Volume 25 Issue 17 by The Valley Sentinel

sentinel

A historical look at education in Valemount Page 5

Top Shelf Art Space at the Valemount Library, Page 8

THE VALLEY

Your Community Your Newspaper

Serving the Robson Valley since 1986

WEDNESDAY April 28, 2010 $1.19 Plus GST

Volume 25 Issue 17 www.thevalleysentinel.com

Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel

Forest fire season hits early

Left: Valemount Volunteer Firefighter Mark Etty takes on a small forest fire south of Valemount last week, while Fire Chief Rick Lalonde (Right) develops a game plan to keep it from spreading with local contractor Dennis Nordli. Read more about the early fire season on page 2.

ACCIDENT

Accident on Westridge claims locals life Local: Police look for individual who took truck tires. Joshua Estabrooks

EDITOR@THEVALLEYSENTINEL.COM

he Valemount RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are investigating a fatal motor vehicle incident that occurred along the West Ridge Forest Service Road. Constable Stephen Newport said that the Valemount

WEATHER WEDNESDAY High: 7°C Low: -1°C Details pg 14

RCMP were contacted on April 17 by the family of Emile Desjarlais, who had become worried as they had not heard from the 90 year old in a few days. On April 19, a report of an abandoned vehicle came in, and when the police went out to investigate they discovered

Desjarlais’ vehicle overturned with the wheels missing. “What appears to have happened is he was trying to back up, ended up going down an embankment, the truck flipped over backwards and landed on its roof. His body was found a little ways away from the truck so it appears as if he actually crawled out of the truck and down the embankment a little fur-

INSIDE: Opinion ........................pg 4 Community Calendar....pg 6 Classifieds .......... pgs 12, 13

ther.” Newport said they are not sure why Desjarlais was out of his truck, but he suspects he was either thrown from the vehicle or disoriented from the crash and was just trying to get to safety. “He may not have known what he was doing. It was a survival instinct.” When the police found the vehicle, Newport said it had no wheels, so they are asking for the publics

Activities .....................pg 14 Weather ......................pg 14 Real Estate .......... pgs 15, 16

help in finding out who took them. “We will be investigating. We’d like to find out who did it, that’s for sure, just to see when exactly they took them so we can put a timeline on how long the truck was there for before someone noticed it.” Newport said that Desjarlais was far enough away from the vehicle that it is conceivable whoever took the tires

didn’t see his body, and assumed the vehicle was abandoned. He also said it is hard to press charges in an incident like this as it would have to be proven that the person in question didn’t think the vehicle was abandoned at the time they took the tires. “The tires being stolen is a secondary thing that happened after the fact, but we do want to talk to that person.”

COMING NEXT WEEK

GREEN ENERGY AUDIT FOR VALEMOUNT

FLYERS

• CANADIAN TIRE • FIELDS

2 • Wednesday April 28, 2010 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

Dry spring makes for risky start to the fire season in Valley Joshua Estabrooks

EDITOR@THEVALLEYSENTINEL.COM

“When was the last time there was no snow in April,” asked Fire Information Officer, Lindsay Carnes, of the Prince George Fire Centre. Since April 1st, the Prince George Fire Centre has responded to 51 wildfires, all of which have been human-caused and therefore considered preventable, she said. “The fires have burned over 464 hectares, with the largest of the fires estimated at 170 hectares in size. Compared to this time last year, there had been only two fires that had burned one hectare.” Carnes said that locally, there have been three fires to date in the Robson Valley. “Again, all of them have been human caused, and one of those fires gave us a little more grief than the other ones. It reached 2.1 hectares in size and we had to use helicopters to put it out.” The other two fires occurred on Blackman Road and just south of Valemount by the old dump, said Carnes. “Things are burning early because the snow started melting early. It is rare for there to be absolutely no snow at all in the lower elevations starting in early April and even March. In terms of the startup drought codes within the Prince George Fire Centre for April 1st, comparing this year to last year and the average, in Prince George three of the stations out of six had drought codes quite above the average.” A drought code is a way of calculating the moisture at the deepest levels. Carnes said that the forest service traditionally has three different moisture read-

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ings they work with. “We use the fine fuels moisture code, which is basically stuff like grass. Then we have our duff moisture code and then our drought code. The drought code is usually more persistent, and if things start off with a higher drought code then that’s one of the more persistent indicators unless there is a significant amount of rain.” Carnes said that residents of the Robson Valley should be careful when they do their seasonal yard cleanup work, as burning grass is much riskier with such dry conditions. “Only burn in appropriate conditions. Never burn when it is windy. Gusty winds can carry embers to other combustible materials and start new fires. Have enough water and

CNC to make some curriculum changes Joshua Estabrooks

BSc, BEd, DC

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hand tools nearby to control your fire, keeping in mind that winds can materialize quickly, even on a seemingly calm day. Ensure that all other combustible materials are cleared well away from the fire. Never leave your fire unattended at any time. Before leaving an area, douse the ashes with enough water that they are cold to the touch.” Carnes also warned that because the surface layers are dry as well, people must be careful with any source of heat or flame. “Cigarettes can start fires when it is this dry.” Currently the fire danger reading is high in the Valemount area, and moderate throughout the rest of the Robson Valley Fire Zone.

EDITOR@THEVALLEYSENTINEL.COM

his winter the College of New Caledonia (CNC) will begin offering some new programs in Valemount and McBride. Planning is in the preliminary stages,

The College of New Caledonia, Valemount Proudly Presents

To provide input, call 250-566-4601 or 1-888-690-4422

but new, exciting educational and training opportunities are in the works. CNC has been running the 9-month Northern Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism (NORE) Certificate Program annually in Valemount since 2001. Students from across Canada and around the world have come to take the program. “It has been very successful,” said CNC Project Planner, Wendy Dyson. “Many of the graduates got their dream jobs as guides or support workers in the adventure tourism industry, and at the same time, the program has been contributing to the area economy.” However, few locals have taken the program. As the College’s mandate is to provide educational opportunities for area residents, the decision was made to run NORE bi-annually, and to focus on programs for local residents during the “non-NORE” years.

On those alternating years, CNC will expand on the continuing education courses run by the Valemount Learning Centre by providing college credit and certificate courses as well as some advanced outdoor recreation training. “We anticipate that some of the new courses will be related to entrepreneurship and business, but nothing is carved in stone at this time”, says Dyson. “We’ll be talking to the business community and residents in both Valemount and McBride to find out what type of training they would like to see.” While working to provide educational opportunities for locals, CNC staff will also be busy promoting the NORE program for its next intake in August, 2011. In addition to print and internet advertising, billboards promoting the program will soon be erected at each entrance to the community through funding from the Columbia Basin Trust.

UPFRONT

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday April 28, 2010 • 3

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

Rural School Committee begins work to save Dunster Fine Arts Elementary Joshua Estabrooks

EDITOR@THEVALLEYSENTINEL.COM

subcommittee of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has been working away behind the scenes trying to find ways to save the rural schools that are slated for closure at the end of this year. Regional District Director, and Chair of the Rural School Committee, Kevin Dunphy, said that the group has been working for a while, and will be having a series of

eas, so it is imperative to our communities to have our schools. It’s not just a want it’s a need. We can’t expect our students to be on busses for three hours a day and in some places even longer.” Dunphy said that when the committee attended the public meeting in Dunster, they already had a good idea how the community felt about the closure of their school. “We wanted to see what they presented to the trustees. Being rural people ourselves

ing would allow them to make some of the decisions themselves on how it was taken care of instead of being dependent on Prince George. I know the costs of maintaining a community hall in a rural area are quite minimal, but if it’s under the umbrella of a larger government it can get extremely costly.” Dunphy said that the committee has a lot of work to do, and will be coming out to the various communities affected in the coming

“It’s not just a want it’s a need. We can’t expect our students to be on busses for three hours a day and in some places even longer.”~ Kevin Dunphy

public meetings to discuss the options with the various communities affected. “We proceeded to attend all the closure meetings to see what the results would be. Which schools would be closed and which ones would be put on hold. When it was announced that Dunster and Salmon Valley would be closing for sure this year we felt that the people in the communities would like to see some alternatives to closure.” For Dunphy, and the other directors on the committee, preserving rural schools is an issue close their hearts. “We are from each of these ar-

we understand what the parents and the communities are feeling, so we have to find a way to let the community have some input on how this goes down. We can’t let these decisions be made by other communities.” Some preliminary ideas for Dunster include making it a community building, hold more programs in the evening for adults, or even the use of the gymnasium as a community hall or emergency operations centre. The more a building is used, he said, the more value it has in terms of preservation. “Having the community manage the build-

months. “We just took our first step immediately after the closure meeting. First off we have to establish bylaws to let us move ahead in a designated area. So let’s take the Dunster area for example. We have to figure out with the community what people are affected by the closure of the school, as we can’t go to Valemount and tell them to pay for the school in Dunster. We have to look at the area that is affected and establish a geographical area and then see if there is a will within that geographical area to go to a referendum and hopefully it would pass.”

Community bus arrives this week in Valemount Birgit Stutz CONTRIBUTOR

fter two school years without a bus and a lot of searching and fundraising, the Valemount High School will finally have a community bus. “We used to have a 15-passenger school van,” said Valemount High School Principal Dan Kenkel. “It was one of those old ones that were kind of dangerous on the road. It was also way past its prime, 15 years old and mileage in the 300,000 km range. It was starting to be questionable to keep it on the road. After the tragic van crash in Bathurst that killed seven high school basketball players and a local teacher, it came out that these vans weren’t designed to hold that many people. The school district strongly recommended getting away from 15-seat vans. There was also a growing opposition to vans of that size. So we began the process of what it would take to get a 24-seat bus.” Kenkel said the high school got support from community members, local businesses, PAC, some of the past grad classes, as well as the new mine north of Blue River, Commerce Resources and Columbia Basin Trust. “When the economy crashed, we weren’t able to raise any more funds. So in September 2009 we formed the Valemount Community Bus Society and decided to go after the purchase of a used bus as we couldn’t raise enough money for a new bus. We were looking for a safe bus that is economical to drive, with safe storage, rear door, and comfortable seatbelts.” The society put a purchase committee together in February and soon after located a bus in North Carolina, which was purchased on March 17. “It is a 2007 Ford Starcraft Allstair,” said Kenkel. “It is

very clean, with very little wear on the inside and has very low miles. It’s being shipped across the country on a trailer right now. It will be in Valemount this week. The importing part is a little bit tricky, but the process is pretty clearly laid out. The savings were huge, and we couldn’t get a bus with low mileage in Canada. The hassle was worth it, the little bit of time and paper-

“It is very clean, with very little wear on the inside and has very low miles.”~ Dan Kenkel

work. The company we bought the bus from went under and liquidated all its assets, so it was a perfect situation for us.” The bus has five-speed automatic transmission, a 6.8 litre V10 engine, and AM/FM stereo with CD player. The bus has 26 seats, but two seats will be taken out so that it can be driven with a Class 4 drivers licence. Kenkel said he would like to encourage community groups who would like to use the bus to contact him or Jolene Graham at the high school at 250-566-4431. “The bus will be for rent at a cost recovery price,” said Kenkel. “It is not designed to make money, but to keep us flush. It costs us about $5,000 a year to keep that going. We are still looking for corporate sponsors to lower the cost for using it. Anybody who wants some advertising can contact me and we will have a banner put on.” Kenkel said he will be picking up the bus in Vancouver this week.

Together we can help give new life to BC’s scrap tires

To learn more about tire recycling in BC or to find a participating retailer near you, visit www.tsbc.ca

Y U B

sentinel

4 • Wednesday April 28, 2010 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

» DAVE MARCHANT

» PHOTO ALBUM

» MAILBAG

Thank you for attending Dear Editor: Thanks to the approximately 50-60 people who attended the Take Back Our Forest meeting Friday night at the Elks Hall for your overwhelming support, input and ideas . It was nice to see so many new faces. We are happy to report that the meeting ran very smoothly and everyone got the opportunity to be heard and respected the speakers opinions. All in all, it was a very positive first meeting. We were able to get home in time to see the last 5 minutes of the Vancouver versus LA hockey game. As promised we will be compiling all the information we have received to move forward with a workable plan for an improved Community Forest. Al Birnie Mike Monroe Don Smith Loranne Martin Sharon McColm/The Valley Sentinel

Coffee or art? These tasty beverages brought a smile to the customers at Kiwa Coffee House.

Subscriptions

Joshua Estabrooks

Deanna Mickelow

We acknowledge the financial support of

the Government of Canada through the Publisher/Editor Office Assistant To subscribe or renew your subscription, Publications Assistance Program towards editor@thevalleysentinel.com deanna@thevalleysentinel.com send a cheque or money order and your our mailing costs. E mily Van der Sande C ontributors mailing address to us by mail or email: Publications Mail Registration No. 11067 Business manager Birgit Stutz subscriptions@thevalleysentinel.com insertions@thevalleysentinel.com Raghu Lokanathan Rates include GST: Sharon McColm Donalda Beeson Robson Valley................ $54.60 Sales Manager British Columbia.......... $65.10 ads@thevalleysentinel.com Outside B.C.................... $75.60 Office: 1012 Commercial Drive, Box 688, Valemount, British Columbia, V0E 2Z0 Outside Canada............ $65.50 + postage Drop Box: The McBride Trading Post, 246 Main St., McBride, British Columbia We publish every Wednesday 52 times Main: 250.566.4425 Toll Free: 1.800.226.2129 Fax: 250.566.4528 per year. Advertising booking deadline is Email: ads@thevalleysentinel.com Web: www.thevalleysentinel.com Thursday 5pm. The Valley Sentinel Newspaper is owned by Patanga Steamship Company Ltd. The Valley Sentinel has a CCAB paid audited circulation of 1182.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday April 28, 2010 • 5

» HISTORY

Pages In Time...

Secondary School students in Valemount, July 1965.

Valemount School, 1936.

The log schoolhouse in Valemount, which burned down in June 1935.

History of education in Valemount Talitha Roffel CONTRIBUTOR

hen Valemount was still in its infancy, only 10 years after Fulton McKirdy staked the first homestead in the Swift Creek area, a little log schoolhouse was built to accommodate 15 eager young students. It was a thrilling prospect to have a proper school in the midst of such wilderness in 1916. The school was located in the vicinity of our current ice arena, and also acted as the hub of the settlers’ social life. In 1935 the original log schoolhouse burned down and a new schoolhouse was hastily assembled during the summer months. This new school on Main Street, with its dormered covered entry and wood siding, was a modest upgrade for the students. The whole community enjoyed use of the building for various social functions, meetings and church. By 1952, there were approximately 22 students, and a new two-room schoolhouse was erected on 5th Avenue to accommodate growth in the community. This space was quickly outgrown, however, and the next ten years were busy with construction and finding classroom space. Four more classrooms were added to the structure, as well as a gymnasium with a stage. Even the stage was used as a classroom in 1965. Additionally, classes met in the old schoolhouse on Main Street, a portable building, and even in the church hall. Construction ensued yet again to accommodate the continued population growth, with the result being a

nine room (plus the gym and portable annex) school with ten employees and a principal. During this time Valemount (population of 656) also had the important additions of power, telephones, waterworks and television. Unfortunately, the newly dubbed Valemount Elementary Junior Secondary School still wasn’t equipped for the senior grades and was still bursting at the seams. The new elementary school on Elm Street was built in 1975 after an unforgettable year of AM/PM shifts by the elementary and secondary groups. The end result was two separate schools in Valemount for the first time, with the old school on 5th Avenue being used solely as a secondary school. Surprisingly, it wasn’t until 1975 that Valemount (population then nearing 900) had its first ever graduating class. Prior to this, students who had the desire and the means to continue their education past grade ten, needed to leave home and live in the dormitories in McBride in order to finish their high school degree. There was an unprecedented 31 year reprieve in school construction before another new school was built in Valemount. According to former students, demolition of the old secondary school was long past Students in front of the Valemount school, January 1935. due. In spite of a decline in enrollment (the population which had reached 1357 in the mid-nineties had dropped to a pre-eighties equivalent of 1018 by 2006), VALEMOUNT & AREA the new high school on Ash Street opened in 2006. And for the people of Valemount, the school has once CHAMBER OF COMMERCE again become a hub for community activities.

“Presents”

Our First Wine & Cheese Evening Of 2010! Valemount Marina Association

Annual General Meeting

AGM

Valemount Senior Citizens Housing Society

Everyone Welcome.

Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Time: 7:00 P.M. Place: Golden Years Hall

May 3 @ 7pm Valemount Public Library

Do You Know How To Make Your Internet Work For You? “EXPOSE YOURSELF AND GET NOTICED” Increase your exposure on the internet Special Guest Presentation By Perry Cook of your Northern BC Business.

Monday May 3rd at 5pm in the Bear’s Den At The Best Western

6 • Wednesday April 28, 2010 The Valley Sentinel

Community Service Listings VALEMOUNT • PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING EVERY 2ND WED. 5 PM DOWNSTAIRS AT THE LIBRARY. • PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT Prenatal Classes, Baby Clinics Call 566-9138 ext 228 for appointments. • CHAMPS Weight loss Support Team for men and women. Thurs. 6:00 pm Downstairs Valemount Clinic. Shirley 566-9829, Dolly 566-8458. • COUNCIL MEETING 2nd & 4th Tues., 7 pm, council chambers. Everyone welcome. • 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 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. • LIONS BINGO 1st & 3rd Mon, at Lions Hall, doors open 6pm, everyone welcome. • LADIES AUXILIARY #266 Legion Meetings 1st Tuesday of every month 3pm in Valemount Legion. • VALEMOUNT SENIORS SOCIAL CLUB. Regular meetings first Thurs of every month at 7pm downstairs lounge at Golden Years Lodge. Seniors Music Night 7PM WED • VALEMOUNT CIRCLE DANCE. For more info please contact 250 566-0095 • ADULT RECREATION BADMINTON. Thurs at 7pm in th Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Jamie @250 566-4656 • ADULT RECREATIONAL VOLLYBALL. Tues from 7pm - 9pm. Valemount Sec School gym. Contact Shelley Mainprize @ 250 566-9854

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

MCBRIDE • VALLEY PIECEMAKERS QUILT GUILD Every other Wednesday. 7:00 pm in the High School. New members welcome, contact Dawna Hickerty 5693210. • ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Every Sun, 8 pm at the Health Unit. • OAPO STITCH & KNIT Every Thurs., 2:30 - 4 pm, Beaverview Lodge, Hilda Murin 569-3305 • ALANON every Mon. 8pm at the Health Unit • 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. • 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 • DOOR STORIES SERIES 2008-2009 Art Exhibition by Pamela Cinnamon. Nov 12 2009 - Jan 15 2010 at the Museum/Library Building 241 Dominion St. McBride

THE

MAY 10

• Valemount Seniors Carpet Bowling 9am • McBride E-Free Church -Dropin Walking 7-8 AM , Low Impact Exercises for Women 4-5PM

MAY 3

MONDAY

• Valemount Rec Volleyball VSS 7PM • McBride TOPS 6:45pm at the Health Unit

MAY 11

• Valemount Rec Volleyball VSS 7PM • McBride TOPS 6:45pm at the Health Unit

MAY 6

TUESDAY

MAY 19

• Valemount Seniors Music Night 7-9pm • McBride E-Free Church -Dropin Walking 7-8 AM , Low Impact Exercises for Women 4-5PM • Toastmasters 7:30-9:30pm Best Western • Valemount Senior Citizen’s Housing Society AGM 7 PM at Golden Years Hall

MAY 12

• Valemount Seniors Music Night 7-9pm McBride E-Free Church -Drop-in Walking 7-8 AM , Low Impact Exercises for Women 4-5PM

MAY 5

APRIL 28 • Toastmasters 7:30-9:30pm Best Western • Valemount Seniors Music Night 7-9pm • McBride E-Free Church -Dropin Walking 7-8 AM , Low Impact Exercises for Women 4-5PM • ODDS & ENDS, MCCBRIDE Knitting/Crochet 9:30-11am, Beading 2:30-4pm ($5), Quilting 4-6pm

WEDNESDAY

• Valemount Seniors Carpet Bowling 9am • McBride E-Free Church -Dropin Walking 7-8 AM , Low Impact Exercises for Women 4-5PM

MAY 18

ROBSON VALLEY

MAY 17

• Valemount Rec Volleyball VSS 7PM • McBride TOPS 6:45pm at the Health Unit

• Valemount Seniors Music Night 7-9pm McBride E-Free Church -Drop-in Walking 7-8 AM , Low Impact Exercises for Women 4-5PM

MAY 25

Coming Events

• Valemount Seniors Carpet Bowling 9am • McBride E-Free Church -Dropin Walking 7-8 AM , Low Impact Exercises for Women 4-5PM

MAY 24

• Valemount Rec Volleyball VSS 7PM • McBride TOPS 6:45pm at the Health Unit Exercises for Women 4-5PM

• Valemount Seniors Carpet Bowling 9am

• McBride E-Free Church -Dropin Walking 7-8 AM , Low Impact

THURSDAY

APRIL 30

FRIDAY

MAY 1/2

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

MAY 21

• Valemount Seniors Dance Night 7-9pm • ODDS & ENDS, MCBRIDEBeginning Computer Use 4-5pm • Hamburger Night at the Legion 5PM

MAY 14

• Valemount Seniors Dance Night 7-9pm • ODDS & ENDS, MCBRIDEBeginning Computer Use 4-5pm • Hamburger Night at the Legion 5PM

MAY 7

• The Secret Garden 1-2:30 PM Valemount Public Library, 1090 Main St.

MAY 22/23

• The Secret Garden 1-2:30 PM Valemount Public Library, 1090 Main St.

MAY 15/16

• The Secret Garden 1-2:30 PM Valemount Public Library, 1090 Main St.

MAY 8/9

• The Secret Garden 1-2:30 PM Valemount Public Library, 1090 Main St.

• Valemount Seniors Dance Night 7-9pm • ODDS & ENDS, MCBRIDEBeginning Computer Use 4-5pm • Hamburger Night at the Legion 5PM

APRIL 29 • ODDS & ENDS Beginning Quilting 4-6pm,

MAY 6 • ODDS & ENDS Beginning Quilting 4-6pm,

MAY 13 • ODDS & ENDS Beginning Quilting 4-6pm,

MAY 20 • ODDS & ENDS Beginning Quilting 4-6pm,

WED. APRIL 28 7PM VALEMOUNT GUN CLUB AGM DOWNSTAIRS AT THE LIBRARY Everyone Welcome Call Paul Johnson 250 566-1447

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday April 28, 2010 • 7

» TRAVEL

Costa Rica continued; more adventures in Central America

Donalda Beeson Contributor

he world economy crisis hasn’t missed Costa Rica (CR). The currency here is called Colonies; there are approximately 500 to a dollar, so $2,000 looks like $1,000,000 and my bank receipt makes me feel like a millionaire. However its worth has been dropping daily since I got here. Such a small place on such a large scale and its similarities to the Robson Valley are uncanny. Empty storefronts, disgruntled business owners, and locals, overpriced properties and taxes are all remnants of a once thriving tourist economy. Everyone here is waiting on a comeback, for the US economy to recover; but what if it doesn’t? What if we have to find new ways to survive, what if tourism never makes a comeback. In both Coco and Valemount, only the creative will survive. From the point Grandpa and Katherine went home until now, my transition between vacationer and resident has been eye opening. Immersing in the culture and community has left me feeling somewhat like a voyeur. I spend a lot of time writing, studying the language and watching the cul-

ture. My observations tend to be local to Coco, and I cannot speak for all of Costa Rica. I am learning Spanish fast by hanging out with locals that don’t know a word of English. It is truly amazing what you can communicate out of necessity, with minimal language, hand signals, and facial cues. My house at $200 a month, is almost all windows, with no glass, just screens and bars, no A/C but high powered fans in every room and no hot water (not that you need it), and although the water is never cold either. My yard is littered with Mangoes; I used to try to eat every one that fell before it went bad, now I know it is not possible. I love the people here. They are so laid back. There is a real Rasta feel here. I went to Guanafest, a local Reggae Roots festival. The headliners were Million Styles, Cali P, Nesta, Elijah, Jahricio, Noah, Abyysnyah, and Kingo Lovers. With my Spanish developing, next on the agenda is to find a job. To teach English here you do not need an ESL certificate but you do need a Bachelors degree in a related field so my English degree will likely come in handy. That is all for now, “pura vida” and much love to Valemount from CR.

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3260 Crooked Creek Road • Valemount, BC Is Opening May 1st READY TO GO Bedding Plants • Basket Stuffers • Hanging Flower & Vegetable Baskets • Vegetables • Herbs • Seeds ARRIVING MAY 3rd Trees • Shrubs • Perennials Greenhouse Hours: Open Daily 9am - 5pm

8 • Wednesday April 28, 2010 The Valley Sentinel

» TOP SHELF ART: HAND MADE UDUS (NIGERIAN DRUMS)

Clockwise from top left: 1) Ancient Healing - Anne Marie 2) Out of this World - Regena 3) Ancient Callings - Karen Taks 4) Messenger Of Earth - Susan Gehrig 5) Avalon Reborn - Sherral Shaw 6) Udu - Sharon Anderson 7) Emerging - Jody

Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel

PUBLIC INPUT SESSION Project Proposal Presentations Project applicants for Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs are presenting their proposals to the public.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

Public input on each project will be considered in the evaluation process. Date: Time: Location:

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 7 p.m. Community Hall Administered and Managed by: Village of Valemount 735 Cranberry Lake Road PO Box 168, Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Ph: 250.566.4435

Valemount Arts & Cultural Society AGM

The Canoe Mountain Gallery at the Valemount Visitor Centre will be opening for the summer season in June. Please contact us if your are interested in exhibiting.

Valemount Public Library Everyone Welcome!

All work must be presented in exhibit-quality frames.

We are always looking for new members and there are Executive positions to be filled.

Pamela Cinnamon 566-4674 / Bonnie Marklund 566-4213

Wednesday May 5, 7 pm

This is a wonderful opportunity to show your work to the world.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday April 28, 2010 • 9

» COMMUNITY

One and only fundraiser for RVMF

n her next Western Canadian Tour, Ingrid Gatin and her cast of Winnipeg Folk Roots All Star musicians will delight music lovers from Winnipeg to Vancouver and back. Two of Manitoba’s brightest will be along to share their talents; JD Edwards, and TJ Blair of the Magnificent 7’s, adding trombone, banjo, guitar, and vocals to Ingrid Gatin’s band, with JD Edwards warming up the room most nights with his own brand of soulful folk music. These Winnipeg all stars are sure to please audiences with almost every genre of roots, folk, and soul music when they take to the stage; lighting up some of Canada’s best known music venues, small town bars and shows in your best friends living room. Ingrid Gatin makes eclectic beautiful. Reaching top 20 on Earshot Charts across Canada, Winnipeg’s own Ingrid Gatin is ready to take Canada by storm. With accordion, piano, vocals, hand-claps,

foot-stomps, and tambourine, Ingrid has crafted her own beautiful sound in the new indie/roots music tradition. Gypsy, blues, and soul nuances run in and throughout Ingrid’s music, creating a sound that is timeless and universal. Ingrid has been touring by train, writing music in a cabin in the woods, and making art in the Exchange District of Winnipeg. Wherever she goes, she is dancing, singing, playing instruments and banging on the floors and walls -you can almost hear her coming your way. www.myspace.com/ingridgatin www.ingridgatin.com J.D. Edwards is a powerhouse unto his own. J.D. is a Winnipeg based rock and roll bandleader and composer, and equally fine solo acoustic singer songwriter and trombone player. He is a poet marching to the beat of his own drum and in doing so he has created a unique body of work, mature in its understanding of the human condition. His songs are for real, and all you can really do is let yourself be drawn into the music.

BIRCH LOGS WANTED Colborne Lumber Ltd in Clearwater, BC requires large volume of birch logs and will pay a minimum of $70 per m3. For more information please contact: bretteolborne@hotmail.com or phone 250-674-3129

The Valemount and area Chamber of Commerce is inviting all business owners in the Robson Valley and beyond to come out to a presentation on utilizing the Internet effectively to advertise your business, and have some wine and cheese. The presentation will include a 20-minute seminar by Perry Cook, of Northern BC Business. ca and will take a look at ways small businesses can “expose themselves online and get noticed.” Cook says that getting your business noticed is important in today’s economy. The presentation will show business owners how to increase the number of quality

online customers by using a variety of free tools that will increase a businesses exposure and bring more buyers to their site. “The presentation will show you a number of do-it-yourself tools that will increase your Internet profile,” said Cook. One example would be optimizing your website for search engines, using methods that have been tested to work. The evening of information, as well as wine and cheese sampling, will take place at the Best Western in the Bear’s Den, on Monday, May 3, at 5:00 p.m. Northern BC Business gave the presentation in McBride on April 27.

Invitation to Tender for the BC HOUSING SENIORS MODULAR

TJ Blair, Ingrid Gatin and JD Edwards will be in Dunster on Friday, May 7.

Shara Gustafson Contributor

Chamber hosts wine and cheese night

www.thejdedwardsband.com/ www.myspace.com/thejdedwardsband T.J. Blair of Winnipeg’s old-time/ roots band, the Magnificent 7’s will be adding his unique singing voice and beautiful banjo, guitar, and drumming to this project. T.J.’s musical work as part of The Magnificent 7’s will be featured in the collaboration with the All Star tour. www.myspace.com/themagnificent7s Catch Ingrid and her all-stars by coming out to the Dunster Community Hall on Friday, May 7th. Doors open @ 6:30, with Dinner served at 7:00. Ticket price includes an International Food Buffet and Dessert Bar. Tickets are $35 and $15 for kids 14 and under. Children under 6 are free. Tickets must be purchased in ADVANCE ONLY by May 5th and are on sale at Infinity, Mcbride Stedman’s and Dunster General Store, or by phoning 250968-4411 There will be Wine and Beer Available. Come out and support the Robson Valley Music Festival!!!!

We require pricing for the following: Site Clearing / Excavation / Backfill / Granular and Site Services Site Civil: Sidewalks, Parking Area Formworks and Concrete Supply Reinforcement Transportation and Erection of Modular Units Roof Trusses Rough Carpentry (Crawl Space and Roof Truss Framing) Roofing: Asphalt Gutters and Rainwater Leaders Exterior Finishes Exterior Painting Plumbing & Mechanical Electrical

Deliver or fax quote to the Construction Manager at: Mierau Contractors Ltd. #203-1332b McGill Rd. Kamloops, BC V2C 6N6 Fax: 250-851-9741 Attention: Erv Janzen BC Housing Modular Valemount, British Columbia Release of Tender: April 22, 2010 Closing: May 7, 2010. 2:00pm Bid Security is: As per BC Housing Bid Security Requirements

Services Ltd.

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

1.888.611.5557

Please note: This project is sequentially tendered as information is available.

Identify as:

Advantage Insurance 433 Main Street, McBride

Date: April 22, 2010 Project Name: BC Housing Seniors Modular: Valemount BC Project Address: 1222 3rd Ave. and 24 Cedar St. Valemount

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

Home • Farm • Auto Insurance

Tender Documents are available for viewing at: www.mierau.net/drawings under Mierau Projects Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) For further information regarding this Tender, refer to the Instruction to Tenderes of contact Erv Janzen at Mierau Contractors 250-851-9721 or email erv_janzen@mierau.net

10 • Wednesday April 28, 2010 The Valley Sentinel

» COMMUNITY

VACS ends season in style

“Alterna Energy” pulls out of Valley

Joshua Estabrooks

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

he Valemount Arts and Cultural Society’s Theatre Committee enjoyed another successful season of performances, and are looking forward to the season finale, which is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who attend. The theatre will host Red Sky, a Toronto based company that creates, produces and tours original work for family audiences on local, national and international stages. In Valemount, they will be performing “Raven Stole the Sun” which is a traditional story that the company has taken to new heights through a compelling theatre dance piece. The story centres on Raven, who is a fabulous and magical creature of impulse and curiosity. In order to satisfy his overwhelming curiosity, Raven hatches a brilliant scheme for stealing the stars, the moon and the sun and ends up bringing light to the people of the world. It is based on a traditional Tlingit story as recounted by Shaa Tlaa Maria Williams, and is directed by Sandra Laronde. The evening will also include an art display by local Inuit artist Julia Thrasher, as well as an opening performance by her brother, Willie Thrasher. Willie has opened for Gordon Lightfoot, Blue Rodeo, Buffy St. Marie, and was recently performing for the Olympics. The evening kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available at Infinity, and cost $22.00 for adults, and $15.00 for students and seniors.

Birgit Stutz Contributor

Joshua Estabrooks/The Valley Sentinel

Local musician Raghu Lokanathan (centre) along with Corwin Fox (left) and Christina Zaenker (right) played to a packed Anglican/United Church Tuesday night. The show was opened by returning artists Jesse Dee and Jaquie B. Keep your eyes open for more concerts throughout the summer season.

CALL NOW TO ADVERTISE IN

THE VALLEY SENTINEL WE WILL BUILD YOUR AD AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!! CALL 250 566-4425

Spring Festival is coming soon Joshua Estabrooks

OR EMAIL

ads@thevalleysentinel.com

editor@thevalleysentinel.com

A EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK MAY 2 to 8, 2010

Would your home survive a wildfire? Prevention plays a key role in protecting people and property from an interface fire. As a home owner, you can reduce the hazards of wildfire by following these simple steps: • Clear a 10-metre area around your home of trees, shrubs, grass, wood, and combustibles. • Keep your grass mowed and watered. • Prune tree branches to a height of 2 metres. • Clean gutters of debris. • Choose fire smart building materials for your home. To report a forest fire call: 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell phone For more information about what you can do to prepare your property for a wildfire, contact your local volunteer fire department or the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. For a copy of The Home Owners FireSmart Manual, visit the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George website at www.rdffg.bc.ca

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

lthough it may seem to some that spring skipped the Robson Valley and threw us right into summer, Tourism Valemount is inviting everyone who feels like enjoying the outdoors to come out and take part in SpringFest. SpringFest, formerly known as Birdfest, is a celebration of spring, said Marketing Coordinator for Tourism Valemount, Jennifer Robinson. “We are hoping to attract a wider crowd this year. Birds will be a part of the festival but we want to include everyone and anyone who wants to come out and celebrate spring.” The festival is scheduled for May 28-30, she said, and will include a wide variety activities and adventures for people of all ages and fitness levels. “We’ll be having a lot of the favourite events from the bird festival, and will be teaching a short course on birding.” Bruce Wilkinson will also be teaching a more in depth course on birding on May 17, for those interested in getting serious about it. “It will be a free three hour course and we will start at the Visitor Information Centre for an hour and a half and then we’ll go out to the marsh. All local residents are invited.” The festival will kick off with an opening reception on Friday night, said Robinson, which will include the shortened birding course as well as music by Blue Syntax. On Saturday there will be a variety of activities around the marsh, as well as a run on the Swift Creek trail for adults and a shorter run for the little ones on the marsh. There will also be a float trip down the Fraser River people can sign up for, a charity golf tournament at the Valemount Pines, a hike of a ghost town in Tete Jaune and hourly canoe rides on the marsh. Saturday night will

Prince George-based company that researches the production of bio-carbon and also develops bio-carbon products, has recently decided to pull its pilot plant on Mountainview Road near McBride. President and CEO of Alterna Energy Inc., Leonard Legault, said the company decided to move its research site closer to Prince George so it is closer to its head office. “The move should be completed by the end of the month,” said Legault. The focus of the testing facility in McBride is emission testing with wood to give the company the data it needs to begin breaking ground on its first North American plant. “We started working on it approximately two years ago,” said Legault. “It has been successful.” The research plant, which takes bio-mass such as wood waste and through carbonization, produces a charcoal dust, is the only one of this kind in Canada, said Legault. The company already has a plant in South Africa. Legault said as the company moves forward with more work, it takes trained people to run it, which is another reason for the move of the plant. “The Robson Valley has treated us well, said Legault. “It’s a beautiful place. People were great. We wanted to say thanks for making us feel welcome while we were there and for their co-operation.” Chief Technology Officer Phil Marsh, who was running the pilot plant, recently resigned from the company. According to its information pamphlet, Alterna Energy Inc. was founded to “harness the opportunities in the green energy sector, particularly those created by the excess of wood fibre biomass in central British Columbia created by the mountain pine beetle epidemic.”

end with a concert and dance at the community hall featuring Earthbound, from Kamloops. On Sunday, festivalgoers will have a chance to take an ATV ride to get a different view of the Valley, or choose to hike the marsh, or Packsaddle Creek with a local expert. For more information, or to register for an event, check out www. visitvalemount.ca, e-mail marketing@visitvalemount.ca, or call 250566-3335.

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday April 28, 2010 • 11

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Systems

Valley

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

Licensed Property Manager * Handyman Services * Design Consulting

rusticluxury@telus.net

peration

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

Rev. Dee McEachern 250 566-0034 7th & Cedar, Sunday Worship 11:30am

250.566.4005 Office 250.566.1323 Cell Valemount

NEW LIFE CENTRE

1247 - 1st Ave. 250-566-4824 Sunday School 10am. Family Worship 10:30am. Prayer meeting Thurs 7pm

www.rusticluxury.com

Hill Bill Products Ltd. Henry Unger

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 ng

Sands Bulk Sales LTD Husky Oil Limited

1170 Canoeview Place Valemount, BC, V0E 2Z0

Phone: (250) 566-8483 Cell: (780) 999-3041 sfowler@valemount.com

www.wclh.com/valemount

250.566.9744 250.566.4070

Cabins & Sheds starting at only $900 each!

reduCe • reuse • reCyCle

Authorized Dealer

3rd Ave & Elm St. 250 566-4563 Sunday 8:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat-9am, Wed & Fri 7pm

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH

Call liz or KiM everard at 250.566.9111

Shawn Fowler

VALEMOUNT

GOOD SHEPHERD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Jen Applebaum

RHex’so Recycling ours of

CHURCH LISTINGS

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

Canwest Propane Ltd.

Mac’s Small Engine Service & Repair Closed Dec 8-Jan 8

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

Call Mac Cochrane

250-968-4498 “Your Local Mortgage Consultant”

YOUR LOCAL PROPANE PROVIDER

John McGuire

Sales Service 250-566-1324 Installation 1-800-424-6331 Delivering Fuel East to McBride

› GIS ServIceS › T Imber cruISInG 250.277.1867 or 250.566.1216 › GPS & maPPInG greenstarfsi@gmail.com › ForeST DeveloPmenT › T oTal chance PlannInG 1012 3rd Avenue › v ISual I mPacT aSSeSSmenT PO Box 967, Valemount BC › mPb aSSeSSmenT & conTrol V0E 2Z0

Driver sales representative For Commercial and Farm personal Contact Where High level of Customer service is JOB #1

Greg Belshaw

990 Railway Road Prince George BC 1-866-309-2667 (250) 963-9011

Vanderhoof Office c. (250) 565-8438 f. (250) 567-4490 p. (250) 567-4488

Licensed Property Manager * Handyman Services * Design Consulting

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.

rusticluxury@telus.net

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.

Jen Applebaum 250.566.4005 Office 250.566.1323 Cell Valemount

www.rusticluxury.com

VALEMOUNT COMMUNITY CHURCH

Sundays 9:00 am 1275 5th Ave 250 566-4772.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

250 566-9990 Praise & Worship 11am Evening service 6:30pm last Sun. of the month

DUNSTER

ROCKO’S CHURCH

Sun. 11:00 am Home group meeting at Rod & Deb Reimer’s - Brown Road, Dunster. 250 968-4335.

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.

441 Dominion St., 250 569.3206 or 250 569.3386. Worship/Kids church 09:00am

Security WEB Web A lArm SyStemS SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS

Vanderhoof & Districts Co-Operative Association

250 968-4349 or 250 566-4568 Sunday-11am, Sun. School 11am

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH

** MORTGAGES **

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

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SERVICES

• Serving McBride, Dunster, www.securityweb.ca Valemount, Mt Robson Area.

SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTIST

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

11am, 7:30pm Wed Harry Carson Mike Dryden Sunday Services7:45pm

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

Harry Carson 1.888.564.8585 • Mike Dryden 250.566.1536

Advertise your business with

(250) 566-4425 or 1-800-226-2129

Sun. Sch. 10am

12 • Wednesday April 28, 2010 The Valley Sentinel The Valley 250.566.4425 | Toll-free: 1.800.226.2129 | E-mail: classifieds@thevalleysentinel.com | Web: classifieds.thevalleysentinel.com+GST Main: Up to 20 words: $6 • Up to 25 words: $7 • Up to 30 words: $8

sentinel

Classifieds

Guaranteed to Sell $19.95+GST

GTS for 20 words and $1 plus GST 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 PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Village of Valemount Notice of Public Meeting

AUTOMOBILES

1994 Jeep YJ. 4 Cyl, 5 speed, 196,000 km, hard-top and soft-top, 1/2 doors, new tires, studded winter tires on rims, no rust, very economical. $6000 obo. Call 250 566-0090 APR 28 GTS

1998 Mercury Mystique. 4 door auto loaded, 2 sets of good tires. $2500. Call 250 569-2471 APR 28 GTS

1995 Chevy van, needs transmission. Cost $20. Call 250 566-9811 MAR 24 GTS

Newly renovated, conveniently located 6 bdrm, 2 storey log home on double lot in

PUBLIC NOTICE

HOUSE FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

VILLAGE OF McBRIDE

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ADOPT ROAD CLOSURE BYLAW No. 699

Please Take Notice that a Public Hearing for “Zoning Amendment By-law No. 656, 2010” will be held: Tuesday May 11, 2010 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, Village Office 735 Cranberry Lake Road

TAKE NOTICE THAT the Corporation of the Village of McBride intends to adopt Road Closure Bylaw No. 699 pursuant to Section 40 of the Community Charter for the purpose of closing a portion of unconstructed road adjacent to and northeast of the McBride Hospital. The unconstructed road designated on Cariboo District Plan 10256 within District Lot 5314, containing 2144.8 square meters, is shown on Reference Plan (Plan EPP6756) prepared by McElhanney Associates Land Surveying Ltd., David E. Storback, BCLS, dated April 1, 2010. The unconstructed road runs between King and Dominion Streets.The

Zoning Amendment By-law No. 650 proposes to amend Zoning 610, 2007 by rezoning Lot 1, Plan 11968, DL 9778, LD05, Cariboo Land District from Commercial (C6) to Commercial (C3) to permit a building supply store. At the Public Hearing, all those persons who deem their interest in land to be affected by the proposed By-law 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. Zoning Amendment By-law No. 656 will be available for viewing during regular office hours, from now until May 11th, 2010 at the Village Office, 735 Cranberry Lake Road. Dated April 14, 2010 Tom Dall, Chief Administrative Officer

purpose of closing this portion of road is to consolidate the 2144.8 square meters of land with the hospital property in exchange for other lands for a Seniors’ Housing facility. The plan and proposed bylaw may be examined at the McBride Village Office, 100 Robson Centre – 855 SW Frontage Road during normal business hours from April 28 to May 10, 2010. Village Council shall provide an opportunity for persons who consider they are affected to make presentations at the May 11, 2010 Regular Council meeting in Council Chambers at 7:30 pm. Presentations may be made in person at that time or in writing in advance. Please note: emails will not be accepted as written submissions. Any material received before or at the Council Meeting will become public information. The bylaw will be considered for adoption on that date. Eliana Clements Chief Administrative Officer

HOUSE FOR SALE

Valemount. 1280sq ft per floor, full basement. Brick fireplace, wood/electric furnace, 21/2 bathrooms, master craft oak kitchen. Perfect for winter and summer tourism B&B accommodation. Don’t miss out on a great business opportunity. Call now 250 615-8457 EVERY 2ND WEEK PUBLIC NOTICE

1330 4th Ave. 4 bdrm house in centre of Valemount. Large lot, garage, large cabin, across from the park. Reduced price $289,500. Phone Joy-anne at 250 542-5922 or Penni at 250 566-9192 APR 28

HOUSE FOR SALE renovated up & down. Price $129,000. Open to offers. Call Joy-anne at 250 542-5922 or Penni at 250 566-9192 APR 28 LOT FOR SALE

Empty residential lot 1272 3rd Ave in for sale. Located on Valemount. 2 bdrm house 14th Ave in Valemount. with basement newly 65’x130’, sewer and water at property, near high school. $45,000 PUBLIC NOTICE obo. Call Kelly @780 984-7061 or email kelly@ wsionline.ca VILLAGE OF McBRIDE MAY 12

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 700 Zoning Bylaw No. 703 Notice is hereby given that a public hearing for OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 700 and Zoning Bylaw No. 703 will be held: 7:00 pm Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Village of McBride Council Chambers 100 Robson Centre – 855 SW Frontage Road McBride, B.C. Bylaw No. 700 – OCP Amendment The Local Government Act introduced legislation requiring governments in BC to include in their Official Community Plan, targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed bylaw is to include a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Section. Other minor text and map amendments are proposed as well. Bylaw No. 703 – Zoning The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has been contracted to update the zoning bylaw for the Village of McBride. The new zoning bylaw is proposed to replace existing Village of McBride Zoning Bylaw No. 579, 1999 in its entirety. The proposed bylaw is an update of current general text and includes new mapping. As well, the following specific changes are proposed: -basement suites are proposed to be allowed in most residential zones. -Residential Two-Family (duplex) use will be moved from the Residential zones to its own zone -within the current Limited Agriculture zone, the provision for sale of crops to stores, farmers markets, or on-site sales is proposed to be added Other minor text and map amendments are proposed as well. 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. Any material received before or at the public hearing will become public information. Please note that emails cannot be accepted as written submissions. Copies of the bylaw may be examined at the office of the Village of McBride at 100 Robson Centre – 855 SW Frontage Road, McBride BC during regular office hours from April 28 to May 11, 2010. Eliana Clements CAO McBride, BC • Fax: (250)569-3276

ROTO-TILLING Garden Roto-tilling. ( in or out-of-town. Call 250 566-4586 (Valemount) MAY 5 EMPLOYMENT

LOCAL JOB POSTINGS Updated April 28, 2010

Assistant ECE Auto body/Paint Technician

Bartender Campground

Interpreter/ Fee Collector Chambermaids (3) Cook / Chef Employment Counsellor Front Desk (3) Housekeepers (3) Motel Managers (Couple) Office Assistant Servers Specialty Cook ( International Cuisine) Front desk staff can give you detailed information about each of these postings, including info on how to submit your application for these job opportunities. For more information about these jobs, please call:

Valemount Learning Centre 250-566-4601 PO Box 789, 99 Gorse St. Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday April 28, 2010 • 13 Main: 250.566.4425 | Toll-free: 1.800.226.2129 | E-mail: classifieds@thevalleysentinel.com | Web: classifieds.thevalleysentinel.com IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

RENTAL LISTINGS VALEMOUNT REAL ESTATE

THE FOLLOWING IS IN MEMORY OF MY BROTHER

#024

“Robert Harstad”

Mountainview Apartments 1 Bedroom unit $475 2 Bedroom units - $575 $40 rent reduction on these rates for May & June! Clean & Quiet Building. No pets, no smoking

(Who unexpectedly passed away 17 years ago)

Somewhere beyond the sunset Amidst the golden skies Our brother dwells in God’s garden Where happiness never dies For us who will always love him And whose passing brought great pain We’ll cherish his memory forever Until we can all meet again Lovingly remembered and never forgotten, Dorene and family

OBITUARY

RENTALS

Photos and details at

www.rusticluxury.com Call Jen 250-566-1323

RENTALS CN Apts - 1 & 2 bdrms $520 & $590/mth + hydro. Juniper Manor - 2 bdrms, all new cupboards & fixtures, fresh paint, new ceramic tile & wook laminate flooring, good storage & laundry hookups. $590/mth + hydro, 1 Bachelor $400/

OBITUARY

RENTALS

MISC. FOR SALE Six welders for sale, six fire pumps, six fire tanks, 2000ft of fire hose, electric motors, 1/4 - 30 horse power1ph. Phone Lorenz at 250 968-4419 APR 14, APR 28 Miller 250 Electric Welder, 100 ft leads, good condition $300 obo or trade for W.H.Y. Call 250 566-0177 APR 28 WANTED TO RENT Wanted to rent: Now or in the future. Inexpensive place in wooded area for 1 woman with references. Call 250 566-4098 or 780 820-1125 APR 28

month + hydro. Call Scott LEGAL NOTICE 250 566-1569 APR 28 I, ADA LYNN REDEKOP OF VALEMOUNT, BC, AM NO LONGER WANTED RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEBTS INCURRED Cheap or free used BY TIMOTHY JAMES lumber, plywood, etc. DEULING OF Call 250 566-0177. We VALEMOUNT, BC. will pick-up. APR 28 APR 28

EMPLOYMENT

NV CONSTRUCTION

Is Now Hiring Full Time Carpenters 2 Positions Available Located in McBride 40 Hrs a week, $27.00 Per Hr Must have Completion of High School and 5 or more years of experience Please send Resumes to: 5306 Hwy 16 East McBride, BC, V0E 2Z0 or Fax (250) 569-0178 Email: n.v.mountainview@hotmail.com

shed, $5 per bale. Round bales available. Call 250 Well Pumping and 569-3201 APR 28 cleaning. 25ft deep or less. Call Reesa at 250 EMPLOYMENT 566-9707 APR 21 TFN Shell Gas Station is looking for positive FEED FOR SALE energetic people to work Feed for sale: 50lb+ full/part time. Fax resume 250 566-9147 square bales, no rain, in to MAY 5 WELL PUMPING

1187 Week of 04.26.2010

EMILE DESJARLAIS April 28, 1920 – April 21, 2010

If I were a glass of water If I were a glass of water, clear, beautiful, and bright, I’d graciously pour for others As they journey through my life I’d let the dancing water run As a babbling brook does flow, The glass would fill as it was used As the Master did long ago. But if I were an empty glass What would I have to give? Would I go through the motions Pretending I could live? Without a noble purpose that love alone can bring, No! I choose love and fill my glass As God within one sings. I fill my glass to overflow and look into the night, If I see only shadows, I’m blocking out the light. Come drink with me this sparkling dew And celebrate forever Love is a gift that I must share, My cup is runneth over.

Janie May & Family

ACREAGE FOR SALE 12.6 acres above Valemount on Hillside Drive. Power and phone on property, 2 legal access points - 1 off Hillside Drive and one off Swift Creek FSR. Gorgeous view of valley and Premiers. $175,000. Call 780 405-8620 for more info.

MAY 26

RENTALS Furnished 3 Bdrm Country House. 10 min walk to town. Utilities - TV incl., Short term OK. N/S, N/P. $700/month. Call 250 569-2561. Unfurnished negotiable. APR 28

RENTALS 2 Bdrm apt. across from the hospital in McBride. Fridge, stove included. $525 per mth. Call 250 569-0208

MAR 17 TFN

Furnished bachelor suites and 3 bdrm home available immed. Parking and hook-ups for motorhome, 5th wheels and campers. available in Valemount. Contact 250 566-9884

APR 28 TFN

Log Duplex in Valemount. 5 bdrm, 2 full bathrooms, partially furnished. $900/ Mth, non-smoking. For info call 780 264-1651 MAY 5

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14 • Wednesday April 28, 2010 The Valley Sentinel

Activities to Entertain & Amuse Pioneer Photo

CROSSWORD AND SUDOKU

About this photo Description: Trading post at the Mount Robson Ranch.

Date: 1910s Credits: Valemount Museum & Archives ID: 2003.19.2 Image: 5 of 66 If you have any more information on this photo or any others that appear you can contact The Valley Museum & Archives in McBride, The Valemount Museum or contact us at The Valley Sentinel.

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 This week will be a positive one, Aries. That’s thanks to your inherent tendency to be hardworking in all aspects of life. Your level of motivation can’t be topped. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Financial gains will increase this week, Taurus. This could be due to work with friends or siblings, which enables your cash flow to grow. Now’s the time for purchase power. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 You could find your thought patterns are a little more unrealistic than in weeks past, Gemini. Don’t make careless decisions that you will regret later on. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, this week you prove more assertive than ever before. It could be because you have your eyes on a prize and you’re ready to make your goals a reality.

WEDNESDAY

Daytime Condition

Mixed precip.

70% P.O.P. 7°C High -1°C Low Wind N 5 km/h 1-3 cm 24/Hr Snow

Horoscopes LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Finances are of the utmost importance, Leo. You need to enforce financial planning in your life and avoid any form of speculation. Otherwise you could be in trouble. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Expect some levels of pressure and stress to rise this week, Virgo. Health issues may infringe on your ability to do your work to the best of your ability. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you will experience growth due to a lot of hard work and dedication. While this week may seem all about getting ahead, there is some time for kicking back as well. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 You will find overall stability and happiness with your family life, Scorpio. Rather than letting work pressures lead your life, focus more on your home relationships.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

SAGITTARIUS-Nov 23/Dec 2 You will experience some challenges and hurdles this week, Sagittarius, but they are nothing that will keep you down for long. Help from a friend gets you out of a pickle. CAPRICORN- Dec 22/Jan 20 Positive things outweigh the negative ones this week, Capricorn. That’s a good thing for you, seeing as you’ve needed to turn your luck around. Leo is a pest on Tuesday. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 A reunion with a friend could increase your income in an unexpected way, Aquarius. Gains can come out of the blue and from sources you never imagined. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Your mind is angry and unsettled, Pisces. Do not make any major decisions while you are feeling aggressive. It could prove troublesome.

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Daytime Scattered Condition flurries

Daytime Variable Condition cloudiness

Daytime Cloudy with Condition showers

Daytime Condition

60% P.O.P. 8°C High -2°C Low Wind NE 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow close to 5 cm

40% P.O.P. 11°C High -3°C Low Wind W 5 km/h 24/Hr Snow close to 3 cm

40% P.O.P. 13°C High -4°C Low Wind W 5 km/h 1-3 cm 24/Hr Rain

20% P.O.P. 14°C High 0°C Low Wind W 15 km/h 24/Hr Rain

Mainly sunny

MONDAY

Daytime Condition

Mainly sunny

10% P.O.P. 13°C High -2°C Low Wind NW 15 km/h 24/Hr Rain

The Valley Sentinel Wednesday April 28, 2010 • 15

250-569-7397

Irene Berndsen’s Featured Listings from the Robson Valley 1280 Juniper Street VA V leMount, bC • Large yard quiet street • Excellent condition • Affordable living • Beautiful views

Call Today!

Irene

Berndsen Sales Representative in McBride

Prince George This Weeks Featured listings are all from the Robson Valley

1233 14th Avenue VA V leMount, bC

74,500

235,000

McGregor uPPer FrASer, bC

1130 2nd Avenue Mcbride, bC • 3 bedroom rancher • Good location • Currently rented

129,000

• beautifully finished • charm & quality • Immaculate condition •established gardens • option to purchase adjoining lot

SOLD!

163,000

• 140+ acre parcel • Surrounded by lakes and rivers • Beautiful mountain views • Good road access

ireneb@royallepage.ca

1355 dyke road Mcbride, bC

NEW!

163,000

927 2nd Avenue Mcbride, bC

Reduced!

59,000

•

• Great country starter home • 3 bdrm, 2 bthrm mobile • 2 acres with landscaped yard • Large deck

• Sturdy, commercial building • Loading dock, floor drains • 1700 sq ft • Owner motivated

1151 Mcbride Crescent Mcbride, bC

129,000

• 3 bedroom with basement suite • Great location, alley access, garage • Excellent condition • Must be seen sellers motivated • Estate sale

11120 e Hwy 16 VA V leMount, bC

325,000

• 4 acres, 3 bedroom house • beautiful year round creek • excellent water, hiking trails • perfect family and/or recreation

www.mountainviewrealty.ca

Let’s Celebrate

Wanting to say something special to your Mom in our feature? We would love to hear from you, send us your poems, short stories, and Mother’s Days wishes! Advertiser’s call to get your ad placed. Ad Booking Deadline is April 28th Call Sharon to reserve your space today! 250.566.4425 | 1.800.226.2129

16 • Wednesday April 28, 2010 The Valley Sentinel RE/MAX Centre City • 1679 15th Avenue • Prince George BC V2L 3X2 • 1-250-562-3600

The Right Agent... For Today’s Market. 521 Main Street, McBride, BC

$820,000

- New commercial complex - Finished 7000 sq ft - Excellent location - Three phase power - Lease space available - Call for details!

100 Mountainview Road, McBride, BC

$425,000

- Country family home - Six bdrms, two baths - Excellent gardens and lawns - Large truck shop - 17.8 view acreage

3709 Hinkelman Road, McBride, BC

521A Main Street, McBride, BC

$149,900

9201 Loos Road, Crescent Spur, BC

$142,500

- Unique country homestead - 3 bedroom w/sunroom - On 18.81 acres with hip roof barn - House built in 1997 - Very private & secluded - On school bus route

1342 Pearson Avenue, Prince George, BC

- Log home with truck shop - Fenced and cross fenced - Set up for horses - Backs on Fraser River - Excellent condition

835 Beaven Crescent, Valemount, BC - Immaculate home - 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom - Large attached garage - Paved yard, nice trees - Wheelchair ramp - Large 3/4 acre corner lot

2300 Westlund Road, McBride, BC

$198,500

- Beautiful home - Bright and open - Five bedrooms - Large corner lot - Excellent gardens - Central location

$83,900

$375,000 2345 Westlund Road, McBride, BC

$580,000

- Private horse farm - Immaculate family home - New 3 stall barn with loft - New garage and shop - Excellent location

831 Bridge Road, McBride, BC

$125,000

1097 5th Avenue, McBride, BC

846 4th Avenue, McBride, BC

- Home & acreage - Semi treed 37 acres - Large 4 bdrm home - Shop & barn - Excellent location

- 3 bdrm Rancher - Good location - Large corner lot - Finished basement

$189,000

$549,500

$239,000

- Thriving outdoor sports business - Sale includes fixtures & inventory - Outerwear, power tools, parts & repairs - Spacious 4200 sq ft leased floorspace - Call for details!

Each office independently owned and operated.

Data is from sources believed to be reliable but accuracy is not guaranteed.

$315,000

4592 Mountainview Road, McBride, BC

$389,000

$238,500 - Beautiful property - Mountainside cottage - Tastefully decorated - Awesome views - Treed 10 acre lot - Year round mountain stream

- Awesome Valley view - Five bdrms, 4 baths - Perfect B&B - Treed 13.5 acres - Solarium, barn, and pond

361 Dominion Street, McBride, BC

- Spacious 3 bedroom mobile - Nice one acre lot - Perfect location - Priced right

13292 Bunbury Road, Tete Jaune Cache, BC

- New on market - Nice shape on 2 lots - Level large setting - Very nice inside - Open spacious rooms - Private yard - Lots of wood work

- Nice executive home - With shop on 3 lots - Immaculate estate sale - Natural wood craftsmanship - Priced to sell

956 4th Avenue, McBride, BC

$89,500

- Nice 3 bdrm home - Totally renovated - All new kitchen - Excellent location - Priced to sell

250-981-5742 or 250-569-0125 or Toll Free: 1-877-732-5767 • allanmiller@remax.net McBride, valeMount, and area www.robsonvalleyrealestate.ca

Al Miller

The hard-Working nice guy

Thank you to all the Advertiser’s that have made Our 2010 Visitor’s Guide possible. Thank you to those who gave their input. We look forward to serving you in Our Visitor’s Guide for 2011. This year’s Visitor Guide will be distributed at the end April ’10 Sincerely, the staff of the