Focus on Faro, November 2022

Message from the Mayor Mayor Jack Bowers

On behalf of your Town Council, I wish to extend our very best wishes for you and your families this Christmas Season. As we approach the New Year, perhaps each of us could find a way to spend some time or share a meal with someone in Faro who is spending Christmas alone. The way Faroites always seem to meet the needs of each other is one of the reasons we love living here.

As we near the end of the year 2022, we need to take time to reflect on what has been accomplished but, more important, on what remains to be done. Using our strategic plan as a guide, we will soon begin our budgeting process. With the uncertainty over the escalating energy and materials costs, this will be a challenge. Our budgeting meetings are open to the public and this presents an opportunity for you to express your concerns, so please consider attending. It’s human nature for us to resist change but most often changes that are meant for good are generally well accepted, once they are understood. I believe this will be the case once both the Legion Building and the former Firehall are sold and put into some future use that should be a benefit to the community. Let’s wait and see. I, for one, am excited about what these changes may bring.

We’ve learned a few things since last winter regarding how the Town manages snow clearing. We can do better, and we have a plan to do so. With more staff trained in the use of snow clearing equipment, all the equipment operating correctly, and a new truck mounted sander and articulating angle blade, we’re better prepared for whatever comes. Council and administration are working on the priority routes and will have an updated policy for clearing streets,

There was an excellent turnout for the Community Memorial Potluck Event. It was great to see the community gather together during this difficult time. In a small community like Faro, events like this make a difference and help bring the community together during misfortune. The food was fresh and delicious! A big thanks to the Italian Kitchen Restaurant, A.C.L, Councillor Sarah McHugh, the Golf Club, and Discovery Store for the food and donations. A big thanks to Ted Baker for the prayer and Mayor Bowers for the speech. In addition, a special thanks to the recreation staff and volunteers for setting up the gymnasium, interacting with the residents, helping bring food/drinks/silverware from the kitchen, making coffee, and cleaning up after the event.

Message

from the CAO Larry Baran

First, I want to thank Yukon Energy for their work around Faro during the week of November 7th. I’m sure many of you saw their boom truck moving to the streetlights that needed service and attention. As I drove around in the dark morning, near the end of that week, it was satisfying to see those lights, that were dark the week before, working and lighting up that area of the community. Yes, there are still a few that need repair, and they will be addressed when parts arrive.

The Town of Faro has been in the news lately, and the two recent CBC articles were complimentary to the folks that live and work here. Sometimes, the Town being in the news is a good thing and the last article about the housing issues in Faro has certainly created some interest. I had a series of phone calls from developers and contractors. There is interest in building new residential homes in Faro, although maybe not to the same degree as currently in Whitehorse. One developer from BC, however, is currently building homes in Dawson City and called to find out more about Faro.

The Town is working with YG Land Development to bring a series of residential lots to market next year. Situated around the golf course, near the seniors complex, these will be attractive lots that will have beautiful views of Faro and the surrounding mountains. More information on these lots will be presented to Council in the coming months as we coordinate the re subdivision and development of these residential lots.

Better Buildings Program

Get upfront funding to complete energy upgrades to your home or

building

In October 2022, the Government of Yukon launched the Better Buildings Program to help Yukoners make energy efficient retrofits to their homes and buildings.

The Better Buildings Program provides loans of up to $50,000 for residential and $100,000 for commercial buildings for upgrades that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Participants repay the loan through a Local Improvement Charge add-

I also want to compliment the Faro Golf Club on a successful summer season. After a few years of having to dial back activities due to a pandemic and medical restrictions, the Club was able to come back in 2022 and have a successful year. The many volunteers and people who assisted in the daily activities, as well as the tournaments, are to be complimented.

This summer, I had the good fortune to meet a couple from Washington State, who were golfing their way up to Alaska, and they told me that they were advised early on their holiday to make sure that they golfed in Faro. They were so enthusiastic and happy that they did. What wonderful compliment to everyone who made the Faro Golf Course look so beautiful and attractive this year!

Stepping out of my role as CAO for a few minutes, I want to speak personally to say how happy Janet & I are to be back in Faro. We have a deep fondness for this community and we have enjoyed renewing old friendships, and being close to some of our kids and grandkids at the same time.

Finally, on behalf of the all of the Staff of the Town of Faro, we all wish everyone the very best this Christmas Holiday Season.

ed to their annual property taxes.

Property owners within the Town of Faro’s boundaries are now eligible to apply. Faro recently signed an agreement with the Government of Yukon to deliver the program.

Similar to the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications and Domestic Water Well Programs, the Better Buildings program provides up to 25 per cent of the property’s assessed value.

Property owners can also qualify for the Government of Yukon’s Good Energy rebates (yukon.ca/ good-energy) to help cover the cost of their energy efficient upgrades.

The loans are offered at the Bank of Canada interest rate and participants pay a one time $500 administration fee.

For more information and to learn how to apply visit yukon.ca/better buildings or contact the Energy Branch at

Address

206A Lowe Street

Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1W6

Phone: 867-393-7063

Email: energy@yukon.ca

Recreation Department

Halloween In Faro

Leave it to the Recreation Centre Staff to have fun dressing up for Halloween. Whether a dapper gentleman or a scary ghoul, staff had a fun time

The tradition of dressing up in costumes dates back to the eighth century, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off November 2nd was established is All Saints Day in the year 1000, with the idea of uniting the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, sanctioned holiday. Halloween came to North America in the 1600s and 1700s as part of European traditions, but it wasn’t until the middle of the 1800s that Halloween became popular through the colonies.

We have questions about the reindeer, though. Was someone dressing for more than one occasion? Maybe her name is ‘Olive’, like in the Rudolf song where you sing, “Olive, the other reindeer”? Denis, Berkley, Tina, Julia, Kristy, Lorraine

Remembrance Day

Canadian Remembrance Day will keep reminding us that we are blessed to have such brave and patriotic heroes in our nation. This day will never be forgotten as it is a special day for every Canadian Citizen. They have stood for our nation, fought for us, and sacrificed their lives for us a very Happy Canada Remembrance Day to you.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the rec staff for setting up and organizing the Canada Remembrance Day ceremony. In addition, thank you to Mayor Bowers for his comments, Ted Baker for being the Master of the Ceremony, Gregg Janiga for the benediction and closing prayers, RCMP & Rangers for their participation, DVG School students participation, Youth Group participation, Jeanne & Helena for the music, and all other volunteers that made this event possible. ~Denis

1st Canadian Ranger Patrol and Faro’s Canadian Junior Rangers Entering the Remembrance Day Ceremony.

The Community gathers for tea and coffee after the ceremony

The Faro RCMP entering the Remembrance Day Ceremony. Thank you Kristy Hann for all the Remembrance Day Pictures.

Message from the GM of Recreation & Culture Denis Bento

Hello Faro!

The Recreation Staff is busy painting the floor and walls at the Rec Centre. In addition, the staff is decorating for Christmas and helping the Children’s Christmas Committee decorate for the Christmas Party. The goal is to have the Rec Centre looking good for the Children’s Christmas Party.

Please bring your little ones to the Children’s Christmas Party on December 3rd at 11 am at the Rec. Centre. A big thanks to the Children’s Christmas Committee for organizing this event!

Also, a big thanks to the Recreation Staff for organizing the Christmas Market. In addition, we appreciate everyone that showed up to support our local vendors!

Directions

Step 1 Beat the butter, brown sugar, and molasses together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well after each addition.

Step 2 In a separate bowl, sift the flour, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and stir until blended. Shape the dough into 2 disks, wrap and chill for an hour up to 2 days.

Step 3 Preheat the oven to 350 F and line 2 3 baking trays with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough until just over 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter of your choosing to cut out cookie shapes and lift then carefully to the prepared trays, leaving about ½-inch between them.

Step 4 Bake the cookies for 15 18 minutes until you see them brown a little just around the edges. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the tray before removing to cool completely.

Step 5 These cookies can be decorated or eaten as they are. Perfect for the Holidays

Youth Group News

Youth Group Beading Class: The next beading class lead by Vashti Etzel will take place at the Rec. on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 3:30 7:30 p.m. If you participated in the first session, bring your earrings to finish. If you would like to attend, we have 7 spaces left. Priority will be given to youth group members; any remaining spots can be filled by parents/guardians. Dinner will be served. Phone the Rec. Centre to sign up!

Youth Group Meeting: Next meeting is Tuesday, November 29th from 7 9 pm.

Kettle Café: The Kettle Café will be open for business during the Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 3. If you would like to work this shift, please arrange to work some training shifts in advance (training shifts will be done after school for about 2 hours with 2 3 people, phone to check available days).

*Community Program/not organized by Rec. Staff weekly Call Rec Center for details. Questions or comments? Please contact the Faro Recreation Centre at 867 994 2375 or e mail recreation@faroyukon.ca. ***Schedule is subject to change.

Fire Prevention Tips

Real Christmas Trees

We are lucky to live in the Yukon, where Real Christmas Trees are everywhere. Find more information about cutting down a Christmas Tree for your home at: https://yukon.ca/en/christmas trees.

Picking a Tree

 Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing a Tree

 Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.

 Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.

 Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.



Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Message from the Operations Manager

Mark Vainio Public Works Crew

Snow Removal & Sanding working the bugs out of the new sander/plow unit.

Building Maintenance TOF Duplex renovations, Arena Ice, Rec Centre, Sewer, Flow Meter power issues, brushing through the causeway, Landfill Road, and the Lagoons.

Projects

FireSmart will not be happening again this year due to insufficient crew size and a deadline of December 31 to complete the work. Next year, the plan would be to start much earlier in the season and chip the cuttings

rather than burning. We could then run a longer program with a reduced crew size if necessary.

Dena Cho Trail Improvements CDF Grant Swim Lakes trail brushing is completed. Excellent access now through the winter. Take the family out to enjoy some ice fishing over the winter!! Delays with weather as unsafe for ATV travel on some of the grades. Crew is back to work now. Finish Orchay River Bridge (long span) then continue to Tedi Lugi Creek to build a small bridge. Clearing brush & fallen trees on trail.

The Public Works & Fire Hall Building Sadly, the Electrical Contractor failed the second electrical inspection. Wildstone will be moving the FD Air Compressor in the next two weeks. Flooring deficiencies are being corrected and the boiler system communications has been repaired. There is no date for Occupancy yet.

Phase 2

Norcope appears to be gone for the winter. There was to be someone available for deficiencies or issues, but this hasn’t been communicated to us. Call the town office if there are any issues or concerns on Douglass or Yates.

The New Orchay Bridge on the Dena Cho Trail. Thank you Dixon Rolfson for the pictures.

Snow Clearing

While we all wish we could be ‘Number One’ when it comes to having our road cleared of snow, the Official Route takes into consideration EMS routes and getting the main roads cleared first.

The Town recently purchased new plow and sander attachments for the Two Ton Truck so, along with the grader and loader, this will improve our Crew’s ability to quickly clear roads after major snowfall events. We are also arranging for more staff to be trained on equipment operations so we will have more people to call on when times are tight.

The Public Works crew wants to quickly and safely get all roads cleared as soon as possible, so we appreciate your cooperation in keeping vehicles off the road when the roads are being cleared. The fewer obstacles that they have to work around, the faster the whole clearing process will be.

Public hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Chief Administrative Officer

Larry Baran 994 2728 ext 4 cao faro@faroyukon.ca

Operations Manger Mark Vainio 994 2728 ext 7 Town Shop: 994 2758 operations@faroyukon.ca

GM of Recreation & Culture Denis Bento Rec. Centre: 994 2375 recreation@faroyukon.ca

GM of Finance Lenka Kazda 994-2728 ext 3 finance@faroyukon.ca

Executive Assistant Jennifer Brooker 994-2728 ext 5 admin faro@faroyukon.ca Finance Clerk Glenda Power 994 2728 ext 2 finclk@faroyukon.ca