Volume 28 Issue 1 by The Valley Sentinel

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YO U R C O M M U N I T Y YO U R N E W S PA P E R

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JANUARY 3, 2013 $1.16 Plus HST

VOLUME 28 ISSUE 1 www.thevalleysentinel.com

S E RV I N G T H E R O B S O N VA L L E Y S I N C E 1 9 8 6

THE VALLEY

INCLUDING THE COMMUNITIES OF VALEMOUNT, MCBRIDE, DUNSTER, TETE JAUNE, MOUNT ROBSON, CRESCENT SPUR, DOME CREEK AND JASPER

3 DAY WEATHER FORECAST

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NEW DOWNTOWN SIGN

LIVE DIFFERENTLY CLUB PAGE 2

YEAR REVIEW: FEBRUARY PAGE 7

YEAR REVIEW: JUNE PAGE 11

LAURA JOHNSON PHOTO

YEAR REVIEW: JULY PAGE 12

Pastor Conrad Broersma, along with brother Garrett Broersma, right, are helped by Paul Marklund steadying the ladders, as they put up the new sign for the Valemount Community Church. The sign was up and in place on Dec. 23; just in time for the churchʼs ﬁrst Christmas Eve service. The church, which has been having services alternate Sundayʼs; will move to regular Sunday services beginning Sunday, Jan. 13 at 11 a.m.

The Valley Sentinel, ROBSON VALLEY REGION •

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

McBride high school students making a difference By BIRGIT STUTZ Contributor

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – that is McBride Secondary High School Principal Derrick Shaw’s motto. But he’s not alone. Several McBride Secondary High School students are trying to make a difference. Shaw said it all started when a group of youth from across Canada visited the McBride High School last spring. The youth were part of the Live Different organization and talked to the McBride students about their personal issues, ranging from drug abuse to being victims of violence and sexual abuse. “I was intrigued,” said Shaw, and realizing that he wasn’t alone, he wanted to support the kids who are trying to make

Tourism Valemount request quotes for Catering for the Winter Festival Drag Races Awards Ceremony on February 9, 2013: • Ceremony Location: Community Hall • Event time 5:30 pm–8:00 pm • Provide catering service at the Community Hall from 6:00 pm–8:00 pm • Number of people expected approximately 200 adults only • Provide price per person as per menu items (final count to be confirmed) • Must have temporary catering and food permit, must provide copy of permit prior to contract signing • Contact Jennifer for menu items • Deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 at 4 pm Forward all proposals to Jennifer Robinson marketing@visitvalemount.ca or drop it off at the Village Office Monday to Friday 8:30 am–12:30 pm or 1:30 pm–4:30 pm. For any questions please call 250.566.4435.

a difference. “The power of one is incredible, one person makes a difference, so I thought about what we can do. In late November, we started with a food drive, but it wasn’t doing so well. There was one core group of kids who wanted to do more, so I started the Live Different club at the high school.” The Live Different club is part of the Live Different movement, which also includes a hero program. Club members meet informally to discuss ideas of positive things that they could do.“We decided to go to Prince George on Dec. 21 to help feed the needy,” said Shaw. “The Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Prince George was doing a Christmas hamper work bee and was putting together over 300 hampers. There were 10 of us in total, eight students and two staff members. I approached Diversified Transportation and they supported us with bussing. They gave us a bus and covered the fuel.” Shaw said the day in Prince George was strictly to help with the hampers. “The whole purpose was to build hampers, we didn’t go to the mall or anything like that,” he said. “We bagged potatoes and oranges. It was really well organized. It was a great day. We received a lot of positive comments in Prince George about our kids. I am really proud of the kids.” Shaw said some students have also been involved with local charities before Christmas. “Some students helped the Seventh Day Adventists with their Christmas hampers and some students helped the Elks with the wrapping of Christmas presents.” Shaw is hoping to see these random acts of kindness gain momentum.“We are not doing this for recognition, we’d much rather do it quietly, but it is infectious.” According to the Live Different website (http://livedifferent. com/), “Live Different (formerly Absolute Leadership Development) is a youth movement challenging ourselves and others to consistent actions of love, hope and change - both large and small. Each of our lives are powerful because our

DERRICK SHAW PHOTO

McBrideʼs Live Differently Club travelled to Saint Vincent

de Paulʼs in Prince George on Dec. 21 to help pack Christmas boxes. choices matter and we are ultimately the ones who determine who we become and how we can make a positive difference in the world around us.” For more information on the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Prince George visit www.svdppg.com.

Christmas bird count in McBride By BIRGIT STUTZ Contributor

The 113th annual Christmas bird count for the Audubon Society, a North American bird conservatory organization, was held across Canada and the United States in Valemount Community Church mid-December. McBride Is celebrating the launch of weekly services on resident Elsie Stanley, who does the online reporting Sunday, January 13, 2013 to the Audubon Society for the McBride area, said this At our Church home on 5th Avenue at 11:00am was the 22nd bird count in

McBride. “We started counting in 1991,” she said. “The weather was lovely at McBride on Sunday, Dec. 16. Christmas bird count organizer Elaine Gillette, Eunice Wentz, Brian Monroe, Glen Stanley, Irene Twiss and myself spent time out-and-about in the count circle, which encompasses the area from Beaver River (Holmes River) to MacIntosh Creek. Fifteen feeder watchers reported from their yards as well.” A total of 29 species and 841 birds were sighted, which Stanley says is lower than average. Stanley said one of the reasons is that there are fewer people to call on for fieldwork. Continued on page 4

Guest Speaker: Martin Perren - District Superintendent

Come one, Come All, Everyone is welcome. Any questions please contact Pastor Conrad at 250 566-0070

Gary Schwartz Farrier Service

McBride, BC

250-569-3319

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013 •

The Valley Sentinel/the ﬁtzhugh

January

Counting birds and keeping records During the annual Christmas bird count, Jasperites recorded 38 species and 1,329 birds in total last year. The most exciting species to be spotted was a Northern Shrike, a medium-sized predatory songbird that breeds in the taiga and tundra and spends the winters in southern Canada and the northern United States. The top two birds spotted were bohemian waxwings, coming in at 415 sightings, and the common raven, which followed with 339 sightings.

Blue River gets cell service Cell service was added to Blue River in 2012, breaking up the former dead zone between Valemount and Clearwater. The addition was a welcome one for Blue River residents, snowmobilers and travellers alike.

3.6-per-cent tax increase for Jasper residents After throwing around a few larger numbers during deliberations, Jasper town council approved a 3.6-per-cent tax increase for 2012. Also approved were increases to utility fees, with water increasing by 1.7 per cent, sewage by 4.9 per cent and solid waste by 2.5 per cent. With tax and utility increases, a home with an assessed value of $750,000 had a monthly increase of about $7.69 in 2012.

ROBSON FLETCHER PHOTO

JANUARY 12: Jasperʼs dog park made it back in the news, as council considered where to allow canines off-leash once construction of the new high school began.

Robson Valley property values decreasing Assessed property values in the Robson Valley were reported as decreasing by between eight and 15 per cent in 2012. The overall decrease for homes in Valemount and McBride equates to about $15 million, with the assessment roll dropping to $172 million from $187 million the previous year. With the decrease, most of the 1,280 property owners in the two communities were to expect their house values to decrease, according to BC Assessment.

Lost dog finds way home Following a story in the Fitzhugh, a dog found at the Hinton dump was reunited with its rightful owner. The five-year-old cairn terrier had run from her owner’s home on Dec. 23, 2011 and didn’t return home. That same day, Facundo Tio-Tio found her cold and alone at the landfill, and brought her to Jasper. Bianca Hannula, the dog’s owner, saw a photo of her pup in the paper and later, nearly a month after the dog went missing, the pair were reunited.

ROBSON FLETCHER PHOTO

ANDREA SCHOLZ PHOTO

JANUARY: Warm temperatures and rainfall turned Valley roads into treacherous ice sheets as seen above on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 in Valemount.

SERVING THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION & JASPER

JANUARY 19: Albertaʼs top mogul skiers, including several alumni of Jasper Freeride club, spent six days training at Marmot Basin in January as they prepared for last seasonʼs competitive tour.

The Valley Sentinel, ROBSON VALLEY REGION •

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Reach The Valley Sentinel at: 250.566.4425, 250.569.2336 or 1.800.226.2129 Email: editor@thevalleysentinel.com or Fax: 250.566.4528

DAVE MARCHANT

VIEWPOINT

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW By DANIEL BETTS, Editor

In this issue we have compiled some the most memorable events of 2012. As the pages began to unfold we found ourselves reminiscing on a memorable year. The Chinese zodiac designated 2012 the year of the water dragon, which would seem most appropriate. Record snow falls and heavy spring rains resulted in rising water in creeks and streams, on both sides of the Rockies. Washed out highways stranded motorists while rising creeks blew out weirs and damaged bridges. Forest roads and hiking trails were cut off by mudslides. In Jasper National Park stranded hikers had to be evacuated by boat across Medicine Lake. In Valemount, residents were evacuated from their homes after Swift Creek threatened its banks. Damage from last year’s water incidents are still being repaired. The icefall from Ghost Glacier on Mount Edith Cavell, and resulting mini-tsunami, had to be the most surprising event of the year. Luckily none of these specific incidents resulted in loss of life. It was also a significant year for honouring the efforts of others. Local athletes brought much pride to our communities such as Agnes Esser of McBride or Corey Wallace of Jasper. 2012 being the year of our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, local residents were honoured and recognized for their community involvement. The Alberta election last year proved the unreliability of polls. The Municipality of Jasper faced tough budgeting questions concerning the new library construction and the establishment of a new dog park. Valemount’s fresh new mayor and council faced criticism surrounding the Big Foot Trail construction, but were also complimented for their swift action during the summer water crisis. What will the New Year bring? Simply put, may we all continue to live in interesting times. editor@thevalleysentinel.com

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Christmas bird count in McBride Continued from page 2

The bird counters sighted six trumpeter swans, one American dipper, 229 black-capped chickadees, 10 chestnutbacked chickadees, 23 red-breasted nuthatches, 22 downy woodpeckers, eight hairy woodpeckers, 20 dark-eyed juncos, one varied thrush, 159 common ravens, 54 American crows, 12 red-winged blackbirds, 137 pine grosbeaks, six Steller’s jays, 27 evening grosbeaks, four rough-legged hawks, two bald eagles, 11 Eurasian collared doves, 15 northern flickers, one song sparrow, two northern shrikes, two American three-toed woodpeckers, seven ruffed grouse, 22 common redpolls, seven European starlings, one black-billed magpie, one pileated woodpecker, and one northern pygmy owl. “Another northern pygmy owl was sighted on Dec. 20, just past the count week,” said Stanley. “Fifty snow buntings were also sighted. No snowy or short-eared owls were reported.” Stanley said the number of seed-eaters were down considerably this year. “The flocks of seed-eaters are called irruptive migrants and no one knows when or why they show up,” she said. “On count day, there were no great flocks of the seed eaters, such as pine siskins, and red or white-winged crossbills, though we did find a few redpolls and grosbeaks. The big flocks of Bohemian waxwings weren’t in sight. There’s been a flock of house sparrows in town, but they were not found on count day or during count week. So the numbers were down from other years. There were mallards and geese keeping a bit of water open at Horseshoe Lake until maybe

10 days before the Christmas bird count, and someone saw a robin in town just the day before count week started. We were thinking that with all the open water on the Fraser River on count day we would find ducks or geese, but no luck. Again, not enough of us out looking.” Stanley said there were some unusual and rare sightings during this year’s bird count. “The swans were unusual sightings. They were the first swans sighted during the Christmas bird count in McBride. Trumpeter swans stay on open water near Prince George and every winter the Prince George naturalists do a ‘swan count’. Snowy owls are being talked about over the province because this is a big year for them – they usually don’t come this far south – but we didn’t find one, though they have been around in the valley. We find very few owls, so the pygmy owl (sighting) was good. The Eurasian collared doves moved into the area in the last three years and are breeding here, and some are staying for the winter.” Stanley said if anybody would like to participate in a bird count, the 16th annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be held from Friday, Feb. 15, to Monday, Feb. 18. For more information visit www.birdcount.org and also be sure to check out the latest at birds.audubon.org/educationalmaterials. The Great Backyard Bird Count is led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada and sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013 •

The Valley Sentinel/the ﬁtzhugh

Owl attacks three people A great horned owl attacked three people at the Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing Lodge the evening of Jan. 26. The first to be attacked, a staff member of the lodge, was the only person to require medical attention. The staff member, who was not identified, suffered cuts to the side of his face near his eye, temple and hairline. The other two attacks followed shortly after the first and were less severe. The owl was destroyed because of the attacks.

Dr ag r aces in the Valley

NICOLE VEERMAN PHOTO

FEBRUARY 2: Jasperites against the proposed Glacier Discovery Walk gathered outside of the Parks Canada administration building and then presented Supt. Greg Fenton with the results of the Avaaz petition that garnered signatures from Canadians across the country.

February

Valemount held its first-ever snowmobile drag races at the Canoe River Campground last February. The event was deemed a great success with 65 racers taking part and 93 races taking place. Participation was said to be on par with the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Racing Association’s own drag races. The event was part of Valemount’s annual Winter Festival.

From Dunster to Alabama

Municipal manager retires After 37 years with the Municipality of Jasper, George Krefting retired in early February. Krefting moved to Jasper in 1975 to become the secretary-treasurer of the Jasper School District. He kept that role for 20 years until the school district was absorbed by the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division. Then, in 1995, Krefting became the manager of the Jasper Improvement District. He did that job until Jasper was incorporated in 2002 and then continued on as the municipal manager until his retirement.

Stabbing, Jasper’s first murder in decades An Edson man died after being stabbed at a hotel Jan. 28, marking Jasper’s first homicide in decades. Police officers found Kenzie John Beaton, 22, at the Tonquin Inn with a stab wound around 4 a.m. Shortly afterwards, Cody Kyle Jensen, 21, of Edmonton was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. A special sitting of the Jasper court is set for April 29 to May 3 to host a primary hearing of the case.

Discovery Walk gets the go-ahead

Dunster’s Curtis Culp, a hummingbird bander, recorded the second-longest recapture of a rufous hummingbird, with one of his banded birds flying 3,621 kilometres from his feeder all the way down to Alabama. “It’s kind of like winning the lottery, only there’s no money involved,” he said after hearing the news. Hummingbird recaptures are rare because there are thousands of hummingbirds and only a few banders in isolated locations across Canada and the United States. Culp’s recapture was his third long distance recapture in seven years of banding.

Sledders rescued in Robson Valley Two groups of sledders were trapped on the backside of the Clemina area, between the mountainside and the lake, in late January. On Jan. 26, two sledders wound up in an area they couldn’t get out of and because of adverse weather, they weren’t rescued for two days. The following day, while a Search and Rescue team was looking for that group, it discovered another group of three stuck in the same area. All five people were rescued on Jan. 28, when the weather cleared up enough to allow a helicopter into the area.

ANDREA SCHOLZ PHOTO

FEBRUARY: Aiden Anthony pulls a sled with Asling Ives and Adalie Anthony (on right). Pushing the sled fromt he back is Maddisyn Smith (left) and Karli Lawless.

The Glacier Discovery Walk was given the green light in Ottawa, Feb. 9, despite a significant outcry from Jasperites and Canadians who oppose the project. The announcement was made by Environment Minister Peter Kent, the minister responsible for Parks Canada. Kent said during the announcement that the interpretive walkway, proposed by Brewster Travel Canada, is an innovative way for people of all ages and abilities to learn from the geography and glaciology in the area, while taking part in a “view from the edge experience.” He also noted that the project is a good way to boost the economy through increased tourism. Construction of the Glacier Discovery Walk began at Tangle Ridge last summer.

Rockies’ icon passes Bud Brewster, a carpenter, horseman, golf course builder, backcountry outfitter and savvy businessman, died Feb. 10 at the age of 83. Brewster was a fourth-generation Albertan who carried on his family’s legacy of providing warm mountain hospitality to visitors to the Canadian Rockies for more than a century. Bud and his wife Annette raised three daughters, Janet, Alison and Cori.

ROBSON FLETCHER PHOTO

FEBRUARY 23: Billowing smoke from a Monday-morning fire at the Amethyst Lodge drew a large crowd to Connaught Drive but no one was injured in the blaze and the damage was limited to just one room, according to the Jasper Fire Department.

SERVING THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION & JASPER

the ﬁtzhugh/The Valley Sentinel • THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

March

MARCH: On Monday, March 12 at the Valemount Community Theatre, the Valemount Arts and Cultural Society (VACS) presented Caladh Nua.

Town-wide PJ day

Funding dries up A pilot project that brought Jasper a seniors outreach worker came to a close at the end of March, leaving Community Outreach Services one life-stage short of a full team. The funding for the project, which began in 2010, was awarded to the Jasper Community Team from Alberta Health and Wellness. Although Community Outreach Services knew the project would eventually come to an end, the hope was it would last for at least three to five years. “I believe it needs more time,” Amy Wilcox, who had been the seniors outreach worker since July 2011, said at the time. “Two years is not really enough time for any outreach worker to kind of get a feeling for what exactly is happening in the community with the demographic you’re working with and working for, so I feel the work has only just begun.”

Standing up for students Robson Valley schools were closed March 5 as teachers gathered in the cold to take a stand against increased class sizes. “We are looking at classes of 30 or more with no provisions for special needs children,” said Valemount Elementary School teacher Susan Prue. Although in other parts of British Columbia, teachers were on picket lines talking about wages, in the valley, that debate took the backseat. “The wage,” said Joel Zahn, sub-local president of the McBride Valemount Teacher’s Association, “I could care less about the wage. Making and allowing kids to learn is the most important part.” Later in the month, the B.C. Government passed Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act, which prevents walk outs and forces teachers to end limited job action.

Torch run visits Jasper The Law Enforcement Torch Run made its way through Jasper in advance of the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Special Olympics Winter Games in St. Albert. As part of the run, Special Olympians and police service members from across the country paid a visit to Jasper Elementary School, where students were able to ask questions of the officers and the athletes. Grade 2 student Wyatt Rodwell asked how the flame stays lit throughout the run and was invited to take a look for himself. Jasper hosted the Special Olympics alpine events March 1 and 2.

For one day, Jasper looked like a page out of a Dr. Seuss book, as residents walked around in their coziest sleepwear to raise awareness about autoimmune diseases. Actually, people did a lot more than walk in their pyjamas. They skied. They did yoga. They ate spaghetti. They strutted on the catwalk in a fashion show and they did their day-to-day chores, all while wearing housecoats, slippers and flannel plaid pants. The first annual Pyjama Day was organized by Jasper’s Marta Rode in hopes of starting a conversation about autoimmune diseases, of which there are about 150. Rode launched the campaign, which she dubbed Find the Common Thread, after she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease two years prior.

Mountie retires Jasper’s Stephen Pavlov retired from the RCMP after serving the organization for 26 years to the day since he was sworn in as a member. March 14 marked both his first and last day on the force. Pavlov joined the RCMP in 1986 because of a fascination with police work that was fostered by family connections. His uncle worked in a police department in New Jersey and his wife Patti worked as a clerk for the RCMP in Windsor, Ont., Pavlov’s hometown. Looking back on his 26 years of service –21 of which were in Jasper – he said overall, it was a great career and for that, he credited Jasper. “I really do appreciate the community. That’s what’s kept me and my family here.”

Women’s counsellor recognized Dunster’s own Nancy Taylor was recognized for 22 years of service in violence prevention in mid-March. The recognition came from the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia during a conference in Vancouver. Taylor is a women’s counsellor and community learning outreach co-ordinator for the Robson Valley Support Society (RVSS). Her name was put forward for the Long Term Service Award by RVSS Executive Director Melanie Johnson. Of the award, Taylor said it was incredible to be recognized with other women “pioneers of the field.”

AUGUSTO PARDO BONAFONTE PHOTO

Jasper’s Iron Chef

In a head-to-head battle of wits and culinary majesty, two teams faced off in Jasper’s very own Kitchen Stadium – the Beauvert dining room at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The secret ingredient: squash. The time limit: one hour. The goal: to reign supreme. JPL held it’s very own staff Iron Chef competition March 25. With a full AV crew filming and projecting the searing, stirring, chopping and plating, it was just like being in the studio audience of the Food Network’s Iron Chef America. Following all three courses, which ranged from squash soup on top of a poached egg and fresh bacon bits to beef tenderloin on squash spaetzle and asparagus, the scores were tied. The tie breaker was the judging of each team’s squash beverage. Ultimately making the Iron Chef team, led by Cole Glendinning, the Kitchen Stadium champions. With Glendinning on the winning team was Laura Chappelle, Khalid Daud, Bryan Jacobson and Susan Gnanaprakasam. The challenging team was led by Jeff Brule and was rounded out by Paddy Colucci, Andrew Linkletter, Jeff Zammit and Will Barrie.

Deer problem in McBride

The ever increasing deer population in McBride created concerns amongst some residents last March, as deer wandering the town were fearlessly following people, feeding on shrubs, flowers and gardens and in some cases even attacking pets. During a council meeting, McBride resident Ralph Bezanson requested a solution. “The deer are aggressive, they are chasing dogs, eating flowers, eating gardens,” he told council. But, deer aren’t within the jurisdiction of local government, so Bezanson was told to contact a conservation officer. At the time of the complaint, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations hadn’t received a single report of aggressive deer in McBride.

The circle begins In late March, council decided that Patricia Circle would become just that: a circle. Despite administration’s recommendation to maintain the existing street footprint, with the road coming to an end at two points on the north side of the residential development, council unanimously voted to complete the circle. The need to redevelop the surface infrastructure, streets and sidewalks in Patricia Circle was a priority for council because the area was in a state of serious decay. Road work in the area began in June and was completed by the fall.

ROBSON FLETCHER PHOTO

MARCH 8: Sporting her PJs and a GoPro chest-cam she wore all day on Feb. 29, Marta Rode rips down a run at Marmot Basin.

SERVING JASPER & THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

April

So long, Floyd The Robson Valley lost its oldest resident April 8, when Dunster’s Floyd Caywood passed away two months before his 99th birthday. Caywood, originally from Colorado, moved to the valley in November of 1958. He came to farm. So, he bought 180 acres of river bottom land, only 30 of which were cleared, and he took up grain and hay farming. He was known for his hospitality to young travellers, his love of trains, the apt and often goofy nicknames he’d come up with, and his love of birds.

Swap approved After three extensions, the land swap agreement between the municipality and Grande Yellowhead Public School Division was finally completed, making the Bonhomme Street dog park the official site of the new school. The multiple extensions were necessary in order to the school division to meet all of the stipulations set out by the municipality. The last hold-up was a wait for the division to provide proof that the provincial government would pay for the reclamation of the old school site – in other words, proof that those lands would be left in a comparable condition to the dog park. The dog park was closed to the public Aug. 24, so that construction could begin. But, between then and now, the only sign of construction is the removal of trees from the far end of the lot.

Ten years, 45,000 fed Three-hundred hungry tummies every Sunday, 15 weeks a year for 10 years, equates to more than just 45,000 plates of food, it equates to 45,000 community connections. April 1 marked the end of Jasper’s 10th season of Community Dinners. The meal was fittingly prepared by Marmot Basin staff, who in the winter of 2002 were the reason the dinners began. That was a year when the snow didn’t come and the ski hill didn’t open until much later than expected. At that same time, Patrick Mooney was beginning his job with Community Outreach Services. “It was almost the first order of business when I started 10 years ago,” he said. And in those 10 years, Mooney has only missed one dinner. “I’ll do it until the cows come home,” he said.

• The Valley Sentinel, ROBSON VALLEY REGION

Marmot’s snowiest season After a 25-centimetre overnight snowfall in early April, Marmot Basin set a record for overall snowfall in a season, with a total 560 centimetres. The previous snowfall record for a season was 542 centimetres. That was set in 1998. The record was set with an entire month of skiing left in the season.

Playing with fire A group of kids experimenting with fire caused a grass fire that spread from Cedar Street to the nearby railroad tracks near 2nd Avenue in Valemount, April 21. When the children realized they were in over their heads, they ran to a nearby residence to call 911. Two fire trucks were deployed to contain the blaze. There was no major damage as a result of the fire.

Dog park location selected Jasper town council unanimously voted to spend $20,000 to develop a new dog park on Sleepy Hollow Road, April 4. The decision came as a disappointment to dog owners who had been lobbying council to provide the community with a centrally located off-leash area. In council’s view, the Sleep Hollow site was ideal, as it expands the town boundary, it’s not close to a residential area, and the land was available immediately for development. But, development didn’t happen immediately as the environmental assessment process dragged on for months. So, as the Bonhomme Street off-leash park closed in August, council opened a temporary site in the corner of Centennial Park. And, by November development of the new dog park on Sleepy Hollow Road had still not begun.

Positive enforcement Peace officer Andrew Stevens created a program to reward youth acting responsibly and respectfully on a consistent basis. The program consists of presenting youth displaying positive behaviours with a “positive action ticket” that can be redeemed at various stores in town. The tickets are laminated gift cards – good for a slushie or smoothie or $5 off – from various businesses in town, including Coco’s Cafe, Tags, Freewheel and Totem Ski Shop. Stevens said the benefit of the program is that it builds a positive relationship between the kids in the community and peace officers, and it also encourages and fosters responsible behaviour from youth.

Valemount Health Centre changes to after-hours emergency access If you need emergency health care outside regular Health Centre hours, call 9-1-1 Valemount Health Centre Emergency Room hours: Mon. - Fri.: 8:40 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For non-emergency health information call HealthLink BC (8-1-1) to get advice from a Registered Nurse, 24 hours per day.

the northern way of caring

the fitzhugh/The Valley Sentinel • Thursday, January 3, 2013

WEEKLYLHOROSCOPE

BY MICHAEL O’CONNOR

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

A steady pace of change that began in the last quarter of 2012 will continue and even accelerate in 2013. The process you are in may be described as a metamorphosis. Yet, unlike the caterpillar becoming a butterfly, you can and do have a say in the outcome. Tune-in to the changes that are happening, decide how you envision the ideal result and cooperate with the process.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

2012 was likely a very busy one for you and the same will largely be true in 2013. In the bigger picture, this is a window offering a go-ahead and/or get-ahead theme. If this has not begun for you yet, there remains time. Perhaps you are not as clear and focused as would be ideal to capitalize. Hold a vision for a brighter future that you can commit to.

emini (May 21 – Jun 21 Bringing your dreams down to reality will continue in 2013. A learning curve is implied, yet its timeline will reach all the way to 2015. So, patience with the process is important. Learning from someone or undergoing an apprenticeship makes sense. Your health is also a corner stone theme and is linked to the learning curve. Dovetail both for best results.

ancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22) A creative wave is washing in and will continue throughout 2013. This is your opportunity to do something that reveals your creative leadership. The more inventive you are the better. This is a call to embark on new roads. If you do look back, do so only to take the best and bring it forward in a fresh way. Plan and prepare now then launch near or after your birthday.

Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 23)

You have arrived at an important juncture. The time has come to confront your fears – the ones hiding in your subconscious. Basically, they are standing in the way of you actualizing a fuller measure of your creative potential. It may be necessary to step away from the limelight for a while, to go within and do this ‘inner work’. Decipher what is your ‘gold’ then intend to defeat the fear dragons.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

2013 represents an important and dynamic learning curve. The early signs of what you will be learning have likely already been revealed, especially since September. New leads and directions and a pioneering approach are implied. The sooner you can clarify what is implied the better, so work to achieve

this now. Yet March is the probable official start month.

ibra (Sep 22 – Oct 22) You are in a foundation building process. The challenge includes clearing away the old foundations. These may be literal as in actual renovations, yet they may also be or at least include habitual beliefs, perceptions, attitudes and/or behaviour patterns. Investments of time, money and focus will be required.

Scorpio (Oct 22 – Nov 21)

A rising desire to take some bold initiatives will continue throughout 2013. The biggest challenge includes determining your direction. The future is the basic answer. This means you are ready for new experiences. A change of lifestyle that began about 2 years ago is a good area to look for answers. Ask: what constitutes the high road?

Sagittarius (Nov 21 – Dec 21)

A process of building upon new foundations will continue in 2013. Deliberate action and efforts are implied. To this end you are experiencing an exciting creative and inventive cycle that will continue for the next several years! Yet, there is also a theme of ‘letting go and letting God’, in the mix. Balance a healthy measure of deliberate action and acceptance of endings.

apricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) 2013 will prove to be a pivotal year for us all, and perhaps for you especially. Making the most or earned rewards from the past, cleaning up the mess of ‘bad’ choices and organizing your efforts to direct your energies to projects and causes that genuinely feel meaningful are the complex line-up. Clean and tie-up loose ends and prepare for expansion in June.

Aquarius (Jan 19 – Feb 19)

You have arrived at a steep ascent to power. Deliberate effort and steady discipline is implied. Like climbing a great mountain, it is important that the segment that 2013 implies leaves you feeling strong and confident for the even steeper sections in 2014 and 2015. Patience is also extra important now. Keep showing-up then take it one step at a time.

isces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) A summons from your higher mind has been sounded. It is calling upon you to establish a more refined and healthy balance. By doing so you will both be able to access your intuitions more quickly and clearly and you will be ready for bigger opportunities and challenges to come. In 2013 intend more regularly to be still and silent to listen within, and take note then deliberate action, Arjuna!

LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

Serving Jasper & the robSon valley region

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Ma y

Above aver age voter turnout Voter turnout in Jasper was slightly higher than average throughout West Yellowhead, but both the town and the constituency as a whole lagged behind the provincewide turnout rate of 57 per cent. That marked the highest turnout in an Alberta election since 1993 and easily outdid the turnout of 41 per cent in the 2008 provincial election, an all-time low. In West Yellowhead, 9,819 of 19,166 eligible voters cast ballots, making the turnout in this constituency 51.2 per cent. That’s up from 37.8 per cent in the 2008 election. In Jasper, specifically, the turnout was a bit higher, standing at 53.1 per cent, with 1,309 of 2,465 eligible voters casting ballots.

‘Freedom tr ain’ chugs through town Jasperites welcomed the Yinka Dene Alliance to Jasper as the group made its way east to protest the Northern Gateway Pipeline. The group, made up of about 40 aboriginal leaders from territories in northern British Columbia arrived in Jasper by rail on a trip they dubbed “Freedom Train 2012.” Jasper was the first in a series of stops on the way to Toronto, where the group later planned to protest outside a meeting of Enbridge shareholders, the company behind the proposed 1,200-kilometre pipeline project. More than 200 people gathered at the train station to welcome the alliance.

JNP employees given notice Forty-one of Jasper National Park’s 340 employees were given notice that their jobs would be affected by the cuts to Parks Canada under the federal government’s 2012 budget. Eighteen of the employees were given “surplus” notices, meaning that their positions would no longer be required. Nine of the 18 accepted “voluntary departure” agreements, according to JNP Supt. Greg Fenton.

• The Valley Sentinel, ROBSON VALLEY REGION

The employment status of the other 23 people, whom Fenton said were mostly seasonal workers, was up in the air. Fenton said those employees would see anything from a “slight reduction in their employment season” to a future surplus notice of their own.

Jasper loses long-time environmentalist Basil Seaton, a war veteran and lifelong environmental activist born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1919, died in Penticton, B.C. May 11, on his 93 birthday. For the past 20 years, Seaton had lived in Jasper and devoted his time and energy to advocating for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat in the park. As a member of the Jasper Environmental Association, he was a whistleblower and watchdog who did his research and refused to back down from a worthy fight. Years before moving to Jasper, Seaton fought a different kind of fight. He was a soldier, serving with the 50th Indian Parachute Brigade in Burma, where he was wounded in 1944. Seaton emigrated to Canada in 1951 and moved to Jasper in 1992.

Love from your Family! ALICE MORTENSON NOVEMBER 3, 1919 - DECEMBER 26, 2012

Exercise turns into real-life rescue Parks Canada employees rescued a 35-year-old Edmonton man with a heli-sling May 20, after he fell and cracked a vertebra while simulating a crevasse rescue on Parker Ridge. The man, who works as a paramedic, was one of a group of six people practising rescue techniques in anticipation of an upcoming trip to Peru. When he fell, the group was tied together with a climbing rope, as is standard during crevasse rescue, but they were unable to stop the man from falling. After the fall, which happened around 2:30 p.m., a member of the group ran to the Columbia Icefield Centre and called emergency dispatch from a pay phone. When Parks arrived on site, the man received some first aid and was then put into a Bauman bag, Valemount removed from the crevasse Learning and put into an ambulance. Centre

250-566-4601

LOCAL JOB LOCAL JOB POSTINGS POSTINGS

Updated January 3, 2013 Updated Jan. 3, 2013

NOTICE OF MEETING The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Board of Directors will commence 2013 budget deliberations at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2013. The Committee of the Whole agenda containing budget matters will be available at www.rdffg.bc.ca beginning on January 11, 2013. Individuals or organizations who wish to provide comment on Regional District budget matters may do so as follows: • by addressing the Board of Directors on January 16th - you are requested to confirm arrangements by contacting the Regional District at (250) 960-4444 or 1-800-667-1959 before 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 • by commenting by email to budget@rdffg.bc.ca • by commenting thru the Regional District’s Facebook page • by commenting thru Twitter using the hashtag #RDFFGbudget K. Jensen Corporate Officer 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

Carol Patton, CGA Certified General Accountant In Valemount every 2nd Wednesday of the month. 1-800-846-9190 or 250-672-9921

               

Bartender Cashiers Cook/Chef Food Service Counter Attendants/Cooks Front Desk Groomer Operator Housekeepers Housekeeping Runner Maintenance Person Night Audit Paramedic/EMR Red Cross Swimming Instructor Short Order Cook Specialty Cook (International Cuisine) Traffic Control Person Weather Observer

Front desk staff can give you We areinformation here to help. Please detailed about each of these postings, how to call orincluding drop in.info Foron more submit your application for these information on these jobs or job . opportunities other employment assistance

Alice was born in Minnburn, Alberta to Jacob and Chloe Clausen. When she was six months old her family moved to Valemount where her father was involved in the logging industry. She and her five siblings were raised there and attended the local school. Alice went to work for her brother-in-law in the General Store when she was 13 years old. Later in 1944, she and her husband Olof bought the store and Alice continued to work until she was 72. Alice spent her days raising her family and enjoying what Valemount had to offer. What she loved most was picking berries, along with getting firewood in the fall. She spent many hours in her yard planting trees and weeding the garden. She kept active until she was no longer physically able, biking, skating and cross country skiing. Always full of fun and accepting of everyone, Alice lived a rich life surrounded by her family and friends. Unfortunately Alice suffered a serious stroke in 2005. From then she resided in the Alpine Summit Lodge in Jasper. Alice is survived by Betty Hannis, (Bryan) Shirley Taylor, (Don), Joan Kruisselbrink (Bill), Don Ranta (Marilyn), 10 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Olof in 1988, two brothers Stan and Russell, and three sisters Marian, Ethel, and Helen. The family sincerely appreciates the care Alice received at the Alpine Summit Lodge. She was treated with love and respect by all she came in contact with, the kitchen staff, housekeeping staff and nursing staff.

services visit us at Regency Place 1201- 5th Ave, Valemount.

www.valemountlearningcentre.org

Valemount Learning Centre Box 789 Valemount BC V0E 2Z0 250-566-4601

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

Just a reminder Community Listings deadline is Fridays @ 5PM

The Valley Sentinel, Robson Valley Region •

SPecial eVentS

sean HoGan at tHe Valemount leGion Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. - Tickets are $20 at the door. Support the Legion and come out to see Sean Hogan, CCMA award winning roots/rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, January 9th 7:00 p.m. 241 Dominion Street, McBride

Contact Naomi at 569-2411 or library@mcbridebc.org with questions.

Valemount

MONDAYS: • Play and Learn from 10 a.m. to noon at the Valemount Community Hall. • Valemount Seniors Carpet Bowling 9 a.m. at the Golden Years Lodge. • Royal Canadian Legion General meetings every third Monday of month at 7:30 p.m. in Legion. tueSDAYS: • Valemount Children’s Activity Centre Board Meeting third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Centre beneath the Community Hall (the red door). • Council Meeting second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Everyone welcome. • Volleyball 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Valemount Secondary School gymnasium. Sign up for the season or drop in. Must have indoor shoes. Call Suzanne Bloodoff 250-5669979. WeDNeSDAYS: • Public Library Board Meeting Every second Wednesday at 5 p.m. Downstairs at the library. • Valemount seniors music night 7 to 9 p.m. Golden Years Lodge • Toastmasters meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Best Western. • Valemount Arts & Cultural Society

ThuRsday, JanuaRy 3, 2013

next VaCs sHoW - tHe Compadres Jan. 26, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at the Valemount Community Theatre. James Keelaghan and Latin guitarist Oscar Lopez are Juno award winning folk artists who have become notable independent Canadian roots recording artists. With Celtic influences their sometimes rollicking and sometimes melancholy folk material is fused with Lopez’s fiery guitar vibe. Tickets on sale at Infinity Office and Health.

meets the last Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. downstairs at the Library. Call 250-566-9049. • Meditation classes at The Gathering Tree at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5/week. Call Regena 250-566-9181 tHuRSDAYS: • Cribbage Game at Golden Years Lodge from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone Welcome! • Chamber of Commerce Quarterly General Meetings third Thursday of January, April, July and October at 4:45 p.m. • Saddle & Wagon Club Meeting third Thursday at 7 p.m. 566-9707. • Valemount Family Support Group will meet the last Thursday of every month at the old Village Office, 99 Gorse St., at 7:30 p.m.. For families dealing with mental health issues. Call Irene Brady at 250- 566-1958. • Adult recreational badminton from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Valemount Secondary School. Drop-ins welcome. FRIDAYS: • Valemount Legion Friday Night dinners starting at 5 p.m. • Alcoholics Anonymous Friday evenings at 8 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church basement. SAtuRDAYS: • Valemount circle dance. For more info please contact 250 566-1782.

Valemount Winter FestiVal 2013 Feb. 9 and 10, 2013 Get ready for a fun-filled, energetic outdoor winter experience at the annual Valemount Winter Festival. This year besides the traditional snowmobile poker run, raising money for the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities, snowmobile drag races are back. The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Racing Association, Tourism Valemount and VARDA are presenting the second annual Snowmobile Drag Races including a class for local racers, Jr. amateur, and mini sled class. For more information check out http://www. visitvalemount.ca/winter/winterfest1.htm

tete Jaune

• Tete Jaune Community Club meetings held the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Tete Jaune Hall.

DunSteR

• Dunster Winter Market starts from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1st at the Dunster Community Hall.

mcBRiDe

• McBride Community Forest Open quarterly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month on January 9, April 3, July 3, and October 2 at the McBride Village Council Chambers at 7 p.m. tueSDAYS: • Royal Canadian Legion meetings on first Tuesday, monthly. • Community Badminton at McBride secondary school at 7 p.m. • TOPS 6:45 p.m. weigh-in, 7:15 p.m. meeting. Health Unit in McBride. New members welcome. Call Brenda Molendyk 569-3113 • Village Council Meeting second and fourth Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Village Council Chambers. • Alcoholics Anonymous every Tuesday, 8 p.m. at the Health Unit. • Ready, Set and Learn at the Elementary School. Families and their two to five year olds who

attend will engage in play-based early learning activities. Call 5692721 to register. • Words of Whimsy - creative writing for teens at 7 p.m. at the McBride Library. WeDNeSDAYS: • Pickle ball at McBride Secondary School at 7 p.m. • Storytime with Mother Goose at the McBride library at 10 a.m. • Diabetes Support Group first Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Beaverview Lodge Sat. 10 a.m. -12 p.m., 441 Dominion St. • Support Group For Families Dealing With Mental Health Problems. Last Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the McBride Health Centre. More info call Norma 569-2637 or Elizabeth 968-4347. • Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the High School. New members welcome, contact Dawna Hickerty 250-569-3210. • Legion Auxiliary Bingo first and third Wednesday of the month at the Legion Hall. tHuRSDAYS: • OAPO Stitch & Knit every Thursday from 2:30 to 4 p.m., Beaverview Lodge, Hilda Murin 569-3305. SAtuRDAYS: • Writer’s Circle at 1 p.m. Alternates between Dunster Fine Arts School & McBride Library. All Welcome. Contact 250-569 2411.

ADVENTURE HIKING SKIING TOURS

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS!

LISTINGS

CHURCH

3010 Selwyn Road Telephone: 1-250-566-4401

PO Box 190, Valemount BC V0E 2Z0 Fax Number: 1-250-566-4333

VAleMOuNt GOOD SHEPHERD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 3rd Ave & Elm St. 1-877-314-4897 Sunday 8:30am / Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat-9am / Wed & Fri 7pm ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH 7th & Cedar. 250-566-4797 Sunday Worship 10am

NEW LIFE CENTRE 1247 - 1st Ave. 250-566-4824 Family Worship 10:30am. Prayer meeting Thurs 7pm CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SERVICES 250-968-4349 or 250-566-4568 Sunday 3pm, Sun. School 3pm VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 250-566-9996, Praise & Worship 11am Worship Service on Sun 10:30am

www.robsonhelimagic.com VALEMOUNT COMMUNITY CHURCH E-Free Church NEW location the old Sporting & Clothing building on 5th Ave Every 2nd Sunday at 11:00 a.m. McBRIDe ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 197 Dominion, 250-569-2606 Sun. Communion Service 11am

ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH 441 Dominion St., 250-569-3206 or 250-569-3386. Worship/Kids church 10am SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTIST Lamming Pit Rd, 250 569.3370 Sabbath School: Sat. 9:30am, Worship Service Sat. 11am, Pathfinders Tues 7pm, Prayer Meeting Wed 7pm

250-566-4700 EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH Church 569.2378 or 569.8845 1st Ave Worship Service on Sun 10:30am MOUNTAIN CHAPEL (PAOC) Church 569-3350/Office 569-6802 Sunday Worship 11am, Prayer Service Wed. 7pm MENNONITE CHURCH Sun. Sch. 10am, Sunday Services 11am, 7:30pm Wed 7:45pm

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

JASPER, AB,

the ﬁtzhugh 11

June

rising water wreak havoc in Valemount The Village of Valemount declared a local state of emergency on June 24 in response to the rapidly rising waters in Swift Creek that swallowed a storage cabin and forced the evacuation of several homes. Flooding caused road closures to the east and west of the village. With no detours available, many travellers were left with no alternative but to wait things out. With every hotel and motel full, some travellers were seen erecting tents along the road. At 5 p.m. June 25, the evacuation order was lifted, but an evacuation alert remained in effect.

Wolf encounter lesson in leashing

After defending her dog for a harrowing 10 minutes against a persistent and aggressive wolf, June 6, Kirsten Boisvert began urging fellow dog owners to learn from her experience and keep their pets on leash while on Jasper’s trails. The encounter happened in the Pyramid Bench area at 9:45 a.m., as Boisvert was running with her fiveyear-old border collie cross, Kona. Kona’s life was saved by running to his owner after encountering a large, grey wolf that followed him in full pursuit. Boisvert then spent 10 minutes defending her dog with bear spray and a large stick, as she slowly backed her way to Pyramid Lake Road, where she was picked up by a passing vehicle. Following the incident, Boisvert acknowledged that the incident likely wouldn’t have occurred had Kona been on a leash.

ANDREA SCHOLZ PHOTO

JUNE: On Sunday, June 24, CN carpenter Nick Bacon monitors the banks of Swift Creek in Valemount, B.C. to assess the stability of the CN overpass, while upstream banks appeared to be quickly eroding following the destruction of the weir.

Valley women first gr aduates

Penny Courtoreille and Sherry Nicholas of the Robson Valley are the first graduates of the Aboriginal Education Support Workers program at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, B.C. Courtoreille, a member of the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, and Nicholas, a member of the Acadia First Nation, graduated from the two-year program June 1. The AESW diploma is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to better support Aboriginal students, their families, and school communities in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.

Gr aduates on their way

Forty-two of Jasper’s young men and women celebrated their high school graduation June 1. Each student donned a cap and gown, received a scroll marking their achievement and made their friends, family and community proud. The students’ grad song was On My Way by Phil Collins. The choice was a bit of a surprise to both adults and youth alike. In his congratulatory speech to the graduates, Jaymes Schmidt, the senior high president, joked, “When I heard the grads picked a Phil Collins song, my first thought was, ‘Who’s Phil Collins?’”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

JUNE: Spring melt and steady rain created a mudslide that washed out Highway 16 north of Tete Jaune at Leona Creek, necessitating the evacuation of at least one home. Many backcountry forest roads and trails also experienced washouts and flooding.

Bringing Simpcw culture into schools

Students in Valemount heard from members of the Simpcw First Nation June 5, during two presentations about the nation’s people, culture and traditions. Valemount lies within the traditional territory of the Simpcw First Nation, which encompasses approximately five million hectares in the North Thompson region. Students had the opportunity to learn how to make traditional pine needle baskets, and to hear about the process of making traditional leather shoes.

Milestone celebr ation

NICOLE VEERMAN PHOTO

JUNE: Graduates Rhumpell Von Zuniga (left) and Jiahui Zhou were among 42 Jasper Junior/Senior High School students to don a cap and gown June 1 during graduation ceremonies at the school. For the story and more photos of the Class of 2012

Alongside the annual Pioneer Days festivities, McBride marked its 80th anniversary in June. The weekend of events included a parade, a rockpaper-scissors tournament with a $1,000 prize, a slow pitch tournament, a community dinner, logger sports, a community dance and much more. The town was buzzing with activity, as people came from far and wide to reacquaint with old friends and make new ones.

CARA COURTOREILLE PHOTO

JUNE: On June 1, Robson Valley residents Sherry Nicholas (left) and Penny Courtoreille (right) received well earned diplomas at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, B.C.

Something for the whole family!

SERVING JASPER & THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION

the ﬁtzhugh, JASPER, AB

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

July

Celebr ating 60 years It was 60 years ago that the Lutheran faith undertook a unique enterprise in Jasper National Park, one that anticipated a world with fewer barriers between nations, a sense of global citizenship and a connection between worship and the magnificence of nature. The Jasper Lutheran Church was established in 1952, although the congregation didn’t move into its current home at the corner of Geikie Street and Pyramid Lake Road until 1967. To this year, it remains the only Lutheran church in a national park anywhere in North America.

ROBSON FLETCHER PHOTO

JULY: The church building, a Jasper icon, was built in 1924 and began its life as a Catholic place of worship. The Jasper Lutheran Church took over the building in 1967.

Jasper loses man who helped build it The author of Jasper’s independence died in a motorcycle accident June 29. Verne Balding, 58, was on his way to meet his wife Sandra Coombe at a horse event just north of the United States border. It was his first big trip on his year-and-a-half old dream bike, a BMW R1100R. He was 23 km from his destination when the single-vehicle accident occurred. Balding worked for the Jasper Town Committee and the municipality for a total of 16 years, helping the committee reach its goal of incorporation in 2001. Three months before his death, Balding had moved to Sundre, Alta. to become the town’s chief administrative officer. He planned to buy a house on a large piece of land where he could play with his shotguns and chainsaws and his wife could care for her horse.

n’s io s i v ele an! T y t fas get R k a re Brid B by wn ted ry o s o ve H

ANDREA SCHOLZ PHOTO

JULY: On July 13, at the Yellowhead Helicopterʼs helipad near Valemount, B.C., Constable Nathan Fox of the McBride RCMP Detachment (Left), RCMP Pilot Darryl Konkin (centre) and Constable Kent Kryzanowski of the Valemount RCMP Detachment consult a topographic map of the area while planning their search efforts for Dennis Gudmundson of Keremeos, B.C. Behind them, Air Four, a Eurocopter AS 350B3s, stands ready.

Six-day search leads to tr agic recovery Dennis Gordon Gudmundson of Keremeos, B.C. was missing for six days before his motorcycle and body were found hidden by foliage off of Highway 5. Gudmundson was reported missing July 8, the same day he left Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. He was last seen fuelling his 2003 Harley Davidson that same day in McBride. RCMP, Robson Valley Search and Rescue, volunteers, friends and family searched for Gudmundson for days. He was found July 14 by a group of friends and family, who arbitrarily pulled over to search right next to the embankment where he had gone off the road.

Million dollar budget increase for Jasper libr ary

kick off your New year’s resolutions with a Day of wellness Saturday, January 5, 2013 Get inspired and motivated for 2013 with special guest speakers Trudy Pelletier from Simply More Inc., Anita Kelder, our very own yoga instructor and wellness expert and our Fairmont chefs. Two options available for you to spend the day with us: Fitzhughs To-Go Lunch – Gourmet Sandwich, Pastry and Beverage of Choice Two Sessions and Cooking Demo $45.00 Fitzhughs To-Go Lunch – Gourmet Sandwich, Pastry and Beverage of Choice Two Sessions and Cooking Demo Three Course Dinner with Cash Bar $89.00

Council approved two budget increases for the library renovation and expansion project in 2012, bringing the total project cost to $8.5 million – a million dollars over the original budget. The second increase, approved on July 3, was the result of unexpected expenditures needed to restore the old library building – a heritage building that, according to federal regulations, must be preserved and maintained. Also included in the million dollars was additional permit fees, which increased to match construction fees, and a $300,000 contingency. The first budget increase came in February to cover the cost of asbestos removal, the levelling of floors, and expected savings that weren’t realized.

Injuries at Horseshoe Lake Two cliff jumpers at Horseshoe Lake, July 6, were rescued by Parks Canada staff after sustaining injuries resulting from their jumps. The women were with separate parties at different locations on the lake and coincidentally ended up injuring themselves within 30 minutes of each other. The first rescue was a woman in her 20s who had four diagonal fractures in her spine. The second rescue was a woman with a head injury. She had jumped off a cliff and struck her head on the way down. She was released from Seton Health Centre that same day with cuts to her head. Following the rescues, Parks Canada created a YouTube video about cliff jumping safety, starring Sam Heine as the peer-pressured cliff jumper.

SERVING JASPER & THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

JASPER, AB,

the ﬁtzhugh 13

August

Mudslides and falling ice

The beginning of August will be remembered as a time of natural disasters in Jasper National Park. The first was a mudslide alongside Medicine Lake on Aug. 7, and the second was the release of Ghost Glacier from the side of Mount Edith Cavell on Aug. 10. No one was injured in either incident, as they both occurred in the early morning hours. The mudslide on Maligne Lake Road left it closed for a few days, as crews worked to clear the road. Cavell Road was closed from its intersection with Highway 93, all the way up to Mount Edith Cavell for over a month, before the road was opened up to Mount Edith Cavell Hostel. Geotechnical assessments are needed before the remainder of the road can be opened.

Fifth bridge damaged by high water Persistently high waters last spring and summer damaged the popular Fifth Bridge at Maligne Canyon, closing it for use from early August until December. A quarter-million visitors explore Maligne Canyon each year, according to Parks Canada, and the bridge forms an integral part of the trail system in the area. “It’s unbelievably important in the trail system, and it’s one of the busiest day-use areas we have,” said Loni Klettl of the Jasper Trail Alliance. “And, of course, in the winter, it’s massive, because that’s where all the canyon tours go in from. That’s the busiest thing next to Marmot Basin.” High waters seriously ate away at the bridges physical connection to the shoreline, threatening the structure’s integrity.

NICOLE VEERMAN PHOTO

AUGUST: A traditional pow-wow, with representatives from about 20 Aboriginal groups with ties to Jasper, was held near Sixth Bridge Aug. 11, to celebrate the designation of a piece of land as a cultural and spiritual site. The event was historic in that it was the first pow-wow to be held in the park, and it was also the first time Parks Canada has sanctioned a piece of Jasper National Park for Aboriginal use.

Nations of Jasper welcomed home A traditional pow-wow was held in early August to celebrate the designation of a piece of land near Sixth Bridge as a cultural and spiritual site for Aboriginal groups with historic ties to the Jasper area. On the weekend of Aug. 11, more than 20 nations gathered together to celebrate their return to Jasper. Historically, there were somewhere between 24 and 30 Aboriginal groups either living in the Jasper area or using it for hunting and gathering. But, in 1907, when the federal government established Jasper National Park, the traditional way of life for those groups – hunting and gathering – was no longer permitted in the park, so the groups were forced to leave. The cultural and spiritual site is a step toward reconnection and reconciliation with Jasper’s first settlers.

PARKS CANADA PHOTO

AUGUST: Ghost Glacier fell from Mount Edith Cavell Aug. 10 causing a meltwater pond below the mountain to overflow and flood Edith Cavell Road, a parking lot and the lower end of Cavell Meadows Trail.

Sisterhood celebr ates 40 years

In 1972, Jasper entered into a sisterhood that has held strong through the good times and the bad. Its sibling relationship with Hakone, Japan has withstood distance, tsunamis and H1N1 outbreaks, and through it all, a powerful friendship has formed. When Jasper and Hakone established their sister relationship 40 years ago, it was a very different world. People didn’t have personal computers, Internet, social media sites or smartphones. “It was a time when the world was so big and twinning was a way of joining with other nations,” explained Pattie Pavlov, executive director of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce. In October, the mayor, a group of town councillors and a few community members made a trip to Japan to celebrate the long-lasting relationship.

Representing women Valemount’s Reverend Margaret Dempster was elected to the International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN) Steering Committee, along with six other women from around the world, in August. The IAWN was created to enable and empower women. One of its objectives is to eliminate all forms of violence against women and children. The objective of the steering committee is to pool talents and resources, and to ensure sound processes are in place for corporate decision making.

Young Jasperite bikes to Lake Louise

Drive down the Icefields Parkway on any given day during the summer and you’re likely to encounter a cyclist riding between Jasper and Lake Louise. It’s not too often, though, that you see a nine-year-old take on the 233-kilometre route. But that’s exactly what Miles Diduck did in July, setting out on the long-distance journey just days after his ninth birthday. With his dad alongside for most of the way, his mom driving the family car and his grandma and grandpa following in a motorhome, Miles pedalled his young heart out for three and a half days, stopping to camp each night on the way.

volunteer celebr ated

Gertrude Kofin was recognized with a provincial volunteer award for her 60 years of service with the Ladies Auxiliary and Jasper’s hospitals, Aug. 23. Kofin moved to Jasper from Germany in 1949 and shortly after began volunteering. The 91-year-old said she can still remember pulling a wagon with chocolate bars and cigarettes from room to room in Jasper’s old hospital – the same hospital where all three of her children were born. Kofin received her award from Robin Campbell, MLA for West Yellowhead, in a small ceremony at the hospital.

LAURA JOHNSON PHOTO

AUGUST: On Thursday, Aug. 23, Agnes Esser gives a little kiss to her gold medal, with hopes of more in her future.

Gold medal McBride athlete

for

Agnes Esser marked a new personal best and set a new Canadian record with a shot put throw of 15.09 metres while competing in Charlottetown, P.E.I. last August. The Grade 12 student was competing in the Youth Athletic Championship 2012 when she recorded her record breaking throw. She also returned home with a bronze medal in discus.

SERVING THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION & JASPER

The Valley Sentinel, ROBSON VALLEY REGION •

Septem ber

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Parks and historic sites need saving: demonstr ators

Valemount without water The legacy of the Swift Creek crisis, which occurred at the end of June, continued to cause significant problems for the Village of Valemount in September. During the state of emergency, Swift Creek swelled its banks destroying the weir and causing significant amounts of debris and silt to enter the pump house that supplies the village water reservoir. The overworked main pumps were sent away for required repairs and, as a result, two back-up pumps were put to use. At the beginning of September, both back-up pumps failed, one after the other. This resulted in water restrictions for Valemount residents. By the third day, following repairs, the water system was at one-third of its pumping capacity.

Nearly 60 Canadians gathered at the Icefields Centre to show their support for the preservation of our country’s national parks and historic sites, Sept. 7. The group of young and old were drawn together in protest of recent decisions made by the federal government – decisions like the approval of the controversial Glacier Discovery Walk that is being built six kilometres to the south of Brewster Travel Canada’s Icefields Centre. The Glacier Discovery Walk was given the green light in Ottawa in February, despite public opposition. Critics of the project used the slogan “Save Jasper National Park” leading up to the decision. In September, that slogan had been changed to a broader message: “Save Our National Parks and Historic Sites.” Following the demonstration, Kim Wallace, a vocal opponent of the discovery walk, said the idea that the country’s natural spaces need to be saved, comes from a general feeling that the federal government is commodifying them.

Man swept Athabasca Falls

over

Despite extensive search efforts, the 24-year-old Fort Saskatchewan man who was swept over Athabasca Falls Aug. 6 has not been found. The man was hiking on a trail adjacent to the Athabasca River around 6 p.m., when he slipped and fell into the water, about 30 metres above Athabasca Falls. He was then taken down river and over the falls – a 23-metre drop into a turbulent canyon. A 911 call from the man’s hiking companion shortly after the event resulted in a large scale search with a helicopter, search dogs, ground crews, jet skis and inflatable kayaks. The incident at Athabasca Falls marked the third water related death in the park for the summer. The first was the drowning of a 50-year-old man at Pyramid Lake. The second was the death of man who was swimming in Amethyst Lake.

NICOLE VEERMAN PHOTO

SEPTEMBER: The outfit says it all. During a demonstration in support of Canadaʼs national parks, Sept. 7, Sabrina Charlebois, 16, expressed her feelings toward Brewster Travel Canadaʼs Glacier Discovery Walk without having to say a word.

New CAO for Valemount

Anne Yanciw, the former Deputy Corporate Officer for the Village of Valemount, was named Chief Administrative Officer Sept. 13. Yanciw’s new position was announced during a press conference, where Mayor Andru McCracken spoke highly of her skills and experience and her ability to help the community grow. “Our mission as a council is to serve the community and embrace opportunity,” he said. “We are confident Anne is the team member we need to bring the village forward.

SEED to be planted in Jasper ANDREA SCHOLZ PHOTO

SEPTEMBER: Inside the Village of Valemountʼs pump house on Sunday, Sept. 2, are the two pumps that fill the water reservoir with water from Swift Creek. On Sept.1, one of the pumps failed followed by a second pump failure on Sunday morning.

In early September, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division assumed ownership of a self-sustaining classroom that is set to arrive in Jasper next May. The modular classroom is a prototype for a project called SEED: sustainable education every day. The ultimate goal of the program is to have a SEED classroom on every continent by 2014, and to use those structures to teach students about sustainability and sustainable design. By assuming ownership of the structure, GYPSD completed the first step in the process of bring a SEED classroom to Jasper.

NICOLE VEERMAN PHOTO

SEPTEMBER: Cheerleaders from the Edmonton Eskimos joined the Grey Cup on its trip to Jasper, Sept. 13.

REGIONAL CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUTO FINANCING

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

FOR SALE

LEGAL SERVICES

STEEL BUILDINGS

TRAVEL

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DEADLINES: ADVERTISING, CLASSIFIEDS & COMMUNITY EVENTS FRIDAY @ 5 PM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MONDAY @ NOON

Thursday, January 3, 2013 •

The Valley Sentinel/the fitzhugh

HALLCON IS HIRING!

Crew Shuttle Drivers Required.

FOOD COUNTER ATTENDANT FT shiftwork. No exp. req. Duties: serve customers, portion & prepare & wrap; vegetables, meats, sandwiches. Bake bread. Stock refrigerators & supplies. Record food used. Cleaning: stations, tables, floors, washrooms, dishes. $9.75 to $11.50/hour, 36+ hrs/wk. 6 positions.

We are currently hiring for the positions of: We are a growing company looking to expand our team. Human Resources 96 Geikie St., Jasper AB Phone: 780-852-2505 Fax: 780-852-5813 Email: hire@mpljasper.com Interested in a career? www.mpljasper.com

•FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR (Pocahontas Cabins)

•SENIOR ACCOUNTING CLERK

FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISOR FT shiftwork. 2 to 3 years exp. or related College Diploma. Duties: Review & adjust daily sales projections. Prescreen applications. Open & close the restaurant. Supervise, train, delegate shift tasks. Ensure quality standards. Assist in ordering. Record stock used. Responsible for shift cash, till & order accuracy. Serve customers, handle concerns, prepare food, cleaning. $10.00 to $13.00/hour, 38+ hrs/wk. 4 positions. Apply at: Jasper Subway (Kvill Enterprises Ltd.), #626 Connaught Drive, Box 1437, Jasper, Alberta, T0E1E0 or jspsbwy@ymail.com

•2ND COOK

Hallcon Crew Transportation requires Full and Part-time Drivers for the safe and courteous transportation of Rail Crews from JASPER for up to 450 km distant. This is an on-call position. Retired and semi-retired are more than welcome! REQUIREMENTS: • A current class 1, 2, or 4 Licence (We will assist in upgrading your class 5. Some conditions apply). • A clean or near-clean Driver’s abstract. TO APPLY: • By Fax at 780 468 4617. • By Email at John.Hollis@HallconCrewTransport.com • By phone at 780 868 8037.

•MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR We offer great beneﬁts, bonus, career growth and temporary subsidized housing.

We are looking for helpers for Jasper in January Festival events!

CK RSTRU WiNTE ary 12 Janu

CheCk out all our career adS at www.FitzhuGh.ca

Fam

ily S Part treet y: Jan uary 19.

We will pay honorariums for any groups or individuals looking to raise money.

Please call Darlene Skehill for details at 780-852-4326.

DEADLINE FrIDAy At 5:00 pm JaspeR classifieds FOr rent

ServiceS

YOGa

FURNISHED ROOMS for rent, includes utilities, full cable, all inclusive. Please leave name and number. Reasonable rates, suit singles only. Call 780-852-3337.

Available to house sit or pet sit, from now until the end of January. Call Tara at 780-852-8898.

Deepening Your Yoga Practise with Annie Baker. Yoga and meditation for body, mind and spirit. Mondays 7PM, January 14th to February 18th. For info, call 780-931-2845 or email boundlessheartyoga108@gmail.com

Yoga for Every Body with Annie Baker. Classical yoga adapted for bodies with limitations. Wednesdays 1:30PM, January 16th - February 20th. For info, call 780-931-2845 or email boundlessheartyoga108@gmail.com

Stretch, Strengthen and Relax for Seniors. Gentle movement, breathwork and relaxation for seniors and others. Mondays 1:30PM, January 14th - February 18th. For info, call Annie 780-931-2845 or email boundlessheartyoga108@gmail.com

Robson Valley classifieds autOmOBiLeS

heavY equipment

heLp wanted

cOmmerciaL prOpertY

2002 Saturn SL, grey, 4 door sedan, 433,000 kms, manual transmission, great fuel economy. Has been a good commuter car. $1,100 OBO. Call Loretta 250-968-4453. GTS NOV 29 1993 Dodge Spirit car Loaded, 78,000 original kilometres. Garage stored. Excellent condition. Excellent Fuel economy. $3,499 OBO. Contact Oli at 250-569-2583. GTS SEPT 5

Feller Buncher 227 Cat, new motor, good undercarriage, most of this machine is rebuilt. Price $15,000 OBO. Call 250-566-2471. GTS JULY 25

knowledgeable, able to work independently and have a positive attitude. Rate of pay based on capability and skills. Submit resume by fax to 250-569-0139 or PO Box 525, McBride, BC V0J2E0. JAN 3

shop. Back half is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath apartment. For more information call 250-566-4532. JAN 3

2004 Ford Freestar minivan Sports model. Tan colour. Loaded. Good condition. Clean. Winter rims and tires included. $6,500 OBO Phone 250-569-7295 daytime or 250-968 4322 evenings. GTS JAN 25

camper with truck 1995 Wilderness 5th wheel camper 21.5 feet. Sleeps 6 people with queen size upper bed. Fridge, 4 burner stove/oven, propane heated, AM/FM stereo, shower tub, with 12 ft. awning $700.00 In great condition. 1996 Ford F-250 extended cab short box, 196,000km, truck canopy included. Asking price is $10,000 for BOTH OBO. If interested call Jocelyn 250-5664491 (home) or 250-566-1700 (cell) GTS SEPT 5

miSc. FOr SaLe Case Model 530 Tractor front end loader in good condition $3,500. Parts tractors Case 530 backhoe attachment $1,000. 14 foot tandem field disk $800. Contact 250-2190277 GTS NOV 29 Good used sea containers for sale. McBride area $3,650, Valemount $3,500 Delivered. We accept Visa/MC 250-314-9522. JAN 3

heLp wanted TAXI DRIVER WANTED, Class 1-2-4 with medical certificate, 10 years plus driving experience, area McBride or Valemount. Call 250-566-8294 (TAXI) MECHANIC/SERVICE PERSON Position available for individual to look after a fleet of trucks, trailers and heavy equipment in McBride including servicing, maintenance, welding and fabrication. Individual must be

cOmmerciaL Space

Office space for rent or lease in the Village of Valemount. Bring your business idea to this movein-ready space. Total of 365 sq. ft. consists of office with sink and separate waiting room. Located in a professional building. Call 778-389-5100 or email dmohrsen@telus.net to view. DEC 13

hOme FOr SaLe Move-in ready 4 bedroom, 3 bath home Recently renovated. Hardwood, tile and laminate throughout. Extra lot, fences and landscaped yard make this the perfect home. This is a must see if you are looking to relocate. 1311 - 9th Ave. Valemount, B.C. Call or text Michelle today at 250-566-1947 or call Francis at 250-566-4411. GTS DEC 13

cOmmerciaL prOpertY FOr SaLe FOR SALE: Commercial & Residential property on 5th Ave. in Valemount. Front half leased to coffee and gift

traiLer FOr SaLe

Mobile Home: Hartman’s Trailer Park 2-Bedroom with addition, wood stove and oil heat. Rental purchase optional. Asking $16,000 OBO or $500 monthly rent. Call Doug 250-566-4240 GTS NOV 15 Mobile Home: Hartman’s Trailer Park 2 bedrooms, new roof, bathroom, windows, and carpet. Pellet Stove and propane furnace. $20,000 OBO Call Nathan 250-566-5040. GTS JUNE 20

rentaLS

2 Bedroom house on acreage for rent in Tete Jaune. $700 per month. Contact 250-566-9811 JAN 17 CN APARTMENTS in Valemount- 1 & 2 BR $520 & $590 plus hydro. No pets. JUNIPER MANOR -Furnished Bachelor $450 plus hydro. 2 BR $550 plus hydro. Scott 250-566-1569 DEC 20 Furnished 1 and 2 bedroom homes and bachelor suite. Available immediately, in Valemount. 250566-9884. Emails ideal4@gmail.com. JAN 3

RENTAL LISTINGS

VALEMOUNT

#2-2

Comfortable family home on fenced corner lot. 3 Bdrms + ofﬁce, 2 full baths. Open concept living space with wood ﬁnishes. Oil furnace + wood stove. Pet ok. $875.

#10

Mtnview Apts. No smoking, no pets, clean and quiet building. 1 Bedroom - $475, 2 Bedroom-$575, Bachelor -$375

#12

7th Avenue 4-Plex. Very spacious & bright suites - 1000 sq. feet! No pets, nonsmoking building. Furnished 2 bdrm w/ laundry - $650. Available February 1.

#19

Updated trailer on fenced lot w/large shed. 900 sq. feet - 2 bdrm + small ofﬁce, 1 bath w/jetted tub. Oil furnace/electric ﬁreplace. Pet ok, no smoking. $680.

Photos and details at

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

the ﬁtzhugh/The Valley Sentinel • THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

“BORROWED DOWN PAYMENT MORTGAGES”

Homeward Mortgage Group Ltd.

MORTGAGES

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

Debra Parker AMP Mortgage Broker Looking out for your best interest.® P: 250-426-8211 ext 375 Cell: 250-421-7600 E: debra_parker@centum.ca

Mortgage Broker services at no cost to you.

Returning Flow Acupuncture Wednesdays & Fridays in Valemount Thursdays in McBride

McBride, B.C. Redi-Mix Concrete • Aggregates • Concrete Blocks Concrete Form Rental • Gravel Truck Excavator & Bobcat • Site Preparation

Myron Baer 250-968-4492 • Cell 250-569-7245

Micah Yoder R.Ac. Registered Acupuncturist

PHONE 250-566-1782

HAUGK HOME DESIGNS & RENOVATIONS

TRAVIS’ AUTOMOBILE SERVICE Inspection Facility, Licensed Automotive & Heavy Duty Techs. •

We specialize in: Diesel Engine Repair, 4x4 Repair, Snowmobiles, & Misc. Repairs Welding • Lathe Work • Tire Sales

945 HWY 5 N, VALEMOUNT, B.C. 250-566-8403

Licenced Journeyman with over 30 years experience

David Craig 250.566.4742 or cell 250.566.1089 email mhystad@telus.net

• Kitchen • Bath • Doors • Windows • Cabinets • Floors • Tiles • Painting • Vinyl Decking and more Call Andreas 250-569-0004 c: 250-981-0457 / ahaugk@telus.net

TREKS & TRAVEL Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in you sails.

EXPLORE . DREAM . DISCOVER . TRAVEL ~ MARK TWAIN

chris@stolfalaw.ca

Call Patricia to make your travel plans a reality. 780-852-5473 (office) or email at info@jaspertreksntravel.com

HINTON OPTOMETRY CLINIC Dr. Gary Watson, Dr. Monika Braun & Dr. Jennifer Goettling

OPTOMETRISTS

Rex’s Recycling Tuesday - Wednesday 1 - 4pm Thursday - Friday - Saturday 10am - 4pm Closed - Sunday & Monday

Now offering full refund on all beer bottles and cans. Pickups can be arranged - Call Liz or Kim Everard:

250•566•9111

R e d u C e - R e u S e - R e C yC l e

Robson Valley ConstRuCtion

& Redi Mix ConCRete General Contractor: residential & commercial Excavation: clearing, driveways & septic systems Concrete: redi mix concrete, finish work, stamps, forming • Gravel sales

P.o. box 474 Mcbride, bC V0J2e0 250-569-2593

westridge

plumbing & heating Greg McNee, Insured and Reliable Seniors: Show this ad and receive a 10% discount

cell: 250-566-1687

1140 Main Street • Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 Phone: 250-566-9774 • Fax: 250-566-9771 info@alpinecountryrentals.com • facebook.com/AlpineCountryRentals

& GIGGLES

Eyewear & sunglasses also available at: Rocky Mountain Eye Wear • Parks West Mall • 780-865-3011

NAPA Automotive Parts & Repairs ---------------------------------

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 1-800-323-9891

Locally owned and operated

JUST FOR SHIRTS

158 Athabasca Avenue, Hinton Office Hours: Mon., Tues., & Wed. 8 am - 5 pm Thurs. 9 am - 6 pm; Fri. 8 am - 4 pm

C O N S U LTA N T S I N C .

David R. Sagan

BA, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C. Investment & Insurance Advisor • By appointment only

dave@estateﬁnancial.ca

P. 780-852-2121 2nd ﬂoor, (beside physio.) F. 780-423-3883 622 Connaught Dr.

Located behind Valemount Pines Golf Course P 250-566-9096 C 250-612-2820 E wendy@sewhot.ca

SandS diStribution Ltd

HuSky oiL Limited Cardlock and bulk plant facility Fuel truck for all your delivery needs

845 Cedarside rd. Valemount BC Phone: 250-566-4818 or 1-866-566-4818 Fax: 250-566-4815

P.O. Box 913 McBride, BC V0J 2E0

Ph: 250-569-7404 Fax: 250-569-3103

BIG IRON TRANSPORT 7 & 8 AxlE lOwBEdding

Serving the Robson Valley • Brendan Zimmerman

Solar Hot Water SyStemS • CanSAI Certified • Registered with SolarBC Garn • Smokeless Hydronic Wood Heaters Solar, Wind • and Micro Hydro Electric Systems www.rockymountainsolar.ca 250-968-4490

SERVING JASPER & THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013 •

October

Five blooms In a competition against seven other Canadian communities in the same population category, Jasper was named the 2012 Communities in Bloom (CiB) winner Oct. 13. Jasper has previously won on the provincial stage, but this was its first time being recognized in the national competition. Gerry Lettner, of Jasper’s CiB Committee, and a few other community members made the trip to Edmonton for the national awards, where the community was given special recognition for environmental stewardship. CiB is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement.

LAURA JOHNSON PHOTO

OCTOBER: Cutting the official Valemount 50 years of incorporation cake for an expectant crowd are Valemount Councillors Dallas Bullock and Hollie Blanchette, Mayor Andru McCracken and Councillors Christine Latimer, and Sandy Salt on Oct. 7.

Valemount celebr ates 50 years In October, Valemount partied like it was 1962, as the community marked its 50th anniversary with a weekendlong celebration. Activities included helicopter rides, live music, magic tricks, cotton candy, clowning around, an Airport Dance, a community dinner and, of course, cake. Valemount was incorporated after residents of the area recognized the risk of wells, septic tanks and outhouses contaminating the water supply. The first mayor of the village was Sandy Maclean.

Wolf destroyed after dog attack While out for his daily run with his nine-month-old border collie, Maggie, Karl Peetoom encountered an aggressive, prey-fixated female wolf. The wolf, part of the Pyramid Pack, attacked Maggie four times before Peetoom was able to get ahold of her and back away to Pyramid Lake Road, where he managed to flag down a vehicle and call Parks Canada wildlife specialists. While waiting for help to arrive, the wolf stayed in the area and circled the vehicle. Following the encounter, Steve Malcolm, wildlife specialist for the park, said the wolf was destroyed because of its aggressive behaviour and prey-fixation. Pyramid Bench was closed to dogs for a number of weeks following the incident, in order for Parks to monitor the wolf pack.

New sisterhood Wickenburg, Ariz. became Jasper’s newest family member when the two towns passed motions to become sister cities. The two towns are physically connected by Highway 93, each marking the end of the road, creating a unique opportunity to market the highway as the next great road trip destination. Wickenburg, like Jasper, is a community dependent on tourism as its primary economic driver, so the opportunity to market the highway was equally attractive for both towns.

Habituated bear destroyed

The Valley Sentinel/the ﬁtzhugh

sources and we simply don’t have the human resources to pay somebody year-round to do that.”

Cougar kills Dunster livestock

A brazen cougar killed two goats – one milk goat and one meat goat – on a Dunster farm in early October. A conservation officer from Prince George set up a trap on the property following the incident, but it was unsuccessful in capturing the cougar. The goats belonged to Lorrie Bressette. Following the death of her two goats, she said, “I have two goats left, one meat goat and one immature milk goat. I’m worried that the cougar is going to come back around. Don’t ever let your guard down.”

Premier visits Jasper Premier Alison Redford made a surprise visit to Jasper, walking the historic streets, starting at the train station. There, she was greeted by a historical figure from Jasper’s past, Mona Harragin, played by Anne Williams. As Harragin, Williams accompanied Redford on her walk, pointing out Jasper’s historic landmarks and many of the changes Jasper has seen in the past hundred years. During her visit, Redford saw the visitor information centre, the old fire hall, and she went for a walk around the library construction site.

After months of unsuccessful aversive hazing, Parks Canada staff shot a food-conditioned, 225-lb. black bear that was using the Jasper townsite as its feeding grounds. “I had people calling 911 with two or three foot proximity encounters where the bear is staring at them from a tree,” Steve Malcolm, wildlife conflict specialist for Jasper National Park, said at the time. “It was a matter of public safety and community safety,” he said, noting that killing an animal is always Parks Canada’s last resort.

Final class of gr aduates The program that fostered leadership across the West Yellowhead region for five years came to an end, with its last graduating class taking the stage Oct. 19. Leadership West Yellowhead was started in 2007 by Community Futures, and had 57 graduates, including the 12 that graduated in October. As the fifth year came to a close, the organizers decided it was time to re-evaluate the program’s future. “We need to look at the sustainability of the program,” said Nancy Robbins, program co-ordinator and general manager of Community Futures. “We’re finding that a great deal of our time has been spent obtaining financial

DANIEL BETTS PHOTO

OCTOBER: On Saturday, Sept. 29, Anne Williams, playing Mona Harrigan, shares a laugh with Premier Alison Redford in front of the train station in Jasper. Redford took a walk through Jasper with Harrigan as her guide.

mike’s plumbing, heating & propane service Bonded & Licensed with over 30 years experience

250-566-1536

Shawn Fowler Authorized Dealer

Box 819, 1170 Canoe View Place Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0

Ph: 250-566-8483 C: 250-566-1725 F: 250-566-8485 shfowler@telus.net

www.wclh.com/valemount

YOUR LOCAL PROPANE PROVIDER

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

CALL THE FITZHUGH AT 780-852-4888 OR THE VALLEY SENTINEL AT 250-566-4425 TO ADVERTISE IN OUR NEW & IMPROVED

FILLER

BUSINESS DIRECTORY SERVING JASPER & THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION

the ﬁtzhugh/The Valley Sentinel • THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Novem ber

McBride farm sows roots in Jasper With the help of 38 people from Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (JPL), more than 5,000 lbs. of fingerling potatoes were harvested from Twin Meadows Organics Farm in McBride, B.C. Twin Meadows Organics has successfully delivered 70 organic food boxes weekly to Jasper and JPL for the past two years. But, with their children away at school or working in Alberta, Gary and Wendy Lowe were faced with the daunting task of a two-person potato harvest this year. So, JPL sous chef Cory Ledrew gathered a crew of 37 JPL employees and their children to lend the couple a hand. The helpers worked from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. harvesting the potatoes, some of which would later be served with salmon on the Emerald Lounge menu.

New face at the Village office Braden Hutchins started his new position as the deputy corporate officer for the Village of Valemount in November. Hutchins has a master’s degree in public education from Carleton University in Ottawa. Following school, he worked with the federal government and then later moved to the United Kingdom to work as a government consultant for a year. He returned to Canada, specifically British Columbia, to be closer to his family.

Open for business

Nov. 9 marked Marmot Basin’s earliest opening ever, beating last year’s record by two days. The early opening was in part due to the ski hill’s snow guns, which had been shooting out manmade snow since mid-October. Jasper was also fortunate enough to have a few big storms in late October adding to the snowpack. The hill opened with nine open runs and the School House Triple Chair and the Eagle Express Quad Chair running. Two days later, there were already 30 runs open for business.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

NOVEMBER: Volunteer harvesters hitched a ride to the potato field with the help of Gary Loweʼs Belgian horses. Thanks to the hard work of 38 JPL volunteers, over 5,000 pounds of potatoes were harvested from Twin Meadows Organics Farm in McBride, B.C.

Ecole Desrochers celebr ates 10-year anniversary

Yukigassen championships in Rockies

Although Canada Day marked Ecole Desrochers’ official anniversary, the school waited until November to celebrate. Ten years ago, due in part to a handful of pro-active parents, 14 students made up the Francophone school’s first alumni, with then-principal Marie-Claude Faucher leading the way. In those days, the school had two high school classrooms. Later, it added a portable and then it moved into a renovated space in the Legion and added another portable. In 2014, Ecole Desrochers, along with Jasper Junior/ Senior High School, will move into the brand new school being built on Bonhomme Street next to the Jasper Activity Centre.

Jasper played host to the Yukigassen Canada National Championships in November. The Jasper Iceballs, made up of Chris Woo, Jess Montgomery, Fraser Bjarnson, Scott Kirychuk, Ryan Gardiner, Dan Johnston, Gary Lee and Devon Slade, took second place in the tournament held at Centennial Park. First place went to Edmonton team The Ball Fondlers, who now have the opportunity to travel to Japan to compete in the 25th World Yukigassen Championships next year.

Bench re-opens to dogs

NICOLE VEERMAN PHOTO

NOVEMBER: Despite a mechanical issue on the Eagle Express Quad Chair Nov. 9, Marmot Basin had a solid opening weekend, complete with tons of snow.

Tr amway sold

The Jasper Tramway – a family-owned business for the past 32 years – was sold in November to the shareholders who own Marmot Basin. Marmot is owned by four companies: Mountain Park Lodges, the Whistlers Hotel, Sunshine Village and Sunrise. Those same shareholders created a new business, called the Jasper Tramway Acquisition Corporation, that now owns the Tramway. The new ownership retained the management staff and named Todd Noble general manager.

After a month-long closure, Jasper’s Pyramid Bench re-opened to dogs Nov. 15. The closure came after Karl Peetoom’s dog was attacked by a habituated wolf in the Pyramid pack. That wolf was later destroyed. During the closure, Parks Canada monitored the Pyramid pack to determine the level of habituation in the remaining pack members. The assessment showed that the wolves primarily frequent Trail 2 and the Cottonwood Slough area, the Pyramid Bench area, around the back side of the lake, and the transfer station. It also showed that the remaining wolves would take off if they noticed approaching patrollers. Geoff Skinner, wildlife conflict specialist, said that was a good sign.

Early season sledding In late November, more than 100 sledders hit the slopes in Valemount to enjoy some early season snow. Because of the warm fall, once up in the alpine areas, riders found between 140 and 200 centimetres of “amazing power riding and sunshine,” said Curtis Pawliuk, general manager of the Valemount Area Recreation Development Association.

DANIEL BETTS PHOTO

NOVEMBER: A Yukigassen referee ducks as a stray snowball heads straight for him during the Yukigassen Canada National Championships held on Saturday Nov. 24.

SERVING JASPER & THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Decem ber

JASPER, AB,

the ﬁtzhugh 19

Tempor ary bridge opens

No interest in Valemount dam: BC Hydro BC Hydro announced it has no current plans to investigate a dam project in Valemount. Residents of the village received the news at a public meeting held at the end of November. It was said the construction of a weir or dam at the northeast end of the Kinbasket Reservoir is not viable due to the high cost of the dam, the impracticality of power generation at the site, and the potential impacts of the dam on other interests. Additionally, it was determined through a feasibility study that it is not practical, safe or economical to install a powerhouse to take advantage of the head and flow available at the site.

At the beginning of December, a temporary bridge was opened replacing Fifth Bridge, which has been out of commission since the summer. The temporary structure, opened Dec. 8, will remain in place, slightly upstream from the original bridge, until the spring. Pam Clark, visitor experience manager, said Parks Canada hopes to have Fifth Bridge, which closed due to damage caused by high waters, open in time for the summer.

SARAH MAKAOWSKY PHOTO

DECEMBER: Never mind the sign. On Dec. 8, the temporary Fifth Bridge at Maligne Canyon opened to the public, particularly those eager for winter exploration. PARKS CANADA PHOTO

Funding helps Parks collar six wolves With the help of a helicopter, six wolves in Jasper National Park were successfully collared in mid-December. Collars remove the guessing associated with wolf patterns and locations, resulting in long-term safety benefits for the community. Collar data can better inform the public where it’s safest to walk dogs, and locate wolves quickly in the case of an incident. Two collars were placed on members of the Pyramid pack. It was the first time Parks has collared members of that pack. The collaring was made possible by funding from the Parks Canada national office in Gatineau, Que. to hire Big Horn Helicopters to track the wolves and capture them with a net shot from a net gun.

McBride terminates foundation agreement

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In early December, the Village of McBride notified the McBride Community Foundation Committee (MCFC) that the “agreement to disburse funds” with the Village would be terminated as of Feb. 28, 2013. Following that date, the Village will be making separate arrangements to disburse funds received from the Prince George Community Foundation , who they have an endowment fund agreement with. The decision to terminate the agreement was made because of challenges regarding the Village’s involvement with the committee since its inception. After seeking legal advice in regards to the fund agreement, and after reviewing the information provided, the Village decided the best plan of action was to terminate the agreement to disburse funds.

Former McBride resident named Canada’s worst driver Kevin Simmons, formerly of McBride, won the shameful title of Canada’s worst driver on the hit T.V. show of the same name. Simmons, who was born with a condition that resulted in permanent blindness in his right eye, was nominated for the show by his partner Lenny Stone. Because of his disability, which affects his depth perception and requires him to wear glasses, Simmons has backed into other vehicles, hit a fence, a concrete barrier, as well as various other objects. After being picked for the show out of more than 1,000 submissions, Simmons and Stone spent almost a month in Ontario for filming. The eight chosen drivers had to compete in various challenges designed to improve their driving skills. If they passed, they would graduate. If they didn’t, they went on, getting closer to the title of Canada’s Worst Driver.

power day hours: 9 am to 8 pm

SERVING THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION & JASPER

The Valley Sentinel, Robson Valley Region •

ThuRsday, JanuaRy 3, 2013

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