UPDATE2015Guide

Your guide to everything Elkford!

What to see

What to do

Where to go

Steelmaking coal builds communitiesTeck is the largest producer of steelmaking coal in North America with six operations in Western Canada. Steelmaking coal is an essential ingredient in the production of the steel needed to build critical infrastructure such as transit, schools, hospitals, and many other important products.

Every tonne of steel requires about 700 kilograms of steelmaking coal to create, making steelmaking coal a critical resource for a modern society.

To learn more, visit www.teck.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Sara MoultonART DIRECTOR: Kaitlyn HaarstadPHOTOGRAPHY: District of Elkford

WRITER: Jenna JensenPUBLISHER: Andrea Horton

The Elkford Guide is published once a year by:A Division of Black Press

The Free Press, 342 2nd Ave, Box 2350, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0

Phone: 250-423-4666 All content is Copyright 2014/15 and may not be reproduced

without prior approval of the publisher.

4. Elkford at a glance5. Calendar of Events6. Where the Water is8. 5 reasons Karen Mills loves Elkford10. Golfing in Elkford11. Camping in Elkford12. Recreation13. Skiing in Elkford14. Wildcat Days15. Map - Index

Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 3

SPARWOOD CHIROPRACTICCustom orthotics. ART and muscle taping. Prenatal and pediatric care. WCB, ICBC, extended health plans.

Seeking the cause, providing necessary treatment and promoting prevention is our priority. Dr. Ryan Hoetmer Dr. Eden MacGregor Dr. Amanda Wyss

••••

Located in the Elkford Community Centre Tuesdays and Thursdays 250-425-6330 • www.sparwoodchiro.com

What’s inside the guide!

Photo courtesy of the District of Elkford

Front page photo courtesy of the District of Elkford

Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca

November Remembrance Day Ceremony Moonlight Madness Craft Fair Nov. 19thDecember Christmas House Decorating Contest February 2015 WildKat Combo Curling Event 6, 7 and 8thJune Tee Off for Tots Golf Tournament Wildcat Days June 26 & 27, 2015 He/She Golf Tournament at Mountain Meadows June to Aug Mine Tours at Greenhills and Fording River Operations July Canada Day Events Bears Paw Celebrity Golf Tournament at Mountain MeadowsAugust Annual Men’s Open Golf Tournament at Mountain Meadows Annual Ladies Open Golf Tournament at Mountain Meadows Senior’s Open Golf Tournament at Mountain MeadowsSeptember Elkford Public Library Photo ContestDates TBA Winter in the Wild 2015 Figure Skating Ice Carnival 2015

Calendar of Events

because your dogs 2nd best friend is adventure!Fernie's supplier of Quality Raw & Natural Pet Food

~ Outdoor Gear ~ Unique Collars ~ Gifts ~ Modern Self Serve Pet Wash ~ Open 7 days a week for your convenience

791a 2nd Ave ~ Downtown Fernie, BC250.423.4332 www.barkside.com

Population: 2,500Elevation: 1,300mIncorporated: 1966Schools: Rocky Mountain Elementary School (K-6) and Elkford Secondary School (7-12)

Elkford

Claim To fame:Wilderness Capital of BC Behind The Name:Elk are many in the town of Elkford and the coal mine known as Fording was influential in the creation of the town.

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For the water lover, Elkford offers many options. Whether you’re seeking seclusion and the majestic sights at the Elk Lakes, a quick hike to Josephine Falls or fishing on the edge of breathtaking rivers you will find water that is sure to bring you everything you had hoped for.

Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford

Where the Water is

Don’t miss the

Fernie Ghostriders

home games for the

2014-15 Season!

All games 7:30 pmAt the Fernie Memorial Arena, Hwy 3, Fernie

October4 Ghostriders vs Summerland10 Ghostriders vs Grand Forks11 Ghostriders vs Kelowna17 Ghostriders vs Columbia Valley24 Ghostriders vs Castlegar31 Ghostriders vs Golden

November1 Ghostriders vs Osoyoos7 Ghostriders vs Kimberley9 Ghostriders vs Princeton15 Ghostriders vs Spokane22 Ghostriders vs Kimberley29 Ghostriders vs Creston

December13 Ghostriders vs Beaver Valley14 Ghostriders vs Columbia Valley19 Ghostriders vs Creston29 Ghostriders vs Kimberley

January2 Ghostriders vs Creston3 Ghostriders vs Golden9 Ghostriders vs Kimberley10 Ghostriders vs Creston17 Ghostriders vs Nelson23 Ghostriders vs Golden

February13 Ghostriders vs Columbia Valley15 Ghostriders vs Columbia Valley

• Lost Lake & Lily LakeAfter the trail from Josephine Falls, you will find Lily Lake and Lost Lake. The trails to these lakes are recommended for the more experienced hikers/riders but with their raw beauty and remote locations/wetland birds, big game and untouched nature are sure to be seen. • The Elk River & The Fording RiverThe Elk and Fording River both located north of Elkford are a fisherman’s haven. With as many spots known, there are more unknown. Fishers can wade or walk down the edges of the river to get lost in a day of some of Canada’s best fishing.

• The Elk LakesThis 17,245 hectare Provincial Park is located north of Elkford. Access can be made by travelling on the west side of the Elk River. Approximately 47 kilometres north of Elkford the road crosses the Elk River and joins the Kananaskis Power Line Road. At almost six kilometres from the crossing is the Cadorna Creek trailhead, the Elk Lakes trailhead is a further 16 kilometres. Surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop of sky high mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and cliffs sit the Elk Lakes. The Elk Lakes present not only an abundance of summer fishing opportunities, but during the winter, ice fishing becomes a treasured hobby of locals and visitors alike. Many campsites and trails are available for those that enjoy sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the scenery. • Josephine FallsA moderately rated three kilometer hike off of the road leading to Fording is where Josephine Falls is located. The falls are spectacular, dropping 25m down a rugged canyon carved out by the Fording River. Watch for signage and the marked trails to lead the way.

Photo courtesy of the District of Elkford

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Community SpiritMany people work and play in Elkford but only those who live in the area fully appreciate the hospitality, friendship, Community spirit and pride of ownership. People have respect. Such a varied mix of voluntary organizations, facilities and activities which rival any town, an array of artists and crafters, educators, businesses, entrepreneurs and individual characters make this a unique place to live. I love it!

2Terrain It’s hard to imagine a more peaceful setting; beautiful yet rugged terrain complimented by all types of wildlife, right on our doorstep. Visitors are offered a range of activities from simple walking trails to more strenuous hikes; all clearly signposted and GPS accessible. Our family regularly takes advantage of the Multiuse trails for a family ride with the UTV, Quad and Dirtbike. Others may prefer fishing, horse-riding or a simple stroll to Josephine Falls. Five minutes out of town and it feels like you are miles from civilization. And then Winter sets in … what will it be? Snow mobiling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, tubing, ice skating (indoor and outdoor), tobogganing, curling or simply snow shoeing under a bright, blue sky completing the perfect day sitting around a campfire while smokies cook on the fire. When I open my eyes each day to the view of the mountains and scenery, I can think of no better place to live and begin each day with a smile. My Life

It’s so hard to explain unless you’ve been in my position. I left my family and my husband’s family whom I love dearly. I left my many friends including my closest. Do I miss them? Yes, absolutely. Every single day. Do I regret my decision to move from Scotland to Elkford? No. I am happy, my family is happy and I feel safe and secure. My family can travel to Elkford in a total of 11 hours and most have travelled to visit already. I am honoured to have made so many new friendships here and to have been involved in so many Community activities. I see myself here for a very long time to come and in that time I will continue to assist in as many ways as possible to continue the provision of exceptional facilities and direction for this Community. Our children are our future and I truly believe that Elkford forms a solid platform for their growth and success. After that, it’s up to them!

DiversityMany believe Elkford to be a mining town and nothing else. Not true. Elkford is way more than that. It is a hive of activity and there is plenty to see and do at any time of year. Boredom only exists for those who choose it. Business opportunities are plentiful especially as our town grows and I encourage any investor to come and see the area for themselves. Even just to view the Community Conference Centre, renovated mall or Post Office clearly identifies recent changes. Websites and photographs can never capture the natural beauty of this area and choosing to live and/or work in Elkford also allows unrivalled lifestyle choice and outdoor play.

What’s on offer?Elkford offers a staggering amount of programs for all age ranges. Sports such as ice hockey, ice skating, baseball, soccer, volleyball, tennis and basketball. Swimming and lifesaving programs, darts or pool tournaments. Scouts, Girl Guides, Air Cadets, Rod & Gun Club, ATV Club, Snowmobiling Club, Nordic Ski Club, Wapiti Ski Club, Curling Club, Community Garden Club, Golf Club, Running Club, Library Reading Clubs, Over 50’s Club, Quilters Club. Fitness classes, gymnastics and music classes. The fantastic new disc golf course. A fully functioning Art Studio offering pottery and painting classes for all age ranges. The list goes on. The staff, coaches and volunteers who are involved in any of these are dedicated beyond belief and have a genuine enthusiasm and invest in their management and structure of programs offered. My favorite has to be Wapiti Ski Club as it boasts many runs, a view to rival any competitor, day and night skiing, opportunities for youth employment and is almost completely volunteer run. I don’t ski and only reach Tower nine when the grass is showing but this does not stop me from appreciating the value it has to our community and the opportunities it allows our children. Elkford is a hidden gem.

Photo courtesy of the District of Elkford and Karen Mills

5 reasons Karen loves Elkford

Karen Mills

Photo by Katelyn Dingman

Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 11www.thefreepress.ca - Elkford Guide10 Photo courtesy of the District of Elkford

Elkford’s Mountain Meadows Golf Course is well known for fabulous

golf, picturesque views, and the lowest rates in the region. The course will provide new and experienced golfers the game they have been waiting for, while offering an exceptional atmosphere being in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and all they have to offer. The nine hole course was constructed on an elk grazing meadow in 1976 and has been a popular place for residents and visitors to spend the day in the sunshine.

Mountain Meadows Golf Course is home to two of the toughest par 3’s in the Kootenays - the 184 yard 5th and the 195 yard 12th hole. Both holes demand accurate tee shots to heavily guarded greens. Water is found on six of the nine holes and the first nine play much different from the back nine, so there are a very different 18 holes to be played.

After a game of golf, or just to catch up with friends C&F Restaurant in the Clubhouse offers a daily smorg lunch and a Chinese and Western Menu.

If it’s relaxation and a cold one you are looking for stop by the Clubhouse Lounge and take in the views from the newly renovated deck.

Need some new golfing supplies? The Pro Shop offers all kinds of gear and gifts and there are always rentals available.

Golfing in ElkfordElkford Lions Municipal

Campground is beautiful and tree filled and surrounded by 40 km of maintained hiking and biking trails. With over seventy-five sites, hot showers, a sani dump, free firewood for all registered guests, a giant family sized fire pit and cookhouse for group gatherings this campground is sure to satisfy every camper. For more information please call 250.865.4470.

Camping in Elkford

Home of the Elk Valleys Most

Experienced Mechanics

we repair anything that rolls, crawls or just sits and swings.

Free pickup and delivery in the Elk Valley

Sparwood 743 Douglas Fir Road 250-425-6535, Elkford 1 Front Street 250-865-4622 or

Cranbrook 701 Industrial Road 1 250-426-7247

Personal automotive, commercial and industrial

rePair services

Walk out our backdoor into a world untamed and get cozy with the locals.Explore the wildlife…Visit Elkford, British Columbiawww.elkford.ca1.855.877.WILD (9453)

Get intimate with nature.

Health. Beauty. Happiness. Confidence

dentist@kahane.ca www.kahane.ca

NewPatients

Welcome

Dr. Karl Peach 292 – 2nd Ave,

Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0

Dr. A.M. Kahane

ELK VALLEY THRIFT SHOP

SOCIETY

Thrifting at its � nest!Donate your gently used items

and help your community!

Volunteers welcome

250-425-0853127 Centennial SquareSparwood, BC

Hours of Operation:Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm

Saturday: 10am - 2pmSunday: Closed

Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford

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RecreationFor those seeking a fantastic skiing

experience, Wapiti Ski Hill offers this and so much more. Run by numerous dedicated volunteers Wapiti boasts 14 runs and lays claim to 1000 vertical feet of elevation change, catering to those just beginning or expert skiers.

Not only does Wapiti have a great hill, there are also many other great features to be found such as a Terrain Park, fully trained volunteer ski patrol,

a day lodge and concession, lessons, rentals and more.

The atmosphere at the hill is ‘chill’ promoting family fun and a great sense of community togetherness as night skiing and many special events are held at the hill. Long lines, and high costs are nowhere to be found at Wapiti, just great skiing.

For more information on Wapiti Ski Hill in Elkford visit www.wapitiskiclub.com

Skiing in Elkford

The Elkford Aquatic Center is a water lovers delight with swimming

lanes, a whirlpool hot tub, a slide, sauna, diving boards and 'beach front' access for children. The Aquatic Center offers swim lessons throughout the year and provides scenic views of the Rocky Mountains.

For those who want to relax after a dip in the pool, travel no further as the Elkford Public Library is housed in the same building. With all types of books to be found, lovers of horror stories to children's picture books can find just what they are looking for.

Directly outside the Recreation Complex is the skating and curling rink, outdoor skating rink and toboggan hills for those who love the winter fun.

Multipurpose rooms can also be rented at the Elkford Aquatic Center and children's birthday party packages are available.

For more info on these activities and all that Elkford has to offer in and around the Elkford Aquatic Center visit www.Elkford.ca

Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford

Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 15www.thefreepress.ca - Elkford Guide14 Photos from The Free Press photo files

The community of Elkford goes wild for fun during Wildcat Days,

celebrating the town with tons of events and activities. Wildcat Days weekend is named after one of Elkford’s first pioneers “Wildcat Charlie” Weigert and is Elkford’s biggest event of the year. Not only do the residents of Elkford come out to participate, the

celebrations draw in guests from across the Elk Valley. During the Wildcat Days weekend you can be sure to find something for everyone. With a parade, fireworks, craft and trade fair, clown, inflatable’s, petting zoo and live entertainment there is so much to take in and enjoy!

Wildcat Days

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CampingRest AreaAquatic Centre

Library

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Golf Course

Elkford Map

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