the free press, january 01, 2015
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January 01, 2015 edition of the The Free PressTRANSCRIPT
L i k e u s o n . . .f r e e p r e s s b c
F o l l o w u s o n . . .@ F e r n i e F r e e P r e s s
Thursday, January 1, 2015 S e r v i n g t h e S o u t h C o u n t r y , F e r n i e , S p a r w o o d , E l k f o r d s i n c e 1 8 9 8 FREE441 2nd Ave. - 250-423-4511
YourSource for
Party Supplies
COMMUNITY
Remembering Connor Gliege - Page 6
ELKFORD
Christmas decorating contest- Page 3
SPORTS
Local brings home gold - Page 13
FERNIE
Avalanche Awareness Days - Page 5
BUSINESS
Loaf hosts five year anniversary - Page 2
Donation jar stolen from local storeBy Katelyn DingmanFree Press Staff
Local RCMP are investigating the theft of the “Smiles for Shyanne” donation jar, which
was stolen from the Fernie 7-11 store between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The donation jar was set up to raise funds for local Shyanne Osmond
who will be undergoing a multitude of surgeries in 2015 to treat her rare form of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) — a type of congenital formation that creates an abnormal connection of blood between the arteries and veins.
Police say the funds were stolen from the 7-11 between 5:30 a.m. on December 24 and 7:15 p.m. on
December 25.“The staff at 7-11 didn’t see
anything,” Elk Valley Sgt. Will Thien said. “At this point, if the public has any information, please give us a call.”
The amount collected has not yet been determined, and according to the Smiles for Shyanne Facebook page, the jars will be removed from
several locations around town.Thien noted that this type of
theft is not uncommon during the holiday season.
“We do see this kind of stuff quite often during Christmas time,” he noted. “Christmas brings out the best in people but it also brings out the worst in people.”
Jingling all the way at Loaf Bakery
Yalaine Hames, Kerri Holmes and Rebecca Edwards played at the Loaf on December 20 as part of the Jingle Jam concert series. Photo by S. Kucharski
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Avalanche Canada highlights changes at workshop
By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff
Avalanche Canada will be hosting a work-shop in Fernie to inform the public about changes within the organization and
to educate locals on their new approach to engaging powder enthusiasts.
“We want to let people out there in the community know about us and we want to introduce ourselves,” said Avalanche Field Technician Jennifer Coulter.
Having undergone a name change from the Canadian Avalanche Centre to Avalanche Canada, Coulter said that one of the main messages of the workshop is to inform the public of the many changes the organization has gone through — including its new map-based website.
“We have a brand new website that’s been launched this fall and it’s more than just a
different look, it actually works in a whole new way,” said Coulter.
The website is now predominantly taken up by a colour-coded map that will allow mountain-goers to zoom in on their specific area and receive avalanche updates from both officials and other recreational users on the mountain who will form the Mountain Information Network.
“It’s meant to be a one-stop shop for public avalanche weather forecasts,” explained Coulter of the update.
Coulter adds that the Mountain Information Network is meant to create a community that is engaged and will allow users to provide their own observations from the mountain, building on Avalanche Canada’s former one-way communication of sending out crunched data numbers to the public.
“With the Mountain Information Network,” said Coulter, “we allow backcountry users, who aren’t necessarily professionals to submit their own snowpack and avalanche observations and have them be viewed by not only the avalanche forecasters but also the riding community as a whole. In this way, we as recreational users of the backcountry can share observations with each other to help make the backcountry a safer place.”
The workshop will take place January 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Fernie Golf Course.
Toasting to five years at Loaf Bakery & Restaurant
By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff
Loaf Bakery and Restaurant in Fernie celebrated its five year anniversary on December 20, cutting into a cake and
welcoming eager locals through its doors. “We had a really great time and lots of local
faces came in, which was nice,” said owner Phil Gadd. “We're so grateful for all the local support we've received since 2009,” added his wife Claire.
Over five years, Loaf has expanded from its original small location, a miners cottage on
6th ave. to its current premises on 2nd ave. as well as a smaller store in Sparwood that was acquired in February 2014.
“We’ve grown from a small five-person company to employing over 20 employees … It’s been a pretty rapid journey, but a good one,” said Gadd.
Gadd noted that locals seem to embrace the hand-made products that Loaf is famous for, notably their artisanal bread.
Customers present had their names entered into a draw to win a Christmas basket during the celebrations.
Locals celebrated the Loaf’s five year anniversary on December 20. Submitted photo
Avalanche Canada will be hosting an information workshop in Fernie. Photo submitted by Raven Eye Photography
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Everyone has times of feeling anxious, scared
or fearful. In fact, without our body’s innate ability to sense and respond to pending danger, we would never have survived as humans.
These days, however, anxiety disorders are like a car alarm repeatedly sounding when there is no real threat. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern for children in B.C., affecting an estimated four per cent of all children, impacting their day-to-day life, their friendships, their school performance, their physical health and their sense of well-being. My colleagues and I in the mental health field are concerned that in this modern, fast-paced, wired world, anxiety disorders in children are greatly increasing. We are seeing more children than ever before who are constrained and made miserable by their fears when they should be feeling safe, secure, confident and happy.
Anxious feelings include a rapid heartbeat, difficulty catching one’s breathe, a sense of doom, sweaty palms, an upset stomach or stomach pain, even nausea and vomiting. Focusing on the feelings can cause them to intensify; it’s a vicious cycle. Anxious symptoms become a true anxiety disorder when the anxiety leads to avoidance of the situation that is causing the anxiety and causes significant physical distress and disruption of daily life and functioning. An unresolved anxiety disorder can often lead to depression or substance use problems in future years.
Anxiety, however, exists on a spectrum. A certain amount of anxiety is normal and beneficial. It keeps our children safe and conscientious; it motivates them to perform well. Children who tend to be anxious are often model students: high achieving, diligent, analytical, sensitive, alert, creative and imaginative. Too little anxiety and a child or teenager may take foolish risks or lack motivation to succeed. But too much anxiety and children become so paralyzed by fear that they may be unable to leave their parent’s side, leave the house, go to school, make friends or participate in normal life.
The good news is that anxiety can be very successfully managed or treated when required. Regular exercise and reliable routines in children are often all it takes to quell mild cases. Mild and moderate anxiety is very responsive to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a process of addressing the unhelpful thoughts and actions that underlie anxiety. Thought stopping, talking back to negative thoughts, not believing everything you think, relaxation techniques like calming breathing, mindfulness meditation, and gradual safe exposure to the things you fear are all examples of types of CBT.
All children — and adults, too — could benefit from learning simple CBT techniques to turn off their body alarms that are sounding unnecessarily. In more long term or severe cases of anxiety — such as panic disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder — treatment may include a period of anti-anxiety medication in addition to teaching the child age-appropriate CBT techniques, an approach called “pills plus skills.”
If you are worried about your child or teenager’s anxiety, there are many places to get help. Many online resources as well as books, some written for specific age groups, are available to give in depth information about anxiety and step-by-step instructions for specific CBT techniques. For parents of children and youth, the FORCE Society, in partnership with MCFD’s FRIENDS Program, offers an online parent program for parents of children ages 4-13 years. Anxiety BC (anxietybc.ca ) is another great site and offers detailed pages for adults and youth. Other sites include mindcheck.ca and keltymentalhealth.ca. If you feel your child needs professional help, see your family doctor or call Service BC at 1-800-661-8773 and ask for the MCFD Child and Youth Mental Health office in your community.
Next column, we will talk about depression in children and teenagers.
Mental health for children and youth - how to get help if you need it
Dr. David Smith
U.S. Senate moves to protect Flathead watershed By Sarah KucharskiFree Press Staff
Last month, the U.S. Senate officially passed the North Fork Watershed Protection Act, which will ban the development of mining,
oil and gas in the entire transnational Flathead watershed.
The act has been in the works since 2010 when the B.C.-Montana Memorandum of Understanding was signed by former Govenor of Montana Brian Schweitzer and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, promising to put an official ban in place.
“We have this beautiful watershed that’s protected from those kinds of activities, however, there is still a loophole in both the Canadian and American legislation which allows those developments to happen in rock quarries. So that’s a piece that still needs to be cleaned up,” noted Wildsight’s Southern Rockies Program Manager Ryland Nelson. “The flathead is one of the most biologically important places in North America. It’s right in our backyard and it’s a place where these
kinds of development are just not appropriate.”He went on to say, “It’s been great working with
both of our partners in Canada and in the U.S. to make them … commit to legislating an affirmative ban on mining, oil and gas developments.”
Nelson noted, however, that there is a loophole in the legislation that allows mining, oil and gas developments to continue in rock quarry areas of the Flathead, which he said Wildsight will continue to work towards adding to the banned legislation.
In addition to hosting a dense population of grizzly bears and a rich diversity of plant species, the Flathead is also home to the Waterton-Glacier National Peace Park.
Nelson notes that the B.C. portion of the Flathead is the “missing piece” of the Peace Park that is not officially protected park area, as the portions that cross through Alberta and Montana are.
“It’s time for B.C. to match that protection by adding the southeastern one-third of the Waterton-Glacier National Peace Park,” said Nelson.
Decorating Elkford homes for the holidays
Elkford hosted their annual Christmas decorating contest with Terry and Rosemarie Penney winning in the downtown category for their “Christmas is for Children” display, John and Vera Reese winning in the midtown category with their “Simple and Elegant” display and the Bert Schalekamp Family taking home the uptown prize for their “The Maple Leaf” decor. Submitted photo
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19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335
Email: [email protected] Website: www.rdek.bc.ca
Regional District of East Kootenay
The 2015 RDEK Board Meetings will be held as follows:January 9 June 26February 6 August 7March 6 September 4April 10 October 2May 1 November 6May 29 December 4
The meetings begin at 9:00am in the RDEK Board Room at the Cranbrook RDEK office. Committee Meetings are held the Thursday immediately before Board. Both the Committee Meetings and Board Meetings are open to the public. Agendas can be viewed a week prior to the Board Meeting on our website www.rdek.bc.ca.
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Are you
making a New Year’s resolution? I am. I usually make one to be nicer, or more generous, or
to go to the gym more than once a month. One year it was to re-connect with long lost relatives. I never actually did any of those things. I tried for patience last year but blew that one before brunch was over. Back to the drawing board. I have a new idea. This year, my New Year’s resolution is to act more like my kids. Maybe being a mature adult is overrated. Is this a good idea? Probably not. But the other day as I was lecturing them about why they should hang their snow pants in the boot room to avoid making puddles, I had one of those out-of-body experiences. You know those ones where you suddenly hear yourself, as if from the perspective of an outside observer? Well, as I listened to myself drone on about wet socks all I could think was, Oh, get over it! Who the hell cares? It was like an epiphany. The looks on my kid’s faces were a perfect combination of confused sympathy. Like, are wet socks really that disastrous Mom? Just take them off, duh! I couldn’t agree more. Lately it seems like the more I try to keep order in my house, the more I sound like the warden in a prison for preschoolers. Not much fun. Time to lighten up a little. And no one knows how to keep it light more than kids. So how will I actually apply this resolution to my everyday life?
1. Focus on the overall goal, instead of the irrelevant details. Are the cookies delicious? Yes. Does the kitchen look like the scene of a messy cocaine bust? Oh well.
2. Ask more questions. Instead of trying not to rock the boat, I might give it
a little shake. 3. Determine the
value of something by how it makes me feel, not how much it costs. Price tags are irrelevant.
4. Be proud of how old I am.
5. If someone tells me I’m good at something, believe it. Then stand a little taller.
6. Eat deliciously unhealthy food with unbridled joy. What’s the point of feeling guilty? I’m going to eat it anyways.
7. Dance to the songs I like. Anywhere.
8. Cry when I’m sad. Being tough gives me a headache.
9. Show how happy I am to see my friends. Invite them over, even if it’s not a good time.
10. If my socks get wet, I’ll just take them off.
TheParentTrip
TheParentTrip
Shelby Cain
250 423 0904www.kylehamiltonphotography.com
KYLE HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY
250 423 0904www.kylehamiltonphotography.com
KYLE HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY
Raging Elk Hostel spreads Christmas joy to Fernie localsSubmitted
With music in hand, head lamps, and Santa hats, the carolers sang as long awaited snow fell
from the sky. Starting at the Raging Elk Hostel, backpackers and locals, young and old, took to the streets of Fernie on the eve of December 23. The group brought the old Christmas tradition of door to door caroling to life.
Sadie Howse, owner/operator of the
Raging Elk Hostel and Kodiak Lounge organized the evening of singing. She made sure the group stopped by the Trinity Lodge and Tom Uphill Manor to share the fun and spirit with some local seniors. Even a few local deer came out of a back alley to enjoy the show. The children were amazed that ‘Santa's reindeer were listening too.’ The carolers stumbled through a few songs but laughed it off and kept going. By
the end of the night they realized their talents lay with simpler songs such as Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Residents were extremely appreciative. Grateful comments on Facebook were
immediate. This reaction was exactly what Howse was hoping for. Some residents gave unexpected donations, which Howse chose to pass on to the Elk Valley Hospice.
Backpackers and locals caroled through the streets of Fernie on December 23. Submitted photo
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District of Elkford816 Michel Road P.O. Box 340 Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0P.250.865.4000 • F.250.865.4001 • [email protected] • www.elkford.ca
Christmas Tree DisposalChristmas trees will be accepted for disposal at the RDEK Transfer Station, #6 Inkaneep Road in the Industrial Park. This is the only approved location within Elkford.Transfer Station Hours of OperationTuesday to Friday: 9:30 am - 3:00 pmSaturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pmSundays, Mondays and Holidays: Closed
Business License RenewalsThe 2015 Business License Renewals have been sent out. The Annual Business License fee is $100. If payment is received by January 15, 2015, the renewal fee is reduced to $75. If you have a 2014 Business License and did not receive your 2015 renewal notice, please contact the District Offi ce.
Dog License RenewalsThe 2015 Dog License Renewals have been sent out. The fee is $25 or $11 for a spayed or neutered dog license. A late fee of $5 will be charged if the license is not purchased by the end of February. If you are a new pet owner, you are required to purchase a license for your dog. For fi rst time registration, please bring the certifi cate of spaying/neutering.
2015 Council Meeting Schedule January 12 and January 26, 2015
February 10 and February 23, 2015March 9 and March 23, 2015April 13 and April 27, 2015May 11 and May 25, 2015June 8 and June 22, 2015July 13 and July 27, 2015
August 10 and August 24, 2015September 14 and September 28, 2015
October 13 and October 26, 2015November 9 and November 23, 2015
December 14, 2015Meetings commence at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers.
Elkford Municipal Offi ce 816 Michel Road Elkford, B.C.
TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 890 and 892 of the Local Government Act the Council of the District of Elkford will hold a Public Hearing to hear representations of persons who deem their interest affected by the proposed District of Elkford Offi cial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 763, 2014 at:
6:00 pm on Monday, January 12, 2015Council Chambers, 816 Michel Road
Intent of Bylaw Amendment No. 763, 2014:To amend Schedule “A” of the District of Elkford Offi cial Community Plan Bylaw No. 710, 2010 including: 1. Adding Policy 4 to subsection 8.2.4.1 Civic/Institutional to read: “P 4. Civic/Institutional land
uses could include commercial accommodation that would complement the institutional development.”
2. Amending Section 9.2.4 Floodplain Development Permit Area Guidelines. 3. Amending Section 9.3.4 Wildfi re Development Permit Area Exemptions.4. Changing the chapter number for Implication and Monitoring from Chapter 10.0 to Chapter 12.0
and re-number all the sub-sections of the chapter accordingly.5. Adding Chapter 10.0 Temporary Use Permits to allow for the consideration of a temporary use
in all of OCP area.6. Adding Chapter 11.0 Development Approval Information Area to allow the District to request
information to help determine potential development impacts within all of OCP area. Location:District Wide (entire OCP area).Applicant:District of Elkford.The proposed bylaw may be inspected between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from December 18, 2014 to January 12, 2015 at the District of Elkford Offi ce, 816 Michel Road, Elkford, BC and on the District’s website at www.elkford.ca.If unable to attend the Public Hearing, persons may submit written comments no later than 4:30 pm, January 12, 2015 to:
District of ElkfordP.O. Box 340, 816 Michel Road
Elkford, BC V0B [email protected]
All persons must include their name and civic address in the submission. All submissions will form part of the record of the Public Hearing.Please note that no further information or submissions can be considered by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing.Curtis Helgesen, Chief Administrative Offi cerDecember 18, 2014
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGDistrict of Elkford Offi cial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 763, 2014
THE YEAR IN REVIEWJANUARY 2014
Having a blast at FAR’s Avalanche Awareness DaysBy Nicole Obre Free Press Staff
Skiers and boarders took a break from the slopes on Saturday to learn the importance of ava-lanche awareness. Put on by the Canadian
Avalanche Centre and CP Rail and hosted at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort, Avalanche Awareness Days was full of interactive and educational activities.
Set up by the Deer Chair was everything one needs to know about avalanche awareness and safety, including transceiver education and a practice course, as well as avalanche and backcountry trivia. Avalanche rescue dog Digger stopped by with his trainer Kirk Gutzman to say hi to the crowd and give a Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association demonstration.
After a screening of Throttle Decisions, a snowmobile backcountry educational video in the Daylodge, the day wrapped up with a fundraising auction in the Griz Bar.
Trainer Kirk Gutzman gets ready to show the crowd what avalanche rescue dog Digger can do. Photo by N. ObreKids gather round for avalanche safety tips. Photo by N. Obre
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Editorialby Katelyn Dingman
6 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015
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POLL OF THE WEEKDo you plan on celebrating New Years with a bang (fireworks)?
Yes 21% No 79%This week’s poll question: Did you make a New Year’s resolution?
log onto www.thefreepress.ca to make your vote countThis web poll is informal, not scientific. It reflects opinions of site visitors who voluntarily participate. Results may not represent the opinions of the public as a whole.
Black Press is not responsible for the statistical accuracy of opinions expressed here.
Conz Memorial Park Rail Jam remembers Connor Gliege
FEBRUARY 2014
By Tamara Hynd Free Press Staff
Wapiti Ski hill spent the day celebrating a young man friends call the CONZ with a
rail jam. Connor Gliege, 22, was killed near Fernie last August while dirt bik-ing on a forest service road. Three days prior to his tragic death, the Hosmer/Fernie resident had volunteered to
design, build and groom a new rail park at the Wapiti ski hill, said event organ-izer Scott Courtemanche.
“Connor was an amazing kid,” said Courtemanche. “Hopefully we can do him justice today. We added a couple of Connor’s rails [to the park].”
The park is in a new location on the ski hill and has different sized jumps than last year.
Approximately 40 tricksters ranging in age from 10 to 35 rode the rails and launched the jumps during the park jam.
Huge prizes included Fernie Wilderness Adventure cat skiing, a Fernie Brewing Co. keg of beer, gift certificates from El Guapo and Mugshots Cafe, gear and gift cards from Gear Hub Fernie, gear from Commit, Edge of the World Fernie and Boardstiff.
Wapiti Ski hill spent Saturday celebrating the life of Connor Gliege with the Conz Memorial Park Jam. T. Hynd
The holidays are finally over and like many others, I feel as though I need a holiday from my holiday. Before the holidays, I wrote an editorial encouraging people to relax and enjoy conversing with friends and family. But now that the holidays are over, I’ve realized that this is easier said than done. With so many people to see and so much food, too much food to eat in fact, the holidays seemed more like a full time job than a break from the daily grind.
But now the New Year is upon us and it’s time to set goals, whether those goals entail getting fit, saving money or spending more time with family.
After breaking countless New Year’s resolutions year after year, I’ve decided to make my New Years resolution simple this year. I’m simply going to work towards being a happier, healthier version of myself. I know this isn’t going to happen right away, especially after indulging in copious amounts of Christmas food this holiday season, but I know that this goal is attainable.
I think it becomes challenging to achieve your New Year’s resolution when you set your goals too high. You see it happen year after year; January hits and the gyms crowd with men and women eager to fulfill their resolution. Inactive people try to do a complete 180, and they go from sitting on the couch day after day to going to the gym seven days a week. I’m not saying this is a bad thing at all, it’s just something that commonly doesn’t last for people. I find it a lot easier to slowly ease into a healthy lifestyle, to set simple goals, reach them and then set further goals for yourself.
When is the last time you stuck with your resolution? It’s definitely a difficult task. Maybe it’s just enough to say, “I’m going to have a better year this year.” That means something different for everyone, but when you set a goal like this, many individuals will be able to look back on the year prior and know their resolution was achieved and they did in fact, have a better year than the one before.
Failure is not something anyone is fond of, so instead of setting ourselves up to fail, why not make realistic, attainable goals this New Year and work day by day to fulfill them.
The Free Press staff are looking forward to 2015, and after a year of covering a wide array of stories ranging from community events and local fundraisers to an attempted robbery and unfavourable road conditions, we look forward to bringing you more local news this coming year. I hope everyone had a safe holiday and we looking forward to serving the Elk Valley in 2015.
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 7www.thefreepress.ca
January 16-18Vogue Theatre
Presenting FiveFeature Films:
ReelFilmFest.caFor all the latest info visit:
Monsoon
Get your Festival Passes NOW for just $40 each at the Arts Station
Single show tickets at the door.
Fernie’s 7th Annual
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ProgrammingOpening & Closing
Receptions
Don'tForgetForget
Fernie Rotary
742 Highway 3 • Fernie
Weekly MeetingsWednesdays at 12:00 Noon
at the
Park Place Lodge
MARCH 2014
Localized flooding hits valleyBy Nicole Obre Free Press Staff
After a week of warm weather and more rain hitting the Elk Valley on Sunday, the rapid melting of snow and runoff has led
to localized flooding throughout the region.Several homes and businesses have reported
water in basements, as well as pooling or running water in yards. At this point, no one within the Regional District of East Kootenay has been displaced from their homes.
For those affected, sand and sandbags are available at the Fernie Mainroad Contracting yard on Dicken Road and Shop Road. A crew from the Wildfire Management Branch filled over 2,000 sandbags by hand in the Elk Valley Sunday and Monday and with the help of an automatic sandbagger were expected to fill a few thousand more on Tuesday.
Members of the Jaffray Volunteer Fire Department assisted with pumping and diverting water Monday night at a residence in Jaffray as rapid melting started to cause some overland flooding. The unit crew from the Wildfire Management Branch also assisted with sandbagging in Jaffray. Sand and sandbags are available at the Jaffray Pub and Sunrise Grill parking lot. There will also be sand and empty bags for residents to self fill if the supply of filled bags runs out.
With the run-off conditions seeing little change and stockpiles of sandbags completed in Fernie on Monday, Emergency Management B.C. recalled the unit crews and they will no longer be available to assist.
“We are so grateful to the Wildfire Management Branch and the members of the unit crews who have been working long hours doing everything from filling sandbags by hand to placing sandbags from Gold Creek to Fernie and all points in between,” said Information Officer Loree Duczek. “This is hard, physical work and many people have been able to access sandbags quickly under rapidly changing conditions this week thanks to their efforts.”
Although the unit crews were pulled out on Monday, the need for sandbagging in the Jaffray area remained. “There is a lot of water starting to run in Jaffray and we would like to be ready if the forecasted warmer temperatures materialize this week and the water levels start to increase there,” commented Duczek.
The self fill sandbag station remained set up at the Jaffray Pub parking lot and members of the Jaffray Volunteer Fire Department continued to fill sandbags Tuesday night.
At press time, the forecast was calling for drier conditions and temperatures between 8 and 10 degrees above zero for the rest of the week. The Regional District of East Kootenay is advising people to stay off lakes and away from rivers, streams, and creeks as ice conditions can be highly unpredictable given the current conditions.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Mainroad Contracting were also working on a number of issues along roads and highways in the Elk Valley throughout the week. For the latest road conditions, visit www.drivebc.ca.
APRIL 2014
Noisy situation as public overflows Council ChambersBy Tamara Hynd Free Press Staff
The Fernie City Chambers were over-flowing as the public came to discuss the issues relating to noise disturbances in
the downtown core. Over 60 people filled the Council Chambers with 15 more spilling out into the landing on the morning of April 16.
Elk Valley RCMP Sgt. Will Thien and Liquor Inspector Graeme Anderson from the province's Liquor Control and Licensing branch were present. Twenty-one people ranging from residents to business owners addressed Council. Comments were mixed with support for a vibrant downtown core to include a thriving nightlife to some residents feeling unsafe, stating the activities downtown are completely out of control.
Most present were in agreement that whatever the cause may be, the gathering of people in the downtown core after closing hours of establishments is the common cause leading to occurrences of public drunkenness, littering, vandalism, public urination, noise and vomit on the streets and sidewalks.
Mike Delich addressed Council stating he was part of the downtown task force committee formed in 2008. They created a list of tasks recommended to the City which included dealing with street vendors, closing some alleyways, lighting and cameras. He asked for Council to complete the outstanding tasks while they are still in their present term of office which ends in six months.
“Six years later we have the illumines and
there's a request for proposal for the cameras,” said Delich. “We need your conviction to complete the matters.”
Other speakers pointed out the lack of a public washroom available after 8 pm, a small taxi service and a street vendor with a City permit to serve food beyond 2 am.
Several bar managers and owners mentioned their efforts and willingness to make improvements and welcomed suggestions. Many bars have had an audio engineer evaluate sound system audio readings and in November ran a course for staff on safe audible levels.
It is important to note that a business's authority to manage patrons behaviour ends at the establishment's door. The RCMP and City bylaw officer take over from there.
Anderson did confirm that there have been fines and licence suspensions in Fernie establishments over the last 18 months. He later commented that Fernie's pub and bar activity is busier than similar establishments elsewhere in the region. For example, Cranbrook liquor licensees are only starting to become busy again as the city is economically recovering. He said there is a penalty schedule that all licensees are well aware of and if identical contravention occurs in any 12 month period the penalties do increase.
Councillor Dan McSkimming was acting mayor in Mary Giuliano's absence. McSkimming touched on the subject at the regular council meeting later that same evening commenting that city staff will be compiling the information gathered from the public for the council to review.
8 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca
Friday, Jan. 2 - Thursday, Jan. 8
RATED PG • 7 pm Nightly7 & 9 pm Fri., Sat., & Sun.
THE HOBBIT:The Battle of the Five Armies
RATED PG • 7 pm Nightly6:45 & 9:30 Fri., Sat. & Tues.
321-2 Avenue, Fernie
www.ferniemovies.com
250-423-7111 Movieline3 pm Matinees Sat. & Sun.
Extra Matinees on Dec. 22-24 & Dec. 27-Jan. 1($6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D)
NIGHT at the MUSEUM:Secret of the TombBOOK THE ARCADE
FOR YOUR NEXT AFTERNOON OR EVENING PARTY!
Visit www.ferniemovies.com for more info.
Call 250-423-3132 to book.
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are FREE!go to:
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Find out what’s happening in your community and submit your own local events.
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Around the Valley
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mondays• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena• 9:30 to 10:30am –Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 4:00 – Special Olympics Athletes Bowling at Sparwood Lanes• 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:30 to 9:00 pm – Women’s Night at Old School Boxing• 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool
Tuesdays• 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena• 9:30 to 10:15am – Low Impact Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 10:15am – Aqua� t at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:30 to 11:15am – Free Admission Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena• 10:30 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 1:30 to 2:30pm – Parent and Tot Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim
at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 4:00 to 6:00pm – Water Slide Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre • 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 6:30 to 8:30pm – Opt Fernie Clinic at the Elk Valley Hospital• 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool
Wednesdays• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena• 9:30 to 10:30am –Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 10:15am – Aqua� t at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 12:00pm - Fernie Rotary Meeting Park Place Lodge• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 1:15 to 2:30pm – Skate & Shoot at the Fernie Memorial Arena• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 3:45 to 5:00pm – After School Rec Hockey at the Sparwood Arena• 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00 to 9:00pm – Healing Rooms Open at Mountainside Church• 7:30 – Ladies Darts at the Fernie Legion (new members welcome)• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool
Thursdays• 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness
Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:45 to 10:15am – Adult Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena• 9:30 to 10:15am – Low Impact Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to 11:15am – Free Admission Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena• 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:30 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to 11:15am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00pm – Darts at the Sparwood Legion• 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 7:30 to 9:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 11:00pm – Adult Rec Hockey 19+ at the Sparwood Arena
Fridays• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00am to 8:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 9:30 to 10:30am –Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 10:15am – Aqua� t at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:45 to 11:45am – Youth Shinny at the Fernie Memorial Arena (No School Fridays)• 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at
the Fernie Aquatic Centre• Noon to 12:45pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena (No School Fridays)• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 4:00 to 5:30pm - Free Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 6:00 to 8:00pm - $3.00 Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00pm to 8:15pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 7:00pm – Jam Night every 2nd Friday at the Sparwood Legion• 7:00pm - Jitney Darts at the Fernie Legion – everyone is welcome• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 13+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 8:00 to 9:00pm – Teen/Adult Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre
Saturdays• Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• Noon to 6:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 1:00 to 2:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 2:00 to 3:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 2:00 to 3:45pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 3:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 2:30 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Fernie & Sparwood Legion • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood & Elkford Pool• 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood & Elkford Pool • 6:30 to 8:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing• 6:45 to 8:15pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena
Sundays• Noon to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• Noon to 6:00pm – Fitness Centre Open at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 1:00 to 2:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 1:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre
Around the Valley is a free listing to any local service.Please send an email to [email protected] or drop off a brief description of your event at The Free Press office.
JANUARY1 Night Skiing on the
Mighty Moose at Fernie Alpine Resort 4:00 – 9:00 pm
2 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Vogue Theatre
2 Polar Bear Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre 1:00 – 3:00 pm
2 Mark Gallup Opening Reception at the Fernie Arts Station
2 Fernie Ghostriders vs. Creston Valley Thunder Cats 7:30 pm Fernie Arena
2 Night Skiing on the Mighty Moose at Fernie Alpine Resort 4:00 – 9:00 pm
2 DJ Cellie Reggae Night at the Royal Hotel 9:00 pm
3 Night Skiing on the Mighty Moose at Fernie Alpine Resort 4:00 – 9:00 pm
3 Griz Kidz Crafty Kids at Fernie Alpine Resort 6:30 – 8:00 pm
3 Texas Hold’em at the Fernie Legion register 6:00 pm start time 6:30 pm
3 Fernie Ghostriders vs. Golden Rockets 7:30 pm Fernie Arena
5 Days for Girls Sew-a-thon 1:00 – 9:00 pm Christchurch Basement 561 4th Ave
5 Indie Film Festival presents: Force Majeure at the Vogue Theatre 7:00 pm
6 Clean Eating Reset at College of the Rockies 6:00 pm – Call 250-423-4691
8 Beautea Spa Night at In� nitea 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• 2:00 to 4:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 2:15 to 4:00pm – Public Skate at the Fernie Memorial Arena • 3:00 to 4:45pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 4:00 to 5:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 7:30pm - Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie
City CouncilMeeting Schedule
Regular Council meetings are open to the public and held at City Hall at 7:00 p.m.
January 20151 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31
City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca
BRITISH COLUMBIACITY OF FERNIE
BRITISH COLUMBIACITY OF FERNIE
CONNECTION
City of Fernie Contact Info:City HallPh: 250.423.6817 Fx: 250.423.3034Email: [email protected]: www.fernie.ca501-3rd Avenue, Box 190Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M0Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.(Closed statutory holidays)After Hours Phone: 250.423.4226
Fernie Aquatic Centre250 Pine Avenue Phone: 250.423.4466
Fernie Memorial Arena991-6th Avenue (Highway 3)
For all Police, Ambulance orFire related emergencies:Call 911
Public HearingNotice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 7:00PM in Council Chambers at Fernie City Hall, located at 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie BC so that Council may hear representations from the public who deem an interest in the properties affected by the proposed amendments to Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 for:
APPLICANT: Stacey Goldade & Noel Van OostenbruggeLOCATION: C-HWY Zoned Properties in the City of Fernie (as identified on the City of Fernie Zoning Map)LEGALDESCRIPTION: N/ABYLAW: Bylaw No. 2264, cited as Zoning Bylaw No. 1750,
Amendment Bylaw No.172, 2014
Bylaw No. 2264 proposes to text amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1750 by adding “barber shops and beauty parlours” as a permitted use under Section 4.2.10.2, C-HWY - Highway Commercial Zone.
Comments can be made in person at the Public Hearing, or in any of the following methods:
BY EMAIL: [email protected] PERSON: City Hall 501 – 3rd AvenueBY FAX: (250) 423.3034BY MAIL: City of Fernie Planning Department PO Box 190 Fernie, BC V0B 1M0
Any submissions received after 5:00PM, Monday, January 12, 2015 will not be accepted. No representation will be received by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing. All submissions must include your name and street address. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please contact the Planning Department at (250) 423.6817 or via email at [email protected].
A copy of the proposed bylaw amendment, Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, City of Fernie Zoning Map and other relevant documents may be viewed at City Hall, 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC during normal business hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm December 29, 2014 to January 12, 2015 (excluding weekends and statutory holidays) or online at www.fernie.ca. Please note City Hall is closed December 25 & 26, 2014 and January 1 & 2, 2015.
This Notice is published in accordance with Section 892 of the Local Government Act.
Community Open HouseDevelopment Cost Charge Bylaw No. 2079 UpdateThe City has been working with consultants, Urban Systems Ltd., to update the Development Cost Charge bylaw. Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are fees levied by the City to help pay for the cost of expanding and upgrading the City’s roads, water systems, parks, drainage and wastewater infrastructure to keep up with demand and growth.
We are hosting a Community Open House and invite the public to join us. Consultants and staff will be on hand to explain the outcomes of the update and how they might impact growth in Fernie.
When: Monday, January 5, 2015 (from 6pm – 8pm)Where: Senior Citizens Drop In Centre 562 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC (Light refreshments will be provided).
Please visit our website for background information on DCCs and join us for this important conversation.
Dog Licencing – It’s the Law!The City of Fernie requires that all dogs be licenced under the Dog Licencing, Regulating and Impounding Bylaw and every dog owner to have a dog licence tag attached to their dog’s collar while in public. Dog owners may be fined for violation of these regulations.
The annual fee to licence your dog for the period of January 1st to December 31st is $15.00 if your dog is spayed or neutered. The fee is $35.00 if your dog is not spayed or neutered.
For more information on these regulations please visit the City’s website or contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or [email protected].
Holiday HoursCity Hall will be closed January 1 and January 2, 2015
We wish you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!
Holiday Garbage and Recycling ScheduleThe following change will apply to the residential garbage collection on New Year’s Day:
There will be no change to the Recycling collection schedule for curbside pickup over the holidays.
Fernie Transfer Station Hours
Regular Hours (9:00am – 5:00pm Mon-Fri & 10:00am-4:00pm Sat-Sun)
Holiday Schedule:Thursday, January 1 CLOSEDFriday, January 2 Open Regular Hours
You can dispose of your live Christmas tree at the Yard and Garden pile at the Fernie Transfer Station, 6000 Highway 3.
Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule
Regular Garbage Collection Date
Area New Collection Date
Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day
Area 3 Castle Mountain, Ridgemont, Ghostrider, Alpine Trail/ Parkland
Monday, December 29
Leisure Services HappeningsFernie Memorial Arena
We offer skating programs for the whole family. Take part in Adult Shinny, Skate & Shoot and No School Friday skating events.
Holiday Hours and ProgramsJanuary 1 Public Skating 1:00pm – 2:30pm and 4:00pm – 5:30pmJanuary 2 Public Skating 3:00pm – 4:30pmJanuary 3 Family Shinny 10:30am – Noon & Public Skating 2:00pm – 3:45pmJanuary 4 Family Shinny 10:30am – Noon & Public Skating 2:15 – 4:00pm(In the event of a Ghostrider home game public skate times will be cancelled. Fernie Ghostrider hockey games on January 2 & 3, 2015 start at 7:30pm).
Fernie Aquatic Centre
The Aquatic Centre is offering a new swim schedule and new lesson sets starting January 4th, 2015. Drop in to register at 250 Pine Avenue or please call us at 250-423-4466 for more information.
Holiday HoursThe Aquatic Centre will be closed on January 1, 2015. Please check the website or call the Aquatic Centre at 250.423.4466 for the complete Holiday Schedule.
Polar Bear SwimAre you brave enough to join us for a refreshing dip in the pool during our Polar Bear Swim? We drop the water temperature in the pool and add some ice and snow just like the real thing! Join us Friday, January 2, 2015 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
Winter Swim Schedule (January 4 – March 7, 2015)
Public Swim Monday to Friday – 1:00pm -3:00pm and 3:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday and Sunday – 2:00pm- 6:00pm
Water Slide Monday to Friday – 4:00pm – 6:00pm Saturday and Sunday – 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Aqua Fit Active Fit Mon/Wed/Fri – 8:30am – 9:15am Gentle Fit Tues/Thurs/Fri - 10:30am – 11:15am (NEW TIME!)
Crocodile Swim 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month 3:00pm – 5:00pm
For information on these and other Aquatic programs and private aquatic bookings including Birthday Parties, Meeting Room rentals, and Lifeguard Training please call the Fernie Aquatic Centre at 250.423.4466. For all other facility inquiries and bookings call Leisure Services at 250.423.2245.
Detailed Schedules for the Arena and Aquatic Centre are available on line at www.fernie.ca.
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 9www.thefreepress.ca
10 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca
district of sparwood
Box 520, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Phone: 250.425.6271 | Fax: 250.425.7277 Email: [email protected]
www.sparwood.ca
2015 Utilities - Pay Early and Save!
Discounts are available for all residential and commercial accounts.Option 1: 10% Discount - Pay by January 31, 201510% discount is available for the whole amount, or any portion thereof, if paid by January 31, 2015.
Single Family Residence2015 Water/Sewer/Garbage $848.16IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2015 $763.34 Save $84.82
Strata Unit2015 Water/Sewer/Garbage $814.56IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2015 $733.10 Save $81.46
Residences receiving Water and Garbage Services only2015 Water/Garbage $573.00IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2015 $515.70 Save $57.30
Residences receiving Garbage services only2015 Garbage $362.76IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2015 $326.48 Save $36.28
Discounts apply only if prior year (2014) utilities have been paid in full. Payment will be applied fi rst to any outstanding prior year utilities transferred to tax accounts.
Option 2: 5% Discount - Pay Utilities QuarterlyThe November 30 5% discount has been replaced with a quarterly 5% discount for utilities paid on or before the 15th of the month that the quarterly invoice is due. Therefore, each quarter’s utilities must be paid by March 15 (1st quarter), June 15 (2nd quarter), September 15 (3rd quarter) and December 15 (4th quarter) to be eligible for the 5% discount.
Are You Worried About Radon In Your House?
Then mark January 14, 2015 on your calendar. Representatives from Health Canada are coming to our region to present information about the health risk of radon exposure, how to test for radon in your home, and how to mitigate when necessary. The Building Inspector from the District of Sparwood as well as a representative from the Canadian Cancer Agency will also be present to answer questions and provide a limited number of radon test kits at a reduced price. Event details: 7:00 p.m. January 14, 2015 at the Senior’s Drop-in Centre, 101 4th Avenue, Sparwood.
Notice ofRegular Council Meetings for 2015
Items for the agenda must be received at the Municipal Offi ce by noon on the Wednesday preceding the meeting. Anyone wishing to address Council must submit an “Application to Appear Before Council as a Delegate or Delegation” before this deadline. Applications are available on the District’s website, by fax or request at the front counter.
All Regular Meetings commence at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Offi ce, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC and are televised on Shaw Cable at 7:00 p.m. on the Wednesday following the meeting or at other times as advertised. Meetings will also be available on our website at www.sparwood.ca/councilmeetings and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sparwood.bc
January 5 CancelledJanuary 19February 2February 16March 2March 16April 7 (Tuesday) April 20May 4May 19 (Tuesday) June 1June 15July 6 - Cancelled
July 20August 4 - CancelledAugust 17September 8 (Tuesday)September 21 - CancelledSeptember 28October 5October 19November 2November 16December 7December 21
Committee of the Whole Meetings for 2015January 26February 23March 30April 27May 25June 29
July 27 - CancelledAugust 31 - CancelledSeptember 28 - CancelledOctober 26November 30
All Committee of the Whole Meetings commence at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Offi ce, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC.
This schedule of Regular and Committee of the Whole meeting dates is available throughout the year on the District’s website at www.sparwood.ca and at the District Offi ce and is subject to change with notice.
Business LicencesAll people carrying on a business within the municipality require a business licence. This includes all home occupations, catalogue sales, commercial, and out of town businesses.
This is a reminder to all local business owners that your 2015 Business Licences are now due.
If you have not purchased your current licence please come into our offi ce and bring your account up to date.
New businesses can apply in person at 136 Spruce Avenue or on-line at www.Sparwood.ca under application forms.
Public NoticeDanger – Falling Trees
On November 29, 2014 a winter storm with high winds came through the Elk Valley. The property on the west side of Highway 43, south of Sparwood Heights Drive, sustained heavy damage from the winds. Hundreds of trees were knocked down and many of the standing trees have been weakened at the root ball. Due to the danger of falling trees this area will be cordoned off and signs will be placed prohibiting entry to the area. The removal of trees will commence once a contract has been awarded. Public entry into this area is prohibited for any purpose until the clearing of trees and debris is completed and the signage restricting entry removed.
Photo by: Marija Goetting
Discarding Christmas TreesYou may drop off your old Christmas trees behind the No. 1 Fire Hall on Pine Avenue or behind the Sparwood Heights Fire Hall. The District will provide pick up service for those who are unable to drop them off. Leave the tree at your curb for pickup any time up to January 10, 2015. Please ensure that you have removed the tinsel before discarding tree. For further information, please contact the Public Works Department at 425-7760.
Time to renew or purchase a new dog licence
The District of Sparwood’s Animal Control Bylaw requires every dog to have a current year licence by January 15th. A neutered or spayed dog tag, with vet certifi cate, is $10.00 or $30.00 for an unaltered dog.
Why licensing your dog should be your #1 priority:
1. If your dog gets lost, even in a neighbouring community, a licence is the fastest way to reunite you with your dog. Even if your dog is microchipped, a licence tag is immediately visible and doesn’t require a scanning device. Dogs are often returned by contacting the dog’s owner at their address on fi le with the District.
2. Your dogs licence shows that you are a responsible dog owner. When you walk your dog people will notice the licence on your dog’s collar and know that you really care about your dog’s welfare.
3. Licensing lets others know that your dog is not a stray. Often found dogs are kept by the people who fi nd them, who assume an unlicensed dog is a stray.
4. It’s the law! Failure to licence your dog by the 15th of January may result in tickets and impound fees.
For more information, or to renew or purchase a dog licence please contact the District Offi ce at 250.425.6271 or at 136 Spruce Avenue.
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 11
Located on 5th St downtown
In
finitea
T - B a r & B ou ti q u e
Patio & Live MusicNew Summer MenuServing Lunch & DinnerPatio Licenced Noon until 10pmCustom Tea Ice-Cream
Kitchen always open
Located on 5th St. downtown ~ email: in� [email protected]
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM INFINITEA!Live music every Friday night
New Spoken Word night starting Wed Jan 7thBeautea Nights, Sunday Roast, Yoga,
Movie Nights, Tarot, Cooking Classes - all in 2015!
ELKVALLEYLibraries
Space donated by The Free Press
FERNIE PUBLIC LIBRARY592 - 3rd Ave.250-423-4458
Mon. ClosedTues.-Wed. 11am-6pmThurs. 11am-8pm Fri. 11am-6pmSat. 1-5pmSun. 1-5pm
SPARWOODPUBLIC LIBRARY110 Pine Ave.250-425-2299
Mon. ClosedTues. 10am-8pmWed. 10am-5pmThurs. 10am-8pmFri.-Sat. 10am-5pmSun. 12-4 pm
ELKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY816 Michel Rd250-865-2912
Mon. ClosedTues.-Wed. 10am-5pmThurs.-Fri. 11am-6pmSat. 12-5pmSun. Closed
CAN’T MISS
Banff Mountain Film Fest World TourTickets are on sale now! This will be a fundraiser for ‘Fernie Trails Alliance’! Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at ‘The Guides Hut’ and the theatre for a 6pm (all ages show) and 9pm (adults only show) on January 2! Don’t miss out, get your tickets now!
Shred Kellyhas a new CD coming out January 2015. Check out their latest video release, “Family Oh Family”. Be sure to get tickets to see Shred Kelly when they are in Fernie on January 31 at the Community Centre (CD release) We promise it will be a “foot stompin’” good time!
Submit your posters and approximately 50 words of text describing your event to [email protected] two events will be sponsored, so first come first serve.
WhatsOnbrought to you by
1622 – 7th Ave, Fernie BC
250-423-5500
www.bestwesternfernie.com
FERNIE MOUNTAIN LODGE
What’s on in the Elk Valley this week.
Jan.31
This week’s recommended
drink is Revelstoke BC’s Mt. Begbie Tall Timber Ale.
Make it your New Year’s resolution
to enjoy more BC brewed craft beer.
Dave’s Faves
Drink recommendations are fromDave Hamilton, Manager of Spirits Cold Beer & Wine Shop
at the Park Place Lodge
May 2014
West Fernie to be incorporated into the City of FernieBy Nicole ObreFree Press Staff
Fernie council has initiated a boundary extension process that will incorporate West Fernie into the city if they receive the consent of West Fernie property owners. The
city is working with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) on a possible five year term transition to bring prop-erties in the extension area up to the full municipal tax rate.
“There’s a lot more to do and there’s things that need to happen, both with respect to this and beyond it, but the fact that we’re having this discussion and making this resolution right now has a very significant place in Fernie’s history,” commented Councillor Randal Macnair. “If we, and [Area A] Director Sosnowski, can bring this forward with the residents of West Fernie, because certainly, we’re one community, and this reflects that, we’re all stronger as a result.”
Following last year's Union of BC Municipalities' confer-ence, several discussions took place between city of Fernie staff, RDEK staff, and members of the Minister's staff regard-ing the potential boundary extension. On December 9, 2013, a letter was sent by Lee-Ann Crane, Chief Administrative Officer with the RDEK, to Marijke Edmondson, director of local government structure with the Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development, asking the Ministry to pro-vide a detailed offer of restructure assistance to help Fernie council move forward with a decision to incorporate West Fernie. On March 6, 2014, Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano and Area A Director Mike Sosnowski received a response from Minister Coralee Oakes. The letter stated it was the Minister's understanding that the restructuring will ultimately bring the entire area of West Fernie into the city, the infrastructure upgrades will precede boundary change, and the implementa-tion will take place in phases over a number of years.
The letter went on to specify that the RDEK will establish a water and sewer service area in West Fernie by petition, which will replace the West Fernie Waterworks District. The RDEK
will undertake borrowing to upgrade the infrastructure, and only once the upgrades are complete will the area be incorpor-ated into the city.
The Minister made an offer for restructure assistance that includes: a Municipal Restructure Assistance (per capita) Grant of $347,500; a Restructure Implementation Grant to convert the West Fernie Waterworks District of $20,000; a Restructure Implementation Grant to update land use bylaws of $50,000; and a Provincial Rural Property Tax Transfer of $36,745.
Bringing West Fernie residents into the city will likely raise the population above 5,000, which will require Fernie to pay for policing costs. With the current offer, the Ministry of Justice has agreed if the population of the city is under 5,000 in the 2016 census, the population will not be reevaluated again until the 2021 census, regardless of the boundary changes that would be made after census day in May 2016.
The letter also indicates the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure generally continue to maintain local roads through its existing maintenance contract until the end of the five year transition period or until the maintenance contract ends.
Moving forward, the RDEK will inform West Fernie prop-erty owners of the city's intention to take them into the city and what the impact will be. If consent from the area residents is received, the city will develop a boundary extension propos-al and submit it to the Ministry for consideration. At this point, the city's electorate would be informed of the intention and impacts of incorporating West Fernie and asked for approval. If the city's electorate reject the proposal, the boundary exten-sion would not continue. However, if the electorate approves the proposal, the boundary extension will be brought forward for cabinet's consideration.
More information on the West Fernie boundary extension can be found in the regular council meeting agenda for May 12, viewable on the city of Fernie website at www.fernie.ca.
JUNE 2014
Police ask for the public’s help in finding attempted robbery suspect By Katelyn DingmanFree Press Staff
An Elkford East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKC) employee was taken to hospital and treated for a stab wound after an attempted robbery on
Saturday morning.The victim was stabbed in the leg during the incident
and has since been treated and released from the hospital, RCMP Sergeant Will Thien said in a press release.
Police say the suspect had already fled the scene when Elk Valley RCMP responded to the incident at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
“While the employee (victim) was opening up for busi-ness for the day, a male suspect forced his way into the credit union,” Thien said.
After being told by the EKC employee that he could not
access any money, the suspect left the credit union branch.“No money was taken,” Thien said.The suspect also had bear spray but it was not used dur-
ing the scuffle, EKC Marketing Consultant Jane Davies said in a press release on Tuesday.
The Elk Valley Critical Response Team has since been to the site of the incident. Counseling services are being pro-vided to EKC employees, Davies said.
The branch reopened Wednesday, June 4.The suspect is described as a 5'10” male, 40 to 50-years-
old, weighing between 160 and 170 lbs. The male was wear-ing rounded goggles with dark mirrored lenses, a black toque, black gloves, medium colored jeans, black footwear and a red windbreaker jacket with white or beige piping.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Question of the WeekThe price of gas has dropped significantly in recent weeks. If you plan to buy a car this year will lower prices at the pump encourage you to buy a larger vehicle?
OF THE WEEK!
?QUESTION
Go to DrivewayCanada.ca to submit your answer.
Safety Tip:January is one of the worst months for crashes in B.C. with approximately 23,200 on average. In poor conditions, slow down, increase your following distance and give
yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
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DrivewayCanada.ca | Welcome to the driver’s seat
2014 car year in reviewIt’s hard to believe that 2014 is over. Where did it go? At a time when we tend to reflect on what we’ve done, what we can do better and what was awesome, that brings me to my personal Car Year in Review.It takes a special vehicle or experience to stick in my memory. Not to say that short-term memory loss is a problem but with constant streams of information bombarding my brain, it’s not hard to forget where I was and what I was testing a week ago!Though this is a review of wheels past, because we often test vehicles well ahead of their full production this also points to what people will be driving in 2015.Let’s start small because the micro cars might be miniscule in price, but aren’t about to disappoint.
Nissan Micra: MSRP Range, $9,998-$15,748For under $10K, this pint-sized vehicle can be yours. But just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s cheap. And it’s a blast to drive. Sure, 109 horsepower won’t get you where you need to go in a flash, but that’s not the point of this car. Besides, for basic transportation, it has the goods.
Ford Fiesta 1.0L, $15,999 + $1,500 for the 1.0L option; for an MSRP of $17,499Ford’s smallest engine available here in Canada sure packs a lot of punch. And considering it only weighs 98 kg when assembled, this 1.0L, 3-cylinder power-plant is pretty impressive. If you opt for this bite-sized engine, you’ll be getting 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque (148 lb-ft with the overboost). The Fiesta was designed and engineered in Europe so it isn’t bad to look at either.
Subaru WRX STI: MSRP $37,995-$44,995The all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI is an incredible car within its own right. It has a cult following and has the street cred to back it up. And just when you think you’re getting the hang of putting it around the Buttonwillow Raceway in California, you let Tommi
Mäkinen take you for a spin. Gosh, it’s like he could drive ten times faster, smoother and more confidently in his sleep. Heck, he had one arm on the windowsill when he wasn’t shifting or going into a tight corner. Moral of the story: the car makes you feel like a hero even if you can’t drive like Tommi. And what a cool experience.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: MSRP $63,495 (but the new 2015 Challenger SXT starts at an MSRP of $28,495)
The name says it all. Put “Hell” in something and you’re bound to have a helluva good time, right? Especially when you have 707 horsepower at your disposal. But to say I wasn’t apprehensive to take this beast on the track at Portland International Raceway would be a lie. And the reason is, American muscle cars haven’t always been the pinnacle of exceptional handling dynamics. Sure, it has a lot of horses, but will it get me through the corner with minimal body roll? Or will the steering have enough feel that I won’t be constantly inputting actions?In this case? Hell(cat) yes. I was blown away as to how well this car drove, not just on the track, but on the street, too. Disclaimer: if you need to get anywhere quickly, this isn’t the car for you. People will talk your ear off about it if you give them an opportunity.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC: MSRP $37,200 (AMG version is $50,500) Another vehicle that shone brightly is Mer-cedes-Benz’s GLA. The luxury compact crossover starts at under $40K but does so many things well. It has a hatchback, great styling and the fuel economy is quite good, too. I wouldn’t even need the AMG version to keep me happy. It’s just a stellar vehicle.
MINI Cooper S: MSRP starts at $25,490Perhaps the biggest disappointment this year comes in the shape of the MINI Cooper S. I’ve loved these cars for so long, but perhaps electronics have ruined it for me. Yes, it’s much more competent and has some great features, but I miss the days of the super-charged version. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a super fun car to drive, but the downshift rev matching in the Cooper S with the manual transmission was not amazing. It was harsh and jerky. I also feel it lost a little bit of personality along its way to adulthood. I’ll forever love them, quirks and all.
Honda Fit: MSRP range $14,495-$21,295The Fit is on my list because I think it is just such a fabulous little car. The Magic Seats really are magic, but the new touchscreen is a huge deterrent. I strongly dislike it. I like buttons. I don’t mind if there are a few to complement the screen but I feel it takes my eyes off the road for too long, even if I’m familiar with the system.
Volvo V60 T6: MSRP $51,200-$66,895Long live the Swedish wagons. They can do very little wrong in my books. They’re just fantastic.
Visit the gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca
Hot Laps in the Subaru WRX STI with retired WRC Driver Tommi Mäkinen.
by Alexandra Straub
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drivewayBC.cawww.thefreepress.ca12 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 13www.thefreepress.ca
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them at any store
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This week’s feature:
THE YEAR IN REVIEW…
JUly 2014
New residential community set to launchBy Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff
Earlier this month, Parastone — a locally owned construction and development company — announced they would be
developing a sub-stantial portion of the 660 acre par-cel of land one kilometer from Fernie’s historic downtown.
Naming the residential com-munity Montane, the project, once completed, will be Fernie’s lar-gest property development to date.
“We are very excited about this acquisition and to unveil the community’s new name,” general manager of Parastone Simon Howse said in a press release on July 11. “Montane references the defining experiences and features of mountain living and perfectly symbolizes our vision for
this incredible piece of land.“The project did however raise concern over the
relocation of hydro lines.Those concerns were addressed during an
information session at the Seniors’ Drop In Centre on July 2.
The previous developer requested that BC Hydro and the City of Fernie relocate the hydro lines along Coal Creek Rd.
When Parastone took over the development, they made an agree-ment with BC Hydro that any vegetation not interfering with the newly located power lines would be left in its natural state.
“We understand we are already cutting through a swathe of forest and we didn’t want to comprom-ise the natural beauty of the area,”
Howse said in a media statement. “That beauty is what is so alluring about this place.”
Parastone expects the relocated power lines to be completed by August.
For more information on the development, visit www.montanefernie.ca.
“Montane references the defining experiences and
features of mountain living and perfectly symbolizes our
vision for this incredible piece of land.”
Simon HowseGeneral Manager of Parastone
Locally owned construction and development company Parastone announced they would be developing over 600 acres of land near Fernie’s historic downtown. From The Free Press files.
AUGUST 2014
Local brings home gold from special olympicsBy Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff
An Elk Valley local brought home Olympic gold last month after dominating in her 5-pin bowling category at the Vancouver Special Olympics.
Kathy Sheppard, 32, was the first athlete from the Elk Valley’s Special Olympics BC Society to compete in nationals in over 17 years, Community Coordinator Georgina McIntosh said.
And she was the first to win.“It was just so exciting,” she said. “I’m sure she could
have heard me (yelling) from Vancouver. I wish actually I
could have got down there fast enough to see.”In just four days, Sheppard bowled a total of nine games
at the Special Olympics British Columbia (SOBC) Summer Games.
“It was tiring after a while,” Sheppard said. “It was quite different.”
But Sheppard didn’t let the exhaustion get to her, as her and her teammates, coined the Port Alberni Alley Brats, won gold medals.
“We were so excited,” she said. “My team was so excited.”
Sheppard was picked from a small group of individuals based on her high provincial bowling scores.
This year she bowled a 203 while practicing for the nationals, a score that earned Janet Laing the Highest Pins Over Average title in the 2013 SOBC Summer Games.
And McIntosh said Sheppard will have to continue training just as hard if she makes it to Worlds next year.
“The next few months there is going to be a lot of
practice,” McIntosh said.Sheppard may be selected to compete in the Special
Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.The selection process is based on a combination of her
teams overall average and Sheppards’ individual scores, but McIntosh said she will likely not know Sheppard’s standing until February of next year.
If selected, Sheppard will be one of 7,000 athletes from 177 nations around the world to compete in the games.
The World Games run from July 25 to August 2, 2015.
Kathy Sheppard shows off her Olympic gold medal. Photo by K. Dingman
14 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca
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September 2014
B.C. teachers cut a deal, school reopensBy Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff
As the official days of summer die out, school re-opened on Monday to kick off the fall season after B.C.
teachers and the government finally cut a deal to end the strike.
Details of the deal that ended a five week lockout for B.C. teachers reveals the BCTF and provincial government met somewhere in the middle on their demands.
Last Thursday, 86 per cent of teachers said ‘yes’ to accepting the proposed deal.
“There will be more classroom and specialist teachers in schools to help our students. Our teachers teaching on call will
get fair pay for a day’s work, and all our members will get a salary increase,” said the B.C. Teacher’s Federation president Jim Iker.
When bargaining initially began last spring, both sides had drawn their lines firmly on the chalkboard.
The BC Liberals would not stray from the basic contract formula that had been delivered and accepted by almost half of the province’s public sector workers.
Equally as unyielding, B.C. teachers were clear they would not accept a deal that denied changes to class size and composition, as they had previously won this right twice in Supreme Court.
In the end, after subjecting parents and students to a five week, full-scale school
lockout, the two sides came together at last to put an end to the strike.
On the government’s part, $100 million was added to its learning improvement fund, totaling $400 million spread out over five years. That money will go towards hiring as many as 850 new teachers each year.
To soften the blow of five weeks with no paycheques, teachers accepted a payout of $105 million in grievances, distributed by the union as a signing bonus.
Lastly, to protect the teacher’s court wins in the case of class size and composition,
the government agreed to drop the controversial E80 clause, which teachers said have nullified those victories.
Teachers ended up accepting the basic salary increases, subject to the other public
sector workers. They will also receive an $11.9 million boost in extended health and dental benefits and an increase in
on-call rates.This new contract will expire in 2019, at
which point we will see if any feelings of distrust amongst the two factions remain.
“There will be more classroom and specialist teachers..”
Jim IkerB.C. Teacher’s Federation President
Bennett Pohonda, Joan MarieJanuary 15
Neidig,Allen
January 18
Koop, John Herbert
January 27
Scott,KrystynaJanuary 27
Miles,Stuart Harry
“Crusher” January 30
Dayman, Mary JeanFebruary 7
Friesen,Edgar William
February 17
Lilly,Gena
February 22
O’Sullivan,Jason Andrew
February 23
Churchill,Arnold
February 24
Bailey,Keith
February 26
Crewe,GeorgeMarch 6
Ebert, Florence May
March 6
RooSarah Elaine
March 16
Sarabun,Grace Evelyn
March 17
Bernardo,Alfio
“Bonanza”March 24
Kubos,Bessie
March 24
Manning Ann
March 28
StarkShirley “Marlene”
April 2
Gordon,Marguerite Elizabeth
April 3
Vicic,Diana Louise
April 12
Hartley,John Henry
April 16
Perry,Crystal “Chris”April 16
In Memoriam 2014Remembering loved ones we’ve lost..
Baratelli,Ida
March 24
Janco,Mary
February 23
Mitchell,Marie MitzeFebruary 24
MacArthur,Brandon LeeFebruary 13
Pinotti,(Mary) Pauline
“Granny”February 8
Crabb, John Johnson
“Jack”February 8
Gregg,Richard “Dick”
February 4
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 15www.thefreepress.ca
In Memoriam 2014Remembering loved ones we’ve lost..
Rotella,Pietro “Pete”May 27
Strandquist,Lori-AnneAugust 1
Williams,Wilfred Robert
“Wilf”August 14
McKerracher,Randy Alexander
August 16
Kowalyshyn,Orest Walter
August 26
Peters,Elizabeth
September 14
Bayer,Kurt GuntherSeptember 18
Moosman,Else GurinaSeptember 20
Halko,Thomas Michael
June 3
Porco,Tilio
June 11
Walker,JohnJuly 2
Lant,Angelina
July 12
Cornish,RonaldJuly 7
Aasen,Albertine Theresa
MarieApril 24
Camilli,LindaMay 7
Cooke,Randal Michael
May 17
Warner,James Calvin
May 26
Jaegli,Burton George
“Burt”July 23
Mills,Ann Christine
July 26
Stribbell,DennisJuly 27
Nelson,Betty
July 27
McIntyre,Elixena Marie
July 18
McLaren,Rosemary
July 17
Klein,Ivan John
July 17
Turner,John “J.T.”June 1
Matthews,Joyce
May 15
Faulkner,Adam “AJ”
August 3
Montemurro,Loretta Anita
August 3
Letasy,Agatha “Lena”
August 10
Herrick,Elizabeth Carmell
August 31
16 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca
Gold,Pauline Beresford
October 27
Doubinin,Gail Marie
November 20
Gorrie,George Alexander
October 27
McMahon,AdelineOctober 8
Simpkin,Donald James
October 14
Spreadbury,Shirley Evelyn
October 14
Tipton,William Robert
“Bill”October 8
Allan,Mable Nancy
October 30
Trautman,Marie Elizabeth
October 30
Altomare,Armida MariaNovember 17
Domin,Ella May
November 12
Dodgson,Helen
November 26
Beech,Edgar Christian
November 26
Williams,Kim Marie
September 24
Bezak,Frances Emily Ann
September 25
Thomson,John EdwardSeptember 25
Ashmore,Wilfred Arthur
September 30
Danylak,Lucy
October 5
In Memoriam 2014Remembering loved ones we’ve lost..
Miller,Mervin Richard
September 26
Basarab,Ronald
November 1
Dunn,Karle BruceDecember 1
Nelson,Arnold
November 28
Kibala,Derna Luigia
“Lucy” December 10
Leneveu,Sharon Lucille
December 2
Beranek,Laddie LouisDecember 15
Quenneville,Anne
December 9
Anderson,Irene Bruce
“Rene”November 14
Smith,Margaret Elsie
December 18
Trautman,Howard Joseph
December 21
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 17www.thefreepress.ca
Stefano,Annie
December 28
18 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca
ACROSS1. Hole punchers5. “You ____ My Lucky Star”8. Spat12. Hen’s home13. Maiden14. Bloodhound’s trail15. Nero’s garment16. Permanently18. Deep, violet blue20. Said yes to21. Dried plum24. Snatches26. Dinghy paddle27. At what time?29. Clarinet’s kin33. Elaborate35. Fearful person37. Minus38. Stair part40. Scrap41. Fur43. Walk leisurely45. Horse’s relative48. Fasten50. Army prison52. Wild try56. Adventurer Marco ____
PUZZLE NO. 742
HOW TO PLAY :Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
Brought to you by Fernie’s premiere Chinese restaurant
Copyright © 2015, Penny Press
PUZZLE NO. 478
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK:SCORPIO, SAGITTARIUS, AND CAPRICORN
YOUR HOROSCOPEfor the week of
January 4 to 10, 2015
YOUR HOROSCOPE
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)Boxing Day sales continue, and if you work with the public, this excep tional consumer traf� c brings you many bene� ts, including better pay.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)The full moon inspires you to say some beautiful things. Your be lo ved cherishes everything you say. There is lots of fun to be had with the family and your children make you smile.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)Lottery tickets are often received as gifts. If this is the case with you, you should check them; you may win the means to invite your family on a sunny beach vacation.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)You’re ready to set your New Year’s resolutions into action. You feel a great need to be active. You un earth an amazing bargain, especially if it’s a luxury item you’re looking for.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)At the beginning of this New Year, you decide to undertake some ma jor projects. You demonstrate ini tia tive, both professionally and personally.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)If you’re single, your charm will earn you lots of attention when you’re out and about. You keep busy because as far as you’re concerned, the ce lebrations aren’t over yet.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)The holiday season has transfor med you into someone who is happy to focus on others; just make sure your family doesn’t take advantage of your good will.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)You’re given the opportunity to follow your inspiration in developing future projects. The full moon ap pears to illuminate the path you need to follow to � nd happiness.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)Your presence is required at various events. A romantic getaway may start badly, but harmony is res to red before the end of the week.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)You’re the best person to resolve fa mily disputes. It’s easy for you to see the compromises than can help your loved ones � nd a more harmonious way to relate.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)The return to work is quite a shock (in a good way). Your talents and the quality of your products are the foundation of this success. The full moon broadens your client base.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)You’re still in a partying mood when you go back to the of� ce, and you � nd it hard to settle back in to the routine. But you do remember that sometimes, it’s important to have fun while working.
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ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 741
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 19
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OCTOBER 2014
Cemetery Committee discusses monument to honour Fernie’s lost souls
By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff
Despite the ground penetrating radar results still being unavailable to the city, plans to install a
monument recognizing the lost souls scattered through Fernie’s gravesites are underway.
During the October 9 Cemetery Committee meeting, the committee pushed forward in their discussion of the monument that, as of this point, is set to be placed outside of the fenced area of the Monroe Cemetery.
The Cemetery Committee also discussed placing the names of the over 300 lost souls on the dedication monument.
“I think that we should put as many of the names as we have and recognize the course of events that led to the
monument,” Coun. Randall Macnair said adding, “Those people should have a place in history.”
However, John Gawryluk, funeral director of Cherished Memories and an active member of the Cemetery Committee, said that before they can move forward with erecting the monument, they need to verify their years of research with city records.
Gawryluk noted that as time passes they will likely find additional names of people buried in Fernie and recommended purchasing a stone that allows for names to be added and removed, as documentation gets updated.
“Things do happen in history,” he noted. “As time goes on we will find documentation.”
But the Director of Leisure Services,
Cameron Mertz, questioned moving forward with placing names on a monument without proper documentation.
Giuliano further questioned the availability of cemetery records stating that she was unaware of council having access to any cemetery records.
Mertz added, “Are there examples where we could erect a monument where we could pay tribute to our purpose without having names on it?”
But several committee members felt that the names were vital to the monument. Both Macnair and Gawryluk, expressed the need for names, with Gawryluk going as far as saying the monument should not even be erected if they are not going to recognize the names of those misplaced and the h i s t o r y that led to indiv iduals b e i n g misplaced.
After years of researching Fernie’s lost souls, several c o m m i t t e e members felt G a w r y l u k and Corlyn Haarstad’s findings are enough to move forward with the erection of the monument.
“We have many of the pieces of information to move forward,” Macnair said. “If we didn’t have a strong idea of who was out there, I’d be more inclined to go the route Mr. Mertz is suggesting [but] we have a solid foundation.”
In terms of the lost records, both Gawryluk and Haarstad assured Giuliano that the cemetery records are in the
basement of Fernie City Hall.“I think all of this is a misunderstanding,”
Haarstad noted, adding that records prior to 1948 were turned over to the City of Fernie and are readily available in the basement of the city hall building.
Concerns over funding were also brought up during the meeting, but Haarstad noted that if the area is deemed a historical site, there are grants they can ask for in order to cover funding before relying on city money.
“I don’t think you need to worry that we will be spending excess dollars,” Giuliano assured the public, noting that they will work diligently to ensure the cost of the monument does not exceed $30,000.
Another issue that was brought forward was the design of the monument. Gawryluk, who has an extremely vested interest in the design and installation of the monument, was under the impression that he would be able to bring forward his own designs.
This however, was deemed a conflict of interest, as Gawryluk is a member of the city run organization.
In response to this, Gawryluk offered to fund the entirety of the project in order to avoid said conflict, and a motion was put forward to accept a written funding proposal and review Gawryluk’s designs during the next Cemetery Committee meeting to be held on November 6 at 4 p.m.
The Cemetery Committee plans to place a monument, honouring the over 300 lost souls outside of the fenced area of the Monroe Cemetery. Photo by K. Dingman
“I think that we should put as many of the names as we have and recognize the course of events that led to the monument. Those people
should have a place in history.”
Randall MacNairCity of Fernie Councillor
Grizzly bear shot unexpectedly near Flathead RiverBy Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff
This spring, an over three decade old grizzly bear named Aggie was shot unexpectedly near the Flathead
River. Wildlife Research Ecologist Bruce
McLellan had been tracking Aggie since 1984, when he first collared her. But this spring, McLellan found her collar tied to a water bottle and thrown over the flat head bridge.
“Someone must have shot her,” he said. “It’s sad when they get that close to dying of old age.”
McLellan has been putting radio collars on bears in the Flathead River Valley since the 1970s. He said he began monitoring the bear population as a way of examining and managing the major limiting factors on bear’s habitat, such as oil and gas exploration and salvage logging.
The ecologist however, admits that other human interferences contribute to the
decline in bear populations. In fact, since beginning his research, approximately 34 bears with active bear collars have been killed, mostly by people.
“You sort of get hardened to it,” McLellan said. “It’s really sad the number that have been shot that didn’t have to be. A lot of people think they’re threatened when they’re really not.”
He went on to say, “There’s a lot of things hunters can improve. You don’t have to shoot [the bears] usually.”
McLellan suggests carrying bear spray and making sure campsites are clean in order to reduce wildlife conflict.
Simple messages like these, McLellan said, can help prevent incidents like the shooting of Aggie.
Conservation Officer for the East Kootenay Zone, Joe Garay is asking for the public’s help in finding the individual responsible for shooting Aggie. Anyone with information is advised to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
20 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca
Call the Library at 250-423-4458 or check our website for details at http://fernie.bclibrary.ca
Holiday Hours:December 25-29 Closed
Merry Christmas!December 30 - 31
11:00 am - 4:00 pmJanuary 1 ClosedHappy New Year!
Regular hours resume January 2
We may not be open, but our website is!Download ebooks, audio books or
Magazines from home.TJ’s Auto Body1301 Railway Avenue, Fernie, BC250-423-3416
We hope your New Year’s celebration is a great start to a great year. May 2014 hold many wonderful things for you and yours.
As we ring in the new year, we also celebrate your friendship and support. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you in 2013.
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November 2014
Preliminary Elk Valley municipal election results
By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff
Preliminary election results are in across the Elk Valley with new faces as well as incumbents elected into
their respective seats.In Fernie, Mayor Mary Giuliano won by
acclamation and former councillor Willard Ripley lost his seat.
The newly elected Fernie council stands as Jon Levesque, Dan McSkimming, Ange Qualizza, Dennis Schafer, Joe Warshawsky and Phil Iddon who came out on top with the most votes once again.
In Elkford, Mayor Dean McKerracher was re-elected by a landslide over David Jones.
Kris Wilde was the only candidate edged out for a council position.
Elkford will be welcoming back all five councillors who opted to run this year which included Ken Wildeman who claimed the most voted spot, Steve Fairbairn, Mandy McGregor, Joe Zarowny and Craig Robinson. Denise Bertrand will be the newest face on Elkford council.
With 13 candidates running for Sparwood, the possibility of a whole
new council nearly came to fruition but Coun. Margaret McKie hung on to her spot. Joining her will be former mayor Lois Halko, leaving the pair as the only remnants of Sparwood’s former council.
Newcomers Jenna Jensen, John Baher and former-alderman for the district Joe Jarina taking the top spots in the councillor’s race. Brad Bowen finishes off this term’s council of six.
Two former councillors Hungry Baytaluke and Joanne Wilton as well as acclaimed School Trustee Electoral Area 2 Bev Bellina fell short of the mayoral spot
which went to Cal McDougall.While Mike Sosnowski won by
acclamation, the Electoral Area A Director candidates, Stan Doehle and Morgan Dilts were paired up in the race for Area B. Voting was fairly close, but Doehle ultimately won the director’s seat.
School trustees for Electoral Areas 1-3 who won by acclamation were Frank Lento, Bellina and Curtis Helgesen. In Area 4, Jacqueline Blumhagen defeated Jeannette Selwood, winning a seat.
Numbers are not official and the final tallies will be released Tuesday.
Hunter recovers after grizzly bear attackBy Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff
Hunter Wilf Lloyd is continuing to recover after a grizzly bear attack near Fernie left him on
the brink of death.The Cranbrook local and his son-in-
law Skeet Podrasky were hunting elk in the Morrissey area last month when a grizzly came out of the woods and attacked Lloyd.
“I knelt down to pick up the horns [of a white tail deer] and I heard a noise below me and there was a thud,” Lloyd said, adding that the next thing he saw was a bear running at him full tilt. “His eyes [were] locked on mine. I went to stand up and I yelled at Skeet ‘bear’ and [the bear] hit me in the chest and rolled me over.”
The 56-year-old taxidermist said the bear was going for his throat, so he forced his arm and hand into the bear’s
mouth.In an attempt to protect his father-in-
law, Podrasky shot at the bear, but rather than running back into the wilderness, the bear stopped for a few seconds and then continued to attack Lloyd.
“It’s hard to explain just the fear that comes over you, and you think that this is it,” Lloyd said of the traumatic experience.
After several shots, the men were able to escape from the bear encounter, but they didn’t escape unharmed. During the encounter, Podrasky inadvertently shot Lloyd in the knee as he was lifting his knee up to
defend himself from the bear.“There’s just so much adrenaline and
you’re trying to stay alive and there’s so many different factors that you don’t really think of the pain,” Lloyd said
of his gunshot wound. “It’s just a heat of the moment [thing] and it happened and we’ve moved past that.”
He went on to say, “He [Podrasky] sees the great things that he’s done because he saved my life.”
Since the incident, Lloyd
has undergone five surgeries and now has two metal rods in his leg that are
being stabilized by a cement gel. Despite not having a left knee cap, Lloyd is thankful to have escaped with his life.
“I’m alive and it’s all good,” he said. Lloyd has not only Podrasky to thank
for his life, but Podrasky’s wife, Fernie search-and-rescue and the paramedics who kept him alive after the incident.
“They were just so professional and all a part of saving me,” Lloyd said. “It’s truly amazing.”
In spite of losing his short-term mobility, which Lloyd hopes will be restored with a prosthetic knee, the 56-year-old said he is thankful for every moment since.
“Once you’ve had your life flash in front of you, things mean a lot more and you respect things a lot more for sure,” he noted.
Lloyd said he still plans to continue hunting.
“It’s something that’s in my blood. It’s a passion that I don’t think I’ll ever lose.”
“It’s hard to explain just the fear that comes over you
and you think that this is it. There’s so much adrenaline
and you’re trying to stay alive and there’s so many different factors that you don’t really
think of the pain.”
Wilf LloydLocal Hunter
Several new faces join the District of Elkford and the City of Fernie council
THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 21www.thefreepress.ca
The Free Press Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca A21
In loving memory Thomas Talarico
June 8, 1976-Dec. 28, 2008Our hearts still ache in sadness
nd secret tears still o ,What it meant to lose you,Only e ill ever no .
Love...bears all things, believes all things, endures all things, love never ends...
l ays in our hearts,Mom, Dad & Janice
TRAUTMAN:Howard Joseph Trautman, loving father and grandfather, passed away suddenly in Fernie, BC on Sunday, December 21st at the age of 90 years. Howard was born August 5, 1924 in Culros, ON, the only son for parents Joseph and Ethel.When Howard married Marie in 1970, the self-proclaimed bachelor became an instant father; welcoming her children from a previous marriage into his life. Howard supported his new and growing family working at an automotive factory in Kitchener. By 1993 the Trautmans settled into retirement, moving West to be closer to their daughter Nancy and her family.Howard enjoyed cooking and prepared all of the family meals. An armchair referee, Howard cheered on his favorite teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays. He also loved hunting, fishing, playing cards and camping; and always looked forward to his birthday at Koocanusa with Dan and Nancy. Wanting to keep busy, Howard liked to work with his hands, fixing small engines, or helping Dan with his latest project. A devout Catholic, Howard’s unwavering faith comforted him throughout his life. Never one to complain, Howard loved bringing smiles and laughter to those around him with his great sense of humour and his quick wit. He loved his family deeply, and will be forever missed. Howard is survived by his stepchildren, Bruce (Brenda) Williams and Sandra (George) Barlen; his children, Gary Trautman, Nancy (Daniel) Kurschenska, and Paul Trautman; 12 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren, and his sister Kathleen Maynard as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, 6 sisters: Sister Leona, Elmina, Helen, Agnes, Mary and Rita, his stepdaughter Carol-Ann Braby and son-in-law David Braby, grandchildren Michael, Cynthia-Lou and Cheryl-Lyn Braby, his stepson David Williams, his son Frank Trautman, and on October 30th, his beloved wife Marie.Prayers were held at the Holy Family Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 23rd with burial following in Kitchener, ON on Monday, December 29th.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Recreation Dept. c/o Rocky Mountain Village. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd. Memories and condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com
SMITH:It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret Elsie Smith, on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at the Elk Valley Hospital, aged 90 years.Margaret was born in West Fernie to Nicholas and Mary Ewanick and spent many years in the Fernie area with her loving husband Stan raising her family. She will remembered for her many years of work at the Fernie Hospital where she was the head of housekeeping.Left to mourn her passing are her children; George, Ginny (Herb), Gary (Kathy), Randy, Glen (Janice), and Terrilyn (Bill); 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 3 sisters and a brother.Margaret was predeceased by her husband and soul mate, Stan, parents Nick and Mary Ewanick, special sister, Isabele and 2 brothers Johnny and Billy.Cremation was held. Funeral Services will be held at a later date.Memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Charity of the donor’s choice. Memories and condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.
Trinity Pentecostal wants to publicly welcome our new
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We cordially invite everyone in the area to worship with us and meet our new Pastor.
Starting Jan. 4/15 - 8th Ave & 14th St. @ 10:30 a.m.
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Medical/Dental
Announcements
In MemoriamIn Loving Memory of
DANNY BJARNASONApril 13, 1980-Dec. 28, 2008
If tears could build a stairway, And memories were a lane, I would walk right up to heaven, To bring you home again.
No farewell words were spok-en, No time to say good-bye, You were gone before I knew it, And only God knows why.
My heart still aches with sad-ness, And secret tears still fl ow, What it meant to lose you, No one will ever know.
Missing you...Love Mom, Dad, Jordan andDaymon
In Memoriam
Announcements
Cards of ThanksTHANK YOU
Ella Domin’s family wishes to thank Family & Friends for
your unending support before, during and after Mom’s recent
illness and passing. We also thank;
Rocky Mountain Village caregivers, wait & cleaning
staff; Home Nursing; Dr. Lisa Tessler; ER doctors & nurses; Ambulance crews; Lee & staff
at IGS; and Cherished Memories for your
exemplary care of our Mother/Grandmother. Thank you so much
We are indebted to you always
Rodney & Deborah Domin, Wendy Johnson, Marie Worth-
ington and Joanna & Walter Fantuz & Families
Coming Events
In Memoriam
Announcements
Cards of ThanksThank you
Thank you very much for the Random Act of Kindness gift.
What a surprise when I opened an envelope dropped
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about me.I didn’t know what I had done
but it was very much appreciated.
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Obituaries
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22 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca
A22 www.thefreepress.ca Thursday, January 1, 2015 The Free Press
Black Press in the West Kootenay region is seeking a regional Editor to oversee both the Nelson Star and the Castlegar News. The successful candidate will have Editor experience in the community newspaper industry. They will have a keen eye for layout, have an extensive photography resume, be an aggressive user of social media, understand the latest trends in digital media and be able to lead two newsrooms both from a print and digital perspective. This successful candidate will also be part of the senior team for the West Kootenay and will be part of setting the overall vision and goals for these newspapers and websites. This position includes active news and community coverage, engaging editorial and opinion writing, as well as understanding and leading change in our print products and on our websites. This position will be based out of Nelson, B.C. The West Kootenay is often considered one of the best places in B.C. to live and this position would suit any outdoor enthusiast, with spectacular skiing, mountain biking and hiking just outside your door. It is truly a wonderful place to live and to be involved in the community newspaper industry. This position offers a better than average compensation package, that also includes a strong benefits package. If this sounds like the right position for you please send your resume, a cover letter, references and some examples of your work to Karen Bennett at [email protected]. Please no phone calls.
Regional Editor
WANT TO DELIVER NEWSPAPERS?
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District drafts OCP - Page 3
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Deer cull given go ahead - Page 3
FERNIE
Avalanche Awareness Days - Page 2
Minor Hockey WeekJanuary 19 to 26, 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
L i k e u s o n . . . F o l l o w u s o n . . .
Thursday, January 23, 2014 S e r v i n g t h e S o u t h C o u n t r y , F e r n i e , S p a r w o o d , E l k f o r d s i n c e 1 8 9 8 FREE
Winter HOMEIMPROVEMENT
SPORT
Girls rule the ice - Page 17
Deer cull will move forwardBy Nicole ObreFree Press Staff
Following an investigation and a one week suspension, the permit for Elkford's deer cull has been
reinstated. While a date has not yetbeen set, the District of Elkford is free to resume culling deer anytime up until March 10.
“[The District] has received a warning and will now be under a much more watchful eye around observing the permit conditions,”said John Krebs, regional manager, Recreational Fisheries and Wildlife Programs, Kootenay Boundary Regionof Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. “Wedid reinstate the permit on Thursdayafternoon (January 16) last week andElkford is now remobilizing things to get their people and their equipmentorganized to reinitiate the operational part of the cull.”
The District of Elkford initially began the cull at the start of January to decrease the population of 78-148mule deer currently living within town limits. A license was issued by the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources and Operations, allowing the District to kill up to 50 mule deer with the use of a clovertrap and bolt gun. The 14 page permit issued outlined several guidelines and regulations, including that deer only beharvested during the night.
“We suspended the permit on January 7 due to some complaints and concerns that we had with trapping outside of permit conditions, specifically trapping during daylight hours, which is not consistent with the permit,” explained Krebs. “We did an investigation with the Conservation Officer Service oncewe suspended the permit with theparties and followed up with that in Elkford.”
He went on to say, “We sat down withthe District and the contractor and the Conservation Officers over the wholesituation and what the complaints andconcerns were. We've made it veryclear that we expect that the operation meets the terms of the permit.”
Continued on page 3
Mini skiers and boarders took time off from their lesson at Fernie Alpine Resort to watch a Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association demonstration during Avalanche Awareness Days on Saturday. For the full story and more photos, turn to page 2. Photo by N. Obre
Avy Awareness Days is a blast!
Schedule
Inside
The Free Press ~ March 2013
Fernie’s Winter Festival
March 1 - 2 - 3Brought to you by the
Fernie Chamber of Commerce
Welcometo
2013
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This great 1 bedroom, 2bath unit sleeps 6. Main
floor location with balcony.Lorene Giles 2393725
Polar Peak Townhome$589,000
Very well maintained 3bdrm, 3 level townhome with
ski-in access.Garage.Candace & Jason 2201146
Top Floor Unit$264,900
Rare 3 bdrm corner unit.Open, spacious floor plan. In
suite storage, balcony.Jason & Candace 2394455
Great Location$209,900
This 2 bdrm corner unit isfully furnished & well
maintained. Great views.Candace & Jason 2389636
Ski In, Ski Out$207,500
Gorgeous fully furnished 1bedroom, 2 bath condo at
Lizard Creek Lodge.Jason & Candace 2391303
Triple Tree Estates.$159,900
South Country's newestacreage subdivision located
in Grasmere. 6.4 acres.Jason & Candace 2210918
Beautiful Home$849,000
A must see! 4+ bdrms and 4bathrooms located on one of
the best lots in Fernie.Craig Bell 2394296
Commercial/Residential$385,000
4 bdrm house zoned C-Hwyon .083 acre. Prime highway
location. Detached shop.Jason & Candace 2210853
Commercial Lots$286,000
Two CS-1 zoned lots in theAnnex area. Must bepurchased together.
Candace & Frank 2391186
Ski In, Ski Out$289,900
Unique deluxe studio withloft situated on top floor with
lovely views.Candace & Jason 2216444
Tricia CroteauSparwood 250.433.6996
Frank HughesElk Valley 250.425.5555
Melanie MacKayElk Valley 250.423.1800
Candace GreyElk Valley 250.423.1044
Lorene GilesElk Valley 250.430.1066
Jason AndreolaElk Valley 250.423.1645
Craig Bell Elk Valley 250.430.1162
Britainy Ernst Sparwood 250.425.4188
Paula SmithElkford 866.425.3690
Personal Real Estate Corporation Cranbrook 250.421.3629
Carrie Lightburn
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THE FREE PRESS
Fernie Exchange New & Used & Pawnbrokers
1501-9th Ave. 250-423-6625
We have a new line of Sigma Martin Guitars, double air mattresses (new) $49., 3 pet carriers $29-$39. 1 ½ gallon compressor, like new (oil) $125. Golf clubs ½ price. 6 hp Honda pressure washer $220, Drill presses 75-125. Good selection of guitars, amps, musical instruments. Motorcycle jacket and chaps, leather $149 each. Clear out bikes $20-$49, $79, $99, $299. 18’Coleman canoe $425. Built in heat exchanger (fireplace new) $199. Honda 5 hp brush cutter mower $249. Double pedestal table, 4 chairs wood 60’s $149. Hardwood table & leaf $110. 20 cu ft Electrolux white fridge $425. 18 cu ft black fridge freezer under $375 (Kenmore). Various ranges $159 - $199. 2 beer signs – 1 lit Burgermeister (turns) $225., Olympia Gold beer $99., 2 compound bows 1pse $175, 1 Prairie Fire with quiver $195. Crossbow bolts 14” 6 to pkg $20 each, pkg 3 hunting tips $25. Hardwood china cabinet $495 2 pc. Lots of antiques. Come in and browse. Martin Gibson guitars 1970’s various prices, older. Freezer 15 cu ft. $199. Danby apt washer auto $349. Exercise bike new was $299 now $225. 1970’s 3 speed CCM bike like new $225.
Help Wanted
Employment
Education/Trade Schools
INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIP-MENT OPERATOR SCHOOL.NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options.SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853
Help Wanted
Employment
Help WantedMountain Mechanical Services
in Sparwood is looking for someone to do janitorial
cleaning in the front offi ce and washrooms (twice a week).
To commence starting Feb.1/15Please call 250-425-6535or stop by the offi ce at 743
Douglas Fir Rd. Sparwood BC
Services
Financial ServicesARE YOU $10K or more in debt? DebtGo can help reduce a signifi cant portion of your debt load. Call now and see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783
Help Wanted
Services
Home ImprovementsFULL SERVICE plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928
Household ServicesA-1 FURNACE & Air Duct Cleaning. Complete Fur-nace/Air Duct Systems cleaned & sterilized. Locally owned & operated. 1-800-565-0355 (Free estimates)
Misc. for Sale
Merchandise for Sale
Farm Equipment1948 Ford 8N tractor w/factory front blade, good tires, runs well, $2500 obo. (250)229-4265
Firearms
FIREARMS: ALL types want-ed, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed dealer 1-866-960-0045. www.dollars4guns.com.
Misc. for Sale
Merchandise for Sale
Food Products
BC INSPECTEDGRADED AA OR BETTER
LOCALLY GROWNNATURAL BEEF
Hormone FreeGrass Fed/Grain Finished
Freezer Packages AvailableQuarters/Halves
$4.30/lb Hanging WeightExtra Lean Ground
Beef Available TARZWELL FARMS
250-428-4316 Creston
Heavy Duty Machinery
A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS
Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all
sizes in stock. Trades are welcome.
40’Containers under $2500!DMG 40’ containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift.
Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator.
Ph Toll free 1-866-528-71081-778-298-3192 8am-5pm
Delivery BC and ABwww.rtccontainer.com
Misc. for Sale
HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?
STEEL BUILDINGS/metalbuildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for bal-ance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 or visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.
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TRINITY PENTECOSTAL TABERNACLE
1361 8th Avenue, FernieEVERYONE WELCOME
Monday Mens Fellowship...7 pmSunday Worship & Children’s
Ministry...10:30 amFriday Youth Group...7 pm
Friday Morning Prayer Group...10 am
Office 250-423-4114
ST. MICHAEL’S PARISHCentennial Square, Sparwood
YOU ARE INVITED!Mass Times:
Saturdays: St. Michael’s ~ 7:00 pmSundays: St. Michael’s ~ 11:00 am
St. Bernard’s Mission, Elkford ~ 4:00 pmThursdays: St. Michael’s ~ 6:30 pmFridays: Lilac Terrrace ~ 11:00 am
Confessions:Following each mass, or by appointment.
Pastor: Father Marcel Cote250-425-6444
WELCOMES YOUSunday Meeting
Morning Services 11:00 am
Corps Officers:Majors James & Gwen Hagglund
Fernie Office 250-423-4661 Fx 250-423-4668
(formerly Fernie Baptist Church)
1622 10th Avenue, Fernie250-423-4112
www.mountainsidechurch.ca
Sunday Services 10:00 am in Fernie
4:00 pm Sparwood Campus gatheringContact Pastor Shawn Barden
SPARWOOD CHRISTIAN CENTRE
436 Pine AvenueSparwood BC V0B 2G0
250-425-7787Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC)
Services: Sunday 10:00 amWednesday Bible Study: 6:47 pm
Everyone Welcome
Pastor: Rev. R.G. (Ross) Powell
KNOX UNITED CHURCH201 2nd Avenue, Fernie
Sunday Service 10:00 amUCW Women’s Group 1st Tues each month
7:00 pm
Clergy: Jane Clarke D.L.M.250-423-6010
www.elkvalleyunited.com
YOU’RE WELCOME AT KNOX
HOLY FAMILY PARISHCatholic Church
521 4th Avenue, FernieParish Office 250-423-6127
Masses: Tues. & Wed. 9:00 am Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 amConfessions: Before 5:00 pm Mass on
Saturday or by appointment
Father Marcel Cote
ELK VALLEY
CHURCH SERVICES
CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN 591 4th Avenue, Fernie
250-423-6517
Sunday Service 8:30 am BCP
Sunday Service & School 9:30 am BAS
Wednesday Service 10:00 am
Christ Church Anglican Fernie
741B 2nd Ave., Fernie
..
The Free PressDistribution Area
www.thefreepress.ca
Est. 1898THE FREE PRESS
We've got you coveredElkford
Sparwood
Fernie
Elko
Jaffray
43
FFP - 723
FFP - 1785
South CountryFFP - 649
FFP - 2735
Number of papers distributedFFP- Fernie Free Press
TotalFFP- 5892
1 & 2 Bedroom UnitsFurnished & Unfurnished
For more information call250-423-1358
Apartments for Rent
1422 & 1462 – 6th Avenue, FernieLocated behind the Best Western
From $695 per month
Apt/Condo for Rent
Rentals
Apt/Condo for Rent
Sparwood, B.C.
PINEWAY COURT
Apartment Units
1 Bdrm plus den $775 (& up) month
2 Bdrm plus den $850 (& up) month
250-425-9912
Scenic Downtown Elkford
Spacious NEW apartments
1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month
2 & 3 Bdrm- $850 (& up)- month
Includes heat, lights, & hot water
250-865-2722
ALPINE COURT
Live in scenic &
peaceful Elkford
ALDERWOOD PLACE
Comfortable apartment units
1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month2 & 3 Bdrm - $850 (& up)-month
Includes: covered parking, sauna, heat, lights & hot water
1-250-865-7676
Rentals
Apt/Condo for Rent
SPARWOOD, B.C.
GOLDEN OAK
GARDENS1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)- month2 Bdrm - $850 (& up)- month
Hot Water Included
Walking Distance to Mall
250-865-2722
For Rent: Sparwood Fully furnished and decorated
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo ready to be moved into. Just bring your
clothes. Comes with appliances including in suite washer and dryer. $1200 per month. No smoking/no pets. Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or
Erin at 250-425-7711. References required.
New condos in Sparwood Heights 2 bed/2 bath units are $1250. per month. 2 bed/1 bath units $1200 per month. These units are in a new com-plex. New stainless steel appli-ances, granite counters, in suite washer/dryer. Building comes with an elevator and on site storage unit. No smoking or pets allowed. References required. (Utilities not includ-ed) Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711
Rentals
Duplex / 4 Plex1228 Pinyon - One of the
largest duplexes in Sparwood. This unit has 3 bedrooms/2
bathrooms and a fully fi nished basement, new paint, paved driveway, shed and a large
fenced yard. $1200. per month not including utilities. Please
contact Erin at [email protected] or 250-425-7711 or 250-425-5432
1/2 Duplex in downtown Sparwood. 3 bedroom, 1 bath-room duplex with fresh paint,
new fl ooring, new kitchen, fenced yard & shed. Great
location downtown close to the school and a park across the
street. $1000. per month. References required.
Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711
Modular Homes94 Spardell - Newer
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home with an executive
ensuite. Located in Spardell with a large fully fenced yard. No pets/no smoking. $1300
per month plus utilities. Please contact Erin at
[email protected] or 250-425-7711 or 250-425-5432.
Mobile Downtown Sparwood373 Red Cedar-Clean 4 bed-room, 1 bath mobile close to
the Rec Centre. Includes fridge, stove and washing
machine. large porch, shed, large driveway - Older but
clean. $850 pm.Utilities not included
Call 250-425-7711 or email [email protected]
for information.
Mobile home for rent in Little Acres Mobile Home Park. 3
bedroom, one bathroom mobile with an addition, deck and
fenced yard. $650 per month. (Utilities not included)
Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711
Sparwood - Mobile homes for rent - Call 250-425-5387
Apt/Condo for Rent
Rentals
Modular HomesSparwood - Several Mobile
Homes for rent $700 - $1000 per month. Utilities not
included. Please contact [email protected] or call 250-425-7711 for more
information.
Rentals
Homes for RentElkford 4 Bedroom Rancher
with basement. Large rec room, fenced yard & single car garage. Call Tish for more info
at 250-423-1487
Furnished and Unfur-nished Properties for rentin Sparwood and ElkfordContact Tammie Davy with Custom Real Estate and Property Management at 250-425-2968 or log on to www.elkvalleylistings.ca for
more information.
House for rent - Sparwood 3 bedroom log home
1800 sq. ft. 3 bathroom, full basement,
wrap around deck, large yard on acreage, privacy, beautiful views - $1500 per month plus
all utilities. (Propane heat) No pets or
smoking.Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711.
References required.
Rentals
Homes for RentHouse for Rent
Sparwood Heights3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with newer paint and carpets. Large kitchen & dining area, large rec room with fi replace, large attached garage with a
fenced yard. $1400 per month does not include utilities.
Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711
SPARWOOD, 2-storey, 3-bdrm townhouse for rent w/full basement, close to school & rec centre. (250)[email protected]
Sparwood 3 bdrm, 2 bath, full kitchen, dishwasher
large deck, hot tub. No pets. $1800/mo. References
required. 250-531-0565.
Sparwood House for rent. 1 Acre of Land, Workshop.
Call 250-425-5387
Transportation
Boats
World’s Finest FISHING BOATS
Weldcraft, Hewescraft,Lund, Godfrey Pontoons
Mark’s Marine, Hayden, ID1-888-821-2200
www.marksmarineinc.com
Give life ....register to be
an organ donor today!
for more information1-800-663-6189
www.transplant.bc.ca
By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff
Environment Canada issued a storm warning for Fernie and the
Elk Valley on Friday, November 28 and by the following Saturday morning, approxi-mately 33 cm of snow fell in the area accord-ing to Fernie Alpine Resort. Previous rain-fall also left the Elk Valley blanketed in frost.
Heavy snow combined with winds blowing between 50-70 km/hour rushed through the Elk Valley and made for poor driving visibility. Locals were advised to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
At the Elkview mines in Sparwood, approximately 37 workers were stuck due to highway closures, preventing them from going off-site.
Alex Hanson, president of United Steelworkers 9346, posted an update on the Elk Valley Road Report Facebook page regarding the workers’ conditions.
Although Hanson said that Teck has a contingency plan for weather-related emergencies such as this to ensure workers will have access to hot meals and cots, he still appreciated the outpouring of support that soon piled in from local businesses such as Extra Foods and Funky’s pizza in Sparwood offering their food services.
“It was cool to see the community pitch in and say, ‘What can we do about the situation?’,” said Hanson. “Seeing social media actually get put to good use was cool. Thankfully, the storm blew in and out within a few hours.”
“It’s happened before,” said Hanson of the situation, “but we just want to make sure that more people don’t get trapped in the weather trying to get food to these workers.”
On Friday, the Sparwood Leisure Centre also served as a warming spot for
stranded motorists in the darkness of the storm when highway conditions proved treacherous or closed as part of Sparwood’s Emergency Social Services (ESS).
“The people who attended were very appreciative, they always are,” said Sylvia Jones, director of ESS. “Our volunteers have always showed up and we’re
extremely professional and I have a great group.”
The centre offered hot beverages and snacks to all who dropped by.
24 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 1, 2015 www.thefreepress.ca
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Get a FREE 40" Samsung Smart TV when you sign up for TELUS Satellite TV and Internet for 3 years.1
Snuggle up to a FREE TV. When you get cozy with a TELUS Satellite TV and Internet bundle.
Call 310-MYTV (6988), go to telus.com/snuggleup or visit your TELUS store.
1. Offer available until December 31, 2014, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS Satellite TV or Internet in the past 90 days. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. TELUS reserves the right to modify channel lineups and packaging, and regular pricing without notice. Cannot be combined with other offers. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. A retail value of $689, based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, plus a 2 year extended warranty, provincial government eco fees and shipping. TELUS reserves the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. A cancellation fee applies for early termination of the service agreement. The cancellation fee will be the value of the promotional gift received in return for your term commitment, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term (with a partial month counting as a full month), divided by the total number of months in the term, plus applicable taxes. If you have chosen free PVR and digital box rental, an additional cancellation fee applies and will be $10 multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term. Rental equipment must be returned in good condition upon cancellation of service, otherwise the replacement cost will be charged to the account. TELUS, the TELUS logo, telus.com and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. Samsung and the Samsung logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Canada. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 TELUS.
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DECEMBER 2014
Winter storm blasts through the Elk Valley