5 a so n s
g re a t re
Guide
2012
THE
lo v e s E lk fo rd
What’s inside? Your guide to everything Elkford!
• What’s in your backyard • Elkford • Outdoor activities • Elkford Conference Centre • Map
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Get intimate wtih nature.
Walk out our back door into a world untamed and get cozy with the locals. Explore the wildlife... Visit Elfkord, British Columbia. www.elkford.ca
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Photo courtesy of the District of Elkford
What’s inside the guide! 4. 6. 8. 10. 12. 14. 16. 18. 20. 22.
Elkford at a glance Where the water is 5 great reasons Mayor Dean McKerracher loves Elkford Discovering Elkford - Calendar of Events Golfing in Elkford Camping out in Elkford Elkford Community Conference Centre Wapiti Ski Hill WINTER in the Wild Map - Index
The Elkford Guide is published once a year by:
A Division of Black Press The Free Press, 342 2nd Ave, Box 2350, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 Phone: 250-423-4666 All content is Copyright 2012/13 and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.
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Home of the Elk Valleys Most Experienced Mechanics
SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Jenna Jensen ART DIRECTOR: Kaitlyn Haarstad PHOTOGRAPHY: District of Elkford and Jenna Jensen WRITERS: Jenna Jensen PUBLISHER: Dave Hamilton Front page photo courtesy of the District of Elkford
wE rEpair anytHing tHat rolls, crawls or just sits and swings. Free pickup and delivery in the Elk Valley
pErsonal autoMotiVE, coMMErcial and industrial rEpair sErVicEs
sparwood 743 douglas Fir road 250-425-6535, Elkford 1 Front street 250-865-4622 or cranbrook 701 industrial road 1 250-426-7247 Photo courtesy of the District of Elkford
Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Elkford
-at a glance
Population: 2,500 Elevation: 1,140m Incorporated: 1966 Schools: Rocky Mountain Elementary School (K-6) and Elkford Secondary School (7-12)
Claim To Fame: Wilderness Capital of BC Behind The Name: Elk are many in the town of Elkford and the coal mine known as Fording was influential in the creation of the town. 4
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Photo courtesy of the District of Elkford
This is Our Home The places where we work are also where we live. That’s why Teck employees are focused on making the right choices for the environment, for our local communities and for future generations. Teck’s five coal mines in the Elk Valley employ more than 3,700 men and women and inject almost $1 billion into the local economy each year Teck invested in the new Elkford Community Centre and is proud to give ongoing support to local charities and community groups. Find out more www.teck.com
Where the F or the water lover, Elkford offers many beautiful and crystal clear lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Whether you enjoy a quiet dip in the warm Sulphur Springs or seek the thrill of your next big catch you will be sure to find it in Elkford.
• The Elk Lakes
The Elk Lakes Provincial Park is located 69km north of Elkford. Surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop of sky high mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and cliffs sit the Elk Lakes. The Elk Lakes present not only an abundance of summer fishing opportunities, but during the winter, ice fishing becomes a treasured hobby of locals and visitors alike. Many campsites and trails are available for those that enjoy sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
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Josephine Falls
A brief hike off of the road leading to Fording is Josephine Falls. The falls are spectacular, dropping 25m down a rugged canyon carved out by the Fording River.
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Sulphur Springs
Tricky to find, but well worth the effort. Sulphur Springs is a naturally, warm spring hidden in surrounding forests and wildlife. Sulphur Springs is known for its scent as much as the healing properties some believe the water has. Take the Line Creek Road and turn left after the bridge. Approximately 10km after the bridge is the turn down the rugged road leading to Sulphur Springs.
• The Elk River & The Fording River
A fly fisher’s delight are the Elk and Fording Rivers both located north of Elkford. With as many spots known, there are more unknown. Fishers can wade or walk down the edges of the river to get lost in a day of some of Canada’s best fishing.
• Lost Lake & Lily Lake
After the trail from Josephine Falls, you will find Lily Lake and Lost Lake. The trails to these lakes are recommended for the more experienced hikers/riders, but with their raw beauty and remote locations, wetland birds, big game and untouched nature are sure to be seen.
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Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford
water is Please remember: Wildlife is abundant, so be aware and use precautions. Always tell someone where you are going and a map & GPS are recommended. Wherever your travels in Elkford take you, leave nothing behind but your footprints.
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M a yo r M cK erra c h er lo v e s 5 Elkford
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great
Mayor Dean McKerracher
The People
reasons
The greatest part about living in Elkford is the people. Elkford is a town that is filled with generous and dedicated volunteers who make many of our great amenities and activities possible. New people to the community are always welcomed with open arms and residents are always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
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Scenery
In both the summer and winter, Elkford is a great place to live, work and play. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by pristine wilderness and be in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The scenery in Elkford is truly second to none. 8
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Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford
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Environmental Sustainability
Over the past seven years, the District of Elkford has worked vigorously to reduce our community’s carbon footprint and become a more environmentally sustainable community. We incorporated a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy into our Official Community Plan in 2010 and received recognition from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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Branding
Elkford’s branding is fun, witty and unique and has been embraced within the community. It has also recently received attention on an international level, winning three awards at the 18th Annual International Summit Awards for creative excellence.
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Recreation
WildCat Days, Winter in the Wild, skiing, hiking, quadding, biking, crosscountry skiing, fishing and hunting! We have an Aquatic Centre, Hockey and Curling Arenas, Community Conference Centre and so much more! The recreation opportunities in Elkford are endless!
Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Discovering Elkford A COAL BOOM CREATES ELKFORD Elkford is a young community in comparison to many, but nonetheless Elkford is rich in history and was created by the hands of hundreds of volunteers. Along with the backing of Fording mine and the boom in coal mining in the area, Elkford was established to house Fording employees and grew to become an established community of thousands. Development in Elkford was rapid and it was dubbed as “BC’s fastest growing community.” Today Elkford is thriving and many projects and developments are always underway.
THE SPIRIT BEAR The Spirit Bear is a legend of Elkford. Until lately, the white bear has been rarely seen and mysterious. These bears are known for their blonde or white coat, they are uncommon and illegal to hunt, but a treasured sight to see. It is unknown whether these black bears are in a lighter color phase or if they may share some genetic relationship with the Kermode bears who live on the Central and North Coast of BC These bears are currently being studied by scientists and with testing, it may soon be revealed what makes these black bears white.
BOUNDLESS BACKCOUNTRY Some call Elkford the end of the road, as there is no highway leading north of the community. Others call Elkford the beginning of the backcountry. In any case, Elkford is well known worldwide for the expansive backcountry surrounding the community and lending to some of the best fishing, hunting, hiking and ATV’ing around. Elkford has an abundance of trail systems as well as hundreds of acres rarely ever walked upon by anything other than wildlife.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS Elkford hosts a variety of annual community events that showcase the style of Elkford such as Wildcat Days, the adult and kid’s triathlon, Winter in the Wild Celebration, Canada Day, Miss Elkford Pageant and Trans Rockies, just to name a few. Celebrations occur in all seasons, and draw crowds from the entire Elk Valley. Come check out any one, or all of Elkford’s celebrations!
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Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford , Jenna Jensen and Aaron & Ethan Dortman
Calendar of events January 20-22....15th Annual Sled Dog Derby & Winter Festival February .............Elkford Winter Festival February 3-5 .......Wildcat Curling Bonspiel March 3 ..............Figureskating Ice Carnival May 3...................Youth Ambassador Wine & Cheese Show May 25-26...........Youth Ambassador Pageant June – August.....Fording River and Greenhills Operations summer tours June......................Tee Off For Tots June......................Elkford ECD Committee Poker Tournament July........................Mountain Meadows He and She Tournament July 1-3................Canada Day & Wildcat Days August..................Mountain Meadows Men’s Open August..................Mountain Meadows Ladies’ Open August..................Mountain Meadows Seniors Open September...........Mountain Meadows Club Championship September...........Volunteer Appreciation Golf Tournament December 8........Moonlight Madness Craft Sale
We’ve got good news.
(Celebrating 115 years of serving the Elk Valley.)
From the day we printed our very first paper — back in 1898, The Free Press has reported on events, stories and legends of the Elk Valley for over 115 years. We are one of the oldest newspapers in Canada. We have followed stories from the spectacular to the every day, we’ve printed it all, each week: our politicians’ plans, the public’s questions, main street businesses on their way up and local careers on their way down, the hottest days of summer and deepest snows of winter. We’ve followed crimes and punishments, performances and players, our hometown teams’ victories, overseas wars, Canadian news, and B.C. views. We’ve celebrated community underdogs who’ve won and mourned lost loved ones. After more than a century we’re still doing our very best to be the Elk Valley’s newspaper. Your newspaper
Est. 1898 Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Golfing in Elkford S
treams, snowcapped mountains, wildlife. This is what you will find at Elkford's Mountain Meadows Golf Course. Well known for fabulous golf and the lowest rates in the region, Mountain Meadows will provide new and experienced golfers the game they have been waiting for. The nine hole course was constructed on an elk grazing meadow in 1976 and has been a popular place for residents and visitors to spend the day in the sunshine. Mountain Meadows Golf Course is home to two of the toughest par 3's in the Kootenays - the 184 yard 5th and the 195 yard 12th hole. Both holes demand accurate tee shots to heavily guarded greens. Water is found on six of the nine holes and the first nine play much different from the back nine, so there are a very different 18 holes to be played. At the Clubhouse is a family restaurant and lounge where people come to enjoy the atmosphere and amazing views. The Pro Shop offers all kinds of gear and gifts and there are always rentals available. M o u n t a i n Meadows Golf Course Offers: • 9 holes • Clubhouse restaurant and lounge
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Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford and Jenna Jensen
• • • • • • • •
Pro Shop Practice facility and driving range Lessons Golf Carts RV Parking The lowest rates The best mountain views Golf for everyone to enjoy
Keep up to date with all you’re local hockey action on our website: fernieghostriders.com. We are looking forward to another exciting season!
Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Camping in Elkford E
lkford Lions Municipal Campground is beautiful and tree filled and surrounded by 40 km of maintained hiking and biking trails. With over seventy-five sites, hot showers, a sani dump, free firewood for all registered guests, a giant family sized fire pit and cookhouse for group gatherings, this campground is sure to satisfy every camper. For more information please call 250.865.4470.
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Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford
2013 ELKFORD WILDCAT DAYS Wildcat Days!
Don’t miss next years
Sponsored by the District of Elkford
Sponsored by:
Fortis
A fun Weekend for All Ages
June 28, 29, 30 and July 1
July 1, 2012 -
Canada Day Celebrations 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sponsored by
Fun for everyone young, to young at heart.
We have: • Canada Day Celebrations • Face Painting • Volleyball Tournament • Slow Pitch Tournament • Poker Tournament • and more!
Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Elkford Community Conference Centre T
he opening of Elkford's new Community Conference Center was one of the most anticipated highlights of 2012. It boasts not only one-of-a-kind architecture, it also plays a key role in bringing together the community of Elkford, and its visitors. The $6.4 million energy-efficient Community Conference Centre is constructed of structural wood which captures carbon and conserves maximum energy reducing the Centre’s environmental footprint. The 1,800-square-metre building features a Visitor Centre, playschool, commercial kitchen, banquet hall with a stage for the performing arts, multi-purpose meeting rooms as well as historical displays. The building is being widely recognized for its innovative use of wood products, as it is the first commercial application of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) wall panels in North America. The District of Elkford warmly welcomes all to come check out the building and what it has to offer.
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Photos by Jenna Jensen and Henry Georgi.
Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Skiing in Elkford W
apiti Ski Hill is highly treasured with the residents and visitors of Elkford, and for good reason. It lays claim to seven runs for beginners or expert skiers with over one-thousand feet of vertical drop. New to the hill is a Terrain Park with an angled step down, a twenty foot step up, kinked rail and straight rail. Remember, helmets are always mandatory in the Terrain Park. Wapiti also offers lessons, rentals and night skiing at a fraction of the cost of large commercial ski resorts. At an elevation of 1300m and an annual snowfall of over 350cm, skiers can be sure to find more fresh powder than people. The ski hill and ski hill concession are run and maintained by a volunteer ski society. For more information on the Wapiti Ski Hill visit their website at www. wapitiskiclub.com.
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Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford
Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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WINTER in the wild E
lkford is the place to find fun, especially during Winter in the Wild. With the District of Elkford and many local clubs taking part. The weekend encompasses many traditional winter activities such as hockey, sleigh rides and sledding, as well as a lot of other games and activities such as snow golf, snow ball, paintball and more. Kids, adults and families can enjoy the winter snowfall while taking part in some of the best old fashioned winter fun. For more information contact Debbie Kliment at 250.865.4010 or dkliment@elkford.ca
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Photos by Jenna Jensen
Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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The Legend Camping Rest Area Aquatic Centre Library Chamber of ? Commerce Golf Course
Elkford Map 22
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Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Elkford is a picturesque Rocky Mountain town. It remains a place where nature prevails – and humanity borrows a bit of space.
District of Elkford
Supplies equipment, parts and service to the construction, forestry, mining industries and utility product users.
SMS Equipment
Repairs for all of your personal automotive, commercial and industrial repair needs. From big to small we repair it all.
A weekly newspaper celabrating 115 years serving Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford and the South Country since 1898. Published every Thursday, it can be viewed online at www.thefreepress.ca.
Teck is the largest employer in the Elk Valley with over 3,700 employees and 5 mines including Coal Mountain, Elkview, Fording River, Greenhills and Line Creek.
Teck
The Elk Valley’s Chartered Accountants specializing in income tax reduction strategies for businesses and individuals, as well as other business accounting needs.
GPI Chartered Accoutants
Mountain Mechanical
The Free Press
Advertisers Index Barkside Pets has been serving pets in Fernie and the Elk Valley since 2006. They carry everything your pet needs to be healthy and happy from leashes to natural pet products. With a self serve dog wash, they are your one-stop pet shop. Open seven days a week, they are conveniently located in downtown Fernie. 791a 2nd Ave, 250-423-4332. www. barkside.com.
Barkside Pets