At the first luncheon meeting of 2012 the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce introduced their new lineup of chamber directors who make up the new board. The chamber is fresh off their annual strategy retreat weekend and is ready to incorporate a slate of new ideas for 2012.

The new chamber president is Lana Kirk, she succeeds outgoing president Sean Campbell. The Cranbrook chamber is coming off a very successful year as they were named B.C.'s Chamber of the Year in 2011 by the BC Chamber of Commerce.

Also recognized at this luncheon was Cranbrook's citizen of the year, Chris Ayling.

901 Fernie is a $30-million restoration of a 1908 schoolhouse, located in Fernie's historic downtown. Parastone transformed the iconic building into condominium residences and vacation rentals complete with a spa and wellness centre inside.

The spa space for Spa 901 was designed by spa consultant, Karen Vonkeman and 901 Fernie architects, the LeBlond Partnership, who collaborated on the Solace Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs. The spa and wellness center is owned and operated by Shelly MacGregor, president of Apex Massage Therapy, who operate two wellness facilities and SpaGoes, a mobile spa in Calgary.

With $2 million in restorations and construction, highlights of Spa 901 include: Fernie's only infrared saunas, five treatment rooms, a couples fireplace treatment room, co-ed and women-only fireplace relaxation lounges, outdoor hot pool, and men's and women's change rooms. Spa 901 will combine unique and traditional therapies and treatments including therapeutic massage in a variety of styles, esthetician services and bath soak treatments.

“The restoration of this incredible landmark building is amazing and so well planned,” says Shelly MacGregor, president, Apex Massage Therapy. “We were excited at the opportunity to create a truly unique spa and wellness centre in this iconic building and beautiful space.”

With richly appointed reception and dressing areas and beautifully outfitted treatment rooms, every detail of the 6,600-square-foot spa says luxury and tradition. The same commitment to quality and design that went into restoration of the 901 Fernie has gone into creating Spa 901.

“Apex Massage Therapy's track record and professional approach made them a great choice for 901 Spa,” says Simon Howse, general manager for Parastone, “A spa and wellness facility like this in a mountain resort town like Fernie benefits the local community and helps attract tourists. Spa 901 is the only true destination spa in the Kootenays.”

Spa 901 will be open to the public in February and access is through the main schoolhouse doors on 2nd Avenue, in Fernie, B.C. Fernie Central Reservations is now taking bookings for Fernie 901's vacation rentals and spa treatments.

901 Fernie is a $30 million transformation of a 1908 school and grounds. It is a collection of 44, one-, two- and three- bedroom suites and penthouses with beautiful surrounding mountain scenery. Many original features have been carefully restored to their former glory by a leading Canadian architectural practice and the apartments and spa have kept many of their unique qualities.

On Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 12 noon to 4 p.m., everyone is invited to 4Cats Nelson’s grand opening! Please come check out our beautiful studio, learn about our artist of the month sessions, workshops, camps and birthday parties. Come experience everything we do at 4Cats Nelson – drawing, painting, silk screening, splatter painting, sculpture, the clay wheel and paper mache. It is going to be so much fun.

4Cats Arts Studio - Nelson
250-354-2287
nelson@4cats.com
www.4cats.com/nelson
 

Greyback Constuction Ltd. has been working on a job site in Invermere for about six months, and the project manager, Craig Donoghue, anticipates that the project will be ready to receive fixtures this January. The opening date for the business is expected to be in the spring of 2012.

Donoghue said the Canadian Tire project in Invermere is roughly 30,000 square feet and he explained that the new facility will contain a Mark’s Work Wearhouse, an automotive centre, storage space and a garden centre.

To read the full story by Breanne Massey, click here.

On behalf of the Allied Hydro Council of BC, the local labourer's union recently undertook an informal survey of approximately 100 workers employed at the Waneta Expansion Project to determine how many workers have been able to stay in the area, move back or relocate to the area as a result of the project.

The survey found that 25 per cent of workers moved back to the Kootenays or relocated to the area while 60 per cent were able to remain at home with their families while working on the project.

"These results are great news for our local families and economy," said Audrey Repin, spokesperson for the Waneta Expansion project. "The owners are pleased the project has been able to keep local workers at
home and attract new, skilled workers to the area. This is exactly what our projects are meant to do—create clean hydropower, support the economy and bring jobs to the region for local families."

Hiring for the project is done through Columbia Hydro Constructors Ltd. (CHC) under the terms and conditions of a collective agreement with the Allied Hydro Council of BC. Under this agreement, hiring preference is given to local residents (living within 100 kilometres of the project) and members of equity employment groups.

"The findings of this survey support this project as great news for local workers," says Chuck Chatten, representative from the Labourer's Union. "The feedback received from the workers was consistent—they are
happy to be able to stay close to home and be a part of a project with such an emphasis on safety, quality and the environment."

The Waneta Expansion Project is a partnership between Fortis Inc., Columbia Power Corporation and Columbia Basin Trust. For more information please visit www.columbiapower.org/wanetaexpansion.