Volume 26 Issue 09 by The Valley Sentinel

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WEDNESDAY March 2, 2011 $1.16 Plus HST

Volume 26 Issue 09 www.thevalleysentinel.com

Serving the Robson Valley since 1986

THE VALLEY

Including the communities of Valemount, McBride, Dunster, Tete Jaune, Blue River, Mount Robson, Crescent Spur and Dome Creek

Public Outcry! STOWAWAY SPEAKS UP -P. 10

YAKS ON THE MOVE - P. 14 Corporal Trevor Prosser attends the Mountain Mania - Meet and Greet on Friday at the Best Western in Valemount.

Joshua Estabrooks editor

A BOY’S BASKETBALL ZONES - P. 2

GIRL’S BASKETBALL ZONES - P. 23 Weather WEDNESDAY High: 1°C Low: -13°C Details pg 21

number of local business owners and members of the public were shocked over the weekend as the police and commercial vehicle inspectors established two major check stops during what was one of the biggest sledding weekends in the Valley. Resident, and sledding enthusiast, Val Barnes, said that from her conversations with sledders who were in Valemount for the SnowandMud Mountain Mania event, felt that they were being unfairly targeted, some of whom vowed never to come back to the area. “Other communities cater to their sledders, they welcome them. This is our lifeblood throughout the winter, and now we’ve got the police and department of transportation people targeting them.” Leslee Ballard, who operates The Great Escape restaurant, said that she has also heard many sledders state that they have felt harassed over the weekend, but she wonders if this kind of thing happens in other communities during sledding season. “If we’re the only community that does this then I don’t like it. If everyone is being policed equally then what can we do?” Alpine Country Rentals employee, Mark Etty, said that the check stops have driven a lot of sledders to scramble to buy parts for their trailers so they can get up the hill, add-

INSIDE: Opinion............................pg 4 Community Events.........pg 17 Classifieds.......................pg 20

Activities.........................pg 21 Weather..........................pg 21 Real Estate......................pg 24

Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

ing that many of them were disappointed that their riding time was significantly delayed by having to wait in long lineups just south of town. “They have been in and out of here all morning getting trailer parts, and it really pisses them off.” He did say that it seems like a strange coincidence that the check stops are occurring during Mountain Mania, and he hopes that it doesn’t drive too many of them away from Valemount with bad feelings. “It can ruin a guy’s day getting your trailer towed away. It is supposed to be a big busy weekend, so we want to make sure they come back.” Best Western Manager, Christins Latimer, said that in her conversations with sledders, their frustrations haven’t necessarily been about the delays at the lineups but that they weren’t being checked for legitimate issues. “They are being asked about how many drinks they had the night before, and things like that. They feel harassed.” Latimer added that there are quite a few sledding groups that used to come to Valemount every weekend, but have started going to Revelstoke because there are less issues with police down there. “They feel targeted, and they don’t feel the same hospitality from Valemount that they used to a couple years ago, and that’s not the way we want to treat our guests.” VARDA GM, Curtis Pawliuk, echoed the concerns of business owners, saying that the sledders feel they are being selected out and picked on, and it Continued on Page 15

COMING NEXT WEEK CHECK STOP STATS - SIGHTSEER CONTEST DETAILS

FLYERS

• CANADIAN TIRE

2 â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

BOYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BASKETBALL ZONES

McBride Secondary player, Agnes Esser, brings the ball down the court during a game against the Northside Christian School.

McBride coach, Stan Keim has a humorous Jesse Ford makes a massive block during the final game time out with his team. against Fort Nelson.

Photos By Joshua Estabrooks Caleb Reimer speeds ahead of Fort Nelson on his way to the basket. Qia Gunster dribbles into the offensive zone.

Valemount player, Theo Teering, takes a shot during their final against Bella Coola. Valemount finished 9th overall in the competition.

Named First Team All Star, Jarett Vizza was a force on and off the court for McBride.

McBride fans cheer on their team during the final.

The McBride Mustangs are headed to Provincials after placing second to Fort Nelson in a nailbiter final, losing 92-87.

Brad Towers makes an impressive backwards layup.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 3

UPFRONT

Kinder Morgan explains expansion plans Joshua Estabrooks Editor

epresentatives from Kinder Morgan took some time to clear up some misinformation regarding their potential expansion plans last week, after some inaccurate reports surfaced in other local media outlets in the Robson Valley. Spokesperson for the company, Lexa Hobenshield, said that they are seeing signs that the market may be ready for an expansion, but the timeline or any concrete decisions on the matter are still a long way off. “We deliver to three different markets. We deliver crude oil into Washington State, we deliver refined products for distribution within BC and we also deliver product to our Westridge marine terminal which gets loaded onto a vessel and moved down the west coast of North America.” Hobenshield said they would be looking to expand their existing southern routes, but just what that would look like is determined by the demand from their existing customers and any new customers they can attract during what they call an open season. “We are seeing some signs that the market is ready to initiate expansion activities. The two market indicators have been that our system has been over subscribed month to month over the last several months. The other indicator is that last fall we held an open season for firm service for our Westridge marine terminal.” The next step is to do an open season for additional capacity this fall, to determine if there are any new customers that are interested in moving product, on top of their existing customers. “If successful in signing up customers for additional capacity this fall then our next steps would be to start to prepare a regulatory application, which includes public and first nation consultation and detailed engineering work.” Hobenshield said that the Robson Valley has been quite supportive of the initial Transmountain expansion, and they believe that the existing relationships in communities like Valemount will help with further expansion plans in the future. “It’s already there, it‘s already existing and we can build on that.” In

Map Coutesy of Kimder-Morgan

terms of timeline, Hobenshield said that generally it takes five years from an open season call to actual construction is about five years, but that could vary. Where the work would take place is also dependent on the response from existing and potential customers as well, said Hobenshield. “It depends on which market, where the product is going and what product is being moved. It would very likely include work in the Valemount area. We won’t know for sure until firm agreements are in place.”

Building Inspector Changes

Joshua Estabrooks Editor

t’s been a few weeks since the Village of Valemount made some major changes to the way in which it will handle building inspection requests, and so far things are going smoothly. According to CAO Tom Dall, the Village was interested in increasing the hours of operation and availability for the building inspector, as well as the bylaw officer position, but because of the existing commitments the current bylaw officer and building inspector, Al Smith, had with the Regional District and the Village of McBride, a new position had to be created. “They are both contracted out positions. We have agreed to a fixed amount for Steve Barnes’ services as building inspector. Each month he will provide a written report and will be paid upon submission of an invoice and the written report.” Council agreed to a budget of $25,000 a year for the building inspector position, said Dall, which will include all costs associated with the position. “This is approximately $5,000 more than we have paid in previous years. The idea is simple,” said Dall, if Valemount wants to establish that it is open for business they must be able to respond to issues and

development requests in a timely manner. This isn’t to say former Village building inspector, Al Smith, won’t be around anymore. He will still be working for the Regional District, out of his new office and with a new telephone number. The new number to contact the Regional District building inspection services is 250-566-8436, or people can use the regular 1-800 number for the Regional District in Prince George. Smith will be working at the Canoe Valley Recreation Centre one day a week. The new building inspector for the Village of Valemount is Steve Barnes, who said that he felt the position fit in with his area of interest and his work experience. “I will be taking some further training this spring, but I have 20 years of building experience so I am very familiar with what is required from the position.” Barnes runs SC Barnes Construction, so he said he has some unique insights into how to work well as a building inspector with other contractors and their projects. “For the most part, most of the contractors I have worked with here are good carpenters. They are good and they follow the code, so I don’t expect a lot of problems.” He said that most of the issues usually come from

Gary Schwartz Farrier Service

McBride, BC

(250) 569-3319

Mica Mountain Transport Overnight service from Edmonton, Kamloops & Kelowna Service to Hinton, Jasper and The Robson Valley

Building inspector Steve Barnes Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

misunderstandings of the code, but he is committed to working with local contractors to make sure everyone understands what guidelines they should be following. Barnes said that he has been fairly busy already, since starting his position on February 1st, and he expects things to pick up in the spring. “I haven’t sold a building permit yet but supposedly there is some stuff coming this summer.” To contact Barnes, he asks that people contact the Village Office at 250-566-4435, but he can also be contacted on his cell phone at 250-566-1315 if there is a need that falls out of regular business hours.

Phone Jim or Chris Morris (250) 566-9907 or (250) 566-1179

Advantage Insurance Services Ltd.

433 Main Street, McBride

Rosemary L. Hruby, CAIB Tel: 250.569.2264 Fax: 250.569.8838

1.888.611.5557

Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 - 6pm Sat: 10am - 3pm

Home • Farm • Auto Insurance

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4 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

OPINION

THE VALLEY

Serving the Robson Valley since 1986

Reach The Valley Sentinel at: 250.566.4425 or 1.800.226.2129 • Email: editor@thevalleysentinel.com • Fax: 250.566.4528

Joshua Estabrooks

» DAVE MARCHANT

Daniel Betts Viewpoint

Viewpoint

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

Two sides of a coin

Small Business

his weekend, a very interesting predicament came to light, as the Valley experienced one of its busiest weekends in recent memory. Both McBride and Valemount hosted a basketball zone tournament, and SnowandMud’s Mountain mania brought hundreds of sledders to Valemount to enjoy a weekend of deep powder up in the mountains. At the same time, the RCMP and Commercial Vehicle enforcement officials set up check stops to ensure the many vehicles ripping up and down our highways were safe, which, of course, some of them were not. This situation reminded me of my wine touring trips in the Okanagan, where I noticed a distinct lack of police presence on all of the major wine routes. Was this a calculated move to allow us wino’s to weave our way between the wineries without risking getting pulled over? One might suspect this, but I doubt it would ever be confirmed or denied. Would more police presence negatively affect tourism in wine country? Who knows? I think it would have made me cut a couple tastings out of my itinerary. And this is the dilemma faced by our local RCMP as well. It is undeniably true that we need the dollars our winter sledding guests supply. It’s essentially the only thing that keeps our local businesses going throughout the winter, so if our guests feel harassed by the police, there’s a chance they won’t come back. On the other hand, as a motorist on a public highway, I expect the police to make my travels as safe as possible, and if there are unsafe vehicles out there I want them fixed. Just think about how messy an accident would be with a fully loaded sled trailer? It wouldn’t be pretty, that’s for sure. So what do we do? We want to welcome our sledders to the area, but we want them to Continued on page 22

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» MAILBAG

Good Neighbour Bylaw I wish to express my concern and discomfort with the DRAFT Bylaw under consideration, having received First and Second Reading at the Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council, February 8, 2011; and under consideration for 3rd reading at the Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council at the meeting of scheduled for February 22, 2011. My concerns include but are not limited to the following: 1. They appear to be draconian and overbearing in nature. 2. They appear to be a cookie-cutter solution, which does not reflect the community in which I wish to live. 3. The Orwellian title “GOOD NEIGHBOUR BYLAW” is a misnomer if in fact it is initiated by complaint. If it were a “GOOD NEIGHBOUR” bylaw, there would be provisions to ensure that neighbours first exhausted all other avenues for reconciliation prior to involving third parties. 4. The fines schedule appears to be a justification for an unaffordable bylaw enforcement staff position. 5. It is commonly accepted that “666” is the “sign of the beast [nee devil]. 6. It seems to me that this topic might benefit from a “town hall process” which would assist Mayor and Council to develop policy and bylaws that reflect the needs of the community, while providing an opportunity for education and buy-in resulting in better compliance to the finished product. I therefore raise my voice to ask Mayor and Council to NOT pass 3rd reading nor to adopt this bylaw at this time. Sincerely, John Grogan - Valemount, B.C.

Joshua Estabrooks

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hile I was attending the Self Employment Benefits Program panel meeting at The Valemount Learning Centre I was most impressed with a discussion revolving around the ability to outsource areas of business that were less familiar so as to optimize an entrepreneur’s time in making a business successful rather than struggle with new concepts. It suggested a cooperative business model that would support a number of small businesses. While a single large company could employ a number of people, generate revenue and boost the economy a number of smaller companies could have the same effect. Starting a business is not for everyone; it requires much work, considerable effort and special expertise, which is why programs like the one offered through Community Futures should be taken advantage of by those who are willing and able, not only for their own sake but to benefit the community as a whole. Having the tools for success is a huge advantage for anyone who has even considered the idea of starting a business but lacked the experience. Add a network of different supportive businesses in the Valley and the experience of those who have been through the complicated and difficult process and we are looking at a recipe for success. All that would be missing in such a model is community support, but we all know that is not an issue in the Valley. I think new businesses that start-up in the Valley have a great advantage being in such a supportive community. I have witnessed first hand the support this community is capable of; whether it is coming out to cheer on the high school basketball team or buying tickets to a fundraiser dinner to help out a resident who has been stricken with cancer. I have never experienced a more supportive community than the Robson Valley.

All material published in The Valley Sentinel; editorial content, photographs and advertising, is copyright to The Valley Sentinel and may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of the Publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing costs.

CMCA AUDITED

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 5

UPFRONT » MAILBAG

Unwanted Heroes

s a concerned citizen of Valemount I think that we have enough RCMP & D.O.Ts. Why is it that when you try to bring people to our community especially when we are promoting Valemount as a world-class destination for snowmobiling there is added law enforcement; when event time comes it always seems to attract these unwanted heroes. Just this morning I witnessed a freight truck parked in the no parking zone in front of the Petro-Canada. A D.O.T. car on 5th Avenue and a police car on 6th Avenue drove right by and no ticket was issued yet they will go out and ticket our patron customers; snowmobilers. These snowmobilers are starting to get a bad taste in their mouths. Soon they will not want to come back here This is our winter industry; these people should be not punished but catered to. Rather than tickets, give warnings, people can accept that. I have read emails that say snowmobilers should be ticketed and charged but this is wrong. People need to remember, without this industry Valemount would dry up. If it weren’t for these snowmobilers coming to our town all but 1 motel and 1 restaurant would be closed. This is a large industry for our community, let’s support it. If theses unwanted law enforcement want to come to town and hurt our patrons, let them know they are not wanted here. Don’t sell them rooms or meals. The Village Council should be stepping up and letting them know that they are not welcome in our community. Bottom line is, Village Council get off your ass and do something about this; you have the power. I am tired of you digging in my pocket for tax money. Do something to help your community. Businesses of Valemount, if your elected council won’t do anything for us then let’s refuse service to these unwanted heroes. Thanks Dave Craig – Valemount.

RCMP Report Brigit Stutz Contributor

cBride RCMP Detachment Commander Corporal Barry Kennedy presented Council with the detachment’s quarterly report at the regularly scheduled meeting for the Village of McBride on February 8. The report covered October to December 2010 as well as year-end. Corporal Kennedy said that the McBride detachment is currently at full provincial strength, consisting of himself and two Constables. “With the news in the community regarding the re-opening of some local mills, I have asked our District Office if this will have an impact on our future manpower status,” said Corporal Kennedy. “I have been advised that it will not and no plans are in the works to change the detachment strength at this time.” Corporal Kennedy said that since his arrival in McBride in mid-July, there has been a significant change in provincial legislation regarding impaired driving and excessive speeding. “We have taken a very proactive approach with regards to this, by distributing pamphlets to the hotels and conducting schools talks with the youth who are either new drivers or will be obtaining their licences soon,” he said. “We are hoping that through education and information the message will be heard. Enforcement remains the last option. To date, we have not had any issues with this legislation.” Corporal Kennedy said that McBride is a very safe community, which is supported by the statistics. “The calls for service from January 1 to December 31, 2010 for our entire service area is 469. Last year during this same period of time was 604. Our overall charges have gone from 109 in 2009 to 86 in 2010, and our Criminal Code charges have increased from 20 to 23 respectively. For the town of McBride, there were 226 calls for service from January 1 to December 31, 2010. For the same period last year, there were 301. For this quarter, October to December, we received 38 calls for service compared to 44 during the same time last year in the village.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING He added the majority of the calls were accidents, either animal or speed related. Corporal Kennedy said the Police Victim Services Unit has also had a busy year, providing their services on 37 files ranging from assisting stranded people at accident scenes to comforting families during a death in the family. “They have also been vital in providing support to victims of crime by providing a presence in court in a measure of support,” he said. “They are able to do this, largely unfunded, and spend approximately $700 to $1,200 annually on their efforts, and are a huge asset to the community. I have personally heard the praise from people that have been assisted. This recognition has provided favourable reflection on the community as a whole.” Corporal Kennedy said that the community priorities for 2010 and 2011 as identified in the Detachment Performance Plan surrounded the issues of substance abuse and traffic safety. “We continue to address both substance abuse and traffic safety via education and enforcement. With regards to education, we talked to Grade 10 to 12 students, with a focus on immediate roadside prohibition and speed. It generated a lot of discussion in the class. We get to the adults through the kids. We also take pamphlets that explain the penalty system and pass them out to hotels for the sledders and we’ve also given out pamphlets in bars. With regards to enforcement, we’ve done road blocks. The penalties at the road blocks are a lot more harsh. It’s got people talking quite a bit. We think it’s working.” Corporal Kennedy said he looks forward to continuing to work with all the community’s partners in the McBride area, such as the Village Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Robson Valley Support Society to ensure that the goal of Safe Community, Safe Homes is met. “I plan to meet the members of the community in the near future to formulate this year’s community priorities, which could change from year to year, and come up with some initiatives,” Corporal Kennedy said.

ZONING BYLAW NO. 833, ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 2667 Notice is hereby given that a public hearing into Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2667 will be held: 7:00pm Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Village of McBride Council Chambers 100 Robson Centre, McBride, BC Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2667 is proposed to amend zoning on Block A of the Fractional South East ¼ of District Lot 7228, Cariboo District from Rural 3 (Ru3) to Rural 4 (Ru4). The proposed zoning amendment would allow two residential single family residences on the subject property. The subject lot is located 4240 Highway 16 East. The owners are David and Marie Jeck.

At the public hearing, all those who deem their interest in land to be affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions. Please note that emails cannot be accepted as written submissions. Any material received before or at the public hearing will become public information. The public hearing will be chaired by a delegate of the Regional District Board. Copies of the resolution making the delegation, Zoning Bylaw Amendment, and other relevant background documents, may be examined at the office of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, 155 George Street, Prince George, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 28, and March 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 16, 2011. Kenna Latimer Development Services

Prince George, BC Fax: 250-562-8676

155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Telephone: (250) 960-4400 Toll Free: 1-800-667-1959 Fax: (250) 563-7520 • Web: www.rdﬀg.bc.ca

6 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

COMMUNITY New Businesses through Community Futures “

Daniel Betts Associate Editor

Be strong and don’t give up,” Wendy Gropler, owner of Sewhot Embroidery, advised on February 22nd at the Valemount Learning Centre. Employment Counsellor, Mike Austin organized a panel of business owners who had successfully completed the Self-Employment Benefits Program (SEB) through Community Futures to speak to interested individuals about their experiences with the program. Besides Gropler the panel included John Shaw a former tree faller, who now sells rock jewelry and specialty decorative rock and Amber Stayer, owner of Rocky Mountain Desserts, who will wholesale specialty “vegan” ice cream. SEB was designed to provide a flexible Employment Insurance (E.I.) cushion while starting a business. Anyone receiving E.I. Benefits who has a business idea can take advantage of this program as long as the individual plans to be the sole proprietor and the business will operate year round. Community Futures would provide up to 90 percent funding for the project with 10 percent down. To start, a potential participant would prepare a single page

basic description of the business they wish to start and submit it to Austin, who acts as the “filter” for the program. An E.I. check is performed and Austin forwards a letter of support to the SEB Coordinator, Allen Fredrick. Fredrick would meet with the participant and provide a “Pre-Business Plan Package” that addresses such concerns as market and competition. Once the package is complete Fredrick would consult with advisors, who may include people in the community, to determine if the idea was eligible to move forward into the program. If accepted the participant would start “Phase One”, which would last 8 Weeks and would involve the creation of a business plan. Individuals in the program are expected to work 7 hours a day, 5 days a week working on a 20 to 40-page business plan, which includes market research and possibly door to door canvasing. The objective of “Phase One” is to force participants to get close to their idea by meeting people and promoting their idea. It serves as a reality check for participants to look very close at what they are proposing. “The program allowed me to relax and go home

The Hub Club “still has work to do” Daniel Betts Associate Editor

he Community Hub organizational group or “Hub Club” as they have been calling themselves met on the evening of February 23rd in the Valemount Village Council Chambers. Economic Development Officer Silvio Gislimberti led the discussion which explored the need for finding a suitable location for a community facility that would house all the aspects the group is seeking as well as funding options for purchasing or renting a building and operating the facility. Lyndia Lefluer of the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) joined the conversation by phone to discuss how the CBT could help the group. The Valley Sentinel had the opportunity to speak with Lefluer from her office in Nakusp the following day. Lefleur noted that the “Hub Community Group” was still in the very early planning stages and that it was important that they identified a clear plan of action. Lefluer said, “we would be certainly open to discussing a possible application,” but that it was to early in the planning stage to make a commitment without knowing all the details. The funding process would take a minimum of two months. Lefluer felt it was important to note, the CBT does not provide 100% funding on capital projects, however if the project was eligible and the community supported the project the CBT would help find some other fund-

ing partners. Lefluer noted some additional criteria for funding saying, “The project can not replace an obligation of government.” The project would also have to be very inclusive where the majority of residents would benefit. Also, any group that comes to the CBT for funding needs to be able to show that they have community support through community initiatives, or fundraising through service clubs or visible public meetings. Lefluer said that the CBT also does not fund anything that is not sustainable, so the group is going to have to show that they have the capacity to operate the building they wish to purchase; a criteria that would be shown in creating a plan of action. “They [Hub Club] still have work to do,” says Lefluer. The group was looking at various locations, however the Regency Building, which is the location of the former B.C. Services branch, was considered to be the most ideal as it is already set up for handicap access, public washrooms and a possible workshop area which could be utilized for various projects. Valley resident John Grogan has volunteered to perform an inventory of other buildings in the area to determine what facilities they have and which buildings could be renovated to meet the needs of a community “Hub” facility. In the meantime the “Hub Club” still has the hurdle of determining and documenting a clear plan of action.

at the end of the day and feel ok because the rent is paid,” said Stayer of her time working out her business plan while in the program. “If you feel like there is something that you don’t feel like you can accomplish on your own you can always ask for help,” Stayer added. Phase Two of the program is the start-up and operation of the business. Participants will continue to receive E.I. Benefits for forty weeks while they go through the start-up obstacles of a new business and get on their feet. At twenty weeks there will be an assessment and if the business is doing well E.I. could be suspended at that point. Participants in the program can expect to work extremely hard. “When you are getting into business for yourself don’t think that it’s going to be a party.” Stayer advised, “You end up working, in the beginning, much more than you expect.” “Make sure that your family is very supportive. Be prepared for them to have to suffer because they are going to loose you for the first year. If you want to be successful you have to take everything inside and outside and put it into your business.” Gropler advises.

VILLAGE OF VALEMOUNT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW NO 660 and NO 662 Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 660, 2011 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 662, 2011 will be held: 7:00 PM Tuesday March 22, 2011 Village of Valemount Council Chambers 735 Cranberry Lake Road Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0

The purpose of the proposed Bylaw 660 is to establish a new Zoning Area Rural Residential 2 (RR2) Zone which will allow Accessory Single Family Dwellings on larger properties with the first property being Lot 2 Plan 27373 (1292 Juniper). The purpose of the proposed Bylaw 662 is to establish changes to Residential Zones RRI, R1 and R2 to change the wording in the zoning areas from Minimum Floor Area of Main Floor of Single Family Dwelling to “Minimum Floor Area of Single Family Dwelling” and to change the square metres from 88m2 to 93m2 At the Public Hearing, all those who deem their interest in land to be affected by the proposed bylaws shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions. Please Note: emails will not be accepted as written submissions. Any material received before or at the Public Hearing will become public information. Copies of the bylaws may be examined at the Office of the Village of Valemount 735 Cranberry Lake Road Valemount BC V0E 2Z0 during regular office hours from March 8 to 21, 2011. Tom Dall - Valemount, CAO

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The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 7

UPFRONT

Addressing Concerns With The Village Council: The Good Neighbour Bylaw Daniel Betts Associate Editor

“

The Good Neighbour Bylaw,” is designed “to prohibit unsightly premises, nuisances and other objectionable situations.” Valley resident John Grogan had some concerns with the bylaw and addressed them to the Village Council in the form of an email letter, (please see this week’s Mailbag to read the letter Grogan wrote) which Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dall assured Grogan council would see. One of the issues Grogan was concerned about was article #17, which allows the bylaw officer to enter a property, without a warrant, to determine if the bylaw is being complied with. To Grogan this provision appeared heavy handed and “draconian.” Further, the fine in the bylaw seemed extremely high. Grogan also noticed there did not appear to be any appeal process. “It seems like the bylaw was written for some other community,” Grogan said. On February 22nd during the last Village Council Meeting, Grogan was surprised when council carried a motion to move Bylaw #666 forward through it’s third

reading without discussion. “I was really disturbed that they got to that part of the agenda and there was no mention of any public input,” Grogan said. CAO Dall was asked about the procedure for addressing concerns, and said that a concerned group or party could talk to each individual councillor if they wish or if it is just a basic complaint to send a letter or email to council or CAO Dall for their reference, which is what he did. The council members would then make their own individual determination if discussion was warranted or required and during council would address those concerns. “A lot of times the best way is to lobby directly,” said Dall. This could be done in the form of a delegation to address council directly if the party feels strongly enough about the concern. CAO Dall took some time to clarify some of the points in the “Good Neighbour Bylaw” which were of concern. In regard to the wording article #17 of the bylaw #666 CAO Dall says, “that is quite normal.” This particular bylaw had gone through a series of legal scrutiny with lawyers and solicitors. “We do need to be able to get on a property in order to

do follow-up but this provision would be used very rarely and only in the case of a major problem,” CAO Dall said. A problem that would warrant such action would be determined by multiple complaints and letters and an unsatisfactory response to requests from the village to comply with the bylaw. “It has to be reasonable,” CAO Dall said. Just as with the Animal Bylaw, the bylaw enforcement officer would only exercise article #17 under rare circumstances and at the direction of council. “A bylaw like this is meant to have the legal strength to complete a task if there is a problem,” CAO Dall said. In regard to the fine amount CAO Dall explains that the courts will determine the actual amount of a fine, as the provision in article 22 is a standard legal requirement that simply limits the fine. Appeals, while not mentioned in the bylaw itself, are ever present. “Whenever council takes over a case there is an appeal process, absolutely,” says CAO Dall. A resident facing a bylaw infraction would be asked to talk directly to council before council proceeded with any court action. According to CAO Dall, very rarely is an appeal process ever included in a bylaw.

Sentinel Sightseer Contest

he Valley Sentinel is pleased to announce that any “Sightseer” contributor since the start of the year will be eligible to win a great prize. Be sure to pickup the next issue of The Valley Sentinel for contest details.

SENTINEL SIGHTSEER

Winter is HERE!

The Valley Sentinel made it all the way to Lucerne, Switzerland when Birgit Stutz and Marc Lavigne from Dunster visited Switzerland recently. In the background is the famous Chapel Bridge, a wooden bridge with a water tower, the symbol of Lucerne, built in 1333 as a part of the city’s fortifications.

Take The Valley Sentinel with you on your next vacation! Send your sentinel sightseer to editor@thevalleysentinel.com Don’t forget to send us a brief description, include who is in the photo, where they are and what they’re doing!

sentinel THE VALLEY

Your Community

Your Newspaper

Brookfield Renewable Power would like to remind you of the dangers that exist on rivers this time of year. Because river currents can weaken ice – especially backwater currents close to dams – it can be very dangerous to travel on rivers whether on foot, on snowmobile, on skates, on skis, or on all-terrain vehicles (ATV). Also, a dam’s control gates can be activated remotely and will cause unsafe conditions such as water level and river current changes. Stay Safe! Brookfield Renewable Power wants to ensure that all of your outdoor recreational activities are positive and memorable experiences this winter. For more information: 604-485-2223

8 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

GOVERNMENT

McBride Council Briefs T

Brigit Stutz Contributor

he regularly scheduled meeting for the Village of McBride was held February 22 with Mayor Mike Frazier, Councillors Mike Moseley, Rick Thompson, Irene Rejman and Loranne Martin, Chief Administrative Officer Eliana Clements, Deputy Administrator/Treasurer Danielle Smith, and Economic Development Officer Margaret Graine in attendance. Public hearing minutes approved Council carried a motion that the meeting minutes from the public hearing on February 15 regarding the “Village of McBride Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Bylaw No. 711” and the “Village of McBride Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 712” pertaining to Lot 10-11 and 14-15, Block 2, Plan 1373, District Lot 5316, Cariboo District, be approved as presented. Applications for subdivision Council received two agency referral forms from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George regarding applications for subdivision in the ALR (agricultural land reserve). The first one is regarding an application for subdivision from McBride Ranch Ltd. on Shelby Road (North West ¼ of District Lot 3537, Cariboo District Except Plan 28181 – 15.7 hectares (38.9 acres) and South West ¼ of District Lot 3538, Cariboo District Except Plans 29885 and 30110 – (15.5 hectares (38.3 acres) ). The applicant wishes to subdivide both properties into eight lots, approximately 3.7 hectares (9.1 acres) in size. Presently, the parcels have been cleared and have been subdivided into horse paddocks and fields. Both properties lie entirely within the ALR. Approval for subdivision in the ALR is required from the Agricultural Land Commission. The Robson Valley-Canoe Downstream Official Community Plan (OCP) designates both properties Agriculture/Resource (Ag/Res). The minimum parcel size for creation of a new lot under the Ag/Res designation is 60 hectares (150 acres). If this appli-

cation is approved, an OCP amendment for subdivision will be required. Pursuant to Zoning Bylaw No. 833, both parcels are zoned Rural 5 (Ru5). The minimum parcel that may be created by subdivision in the Ru5 zone is 60 hectares (150 acres). If this application is approved, a zoning amendment for subdivision will be required. Council carried a motion that the following comments be made regarding the application: “There are no municipal water or sewer services to these two properties. Village consultation will be needed for a proposed extension of Barnes Road.” The second agency referral form is regarding an application for subdivision from Tom Ryan on Shelby Road (775 Shelby Road and 545 McBride Road South, the fractional South East ¼ of District Lot 3537, Cariboo District Except Plan 28181 and BCP2790 – 13.2 hectares (32.8 acres) ). The applicant wishes to subdivide the property into three lots ranging in size from four hectares (10 acres) to six hectares (14.8 acres) in size. Proposed Lot 1 will contain a residence and horse pasture. Proposed Lot 2 will contain the covered riding arena, exercise yard for horses and the area for the future campground. Proposed Lot 3 will contain a residence. Presently, the parcel has two residences, horse pastures, a covered riding arena, exercise yard for horses and an area cleared for the future development of a campground. The remainder of the parcel is treed. The property lies entirely within the ALR. Approval for subdivision in the ALR is required from the Agricultural Land Commission. The Robson Valley-Canoe Downstream Official Community Plan (OCP) designates the property Agriculture/Resource (Ag/Res). The minimum parcel size for creation of a new lot under the Ag/Res designation is 60 hectares (150 acres). If this application is approved, an OCP amendment for subdivision will be required. Pursuant to Zoning Bylaw No. 833, the parcel is zoned Rural 5 (Ru5) and Limited Recreational Commercial (RC2). The minimum parcel that may be

Avalanche awareness booth set up at the Mountain Mania 4 - Meet and Greet at the Best Western. Photos by Joshua Estabrooks and Andrea Scholz

created by subdivision in the Ru5 zone is 60 hectares (150 acres) and 30 hectares (74 acres) within the RC2 zone. If this application is approved, a zoning amendment for subdivision will be required. Council carried a motion that the following comments be made regarding the application: “One of the three properties is serviced by water. All proposed lots will require a dedicated water service (one per lot) to connect to the Village water. The water service must be approved by the Village prior to installation and all costs borne by the subdivider.” OCP Amendment Bylaw A motion was carried that the “Village of McBride Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Bylaw No. 711” be given third reading. Zoning Amendment Bylaw A motion was carried that the “Village of McBride Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 712” be given third reading. BC Hydro open house Council carried a motion that Councillor Thompson attends the BC Hydro open house for public, First Nations and stakeholder consultation that will be held in Prince George at the Ramada Hotel March 23, 2011.

Some of the gear available at Zac’s Tracs Avalanche Training

GOVERNMENT

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 9

Valemount Council Briefs Donalda Beeson Contributor

The regularly scheduled council meeting for the Village of Valemount was held on February the 22nd, 2011. Deputy Mayor Murray Capstick sat in for Mayor Bob Smith, Councillors Cynthia Piper, Bobbi Roe and Rita Tchir, and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Tom Dall attended. Mayor Bob Smith and Corporate Officer (CO) Sandy Salt were not in attendance. Committee of the Whole: Council adopted the minutes from the Committee of the Whole Traffic Patterns February 8th, 2011 Meeting, and passed a motion to establish a committee to work on this project. Council appointed Councillor Piper and Councillor Tchir to the committee. Staff Vehicle Report As per the December 14th, 2011 Village Council Meeting, where Council participated in a fifteen minute brainstorming session regarding the feasibility of leasing or purchasing a staff vehicle, Council has carried a motion to purchase a vehicle and have staff investigate a few vehicles which would be suitable and provide Council with prices and costs of the purchase. Resort Municipality 2012 Meeting Council carried a motion to allow the Village representatives Silvio Gislimberti and Charles Kosmadia to attend the Resort Municipalities meeting in Osoyoos from May the 11th to the 13th, of 2011 and once there to request that the Village of Valemount host the 2012 Resort Municipalities meeting. Administration Travel March Council carried a motion to approve to have CAO Tom Dall and the Corporate Officer Sandy Salt attend the North Central Local Government Manage-

ment Association (NCLGMA) 2011 Spring Annual General Meeting and Conference in Prince George B.C. from March the 14th to the 17th, 2011. Silent Auction Request – NCLGA AGM and Conference Council made a motion to authorize staff to purchase an item not to exceed a retail value of one hundred dollars from a local artisan as a Silent Auction item from the Village of Valemount for the upcoming North Central Local Government Management Association (NCLGMA) Annual General Meeting and Convention in Prince Rupert May the 11th to the 13th, 2011. Policy Review Council carried a motion to approve the Hiring More Than One Member Per Family Policy #3 as revised and to approve the Mobile Communication Device Use Policy. Furniture and Panels for Office Corner in Visitor Info Centre Council carried a motion to approve the purchase of office furniture and modular panels for the marketing coordinator to be placed in the Visitor Info Centre, as presented in the attached quotation by Source Office Furnishings. Grants and Donations Council received a report from Lori McNee, Director of Finance, giving Mayor and Council Information regarding the Grants and Donations account, and recommending them to consider these amounts when approving future grants and donations. Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Council carried a motion to approve the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) reporting as submitted and approve to make public for viewing. To be eligible for this conditional grant

local government must: sign on to the BC Climate action Charter and by doing so commit to take actions and develop strategies to achieve the following three goals: • Being carbon neutral in their corporate operations by 2012 • Measure and report on their community GHG emissions profile • Create complete compact energy efficient rural and urban communities and report publicly on their plan and progress toward meeting their climate actions goals. Village of Valemount Good Neighbour Bylaw Village Council carried a motion that the third reading of the Village of Valemount Good Neighbour Bylaw Number 666, 2011 be adopted. Village of Valemount Animal Regulation, Control and Licensing Bylaw Village Council carried a motion that the third reading of the Village of Valemount Animal Regulation, Control and Licensing Bylaw Number 667, 2011 be adopted.

Road Talk

During and after snowfall or freezing rain events, Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. Attends to higher priority highways that impact the most users and have the greatest potential of harm to the public. High speed, high volume corridors receive the priority maintenance followed by steep hills, bus routes and industrial routes. Low volume side roads where the chance of harm to drivers is minimal are attended to once the main roads are safe. Please be patient with our crews, they will get to all effected areas in a timely manner. Help us make the highways a safe place for everyone. DRIVE SAFELY, SLOW DOWN & ARRIVE ALIVE Help us make the highways a safe place for everyone. Randy Zacaruk of Zac’s Tracs Avalanche Training demonstrates the latest technology

Sledders prepare to dig in at the Mountain Mania 4 Banquet held at Valemount Secondary School.

DRIVE SAFELY, SLOW DOWN & ARRIVE ALIVE

10 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

FOLLOW UP Stowaway speaks out Joshua Estabrooks Editor

few weeks after a major accident involving a semi truck carrying a load of cars and an LDM plow truck, one of the survivors of the ordeal is speaking out. 50-year-old Bill Cardinal was one of the passengers on the semi truck, and was actually in one of the new cars being transported when the accident occurred. He said he and his partner, Selina Cutforth knew the driver of the semi truck quite well, but once the accident occurred they were considered stowaways. “He walked past me in the hospital like he didn’t know me. I believe he’s in a lot of trouble.” Cardinal said they were travelling from Abbotsford to Edmonton, where he had work lined up, when they pulled over to sleep in a rest stop just before entering Mount Robson Park. “There were three of us, the driver, myself and my girlfriend, and there was no room for all of us in the sleeper so we decided to sleep in one of the vehicles.” Early in the morning, Cardinal said his girlfriend woke him up and said they were moving, which essentially trapped them in the vehicle as there was no way he was going to get out and climb to the cab of the semi truck. “Thank god it was on the lower deck. And thank god we weren’t in the semi truck either. I was sitting in the passenger seat of the semi about an hour and a half prior to the accident.” Cardinal said that after the accident occurred he got out of the car he was in and immediately noticed the plow truck driver, Tete Jaune resident, Rob Bustin, stumbling around on the road. “He looked pretty shook up. I am glad to hear he is okay. When I got out of the car and saw the carnage I just couldn’t believe it. I was in a state of shock too.” To this day, Cardinal can’t explain how any of those involved survived the accident, but he said he is glad that everyone walked away. “I injured my back and shoulders, but I had no lacerations. My girlfriend was really banged up and she is a little leery of getting into vehicles now.” According to company policy, Cardinal said he has found out he shouldn’t have been allowed to ride a long in the truck, and especially not in the cars. He is still unsure of why the driver took off with him and his girlfriend still in the car, but given the outcome he said he feels lucky to be alive. “I guess he just figured he would go while we were still sleeping. It was nice and cozy in the vehicle for the most part, as it had heated seats and everything, but it’s not something I think I will ever do again.”

Above: The car carrier in which the stowaways escaped tragedy. Below: The car they were hidden inside.

Photos submitted.

Shirley Bond on New Premier Daniel Betts editor

hirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure called The Valley Sentinel on Monday to comment on the recent win of Premier Designate Christy Clark to the Liberal Party Leadership. “As an MLA my job is to work to support the leader of our party and that is what I intend to do, “ Bond said.

Bond says she knew it would be a very close race and the final outcome between Kevin Falcon and Christy Clark was “very close with 52% for Christy and 48% for Kevin,” which indicated strong support for both candidates. “I congratulate her and now she has the fantastic opportunity to lead our province.” Bond says. Bond heard that Clark started work at 7 am Sunday morning and expects she will have a series of back-to-back meetings

over the next few days. Critical to northern British Columbia will be the selection of her new cabinet. “Certainly within the next couple of weeks there will be a clear sense of who her team will be and what the first items on her agenda will be,” Bond said. Bond applauded Clark’s work ethic. “I have had the pleasure of working with Christy in the past when she was part of Government. I know she is energetic, she is very smart and I know will work very hard on behalf of British Columbians.” Regarding how new leadership will affect our area Bond said, “I think that critical to all of us will be the approach that Christy takes to northern British Columbia. Her platform laid out an agenda that certainly continues to focus on northern investment. I look forward to being part of the team that sees that investment and that momentum in northern British Columbia continue.” MLA Shirley Bond pictured here with Guy Cote, Service Manager, visited her local Canadian Tire in Prince George to promote the importance of being prepared on B.C. roads. Photo submitted.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 11

ENTERTAINMENT Real Men Go To the Ballet Donalda Beeson Contributor

ired of sitting around in your robe and slippers, here is a novel idea, why not trade them in for an evening of tutus and ballet slippers! Take your Prince Charming or Prima Ballerina out to the Ballet, and catch them pirouetting while they`re still fresh, as Ballet Kelowna only began their 13-city, spring tour on February the 25th. The Valley is lucky on this rare occasion to not only support but also attend a BC made arts and cultural event of this calibre in their own community! The graceful athleticism that is Ballet Kelowna is a “boutique dance company”, toting their self-proclaimed signature brand of “inno-classical dance”. This uniquely Kelowna created performance titled “Actions Consequences”, features an eclectic mix of dance, ranging from classical to extremely innovative; exploring the “physical relationship of movement to music and sight to sound”. The company’s

artistic director, David LaHay said, “Traditionally, the act of dance creation presupposed the choreographic outcome, however, more frequently today, ballet is a direct consequence of the interplay between the choreographer and the dancers, with the consequential outcome unknown until the final moment of creation.” From toe point to curtain fall, the choreography reads like an epic journey across time and space. One such piece, The Flower Festival Pas de Deux (1858) is Auguste Bournonville’s story of young lovers in Genzano. Dvorak Dances (2006), on the other hand, is said to be “a simple evocation of Czech composer Antonin Dvorak‘s lovely music.” And Simone Orlando’s Stage, from their 2010 season, forces a dancer to “face the emotionally shattering reality of the end of a career as she embraces the spotlight and her audience one last time.” However, it is the world premiere of Gioconda Barbuto’s, Capture, where the tour’s title really starts to come into “action”, as the “action and reaction of

the dancers with each other determines the beginning, middle and end of this intimate exploration of space.” Furthering the titles theme, a piece that is sure to be a treat, In Stride, was originally choreographed in 1999, and is apparently a “direct consequence of challenging the classically trained ballet dancer to throw out all the stringent rules of ballet and explore linear and angular movement that mirrors the hard-driving and pulsating music of Glenn Branca.” The performance will commence at 7:30 p.m. sharp, in Valemount`s premiere venue, the Valemount Community Theatre, at the Valemount Secondary School. So mark Thursday March the 10th in your social calendars, for what’s sure to be a captivating evening at the Ballet. Don`t forget to visit Infinity Health (250) 566-4225, and get your tickets well in advance; tickets are $20 for adults are $15 for Students. If you are interested in learning more about Ballet Kelowna you are invited to visit them online at www.balletkelowna.ca.

Music Review: Radiohead - The King of Limbs Joshua Estabrooks editor

consider myself somewhat of a music addict. Discovering new bands and getting the latest releases from my favourites is an obsession of mine, so when I discovered that a new album was about to drop from one of the greatest bands my generation has ever known, I can honestly say it took me by surprise. The album in question, Radiohead’s 8th studio release, The King of Limbs, was released for online downloads last week, and needless to say I snapped it up instantly. For those of you who are familiar with Radiohead, they are an experimental group of British musicians, who’s sound has evolved since their formation in 1985 to incorporate unique electronic sounds into a solid rock music foundation. They have been leading the pack for decades, always pushing our preconceived notions of what a conventional song should be, to the point now where fans and music aficionados take their cues from the hugely popular group, and it seems what they end up releasing becomes the bar for other bands to try and reach. Putting a Radiohead album on for the first time is an exciting and tense experience, as you really never know what to expect, and in staying true to their reputation, The King of Limbs starts off with a bang. The first track, Bloom, bursts into being with some

of the more jagged and unique rhythms the band has ever produced. Drummer Phil Selway’s unconventional time signatures littler the entire disc, but are initially on display in all their glory from the get go. One thing instantly noticeable for those who have followed the band through it’s various evolutionary experiments is that singer Thom Yorke seems at ease with his voice for the first time since their formation. Yorke has always been uncomfortable with his vocals, and has used many effects and layering techniques to achieve something he was okay with recording, but the confidence with which he uses his instrument of choice on The King of Limbs is remarkable. Seeing that this is the band’s second completely independent release, having fulfilled their record label obligations with their sixth release, Hail to the Thief, the group’s complete freedom to just play and record is definitely apparent on this album. Although it is their shortest, the moments Radiohead have captured on disc are a real treat for anyone interested in honest artistic expression, and/or looking for a fresh interpretation of what can happen when convention is left behind. And there is something for everyone on this disc, as the rhythmic experimentation gives way to some truly beautiful ambient pieces on the second half of the album. This is where you get to hear just how Yorke’s vocals can transport and amaze the listener, as on LotusFlower, Codex and GiveUpTheGhost. There’s a fluidity that is achieved in Yorke’s vocals that is matched musically every step of the way. On the harder, faster songs, one can compare the sound to a fast flowing stream, where on the BalletKelowna.ca slower, more airy tracks, the stream has become a glass-calm lake. There is always a current, BalletKelowna.ca however, the Photography courtesy Glenna Turnbull dancer> Raelynn Heppell design> DesktopGraphics.ca

Photography courtesy Glenna Turnbull

group meticulously controls the ebb and flow with a subtlety that only they can. So if you’re looking for something different and boundary pushing, give Radiohead’s latest release, The King of Limbs, a listen. It’s not only a learning experience for those truly interested in music, but it is also a great little snapshot of what the band has been up to and where they may go in the future.

Valemount Valemount Community Theatr Community Theatre

Thur Mar • 7:30p Thur Mar 10 10 • 7:30pm $20 Adult $20 Adult $15 Senior/Student $15 Senior/Student All prices include HST All prices include HST Tickets at

Infinity Office & Health

1233 5thatAve. Tickets

or phone 250 566 4225 & Health Infinity Office

1233 5th by Ave. Presented Valemount Arts & Cultural Society or phone 250 566 4225

12 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HEALTHY LIVING

Amber Stayer Contributor

We are involuntarily exposed to chemicals and toxins at almost every minute of the day. Toxins exist in our laundry detergent, household cleaners, cosmetics, food, water; the list goes on and on. How can we lessen our exposure to these toxins? • Remove or reduce your consumption of processed foods • Buy organic whenever possible • Go natural with your personal care products and household cleaners • Drink plenty of good quality water • Cleanse your body of toxins with a nutritional cleanse

Jennifer Nordli

It’s not always easy or aﬀordable to stock your refrigerator and shelves entirely with organic food. You can start by removing the most chemically treated foods. The lists below are good indicators of the amounts of chemical treatment in your everyday foods:

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The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 13

HEALTH & WELLNESS Valley Residents Choose Organic Daniel Betts editor

ori Wagner at the McBride Trading Company has made the decision to bring “some organic elements” into the baking that they do. “Organic foods don’t have the toxins and chemical that are used in the growing and spraying of pesticides so you aren’t bringing those into your body. It is especially important for children who are just developing. It is not healthy for brain development to introduce chemicals into the body,” says Wagner. Wagner oﬀers diﬀerent gluten free baking options like spelt bread and they are showcasing spelt as a bulk item in their store. They also take special requests for items such as sugar-free items. “There is a higher demand for organic and gluten free products. This is a very healthy organic valley. A lot of people are concerned with just treating themselves and their bodies correctly and putting things into their bodies that are good and wholesome that are benefitting all aspects of your body as a whole.” Wagner says. Wagner finds that more people are coming into her store and requesting organic products so she tries to bring it in to meet the demand. Much of her organic bulk products come from the coast.

Brain Gym Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is pleased to once again host two one-day Brain Gym® workshops in Valemount on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13. Workshops are identical and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Certified Brain Gym® instructor Lenora Fletcher, from Merritt, will explain the philosophy, techniques, applications and impacts of the system, for learners of all ages. This year’s workshops will review basic movements before focusing on the opportunities to enhance literacy skills: concentration, focus, memory, reading, writing, math, test taking, organization and attitude. Brain Gym® can be described as a specific set of movements, processes, programs, materials, and educational philosophy. It is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation (Brain Gym® International), a nonprofit organization committed to the principle that intentional movement is the door to optimal living and learning. Its mission is to support self-awareness and ease of living and learning through safe, simple, and eﬀective movement. Brain Gym® work is being used in over 87 countries and has been translated into more than 40 languages. “Brain Gym® and balances are part of a comprehensive personal development program called Education-

al Kinesiology (Edu-K),” Fletcher explains. “Edu-K brings movement and learning together in a wonderful system. Edu-K allows us to challenge any learning block and move forward toward any appropriate goal.” Brain Gym® activities recall the movements naturally done during the first years of life when learning to coordinate the eyes, ears, hands, and whole body. Twenty-six activities, along with a program for “learning through movement” are based on interdependence of movement, cognition, and applied learning. Clients, teachers, and students have been reporting for over 20 years on the effectiveness of these simple activities. Even though it is not clear yet “why” these movements work so well, they often bring about dramatic improvements in life skills and learning abilities. The workshops, like all CBAL events, are free of charge for participants. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Register early by contacting Kim Thorn at 250-566-8467, or kthorn@thehub.literacy.bc.ca or Box 824, Valemount, B.C., V0E 2Z0. A light lunch, snacks and beverages will be provided; please make note of any dietary issues or allergies.

Wagner says there isn’t any difference in cooking style when it comes to cooking with organic foods. The biggest difference is the higher price and organic products may not look as “pretty” as products sprayed with pesticides and so consumers need to be more careful about making product selections. However, you can make anything with organic products by substituting the ingredient with an organic counterpart. Rashmi Narayan, owner of Infinity Office and Health in Valemount believes “wellness starts with a meal,” vitamins help get rid of imbalances, but taking time to prepare your food is where it all starts. Monique Jamin, co-manager of Infinity notes that to have food certified as organic involves paying a lot of money and being part of an organization who will test your soil. Narayan has noticed that more people care about raw food and it definitely wasn’t like that five years ago when she started. People want to know how to prepare their food better. “I think people are moving away from Kraft Dinner,” Jamin adds. Narayan gets many requests for specialty items and provides booklets and recipes for preparing products or grains that are not as common, such as millet. “People are moving away from the traditional gluten based grains, “Narayan says. “Its important that people take responsibility for their health instead of just eating what is cheapest. People are becoming more aware that dead food that has been sitting on the shelves for a long time isn’t good for them and doesn’t contain the stuff of life that sustains you,” Jamin notes. “I come from a school of thought where it is not just the ingredients it is how much love you put into a meal. I am personally ok with spending 2 to 3 hours preparing a meal but I know that is not the culture in the west,” Narayan says, “the amount of love and affection you put into the food is passed onto those who eat it.”

AncienitentJRourneys A nc

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2 Free Workshops

Literacy-based Brain

Gym®

Certified Instructor Lenora Fletcher will be reinforcing a learning approach introduced last year and focussing on specific movements, which often bring about improvements in:

• concentration/focus • memory • reading • writing • math • test taking • organization • attitude 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

March 12 13 or

• Register now - limited seating •

A light lunch will be provided. Please note any dietary issues/allergies when registering.

To register, call Kim Thorn at 250-566-8467 or email kthorn@thehub.literacy.bc.ca or mail Box 824, Valemount, B.C., V0E 2Z0

products for infinite wellness Teas & Herbs Bulk Foods D-Dutchmen Dairy Products Homepathic Remedies

Vitamins & Supplements Detox and Cleanses

Eco-Cleaning products Natural soaps and shampoos Natural Gifts

Ask about custom / bulk orders: 250 566 4225

Micah Yoder R.Ac. Whatever your health goals, acupuncture and acupressure can help. Micah Yoder Registered Acupuncturist 250-566-1782 Valemount Health Clinic Wed-Thurs McBride Health Unit Tues.

14 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

BUSINESS WATCH Valley Yaks moving to Merritt Daniel Betts Associate Editor

hilip Marsh has one of only a few herds of yaks remaining in Canada. You would normally find a yak in Northern Tibet, China and Pakistan but they brought them to North America in the 1930’s and since then most of the herd has been bought out and there are now less than 500 in Canada. “They are really hardy and efficient, we have very few losses with them,” says Marsh, “They are the closest relation to bison but they are very

much more domesticated.” Bison can be very aggressive but with 5000 years of domestication 1500-pound yaks are much easier to handle and care for. Yaks can be domesticated to the point of being a pet. “If you start to pet them when they are little they will come and lie down at your feet like a dog, but they are very intimidating when they get big and come up to you like that.” Besides being a source of meat, yak fur is quite expensive at $200.00 a pound. The fur is made into wool and can be used in the same way as llama

or Alpaca fur to make sweaters or socks, but the fur also felts very nicely and has been used to make suits. Another interesting thing about yaks is that they absorb a great deal of energy. Unlike horses which give off a great deal of heat the yaks will contain their heat making them much better equipped to handle cold climates. The difference can be seen clearly after a snowfall where snow melts off the hides of horses but with yaks the snow simply accumulates on their backs. There ability to withstand deep cold gives them another advantage

over cattle. It also turns out that yak are one of the only kinds of livestock in the Valley that can stand up to the encroaching elk. Marsh came out to tend his yak herd early one morning to discover a big tuff of elk hide hanging from the formidable looking horns of one of his bulls. “The yaks won’t let them get to the feed, but it only works if you put the feed in a corner,” Marsh explains. The elk push the yak into the corner until the yak feel they can go nowhere else and that is when they turn and charge the elk. Marsh is working on other projects so his herd of yaks are moving to Merritt to live on his partner’s farm and Marsh will grow and deliver the grass needed to feed them. “I really like them as far as livestock because they are really easy to look after,” said Marsh. In Merritt the herd will be able to be certified organic and the expensive meat will be sold in the lowermainland. The yak wool will also be harvested in Merritt.

Left: Phillip Marsh shows off his herd and discusses elk damage. Far Left: Hardy Bull yaks ignore the deep cold. Photos by Andrea Scholz

Unique Yummy Ice Cream distributed from the Valley Daniel Betts Associate Editor

t is very exciting to know that another new business is starting up in the Valley but it is of added interest that we may soon see a product exclusively made in the Valley distributed across Western Canada. Amber Stayer is close to completing the renovations on a storefront location at the Karas Mall where she will wholesale a unique ice cream product that is lactose-free, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free and made from raw food products. “The idea came from the fact that my husband and I have very specific diets. We were on a visit to Vernon and looking for something yummy and discovered a coconut ice cream and I loved it. It was great to eat an ice cream that did not make me sick. I took the idea, made it my own and I started making coconut ice cream at home. After a while I realized that if I could make it at home why couldn’t I make it bigger?” Stayer asked. As the original product she discovered could only be found in the United States Stayer wondered why does everything have to come from the United States? “Why can’t we do it ourselves?“ Stayer’s completely vegan product will be made from coconut milk and sweetened with either maple syrup or agave syrup, which is made in Mexico. Stayer has found some interested distributors and finds that living close to a transportation route will help move her product around western Canada and hopes to eventually distribute across the whole country. Stayer will only be operating a wholesale and production outlet and hopes that businesses in Karas Mall, local restaurants and retailers will carry her product. To begin with Stayer will start making chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream, which are the top three favourite flavours, but she has some ideas on future flavours. Neapolitan will require special equipment but Stayer fully expects to be able to offer it at some point. In the summer, Stayer plans to make a special ice cream flavoured with local berries. Stayer says there really isn’t much of a taste difference between traditional ice cream and ice cream made with coconut milk, which has a higher fat content than cream and provides the comparably rich creamy ice cream taste. Her husband who dislikes coconut was pleasantly surprised by the taste and loves the ice cream.

Ice cream entrepreneur Amber Stayer poses with her new ice cream making machine. Photo by Daniel Betts

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 15

Public Outcry! Continued from Page 1

is reflecting negatively on the town.” He added that no one he has talked to has seen it to this extreme in other sledding communities. Mayor Bob Smith said that he was notified of the issue, and plans to speak to the police to find out just what’s going on. “I am aware of the situation and I am looking into it. There is a perception that the sledders are being targeted but I won’t know for sure until I speak to the RCMP.” Corporal Trevor Prosser, who was in charge of the check-stop operation over the weekend, said that the original plan was to organize the check stops last weekend, but the support staff couldn’t make it out until this weekend. “We had a lot of traffic in town both with the girl’s basketball tournament and Mountain Mania, so we decided to go ahead with it.” He said that the last check stop they concentrated on commercial vehicles, and this time around they focused more on non-commercial vehicles. “We do have some issues with the sled trailers as it seems to be 40-50% of them have violations. That is a concern for us.” Prosser said that on Friday alone he personally handed out over 30 tickets for

various violations, which indicates to him that there is an issue on the highways. “We are checking pretty much everyone who comes through, not just sledders.” When asked if they could have handed out more warnings instead of tickets, Prosser said that they are not the warning police, and that laws are in place to keep all motorists on the highways safe. “We’re not doing anything in town, we’re focusing on the highways right now, in both the Valemount and McBride areas.” Reports do indicate that there was a presence in the McBride area on Saturday. In an attempt to open the lines of communications, Prosser attended the meet and greet event that kicked off Mountain Mania, and had some lengthy discussions with those in attendance about what they were doing and why. A suggestion was made to work with VARDA to develop an easy to understand list of the differences between Alberta laws and BC laws so sledders would know if they were compliant when they travel between the two provinces.

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16 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Security WEB Web A lArm SyStemS SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS

homeAND andBUSINESS business HOME ALL all makes and MAKES AND MODELS = models 24 hr Monitoring Ofﬁce in PG. = Installer. •Local 24 hr Area Monitoring Office = Serving in PG. McBride, Dunster, Robson Area. • Valemount, Local Area Mt Installer. • Serving McBride, Dunster, www.securityweb.ca Valemount, Mt Robson Area.

Harry Carson Mike Dryden

Commercial & Home Renovations

Staining of log homes • Free Estimates Servicing Valemount, Dunster, McBride, Blue River & Jasper

250-566-1536 888-564-8585 www.securityweb.ca

Harry Carson 1.888.564.8585 • Mike Dryden 250.566.1536

1. 8 8 8 . DNA .9 2 3 3

Church Listings Valemount GOOD SHEPHERD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

3rd Ave & Elm St. Phone: 1 877 314-4897 Sunday 8:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat-9am, Wed & Fri 7pm

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH 250 566-4797

Systems

Valley Donairs - Burgers - Middle East Cuisine - Baklava Dine in or take out

250-566-4453

Located in the Karas Mall, Valemount Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 12:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Mondays

joel_valleygeo@telus.net

Rex’s Recycling Hours of operation

sunday - Monday Closed tuesday - Wednesday 1-5pM tHursday - friday - saturday 10aM - 5pM

Joel Steinberg P.O. Box 124, Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 250-674-0017

Now o refu ffering n f bot d on a ull ll b *Pic tles eer a k up s ca nd c n be a arra ns nge

Call liz or KiM everard at 250.566.9111

reduCe • reuse • reCyCle

Canwest Propane Ltd.

7th & Cedar, Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Licensed Property Manager * Handyman Services * Design Consulting

rusticluxury@telus.net

Sands Bulk Sales LTD Husky Oil Limited

845 Cedarside Rd. Valemount BC Phone: 250-566-4818 or 1-866-566-4818 Fax: 250-566-4815 Cardlock and bulk plant facility Fuel truck for all your delivery needs

Jen Applebaum 250.566.4005 Office 250.566.1323 Cell Valemount

www.rusticluxury.com

Delivering Fuel East to McBride

Vanderhoof & District Co-Operative Association

Sales Service 250-566-1324 Installation 1-800-424-6331

250-566-0007 940 Main Street, Valemount

“Your Local Mortgage Consultant”

Debra Parker AMP Mortgage Consultant

Phone: 1-866-426-8211 Cell: 250-421-7600 Email: debra_parker@centum.ca

Looking out for your best Interest.

VALEMOUNT COMMUNITY CHURCH

VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

990 Railway Road Prince George 1-866-309-2667 Office: (250) 564-3488

Vanderhoof Office Office: (250) 567-4488 Fax: (250) 567-4490 Cell: (250) 565-8436

250 566-9990 Praise & Worship 11am

Dunster

ROCKO’S CHURCH

Sun. 11:00 am Home group meeting at Rod & Deb Reimer’s - Brown Road, Dunster. 250 968-4335. Construction & Vacation Home Rentals 10,000 lb crane with 54 ft reach & manbasket Bobcat w/ tracks, bucket, hoe, brush mower, grapple ICF and bracing, scaffolding Container rental, Spray foam insulation Quality stone, Window blinds Ph: 250 566 8483 shfowler@telus.net • www.wclh.com/valemount

Mac’s Small Engine Service & Repair

McBride

ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

197 Dominion, 250 569-2606 Sun. Communion Service 11am

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

Church 569.2378 or 569.8845 1st Ave Sun 11am

Sunday School 9:45am.

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH

• Lawn & gaRdEn • aTV’S • powER SawS • SnowMobILES

441 Dominion St., 250 569.3206 or 250 569.3386. Worship/Kids church 11:30am

Call Mac Cochrane

SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTIST

250-968-4498

Write to us!

Never late.

We’re your best source for Valley news! ...but we will get your Letters to the Editor faster if you email them to editor@thevalleysentinel.com

250 968-4349 or 250 5664568 Sunday-11am, Sun. School 11am

Greg Belshaw

For Commercial and Farm Personal Contact Where High Level of Customer Service is JOB #1

Closed Dec 8-Jan 8

** MORTGAGES **

* Pre-approvals * Purchases * Refinances * Consolidations * Rental Property *Self Employed Mortgages * New to Canada * Vacation Home

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SERVICES

Sundays 9:00 am 1275 5th Ave 250 5664772.

Irly Building Supplies • Hardware & Hardware for Cabinets • Electrical and Plumbing • Ply Woods, Drywall & Rooﬁng

Sunday School 10am. Family Worship 10:30am. Prayer meeting Thurs 7pm

DRIVER SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Hill Bill Products Ltd

YOUR LOCAL PROPANE PROVIDER

NEW LIFE CENTRE

1247 - 1st Ave. 250-5664824

250-566-4425

ads@thevalleysentinel.com www.thevalleysentinel.com

Lamming Pit Road 250 569.3370 Sabbath School: Sat. 9:30 am, Worship Service Sat. 11am, Pathfinders Tues 7pm, Prayer Meeting Wed 7pm

MOUNTAIN CHAPEL (PAOC)

Church 569-3350 Office 569-6802 Sunday Worship 11:10am, Prayer Service Wed. 7 pm

MENNONITE CHURCH Sun. Sch. 10am Sunday Services 11am, 7:30pm Wed 7:45pm

COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 17

SPECIAL EVENTS Romancing the Robson

Friday, March 4th, Valemount Community Theatre - 7:30pm Tickets $15 adult- $12 student

Dunster Family Dance Saturday, March 5th from 7-10 pm Instruction 7-8 pm. Lots of variety dances (waltz, fox-trot, polka, cha-cha, twostep etc.) Pot luck snacks at 9 pm and then more dancing until 10 pm. Admission $5 max, of $10 per family. All welcome. Dunster Community Hall

Dunster Fine Arts School Society Annual General Meeting Thursday, March 10th 7 pm Dunster School New and renewing members welcome.

Kelowna Ballet Thursday, March 10th, Valemount Community Theatre 7:30 pm Tickets $20 adult- $15 student available at Infinity.

Literacy Based Brain Gym Workshop Saturday & Sunday, March 12th & 13th, 9 am- 4 pm Facilitated by certified instructor Lenora Fletcher. contact Kim Thorn at the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), 250-566-8467

Read Between the (White) Lines Thursdays, from February 24th - March 17th 3:30- 5 pm at the Valemount Public Library. This event is co-hosted by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), and the Valemount Public Library.

Do you know of an event that is missing? Call us at 250-566-4425 or email us: ads@thevalleysentinel.com

ONGOING EVENTS VALEMOUNT • PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT Prenatal Classes, Baby Clinics Call 566-9138 ext 228 for appointments. MONDAYS: • VALEMOUNT SENIORS Carpet Bowling 9 am Golden Years Lodge • VALEMOUNT MMA CLUB upstairs at The Trading Post. Co-ed from 7-8:30 pm • LIONS BINGO 1st & 3rd Mon, at Lions Hall, doors open 6pm, everyone welcome. • VALEMOUNT CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY CENTRE Board Meeting 2nd Mon. 7 pm @ the Centre beneath the Community Hall (the red door). • ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION General meetings every 3rd Mon of month 7:30pm in Legion.

Valemount Lions Hall TOASTMASTERS meets every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month. 7:30-9:30PM at the Best Western

THURSDAYS: • ADULT RECREATION BADMINTON. Thurs at 7pm in th Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Jamie @250 566-4656 • CHAMPS Weight loss Support Team for men and women. Thurs. 6:00 pm Downstairs Valemount Clinic. Shirley 566-9829, Dolly 566-8458. • CHAMBER OF COMMERCE General Meeting 2nd Thurs of the month @ 12pm at the Learning Centre • SADDLE & WAGON CLUB MEETING 3rd Thurs. 7 pm 566-9707 • VALEMOUNT SENIORS SOCIAL CLUB. Regular meetings first Thurs of every month at 7pm downstairs lounge at Golden Years Lodge.

TUESDAYS: • ADULT RECREATIONAL VOLLYBALL 7 - 9pm. Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Suzanne Bloodoff @ 250 566-9979 • COUNCIL MEETING 2nd & 4th Tues., 7 pm, council chambers. Everyone welcome. • LADIES AUXILIARY #266 Legion Meetings 1st Tuesday of every month 3pm in Valemount Legion.

FRIDAYS: • VALEMOUNT LEGION Friday Night dinners starting at 5 pm

WEDNESDAYS: • PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING Every 2nd Wed. 5 pm Downstairs at the library. • MCBRIDE COMMUNITY FOREST Open meeting first Wednesday of the month. McBride Village Council Chambers 7 pm • VALEMOUNT MMA CLUB upstairs at The Trading Post. Ladies Kickboxing & Fitness 7-8:30 pm • CBAL JAMMYTIME TALES Valemount Public Library until April 27th 7 pm • VALEMOUNT SENIORS MUSIC NIGHT 7-9 pm Golden Years Lodge • CBAL PLAY AND LEARN Wednesdays from 10-Noon

SUNDAYS: • VALEMOUNT MMA CLUB upstairs at The Trading Post. Kids class from 6-7 pm.

SATURDAYS: • VALEMOUNT MMA CLUB upstairs at The Trading Post. Open Mat from 9-11 am • VALEMOUNT CIRCLE DANCE. For more info please contact 250 566-1782

TETE JAUNE TETE JAUNE COMMUNITY CLUB meetings held the 1st Tues. of the month at 7pm at the Tete Jaune Hall.

DUNSTER DUNSTER WINTER MARKET Saturdays from 11:30 am -1 pm

MCBRIDE MONDAYS: • ALANON 8pm at the Health Unit TUESDAYS: • TOPS Tues. 6:45 pm weigh-in, 7:15 pm meeting. Health Unit in McBride. New members welcome. Brenda Molendyk 569-3113 • VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING 2nd & 4th Tues,7:30 pm, Village Council Chambers. WEDNESDAYS: • DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP 1st Wed, 1 pm at Beaverview Lodge & Sat.10 am -12 pm, 441 Dominion St 569-2658 / 569-0113 • SUPPORT GROUP FOR FAMILIES DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS Last Wed every month 7:30 pm @ McBride Health Centre more info call Norma 569-2637 or Elizabeth 968-4347 • CBAL PLAY AND LEARN Wednesdays from 10-Noon Valemount Lions Hall • VALLEY PIECEMAKERS QUILT GUILD Every other Wednesday. 7:00 pm in the High School. New members welcome, contact Dawna Hickerty 5693210. THURSDAYS: • ADULT RECREATION BADMINTON. Thurs at 7pm in th Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Jamie @250 566-4656 • OAPO STITCH & KNIT Every Thurs., 2:30 - 4 pm, Beaverview Lodge, Hilda Murin 569-3305 FRIDAYS: • VALEMOUNT LEGION Friday Night dinners starting at 5 pm • GOSPEL SERVICES 7:30-8:30 pm until March 25th at the Legion Hall (4th & Columbia) SUNDAYS: • ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Every Sun, 8 pm at the Health Unit.

18 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

NOTES FROM ALL OVER Notes from All Over Donalda Beeson contributor

Support Available For Environmental Projects Do you want to help maintain or enhance the environmental conditions in and around your community? Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) residents and groups wishing to do so are invited to submit innovative project ideas to CBT’s Environmental Initiative Program (EIP). For more information go online to cbt.org/environment, or call 1-800-505-8998. The Application deadline for the CBT’s EIP grants is March the 18th, 2011. The 4th Annual Child Care Awards of Excellence Do you know an outstanding individual, local government, facility or organizations that deliver exceptional service to BC’s children and families? The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is celebrating the 4th Annual Child Care Awards of Excellence, which acknowledges the valuable contributions early childhood educators (ECE) and licensed family childcare providers make in support of early learning and childcare in BC. Categories include: Five General awards per a MCFD region for actively licensed ECEs, currently working. Three Aboriginal awards, reserved for an ECE of aboriginal decent or an aboriginal organization, that provides innovative programming and services that support cross-cultural understanding and in-

C aro C

le Patt

ertifi ed G

neral

Acco

cludes the Lenora Pritchard Award of Excellence which honours outstanding leadership and mentorship by an aboriginal child care provider. Two innovation awards to an individual, facility or organization that demonstrates innovation in childcare programming in both the traditional or non-traditional setting. Two Municipal/Regional Government awards to honour local and regional government that demonstrate excellence in support of, and current involvement in, the delivery of existing childcare initiatives. McBride and Valemount Receive IMAGINE Grants Northern Health’s, Road Health awarded twentytwo IMAGINE grants to Northern Interior BC partners, including the McBride Centennial Elementary “Farm to School Salad Bar” (HEAL for Your Heart) program, the MrBride Secondary School parent advisory committee (PAC) Sustainable Northern Solutions Society Fruit Trees and Orchards (HEAL for Your Heart), and the Valemount PAC Eat for Life (HEAL for Your Heart) program. Basin Communities Benefit from Record Budget $17 million in new funding in 2011/2012 is the largest allocation in Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) history, not to mention a 13% increase over last year. Event Update: V-Day Valemount 2011 McBride Show Cancelled But they still want to include YOU! Auditions were held last Wednesday night for the V-Day Valemount 2011 benefit reading of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer,” and we are happy to report that there are some truly amazing performances coming up! There are also still a few roles open for anyone who thinks they might be interested in reading, as well as many supporting roles (i.e. makeup). This is a non-profit event to raise money and awareness to support ending violence against women but support in the way of funding is also needed, and program ad space is available at $10 for a business size add. Another item of note is that unfortunately the Mc-

Bride performance has been cancelled. That said, this event is still open to McBride involvement. So for anyone wanting to be involved in ANY way, please e-mail Shelly Battensby at rvssvalemount@ telus.net, or call the RVSS office in Valemount at 250-566-9107, or e-mail Donalda Beeson at star_ blazin@hotmail.com, or call 250-566-4313. Tinkerbell Banquet Last weekend Valemount Secondary School was host to the single-A girls zones, and as part of the weekend events more than 100 girls dressed up as princesses and other fun things, and then attended a dress-up banquet party in the Eagles View Room at the Best Western. Pat Bell is Optimistic about the Future of Forestry After a series of saw mills shut down in the last decade, B.C.’s Minister of Forests, Mines and Lands, Pat Bell, assures you that we are on a rebound. “I have attended the re-opening of 24 mills in the past 24 months, they range from small mills in places like McBride, to very large mills like Quesnel’s Canfor sawmill,” and he adds “We are seeing the type of activity in the forest industry that we haven’t seen since the mid 2000’s and I am feeling very optimistic about the future of forestry as we move through 2011”. The re-openings are set to continue with the most recent announcement coming from Canfor that it will be re-opening the Vavenby mill in Clearwater. Head-On Collision Delays Produce to Valemount Shoppers in Valemount on Tuesday February 22nd may have been alarmed by empty produce shelves at the Valemount IGA, but certainly not as alarmed as the regular driver that brings fresh produce to Valemount who found himself in a three-way transport truck collision near Hope B.C. Miraculously our driver escaped unscathed but one of the drivers in the mishap was killed and the other transported to hospital with serious injuries. Despite his brush with death our driver was on the road the next day.

untan

In Valemount every 2nd Wednesday of the month. 1-800-846-9190 or (250) 672-9921 3.36” x 4”

cash for college Youth Community Service Award

Columbia Basin Trust is offering up to 45 Basin graduates $2,000 each. This award is based on community volunteer service, not on academic achievement, and is designed to assist students with post-secondary education or training. of All Basin students who will graduate with a MinistryTwitter Education recognized graduation diploma are eligible for the award. Twitter

Facebook

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Applications can be picked up at local high schools or downloaded from www.cbt.org/ycsa. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2011, to be considered. www.cbt.org • 1.800.505.8998

Join us:

“What are you looking at?” Philip Marsh’s dog “Jack” has a stand-Off with a curious young bull yak.

Photo by Andrea Scholz

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 19

COMMUNITY Robson Valley feasibility study released by BC Transit Joshua Estabrooks Editor

he Regional District of Fraser-Fort George recently received a feasibility study from BC Transit with regards to establishing a regular passenger transit service within the Robson Valley. BC Transit began the study over a year ago, said GM of Development Services for the Regional District, Terry McEachen, and the final report will be discussed at the board level when they can coordinate having BC Transit representatives in attendance. The goal of the study was to review the area around Valemount and McBride, and Electoral area H to determine the suitability of a public transportation service, as well as a review of existing transportation resources within the region in terms of travel times, target markets and coverage. The study also includes stakeholder perceptions of the various transportation modes within the Valley. Through their research, BC Transit determined that there are several existing options for public transportation, including the Northern Health Connections Bus, Greyhound bus service, and carpools. “These options can be very limiting to the most isolated and low-income individuals and families due to the cost and schedule,” the report states. “They are sometimes not accessible at convenient times of the day and the Northern Health Connections Bus is only available to those with out-of-town medical appointments, but provides good regional and inter-regional connections two times per week to Prince George and Kamloops.” The study also took into consideration the increasing number of seniors in the Valley, and projected that by 2036 there could be up to seven elderly dependents for every 10 people of working age. “That projection would place about 35% of the population aged 65 and over, which could increase the demand for transportation options in the region.” Other considerations in the report include potential ridership from increasing tourism numbers, as well as the interest of locals to travel outside the Valley to Prince George and Jasper for a variety of reasons. The report proposes three service options to address the needs and desires of local residents, which would focus on regional travel between Valemount, McBride, Dunster and Tete Jaune, including door to door service for residents with mobility issues. The routes would require a high number of kilometers a day, which would result in higher overall service costs. The three options proposed are as follows: Option 1a – Regional and In-Town Paratransit, Two Days per Week, Three Trips per Day: This service would provide three trips per day on two days per week using a smaller accessible mini-bus. It would provide In-town travel in McBride and Valemount, with the opportunity for door-to-door pick up and Continued on page 22 drop off for adults and seniors with disabilities.

A group of Dutch tourists pause on the trail for a photo during a dogsledding adventure with local tour operator Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding. Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN (PMP) PMP Reference#: BCTS_RV_PMP_11/16 Notice is given that a draft Pest Management Plan has been prepared by BC Timber Sales (BCTS), Prince George Business Area to implement a program of identification, prevention and monitoring of pests (herbs, shrubs and deciduous trees) while carrying out sound silviculture practices and by using the principles of integrated pest management. Pest management activities are to be carried out within the Robson Valley Timber Supply Area (TSA), which forms part of the BCTS Prince George Business Area. The Robson Valley TSA is within the Rocky Mountain Trench east of Prince George, and includes the communities of McBride, Dunster, Valemount, and Crescent Spur. The use of pesticides is intended within the above mentioned areas. Other vegetation management methods include girdling, snap and hinge, mechanical brushing and weeding, manual brushing and weeding, brush mats, sheep grazing, mechanical site preparation, and prescribed burning. The pesticides and application methods proposed for the use under this plan include: Trade Name Vision®

Active Ingredient Glyphosate 35.6%

PCP No. 19899

Release®

Triclopyr

48.0%

22093

Vantage®

Glyphosate

35.6%

26884

Vision (Max)® Chontrol Peat Paste

Glyphosate 54.0% Chontrostereum purpureum

27736 29293

These are to be applied using the following methods: Aerial (Broadcast and/or Discretion), Backpack (Directed Foliar), Hack and Squirt, Roadside Sprayer, Backpack (Broadcast), Backpack (Spot), Basal Bark, and Cut Stump. The proposed duration of the Pest Management Plan is from May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2016. A draft copy of the Pest Management Plan and maps of the proposed treatment areas are available for review and comment at the BCTS office in Prince George at 2000 South Ospika Blvd. The information is also available at www.for.gov.bc.ca/bcts/areas/TPG.htm A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to Eileen Kostian, BCTS, Prince George, 250-614-7564 at the address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

20 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

sentinel

Main: 250.566.4425 | Toll-free: 1.800.226.2129 | E-mail: classifieds@thevalleysentinel.com | Web: classifieds.thevalleysentinel.com Up to 20 words: $6 • Up to 25 words: $7 • Up to 30 words: $8+HST

THE VALLEY

CLASSIFIEDS

Guaranteed to Sell $19.95+HST

GTS for 20 words and $1 plus HST for each additional word. Offer valid for the following classified categories: Automotive, Campers/Motorhomes, Miscellaneous, Recreational Vehicles, Pets/Livestock, and building materials. This offer is valid for single item sales only. Your ad will run for one month then you must call to keep it running at no additional charge. Some conditions apply call for details.

Main: 250.566.4425 | Toll-free: 1.800.226.2129 | E-mail: classifieds@thevalleysentinel.com | Web: classifieds.thevalleysentinel.com AUTOMOBILES

RENTALS

JAN 12 GTS

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition. Fully loaded, automatic, bloack leather interior, 10 disc CD changer, roof rack, hitch mount, etc. $13,000. Call 250 569-7588

Furnished Accom. Bachelor suite and 3 bdrm house for rent. Call 250 566-9884 for more information. JAN 5 TFN

SEPT 22 GTS

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado, Alpine Stereo. $4500. Call for more info. 250 566-4318 OCT 27 GTS

2005 Toyota Matrix. Two sets of tires and two sets of rims, standard, $8000 obo. Call 250 566-4557 DEC 15 GTS

HOLIDAY TRAILER

#014-2 Custom Hand Split Cedar Post and Rail. Call for details. 250 569-7286 JUL 7 GTS

New Polaris snowmobile clutch $200. Call 250 5668447 FEB 26

For Sale: A recording quality George Benson Ibanez Hollow Body Electric Guitar + case, $1000. We also have a variety of acoustic + electric guitars for sale. For more info call Deb Reimer @ 250 968-4335

NOV 3 GTS

2007 Springdale Holiday Trailer, 31ft. Brandnew, never used. Totally winterized, sleeps 8. Will sell for $21,000 or will take 16’ cargo trailer in part trade. Call 250 5664586 FEB 9 GTS

2007 Cedar Creek Fully Loaded 40 ft 5th Wheel. Washer/Dryer, Central Vac, Winter Package, Bunks, 13,000 GVWR, gilanntra@gmail.com 39,900.00.

Birch firewood. Logging truckload $800 - U Haul. Call 250 569-2471 JAN 12 GT

Pharmacy Technician – 8 months - Online or on campus - The ﬁrst CCAPP accredited program in BC Medical Transcriptionist – 9 months online or on campus - Work in hospitals, or online Financial Aid available for qualiﬁed students P.C.T.I.A. accredited college

Photos and details at

Call Today For Free Info Kit

Call Jen 250-566-1323

www.ThompsonCC.ca

www.rusticluxury.com

Nursing Unit Clerk – 6 months - A people oriented job at the heart of hospital operations Health Care Assistant/RCA – 6 months - Hands on care for the elderly

1-877-840-0888

LEGAL NOTICE To whom it may concern: To any and all claims against the Estate of Chuck Barnes of 4th Ave. Valemount, B.C. Please contact Steve Barnes of Valemount, phone 250-566-9114, before April 15, 2011 to resolve any claims. Thank you, Steve Barnes

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Drivers WAnteD

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FEB 23 GTS

FIREWOOD

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Fully renovated interior! Furnished 4 bdrm - 2 bath family home. Propane/ wood heat. Pet ok. $1200 Updated 3 bdrm - 1.5 bath house with attached garage. Electric/wood heat. Pet ok. $850 Mtnview Apts. No smoking, no pets, clean and quiet building. Renovated 2 bdrm available now! $575

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SEPT 08 GTS

21’ Holiday trailer for sale. In nice shape. Phone Mike at 250 566-4382

#014-1

MISC. FOR SALE

JUN 30 GTS

1991 Ford F250 XLT, extended cab, 4WD, 206,183 original km, new tires, new brakes, box liner, trailer hitch. Reverse gear needs work. $1750 Phone 250 968-4493

Rental listings Valemount Real estate

1231 Week of 2.28.2011

1995 Saturn SW 1, 4 door, 196,600 km, economical, standard, good winter tires, no rust, recently replaced engine, brakes, muffler. Asking $2000 obo. Phone 250 566-9987

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The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 21

ACTIVITIES HOROSCOPE FOR THE WEEK by MICHAEL O’CONNOR Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20) A sudden change of orientation is about to be activated. Are you ready for change, or to express yourself in a new and dynamic way? Ready or not, here it comes! Acknowledge your pioneering nature and step into a new mode of being with ready and willing confidence. It may take until the Full Moon for you to realize this shock wave, but it is here. Flow with it gracefully! Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21) Outer circumstances and incoming intuitions are guiding you to consider new options. A big surge of power coming from deep within your subconscious requires your conscious direction. Now is a good time to share your dreams and visions with significant others. Record, sketch and outline a visionary game plan and allow the seeds to germinate and sprout until the days of May. Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) Your world is opening up. New friends in your world will stimulate new dreams. If you want to be seen and hear, this is your opening. Push through your comfort zone and break free of fears if you must. Before the week is out you will be seeing yourself and the world in new ways. Be willing to be taught or trained, and/or be the teacher and trainer of latent talents. Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22) The energy and pace of change is really coming to a peak now. Your public and professional life both stand to undergo big shifts. Directing this energy consciously, carefully and strategically is ideal. You are in a very good position to push through old patterns. Over the next 2-6 weeks a window door will open and you are destined to walk through it. Visualize fulfillment in doing so. Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 23) Are you ready for some mind blowing realizations? An activation of your higher mind is destined. The Sun rules your sign and its organ is the heart, the higher mind. Focus there now to receive this expansive awakening, and then transfer it to your head center from there. This way you will get the full power and will not lose touch with your ground. Rejoice! Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22) Big shifts and changes on relationship fronts are underway. Meanwhile, returns for past efforts are coming in. Together these are activating new discussions, dreams, imaginings and creative ideas. A new sense of self-awareness and style of approach are coming in. These may well lead you into new territory, as if suddenly. Focus to remain centered in the flux. Libra (Sep 22 – Oct 22) Sweeping changes continue in your world. At best, your social horizons are expanding. At worst, you find yourself saying farewell to long standing relationships. Yet, you may also be taking these endings in stride, with stoic detachment. Expect the waves to keep coming in. There is more work for you to do yet. This may simply include facing facts. Scorpio (Oct 22 – Nov 21) A walk down memory lane may be sparking your imagination as well. Home decoration or creating a new scene and atmosphere close to home is featured. Changes in your daily routine will become increasingly evident over the coming weeks. As old relationships and their associated rhythms dissolve you may find yourself with creative space to fill. Sagittarius (Nov 21 – Dec 21) Making dreams come true close to home are now in focus. This may well imply renovations or at least clearing the clutter. At worst, disruptive people and circumstances are a source of worry and annoyance. Either way, you are ready to explore your options and assert yourself. Are you ready for new life and love? Ready or not… Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) Sometimes when we reach our goal or some great height of achievement we are left with wondering, what next. You may not feel you know who you are or what you truly want anymore. You may feel confident yet uncertain of your direction. Fortunately, you energy levels and ambitions are still riding high. Changes close to home will activate you soon. Aquarius (Jan 19 – Feb 19)

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LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

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Friday

saTurday

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Daytime Scattered Condition flurries

P.O.P. 60% High -2°C Low -9°C Wind NE 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow

P.O.P. 60% High 0°C Low -9°C Wind W 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow

P.O.P. 60% High -9°C Low -15°C Wind W 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow

P.O.P. 60% High -8°C Low -18°C Wind S 10 km/h 24/Hr Snow

On the surface of things, you are considering new values and priorities. At deeper levels, prior perspectives and patterns are also undergoing changes. Sometime what we think, dream and hope do not stand up again reality. Sometimes we are disappointed while at others unexpected dreams come true. Either, way, new demands are being made on your time. Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) A restless mood is upon you. Frustration with what is and curiosity about what could be are stirring your perspectives. The prospect of entering new territory is inspiring. Old loves and lifestyle patterns are being regenerated. This steady but sure transformation finds you entertaining new possibilities. If change is what you want, set clear intention because the window will be open only so long.

Daytime Condition P.O.P. High Low Wind 24/Hr Rain

Snow 60% 1°C -13°C NE 5 km/h 1-3 cm

P.O.P. High Low Wind 24/HrSnow

40% -14°C -25°C S 5 km/h 1-3 cm

22 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

Novice Hockey Tournament in Valemount February 26-27 marked the last tournament of the season for Valemounts Novice Hockey Team. Left: Alex Mueck celebrates a successful shot. Below: Valemount Novice Hockey team players against Jasper.

Photos by: Andrea Scholz

BC Transit feasibility study Continued from Page 19

It would also provide regional connections between Valemount and McBride with the opportunity for service on request to Dunster and Tete Jaune Cache. The estimated annual cost of this service option is $126,900. Option 1b – Regional and In-Town Paratransit, Three Days per Week, Two Trips per Day: This service option is identical to the one suggested in Option 1a but provides fewer trips (two rather than three) but across a broader spread of days (three rather than two). The estimated annual cost of this service is $120,900. Option 2 – Summer Service to Mount Robson Provincial Park Visitor Centre is an add- on to Option 1a or 1b. Mount Robson is a major attraction in the region, and with the concentration of hotel rooms in Valemount and the immediate surrounding area, it is anticipated that some guests would be interested in day or half day trips to the park. Locals also expressed an interest in using public transportation to access the park. This option would provide two trips per day, three days per week from June to August. The annual cost of this additional service— assuming that it is implemented as an add-on to Option 1a or 1b—is $17,900. The projected annual ridership of options 1a and 1b would be between 2,600 and 3,200 passengers per year, which would result in a low overall ridership and a prohibitively high cost. “It would cost transit funding partners $145.00 or greater for every hour of regional paratransit service provided on the road (due to the long distances between communities and need for two transit vehicles) and it would cost $38.00 or more for each passenger carried.” The conclusion of the study states that BC Transit does not recommend a transit service for the area due to the relatively low projected ridership and high expected costs. It continues to recommend that alternatives such as volunteer driver and car share programs, as well as seeking partnerships with existing transportation providers such as Northern Health to deliver transportation services. McEachen said that the report has been sent out to both Valemount and McBride councils, and there will be further discussions with BC Transit on their findings. “If ideas bubble out of some of the suggestions they have it would most likely be more of a local project. Basically what they’re suggesting is for us to coordinate our efforts with some of the existing transportation services already in the Valley, but that would be up to us, not BC Transit.”

Fundraiser for Sharon Moth Daniel Betts Associate Editor

250-566-4601

haron Moth has been working at the Great Escape Restaurant for 23 years and is well known throughout the community so it is no surprise that her friends and neighbors dug deep when it became known that she had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. Leslee Ballard, manager of The Great Escape, and her fellow employees organized a fundraising dinner and silent auction on Tuesday February 22nd. 130 to 150 $10.00 tickets were sold and some very impressive items were donated to the auction. Local businesses including By Choice Carpet Cleaning, Best Western, CIBC, Sage Hair Studio, P&V’s Convenience Store, Mt. Robson White Water Rafting and Just for Cakes all donated items and all proceeds went to Moth. “We wish her well and we hope things are going to be ok. This is just something to help her financially,” said Ballard.

LOCAL JOB LOCAL JOB POSTINGS POSTINGS Updated Mar 02, 2011

Updated March 2,2011

Leslee Ballard at the fundraiser for Sharon Moth on February 22. Photo by Daniel Betts

Joshua Estabrooks Editorial Continued from Page 4

come here safely. A lot of the sledders I have talked to who have received tickets were compliant in Alberta, but due to slight differences in BC’s laws, they were issued tickets. One of the best suggestions for this issue came from our sled ambassador, Curtis Pawliuk, who asked if VARDA could work with the RCMP to develop an easy to understand document that outlines these differences, which would help educate our Albertan guests before they come out as to what they need to do to be in compliance with BC’s laws. At the end of the day, our sledders are incredibly important to our local economy. So much so that without them I don’t think either McBride or Valemount would make it through the winter. But we also want them to be safe when they visit, so we need to work with them and the RCMP to ensure the correct information is out there so they have every opportunity to be compliant with our province’s laws. And in the words of a wise old veteran police officer, known locally as Pete The Heat, a lot of it boils down to the individual officer, and how he hands out a ticket. If we all treat each other with respect, and are willing to listen, a solution that works for everybody can be reached. So let’s start talking.

 Administrative • Autobody/Paint Assistant Technician  Administrative Services Coordinator • Cook / Chef  Autobody/Paint • Early Childhood Educator Technician (2) Chambermaids (2) • Family Day Assistant (5)  Cook / Chef • Front Desk (3)  Front Desk (3)  Housekeepers (3) • Front Desk/Night Audit  Loader &/ or • Housekeepers Crusher Operator • Janitor  Motel Managers (2) • Laundry Attendants  On Call Office Assistant • Motel Managers (Couple)  Photo Journalist • Servers (3)  Servers (2) • Specialty Cook  Specialty Cook ( International (International Cuisine) Cuisine)

Front desk staff can

We giveare you here detailedto information about each help. Please call of these postings, or drop Forto including infoin. on how submit your application more information for these job opportunion For these or ties. morejobs information about these jobs, other employment please call: assistance services Valemount visit us at

Learning Centre 250-566-4601 Box 789 99 Gorse St. Funded in whole or in part through the Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday March 2, 2011 • 23

GIRL’S BASKETBALL ZONES

Eagles swoop in as Nina Grigat and Haley VanderZwan defend

Nina Grigat moves up

Timberwolves Kate Soucy and Rita Gonella move in

Nina Grigat takes a shot

Timberwolves waiting for their chance to join the fray.

Stacey Duncan fights around Eagles defender

Stacey Duncan fighting through Eagle’s defences

Jubilant Eagles celebrate 1st Place.

Photos by Andrea Scholz

24 • Wednesday March 2, 2011 The Valley Sentinel

Call Today about these and other Robson Valley Listings brought to you by Irene

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1474 8th Place ValeMount, Bc • Affordable & well kept • Family Size - 4br, 2bath • Open floor plan • Attached garage

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Judges • Wendy Cinnamon – Valemount Public Library • Jodi Pownall – The Learning Centre • Jackie Baker – Local Author Criteria: Open to All Robson/Canoe Valley (Blue River to McBride) High School Students (Grades 8 through 12). Write an original short story, double-spaced with a 12-point font. No illustrations please. No more than 1,500 Words in length. Judges will look for originality, story structure, and grammar. Story to be submitted to The Valley Sentinel between February 9th to March 2nd, 2011. Prizes: • 1st Prize:$75.00 • 2nd Prize:$50.00 • 3rd Prize:$25.00 Winners will be announced in the March 23rd Edition of The Valley Sentinel. Winning stories will be published in The Valley Sentinel newspaper and Website. Winners will be presented with their prizes on March 25th, 2011. Stories can be submitted by email to editor@thevalleysentinel.com or by mail to The Valley Sentinel, 1012 Commercial Drive, Valemount, B.C. V0E 2Z0