every year.

Thank You, Joseph Nusse

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

Laura Keil

Co-Owner Editor/Reporter lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

Joseph Nusse

Co-Owner Publisher/Sales jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com Illustrations by Luke Siemens

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 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).

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:

Within Canada ($90/Year) Postal/Zip Code: e-mail: Phone:

International ($90/Year +Postage)

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

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A5

New regional parks plan approved; lays out until 2020 Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com There is a new strategy to guide the development and management of parks within the Regional District Fraser-Fort George. Directors with the Regional District have approved the new 10-year plan that provides a framework for the operation and management of Regional Parks, as well as guidance for development and land acquisition of future parks. The previous plan was developed in 1986.

Petra Wildauer, General Manager of Environmental Services with the Regional District says updating the plan has been in the works for a year and has involved a great deal of consultation with the public and stakeholders.

“Last fall, we invited the public and interested stakeholder groups to share their thoughts about our regional parks. We asked people to identify what they liked, what they wanted to see improved, and where they felt our priorities should be for regional parks for the next ten years,” says Wildauer.

That feedback was compiled into a draft

report and then taken back out to the public for their review and comment in June.

The plan identifies two main goals - to provide residents and visitors with a range of outdoor opportunities within developed park areas that are designed primarily for day use, and which are representative of the region’s natural environment, recreation and heritage resources; and to create or complete trail-based linkages among regional, provincial and municipal parks and trail systems. Priority areas for existing parks for the next 10 years include road signs and facility improvements at all sites, invasive plant removal at Giscome Portage (Huble Homestead Historic Site) and Kristian Winther; restore steep bank at Cedarside Park; and erosion mitigation at Ness Lake and McMillan Creek; . Future potential parks have been identified in Tabor Lake area, Hixon area, Horseshoe Lake near McBride and McKirdy Road near Valemount.

The cost to implement recommendations from the draft plan has been estimated at $1.5 million over 10 years, not including staff time.

Canada’s toughest impaired driving law and new penalties for excessive speeders will help save lives by removing drunk drivers and speeders from B.C. roads, says Solicitor General Michael de Jong.

“When someone gets behind the wheel of a car and drives drunk or speeds excessively, it’s no accident, it’s a deliberate choice,” said de Jong. “We want to protect all motorists by giving police more enforcement tools to stop irresponsible drivers in their tracks.”

Changes to the Motor Vehicle Act introduced last spring mean drivers impaired by alcohol will face swift penalties that may take away their vehicle, their licence, and cost them anywhere from $600 to about $4,060 in administrative penalties.

Motorists caught speeding excessively – driving 40 km/h over the posted speed limit – will have their vehicle impounded for seven days and face escalating penalties for repeat offences. Impoundment is in addition to existing penalties for excessive speeding, which include fines, penalty points and increased premiums.

Data shows the incidence of impaired driving is on the rise in B.C., killing 133 people and causing more than 3,000 injuries on average, every year.

In honour of four-year-old Alexa Middelaer, who was killed by a drunk driver in Delta two years ago, the Province’s goal is to reduce alcohol-impaired driving fatalities by 35 per cent by the end of 2013.

Taking into account projected increases in B.C.’s population, this translates into a re-

duction in the average annual number of alcohol-impaired deaths from 133 to 94.

Excessive speeders are also being targeted by changes to the act, as speeding is the number-one contributing factor to motor Photo: Laura Keil vehicle fatalities. According to the Insurance Corporation of B.C., police catch The new trail in George Hicks Park in Valemount is one of the newest additions to the slate of about 10,000 excessive speeders annually. regional park improvements from the Regional District of Fraser Fort George’s parks plan.

Motorists caught in the “fail” range (over 0.08 blood-alcohol content), or who re- reinstatement fee, possible three-day ve- ing ban, $400 administrative penalty, $250 fuse to provide a breath test at the road- hicle impoundment and associated im- driver’s licence reinstatement fee, 30-day poundment and storage costs. vehicle impoundment, associated towing side, will face: Second offence within a five-year pe- and impoundment costs, mandatory parAn immediate 90-day driving ban, in addition to a $500 administrative pen- riod: Immediate seven-day driving ban, ticipation in the Responsible Driver Proalty, $250 drivers licence reinstatement $300 administrative penalty, $250 driver’s gram and mandatory use of an Ignition fee, 30-day vehicle impoundment, tow- licence reinstatement fee, possible seven- Interlock device for one year.

Excessive speeding sanctions apply ing and impoundment costs, mandatory day vehicle impoundment and associated to street racers, excessive tailgating and participation in the Responsible Driver impoundment and storage costs.

Third and subsequent offences within a reckless driving actions, such as wheelies Program, mandatory use of an Ignition five-year period: Immediate 30-day driv- and doughnuts: Interlock device for one year and Real Tree Wood possible criminal charges.

Products Ltd. Motorists caught in the “warn” range *Shop Welding & Fabricating (between 0.05 *Portable welding-air arc and 0.08 blood*Custom aluminum welding / work alcohol con*Bumpers / roof racks, etc. tent) will face: First offence: I m m e d i a t e Robert Johnson three-day driv- PO Box 11, McBride, BC V0J 2E0 ing ban, $200 Phone (250) 569-2459 administrative Cell (250) 569-7912 penalty, $250 Fax (250) 569-0399 Email: realtreewoodproducts@gmail.com driver’s licence

New drinking and driving, speeding rules in effect

A6 Wednesday, September 22, 2010

www.therockymountaingoat.com

YELLOWHEAD HELICOPTERS Ltd. 14th ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL CHARITIES, PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

P.O. BOX 190, VALEMOUNT, B.C.

250-566-4401 TEL. 250-566-4333 FAX

Business Watch:

Kiwa returns with a new flavour

Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd. hosted their 14TH Annual Charity Golf Classic on September 11th of this year. The Tournament was held at Valemount Pines Golf & Country Club where 64 golfers participated in the event. Participants of the golf tournament traveled from Vancouver, Toronto, Okanagan, Prince George and Edmonton to enjoy the weekend and the spectacular scenery offered in our valley.

The Tournament raised over $5 000, which will be donated to local charities and clubs to be used within the community. We are currently accepting written requests (mail, fax, email) for the use of these proceeds. In your request, please include: the name of the Organization, a description of the use of the funds, and timing of when the funds are needed.

We would like to express our thanks for the generous support of our sponsors. The success of this year’s Tournament is in no small part due to their participation.

BRONZE SPONSORS

Aviall Canada Ltd. Helicopter Accessory Service Ltd. Canada Royal Bank of Canada Select Helicopter Services Ltd

GOLD SPONSORS

Bell Helicopter Textran Canada Ltd. Best Western Valemount Inn & Suites Canadian Air Parts SkyTrac Systems Ltd.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Sheppard Insurance Services Inc. Valemount Home Hardware Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd.

Sincerely,

SILVER SPONSORS

Airborne Engines Ltd. Alpine Aerotech Ltd. Avialta Helicopter Maintenance Ltd. BDO Dunwoody LLP Chinook Helicopters DART Helicopter Services David Crest Dawson Construction Ltd. Eagle Copters Green Mountain Aviation Products Joey’s Only Northwest Fuels Ltd. Onboard Systems International Overland West Freight Lines Pacific Resins & Coating Ltd. SEI Industries Standard Aero Ltd Tamarac Aviation TD Canada Trust Valemount Pines Golf Club Vector Aerospace

Carl Forman (250-566-4401) Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd.

Ads come in all sizes!

Call Joe for custom quotes.

250-566-1444

Kiwa has found a new found sense of creativity Kiwa will once again be serving coffee – but in a much different sphere. Shona Thorne, Marcia Languay and Marion Farquharson are re-opening the business as a hobby house, a place locals and tourists can experiment with dozens crafts and workshops. Most importantly, they say, everything is ready for use as they step in the door.

“I think that anyone who does crafts dreams of having a space that’s magically set up,” says Thorne. “The glue guns are already plugged in, the kits ready. For myself at home, by the time I get everything set up, the kids are home.”

Thorne says one of the biggest benefits for patrons of Kiwa’s Crafts will be the ability to try out crafts they’ve never tried before without the start-up expense. But it’s also a place to visit, share craft ideas, and stay warm during winter

ACCEPTING RESUMES IMMEDIATELY Mill Positions

Photos: Laura Keil

months.

In the multi-coloured space, which includes a kitchen and sofas, patrons will be able to choose pre-packaged kits geared for certain projects. For beginners, the community of crafters will be able to help them out on something new.

In addition to regular crafts, there will be workshops such as chocolate making, ethnic food demonstrations, and scrapbooking. Workshops are 50 per cent off with a 6-month membership.

“People say they’re not creative, but we’d really like to get those people here,” Thorne says. “We want them to just play.

You don’t have to be Martha Stewart.”

A drop-in pass is $15, monthly pass $30. Hours are 9a.m. – 12p.m. and 3p.m.

– 8p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10a.m. – 2p.m. on Saturday

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

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A7

Village Council minutes: Village of Valemount Regular Council Meeting, September 14, 2010-09-20 VARDA A.G.M. and Village Rep. The Annual General Meeting of the Valemount and Area Recreational Development Association was held on September 14. Councillor Cynthia Piper will be the representative for the Village of Valemount for 2010/11.

Secondary suites proposal The council receives a review of a request by Rhondi Hurlbut to explore the option of allowing secondary suits on her property. After review, it has been determined that secondary suits would not contravene The Official Community Plan. As such, amendments to zoning bylaws may proceed. The council votes to proceed with legislative process and waive the $450 fee as any zoning changes will be general and not specific to any one property.

Winter InfoCentre use The council receives a request to use the Tourism Information Center for the office of the Valemount Tourism Committee. The council accepts a motion to allow use of the information center and to close the rental agreement currently in place with the Learning Centre.

Community Hall renos.

Rennovation proposals for the Valemount Community Hall are tabled.

Proposed improvements include painting, replacing the existing floor and subfloor, replacement of restroom counter tops and the installation of acoustic panels. Budget proposals include a grant of $27,170 and a loan of $19,340 from the Northern Development Initiatives Trust. The total budget for the project is proposed at $81,510. Motion to continue with the upgrades carries.

Village Propane Supply The village has been given an Annual Price Plan Renewal option with Superior Propane. Superior Propane has been supplying the village since 1998. A competitive bid was received in 2009. A motion to sign a Guaranteed (Fixed) Price Plan Renewal carries.

Prison Committee report The council received a report from the Prison/Correctional Institute Facility Committee. Corrections Canada and B.C. Corrections are not looking for new sites for correctional facilities in the near future. Future developments will favour larger centers where services pre-exist. A motion to accept the report and dissolve the committee carries.

Village of McBride Regular Council Meeting, September 14, 201009-20 Changes from Northern Health Council discussed a letter from Northern Health on a new initiative called CHAllies, which is intended to increase information between regional communities. The letter explains that CHAllies is a voluntary network of associations and other groups who will receive and share electronic health information for the benefit of communities. Northern Health will send pertinent health information or messages to the email address of the president of chair of the group to share with members, preferably electronically by email. Examples of the health information that maybe shared include announcements and information on vaccination schedules and vaccine eligibility, pandemics, outbreaks, school closures, air quality, food safety and drinking water quality advisories, etc. Councillor Mike Moseley brought up concerns about whether or not Northern Health would no longer contact the hospital and village directly if the village signs onto CHAllies. Councillor Rick Thompson suggested he take this information to the Robson Health Association in order to identify a lead and act as their contact.

Library expansion

Over $1,000 awarded to local charities Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

The McBride Communication Foundation has awarded five organizations $250 under its first mini grant program.

The two-year-old foundation received only five applications, so every applicant was awarded funds for community initiatives run by charitable organizations.

The funds were donated by the Village of McBride through the community forest, and were matched by the Northern Development Initiative Trust to create a $100,000 endowment fund. The interest from the invested money will be distributed each year to local charities.

The charities (and their partners) who received a mini grant are as follows: *The Robson Valley Support Society and Stepping Stones Children’s Centre will provide licensed child care providers with funds to travel to Prince George to gain further knowledge in supporting children.

*The Fraser Headwaters Alliance and Dunster Fine Arts School Society will use the money towards maintaining the local fine arts school, which the society is attempting to acquire from the school board. *Save the Cedar League will produce and distribute an Ecoguide to highlight the valley’s best-kept secrets, its wildlife and ecological teasures. *The Robson Valley Arts and Culture Council and Kathy Molendyk will host professional community dance lessons for children aged 2 to 18 and belly dancing for adults. *The Robson Valley Arts and Culture Council will build a produce display in conjunction with the Fraser Heritage Festival as an opportunity for local crafts people to show their wears.

Council discussed the library expansion and bylaw change needed. The Bylaw number 703 is changed so that the minimum side setback be changed from 10 feet to two feet, and the maximum site coverage from 33 per cent to 57 per cent.

The motion carried unanimously.

Accounts payable Council approved the accounts payable for July.

Water Conservation Plan The draft water conservation plan was disseminated to council. Councillors have until Oct. 1st to give their comments on the report, which looks at how the village can stay within its limit of water use as to still be eligible for government grants.

Fraser boat launch Council discussed the steps necessary to move the boat launch from the east to the west side of the Fraser River to the location of the old transfer station. The Ministry of Fisheries and Wildlife says the boat launch cannot remain where it is.The B.C. Ministry of the Environment and federal Ministry of Fisheries and Wildlife recommend the input of a hydrologist, and environmental assessment firm, and an engineer. Mayor Frazier says he will look into how much it would cost.

If it’s over $5,000, he says they may need to reconsider.

Dunster School negotiations to proceed Laura Keil lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

The Dunster Fine Arts School Society is awaiting a response from School District #57 regarding the society acquiring the vacant school building for local education.

“They’re coming back to us with their end of the negotiations,” said Seth MacDonald, chair of the school society on Monday. “It felt positive.

Negotiations are moving ahead.”

Parents and teachers have been hosting classes in heated tents next to school grounds since the beginning of the school year to protest the building’s closure.

The school district has offered the building to the society for $39,000.

The society offered $10 for the property, which they say was on the advice of school district officials.

Meanwhile school district officials continue to say they will work with the society to consider a Wells models of teaching for the 2011-2012 school year, where the district would provide the teachers, but the local school society would maintain the building and supplies.

For more on this story visit our website: www.therockymountaingoat.com

Comments? lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com

A8

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Paragliding dreams soaring for Valemount resident McBride enthusiast endorses a Valemount launch site...(from lead on front page) Joseph Nusse jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com He took his first lesson one year ago, but Valemount resident John Grogan says that he is in no rush to get into the air before he has mastered the fundamentals of his new sport. But Grogan is already seeing the huge potential of paragliding in Valemount’s end of the valley.

“I was on top of Five-Mile the other day looking for a future launch site. Canoe Mountain also looks good to me,” he says.

“It would be nice to get a club or association to build a launch site.”

While he has yet to run off a mountain and let his feet dangle free, Grogan says that he will continue using the open winds of the Valemount airport to practice his ground work, and he looks forward to launching sometime in the near future.

First developed during the mid 1980s, paragliding has become one of the fastest growing sports worldwide. It is hugely popular in Europe and Japan. But it hasn’t caught on as quickly in Canada.

Ben Blixrud of McBride has lived in McBride since 1972 and has been paragliding for seventeen years. He learned to fly in Cochrane Alberta.

“On McBride Peak we can launch if there is a wind going either way,” he says.

“There are three active members here

in McBride. Five to six years ago we used to get quite a few paragliding tourists. It seems that lately everybody is just going to Golden to fly.”

Blixrud says that Golden B.C. has really embraced the sport, and facilities have been built to attract international gliders.

“A gentleman from Europe just fell in love with the place and he bought the landing site and turned it into a campground. They have one basic launch site you can drive to and one hike in launch site.”

Blixrud says that Golden has always had a strong local culture. If locals do it, the tourists usually catch on as well.

“In Smithers they used to have a lot of locals, but as they moved away, less tourist gliders came. It’s way better if you can do it with a group of people.”

While the valley does not have a huge local culture, Blixrud says it has many natural mountain features which make for a great gliding experience.

“There are a couple of sites between McBride and Valemount that could make good ridge soaring. One guy has launched from McBride and landed in Valemount after going by Mt. Robson. There is good potential for cross country here.”

Blixrud says that other than the large gap between McBride Peak and the Homes River, which is only crossable in ideal conditions by experience gliders, the continual ridges paralleling the valley could make hosting a paragliding competition possible. In such a competition, gliders launch in a mass start. Three to five waypoints are predetermined. The first glider to reach all waypoints and land wins.

“We would need a good launch site to mass start. McBride Peak is great; we launched twenty-five gliders for a fly in once. Valemount would need this too.

When we had our fly in years ago, it was really cool. There were people on Main Street in their lawn chairs looking at all the colours in the air.”

He says that down in Golden it is like this all summer.

Glenn Derouin owns and runs Paraglide Canada, a training school near Vernon B.C. where Grogan took his first lessons.

According to Derouin, the Robson Valley is likely the perfect spot to become a paragliding destination with the proper facilities.

“You do not necessarily need a high launch site, it just needs to be the right aspect. South, southwest, facing the sun.

It needs to be high enough to catch thermals and close enough to a safe landing site. You need a launch that is safe and a landing that is safe.”

Derouin says that ideally a launch is on a slope, but not too steep.

“You need to be able to take three to five steps and still be able to shut down and abort. You don’t want a cliff to jump off of.

A rounded knoll is what you want.”

He says that he is familiar with Canoe Mountain and while this site does work for hang gliders, it is likely too high for paragliders due to the stronger winds at such high elevations. He adds that even cut blocks can make a good launch site.

When asked if he would come help determine a suitable location for a future launch site Derouin jumped at the invitation.

“For sure we could come out with guys from our club and check it out. We could see what the valley has for potential.”

Derouin says that he encourages anybody who is interested in the sport to pursue their interest.

“It is like motorbike riding. If you do stupid things, stupid things happen. You can also fly safe for 20 or even 30 years.”

the fall and early winter. Some varieties such as Burpee’s Longkeeper and Mystery Keeper have kept until March for me. Of course stored tomatoes do not taste as good as the fresh vine-ripened ones we have had up until now, but they are much better than the store-bought, chemicalladen hybrids in my estimation.

For years, I wrapped each tomato in newspaper and put them away in boxes in my cool basement. Checking them every week was a chore when I had 10 – 15 boxes. Then I read about a much simpler method and find it so much easier.

Just ask the local grocery store (or general store) to save a few apple boxes with the dividers in them. The dividers are a blue pressed cardboard with an indentation for each apple so the fruit sits in the box without ADULT COMPUTER CLASS touching the Free at the Library one next to Monday Nights it. I place 6:30pm-8:30pm for 4 weeks the larger First session starts September 13th heavier Second session starts October 25th tomatoes on the bottom Sign up at the Library layer, then Seating is limited!

a layer of medium size ones on the next divider, and finish with a layer of smaller ones. By putting only one tomato per hole, the tomatoes never touch one another. This is the main cause of rot while in storage. I then place another divider or piece of cardboard on top to protect them from dust.

It is so easy to lift out each layer to pick out the ripe ones or the ones that are beginning to rot. You can check 10-15 boxes in a few minutes – so much easier than unwrapping dozens of tomatoes in newspaper. Another advantage I have found is the fact that there is no newspaper ink on your hands or tomatoes with this method.

I only save the medium to large light green tomatoes and use the dark green ones for pickles and relish as they rarely ripen before they shrivel up or rot. Keep an eye on Helen Burchnall’s column in the Times for some more ideas on using up green tomatoes.

Gardening with Pete

Comments? jnusse@therockymountaingoat.com

Peter Amyoony Special to The Goat

ANO

E M O U N TAI

N

C

With a few light frosts around the Valley the rush of harvesting fall crops begins and the garden seems to be calling out that it is time to put it to bed for the winter. At times, the amount of produce and the chores to be done can seem almost overwhelming but “one step at a time” gets it all done.

At the first sign of frost, remember to harvest squash, pumpkin, tomatoes, peppers and other tender crops. With

R E S T A U R A N T

the leaves black and wilted by frost, there is no protection for the fruits if the frost strikes again. Two columns ago, I outlined how to cure and store pumpkin and squash so they will keep long into the winter.

If you find yourself with dozens of green tomatoes you can make green tomato pickles, relish, or if you are from the Maritimes, you will more than likely make a “batch of chow-chow”.

However, if you have a lot of large light green tomatoes which are clean and without blemishes, you may want to store them in a cool place (50F – 10C) and let them ripen slowly through

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 22, 2010

The Tourism Directory

A9

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

Teepee Meadows Cottage

Spectacular mountain and marshland scenery Phone:250-566-9875

Eatery and Gift Shop

1152 - 5th Ave, Valemount B.C. 250-566-0154

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

Open 9 am -5:30 pm Monday thru Friday

250.566.4380

For Drywall Services CALL TODD @

WAHOO ENTERPRISES

250-569-0320 New Construction, Renovations Additions, Framing, Finishing Cabinetry & Wood Doors

Certified Septic Installer Bobcat Skid Steer With Various Attachments

G & A Moore Ventures Gerald Moore Contractor www.mooreventures.ca Tel: 250.569.2269

McBride, BC

Cell: 250.569.7147

STR8 UP Renovations

Locally owned, locally operated!

New Construction, renos, form building. shops, decks.

Journeyman carpenter, 17 years experience.

Call Jeff Wagner, 250-569-7906

Just like you!

Call Joe at 250-566-1444, to place you ad.

Place your ad here! only $40/4 weeks!

A10

Wednesday, September 22, 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

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

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

Place your ad here ____________ for only $2 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.

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

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

For Rent

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.

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 Older 2 bedroom house on 6th Ave. $450/month plus utilities. 250-566-4790.

Braun Juicer.-Multi-press MP-50. Fruits and veggies, gently used. $45. Pressure canner “Wearever” $70. Lv msg: 250-566-1588.

Two used satellite dishes. As is, taken off of house. Open to offers, 250-566-1444.

Minolta 2050 copier with two bottles of toner. Asking $300 OBO. Black and White copying only. Upto 11x17 size, also double sided. Older machine but still reproduces well. Handy for someone who needs to make copies of maps, booklets, handouts, etc. Call Rashmi at Infinity 250-5664225. Available for testing / viewing at Infinity Office & health, Valemount.

Aries: Play a game of chance today, I feel i deserve a share of any winnings... (and dissolve myself of any responsibility for losses) Taurus: You go too far this week and make an enemy out of rum.

Gemini: The look on your face when you get surprised today will be priceless.

Cancer: Others look to your life for entertainment so expect them to take things out of context and an aggressive advertising campaign.

Leo: The universe ruled and it doesn’t look good for you, but you may be able to get time off for good behaviour.

Virgo: You can’t be good at everything, and no one expects you to be so play off their low expectations.

Libra: You have become someone’s puppet, don’t let on that you know so you can see how far this goes.

Scorpio: Damn... you are looking fine today.

Sagittarius: The fates are smiling at you, and you realize that immortals have horrible teeth.

Capricorn: Your actions today will build your reputation greatly, it will take weeks of apologies to undo this.

Aquarius: No one is listening to you, as frustrating as it is, it is liberating to tell the jerks what you really think of them.

Pieces: Enjoy the simple things in life, and maybe start planning your finances better so you don’t have to for long.

Nanny Needed

Roommate Wanted $295 plus shared utilities.

1 bedroom in 2 bedroom apartment in Valemount.

250-566-4044

www.

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. SalWith the highest ary based on experience. Pls distribution in.net the email resumes or inquires to get the best Jessica@crescentspur.com.

Sudoku, Kakuro & Futoshiki valley, Puzzles exposure you can!

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

Sudoku-Puzzles Sudoku 9x9 - Hard (132689422)

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

3.

70350.150

#15 – 151 Columbia St.

Manufactured Home Reg #13662

4.

70350.190

#19 – 151 Columbia St.

Manufactured Home Reg #32937

Eliana Clements CAO

4

3

8

1

LEGAL DISCRIPTION

1.

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

70350.122 #12 – 151 Columbia St. Manufactured Home Reg #61395

Classified ads Starting at $2!

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www.therockymountaingoat.com

Community Events September

Sept 25 A Woman’s Voice Conference 8:30-4p.m.

Valemount Learning Centre, 99 Gorse St. Sept. 25-26 Fraser Heritage Festival and World Rivers Day Sat, 25th: Visual Arts Day 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sun 26th: Performing Arts Day 11a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Robson Valley Community Centre in McBride

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

Valemount Seniors’ Music Night 7p.m.

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

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A11

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

October

Oct. 2 Winter Coat Swap 9 - 12 p.m.

Location: Valemount Community Church, 5th Ave. Drop off clean winter items to Medical Centre or 11336 Avenue (on deck). Bonnie 250-566-4213

Got a community event or announcement?

Let us know! lkeil@therockymountaingoat.com Every Friday In Valemount: Musical jam at The Gathering Tree cafe, 7 p.m.

Hamburgers and drinks at the Legion, 5:30 p.m.

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

Corrections:

In the article titled “Higher education options coming to the Robson Valley” which ran the week of Sept. 15, it was reported that “The NORE program will not operate every other year.” The sentence should have read “The NORE program will now operate every other year, with continuing education classes filling in the gap years.”

Community Announcements As of September 5, services at the Anglican-United church in Valemount will be at 9 am and in McBride at 11:30 am. Sunday school programs are provided at both services. All are welcome!

What was the weather last week?

Sept. 11-13 - high 17.5, low 0, 18.2 mm Sept. 14 - high 18, low 1.5, 1.6 mm Sept. 15 - high 10.5, low 4, 4.8 mm Sept. 16 - high 16.5, low -3, 0 mm Sept. 17 - high 16, low -2.4, 0 mm Sept. 18 - high 15, low 3, 1.6 mm Sept. 19 - high 15, low 2, 9.2 mm Source: Elder Creek weather station

Robson Valley Weather Wednesday 13 -4

Thursday 9 -1 P.O.P. 60%

Friday 13 4

Saturday 15 7 P.O.P 60%

Sunday

Dancing Bear

Curtis and Bonnie Culp caught these two dancing bears on their wildlife camera recently. The picture was taken with a Digital Moultrie game camera, which detects movement and is often used by hunters. The camera has an infrared flash so the pictures at night are black and white.

16 9 P.O.P 60%

Monday 16 8 P.O.P. 60%

A12

www.therockymountaingoat.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

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

From top counterclockwise: Zachary Schneider and Ian Foreman hang out at the VCTV green screen, Logan Foreman plays cameraman while Mackenzie Booth and Dustin Byford make recordings on the VCTV cameras that were set up for demonstrations. Megan Photos: Laura Keil Pawliuk took care of the VARDA booth with dad Curtis Pawliuk.

Row upon row of vehicles were parked outside the Valemount Community Hall last week as Valemount hosted its first annual Community Awareness Night.

Organizer Darryl Polyk says 150-160 people packed the hall to learn about activities and clubs in the area.

“Everybody thought it went really, really well,” he says. “Everyone we spoke to said it was a great event. All the organizers were pleased.”

While no decisions have been made yet, Polyk says the positive turnout to the event means it is likely to happen again next year. The organizers were an informal ad hoc group. Polyk says they will consider handing it over to another local group that is established.

The organizers thank everyone especially the village for the free use of the community hall space.