Guide 2016 Your Guide to Elkford What To Do - What To See - Where To Go
What’s Inside the Guide 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8./9. 10.
Welcome to Elkford Elkford at a Glance Calendar of Events History of Sparwood Mine Tours 5 Day Trips to Explore Camp Elkford
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Elkford Chamber Wildcat Days What’s New in Elkford Skiing in Elkford/ Sparwood Rec Centre Elkford Map
The Free Press The Elkford Guide is published once a year by: The Free Press, 342 2nd Ave, A Division of Black Press Box 2350, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 Phone: 250-423-4666
All content is Copyright 2015/16 and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.
Sales Representative: Sophie Howden Photography: Courtesy of the District of Elkford Writer: Nicole Obré Publisher: Andrea Horton Front page photo by Scott Beeching
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Photo Gerri Madsen
Welcome to Elkford Welcome to Elkford, where we are ‘Wild at heart’. On behalf of the District of Elkford Council and staff, I would like to extend our warmest welcome and invite you to spend some time exploring and enjoying our community. I am confident that you will see firsthand why Elkford is so popular for visitors. Although geographically small in size, Elkford is big on multi-season recreational opportunities, kindness and mountain views! Founded in 1971, Elkford is a picturesque Rocky Mountain town with a strong economic connection to the surrounding mining industry. The District continues to look forward to economic growth, and prides itself on being a leader; from our award winning Wild
Photos Jody Christopherson
at heart branding, to the innovative wood design of the Elkford Community Conference Centre and our United Nations recognized Official Community Plan and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, we are very proud of our town. Pristine natural wilderness is highlighted by our proximity to the Elk Lakes Provincial Park and the Height of the Rockies Wilderness Area along the Rocky Mountain Continental Divide. Whether you’re a visiting outdoor enthusiast who is escaping the pressures of a larger centre, or are looking to relocate, one thing is for sure: your experience will be a memorable one! While you’re here, we invite to ‘get intimate with nature’. See you around. Mayor Dean McKerracher.
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ELKFORD Population: 2,253 Elevation: 1,300m Incorporated: 1966 Schools: Rocky Mountain Elementary School (K-6) and Elkford Secondary School (7-12)
Claim To Fame: Wild at Heart 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.
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Calendar of Events November..................... December...................... February....................... May.............................. June............................. July/August.................. July............................... August.......................... September.....................
Photo Jody Christopherson
Remembrance Day Ceremony Moonlight Madness Craft Fair Christmas House Decorating Contest Community Christmas Party Winter in the Wild Weekend Winter Snow Ball Family Fun Day – Wapiti Ski Club Wildkat Combo Curling Bonspiel Elkford Figure Skating Club – Ice Show Mining Week Events Tee Off For Tots Charity Golf Tournament Mine Tours at Greenhills & Fording River Operations Wildcat Days Chamber Craft and Trade Fair Canada Day Celebrations He/She Golf Tournament at Mountain Meadows Men’s Open at Mountain Meadows Ladies Open at Mountain Meadows Seniors Open at Mountain Meadows Wapiti Fun Run Club Championship at Mountain Meadows
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History of Elkford One of B.C.’s Newest Communities The town of Elkford was formed in the early 1970s to house mine employees and their families. Coal mining had been thriving in nearby Spawood since the early 20th century, but mining further north in the Elk Valley was thought to be cost prohibitive. However, with the high demand for coal pushing up prices, in 1971, Fording Coal Ltd. (now the Elk Valley Coal Corporation) opened its open-pit mine in the area and Elkford was born. The name for the district municipality
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was derived from the Elk River and the original coal company’s name. As the area began to populate, several more coal mines developed in the area, creating an economic boom for Elkford. Today, there are five open-pit coal mines within an hour’s drive of Elkford, all owned and operated by Teck Resources. The secluded and peaceful mountain community is home to nearly 3,000 people, many of whom work for the mines or in service industries connected to the mines.
Photo Sue Huisman
Mine Tours Discover Greenhills and Fording Mines Elkford is a community built on coal. Coal mining is truly the foundation of our town and it’s without a doubt the largest industry in the Elk Valley. Although the coal deposits in the Elkford area have been known for at least a hundred years, the remoteness of the upper part of the Elk Valley made it too expensive to mine coal there. It wasn’t until 1969, with high demand for coal pushing up world prices, that the first open pit mine was developed in the mountains around Elkford. Fast forward to today, and Teck Coal’s five area mines are responsible for supplying 80 per cent of Canada’s steelmaking coal. Located closest to
Elkford are the Fording River, Greenhills, and Line Creek operations - together producing over 17 million tonnes of coal every year. Hosted by Teck and the Elkford Chamber of Commerce, tours run every summer and give visitors and locals a real behind the scenes look at the daily operations of a mine. The guided bus tour takes you right onto the mining grounds, with a chance to see the central warehouse, welding and repair shops, sediment ponds, and plenty of gigantic machinery at work. Tours take place at 10:30 a.m., every Saturday, during the months of June, July, and August, and visit either Greenhills or Fording River.
Safety is at Our Core For your safety and ours, please observe the No Unauthorized Access, No Hunting and No Shooting boundaries that are indicated by signs on Teck property in the Elk Valley. New for 2015—Please be aware of boundary changes in the Kilmarnock and Upper Fording River areas of Fording River Operations. Field signs have been updated. Find electronic maps and GPS coordinates at: www.teck.com/elkvalleymaps
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5 Day Trips to Explore
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Elk Lake
It’s a bit of a bumpy road to get to this provincial park, but the trip is well worth it. Travelling north from Elkford, follow Highway 43 and continue on when you reach the Kananaskis Power Line Road. After you reach the Elk Lakes trailhead, it’s an easy one kilometre walk to a secluded campsite overlooking the lake. Surrounded by sky high mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and cliffs, it’s an amazing setting to camp, hike, or sit back and enjoy a picnic. Summer fishing is plentiful, but come winter, it’s a treasured spot for a local favourite - ice fishing.
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Elk River and Fording River
Looking to drop a line, take a leisurely float, or just dip your feet? The Elk and Fording Rivers, both located north of Elkford, are the perfect places to cool off. Anglers will find themselves in paradise, wading or walking along the edges of the river waiting for the perfect catch. Although the water is a little chilly, the Elk River has a mellow flow in the height of summer, making it ideal to cruise in a canoe or inner tube. And no matter what you like to do by the river, both the Elk and Fording offer beautiful views and breathtaking scenery.
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Photos Jody Christopherson
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Josephine Falls/ Lost and Lily Lakes
Take a walk through Elkford’s well maintained trail system and find yourself at Josephine Falls. A moderately rated 2.5 kilometre hike through the forest leads up to the spectacular falls, dropping 25 metres down a rugged canyon carved out by the Fording River. Take a break, enjoy the beauty of the falls, and if you’re up for a challenge, carry on to Lily Lake and Lost Lake. These trails are recommended for more experienced hikers and mountain bikers, but their remote locations give you a chance to observe untouched nature, big game, and wetland birds.
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Crowsnest Pass
Located less than an hour from Elkford is the peaceful and historic Crowsnest Pass. Drive the beautiful Crowsnest Pass Highway into Alberta and make sure to enjoy the majestic mountain views and clear, glacial lakes along the way. Once you’ve reached the quiet community, made up of Blairmore, Coleman, and Bellevue, there’s no shortage of things to do. Stroll through downtown Blairmore and do a little shopping, take a tour of the ancient underground mine in Bellevue, or stop in for one of Cinnamon Bear’s famous cinnamon buns in Coleman.
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Elk Valley Regional Park
A quiet and picturesque landscape, located right off of Highway 43, Elk Valley Regional Park is the perfect place for a ball game, family picnic, or company event. This day-use park is packed with features and amenities, including six picnic areas and one picnic shelter, four barbecue pits, one activity field and two ball diamonds, plus horseshoe and bocce pits. Although this somewhat undiscovered gem is usually quiet, reservations for larger groups are recommended. Call 250-425-2187 for bookings.
Photo Jody Christopherson
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Camp Elkford Elkford Lions Municipal Campground Nothing says summer like spending a night sleeping under the stars - in the comfort of a tent or RV of course. Pack up your camping gear and head to Elkford! Located just minutes from town, and surrounded by 40 km of pure wilderness, Elkford Lions Municipal Campground has 77 serviced sites waiting to be filled. Enjoy hot showers, a sani dump, free firewood, plus a gigantic family sized fire pit and cookhouse for group gatherings. To reserve your spot, or for more information, call 250-865-4470. If you’re looking to get a little more off the beaten path, you’ve come to the right place. There are several forest recreation sites located just outside of Elkford, each of which includes fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Take the Elk Valley Highway north and stop at cozy Blue Lake, just a short drive past town, go all the way to Elk Lakes Park at the end of the road, or stop at any of the picturesque spots in between. For a full listing of sites, and up to date information on campfire bans, visit www. bcparks.ca.
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Photos Sue Huisman
Elkford Chamber The Elkford Chamber of Commerce primarily focuses on supporting local business. Whether via advocacy, networking provision, marketing or personal support, the Chamber strives to encourage the sustainability and prosperity of all business within the community and surrounding area. Elkford Chamber has a diversity of members, many of whom are home based or not for profit organizations. Membership therefore not only encompasses local business, it encompasses many community members and advocates for all affected by or connected to business. Use your membership to its full potential. Forward your views on workshops, presenters, luncheons,
meetings etc. You are the voice. Need advice? They may not know the answer but they have a substantial catalogue of connections and contacts ready and equipped to help. They will supply and coordinate to exceed your needs where possible. Please don’t think they are only an administrative function. There is a hardworking team of Board of Directors who are all either business owners or of high professional ranking in local business. They are the direction of your questions and they will convey answers. If they don’t have the answer they will advocate for the answer. Looking for investment opportunities? Make the call and take a look for yourself – 250-4255725.
Has anyone ever told you that business and pleasure can’t run in tandem? Think again. Live, work and play from your very own doorstep.
elkford chamber 1/4 page Get intimate with nature.
info@elkfordchamberofcommerce.com www.elkfordchamberofcommerce.com www.elkford.ca www.theelkvalley.ca
Walk out our backdoor into a world untamed and get cozy with the locals. Explore the wildlife… Visit Elkford, British Columbia www.elkford.ca 1.855.877.WILD (9453) Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 11
Wildcat Days Celebrating “Wildcat Charlie” Weigert Every year, in the last week of June, Elkford goes wild. Wild for Wildcat Days that is! Celebrating one of the town’s first pioneers, “Wildcat Charlie” Weigert, this family-friendly festival is Elkford’s biggest and best event of the year. Things kick off Friday evening with fireworks, and the party continues Saturday morning with a parade running right through downtown Elkford. Saturday and Sunday are jam packed with anything and everything the kids could dream of; including bouncy houses, facepainting and glitter tattoos, laser tag, a climbing wall, photo booth, and a petting zoo. And for the adults there’s the Grass Smash Volleyball, SloPitch, Disc Golf, and SMS Charity Poker Tournaments. Of course no festival is complete without food and refreshments, and Wildcat Days certainly delivers. Everyone over 19 is welcome in the refreshment gardens, and plenty of food trucks stop by, ready to serve up sushi, poutine, crepes, hot dogs, ice cream, and more. Visit www.elkford.ca.
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Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford
What’s New in Elkford Healthy additions to the community Trans Canada Trail: The Trans Canada Trail will soon be running through Elkford! The 24,000 kilometre trail network stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and on to the Arctic oceans. Elkford, along with neighbouring towns Sparwood and Fernie, is ready to join the 1,000 communities already mapped by the trail. Primarily used by long distance cyclists and hikers, the Trans Canada Trail’s biggest advantage is its ability to connect communities. The proposed new Elk Valley section of the trail will link Elkford with Sparwood and Fernie, making it the first B.C. stop as trail goers cross over from Alberta. The trail is expected to be complete by 2017.
Pharmacy: It’s something bigger towns take for granted, but believe it or not, Elkford went many years without a pharmacy. Luckily, just last year, locals welcomed the Elkford Drug Store with open arms. Suppyling over the counter and prescription medicine, the store is equipped with all of your healthcare Photos by Nicole Obré
needs. Elkford Drug Store also carries vitamins, first aid supplies, and dental products. So if you run out of a prescription drug while you’re in town, forgot your toothbrush at home, or need to stock up on bandaids, the Elkford Drug Store has got you covered.
Relay for Life 2016: Every year, Canadian residents come together to take part in the cancer fundraiser, Relay for Life. Here in the Elk Valley, the location of each year’s relay rotates between Elkford, Sparwood, and Fernie; and in 2016, Elkford is the lucky winner! Relay participants walk or run together around a track or path, passing a baton to their fellow relayers and working toward one common goal: the fight against cancer. Relay for Life takes place in June and it’s an Elkford community event you don’t want to miss. Sign youself up to relay if you’re feeling ambitious, or stop by to watch the action and enjoy the festivities, food, and entertainment.
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Skiing in Elkford
An amazing skiing or snowboarding experience awaits you at Wapiti Ski Hill. Only minutes from town, experience the Elk Valley’s famous snow with 14 runs and 1,000 vertical feet of elevation change. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, including an impressive fully trained volunteer ski patrol, Wapiti has a community feel but boasts big mountain powder. At 1,300 metres above sea level, Elkford receives a whopping 350 cm of snow every year. With a terrain park, day lodge and concession, lessons, and rentals, Wapiti is an undiscovered paradise for skiers and boarders alike - plus, it couldn’t be more family friendly. Avoid the long lineups, pricey lift passes, and overwhelming crowds at mainstream resorts and spend more time riding epic powder with the locals at Wapiti Ski Hill this winter. For directions, rates, and up to date weather reports, visit www.wapitiskiclub.com.
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Elkford Recreation Looking for some indoor fun? Downtown Elkford is truly a recreational hub, within just one block is the Elkford Aquatic Centre, Public Library, as well as the skating and curling rink. Head towards the pool for swimming lanes, diving boards, a slide, sauna, and ‘beach front’ access. Work up a sweat in the gym, and don’t forget to check out the racquet ball, wally, and squash courts. During the winter, lace up your skates and take a lap around the indoor or outdoor skating rinks, drop in on a curling match, or join in a game of pick up hockey. And as long as there is snow on the ground, you can bundle up and hit the toboggan hills! Visit www.elkford.ca. Photo Jody Christopherson
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The Legend Camping Rest Area Aquatic Centre Library Chamber of ? Commerce Golf Course
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Advertiser’s Index Sparwood Public Library The Sparwood Public Library is a non-profit society run by an elected board of directors. It is open Tuesday to Saturday and located, at 110 Pine Avenue in Sparwood, B.C. 250-425-2299 sparwood.bclibrary.ca. Elkford Chamber of Commerce Whether via advocacy, networking provision, marketing or personal support, the Chamber strives to encourage the sustainability and prosperity of all business within the community and surrounding area. District of Elkford Elkford is a picturesque Rocky Mountain town. It remains a place where nature prevails – and humanity borrows a bit of space. Walk out our backdoor into a world untamed and get cozy with the locals. Explore the wildlife…visit Elkford, British Columbia. Mountain Mechanical The Elk Valley’s most experienced mechanics. For all your personal automotive, commercial and industrial repair needs. Overwaitea Sparwood Overwaitea Foods has been serving and supporting B.C. communities for over 95 years. They are B.C.’s very own food people – your very own food people, since 1915. Mountain Shadows Campground A tenting and RV/trailer site situated near Highway #3 and nestled in a cozy forested setting just minutes from downtown Sparwood. Elk Valley Thrift Shop The Elk Valley Thrift Shop is a volunteer operated second hand store located in the Sparwood Town Centre. They are a non- profit society that aims to tie back to our communities and have raised over $100,000 in the last 19 months. They have a large variety of items including clothing, kitchenwares, and home décor. Their hours of operation are: Mon:Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 10am-2pm, closed Sunday Ph: 250-425-0853 Cash, debit, Visa and Mastercard accepted. All volunteers welcome. Dr Kahane Drs. Kahane, Dr, Jensen, Dr. Peach and their team of professionals are committed to providing superior dental and orthodontic care to their patients in a comfortable and friendly environment.
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Teck Teck is the largest employer in the Elk Valley with five mines including Coal Mountain, Elkview, Fording River, Greenhills and Line Creek. Causeway Bay Hotel The Causeway Bay Hotel and Conference Centre in Sparwood offers 83 deluxe rooms and over 5,400 square feet of meeting space. All rooms have hair dryers and in-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, and high speed internet. They have a selection of king, queen and double beds, and some rooms with Jacuzzi tubs. Most rooms are non smoking, and they are pet friendly.102A Red Cedar Drive Sparwood, British Columbia V0B 2G0 www.causewaybayhotels. ca/sparwood 1-250-425-2003. Sparwood Dental A dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles, minutes from downtown Sparwood. Peoples Drug Mart As a member of a group of locally owned and operated pharmacies across B.C., the Sparwood Peoples Drug Mart is dedicated to contributing to the health and wellness of the community. Conveniently located in Centennial Square, their accessible store makes shopping a breeze. In addition to prescription medication and a wide variety of natural supplements, be sure to see their selection of new and changing seasonal and promotional items. 107 Centennial Square, Sparwood. 250-425-2015 Sparwood Chamber of Commerce The Sparwood Chamber is the heart of the business community, here to assist and help the business community. They run the visitor center and assist with tourism and promotion of the District of Sparwood. Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Society The Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Society was formed as a community public trust organization to provide leadership to establish a permanent facility for the purpose of preserving, recording and exhibiting for public education and enjoyment on material of historical significance. The Society has a small museum located at 120 Spruce Avenue; Open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 3pm. Help our history stay alive and visit the museum.