The Rocky Mountain Goat - Mar. 2 - 8.0

McBride by-election

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Seniors revolt over taxes

3

Mayor defends travel claim decision

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Win for Valemount-McBride PeeWees 8 Valemount girls head to Provincials 10 PM42164515

Thursday, March 2, 2017 Volume 8 Issue 8

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Caribou infraction: sledders charged 3

Meek-Olson family recovering in wake of tragic fire

The Meek-Olson family is back in town and recovering after the tragic fire that claimed the life of 16-month-old Dominic Meek and left Clint and Landon Meek with bad burns. Above: Landon plays at Centennial Park with his mother Allison Olson and sister Samara Olson-Smith. See P2 / EVAN MATTHEWS

Resort boundary extension comments ‘hugely premature’: Village staff

by EVAN MATTHEWS It would seem Valemount Mayor Jeannette Townsend is playing her comments fast and loose regarding the Village’s potential boundary extension to encompass the proposed Valemount Glacier Destinations resort.

Last week, Mayor Townsend told 250 News that the Village has confirmed its decision to extend its boundary to the proposed VGD ski resort saying, “It will be a satellite boundary expansion.”

Village CAO Adam Davey says to assume Valemount’s VGD boundary will be a satellite boundary expansion is “hugely premature.”

“We are not expanding the boundary. We’re exploring the steps required

to do so,” Davey said of where things sit currently.

In a response to the Goat’s questions, Davey says the Mayor was basing her comments on a 2004 study that looked at the Village expanding its boundaries to encompass the then-proposed Canoe Mountain Gondola resort project.

That study analyzed the governance structure, potential growth, financial analysis, etc., according to the Village. The study suggested that a satellite inclusion of the Canoe Mountain Gondola base area would be beneficial for the Village (satellite meaning the resort area would not connect geographically to the rest of the Village).

The Canoe Mountain Gondola never happened and the study was shelved.

In January, the Village drafted a letter

to the Province seeking support to look at the boundary extension process to the proposed VGD resort site, which is located in the regional district on Crown land. The Village has not received a response to its request as yet.

If the Province gives its support, the Village would then apply for grants to fund the study and a Request for Proposals could be issued in May or June 2017, Davey says, adding it’s possible the study could be completed by January 2018.

The goal of the study is to identify the pros and cons to different boundary options, such as new tax revenue from the resort versus the cost of supplying new services like water and sewer to the resort base.

“We want to make sure our homework is

Listings on P15!

Prince George done,” Davey said.

Section 20 of the Local Government Act describes the requirements for applying for a municipal boundary extension from the Province.

If and when the boundary extension study is done, Council would be provided with results, consult with the public, and then make a decision, according to Village staff.

The Village cannot extend the boundary simply by Council resolution – it would require either an assent vote, otherwise known as a referendum, by current Village residents, or the Village could gain electoral approval through “an alternative approval process” prior to asking the Minister to consider a boundary extension.

Cont’d on 14

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Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

therockymountaingoat.com

Meek-Olson family back in Valemount We Want you!

by EVAN MATTHEWS

Robson Valley

Telephone Book 2017 2018

Listings are free.

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Remember, if your home or business uses a cell phone, you`re not in the book unless you call!

Call Deanna 250-566-3152

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ALLAN FREDERICK For McBride Village Council

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Authorized by Allan Frederick - Financial Agent 250-569-7060

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r more Call fom tion infor a Offering a fleet of trucks from a standard F-550 to a 50 tonne heavy-hauler, this towing and automotive service and repair company is well established in the central BC area.

Based out of Valemount, the company provides service along the Highway 5 and Yellowhead Highway corridor between Kamloops and Jasper, Alberta. With existing service contracts, such as BCAA and ICBC, the company holds market share in the area, and is limited only by the quantity of hired manpower. The towing and automotive ends compliment each other and maximize revenue potential.

The repair shop provides a store front and three bays, along with commercial propane service. The leased shop, yard and compound have access to the highway with 100% axle weight year round. This is a turn-key operation with a solid reputation.

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Cell: 250-566-1086 Office: 250-562-3600

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Each office independently owned and operated.

After the tragic December fire that claimed the life of 16-monthold, Dominic Meek, the surviving members of the Meek-Olson family have returned to Valemount.

On Dec. 6, Fire crews responded to a fire at the Meek-Olson household just after 10 PM in Hartman Trailer Park. At the time of the fire, there were three people inside including Clint Meek, and his two sons Landon and Dominic.

The kids’ mother, Allison Olson, as well as her sixyear-old daughter Samara Olson-Smith, were not inside at the time of the fire.

Clint and Landon suffered second-degree burns in the fire and were sent to Three-year-old Landon Meek’s compression gloves can be seen as he gets ready to jump off the the burn unit in Vancouver Merry-Go-Round at Centennial Park earlier this week. / EVAN MATTHEWS by helicopter for treatment, where they stayed going well, Olson says. medical journals. for a month, coming home from the ground up, and there is one major piece “He’s healing up, ” says Olson says Landon will Jan. 8th 2017. missing from completing Olson. “(Clint and Landwear compression gloves While the family is still the family’s life together, on) both have appointfor up to two years, and rebuilding their life, Alliagain. ments like crazy, and they Clint could be wear his son Olson says she couldn’t “It’ d be really nice to have have to wear compression compression shirt for up to be happier to be back in a home, ” Olson says.

“Once garments. ” a year. the community that has we have a home, we’re set Clint’s compression Clint and Landon should supported her family up. ” garment is essentially a not expose the affected arthrough these trying times.

Olson says the family has really tight shirt made of eas to the sun, Olson says.

“This community is raised enough funds to specialized material, Olson Clint can’t work in his amazing, and I honestly buy a new trailer.

The famsays, while Landon wears current condition and don’t know where we’d ily’s aim is to return to the compression gloves on his Olson is without a job, be without everybody’s Hartman Trailer Park. hands. but the family has raised support,” says Olson, who Right now Olsen says the Medical professionals enough funding for the apologized for having to family is mostly focused often use compression garfamily to live off of for the fight back tears. on Clint and Landon’s ments on burn survivors time being.

“People have donated recoveries, and if threeto provide pressure over “It’s been incredible suptoys, clothes and houseyear-old Landon Meek’s healing burns, as the comport.

I’m so happy to be hold stuff. Cash donations. running around the pression minimizes the a part of this town,” says Petro did a can-drive that playground at Centennial development of scars by Olson. covered Dom’s service,” she Park is any indication, his interfering with the body’s “It’s been tough, but we’re says, referring to Domirecovery is going well. production of collagen, doing it.” nic’s funeral.

“He’s been doing amazwhile also reducing pain However, the family has ing, actually,” Olson says. and promoting healing, literally had to re-build Clint’s recovery is also according to an array of

McBride by-election fast approaching

by EVAN MATTHEWS It’s been long awaited, but the Saturday Mar. 4 deadline to fill three seats on McBride’s Village Council is just around the corner.

Though unable to elaborate on voter turnout or the race itself, Chief Election Officer for the Village of McBride by-election, Karla Jensen, did say voter turn out at the Robson Valley Community Centre Feb. 22 advanced poll was “good.”

For those who didn’t make their way to the polls, Mar. 4 will provide one more chance for residents to have their say on McBride’s future for the next

two years.

If residents haven’t had a chance to make it out to a forum or read up on their candidates, our staff encourages folks to do just that at The Rocky Mountain Goat website at http://www. therockymountaingoat. com/2017/02/mcbridemeet-your-candidates/.

Though the Mar. 4 polls will close at 8:00 p.m., regional district expects first results to be available by about 9:30 p.m. on March 4, while official election results will be declared by Wednesday March 8 at 4:00 p.m.

For updates on the evening of Mar. 4, like us on Facebook at: https://

www.facebook.com/TheRocky-Mountain-GoatNews-208571822519172/ or follow us on Twitter: @thegoatnews.

The candidates who are ultimately elected will see their term in office end in October 2018, which is in line with the next regular municipal election.

On Nov. 18, 2016, Councillors Ralph Bezanson, Sharon Reichert and Edee Tracy submitted their resignation papers, leaving Councillor Rick Thompson and Mayor Loranne Martin as the only remaining members of council.

On Nov. 29, Minister of Community, Sport and

Cultural Development, Peter Fassbender signed a Ministerial Order to allow the remaining two members of Council to constitute a quorum until the vacancies are filled through a by-election.

During the time of transition, Minister Fassbender instructed the Mayor and the remaining Councillor to not make any long-term decisions, including any creating legal or financial liabilities for the village.

Since November, the Village’s focus has been on decisions essential to sustaining the operations of government only, according to the Province.

Valemount | Dunster | McBride | In Print | Online

Sledders found in caribou closure, charged

by EVAN MATTHEWS

Two snowmobilers are on the hook for entering a caribou closure with five caribou nearby during a busy sledding weekend.

B.C. Conservation found two sledders in an area marked as a caribou closure, ultimately charging them and seizing the snowmobiles.

Officers were brought in from Lillooet, Kamloops and Clearwater to help with the added pressure that comes with a long weekend, according to Sergeant Kevin Van Damme of

B.C. Conservation Officer Service. Monday Feb 20th was Alberta’s Family Day weekend, and many sledders hail from Alberta.

Conservation found 50130 sledders in each of the individual North Thompson Valley riding areas on each weekend day, Van Damme says, with a total of 800 riders over the weekend.

“We had a couple people who found themselves in an area they should not have been. The area is the number one priority to protect caribou (in the region),” says Van Damme, referring to an area near

Mount Peddie, but calling the closure Berry-Peddie.

With a helicopter patrolling overhead, Conservation had eyes on each of the riding areas for different portions of the day.

“We saw five caribou in and around the area the riders were moving in towards,” says Van Damme.

“Those areas are extremely critical for us to make sure riders understand and get the message.”

Generally, Van Damme says sledder compliance in regards to the closures was pretty good, pointing back to the fact that a total of 800 riders spent time in

made public, the Village said the annual rate will increase the residential rate by 9.5 per cent for the first nine years — equating to an average annual dollar increase of $28, or $2.34 per month — and then 3 per cent per year for every year following, while the Village

disagree with Council’s decision to lower these vacant fees because many of these lots are owned by out-oftowners, the Village does continue to benefit,” reads the Village’s response.

“In 2016, the Village issued five building permits for new commercial and

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017 the area.

“I want to stress that most of the sledders all understand the closures,” he says. “Compliance is really good.”

Conservation credits the Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA) and the Blue River Snowmobile Club for rider compliance and education, something both organizations acknowledge has taken years of work to build.

Though non-compliance is unfortunate, VARDA General Manager, Curtis Pawliuk says he’s hopeful this weekend’s result creates more awareness, preventing other riders from doing the same in the future.

More riders entered closures than were caught,

Seniors unhappy with tax hikes

by EVAN MATTHEWS

Tax increases have some senior citizens in Valemount threatening to leave town.

While many Valemount residents expected a utility tax rate increase of 9.5 per cent, Grace Schmitke was “concerned” to find an increase of 10.67 per cent on her property.

In a letter addressed to Council at its Feb. 14 meeting, Schmitke, a senior citizen living on a pension, expressed her concern and disapproval regarding Council’s decision to increase the rates.

“I understand and agree to a small percent increase, but the increase this year is rather a leap,” Schmitke’s letter reads.

“My pension cost of living increase in no way compares to the increases Council proposes,” it reads.

And she isn’t alone.

Seventy-five-year-old Morris Turmel, a former mill employee in Valemount, says in combination with the utility tax rate increases, the proposed arena requisition increase, as well as other tax increases will hurt both him and his wife, Judy.

“Add all the tax increases together and it’s a lot,” says Turmel. “We’re on a fixed income.”

In February 2016, the Village shared its intention to raise utility tax rate by 9.5 per cent on water and sewer services in order to replenish the reserve accounts in case of emergency, Valemount’s Mayor, Jeannette Townsend, said at the time.

When the increase was

“My pension cost of living increase in no way compares to the increases Council proposes... “ Grace Schmitke, Valemount resident still offers an eight per cent rate discount for full payment before Mar. 10th.

However, in explanation of the extra 1.17 percentage points that showed up on Schmitke’s utility taxes, the Village’s Director of Finance, Lori McNee, replied to Schmitke stating, “Please note there was an additional increase approved by Council, Res # 44/16, lowering the vacant property fee which was compensated by increasing other rates.”

The Village says the lowering the vacant property fee means other taxpayers pay more, which explains Schmitke’s 10.67 per cent utility tax rate increase versus the 9.5 she expected.

In her letter, Schmitke expresses the Village is being unfair to its residents by charging less to vacant lot owners, asking, “What do they contribute?”

“Although you strongly

residential developments valued at over $1-million.

“This not only provides increased tax revenues for the Village, but additional economic benefit from those hired for construction and new residents living within our community,” the Village’s reply reads.

But, as Schmitke argues, none of the increased tax revenue or added economic benefit matters if current residents start moving away.

“If the billing structure and increase trend continues I will not be able to afford to live here,” she states plainly. Turmel also suggested potential of having to move.

The main reason for the tax hikes, is that Village is proactively planning for upgrades to the (roughly) 40-year-old water and sewer infrastructure, described to council by McNee, which includes new

provincial water testing reporting requirements, new standards and codes for tradespeople, worker’s certifications and operating costs.

Adding complexity to the subject — and not for the first time — the Village is exploring the potential of installing a water metre system, which would provide a billing system based on use instead of class.

The idea currently has people on both sides of the fence.

“I applaud Mayor Townsend and Councillor Reimer for thinking again of water meters, which would be the only way to truly have a fair system of charging users for the water and sewer they actually use,” Valemount resident, Korie Marshall, wrote to The Goat at the time of the utility tax rate increase announcement.

Though Marshall noted, “For people on low incomes, or fixed incomes like many or our seniors, five to nine percent is going be a lot – especially when that is how much it needs to increase each year.”

The cost of a new water meter system would be substantial and the provision of grants is currently being researched, according to McNee. But could raising taxes be garnering capital for grant requirements to fund the installation of a new water meter system? Turmel says he thinks so, and he questions whether a town of 1,000 people warrants the specificity water meters with a billing system based on usage versus class would bring.

according to Conservation, saying groups often briefly dip into wellmarked closures.

Getting caught, Van Damme says, is really just a matter of timing.

VILLAGE OF VALEMOUNT PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEMBERS WANTED The Village of Valemount is seeking knowledgeable volunteers with relevant experience to fill vacancies on the Public Works Committee. Two applicants will be invited to sit on the committee for a two year term.

The Public Works Committee is a “Standing Committee of Council” and their role is to make recommendations to Council regarding the sustainability of infrastructure and provision of services in the Village.

If you are interested in being part of the committee, please submit a brief statement expressing your interest, your relevant experience and knowledge, as well as any pertinent background information. Please ensure your statement of interest is received by, or emailed to, the Village Office no later than 4:00PM, on March 17, 2017 and is addressed to: Carleena Shepherd Corporate Services Clerk Village of Valemount office@valemount.ca

ROBSON VALLEY RECREATION AND COMMUNITY CENTRES MARKETING COORDINATOR SERVICES Invitation to Quote CS-17-02 The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George invites written quotations for contract marketing coordinator services for the Robson Valley Recreation and Community Centres. The marketing coordinator, is responsible to plan, coordinate and deliver commercial/business events and generally strive to maximize the use of the facilities.

For further information, the Invitation to Quote (ITQ) documents may be obtained on or after February 27, 2017 on the Regional District Website at www.rdffg.bc.ca

3.25” x 5”

Public input meeting COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND AFFECTED AREAS PROGRAMS

Come learn about the 20 projects applying for funding this year and ask questions.

Food will be available.

• Tuesday, March 7 at 4-6 p.m.

Valemount Secondary School ADMINISTERED & MANAGED BY

Attend the Public Presentation and vote for the applications you support.

• Tuesday, March 7 at 6 p.m.

Valemount Community Theatre

1.250.566.4435 1.800.505.8998

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www.valemount.ca

A PROGRAM OF

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Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

therockymountaingoat.com

Letters/Op-Ed

We welcome all letters to the editor Write to us! goatnewspaper@gmail.com

Editorial Mayor’s remarks cause for concern Evan Matthews Editor Valemount residents have been advocating for a ski resort for years. The process has been well thought out, meticulous, and careful throughout every phase.

It seems like the mayor is now taking a different tack.

Last week, Mayor Townsend talked to 250 News about the proposed Village boundary extension to the resort site, saying, “It will be a satellite boundary expansion.”

This comment is dangerous, because extending the boundaries has huge implications for Village residents, and the statement she made isn’t true. Village staff later clarified that the Mayor was basing her comments on a 2004 study on the proposed Canoe Mountain Gondola project – an entirely different project in a different location.

Does the Mayor fail to see these are two completely different projects?

As we’ve outlined in multiple stories, there is a lot to do before the Village — or anyone else for that matter — will understand the best option in respect to the resort’s governance.

The long story short is this — the Village (in partnership with the regional district) needs provincial support to even start the boundary extension study. Once the Village has support, it would have to secure funding to conduct a governance study in order to analyze which option makes the most sense.

Options include the resort becoming part of the Village by way of satellite or contiguous boundary extensions, the resort staying within the regional district’s jurisdiction, or ending up as its own municipality.

So this all begs the quesDoes the Mayor fail tion, why does it matter to see these are who ends up governing the two completely resort? Answer: taxes and different projects? services.

Revelstoke’s Resort, which opened in late 2007, is unlike most other B.C. ski resorts because it is part of the municipality.

Revelstoke expanded the city’s boundaries to encompass the base of the resort.

At the time, the Mayor of Revelstoke said it was a catch-22 because the city is chasing the tax revenue, but it also has to provide services.

The City of Revelstoke purchased a $1-million fire truck to service a multi-story building near the base of the resort. While there are no other buildings in town of its size, city firefighters have to be prepared to extinguish a blaze everywhere within the city’s boundaries. In 2013, the mayor said the City had yet to directly profit monetarily from the development of the ski hill.

This is a good example of why a governance study is needed, as we don’t know what services the Village would provide in exchange for tax dollars.

So where is the Mayor’s accountability on this matter? Is she not taking the Village’s boundary seriously?

The Mayor is speaking out of turn by saying it will be a satellite expansion. Her other quotes are also misleading: “Eventually the expansion will mean more tax dollars for Valemount” and “it is the developer who will have to cover all the costs of the infrastructure.”

She cannot say this responsibly because she doesn’t know.

Either she dropped the ball by not explaining the process correctly or she is making a massive assumption that this resort is the same as another proposed 13 years ago.

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The Rocky Mountain Goat serves a population base of approximately 4,000 residents from Valemount to McBride to Dome Creek and Blue River. It is 100% owned by Valemount residents Laura Keil and Joseph Nusse.

Recommended length for letters to the editor is 400 words or less. Letters do not represent the editorial stance of this newspaper.

The editor & publisher reserve the right not to publish any material that is libelous.

Letters must be signed by your real name or the name you commonly go by, be legible and include a phone number where we can reach you.

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Regular Contributors: Deanna Mickelow, Pete Amyoony, Dave Marchant, Beth Russell, Bob Hoskins, Matthew Wheeler, Monica Marcu, Lou Maze

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Valemount | Dunster | McBride | In Print | Online

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

Stray Thoughts

Letters/Op-Ed Time for dog owners to step up Brace yourself! Dog crap week is coming.

This annual event is not bound by the calendar year, but rather the whims of the daily mean temperature. You see, throughout colder parts of Canada, a tradition has become a way of life. Our furry friends walk around all winter un-fettered by the demands of basic sanitation. Why? Because thanks to four months of temperatures well belowfreezing and several inches of snow cover, there exists Photo supplied. / Joe Nusse no basic need to deal with the harsh realities of what roadside, telephone pole, man’s best friend likes to and even right in front of leave behind. the local bank. Breath it in But come sometime in dog owners! Bask in the April, or even late March, insanity of this particular an odour creeps into the aspect of Spring thaw. local air. Fresh off of four Now I am not on a months of smoke, a new crusade against man’s best smell, as rich as organic material can make, hijacks friend. I have owned dogs, and loved them all. But if the town for at least one you live in town, you carry week, sometimes two.

Four months strewn across certain responsibilities toward your neighbours. all manner of lawn, yard,

Breaching the conditions of the Community Forest License through gross overcut between the years 2012-15 and resulting in both a reduction of the license quota and an inability to meet the conditions of an additional quota offered

by Carrier Lumber to McBride; Undertaking expensive and unnecessary legal challenges to the numerous non-conformances and complaints brought against the corporation by ministerial and federal oversight

Caption Contest The Goat is launching a caption contest! We will run a photo and you can enter your humorous or entertaining caption. We will run the same photo for a month, and then publish all the captions we receive. Will yours be the best? email us: goatnewspaper@gmail.com or drop into the mailbox at 1070 5th ave. This month’s photo is taken by Bob Hoskins.

Air quality problem needs community solution

by LAURA KEIL

If your dogs takes a crap outside of your yard, you have an obligation to pick it up! But the real question is this: Who in God’s name leaves a steaming pile of crap in the middle of the sidewalk right in front of the local bank? Our town has bylaws against having egg hens in the back yard, even a single sheep or miniature goat if forbidden.

But apparently you can just let your dogs crap wherever the hell they want with impunity. As tourists and visitors go to take out some cash from one of our only 3 ATM’s in the village they get a fabulous greeting: “Welcome to Valemount, we don’t give a literal crap.”

Joe Nusse Valemount, B.C.

Improving the McBride Community Forest’s cred Dear Editor, Contrary to some misconceptions concerning the McBride Community Forest Corporation (MCFC), credibility began eroding many years ago due to failed policies and practices that were not challenged at the local level and corrected.

Some of these failures included harvesting unsustainable levels of prime timber from the operating area, while incurring unacceptable volumes of waste;

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agencies over many years; and breaching trust for a public resource through failure of the organization to obtain for this community, fair market value for the prime timber which left the area and should have provided substantially greater income than was received.

While the community has to accept and move forward with considerably less resources than it should have, village residents going to the polls this weekend

Submissions will be publi

need to consider which candidates will best understand the need to move to a structural model of oversight for a community resource which engages the entire community as rightful shareholders, as it was originally intended to do.

Elizabeth Abbs McBride, B.C.

shed next week! (March

9th edition)

They say the first step in getting better is admitting you have a problem.

In terms of Valemount’s air quality, this has yet to occur.

Despite six air quality advisories over the past three months, Village Council and residents have yet to raise a fuss or propose changes.

It appears locals are desensitized to a problem whose effects are not always immediate.

People rely on wood to heat their homes. Unfortunately, frequent weather inversions trap smoke at ground level, polluting our air.

As a mother with a young baby, I’m concerned. We need to be real about the consequences of our choices.

It may involve stepping on toes, but we have to begin a conversation.

It doesn’t just affect those with respiratory disorders.

The particulate matter (PM) from wood stoves is small enough to lodge deep into the lungs. These particles carry high levels of chemicals linked to cardiopulmonary diseases and cancer. Chronic exposure to wood smoke is linked with shorter lifespan.

A University of Copenhagen researcher who led a study on air pollution says they found wood smoke PM has similar toxicity and effects on DNA as that of vehicle exhaust particles.

A recent UBC study found that infants and toddlers living in areas with a lot of wood stoves were significantly more likely to get ear infections.

Many reputable researchers and studies liken wood It may involve stepping smoke pollution to on toes, but we have to the damaging effects of smoking. begin a conversation.

It is also hampering the economy, as one man told me he was reluctant to buy property here due to the air quality. Fewer people living and investing in the municipality means fewer taxpayers, which keeps us all poorer. It’s a vicious cycle.

Because smoke affects us all, we need a community solution.

We could start with banning ordinary wood stoves from new houses being built. Cleaner-burning pellet stoves should be the only wood burning appliance allowed. If you want to burn wood, buy property in the regional district where your smoke has room to dissipate.

This would at least put a cap on the problem.

Then we could reinstitute the wood stove exchange program. The Village has not applied for funding in the past several years. In Libby, Montana, nearly all woodstoves were replaced with models that burned up to 15 times cleaner. The fine particulate levels in this mountain town, which had a long tradition of heating with wood, dropped by 20 percent. Respiratory infections, bronchitis and children›s wheezing all dropped, according to University of Montana studies.

Third, we need to educate ourselves and our community about clean burning, chimney cleaning and the health impact of our choices.

Lastly, during air quality advisories, wood burning should be suspended. A village bylaw could take care of this. Even if only half of people follow it, it would still make a significant impact on our health.

There are many ways we can make a difference. The first step is admitting we have a problem. The next is some leadership.

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Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

therockymountaingoat.com

Mayor defends travel claim decision

by EVAN MATTHEWS Mayor of Valemount Jeannette Townsend continues to defend the fact that Mayor and Council’s Travel Claim forms are no longer public and insists the expenses are as public as they’ve ever been.

At the Feb. 14 Council meeting, a letter addressed to Council from Grace Schmitke, references The Goat’s 2016 Year in Review article where we reported Council decided mayor and council’s travel claims would no longer be public.

At the meeting, Townsend said some of the comments in Schmitke’s letter were inaccurate, and suggested inaccuracies in The Goat’s reporting. Council received Schmitke’s letter for informational purposes and opted to draft a response

to her. “(The Goat) incorrectly reported ‘Mayor and staff travel claims would no longer be public,’” the Village’s reply to Schmitke reads.

“Although the travel claim forms no longer form part of the council agenda, the amounts claimed by Mayor and Council are still provided to the public in the Accounts Payable Report, which are included in the council agendas,” the Village’s reply reads, in part.

The Mayor accurately states travel expenses are still public via the monthly Accounts Payable Report and the Annual Report, which are available on Council agendas. The breakdown of expenses provided by the travel claims forms, however, is no longer public, which

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that BC Hydro from Prince George, BC has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), ThompsonOkanagan, for a licence of occupation for Road access purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located near Valemount over unsurveyed Crown land in the vicinity of District Lot 5739, Cariboo District.

The Lands File for this application is 3413174.

Comments on this application may be submitted by one of two options: Option 1: Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision website at: www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp where details of the application and maps can be found.

Option 2: by mail to Senior Land Officer, ThompsonOkanagan, MFLNRO, at 441 Columbia Street Kamloops BC V2C 2T3.

Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to April 8, 2017. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our website http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the Freedom of Information Advisor at Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations’ Office in Thompson-Okanagan.

the Goat accurately reported.

On January’s Accounts Payable Report, there is one line per Mayor and Councillor for UBCM expenses labeled as “Accommodation,” totaling $5,689, or roughly $1,137.80 per council member for each of their trips to Vancouver.

However, what each member of Council spent his or her $1,137.80 on remains unclear, as the Travel Claim Forms — the detailed breakdown of expenditures — are no longer available to the public.

The Goat brought this fact to light in an article last year where we reported that Council would be removing travel claim forms from the public portion of Council Agendas.

Our article was based on a report written by the Village of Valemount’s Director of Finance Lori McNee, which came to Council at the Dec. 8 and Dec. 10, 2015, and Jan 12, 2016 meetings, and whose recommendations were passed by Council.

The report reads: “Council approved a 2% COLA (cost of living adjustment) to the 2016 Council remunerations and to remove the following as part of the 1st and 2nd reading of Bylaw 747, 2015: 9.2 ‘Council members shall submit a brief written report summarizing related activities, including a completed Travel Claim Form, in a regular Council agenda, when requesting reimbursement for expenses incurred.’”

After this was given final reading in January 2016, Mayor and Council were no longer responsible for publicly providing detailed breakdowns of travel expenses — Travel Claim forms — as illustrated in the images with this article.

Mayor and Council

This is the old Village of Valemount Travel Claim Form, which in addition to a written report detailing the nature of Council’s trips, used to be made public on Council Agendas. This is no longer the case. / EVAN MATTHEWS

This is the current Accounts Payable document, which is available on Council Agendas, which includes one line for travel expenses when necessary, as seen here referencing UBCM expenses.

Detailed breakdowns are no longer available. / EVAN MATTHEWS

still submit Travel Claim Forms to Village staff.

The bylaw reads: “Council members shall submit a completed Travel Claim

Form, including receipts or other documentation of expenses and evidence of payment when requesting reimbursement for

Electric charging station clarification

by GOAT STAFF

In the Rocky Mountain Goat Feb. 23 issue, The Goat reported “Torgerson made mention of the charging station being a step in the right direction, as Valemount would join 59 other B.C. communities in having a charging

station.”

The sentence should have read, “Torgerson made mention of the charging station being a step in the right direction toward Valemount joining 59 other B.C. communities in efforts to become carbonneural.” Torgerson says the information comes

from Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Ninety-seven per cent of B.C.’s local governments have signed the Climate Action Charter, according to the Province, which commits them to be carbon-neutral in their corporate operations; to

expenses incurred in accordance with sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, and 7.1 of this bylaw.”

measure and report on community-wide greenhouse gas emissions; and to create complete, compact and energy-efficient communities.

B.C. has the largest public charging infrastructure network in Canada, according to the Province, with more than 1,100 stations.

Valemount | Dunster | McBride | In Print | Online

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

From classical to modern

The Valemount Community Theatre was “alive” with a wonderful experience for everyone present, as the 150 moves show, performed by Ballet Kelowna took over on Friday, Feb. 24. The event was put on by the Valemount Arts and Cultural Society /BETH RUSSELL

LET’S PULL TOGETHER AND GET BACK ON TRACK!

Vote

DIANE SMITH Fresh start, fresh thinking with an inclusive and independent view working for you!

Authorized by Diane Smith, Financial Agent Diane.at.mcbride@gmail.com

“Creating safe communities means protecting the environment and the people.”

– Dion Arnouse, Emergency Management Consultant, Kinder Morgan Canada

Trans Mountain’s emergency management team has connected with over 130 Aboriginal communities along the BC-Alberta pipeline route. We assess each community’s capacity to respond to a civil emergency, then provide support to upgrade emergency response skills accordingly. The primary objective is to ensure an organized response to a spill. However, as the chances of a spill are low, local residents who are trained well with a safety mindset are equally prepared to respond to a more likely natural event, such as a fire, flood or ice storm. Putting safety first is our number one priority.

•

There is a constant focus on community safety, emergency preparedness and environmental protection.

•

Emergency preparedness training benefits include skills in dealing with all hazards, including fires, floods and extreme storms.

•

To date, 51 Aboriginal communities located along the pipeline and marine corridor in British Columbia and Alberta have signed Mutual Benefit Agreements.

•

For both Trans Mountain and Aboriginal training, we conduct exercises and drills year-round in all seasons and conditions – on land, water, even on ice – throughout the entire system.

•

We have connected with more than 130 Aboriginal communities along the entire pipeline route.

•

There are 15 equipment caches along the pipeline and over $3 million will be invested in new emergency response equipment.

For more information, go to TransMountain.com Email: info@transmountain.com · Phone: 1-866-514-6700

Committed to safety since 1953.

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Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

therockymountaingoat.com

Valemount-McBride win Peewee

Hockey Tournament

Robson Valley Support Society and the Robson Valley Arts and Culture Council along with the McBride and Valemount Public Libraries are proud to present:

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY Wednesday, March 8th 7:00 PM — 9: 00 PM Dunster Community Hall FREE EVENT All welcome.

No registration required.

On International Women’s Day, March 8th, join us for an evening of inspiration and gratefulness with Holly Crichton, author, speaker and hometown girl.

No Way to Run is Holly Crichton’s story of tenacity, hope, love and courage, a testament to the power of community and example of a woman and her children’s choice to survive.

Contact Sara @ 250.569.2266 for more info.

Valemount | Dunster | McBride | In Print | Online

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

by EVAN MATTHEWS The Valemount-McBride PeeWee Wildcats won their most recent tournament on home ice last weekend.

The PeeWee’s road to first place started against the Prince George Fireballs, in a game that saw ValemountMcBride more than double-up on the opposition, with a final score of 15-7.

In their second game, Valemount-McBride played in a nail-biter against the Kamloops Spartans. In the third period, at one point trailing by as many as three goals, the Valemount-McBride team came from behind to win the game 11-10, scoring their final goal with 42.5 seconds left in the game.

Valemount-McBride played against the Prince George Dark Knights — the team they would ultimately face off against in the finals — in the PeeWee’s final game of the round robin of the tournament, winning the game 9-5.

In similar fashion, Valemount-McBride beat the Dark Knights once more, this time 8-4, to finish the weekend with a record of 4-0 as well as taking home the tournament.

Top left: Jaxson Black (Valemount), Tanner Molendyk (McBride), and Hannah Black (Valemount) line up for a face-off against the Prince George Dark Knights. Top right: Garrett Nash (Valemount) won the MVP Award for his team after the Championship win. Middle row: Karli Lawless (Valemount) won the Hardest Working Player Award after the Championship win. Hannah Black (Valemount) jostles for position, no love lost in minor hockey. Jaxson Black (Valemount) pots home a crucial goal in the final game, helping to push his team over the top for the win. Bottom: The Championship team. Back row (left to right): Coach Jody Kunka, Karli Lawless, Garrett Nash, Connor Quam, Hannah Black, Chase Kruysifix, Coach Kurt Smith, Thamesh Bholah, Aiden Anthony, Lucas Franke, Riley Bedell. Front row (left to right): Tanner Molendyk, Riley Kunka, Theiden Ingles, Jaxson Black. / EVAN MATTHEWS

McBride Employment Services Workshops run from 10am – 12pm February 23 Cover Letters, Covered Introducing your resume

Bob Thompson

Employment Services Coordinator

Robson Valley Support Society 942 Third Ave McBride, BC, V0J 2E0 mcbrideemployment@gmail.com

250-569-2266

Funded in whole or in part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

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Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

therockymountaingoat.com

Valemount girls Provincially bound

Job Opportunity MUSEUM ADMINISTRATOR/MANAGER Under the direction of the Valemount Historic Society the administrator is responsible for the day to day operation of the Valemount Museum and Archives.

Duties will include: Greeting visitors Scheduling and organizing events Supervising summer staff Basic bookkeeping Correspondence and VHS minutes Grant Applications Regional Meetings A detailed job description is available by email or on the Learning Centre website.

Hours of employment: Approx. 35 hours per week May to September. Approx. 30 hours per month October to April.

by EVAN MATTHEWS

The Secondary School’s Senior Girls’ Basketball team has clinched a spot at the Provincial Championships, qualifying for the first time since 2012.

Having won two of three games (2-1 record) at the North Central Zone Championships, the girls clinched second place in their zone and punched their tickets to Provincials.

Team Captain Shae-Lynn Carlson says heading to Provincials is the only motivation the team needed this season.

“We haven’t attended Provincials during our basketball careers. Our senior team has been composed mostly of junior players until this year,” says Carlson.

“We have worked our way up from the bottom — where we ranked last during the 2014 Zone Championship — all the way up to 2nd place, earning a provincial berth,” she says.

Last weekend, Valemount beat Fort St. James by a score of 94-18 in their first game, and then topped Northside by a score of 64-56 in their second. In

their third and final game of the weekend, Valemount played Cedars Christian — the only team ranked higher with the North Central Zone — ultimately dropping a tight contest by the score of 65-53.

Eleven teams competed in the Zone Championships, with the first, second and third place finishers all qualifying for Provincials.

The top three finishers of the Zone Championships included first place Cedars Christian, Valemount Secondary, and Northside Christian.

Provincials take place

from Mar. 8 – 11 and will be hosted by Duncan Christian School, in Duncan, B.C. The Provincial schedule is to be released on Mar. 1, according to coach Tim Nusse.

“Some of us may not play in post-secondary, so this is our last chance to leave it all on the court, and have no regrets when we are finished,” says Carlson.

“We have worked extremely hard to get to this point, and we didn’t work this hard to (stop now).”

Valemount is currently ranked 10th Provincially in the ‘A’ Girls Division.

Please submit your resume by email to: Paul Johnson, Director, Valemount Historic Society, paulj11@telus.net Closing date: March 24th, 2017

The AGM of the DUNSTER COMMUNITY FOREST SOCIETY Will be held on Monday, March 6 2017 at 7PM in the Dunster Schoolhouse.

All interested persons are invited to attend.

After placing 2nd, the Valemount Senior Girls’ team attended the Zone Tournament’s banquet, the theme being “tacky tourist.” Tim Nusse says Valemount was the hit of the banquet. Above: the girls sported their “tacky tourist” shirts with “Mr Nusse went to (team’s location) and all I got was this shirt!” Roses are given to Grade 12s to commend their career efforts / TIM NUSSE

Since I decided to retire from the bedding plant business (for the last ten years!), I have had time to think more about planning and landscaping around this “little piece of heaven”.

In searching for good ideas on how to get started in landscape planning, I have been lead “down the garden path” with a few books.

I sent $30.00 for one that was highly recommended only to find very few ideas that I could use. It was a beautiful book showing dozens of examples of the author’s work (she is in the landscape design business) on “million dollar homes” on the lower Mainland where the owner hires a landscape designer and gardeners to do the work!

Not exactly my situation!

However in a recent trip to Prince George, I discovered a few really useful books on my treks through the thrift shops – one written in 1959- that get down to the basics of “do-it-yourself ” garden and yard design for the ordinary person. For the next few weeks, I would like to share some of the best ideas with you.

From most of these books, there seem to be groups of guidelines for designing your landscape and gardens: Unity – If you use plants, materials and structures that are not related and placed wherever they happen to land you will end up with the chaotic look of a child’s room at its messiest. A sense of unity can

be achieved by repeating common garden elements such as dwarf marigolds or a certain colour of petunias as the border of all the beds. Long flowing garden beds will feel more unified than many small ones.

Grouping roses or junipers in different parts of the garden will give a unified feeling to the whole place.

Balance – Balance does not mean “symmetry”.

You can balance one large tree on the side of the yard with two smaller ones on the other side. You can also create balance with colour, various forms, or objects of interest such as a small water feature or an antique piece of farm machinery.

Proportion - Choose plants and structures that are in proportion to

you home and yard. Five eighty-foot (24m) trees can overpower a small bungalow but a juniper that grows only to six feet (2m) will be lost at the corner of a three-story home. Always remember the mature height of plants and trees when you plant them. That cute little pine at the corner of the house could be raising the roof and cracking the basement in twenty-five years!

Variety – If all the shrubs are green, a purple leafed plum or crab apple will break up the monotony.

A few exotic plants such as the bright ornamental corns or Love-Lies-Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) will be real eye-catchers in any bed.

Design generously – Try

Pete has lived, worked & gardened in the Dunster area for 35 years. He tries to deal with the “down to earth nuts and bolts of organic gardening” in his columns.

to take a step beyond what you think is necessary. If you are planning a two-foot (60cm) path of brick, a luxurious five-foot (1.5m) one won’t cost that much more. That 10ft by 10ft patio can be made double or triple that size if you build it with part pavers or concrete, part ground cover and part gravel. It will give much more entertaining and living space and much less lawn to cut! Extend the step that takes you out your door if it is only as wide as the door. Then

you will have a small deck to hold potted plants or garden seating as well Design Boldly – Plants, shrubs and trees tend to grow quickly and overpower paths, patios, small beds and other elements of the landscape within a few years. If the elements in the design are not bold enough, the growing plants and trees will tend to erase the original design.

Next week I will outline a checklist for “designing with a purpose” or knowing what you want.

Valemount | Dunster | McBride | In Print | Online

Robson Valley

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

11

Community Events

Send us your event to goatnewspaper@gmail.com or call 250-566-4606.

Use 40 Words or less and we will publish it FREE.

Valemount Thurs. Mar 2nd Johnny Cash impersonators David James and Big River 8pm (doors at 7). Tickets available at Infinity and the Legion for $25.

Sat. Mar 5th Valemount’s Winter Festival 10am-3pm.

Various family events at the Sportsplex, Curling Club, Daycare, Community Hall and Rec Centre. See poster for details.

Wed March 15 Valemount Public Library AGM 5pm at the Library meeting room 1090A Main St. Fri March 17 Valemount Legion will be hosting a St Patrick’s Day Dance – Get your green on and plan to attend.

Dunster

Thurs. March 2nd 6-8:30pm. Water Sustainability Act Information Session. Please register Tues, Mar. 7 at 7pm. The Tete Jaune Community Club as space is limited calling will hold its annual general Christine at 1-800-661-2055 ext. 105 meeting at the Tete-jaune hall. A new president and Sat. Mar 4th 10am to 3pm treasurer will be elected.

Fourth Annual Robson Please come and volunteer Valley Seedy Saturday at to help this important com- Dunster Schoolhouse. The munity. Thank you. gathering of the year for Wed, Mar 8. 7pm. The Great gardeners and seed-savers.

Plains folk duet at the AnSun. Mar. 5 Trappers glican Church $15/person. meeting! 10 AM in Chuck Tickets at Infinity.

McNaughton’s shop in

Fri. March 31st at 6:30 pm Movie Night – watch the movie “Sing” and help the Grade 4, 5, and 6 classes from McBride Centennial School go to Barkerville in June. “Sing,” is rated General for all ages. Admission Wed. Mar 8th An evening of is $5. Showing at McBride inspiration and gratefulness Secondary School. with Holly Crichton, author of No Way To Run, a story of Wed. April 1st students survival, tenacity and hope. from McBride Centennial 7-9 at the Dunster Commu- and their parents will be out collecting bottles for nity Hall. recycling to raise funds Fri. March 17th St. Patrick’s for our fieldtrip to BarkerDay Dance Party at the ville. Bottles can also be Valemount Lions 9pm. With dropped off at the McBride DJ C.A.S. Secondary School 6:007:30 pm March 31st, or 10-2 Sat. April 1st. Call Karen Shaw at 250 968 March 31st, April 1 & 2.

4331 for questions.

2017 McBride Loggers ComSat. April 29th Ducks Unmunity Bonspiel. We invite limited McBride Chapter you to put together a team (or two) from your business hosting their 30th annual Dinner & Auction at or just a bunch of good Robson Valley Community friends.

Centre. Tickets are $40

Dunster Contact Claude 250-968-4459” Mon, Mar 6. The Dunster Fine Arts School Society AGM. 10am-12pm at the Dunster Schoolhouse.

Nancy Taylor 250-968-4358

Church Saturdays 8:00am Prayer community 9:30am Bible study/ Sabbath school 11:00am Worship service @ Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1075 Lamming Pit Road, McBride. Phone: 250-569-3370.

Choir practice in McBride, 2pm; Mountain Chapel on Main St. All ages welcome. Questions? contact Barb (569-8882, ringnut@ telus.net).

Prayer meeting Wed 7pm at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1075 Lamming Pit Road, McBride. Ph: 250-569-3370.

Valemount Anglican United Church 7th Ave and Cedar Street - Sunday 10am.

McBride Anglican United Church 441 Dominion Street Sunday @10:00am.

Christian Science Services Dunster Sunday Worship @ 10:00am. Phone: 250-968-4349 Valemount Community Church • Evangelical Free Church of Canada Sunday 11am ph. 250566-0070 970 Main St (Valemount Legion) Good Shepherd Catholic Church 3rd Ave and Elm Street Valemount. Sunday Mass @ 4pm Phone: 250-566-4662 Valemount New Life Centre, Service at 10 AM. 1245 1st Avenue Valemount Mountain Chapel 299 Main street McBride Phone: 250-5693350 St Patrick’s Catholic Church 197 Dominion street, McBride Phone: 250-569-2606 Evangelical Free Church, McBride Worship @ 10:30 am. Ph: 569-2378

Sports Drop-in adult hockey Sundays 6:30 and Wednesdays 8:15 at the Valemount arena. Full gear required. $15 per person.

Drop-in volleyball and badminton at Valemount Secondary gym. Volleyball Tuesdays 7-9 and badminton Thursdays 7-9 Drop-in volleyball Mondays 7-9 at the McBride Secondary School Gr 8 and up. Jodi Littlechild 250-569-7899.

Drop-in basketball for yrs 12 and up at McBride High School, Thurs 6-8pm. Free. Christine 250-569-0090 Pickleball at the McBride High school, Wed 7-9pm. We will play every Wednesday that the school is open. Age range is High School students to adults.

All equipment is provided.

Bring runners and come try it out. For information call Sharron at 250-569-2583.

Tete Jaune Community Club has Ping Pong Night at the Tete Jaune Hall, every Wednesday 7 pm - 8:30 pm. For more information, contact Andy @ 250-566-9987

Clubs & Groups RVSS Adult Literacy group Games Day. Join us for games, refreshments and some laughs.

Tues 1-3 in the afternoon. 942 3rd Ave., McBride. 18+ Geek Squad. Mondays at 3pm at the Library Annex. Ages 9-13.

Limited spots, so please let us know you’re coming. Discover

Tete Jaune Tues. March 7th The Tete Jaune Community Club

The library board currently has positions available!

Valemount Public Library ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wed. March 15th @ 5pm Library meeting room 1090A Main St

Monthly Book Discussion. Meets the 4th Thursday of the month at 1:30pm at the McBride Library. Themes change monthly, check in at 569-2411 or find us on Facebook. All welcome!

Main St. Open to all caregivers and their kids. Drop by for play time and to meet with other families! Please bring water bottle for your child. Info: 5692411

Every Monday 7:00-9:00pm Knitting @ Sandy Bernie’s House 835 Bridge Road, McBride.

The Valley Piecemakers meet the 3rd Saturday of the month at 1pm in the Elks Hall. All Quilters and Wannabe quilters are Welcome. For more info contact Barb Brabant 250-5690068.

Game Zone. Fridays at 7pm, McBride Library. Board games, WiiU & more! Ages 13+

The Valemount Scribblers creative writing group for all levels of writers. Most Thursdays 6:45pm-8pm. Like to write? Join us! 566-9121

Monthly Meeting of the Dunster Fine Arts School Society will be held on the last Thursday of each month, 7:00pm @ the school. All welcome!

Music Jam. Tuesdays 7:00pm @ the McBride Library Annex.

Want to learn new music? Tired of playing alone? Come out for bluegrass, folk, country, rock.

Phone: Dave Marchant at 250569-2569.

Fibre Arts Group, Thurs 10am in the McBride Library annex. (previously met at Odds & Ends) Bring your knitting, crochet or needlework project and come hang out!

technology with computer programming, robotics and more.

Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) group meets Tues @ the McBride Health Unit. 1126 5th Avenue 6:30pm.

Council Meetings Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 7:00pm in Valemount, and McBride.

The Valemount Children’s Activity Society holds board meetings on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the centre.

Tete Jaune Community Club monthly meetings at 7 pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the T-Jaune Community Hall Adventist Community Services meets Tues 1:00-3:00pm and 7:00-8:00pm @ the Seventh Day Adventist Church 1075 Lamming Pit Rd, McBride.

Anglican United Church Women’s Group Thrift Shop open 1:00-3:00pm Every Tuesday & Friday @ church hall, 459 Dominion St, McBride.

Toastmasters 7:00-9:00pm (1st and 3rd Tuesday) at Golden Years Lodge upstairs in the lounge. Call 566-4179 Saddle & Wagon Club meetings every 3rd Thurs. at 5pm.

Contact 566-1779.

The OAPO Stitch and Knit will be meeting @ the Beaverview Lodge, McBride Thurs from 2:00-4:00pm.

Unity in Community, Thurs at 7:30pm, McBride Health Centre.

250-569-2586 Book Club for adults – Meet second Thursday of the month at 7pm at the library. Call 250566-4367 for more info.

McBride and District Chamber of Commerce meets at 6:30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, @ the Evangelical Free Church Hall.

Bingo at McBride Legion Hall, every 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesday of the month. 6:30 Early Bird starts.

Youth The McBride Play group is meeting on Fridays 10 am to noon at the E-Free Church. All kids ages 0-6 and their caregivers are welcome to come out for playtime, socializing and a free snack! For more information, please call Emilia Roth @ 569-6809 McBride Parent-Child Group.

Meeting Fridays 10:00am @ 521

will hold its annual general meeting at the Tete-Jaune hall. A new president and treasurer will be elected.

Please come and volunteer to help this important community.

Energetic?

Enthusiastic?

Visionary?

McBride

ONGOING EVENTS Living Water Fellowship @ Jim & Cheryl Boos Place in Dunster.

250 968 4321 service 10 am Sunday. jimcherylboos@yahoo.ca

per person. Contact any member or Beth Frederick at 250-569-7460.

The manager of the DCFS is holding office hours at the Dunster Schoolhouse on Fridays from 9am to 4pm and is open to the public to visit.

RVSS Valley Girls. For ages 12 and up. Wed 3:00 - 4:30 in the afternoon. Share time with other girls, enjoy activities, be heard and make a difference.

942 3rd Ave., McBride.

Dunster Playgroup. Meets on Thursdays from 10am to noon at the Dunster Schoolhouse.

Kids 0 to 6 grab your grown up and come enjoy open play, crafting and gym time. Please bring a snack to share. Info: 569-4033

Seniors Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7:00pm Wednesday at the Valemount Golden Years Lodge.

Gentle Seniors’ Exercise, Tues 10-11am, upstairs, Golden Years Lodge, Valemount. Call Diane on 250 566 4297 for more info.

Seniors Bingo @ the Beaverview Lodge, McBride Thurs 6:30pm.

Cribbage and other games: Everyone Welcome; @ the Valemount Golden Years Lodge lower level Thurs 1-4 pm.

Wellness Yoga in McBride with Jeanette Chiupka. Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 @ the fire hall.

Go with the Flow Yoga with Donalda Beeson in Valemount, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. at 960 Main Street.

RVSS Adult Literacy Craft Club.

A new quick, easy and fun craft each week. Come on in Fridays 1-3pm 942 3rd Ave., McBride.

18+ Hatha Yoga at the Valemount Community Hall. Tues & Thurs 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Dropin $10. For more info call Brigitta 566-9196 AA meetings every Friday 8:00pm @ the Valemount Catholic Church. Free. All welcome.

Phone: 250-566-1139 Valemount Ladies walking group meet Thurs at 1pm @ the Anglican/United Church parking lot.

Workshops Want to learn how to knit?

Already know how and want to get together to socialize? Willing to share your knowledge?

The Valemount Public Library is offering space and supplies Sunday afternoons from 2-4pm Every Monday from 11am-1pm resume and Cover Letter Workshop, free, at the Valemount Learning Centre. Helping you create your best resume yet!

Call 250-566-4601 for more info.

Free One-on-One Computer Tutoring Wed 4pm and Fridays 11:00am and 1:00pm @ the Valemount Public Library.

Phone: 250-566-4367 to book a session.

Music Dinner and live music at Valemount Legion Branch #266.

Fridays 5:30-9:00 Old Time Music Gathering family event at Dunster Schoolhouse. First and Third Friday of Each Mont7- 10pm. Bring your fiddles, guitars, mandolins, keyboards, accordions, dancing shoes, etc Bring a snack. Coffee, tea and juice will be supplied Valemount Seniors’ Music Night, 7:00pm Wednesday at the Valemount Golden Years Lodge.

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Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

therockymountaingoat.com

Stress Test

that I’m at and that I hate the most. This is where I can’t pack anything more because we still live here. If I continue packing we will be running around naked, using our fingers as forks and toweling off with the phone book.

Pulling things out of neatly packed and labeled boxes, is like bumping your senses, thus getting into myself on a foray you out of your head and into the future. back into the present, the It upsets the here and now. Since I am space-time in the process of moving continuum I thought I would give it a and crewhirl. ates an You start with five things alternate you can see. If a half-naked realpool boy and a pitcher of ity in which margaritas is anywhere on I am crabby — very, very, crabby.

PUZZLE NO. 598 My husband has been down this road before.

When I proudly showed THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS VIRGO, LIBRA AND SCORPIO. ARIES, TAURUS AND GEMINI. him our empty bedroom AND PISCES. yesterday hung his head Week of March 5 to 11, 2017 Week of March 19 to 25,he 2017 Week of March 12 to 18, 2017 and muttered, “I guess I ARIES ARIES ARIES Yourdon’t search for aget more clean active social underwear You’ll be forced to deal with indi­ At work, you’ll have to negotiate life may result in a new spiritual viduals who have an all talk, no with different groups to come to

by LOU MAZE rmg humour writer I recently came across an exercise to reduce stress. It was designed for kids, so I figure it should work for me and will definitely help my husband.

It’s a ‘grounding’ exercise making you focus on

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: GEMINI, CANCER AND LEO.

Week of February 26 to March 4, 2017 ARIES

Get some much­needed rest before you try to take action. You should step outside the house to break your routine. Only by asserting yourself will you be able to restore your in­ ner peace.

action attitude. Go with your gut — your first idea is the best — rather than letting ignorant people take the reins.

TAURUS

TAURUS

You’ll tend to be distracted, probably because of fatigue. You simply need to rest. Your creativity will im­ press many.

GEMINI

You’ll have a mountain of paper­ work to deal with at the office. This situation will motivate you to get organized in order to be more pro­ ductive and leave work early.

CANCER

Before you commit to something more serious, take some time to relax and have fun. You may find yourself celebrating a promotion — a first step towards a promi­ sing future.

e (2 words) r Ireland

CAPRICORN

You’ll have many things to work through at home or with your family.

Once tensions are appeased, your relationship with your loved ones or your partner will be back to normal.

over AQUARIUS You’ve recently bought a newfangled g center (2 words) gadget and now have lots of ques­

tions about how to use it. You’ll pro­ bably have to go out several times in order to get answers and be en­ tirely satisfied.

Love, Reign __ Me"

1 12

CANCER

CANCER

LIBRA

LIBRA

Whether you go on a trip or a romantic 2escapade, 3 you’ll have 4 your head in the clouds for a while. You’ll even consider moving abroad or going on an expedition in a foreign country.

5

6

13

18

Some changes will become neces­ sary. Purging your circle of friends will relieve a lot of anxiety and allow you to focus on aspirations 19 that are in line with your needs.

23 30 32

41 48

54

You’ll welcome your loved ones into your home with open arms. But remember: you can’t hold it against your guests if they don’t help you tidy up.

HOW TO PLAY:

out the week. Go to bed early on Friday: you have quite the weekend in store.

14

28

29

46

47

40 AQUARIUS 44 49 52 55

Let your inner voice guide you, and you’ll find your life infused with passion and adventure once45 again.

Make sure you eat healthy; there’s a nasty virus making its rounds.

PISCES

50

After a long period of questioning and introspection,53 your true path in life is starting to take shape. Don’t ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 600 let the expectations of others get in 56 the way of your happiness.

words)

Each box is outlined with a darker line.

YouIn advance 3x3 1 have Stuffing spice 21 a few numbers to get you started.

11already Shrill barks 5 Encouragement 22 The Who song Remember: You must not repeat the numbers in the same column or 3x3 box. “Love, Reign __ 8 9“Piece of line, cake!”

191 through "We ___ the World"

12 Of the next month Greensward 13 Even a bit

14 Newhart ___ good film example 2003 (2 words)

15 The Irish name for A northern Thai people Ireland

Barley beard form 16 Possessive

17 Government take

Punch over

Orange tuber 18 Caribbean

banking center (2

20 23 24 25 27 28 29 Long-eared beast

Me” 23 Tickled pink 26 Yellow fruit 30 Bar topic 31 Personified 32 Melted cheese 36 Bible songs 39 Many times 40 Bolt down 41 Type of power from a dam

A family member is wearing you out with his demands. Think of your­ self before you devote energy to others, or you’ll find yourself in a spiral of excess to cope.

37. Weaken 40. Begone, cat!

41. Drifter 42. Holiday season 44. Oaf 46. Pub beverages 47. BLT dressing 48. Accelerated 50. Embarrassed 51. Eat late

PUZZLE NO. 601

SCORPIO

This week is all about you. Treat your­ self and make time for your favou­ rite activities; after all, you deserve it more than ever.

You’re feeling an insatiable 31 need to travel, and may even consider working abroad for some time. Your latest 36 37 training 38 program will mandatory prove more useful than expected.

PISCES

51

11

CAPRICORN

39

You’ll find yourself in a position of power among 42 43 your friends and even your colleagues. All these people should help you initiate long­needed change.

PUZZLE NO. 600

You’ll need more sleep than usual in

20

35

17. Welcoming person 19. Storage bin 23. Divert 25. Cunning 26. Border 27. Live ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 599 28. Set (down) 30. Printing fluid 31. 18 or 30 32. Blazed the trail 36. Confections

LIBRA

through­ 7order to stay productive 8 9 10

You’ll be very happy to learn that many people are looking for your 22 products and services. This pro­ fessional abundance will enable 26 27 you to develop new projects.

CAPRICORN

Work hard and you’ll soon be in charge. Expect to 33 travel in the 34near future, and remember: business and pleasure aren’t mutually exclusive.

Be ready to compromise, or you already have a few numbers to get you started. won’t get anywhere with your loved must not repeat the numbers ones. It’sRemember: a confusing time,You but you’ll 1 through make it out unscathed.9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

SAGITTARIUS

21 up to be an This week is shaping emotional one. Avoid placing your­ self in situations where you need 24 to make25 all the decisions. You’ll attract unusual criticism from your peers.

AQUARIUS

TOUGHIE

by Myles Mellor Answers on P13

VIRGO Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You

Multicultural encounters 17 spark your creativity this week. You’ll find your­ self in an unexpected partnership.

SAGITTARIUS

HOW TO PLAY:

Your leadership at work will allow a fruitful agreement between your companyFill andinanthe industry grid up­and­ so that every row, comer. Your guidance will be nee­ every column and every 3x3 box contains ded in a the financial situation.1 through 9 only once. numbers

SCORPIO

16

Across

om a dam

Act on those lingering doubts about your health. No problem is too small for a doctor’s appointment. If some­ thing turns up on your tests, expect superior care.

You have a lot to say, and your presence is greatly appreciated as comic relief. A good joke will defuse a tense situation at work or at home.

You

to get out and enjoy memorable moments, but there’s no use emp­ tying your bank account.

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

THE

CANCER

LEO

I can hear. I cannot hear the maid vacuuming, but I can hear my kid watching TV, my husband playing a video game, a cat at my feet insisting on an ear scratch, and the washing machine draining into the proper pipe or flooding the bathroom again.

Then I am reduced to things I can smell, or is it taste? Or touch? I don’t remember, but I decide to go with taste because it’s got to be better than things I can smell and touch around here.

I go with three pieces of chocolate. It helps me forget the smell of the cat box and the forever-damp bathroom floor.

Now it’s touch time. I choose my child. I touch his smooth, cool cheek.

Nothing else matters. The exercise worked. I am grounded.

But next time, I’m starting with the chocolate.

CROSSWORD

The dream trip that you and your partner have been discussing for months might become a reality if you play your cards right. Your hard work at the office hasn’t gone unnoticed.

LEO

work. Fortunately, you’ll be able to get away thanks to your loved ones, who’ll be inviting you to participate in pleasant activities.

for a while.”

Some scars are slow to heal.

As I look for five things, I see two packed boxes and three things I cannot pack.

The three things cannot be packed together or they will endanger the system, the system of all systems, the one finally rendering us organized.

My husband has never grasped this notion of like-with-like.

He will actually take the time to label a box, “Stuff.” I have opened one of these boxes PUZZLE NO. 599 to find a book, a boot and a stud finder.

I can’t say the label was inaccurate.

Now having found five things I can see, the exercise asks for four things

GEMINI PUZZLE NO. 862

You’ll seriously start looking for a new apartment or consider buying a new house. Your children will bring ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 598 you great joy.

SCORPIO

15

PISCES

It will be with great joy that you’ll treat yourself this week. You’ll get your hands on some money and be able to splurge on a few things, including a trip.

You’ll stand out from your peers this week, even though you hate being in the spotlight. Noteworthy achievements are usually met with praise — try to get used to it.

rest. You need to recharge your

SAGITTARIUS

You’re feeling increasingly unsatis­ fied with your professional life and are ready to make some changes.

Don’t give up: you’ll find a job that’s in line with your ambitions.

You’ll be overflowing with ideas and initiatives. Be careful not to let your mood swings get in the way of your plans — you might anta­ gonize a few people.

TAURUS

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. batteries. already have a few numbers to get you started.

VIRGO VIRGO You must not repeat the numbers Remember: Be careful: the temptation to over­ You’ll put9ininseveral extra hours 1 through the same line,atcolumn or 3x3 box. spend is great. You’ll feel the need

LIBRA

h

Your priorities are finally in order and you’re able to end a long period of procrastination. Nothing can stop you from reaching your goals, as long as you don’t burn yourself out.

GEMINI

LEO

Some annoyances will be at the forefront of your week. It’s a sign that you need to make some chan­ ges if you want your smile to make a comeback. Harmony is not al­ ways found in the status quo.

You’ll devote most of the week to your work. If you’re looking for a job, you’ll find an opening for a de­ manding position that’s full of pro­ mising future prospects.

TAURUS

GEMINI

Fill in the griddifficult so that every row, After a rather period of stress, every every it’s column important and to take a step3x3 backbox contains the from numbers 1 through 9 only the situation and get some once.

VIRGO

SCORPIO

path. Remember that all that glit­ ters isn’t gold.

You already enjoy the stability and financial independence that your job provides. Your position could soon bring you the opportunity to travel and go on adventures, too — with no changes to your salary.

HOW TO PLAY:

You’re feeling restless and eager to skip town. You will finally find the time and the means to reward your­ self with a well­deserved vacation, or at least a pleasant escapade.

an agreement after a serious con­ flict. You’ll be very active in your union or your community.

Expect great success in one of your professional projects. Health­wise, a new treatment option will yield surprising results. You’ll finally find relief from something that’s been bothering you for a long time.

The beginning of the week may bring you some confusion. Don’t worry: all you’ll need to do is find a good source of energy, and you’ll find the strength to make little miracles.

LEO

You’ll have to make certain com­ promises to keep the peace both at home and at work. Any agreements you make will bring along lots of responsibilities.

your list, you can abandon this exercise. Jump into the pool, the pool-boy or the margaritas and get over yourself. You really don’t have any problems. And if you do, I don’t care. It’s the end of February, I’m Canadian and I’m still here, butt-deep in snow and moving boxes.

February is the shortest month because if it were any longer, we’d all follow the lemmings off a cliff.

That’s why they slip in that extra day every four years; they think the lemmings won’t notice.

There are stages to moving, and it takes a lot of work to get to the stage

Copyright © 2017, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Not well SAGITTARIUS 4. Does sums Take a closer look at your finances this week, 8. or youArrive might find your­ self in a tricky situation. Beware of misleading12. adviceDoll, from a so­called e.g. professional.

13. Flake CAPRICORN You’re tempted take the plunge 14. toDesignated and make a major change to your space lifestyle, but proceed with caution.

You could encounter a minor hitch 15.butMother ofit along the way, you will make to your desired destination.

Cain and Abel AQUARIUS 16. Wires You’ll be invited to attend several events this18. weekNet on short notice.

Before you accept, make sure you aren’t creating any scheduling 20.

Marina sight conflicts — this could cause ten­ sion with a21. friend.

Don’t neglect House locale your sleep.

22. Song of praise PISCES You’re more24. activeGerbil, than usual ine.g. your community, and people are starting 26. Take to notice. You’ll be asked place to plan an event for your family or your col­ 29.playWeekly TV leagues. If you your cards right, old friends will be reunited thanks show to your efforts.

HOW TO PLAY:

33. Burst forth 34. Hint 35. Gauges 37. Garnished 38. Natural 39. Tick off 40. Meek 43. Jail chamber 45. Thanksgiving dish 49. Polite 52. Circuit 53. Up to it 54. Ballerina’s skirt 55. Sight organ 56. Like some stockings

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

57. Walk 58. Lay turf

Answers on P13

DOWN 1. Bit of news ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 862 2. Adore 3. Soapmaking substances 4. Appropriate 5. Intensify 6. Snack place 7. Snoozes 8. Jalopy 9. Unwritten 10. Office note 11. Toward the CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 601 rising sun USE AMERICAN SPELLING

CROSSWORD

48 Halo, e.g.

Down Each 3x3 box is outlined a darker line. You 49 Capitol V.I.P. with 1 Blueprint already have a few numbers to get you started.

50 Flunky solo Remember: You must not2 Operatic repeat the numbers 1 through or 3x3 box.

51 Tickled pink 9 in the same line,3 column Involving much 52 Maiden name bloodshed PUZZLE NO. 864 indicator 4 Release 53 “Time’s 5 Fell, in a way a-wastin’!”

6 Opposed party 54 Utah’s ___ Canyon 7 Aromatic herb 55 Snarl up 8 Steep slope 56 Czech beer 9 Ages and ages 10 Good looking guy 11 Shrill barks 19 “We ___ the World”

20 Greensward 41 Witches 23 2003 Newhart film 42 Christmas season 24 A northern Thai 43 Use a trawl people 44 Malicious look 25 Barley beard 45 “The ___ of the 27 Punch Ancient Mariner” 11. Honey 46 29.

Attains 28 Orange tuber Billy, of Rock and producers 34.

29 Long-eared beast RollAmong 19. Certain 47 35.

33 Swordfish Small pricetoto pay Is able constellation evergreen 36. Transit coach 34 Alien flier21. Baseball 38. Greased 35 Always, to Keats necessity 39. Hangs low 36 Eye 22. Title of 40. Kind of 37 Roo’s pocket school, for 38 Criticize respect

Valemount | Dunster | McBride | In Print | Online

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

13

classified ads pricing

In print and online, too!

250-566-4606 goatnewspaper@gmail.com

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Jobs Valemount Learning Centre 250 566 4601 LOCAL JOB POSTINGS Updated March 2, 2017

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Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

Get Your McBride By-Election Results with the Goat!

rid so that every row, mn and every 3x3 box contains rs 1 through 9 only once.

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Please see www.valemountlearningcentre.org for a list of links to other jobs that may not be listed above.

HOW TO PLAY:

We are here to help. Please call or drop in. For more information on these jobs or other employment assistance services visit us at Regency Place1201-5th Ave, Valemount. www.valemountlearningcentre.org

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 600

Join The Goat for up to the minute McBride byelection coverage on Mar. 4th!

GET RESULTS!

Check candidate profiles on our website at: www.therockymountaingoat.com/2017/02/ mcbride-meet-your-candidates/ For updates, follow us at: www.facebook.com/ thegoatnews or on Twitter: @thegoatnews

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.

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 864

Passport Photos in just 10 minutes! *new address 1330 8th Ave*

Copyright © 2017, Penny Press

58. Odds and ____ 59. Mine extract

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32. Rowboat item 33. Wrathful 35. Chop 36. Intersected 38. Neat!

40. Big boys 41. Money roll 42. Mountain refrain 45. Finger’s counterpart 47. Scratch 51. ____ ma, no hands!

52. Monkey’s relative 53. Greasy

DOWN 1. Tasks 2. Biblical sibling 3. Soda selection Teapot Drinking aid Tow behind Win by a nose: 2 wds.

4.

5.

6.

7.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS ANSWER TO USE AMERICAN SPELLING

real estate

ARMSTRONG HOTEL & SALOON - Armstrong, BC. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 26 in Edmonton. 16 guest rooms, saloon & restaurant.

Jerry Hodge: 780-7066652; Realtor: Tom Moran (PREC) - Re/Max Dawson Creek Realty; rbauction. com/realestate. measure 55. Tyke 56. Streetcar 57. Snowyweather toy 58. Crafty 59. Patched

HealtH

PUZZLE NO. 599

CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - At tention B r i t i s h C o l um b ia residents: Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability?

Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit. ca/free-assessment

services

HOW TO PLAY:

HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered. Order online at www.treetime.ca or call 1-866-873-3846. New growth guaranteed.

legal services

1. Face card 5. This woman 8. Trailer truck 12. Woodwind instrument 13. Young boy 14. Gator’s kin 15. Conveyor ____ 16. Carpet 17. Scream and shout 18. Bed support 19. Foamy brew 20. Operator 21. Regulation 23. Fool 25. Put off

FOr sale

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 863

FOr sale SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com/400OT 1-800-5666 8 9 9 E x t: 4 0 0 O T.

PUZZLE NO. 865

NO. 601 LAMPLIGHTER MOTEL in Kamloops BC seeking Chamber person/ desk clerk. Send resume to anilparekh23@gmail.com or call 250-372-3386. No experience necessary will train right person.

37. Adjust to surroundings 39. Not quite closed 41. Deplete 43. In a group of 44. By all means!

45. Oscar Madison, e.g.

PUZZLE 47. Consumes 50. Religious woman 51. Duo 52. That lady 53. Have in view

emplOyment OppOrtunities

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Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker11. line.

You Convene already have a few numbers to get you16.started.

Lazy 20. Between Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 21. Health 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box. centers 22. “____ Misbehavin’” 23. Toward 25. Elevate 27. Tales of adventure 29. Ms. Lange 30. Woolly females 31. Take it easy 34. Speech

HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions /COPD? Restrictions in Walking/ Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1- 8 4 4 - 4 5 3 - 5 372.

emplOyment OppOrtunities

11. Honey 29. Attains producers 34. Among 19. Certain 35. Is able to evergreen 36. Transit coach 21. Baseball 38. Greased necessity 39. Hangs low 22. Title of 40. Kind of respect school, for 23. Poker term short PUZZLE NO.auto 600 24. Flat surface 41. Luxury 26. Publishing 42. Dummy 27. Shoe for Witt: 45. Pair 2 wds.

47. Gear 28. Sparrow’s 48. Beer shelter container

Business OppOrtunities

Call Andru McCracken 250-566-3050 or Laura Keil 250-566-5135

PUZZLE ANSWERS 1

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11

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Toughie Answers

X-WORD #862 ANSWERS

58. Lay turf

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 865

Copyright © 2017, Penny Press

* Passports (incl. babies!) * Firearms * Visas * Citizenship * Family * Weddings

Want to contribute to the Goat? goatnewspaper@gmail.com

DOWN 1. Bit of news ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 862 2. Adore 3. Soapmaking substances 4. Appropriate 5. Intensify 6. Snack place 7. Snoozes 8. Jalopy 9. Unwritten 10. Office note 11. Toward the CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS ANSWER TO PUZZLE rising sun USE AMERICAN SPELLINGNO. 598

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

1-866-669-9222

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

51. Bind 52. Primer pooch 53. OK 54. Chicken-to-be

DOWN 1. Dog’s nibble 2. Smashing serve 3. Obtain 4. Shopping bag 5. Maturing 6. NBA player, e.g.

7. Feeling 8. Heavenly body 9. Food staple 10. Stopping places

community

32. Hill insect 33. Straighten 35. Be in hock 36. Larry, Curly, and Moe 38. Hangs open 40. Hurries 42. Taunt 43. Aid 46. Pod inhabitant 48. Stubborn animal 49. Digs up 54. Press 55. Smallest pup 56. Little 57. Financial liability

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ACROSS 1. Broken-down horse 4. Spigots 8. Formal 12. Hard water 13. Monster of folklore 14. Succession 15. Appeal 17. Teen affliction 18. Comfortable room 19. Most rational 21. Use a catamaran 24. Dirt 26. Yearns 28. One additional

classifeds.ca

The polls will close at 8:00 p.m. and the regional district expects first poll results by roughly 9:30 p.m. that evening. Official election results will be declared by Wed. March 8th at 4:00 p.m.

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38

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53

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34. Hint 35. Gauges 37. Garnished 38. Natural 39. Tick off 40. Meek 43. Jail chamber 45. Thanksgiving dish 49. Polite 52. Circuit 53. Up to it 54. Ballerina’s skirt 55. Sight organ 56. Like some stockings

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 601

Services

CROSSWORD

www.credit700.ca

E

47

C E

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1. Not well 4. Does sums 8. Arrive 12. Doll, e.g.

13. Flake 14. Designated space 15. Mother of Cain and Abel 16. Wires 18. Net 20. Marina sight 21. House locale 22. Song of praise 24. Gerbil, e.g.

26. Take place 29. Weekly TV show

 

O PLAY:

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PUZZLE NO. 864

    

Listings are free.

Why not get one?

rid so that every row, mn and every 3x3 box contains rs 1 through 9 only once.

 

Attention Trappers! Sunday, Mar. 5 10 AM in Chuck McNaughton's shop in Dunster Contact Claude 250-968-4459"

Assistant Manager Cashiers Cleaning Person Commercial Vehicle/Heavy Duty Mechanic Dishwasher Early Childhood Educator Assistant Casual on Call Executive Housekeeper Facility and Grounds Maintenance Food Counter Attendant Front Desk Housekeeping Manager Museum Administrator/ Manager Paramedic/EMR Supervisors

ox is outlined with a darker line. You ve a few numbers to get you started. r: You must not repeat the numbers in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

 

2017 2018

DOWN 1. Owns 2. Beg 3. Baker’s dozen 4. Cut wood 5. Eye part 6. Fish limb 7. Follower 8. Dash 9. Frog’s warty kin 10. Advise

Finances

Telephone Book

30. Gobbled 31. Bled, as a color 32. Passing grade 33. Threatening 36. Supreme 37. Filly’s feature 38. Deposes 39. Broken-limb support 42. ____ drive 43. Lacking moisture 44. Religious figurine 46. Biblical zoo 49. Rubies and diamonds 50. Naked

   

Robson Valley

ACROSS 1. Beret, e.g.

4. Filter 8. Bit of a ticket 12. Fire remains 13. Opera tune 14. Study steadily 15. Take to the slopes 16. Bird’s flapper 17. Storm 18. Cereal grains 20. Remains 22. Won a chess match 24. Intend 25. Once more 26. Conspiring

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ox is outlined with a darker line. You ve a few numbers to get you started. r: You must not repeat the numbers in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

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14

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

Mayor

therockymountaingoat.com

Resort opening pushed back

cont’d from 1

In reference to the boundary extension study, there are at least three potential options: the resort would become part of the Village by way of satellite or contiguous boundary extensions, the resort could stay within the regional district’s jurisdiction,

or it could be its own municipality.

While Mayor Townsend appears to be confident the resort will end up part of the Village by the way of satellite extension, the residents of the Village and the Province will ultimately have final say.

566-4606 or 566-5135 goatnewspaper@gmail.com

Village staff says everyone is still waiting on the final piece to VGD’s puzzle — the signed Master Development Agreement (MDA).

“It should be anytime now,” a staff member told The Goat.

The MDA is a signed contract between the resort proponent and the Province, managed by Ministry

of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

The Province says the MDA conveys rights to the resort developer and operator, to develop the resort in accordance with the Master Plan, which outlines the scope and layout of the recreational, residential and

Local Resource Directory

Fuel

commercial developments.

One of the last major milestones for VGD was having the Province approve its Master Plan, which happened in August 2016.

Though an opening date in December 2017 was originally planned, Tommaso Oberti, fellow resort designer and son of Oberto, told The Goat a December 2017 opening would likely be pushed back.

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Kathryn Smith, RMT Registered Massage Therapist Ph. 250 566 5233 1070 Main St. Valemount BC V0E 2Z0 katsmithrmt@gmail.com

Contracting

New Builds • Renos • Repairs 250-566-1579 • jamesdgriffin@yahoo.ca

250.566.8288

Reasonable Rates • Quality Work

Passport photos

Taken and printed in just 10 mins!

LEVANT ELECTRIC

Call Andru McCracken 250-566-3050 or Laura Keil 250-566-5135

Bell or Telus Channel 653 across Canada Or find us over-the-air on Channel 7

Serving the Robson Valley

*new address 1330 8th Ave*

* Passports (incl. babies!) * Firearms * Visas * Citizenship * Family * Weddings

Find us on Satellite!

250-569-7286 Dome Creek BC

Blair Levant

FSR #106311

250-566-4606

goatnewspaper@gmail.com

Valemount | Dunster | McBride | In Print | Online

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

Call Irene today! 1-250-569-7397 Irene Berndsen, 2015 MLS award winner Personal Real Estate Corporation

ireneb@royallepage.ca www.mountainviewrealty.ca 4443 Mountain View Rd, McBride

00

,5 $367

New!

Prince George

940-2nd Ave McBride

8547 Loos Road, Crescent Spur

,0 $109

$94,5

00

00

- over 11 acres - some pasture and fencing - 3 bdrm 3bthrn home recent renovations - full walkout basement - great views minutes from McBride

- Spindrift Power Sports - Profitable and Fun - Owners Retiring - ALL OFFERS CONSIDERED !

- approximately 60 acres - good access off of Loos Road - some cleared - mostly natural state - power into property

896-4th Ave McBride

1200 Juniper, Valemount

1139 McBride Crescent, McBride

- 5 Bdrms 2 Bathrooms - newer windows and roof - neat and clean - carport and deck.

- cute cottage on large lot - finish to your liking - nice location, great views - super investment property

- 3 bedrooms 2 bath - large U shaped kitchen & spacious rooms - large lot, fencing and deck

819 Bridge Rd, McBride

196 2nd Ave, McBride

00 0 , 9 2 1

0

,00 7 2 1 $

$

0

,00 $249

!

SOLD

0

,00 $189

00

Lot 2 Crown Road, Tete Jaune

00

$13,5

,0 $105

- 1 acre lot - village services - beautifully renovated home - landscaped with perennials - garage and outbuildings

- commercial lot - excellent location - great views - excellent price !

- almost 2 acres - 15 mins from Valemount - perfect for home or cottage - priced to sell

DL 7136 Hwy 5, Valemount

172 Holdway Street, McBride

841 2nd Avenue, McBride

0

,00 $720

0

,00 0 1 1 $

- 40 acres - cleared pasture and hay - beautiful views

- approximately 4300 sq ft - 3 phase power - excellent location - well maintained

790 Airport Road, McBride

Lot 1 Small Creek, Tete Jaune Cache

00 9 , 8 6 $

0

0 $88,0

00

$35,0

- grass and some trees - alley access - serviced lot - ready for your home

1690 & 1800 Sansom Rd, McBride

00

,0 $815

- high visibility commercial lot - good access - nice views - situated on busy corridor - could be good investment

- 4.2 acres at Small Creek - minutes from recreation area - short drive to Valemount or Mt. Robson - perfect for home or weekend retreat

- over 33 acres - 5 rental chalets - home and large shop - excellent opportunity!

Kluskus Forest Service Road Vanderhoof

1295 Juniper St, Valemount

Lot 9, Dome Creek Road, Dome Creek

9,000

$79

- Scenic and private - Over 1100 acres - mostly fenced - Nice home sites - Great for farm, ranch or recreation

0

,00 $489

- home and motel - on 4 lots- room to expand - well-kept - work from home

00

$25,4

- 1.6 acre lot - central Dome Creek - cell service - power at lot line

15

16

Thursday, Mar 2, 2017

therockymountaingoat.com

YELLOWHEAD REALTY LTD PHONE 250-566-4438 FAX 250-566-4460 EMAIL yellowheadrealty@telus.net

A Rocky Mountain lifestyle can be yours!

John Peterson, R.I., A.A. Owner/Broker

Visit our website to see all of our listed properties w w w . y e l l o w h e a d r e a l t y. c o m

Bela Janum

Member of the BC Northern Real Estate Association

JOHN 250-566-1017

Office Administrator

FA-528 Approximately 217 acres of versatile property.

River frontage on Fraser River.

Approximately 150+ acres cleared. Southern exposure.

Abundant wildlife. Approximately 31 km from McBride on Mountainview Road.

Zoned Ru5.

FA-436V LOOKING FOR SOLITUDE? Approximately 22 acres about 15 minutes south of Valemount. Secluded property with trails throughout. Backs onto Crown land with creek frontage. Hydro line on property, telephone and high speed internet connection. Geo tech study completed.

FA-521 70 acres with views of Kinbasket Lake and Canoe Mountain. Some timber.

Mostly natural state. Good access. Phone available.

$349,900

$285,000 FA-531 Lot #2. 1 of 4 newly developed small acreages located within Village limits.

Now available with water to the property, and hydro, phone nearby. Beautiful mountain views. Plan your property to your unique style and make it truly yours! 2.47 acres, zoned RR1.

$175,000

$315,000

FA-498V Approx. 5.52 acres just minutes from Valemount.

3000+ sq ft of living space, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, includes fridge, propane stove, microwave, dishwasher, window coverings, washer, dryer and electric/wood furnace. Outside, make use of the 3 bay shed built for storing your RV or boat.

$425,000 FA-514DC FRASER RIVER FRONTAGE. This remote property is in the vicinity of Dome Creek. Abundant wildlife and panoramic mountain views grace this property.

$129,900

FA- 538 Large acreage located within town boundaries. Approximately 25 acres, mostly treed on the corner of Ash St. and 17th Ave. Good access.

$550,000

$799,000

REC-COM- 16 NIMPO LAKE, BC. Year round resort, 6 unit motel, 3 log cabins. RV campground. Cabins provide all the modern conveniences in a rustic setting. Cabins with decks with seating areas and propane BBQ’s. The motel is equipped with a bar fridge, full bath, microwave, coffee maker, satellite TV& phone. RV sites equipped with 30 amp service, water& sani-dump. Zoned C2.

We offer a wide selection of homes, farm, ranches, commercial and residential properties in the Robson Valley including Valemount, Dunster, McBride, Crescent Spur, Blue River, and Avola

We appreciate your business!

Please visit our website to see our full range of listings!

McBride Realty Center Ltd Specializing in residential, commercial, recreational, acreage & ranch properties Integrity - Matching great people with wonderful properties - Honesty

$250,000

$299,000

250-569-2735 OR 1-877-569-2735 rodger@mcbriderealty.com www.mcbriderealty.com

$460,000

Rodger Peterson Realtor The Real Estate Brokerage office on Main St! MRC-C908 894 – 1st Ave, McBride, BC

Over 4000 sq. ft. building, currently used for manufacturing of wood flooring & moulding. Metal roof, wood siding, paved yard. Office, storage room, tool room & bathroom. Very large workshop. Equipment is optional & not included in asking price, but may be purchased directly from owner at time of sale.

77 acres offering 360 degree views of mountains. 3 bdrms, 2032 sq ft home. Birch flooring, lots of wood interior. New metal roof & new Argon gas thermo windows. 30 minute drive to town.

$70,000

MRC-DA857 5400 E Hwy 16, McBride, BC

78 acres & a 4 bdrm log home! Recreational Commercial zoning. Gravity water system to house & irrigation in place on the acreage. About 60 acres are cleared & in production now. Green house, 2-bay shop with equipment storage, wood shed & cold room/storage buildings. Owner motivated!

Easy access, wheelchair friendly. Wall and window displays. Coffee always on! Info packs available.

Honest and friendly!

$77,000

REDUCED MRC-C786 Holdway St, McBride, BC

3 lots. One vacant, one with shop rented & one with vacant house of no value. Good visibility to traffic. Town water, electricity & sewer at lot line. Development or investment. Easy access from front or back.

MRC-R843 843 – 3rd Ave, McBride, BC

3 bdrms, skylight in kitchen dining area, pellet stove, garage. Custom built staircase leading to loft, patio door to greenhouse.

MRC-A725 Mountainview Rd, BC

7 acres, close to McBride. Cleared hay field & treed land. Wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains. Power & telephone at lot line. Paved road at front of lot. No buildings on property. One of the very best locations for the perfect hobby farm.

ALTY CEN RE

E LTD. TR

McBRIDE

$55,000

MRC-DA866 8599 Loos Rd, Crescent Spur, BC

Aerial videos available on selected properties!