Volume 28, Issue 3 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

THURSDAY

JANUARY 17, 2013 $1.16 Plus HST

VOLUME 28 ISSUE 3 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

High: 5°C Low: 5°C

High: 4°C Low: 1°C

High: 1°C Low: -3°C

THE VIEW FROM ABOVE LITTLE HORSE

PAGE 8

BIRGIT KUIT PAGE 9

PAUL JOHNSON PHOTO

BANTAM HOCKEY PAGE 15

Crystal Ridge sled assist ski hill opened on Saturday Jan. 12. This aerial shot was taken on a donated ﬂight from Yellowhead Helicopters and shows approximately 20 snow enthusiasts enjoying the hard work put in by Curtis Pawliuk and Valemount Area Development Association (VARDA). This incredible ﬁrst of its kind opportunity for sledders and skiers, opens up an entirely new aspect of backcountry fun, giving visitors and residents another reason to explore the area, while potentially adding to the local economy.

UFC LIVE

Sat. Jan 19th Drink specials and Appys, 6 pm start 50\50 draws NO COVER CHARGE!!

For more info contact 250-566-8211

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7am - 2pm • Daily • 7am - 9pm Friday/ Saturday Corner of 7th Ave & Karas Drive

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The Valley Sentinel, Robson Valley Region •

ThuRsday, JanuaRy 17, 2013

Library – Museum Joint Building Committee business case released by allan FRedeRiCK Reporter

The McBride and District Library and the Valley Museum and Archives boards met on Wednesday, Jan. 9, prior to the library board annual general meeting (AGM) to discuss and approve the business case, prepared by Shoop Group Consulting Ltd, regarding the feasibility of a new facility for these two groups. The business case consultant, Michael Shoop, produced the report for the boards through his own independent research and information supplied by the Joint Building Committee. The proposed site at 521 Main Street consists of a newer building of approximately 7,000 square feet.

LEGAL NOTICE In the Matter of Part 3.1 (Administrative Forfeiture) of the Civil Forfeiture Act [SBC 2005, C. 29] - the CFA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: On July 27, 2012, at Highway 5, north of Valemount, B.C., Peace Officer(s) of the Valemount RCMP seized, at the time indicated, the subject property, described as: $2,700 CAD, on or about 22:00 Hours. The subject property was seized because there was evidence that the subject property had been obtained by the commission of an offence (or offences) under section 5(2) (Possession for purpose of trafficking) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada (CDSA) and was therefore offence-related property pursuant to section 11 (Search, seizure and detention) of the CDSA. Notice is hereby given that the subject property, CFO file Number: 2012-1163, is subject to forfeiture under Part 3.1 of the CFA and will be forfeited to the Government for disposal by the Director of Civil Forfeiture unless a notice of dispute is filed with the Director within the time period set out in this notice. A notice of dispute may be filed by a person who claims to have an interest in all or part of the subject property. The notice of dispute must be filed within 60 days of the date upon which this notice is first published. You may obtain the form of a notice of dispute, which must meet the requirements of Section 14.07 of the CFA, from the Director’s website, accessible online at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/civilforfeiture. The notice must be in writing, signed in the presence of a lawyer or notary public, and mailed to the Civil Forfeiture Office, PO Box 9234 Station Provincial Government, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J1.

and includes five commercial lots. During the two-hour meeting some members of the group did not vote in favour of the report and in one case, a member, Dorothy Simpson, felt that the library board performed a “hostile takeover” of the museum board and its control. According to the business case report, the cost of this new facility and the five commercial lots is $618,000, with the overall project cost being $1.2 million, including the building and lots acquisition. The group has placed a “non-refundable deposit of $5,000” for the option to purchase by May 31. The following are direct excerpts from the report approved for public release by the Joint Building Committee on Jan. 9. The report had been provided to the Village of McBride mayor and council at their meeting on Jan. 8 and has also been provided to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George representative. The executive summary of the report states, “already significant support for the project is being voiced by local residents and the Joint Building Committee has received encouragement from government officials and funding agencies.” Within the introduction of the report, the statement reads that “their vision is for an integrated library, museum and archives centre that includes public space for residents and other community organizations to use as a gathering, meeting and working place. The new facility will be referred to as the Cultural Centre and Community Park.” The report also repeats the previously made statements “no increase in taxes to the Village taxpayer and no public debt as a result of the purchase, renovation and moving into the new facility.” The business case states, “some may be concerned that the new facility will cause a reduction on the tax base for the Village; while there may be a modest loss of property tax revenue to the Village it is believed that the other economic benefits (e.g. tourism and jobs) will more than off-set this loss.” And “this will also be offset by the return of three properties to the tax rolls.” However, neither the library or museum own the three properties identified.

McBride court briefs for Jan. 11 by allan FRedeRiCK Reporter

Unemployed? Not sure what to do? Ready to make a change? Come and see Birgit, and she can assess your employment needs and help you get back on track. Birgit Kuit,

Employment Advisor

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

Phone: 250-566-4601 • Fax: 250-566-4602 Check out our website at www.valemountlearningcentre.org Come and visit us again for the first time. 1201 - 5th Ave., Box 789, Valemount, BC, V0E 2Z0 Monday to Friday - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Anticipated cost for “phase one” are $250,000 to $300,000 and represent only 20.8 to 25 per cent of the total project of $1.2 million. The “phase one” costs need to be raised by May 31 to secure the building and not forfeit the non-refundable deposit of $5,000. According to Rick Thompson, village councillor, grant applications typically take from six to 18 months for approval and require more participation from the applicants than 20 to 25 per cent of the project. Under the conclusions section of the business case, it states, “the project strategy includes decision points at Jan. 9, April 15 and May 15, prior to any significant financial obligations being made – there are numerous safety valves to ensure local residents aren’t stuck with a poor decision.” With some of the project’s calculations on taxes, the report states “we have based the following calculation on what information we have available using the current assessment rolls, and are not 100 per cent accurate but are indicative of our thinking and are close enough to realize our conclusion.” Another statement suggests taxes will be “offset by the addition to the commercial tax rolls of the three lots presently occupied by the library and museum now, where no tax is paid.” As per zoning in the official community plan, the library and museum lots cannot be transferred to commercial property tax status. At the moment, the properties are zoned for public development or would revert to residential under the community plan. The business case also states “this information is not official but has been determined by our personal research and observation in walking and measuring properties shown and in consulting assessment tax rolls.” Michael Shoop, the consultant who wrote the report was unable to make public comment without first consulting the Joint Building Committee. Shoop did indicate that he would be available at the public open house being scheduled for Jan. 24 at the new potential location. Details for this event will be provided via advertising. Representatives from the regional district and the village are expected to be present.

On Friday, Jan. 11, Provincial Court was held in McBride with Judge D. H. Weatherley presiding. Two cases were adjourned until Mar. 8. The first involving accused Gene Clifford Joseph and the second Frederick A. Prevost, both for non-appearance with a bench warrant for Prevost withheld and for Joseph as an “endorsed warrant”. The third case of the day involved accused Shane

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Harvey Yanke whose representative in his absence requested that the case be referred to the next court date of Mar. 8. The sentencing of Darren Roy Byford was postponed to Mar. 8 as the pre-sentencing report had not been prepared yet. For the appearance of Tyler Allen Blangy, the accused plead guilty to a charge of driving without reasonable consideration and received a fine of $500 with three months to pay and an 18-month probation order with conditions regarding his driving privileges. The case of accused Bradley Ken Moen was referred to the court seating for May 10 by way of defense adjournment. At that time a plea and fixing of a trial date will be decided. Accused Christopher Landaker entered a not guilty plea on his charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from a peace officer, and a two-day trial date was requested and will be set on Jan. 18. In the case of Robert Alan White, also known as Erickson, representing himself and after much discussion, the judge asked him to enter his pleas to his four charges, to which White responded that he “refused to stand under the charges.” The court then entered a not guilty plea for each of the charges on his behalf. White felt that he needed to seek legal counsel and would do so. At the next court seating of Mar. 8, a two-day trial date will be set from a selection of dates to be provided at that time.

Serving the robSon valley region

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013 •

The Valley Sentinel/the ﬁtzhugh

PSAC rallies support to stop Miette privatization By DANIEL BETTS Editor

Some local residents are calling the planned privatization of the operations at Miette Hot Springs a “slap in the face.” On the evening of Jan. 9 the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) held a town hall meeting at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre to discuss the effects of privatization of the Miette Hot Springs operation. Marianne Hladun, PSAC regional executive vice-president of the prairie region, and Kevin King, PSAC regional vice-president, Alberta, N.W.T. and Nunavut, hosted the meeting, which was attended by approximately 40 people from Jasper, Hinton and the Robson Valley. “I ask, all of you, just what else can they commercialize?” King asked those in attendance. “Just what else can they privatize or sell off?” King expressed his belief that higher admission prices at Miette Hot Springs would put the facility out of reach for some visitors and therefore could mean less tourism dollars reaching Jasper. “This is about an attack on the national parks system, something that we hold dear,” said Hladun. “We honestly believe that the visitor experience to the parks will be hindered with privatization or commercialization.” Attendees, some of whom work at Miette Hot Springs, had the opportunity to stand and speak about how they felt about Parks Canada’s plan. Some told personal stories, expressing their fears that the hot springs would no longer be a special place where couples can get engaged or have other life-changing memories. “We are getting to the core of what kind of triggered the creation of the national parks in the first place and it is kind of like a slap in the face or a punch in the gut that they now want to privatize the hot springs,” said Monika Schaefer of Jasper. “I feel like it [privatization] is going to open the door for basically the erosion of the protection of the national park.” During an interview, Hladun expressed that the overall goal of the PSAC is to convince Parks Canada to leave the operation at Miette Hot Springs as it is currently modelled. “Contrary to what the government says the hot springs actually bring in revenue, they don’t cost the taxpayer anything and there really is no reason to loose the expertise and the commitment of the Parks Canada employees who are employed there.” The request for proposals (RFP) has not yet been released, but Hladun believes interest has been expressed by international companies. Hladun feels Parks Canada needs to do more research and consultation as to the impact privatization will have on the community. Hladun felt that Parks Canada could transfer operations as soon as this year, however Tracy Thiessen, executive director and acting vice president of the mountain national parks, told the Fitzhugh that Parks Canada cannot confirm that a transfer of operations will occur in May. However, many of the concerns expressed by citizens, particularly in regards to admission price and international involvement, would depend upon the results of the RFP. “We’re going to leave it up to the private sector to analyze what the current admission prices are, what the current customer base is and to come up with a price point that the market will bear,” said Thiessen. “We do think the private sector has the experience to assign admission fees that are going to ensure they have sustainable businesses.” Thiessen noted that under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) the request for proposal could not exclude companies outside of Canada. will be coming to Jasper on “Whether or not it is a foreign company or not, you can’t speculate who from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. is going to be a successful For an appointment call: 1-800-661-6794 bidder. There are all kinds of organizations who will be Jasper Seton Hospital • drbcnolt@telus.net interested in this offer,” said www.drbarrynolt.com Thiessen. Main Floor, Standard Life Centre Since the announcement

of privatization was made in April 2012, Thiessen believes much work and due diligence has gone into developing the request for proposals and includes provisions to protect the cultural character of the hot springs, that environmental regulations are strictly adhered to, and that the nature and essence of the hot springs are appropriate for a national park setting. “That’s real important to Parks Canada. That these heritage properties are protected and those values are protected,” said Thiessen. “Those conditions are built right into the RFP.” One aspect of the alternate services delivery is that Parks Canada has to respect the provisions of the collective agreement for the employees who work at the hot springs. “There are strong protections in place for them [hot springs employees],” said Thiessen. “All proposals include the strong encouragement for companies to come forward with job offers for existing staff. If that does not occur there are other protections within the collective agreement for those staff.” Thiessen said the RFP is still being worked on and they hope to issue it within the next three months, but the business process can be quite lengthy. “Presuming there is a successful bid, negotiations can take months,” said Thiessen. “The chances of anything happening before May is incredibly unlikely, for this season.”

Optometrist,

Dr. B.C. Nolt

January 28 & 29

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h t 5

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feel the heat at the 25th

annual

Chili Cook-Off Friday, january 18, 2013 at the Activity Centre

$15 per person to feel the heat! Doors open at 6 pm. Judging starts at 7 pm Tickets available at the Front Desks of the Amethyst Lodge, Lobstick Lodge, Chateau Jasper & Marmot Lodge or at the door.

Great Chili • Great Fun • Great Prizes • Dance with D.J. Tommy K

For more information or to enter a team contact Alan Wilson 780-852-2513 sponsored by Labatt

The Valley Sentinel, ROBSON VALLEY REGION •

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 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

Turning a blind eye By DANIEL BETTS, Editor

During a recent Crime Stoppers meeting, the RCMP members in attendance expressed their concern and frustration around the uncooperative nature of the public in general. It is often the case that people who have valuable information choose not to share it with police. The predominate attitude toward crime in general is that people prefer not to get involved unless they are directly effected. Such attitudes are understandable considering getting involved could mean the expenditure of valuable time, and may generate unwanted attention. There is also a safety issue to consider when opposing a criminal element within ones own neighbourhood or community. Unfortunately, police are very limited in what they can do to investigate crime. Often, organized criminals depend upon the co-operation of their neighbours in order to continue their activities. Police cannot be everywhere so it is far more likely that a citizen will witness a crime instead of a police officer. Criminals often use this knowledge to their advantage, realizing that people tend to not get involved and depend on people turning a blind eye. While turning a blind eye may save time and keep people safely anonymous, it does very little to ensure the safety of our homes and community. Perhaps the property being damaged or stolen doesn’t belong to a witness, but allowing a criminal activity to go unnoticed risks a repeat offence, possibly next time effecting that witness’s home or property directly. What about the so-called victimless crimes? Perhaps a neighbour has a grow-op in their basement. So they are making a little money on the side, who cares? The risk comes when such activity brings a dangerous element into the community. Most grow-ops are financed and supported by organized criminals who trade in illegal weapons and harder drugs, both of which kill people. Such activity can also affect the reputation of a community, which in turn can stifle investment from legitimate business. What of crimes against women or children? If abuse or assault is not reported, the activity can continue to affect the victims for years. The police cannot intervene if they don’t know about it. Crime Stoppers provides a way for people to get involved while remaining anonymous. Calls made to Crime Stoppers are picked up in a call centre in Toronto so there is no risk of accidentally being recognized, also the call is never traced or recorded. Likewise, using the Internet to report a tip is also untraceable as the IP addresses are scrubbed. People choosing to give tips through Crime Stoppers will never speak with a police officer and will never have to testify in court. Also, any tip that results in a conviction is eligible for a cash reward. If you have information about any crime and wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477. You can still do your part. editor@thevalleysentinel.com

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

MP Report: Nominations sought for Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo sent out a reminder today to all constituents to show their appreciation for extraordinary volunteers in their communities by nominating them for a Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award. “Our government is committed to recognizing the enormous contribution volunteers make to our communities and our country,” said McLeod. “The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards were created as a way to annually recognize those who make exceptional voluntary contributions, including individuals, not-for-profit organizations and businesses.” A total of 17 awards are given at both the regional and national level. The regional component recognizes individual volunteers or groups of volunteers, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The national component is divided into two categories: one for lifelong achievement and one for new volunteers. Award recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony and can identify an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award). However, to receive an award, potential recipients must first be nominated by someone. The current call for nominations is open until March 1, 2013.

Last year, the Government received over 750 nominations. The ﬁrst recipients of the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards were honoured at an awards ceremony held on December 14, 2012 in Ottawa. “With almost half of all Canadians volunteering, there are many more who deserve to be nominated — let’s make sure their valuable work is recognized,” concluded McLeod. To learn more about the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards, including access to an online nomination form, please visit www.pm.gc.ca/awards or call 1-877-825-0434.

SENTINEL LETTER POLICY We welcome Letters to the Editor on all subjects. We do not publish anonymous letters, so please include your name and contact informations so that we can verify that you wrote the letter. All letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT The Valley Sentinel. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to the editor by emailing it to editor@ thevalleysentinel.com or drop by The Valley Sentinel ofﬁce.

ANDREA SCHOLZ Publisher/ Production Manager publisher@thevalleysentinel.com

ALLAN FREDERICK Correspondent and Ofﬁce Admin

DANIEL BETTS Editor editor@thevalleysentinel.com

MARIE BIRKBECK Correspondent and Ofﬁce Assistant

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ROBSON VALLEY CONTRIBUTORS: Birgit Stutz, Donalda Beeson, Laura Johnson and Astrid Frazier

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Thursday, January 17, 2013 •

The Valley Sentinel /the fitzhugh

Fighting crime anonymously By DANIEL BETTS Editor

In July 1976 a young college student was shot, at point blank range, with a shotgun at a gas station in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With no witnesses or leads the investigating officer tried something innovative to encourage the public to come forward. At the time of the killing, Albuquerque had a significant crime problem and people were afraid to help the police. The investigating officer created a video re-enactment of the crime, put up a reward and a number to call for any tips. Within 72 hours of broadcasting the re-enactment, suspects were apprehended and charged with the crime. This was the birth of Crime Stoppers, now an international organization. January is Crime Stoppers Month. Recently the Valemount Crime Stoppers board held their annual general meeting and invited Mark Price, the Kamloops and district co-ordinator. Price noted that many residents may not realize that Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous even when using the new website. “The website scrubs your IP address so the identity of the tipper cannot be traced,” said Price. Price also noted that when calling the toll-free number to Crime Stoppers, the tipper isn’t going to be talking to the police or even anyone local, but instead the call goes to a centre in Toronto. Crime Stoppers International consists of over 1,200 programs operating throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Central America, Mexico and many Caribbean and Pacific regions. Crime Stoppers is not attached to any policing agency and, in fact, prefers to keep an “arms length” from police, including the local RCMP. According to Crime Stoppers, they recognize that the public often has information about crime and they Valemount developed a way to combat fear of reprisal, public Learning apathy, and a reluctance to get involved. Callers are Centre given a code number and calls are not traced or recorded. 250-566-4601 Using the code number, tippers can check on their tip to see if additional information is needed by the police LOCAL JOB or if the tip has yielded results. Crime Stoppers will POSTINGS pay cash rewards when information leads to an arrest Updated January 17, 2013 and conviction, or just a conviction. Rewards can be as Updated Jan. 17, 2013 high as $2,000 and the tipper never has to meet Crime Stoppers or police officials.  Bartender Of particular success with Crime Stoppers is the  Cashiers identification of grow-ops, or illegal drug cultivation  Cook/Chef in a community. Rural areas are particularly prone  Food Service Counter to grow-ops as they are difficult to detect. However, Attendants/Cooks residents familiar with their neighbourhood have the  Front Desk ability to more easily detect the unusual activity that  Housekeepers often surrounds illegal activity.  Housekeeping Runner Grow-ops are usually established by organized  Maintenance Person crime groups and present a considerable risk to  Night Audit communities, friends, family and livelihood in the  Paramedic/EMR form of violence, illegal activity, not to mention  Red Cross the reputation of a community. Additional threats Swimming Instructor of grow-op activity include fire caused by high  Short Order Cook intensity lights, overheating ballasts and faulty wiring.  Specialty Cook Environmentally, grow-ops often use pesticides and (International Cuisine) chemicals that can contaminate the soil and watershed.  Traffic Control Person Economically, properties around known grow-ops have Front desk staff can give you had their value decreased. Financially, theft of power detailed information about each of these to supply the activity will result in increased hydro postings, including info on how to We are here to help. for Please submit your application these job bills in the area; also it takes a considerable amount of call or drop . in. For more opportunities money to clean up a property after a harmful grow-op information on these jobs or has been in operation. other employment assistance Valemount Learning Centre services visit us at Regency Crime Stoppers offers a way for residents to report Box 789 Valemount BC Place 1201- 5th Ave, Valemount. crime without being identified or directly involved. V0E 2Z0 www.valemountlearningcentre.org The truly anonymous system is designed so that a 250-566-4601 tipper cannot even be mistakenly identified. Ironically, Price explained that often Crime Stoppers is used by organized crime members as a way to eliminate their competition and even get paid to do it. If you have a tip about any crime or illegal activity in The Employment Program of Britishof Columbia funded by the Government The Employment Program BritishisColumbia your community and you do not wish to be identified, of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. is funded by the Government of Canada and contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or you can the Province of British Columbia. visit the new website at www.kamloopscrimestoppers. ca.

LOCAL JOB POSTINGS

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 17, 2013

INBRIEF

NATIONAL PARK NEWS JANUARY 17

Berg Lake Trail reservations get improved

JOIN PARKS CANADA AT JASPER IN JANUARY EVENTS!

Mount Robson Provincial Park’s Berg Lake Trail is 23 kilometres and climbs 800 metres on the side of Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Twenty-five per cent of reservations for this worldrenowned hiking trail come from outside Canada. This year a new booking system is being employed to allow earlier reservations to assist distant visitors make travel plans. There are a limited number of trips allowed on the trail and distant travellers have been met with frustration causing some visitors to cancel their trips. For environmental reasons, daily trips are limited to allow for maximum enjoyment on the trail. Being able to book earlier gives visitors more certainty for travel plans.

Family Literacy Week, because one day is not enough Family Literacy Day is Jan. 27, but organizers in Jasper are planning a whole week of fun literacy-building events and activities. Starting Jan. 25, scheduled events include the family literacy bingo, a family cooking class, family event afternoon, Scrabble tournament and community dinner. There will also be game nights, stories under the stars, and a National Film Board Film Club presentation. The finale will be held on Feb. 1 with a Soiree Karaoke/Karaoke Night at the Jasper Legion. For more details contact the Jasper Municipal Library.

Following a fantastic first weekend of Jasper in January events, Parks Canada would like to invite you to join us for more family fun on Saturday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 26. Saturday, Jan. 19 During the Jasper in January Street Party, come out and see our park interpreters outside the Jasper Info Centre between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. First, you can practice your forensic investigation skills, trying to figure out what one of Jasper National Park’s predators had for dinner by searching for clues left behind. Then, grab a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and race your friends to be the first to report back on the results of your detective work. Once you get the hang of using a GPS you can come back any time to try your hand at geocaching on your own, a fun outdoor adventure that is kind of like treasure hunting. The goal of geocaching is to find hidden containers known as geocaches - five of these are now hidden around the town of Jasper. If you want to try it out, stop by the Jasper National Park Info Centre to pick up a JNP Geocaching Activity Sheet. The activity sheet includes instructions on finding a cache, co-ordinates for the caches and

questions about each cache as proof that it was found. Geocachers who find three to five of these caches can log their findings on www.geocaching.com and can obtain a Parks Canada Geocoin souvenir from the Jasper Information Centre. Saturday, Jan. 26 Come on up to the ski hill to play detective and see if you can tell which animals visited Marmot Basin overnight! Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., join us at Marmot Basin’s lower chalet for Tracks in the Snow, a fun program where you can play some wildlife tracking games, or test your skill at identifying wildlife tracks – the more fresh snow, the better. Come check out an assortment of horns, antlers, skins and skulls, and find out the latest information on wildlife research. Prefer an evening adventure? Starting at 7 p.m. just behind the Jasper Information Centre, you can explore the night sky in the world’s largest dark sky preserve. Using a powerful telescope, our Snowball Moon program lets you get an up-close view of our moon and the moons of Jupiter. You’ll be star struck. Dress warm!

Proposed changes to user fees in Jasper National Park On Jan. 11, Parks Canada stated that because they are facing consistently increasing operating costs to provide services to visitors they are proposing changes to user fees as of May. According to Parks Canada, there has been a five-year fee-freeze, but future price adjustments are being considered to address rising costs. Future price adjustments will be limited to the consumer price index for services such as entry, camping and interpretation programs. As an example, the group daily entry fee to enter the Park will go up from $19.60 to $20.75. Full service camping fees will go up from $38.20 to $40.25. User fees are proposed to also increase at the Transfer Station and Palisades Stewardship Education Centre. These proposed changes may exceed the consumer price index in order to better recover costs and align with comparable industry or national fees. As an example of changes to fees at the Transfer Station, sorted waste fees will go up from $35 to $40. Domestic waste will increase from $46 to $90 and unsorted waste will increase from $55 to $175. A public consultation period for fee changes is now open until Feb. 18. More information can be found at www.pc.gc.ca. To provide comments, please email Jasper.Fees2012@pc.gc.ca or write to Superintendent, Jasper Natonal Park, Box 10, Jasper, Alta, T0E 1E0.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK We are getting to the core of what kind of triggered the creation of the national parks in the ﬁrst place and it is kind of like a slap in the face or a punch in the gut that they now want to privatize the hot springs.

Monika Schaefer

SARAH MAKOWSKY PHOTO

Honorary Newfoundlanders line up to kiss the fish at Celtic entertainer Billy Wisemanʼs show at the Legion on Jan. 11. This tradition, also known as a screech-in, must be performed by a Newfoundlander. Inductees take a shot of Newfoundland rum and kiss a cod fish. Since a cod fish is difficult to obtain in Jasper, a whitefish was used instead.

Municipality of Jasper Snow Removal Operations Watch for signage and remove your vehicle from the street! Vehicles left on the street prevent heavy equipment operators from getting to all the snow, which often turns into slush and ice in the parking lanes. Snow removal signage will be placed in residential areas 24 hours in advance; any vehicle left on the street may be towed at the owner’s expense.

780-852-3356

Pet Licenses It’s time to renew your pet’s license! The Jasper Domestic Animal Bylaw (#126) requires every dog and cat owner to obtain a valid license from the municipal administration office on or before January 1st of each year. All municipal bylaws are available on the municipal website under TOWN HALL > Bylaws.

www.jasper-alberta.com

question of the week...

Is privatizing the operations at Miette Hot Springs a good idea? a) Yes b) No Go to www.ﬁtzhugh.ca or to www.thevalleysentinel.com to cast your vote. Results will be published in next weekʼs newspapers. Last weekʼs combined results: Was Canadaʼs withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol wise? 75% (6) Yes 25% (2) No

Thursday, January 17 2013

SPecial eVentS Creative ConvergenCe Lab at the McBride Library with RVSS on Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. Calling all artistically inclined (or interested) parties to come, meet, and collaborate. Contact Bridget at 569-2266 with questions. 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. Free LegaL adviCe at tHe mCbride Library Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Private 15 minute sessions available to talk with lawyer Jesse Stamm via the internet. royaL Canadian Legion vaLemount #266 Soup, SandwiCH and bake SaLe and rent a tabLe on Sat. Jan 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Legion Hall Call Shirley 250-566-9829 or Terri 250-566-4406 FamiLy Fun @ tHe mCbride Library. January 26 at 2:30 p.m. Help us celebrate Family Literacy Day with games, stories, and snacks. All welcome!

Valemount

LISTINGS

CHURCH

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

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 www.visitvalemount.ca/ winter/winterfest1.htm

“Storytime witH motHer gooSe” Wednesdays at 10 a.m., beginning Jan. 9 at the McBride Library. Aimed at families with children around the age of two. Join Robson Valley Support Society and McBride Library staff for songs, stories, rhymes, and fingerplay fun! mCbride parent-CHiLd pLaygroup at tHe mCbride Library Fridays at 10 a.m. Open to all caregivers and their kids. Drop by for play time and to meet with other families in the area!

HigH SoCiety vaLentineS ConCert and danCe in Valemount on Feb. 15 at 9:00 p.m. Venue TBA

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 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

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.

• The Valley Sentinel, robson Valley region

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

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

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

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.

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

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

The Valley Sentinel, Robson Valley Region •

ThuRsday, JanuaRy 17, 2013

Linda McRae to perform at the Dunster Schoolhouse submitted by the Robson Valley Music society

Robson Valley Music Society proudly presents our first Dunster Schoolhouse concert of 2013. You do not want to miss this. Performing on clawhammer banjo, acoustic guitar, accordion and porchboard stompbox, Linda McRae combines oldtime sounds with universal themes of heartbreak and redemption offering an intriguing sepia postcard from the past that is vibrant and alive in the present. Rough Edges & Ragged Hearts, McRae’s highly anticipated fourth solo release doesn’t describe the gold and platinum polish enhancing a musical career spanning 25 years. A Canadian Folk Music Award nomination in 2012, confirms Linda’s maturing distinction as a quality songwriter and recording artist. Her newest album went to No. 1 on CKUA, No. 4 on Folk DJ’s list of top Canadian albums, and No. 1 and 2 at the Top Canadian Songs. Linda earned a Juno nomination and double Platinum Triple Gold recording status as bassist and accordionist with Celtic/

roots group Spirit of the West. Departing the band after eight years, she resumed her solo career consecutively producing three critically acclaimed recordings. Recent performance highlights include The Carter Family Fold, The Hank Williams Museum, and the New Folsom Prison, California’s infamous maximumsecurity prison, where she performed in concert and facilitated songwriter workshops for the inmates. Her workshops and concerts were so well received, she returned to participate in the program a second time. The concert and workshops permitted inmates freedom of expression while giving McRae a rare opportunity to assist in that expression. “When all the trends fade and become dated, and all the music from the cutting edge becomes dull, McRae will continue to stand tall, singing and playing music with honest soul and humility, cutting through the fog with her timeless clarity. Linda is one of the true, soulful pioneers of honest roots music. Her singing and playing brings honour to her heroes and to her friends and fans,” said Colin Linden, Award-winning songwriter, producer, and

subMiTTed phoTo

guitarist (Bruce Cockburn, Emmy Lou Harris, Alison Krauss/Robert Plant). Come and see what all the fuss is about on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Dunster Schoolhouse for an intimate concert with

this incredible songwriter and performer. Doors are open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the door for $15. Concession will be available. For more info, call Shara at 250-968-4411.

lauRa Johnson phoTos

above: While Mom amy pawliuk, and big sister Megan look on from a safe distance, little sister Zoe, and little pony Ranger, share a few smiles and getting-to-know-you moments, before each went on with their day. Right: This sweet little pony named Ranger, doesn’t seem to mind the frost building up on his nostrils and eyelashes at all.

Valemount Public Library Adult ﬁction

New at the McBride Public Library Adult Fiction

The Ballad of Tom Dooley – Sharyn McCrumb February - Lisa Moore N.W. - Zadie Smith The Nesting Dolls - Gail Bowen Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

Adult Nonfiction

The Complete Arthritis Health, Diet Guide … - Kim Arrey The Kelowna Story – Sharron Simpson Redefining Success – W. Brett Wilson National Geographic 125 Years – Mark Collins Jenkins

Junior

Nicholas St. North – William Joyce Ruins – Orson Scott Card Rebel Heart – Moira Young

DVDs

Brave Annie Hall Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Hope Springs

Join our group on Facebook to keep in touch. 250-569-2411

www.mcbride.bclibrary.ca

Valemount Public Library

*Free Internet access *Library-to-go *One-on-one computer lessons *Top shelf art

Sutton ~ J.R. Moehringer The black box ~ Michael Connelly Notorious nineteen ~ Janet Evanovich The gilded Lily ~ Deborah Swift Two pints ~ Roddy Doyle Bones are forever ~ Kathy Reichs The importance of being seven ~ Alexander McCall Smith The Inn at Rose Harbor ~ Debbie Macomber Wards of Faerie ~ Terry Brooks

Adult non-ﬁction

Iphone 5 for dummies ~ Edward C. Baig Windows 8 for dummies ~ Andy Rathbone Wheat belly cookbook ~ William Davis Fifty places to bike before you die ~ Chris Santella Evelyn Jacks essential tax facts ~ Evelyn Jacks

Junior

Tigers ~ J. Maclaine Rain & ﬁre ~ Chris D’Lacey Mastiff ~ Tamora Pierce Frog and friends ~ Eve Bunting Mouse and the moon ~ Christina M. Butler Visit us on Facebook and on our website for more library news http://valemount.bclibrary.ca Library hours Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10 am - 5 pm, Wed: 10 am - 9 pm, Sat: 11 am - 3pm

Valemount Learning Centre

Upcoming Classes

**FREE Senior’s Drop-In Computer Classes** The Valemount Learning Centre is offering FREE basic computer lessons for seniors on Thursday evenings in our computer lab from 5:30-7:30. Please just drop by or call. **Vegetarian Cooking Class** Sunday, Jan. 13 from 1-3 p.m. Cost $35+HST. Join and prepare and sample a vegetarian dish and a beef dish. Take home the tasty recipes and many helpful kitchen hints and tricks from a Swiss/Mauritius trained chef! **Basic Beginner Guitar Lessons** Starting Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 to Feb. 20. Cost $60+HST. You will need a guitar. Please join us and learn basic chords, barre chords, basic strumming and finger picking techniques. You will be playing a song at the end of the 6 sessions! Please call the Valemount Learning Centre to register or for more information 250-566-4601.

Phone: 250-566-4601 • Fax: 250-566-4602

Check out our website at www.valemountlearningcentre.org Come and visit us again for the first time. 1201 - 5th Ave., Box 789, Valemount, BC, V0E 2Z0 Valemount Monday to Friday - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Learning Centre

Thursday, January 17 2013

• The Valley Sentinel, robson Valley region

Sean Hogan coming to Valemount by Marie birKbeCK Contributor

Country singer Sean Hogan is not just another country singer-song writer, he is a husband and a father of three children, and a stage four cancer survivor, with a new outlook on life. He released his first album in 1996; in 1997, Hogan won the Independent Male Artist of the Year award from the Canadian Country Music Association, and went on to win numerous other awards. He now has six albums and 18 music videos. His latest video, Travel Plans, features Amber Marshall of CBC’s Heartland. In 2004, he began Canadian Country Christmas tours, bringing a group of high-profile Canadian country music artists to large and small communities coast to coast, raising over $100,000 for local charities and sponsoring dozens of children in Third World countries over the past decade. Hogan chose to free himself from the limitations that were the by-product of his previous successes and went to work on the prophetically titled Phoenix. Within a few months he created an album that erased the lines between roots, rock and country; with sounds heavily influenced by the soul-injected music he has enjoyed his whole life. Great new songs ranging from soulful slow burners to the funky title track, several featuring additional vocals by legendary session singer Bekka Bramlett (Fleetwood Mac, Faith Hill, Robert Plant), resulted in an album that truly represented Hogan’s most authentic self. This latest album is described as “pure pop.” In the spring of 2011, Hogan was touring and readying Phoenix for release. The first single, Travel Plans, became another top 10 hit single. But all wasn’t well. He found touring exhausting and had a chronic sore throat. The cause was diagnosed as tonsillitis, but treatment didn’t make his symptoms disappear. By mid-August he was diagnosed with oral pharyngeal cancer. Months of rigourous chemotherapy and radiation followed. Fellow artists and friends rallied to his support, holding fundraising concerts across Canada and carrying on his Canadian Country Christmas tour tradition in his absence. After a harrowing six months, Sean received a clean bill of health in March of 2012. Hogan had no idea when he named the album Phoenix, that it would be a comeback from anything more than some artistic challenges. As he predicted in the title track, “Like a phoenix flying out of the ashes, I will rise.” Hogan is currently taking his music on a short circle tour of British Columbia, with performances in Valemount, Vanderhoof and Terrace, with a brief stopover in Jasper along the way. Sean Hogan will give an acoustical performance in the Valemount Legion on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. Local artist and newcomer to Valemount, Birgit Kuit will be performing the opening act. Call 250-566-9945 for tickets. “I’ve learned that life has speed bumps. Don’t confuse them with the end of the road,” says Hogan.

subMiTTed phoTos

Sean Hogan, above, and Valemount’s Birgit Kuit, below, will both be playing at the Valemount legion on saturday, Jan. 19.

Introducing Birgit Kuit by Marie birKbeCK Contributor

When Riette Kenkel, at the Valemount Learning Centre, hired the newest Employment Advisor last October, she had no idea that she was bringing a new wave of talent to our community. Birgit Kuit had lived and worked on Vancouver Island for the better part of three decades, but suddenly found she needed a job and a change. Valemount offered her both, although she does admit that once she got settled here, she had to leave briefly and come back to gain that sense of belonging. In addition to being an employment advisor, Kuit is an accomplished folk, pop, blues singer and songwriter with three albums released to date with a fourth one is in the works, although now she is in need of a studio to complete the album. If anyone knows of a suitable space for recording, you

are urged to get in touch with Kuit. Kuit explained that she had no musical background. She picked up a guitar at a friend’s house one night about 15 years ago, and started playing, and has not looked back. She has twice been selected for the BC Festival of the Arts, a showcase for songwriters who show promise for professional careers. In 2001, Kuit was invited to sing backup for Chloe Goodchild at the V-Day Performance in Madison Square Gardens. Seven years later she performed at Toronto’s Mod Club Theatre as part of the “Honey Jam” series for emerging female artists – where luminaries like the Pussy Cat Dolls and Nelly Furtado launched their careers. Other performance highlights for Kuit include the Tidemark Theatre concert series for emerging Canadian singer-songwriters, two appearances at the prestigious Railway Club in Vancouver and an audition for Canada’s Got Talent.

International recording artist Mae Moore sums it up by stating, “Birgit’s music is pure and honest and thankfully free from cynicism in a world that needs more hope. She writes songs that make you feel glad to be alive.” This past Saturday, an intimate group of people formed an audience at the Kenkel residence as Kuit performed her first show in Valemount. Kuit will be opening for Sean Hogan at the Valemount Legion on Saturday, Jan 19. Learn more about Kuit on her website www.reverbnation.com/birgitkuit. You can also find some of her songs on YouTube.

Roundhouse Theatre spring season approaches by allan FrederiCK Reporter

The Roundhouse Theatre Society announced its 2013 spring concert line-up with the first show on Friday, Jan. 25, with UK songwriter and guitarist Jake Morley at 7:30 p.m. The season continues with something new for the society, a mini-film festival on Feb. 28, March 1 and 2, featuring

three award-winning films, including Moonrise Kingdom, Boy and The Intouchables. On Friday, March 8, master musician Oscar Lopez will be at the Roundhouse Theatre. Finally, on Friday, April 19, The Junebugs will be performing. Look for posters and advertising closer to the dates for details.

The Valley Sentinel, Robson Valley Region •

REQUEST FOR QUOTES The Valemount 2013 Grad class is requesting quotes for the catering of the graduation dinner. Expecting 250-300 people. Location is the Valemount Secondary School. Dinner is on June 1, 2013. For more information or to drop off quotes, contact Claudia at 250-566-1111, or drop quotes off at Valemount Secondary School.

ThuRsday, JanuaRy 17, 2013

McBride Council briefs, Jan. 8 by allan FRedeRiCK Reporter

The regularly scheduled council meeting for the Village of McBride was held on Jan. 8 with Mayor Mike Frazier, Coun. Lori Kimpton, Coun. Rick Thompson, Coun. Raj Basran, Coun. Irene Rejman, Chief Administrative Officer Eliana Clements and Economic Development Officer Margaret Graine in attendance. There were two members of the general public present, as well as two delegates representing the library board. Agenda with additions received: A motion was made by Kimpton and seconded by Rejman to receive the agenda and have the delegates of the library board recognized. Motion was carried.

McBride Community Forest Corporation Reminder: Grant application deadline The MCFC Grant Sub-Committee wants to remind the public that it is accepting grant applications. The deadline for the winter intake of grant applications is January 31, 2013. For more information or a copy of our grant application form please contact: Sarah Taylor McBride Community Forest Corporation Phone (250) 569-2229 Or, visit our website at www.mcbridecommunityforest.com THE CORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE OF MCBRIDE

VILLAGE OF MCBRIDE

Notice of PUBLIC HEARING

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 726 Notice is hereby given that a public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 726 will be held:

Minutes approved: A motion was made by Rejman and seconded by Kimpton to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of Dec. 11. Motion was carried A motion was made by Thompson and seconded by Kimpton to accept the minutes of the special meeting held Dec. 17, regarding the McBride Community Forest Corporation’s annual report. Motion was carried. Delegates: William Clark and Naomi Balla-Boudreau of the library board presented the mayor and council members with a “draft” copy of the feasibility study of the new Library – Museum building proposal for their review. The report was not available to the public as it had not been reviewed and approved by the library board members at the time of the meeting. This was to be done the following afternoon prior to the annual general meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. Reports: The mayor, councillors, administration and economic development officer provided verbal reports on their activities since their last regular council meeting. Correspondence: A letter from the McBride and District Public Library requesting financial assistance of $500 from the village for the cost associated with the feasibility study was tabled by council until the report has been reviewed by the Regional District and village council.

A motion was made by Frazier and seconded by Kimpton to provide the Robson Valley Arts and Culture Council with a grant in aid of $250 to assist with the Fraser Heritage Festival 2013. The motion was carried with only Coun. Thompson voting against the motion as presented. In a follow up telephone interview, Thompson indicated that he was not against the Fraser Heritage Festival, but that the village could maybe provide “in kind” value contribution to the case thereby freeing up funds for another request if necessary. Bylaws / Permits / Policies: As administration was unable to submit and publish advertising for the Jan. 8 public hearing date in a timely fashion due to the holiday schedule and newspaper deadlines, administration requested that council pass a resolution to amend the public hearing date for Bylaw No. 726 to Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. This was initiated by Thompson and seconded by Basran. Motion was carried. A motion was made by Rejman and seconded by Kimpton to prepare a grant application to Northern Development Initiative for the local economic development function for $35,000, as in previous years. Motion was carried. Notes: Residential and commercial assessments have been done for the municipality, with an average increase of 16.1 per cent of total values over 2012 assessments. Residential increases averaged 19 per cent while commercial values increased by 10 per cent over the previous year’s assessments. For the Wastewater Treatment Project Phase Two the contractor has completed the necessary works for this project. The next step is the engineers will prepare recommendations for planting of wetland and woodlots. The Water System PEP Recovery plan has been submitted and a portion of the work is completed, with the Village still working with EMBC for final plan approval and reports accessing funding for works completed to date. The next regularly scheduled Village Council meeting is Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m., with the public meeting regarding Bylaw No. 726 being held at 7 p.m., prior to the regular meeting.

7:00 pm Tuesday, January 22, 2013 Village of McBride Council Chambers 100 Robson Centre – 855 SW Frontage Road McBride, B.C. The purpose of the proposed Bylaw 726, 2012 is to clarify the parcel line and building setbacks. This bylaw introduces some new definitions and includes a new section on setback exceptions. Below is the proposed setback exceptions information: •

No BUILDING or structure, other than the following, shall be located in the area of the SETBACK required by this bylaw: 1. signs 2. fences 3. steps, provided they are not closer than 1 m from any side PARCEL LINE 4. a patio, terrace, porch, balcony, or canopy provided they are not closer than 1 m from any PARCEL LINE 5. gutters, eaves, cornices, sills, bay windows or chimneys provided they are not closer than 1 m from any PARCEL LINE 6. On parcels fronting Arterial Highways, in accordance with the Transportation Act Regulations, no building shall, without the consent of the Minister, be placed within a distance of 4.5 metres from the PARCEL LINE fronting on any Arterial Highway within a municipality, unless a public lane or alley provides secondary access to the property when the minimum setback may be reduced to 3 metres.

At the public hearing, all those who deem their interest in land to be affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions. Please note: emails will not be accepted as written submissions. Any material received before or at the public hearing will become public information. Copies of the bylaw may be examined at the office of the Village of McBride at 100 Robson Centre – 855 SW Frontage Road, McBride BC during regular office hours from January 2 to January 22, 2013. Eliana Clements CAO

McBride, BC Fax: (250) 569-3276

Hatha Yoga in Valemount with Brigitta McDonald Brigitta McDonald is back and offering Hatha Yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the newly renovated Community Hall. Everyone is welcome – both beginners and experienced students. The cost will be $10 for drop-in or $65 for an eight-class session. “These Hatha Yoga classes offer an opportunity to learn and practice yoga in a non-judgmental space, including breath work, physical poses and relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces stress, improves strength and balance and can help relieve back and joint pain,” said McDonald. Yoga for seniors in Valemount Brigitta McDonald will once again offer Seniors’ Yoga at the Valemount Seniors Centre, starting on Thursday, Jan. 10, hopefully continuing every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. through the winter. These are very gentle chair-assisted classes that include breath work, seated and standing poses and relaxation. These classes are free to all seniors. VSS looking for cork boots Dan Kenkel, principal of Valemount Secondary School (VSS), is looking for donations of old cork boots (orange chain saw guard boots) without spikes for the schools log construction course in February. If you know someone with an extra pair kicking around that they are willing to donate, drop them off at VSS. They are looking

for about 10 pairs in various sizes. The Valemount Figure Skating Club’s annual spaghetti dinner Have dinner brought to you on Jan. 20. The Valemount Figure Skating Club is making and delivering their annual spaghetti dinner, fresh to your door for only $5 a plate, served with a bun. Contact Erika Dewey for tickets. Valentines concert and dance featuring returning artists: High Society Friday, Feb. 15, High Society will make a return to Valemount for a Valentines concert and dance. Stay tuned for venue and more details. Job Options Program, round two in Valemount Marion Farquarson is excited to announce the Valemount Learning Centre got the “go” on another Job Option Program. This one starts on Jan. 21, and finishes the end of February, and is in Valemount this time around. Same eligibility qualifications apply; so you need to be over 18, papered to work in Canada and non-EI eligible. The same benefits and bonuses for the participants are applicable; you get renewed confidence, new certificates, a new resume, among other things. This is the course you get paid to take. If you are interested, let Farquarson know as soon as possible. Phone 250-5664601, and ask for Marion. Continued on page 15

Thursday, January 17, 2013 •

The Valley Sentinel/the fitzhugh

HALLCON IS HIRING! Crew Shuttle DriverS requireD

Help Wanted:

Line Cook - $13.00 / hr - 4 positions Dishwasher - $11.50/ hr - 2 positions Servers - $9.75/ hr - 3 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)

Start date: May 15th, 2013

Apply in person or by email to ejasper@earls.ca Application available at: www.earlswantsyou.com

•FRONT DESK AGENT (Pyramid Lake Resort) We offer great beneﬁts, bonus, career growth and temporary subsidized housing.

Career Opportunity

Display your

- job opening for as little as

$50/week!

Benefits include competitive salary and bonus plan, medical, dental, pension plan options, discounted housing and meals, golf pass and Fairmont travel benefits. Apply today at fairmontcareers.com or contact us at 780.852.3301 with questions.

• 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. • Reside in the Jasper area.

Fax 780-468-4617 Phone 780-868-8037 Email to: John.hollis@hallconCrewtransport.com

Cantonese Restaurant

is now hiring

Full Time Cooks ($14/hr) (Chinese cuisine experience necessary)

Full Time Servers ($9.75/hr)

Apply in person with resume or fax: 780-852-3047

608 Connaught Drive • 780-852-3559

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canada’s Western Mountain Region is looking for a dynamic Regional Leisure Sales Manager to represent four of Canada’s iconic Fairmont hotels in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Whistler. This position is based at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. If you have a strong understanding of the travel agent market in Canada and the U.S., are social media savvy, love to present in front of groups, enjoy traveling and are passionate about the mountains, this is the right opportunity for you!

requireMeNtS:

tO APPlY:

•SENIOR ACCOUNTING CLERK •MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

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!

Jasper Inn & Suites is currently hiring

CAVELL

APARTMENTS currently hiring a

FIRST COOK

SECuRiTy NighT STAff

Wage negotiable (depending on experience). Accommodation available, benefits available. Start immediately. Apply in person with resume or email: Jacques Gauthier • jacquesgauthier@jasperinn.com 98 GEIKIE STREET • 780-852-4461

Apply with resume in person to 80 Geikie Street. Contact Barry for more info 780-852-4482

(EXPERIENCED LINE COOK)

Shifts are from 7:30pm-5:30am. Four on, four off. Experience preferred.

Grande Cache Coal LP (GCC) is a sustainable, long-term coal mining operation, which produces premium, metallurgical coking coal for export to the world steel industry. The mine site is 15 minutes North of the town of Grande Cache; a mountain community which is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in West-Central Alberta.

Career Opportunity:

Food & Beverage Manager The Position: The Food & Beverage Manager for Jasper Tramway is responsible for managing all aspects of the department including the Treeline Restaurant and BBQ deck. This is a full time seasonal position required between the months of March and November offering the ideal schedule for someone who enjoys the benefits of a Rocky Mountain lifestyle and time to travel or enjoy the holidays! In addition to an excellent work environment with fun, energetic individuals, full health benefits and competitive salary is offered. Qualifications Required:

• Proven managerial experience in a fast-paced environment • Ability to maintain inventory control and procedures • Menu development and implementation • Tourism/Hospitality experience an asset • Valid drivers license • Excellent communication, delegation and analytical skills • Enjoy working with the public • Availability to work flexible hours including opening and closing duties FORWARD YOUR RESUME IN CONFIDENCE: FAX: 780-852-2394 EMAIL: noble@jaspertramway.com

We are interested in safe, positive people who want to become the backbone of our enduring success. Imagine the endless lifestyle possibilities when you have the mountains in your backyard? Set them in motion by mountain-biking, fishing, hiking, ATV’ing, hunting, camping, white-water rafting, downhill or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and so much more. Participate in one of Canada’s toughest adventure races; “The Canadian Death Race”. With world-class skiing, golfing, major centres and attractions close by, nothing is out of reach.

We have numerous immediate openings in our company. SURFACE:

UNDERGROUND:

Heavy Equipment Operator (4)

Underground Heavy Duty Mechanic (4)

Experienced Tireman (1)

Underground Electrician (4) All applicants must have an excellent safety, performance and attendance record, a valid drivers’ license, trades certification and/ or grade 12/GED and must be able to pass all pre-employment requirements.

To apply or for more information go to our website at

www.gccoal.com/careers

The Valley Sentinel, ROBSON VALLEY REGION •

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

Valemount council briefs, Jan. 8 By DONALDA BEESON Contributor

•

The regularly scheduled council meeting for The Village of Valemount was held on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Mayor Andru McCracken, Coun. Sandy Salt, Coun. Hollie Blanchette, Coun. Dallas Bullock, Coun. Christine Latimer, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Anne Yanciw, and Deputy Corporate Officer Braden Hutchins were all in attendance. Information Items: McCracken brought forward the following information items this week: • Forest Practices Board Re: Valemount Community Forest gets good audit • Northern Health News Release Re: NH Advises Valemount Residents of After-hours Emergency Service Changes • Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations Re: Community Forest Partnership and Resource Roads Administrative Reports: Council Schedule 2013 Blanchette made a motion to accept the amended council schedule for 2013. Latimer seconded this motion. Economic Development Officer (EDO) Report: Blanchette made a motion to receive, for information only, a project status update report from the EDO, which includes the following updates: • Cranberry Marsh Trail: The Village of Valemount is still negotiating with a contractor regarding a contract and construction phases for the proposed trail/boardwalk. • Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund: On Aug. 1, 2012, an application on behalf of the Village was submitted to Western Economic Diversification (WED) Canada for the improvement of Section A and Section B of the Cranberry Marsh Trail System. WED’s service standard is to contact an applicant with a funding decision within 90 business days of the application deadline. However, the Village has not yet been notified about any decision regarding the application. • Integrated Community Sustainability Plan: The ICSP process is almost complete. The ICSP draft plan and a decision-making tool have been posted on Valemount.ca/icsp for review. The draft plan will be presented to staff and council before the end of January.

The pre-feasibility plan is complete for the Canoe Reach Geothermal Generation Downstream Economic Development and District Energy PreFeasibility Study. • Kinbasket Reservoir Impacts and Future Opportunities Business Case: In partnership with CBT and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the Village will prepare an economic impact and opportunities position paper as a business case for mitigating the negative impacts of the Kinbasket Reservoir in the Valemount area. The goal of this plan/paper is to see increased funding from the province and BC Hydro for projects that enhance economic opportunities in the community and address reservoir operational and footprint-related environmental impacts. Requests for expressions of interest have been posted on Valemount.ca/bids. • Valemount Glacier Destination Resort: Valemount Glacier Destinations Ltd. and Pheidias Project Management Corporation have completed and submitted a formal proposal to the provincial government. The formal proposal was submitted to First Nations and other stakeholders for review. The Resort Development Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations will review the formal proposal and referrals submitted by First Nations and other stakeholders. Latimer seconded this motion. Public Works Report: Council made a motion to accept the public works monthly progress report for December 2012. Financial Report: DOF Re: Accounts Payable Report for December 2012 Council made a motion to accept the director of finance accounts payable report for December 2012. DOF Re: Progress Report December 2012 Bullock made a motion to receive, for information only, a project status update report from the director of finance, which included the following updates: Swift Creek Emergency: • Have submitted all required reports and invoices for reimbursement and will continue to work with the emergency branch to finalize them. • Will submit recovery costs in January. 2013 to 2017 five-year financial plan: • Had council strategic meeting. • Will begin compiling all data, implement into budget, and bring back to council. Year End:

• Begin year-end transactions. • Auditors to be here first week of February. Salt seconded this motion. Bylaws and Policies Village of Valemount Garbage Rate Amendment Bylaw 690, first, second and third readings Salt made a motion to approve the fourth and final reading of Valemount Garbage Rate Amendment Bylaw No. 688, 2012. The Garbage Utility Rates have not been adjusted since 2009 and require an adjustment to stay within yearly cost of living allowance rates. This will take the 2009 rates per weekly pickup from $2 residential, and $4 commercial, to a two per cent increase for 2013, which would make residential $2.04, and commercial $4.08. When implementing the new 2013 rates, it was noticed that motels, hotels and restaurant rates were recorded as monthly instead of yearly rates; this has been amended. Blanchette seconded this motion. Policy 57 Alcohol and Drug Use Policy Latimer made a motion to approve the Village of Valemount Policy 57, Alcohol and Drug Use Policy. The Village is currently lacking a policy addressing the use of restricted substances while at work. To continue building the Village Policy library, a draft policy has been created through consulting with other communities, with WorkSafe BC, and with ICBC. The draft represents the compiled information in a policy format. Salt seconded this motion. Policy 33 Snow Removal Policy Report Bullock made a motion to approve the 33 Snow Removal Policy draft, as presented. For details on the snow removal policy, refer to next week’s Valley Sentinel. Latimer seconded this motion Public Comment Stuart Tait made a formal complaint that snow removal is not fair. He also provided photos to support his complaint. Laura Keil asked when and if the Geothermal report is coming to council and when it will be made public. For More Information To clear up anything mentioned in these notes, please contact Donalda Beeson at The Valley Sentinel, at donalda@ thevalleysentinel.com. For more information concerning anything mentioned at the council meetings, please contact the Village Office and note that, as always, the public is more than welcome to attend these meetings, as well as make a delegation or public comment, on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. sharp in the Village of Valemount Council Chambers.

REGIONAL CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CALL THE SENTINEL AT 250-566-4425 TO PLACE YOUR AD

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013 •

The Valley Sentinel/the ﬁtzhugh

More teams expected for fourth annual pentathalon By DANIEL BETTS Editor

The Jasper Winter Pentathlon is one of the most popular events during Jasper in January with usually 20 teams making up more than 100 participants and up to 300 spectators. This year event organizers Jocelyn Nadeau and Caroline Roy are hoping for 30 teams, but are prepared to host 50. “We already have two teams registered from Edmonton,” said Roy. “We expect at least 10 teams from out of town,” said Nadeau, “Because we promoted a lot in the Francophone community.” The gun start happens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, but teams can register between 9 and 10:45 a.m. the day of the race. A team of up to five is $100, a two-person team is $50 and going solo cost $25. The race starts at the Jasper Activity Centre parking

lot and involves a mountain bike ride up Pyramid Lake Road. While the other competitors go ahead to Pyramid Lake, bylaw enforcement officers will escort the cyclists up Pyramid Lake Road. The next leg of the race involves two laps of cross-country skiing around Pyramid Lake, followed by one lap of snowshoeing. Next, participants are required to do a few laps of skating. Lastly, running a loop from the resort to the stables and back completes the race. The events can be completed by a team much like a relay, or the more athletic can attempt all five courses solo. Nadeau said each leg of the race should take about 30 minutes and the entire race shouldn’t be more than four hours. The course can be adjusted for age, allowing younger participants to enjoy the event. While there is a competitive aspect to the race, the main objective is fun while providing an active way for people to experience the many different winter activities available in Jasper National Park. Part of the fun is the inventive and

entertaining costumes teams identify themselves with. “That’s definitely the highlight of the event,” said Roy. “You have teams coming and they are full-on dressed.” In the past, teams have shown up in full viking attire. Another team was dressed like traditional voyageurs. Super hero costumes are also popular. Spectators will get a kick out of how the teams are dressed this year. The Jasper Winter Pentathlon is hosted by l’Association canadienne-francaise de l’Alberta (ACFA) and is modelled after a similar event in Quebec. “We wanted to give people a reason to come out and do something else besides downhill skiing,” said Nadeau. Besides being the fastest, participants can also win prizes for best costume and showing the best spirit. Two fire pits and a DJ on the lake will provide additional entertainment for participants and spectators. Pyramid Lake Resort will be open for the enjoyment of spectators and the boat house will be serving hot chocolate, coffee and tea.

SARAH MAKOWSKY PHOTOS

Connor Speers (left) and Daniel Laidler of the Edmonton Freestyle Ski Club compete in the moguls at the Jasper Freeride Ski Teamʼs competition at Marmot Basin last weekend. Ezra Jenkins and Guy Brandon of the Jasper Freeride Ski Club ﬁnished fourth and ﬁfth, respectively. Jasper Freerider Olivia Krushell placed second in the female moguls competition. The freeride team also competed in slopestyle events during the two-day competition.

DEADLINE FRIDAY AT 5:00 PM JASPER CLASSIFIEDS FOR RENT

SERVICES

CAVELL ONE BEDROOM Suite for rent. $795/month, available immediately. Call 780-852-4482.

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

ONE BEDROOM fully furnished, $700/month including utilities and wifi. Available immediately 780-8830848

CALL THE FITZHUGH AT 7808524888 TO PLACE YOUR AD

ROBSON VALLEY CLASSIFIEDS AUTOMOBILES

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

HOME FOR SALE

RENTALS

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

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

For Rent- Three bedroom mobile home in Riverbend Mobile Home Park 5 km west of McBride $575/month. Phone 250-569-8845 JAN 24 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 JAN 17

SOLD

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 17

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. JAN 17

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE FOR SALE: Commercial & Residential property on 5th Ave. in Valemount. Front half leased to coffee and gift shop. Back half is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath apartment. For more information call 250-566-4532. JAN 17

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

RENTAL LISTINGS

250-566-4425

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

#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.

#20

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CALL THE VALLEY SENTINEL AT

TO PLACE YOUR AD

Photos and details at

www.rusticluxury.com Call Jen 250-566-1323 SERVING THE ROBSON VALLEY REGION & JASPER

the ﬁtzhugh/The Valley Sentinel • THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

“BORROWED DOWN PAYMENT MORTGAGES”

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Shawn Fowler Authorized Dealer

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

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

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

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

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 1-800-323-9891

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

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

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heating & propane service Bonded & Licensed with over 30 years experience

Robson Valley ConstRuCtion

SandS diStribution Ltd

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

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

mike’s plumbing, 250-566-1536

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

PROPANE PROVIDER

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

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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

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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 17 2013

• The Valley Sentinel, robson Valley region

McBride/Valemount win hockey tournament by allan FrederiCK reporter

The weekend of Jan. 12 – 13 saw the Robson Valley Recreation Centre hosting a four team Bantam hockey tournament. Teams from Prince George, Quesnel, Grande Cache and the McBride/Valemount mixed team participated in the event. First place went to the McBride/Valemount team, who spent most of their games in the offensive end with strong fore-checking, good teamwork and applying pressure to the opposing teams. Second place went to the Quesnel team with third to Prince George and final place to Grande Cache.

allan FrederiCK phoTos

Everytime is a Good time at the

Gigglin’ Grizzly Neighbourhood Pub

Notes from All Over continued from page 10 Interested in instructing a course this year? The Valemount Learning Centre is looking for talent! If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to share, send in a proposal. Courses can run anywhere from one-night workshops, to one evening per week for up to 10 weeks. In your proposal, include the following: your contact information, a summary of skills, experience, qualifications and previous adult classes taught, name of proposed course, course description and course outline, space required, group size, and class duration. Email proposals to courses@valemountlearningcentre.org, fax to 250-566-4602, or drop them off at the Valemount Learning Centre. Valemount Martial Arts Club The Valemount Martial arts club opens again as of Jan. 14. They are once again located upstairs at the Trading Post. The schedule is: Taekwondo for adults, age 13 years and up, featuring all levels and self-defence, on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you have a karate uniform and belt, bring it with you. Kids classes for seven years to 13 years are on Monday and Wednesday from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Again, if you have a karate uniform and belt bring it with you. Cardio kick boxing for adults only is on Tuesday and Thursday, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please bring water and wear gym gear. All times are subject to change until there is a workable schedule. Check for updates via Facebook. Fees are $30 per month or $5 drop in. For more information call 250-566-9088. Got a Tip? If you have a note, idea or tip, or would like to share your event or happening with us, you are encouraged to contact Donalda Beeson at donalda@thevalleysentinel.com or The Valley Sentinel at 250-566-4425. Please note that all items for publication on the Thursday issue must be in by the previous Friday.

The Gigglin’ Grizzly pub serves up good food, good drinks & good times! Regulars & tourists join for fun & relaxation

Experience Great Food

250-569-0101

600 First Avenue, McBride, BC

Serving the robSon valley region

The Valley Sentinel, Robson Valley Region •

ThuRsday, JanuaRy 17, 2013

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11899 L’Heureux Rd. $34,500 TETE JAUNE, BC

• 353 acres - off the grid • Extensive Fraser River frontage •Refurbished heritage home

542 Main Street $495,000 MCBRIDE, BC

• 55 acres- dream riverfront • Immaculate 4 bedroom, 2 bath home • Adjoins ungulate game reserve

• Commercial lot • Good visibility and exposure • Level - alley access

11944 Essen Road TETE JAUNE , BC

250-569-7397 Irene Berndsen

• 32 acre mountain retreat • Custom log home • Glacier views • Surrounded by Crown Land

ireneb@royallepage.ca

Prince George

w w w. m o u n t a i n v i e w r e a l t y. c a

Irene Berndsen, Sales Representative in McBride

Valemount Real Estate rOOm fOr hOrSeS!

PicTure PerfecT viewS!

5 bedrooms - huge home- huge potential massive shop - barn- 4.69 acres

5 bedrooms - 2 bath - island kitchen 2.5 acres - guest cabin - Private yard

$419,900

$499,000

gOOd hOme-gOOd neighbOrS

6 bedrOOm LOg hOme

$299,000

$329,000

5 bdrm - 3 bath - 3 levels huge master suite - double lot - garage

big kitchen - brick fireplace 2 Lots - 3 levels

grOwing fAmiLy 4 bedroom - full basement garage - deck - fenced yard $334,000

PerfecT STArTer

3 bedroom - new bath - new roof Lots of renos - new deck

$169,000

LOT And ShOP

Almost half acre - commercial area huge shop - excellent exposure - Low price $99,000 plus HST

SO much Luxury!

This spectacular whisper creek Log home is over the top with 2900 sq ft on 3 floors! Call for details!

LOTS & AcreAgeS

6 bedrOOm uLTimATe reSidence double lot - immaculate yard Large family kitchen - Attached garage

$369,900

Tammy Van de Nobelen Owner & Sales Associate

Serviced TOwn LOTS $37,900 AcreAgeS 1 Acre - 5 AcreS $69,000 - $149,000 check OuT webSiTe fOr deTAiLS

muLTiPLe revenue PrOPerTy 3 rental units -good investment Large paved parking - Two buildings $189,000

Call Tammy TODAY for more information on these properties and more.

Visit www.valemountlistings.com

Cell: 250.566.1025 • Office: 250.566.0021 - 1418 Bruce Place, Valemount, BC

Jeannette Townsend Managing Broker