Things are looking a bit better so far this year. In the first quarter of 2012 real estate sales the Kootenay region has seen an overall increase despite the overall downward trend throughout B.C. The average sale price for a single family detached dwelling had increased slightly from $262,801 to $278,707 throughout the area. There have been 60 more sales compared to last year at this time, listing inventory was up, and the average listing period before a successful sale had been realized was 121 days.

In Nelson single detached dwelling sales have also seen an increase in price from $317,428 in 2011 to $370,340 with an average listing period of 115 days, down from 168 days during the same period last year. Inventory levels are up from 39 to 77 active listings since March. Keep in mind that these averages can be a bit high based on one large sale. 

While there has been no significant improvement in the real estate market in the Kootenays, buyers can be happy with the amount of inventory available for viewing. With longer listing periods and more properties available, Buyers are able to make more informed and educated decisions without feeling the pressure of impulse buying in a heated market.

To view Yara Chard's newsletter click here.

The article states, “that the pulp mill's ability to sell "green" power to BC Hydro at premium rates is the subject of a $250 million arbitration claim that's been filed against the Government of Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Vancouver-based Mercer International (NASDAQ:MERC), which owns the 439-employee Celgar pulp mill, claims BC Hydro and the province have discriminated against it by preventing the mill from selling its biomass-produced power into the grid as other mills throughout the province do.

Brian Merwin, Mercer's vice-president strategic initiatives, explained that in 2008 BC Hydro intervened to block an agreement between Celgar and FortisBC, the province's other utility, that would have allowed Celgar to buy cheap power through FortisBC and sell its green co-generation power to third parties such as BC Hydro at higher market rates.

Merwin said that decision, which was supported by the provincial government, has put Celgar at a competitive disadvantage when compared with other pulp mills in the province that generate power and sell it into BC Hydro's grid.”

Read the whole story at: http://bit.ly/J67t4Y

The eye-catching new building will house an expanded manufacturing facility for Kootenay Granite, along with a spacious showroom and offices for the company.

Kootenay Granite, as the name implies, fabricates granite countertops, tabletops, bathroom countertops and other granite products for both residential and commercial usage. The new facility will feature the finest equipment to ensure top quality and creativity.

Watch for the official grand opening of Kootenay Granite coming soon.

Rod Schween has been the operations manager of the company's radio stations in Lethbridge—while still overseeing the Cranbrook radio station properties too—over the last few years. He will now be president of the entire Jim Pattison Broadcast Group and the general manager of the Kamloops Broadcast Centre, with its two radio stations as well as TV-7.

This is a result of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group announcing that veteran media executive, Rick Arnish, is moving up the corporate ladder—he will remain in Kamloops.

Arnish is slated to become chairman of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. He will oversee strategic planning, acquisitions and the regulatory side of the business.

The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group is based out of Kamloops. Congratulations Rod Schween, on your achievement—we wish you much success.

“This is a real milestone for everyone here at Fording River,” said Richard Tremblay, general manager, Fording River Operations. “I have seen a lot of changes in the mining business over the years, but what has remained consistent is our employees’ commitment to responsible mining and giving back to their community.”

The first record of coal in the Elk Valley dates back to 1884, and when the railway was completed in 1885, industry began to develop. Many small underground mines were constructed, and the communities of Michel, Natal, Fernie, Corbin and Hosmer were born. Eventually, with progress and technical innovations, underground operations gave way to the open-pit mines we see today.

Built in 1969, Fording River is located 29 kilometres northeast of Elkford and is the largest of Teck’s five coal mines in the Elk Valley. Most of the employees who work at Fording River live locally in Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie or the Crowsnest Pass.

Fording River produces primarily high-quality steelmaking coal for the global steel industry, and proven and probable reserves are projected to support mining at current production rates for more than 30 years. Teck’s five Elk Valley coal operations are an important contributor to the economies of B.C. and Canada, employing more than 3,300 people and contributing approximately $2 billion to GDP in 2010. Teck also gives back to communities near its operations, including the recent donation of $1 million towards the new Elkford Community Centre.

“We look forward to many more years of contributing to the local economy and to being a part of the communities where our employees live and work,” said Tremblay.

Submitted by Teck Fording River