The Romanos opened the doors of their new establishment on Wednesday, April 26, and it is a new venture for both of them.

"This is the first time we have owned and operated a restaurant but Angel has had previous experience working in the food service industry," said Dean Romano. "We are really excited about being at the airport and we welcome travellers to visit anytime."

Where did the name, The Pickled Bean, come from?

"It's really a combination of our kids' nicknames. Our daughter is known as Pickle and our son as Bean, so we thought The Pickled Bean would be a good name for the restaurant," said Angel Romano, with a bit of a laugh.

So the next time you are at the Canadian Rockies International Airport be sure to stop by The Pickled Bean and say hi to the Romanos.

Kootenay Business magazine was pleased to sponsor the Creative Professional Excellence Award. 

Congratulations to the winners in all 12 categories:

• Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Go Fetch—Dallas Vannancourt
• Business of the Year Award: Sullivan Pub—Kent Lees
• Community Boost Award: Grubstake Pizza—Carly Marsh
• Tradeperson/Contractor of the Year Award: Bob and Mike Kitt
• Environmental Stewardship Award: Green Earth Recycling—Katie Tersmette
• Tourism Excellence Award: Kimberley Alpine Resort—Ted Funston
• Professional Services Excellence Award: Rockies Law—Steve Brine
• Retail Business of the Year Award: Back Door Gifts—Tanya Tasmasi
• Creative Professional Excellence Award: Story & Co—Matt Thompson
• Employee of the Year Award: Bernice Foreman—Falkins Insurance
• Food and Beverage Industry Award: Kinbari Sushi—Andrew Luu
• Youth Friendly Business Award: Subway—Laura Cyra-Korsgaard

Parks Canada will invite private sector proposals to take over operation of the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs. This action will allow Parks Canada to improve efficiency of its operations and focus on continuing to deliver on its core mandate to protect and present Canada’s treasured protected places.

In the coming months, Parks Canada will initiate a request for proposals and competitive tendering process. Following the selection process and lease negotiations, a hand-over of operations is expected to be completed as early as May 2013. 

The private sector has a greater capacity to respond to the demands of the tourism market and is in the best position to enhance the quality of hot springs facilities, operations and marketing. Improvements to the visitor offerings for the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs could create new jobs and stimulate increased visitation to the national parks. Parks Canada will ensure that any redevelopment reflects their location in a national park and does not compromise ecological integrity or cultural resources.

Parks Canada will work closely with staff and union representatives to implement the decision and ensure the provisions of the collective agreement related to alternate delivery initiatives and work force adjustment are respected. 

The Canadian Rockies Hot Springs are comprised of the Banff Upper Hot Springs (Banff National Park), Radium Hot Springs (Kootenay National Park) and Miette Hot Springs (Jasper National Park). These hot springs are iconic attractions within one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural areas in the world. Parks Canada is committed to ensuring Canada’s special places are presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future.

The students first wrote a theory exam consisting of safety questions, then built a structure from blueprints—including layout, cutting, fabrication and welding. They were judged by Troy Ross from Fab-Rite Services Ltd., Ken McKay, Tim Ross and Kim Buchan from College of the Rockies. Generous prizes were donated by many local businesses.

 

Grade eight students from Fernie Secondary School (FSS) will “paint the town for fish” this May, an outcome of their participation in Columbia Basin Trust’s (CBT’s) Know Your Watershed program.

Tessa Holmes, class spokesperson, recently introduced the project to Fernie City Council.

“We want to paint the storm drains around Fernie to remind residents that only rain should go down them,” Holmes said. “Pollution off streets, driveways and homes is carried in storm water, which goes directly into the Elk River and can harm fish.”

CBT has provided $1,000 to support the two classes participating in the project.

“We’re pleased to see youth actively working on a project about water,” said Kindy Gosal, CBT director, Water and Environment. “Congratulations to the students, their teacher and the environmental educators for initiating this project in Fernie.”

“Class posters will be used for public education at the school and throughout the community during April and May,” said Mike Tomney, FSS grade eight science teacher.

Know Your Watershed is a CBT water stewardship education program aimed at grade eight science classes. This hands-on education initiative helps students understand where their water comes from, how it is used and where their water goes after it is used.

The students are looking for adult volunteers interested in supervising painting teams on the blitz in May when students are painting the town for fish. If you can help, please contact Lee-Anne Walker, Know Your Watershed environmental educator, at 250-423-3322 or knowyourwatershed@gmail.com.