“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

The Elkford Chamber invites you to a presentation to learn more about the status and scope of the project and the economic and social benefits for the Elk Valley.

When and where:  January 24 at 10 a.m., Elkford Motor Inn, 808 Michel

Attending from Centermount:

Jack Austin, President

Ted Nunn, Vice President - Technical Service

Wei Kang - Vice President - Finance

Bryan Edgren - Field Superintendant

Dan Savage - Director Public Relations

Ico de Zwart - Environment

Honourable Jacob (Jack) Austin, P.C., Q.C.

Mr. Austin served as deputy minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Canada, and chief of staff to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. After his elevation to the Senate, he served in the Canadian Cabinets of Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Paul Martin.

From 1993 to 2000, Mr. Austin served as president of the Canada China Business Council and from 2000 to 2003 as deputy chairman. He assisted in the building of a close relationship for Canada and China in commercial development. He received his law degrees from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Law School and practiced law in Vancouver for over 20 years in trade and commercial law.

RSVP:

Cindy Gallinger, cindy.gallinger@gmail.com or 250-919-2432

The district will use these online tools to interact and engage with the community, promote events and keep residents up to date on everything that is going on locally. Check out the District of Elkford’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for more information on the 40th birthday party celebration, and be sure to view the new promotional video on YouTube.

Elkford is a picturesque Rocky Mountain town incorporated on July 16, 1971 as a home for miners working at newly-established Fording Coal operations. From its early days as a collection of temporary homes, a one-room school and a single general store, Elkford has grown to its current population of nearly 3,000 residents.

Elkford provides residents and visitors with endless outdoor activities to engage in and is a great place to live, work and play. 

On July 16, 2011, the District of Elkford is hosting a 40th birthday party celebration in the Elk’s Ball Field. All residents are welcome to attend. For more information, please visit www.elkford.ca.
 

“This multi-use facility will be a community landmark that will benefit current and future generations,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “CBT is proud to be a part of this project that is furthering Elkford’s community sustainability initiative and we commend the community for their vision and commitment to this project.”

Currently, Elkford has limited facilities to host community and social events. The new centre will offer improved amenities for all members of the community, with a 4,300 sq ft auditorium that will seat 300 people, a commercial kitchen, a 780 sq ft multipurpose community room that can be divided, a lobby and reception gallery, a community playschool with an enclosed playground, a Visitor Information Centre and the Chamber of Commerce. It will also eventually house a museum that will highlight the rich and diverse history of Elkford.

“The new Community Centre is an exciting project that will help with Elkford’s growth and development. The project has been a vision of Council for seven years and it is rewarding and exciting to be in the final stages,” said Dean McKerracher, Mayor of the District of Elkford. “We are pleased that Columbia Basin Trust has come on board to assist us on the early stages of construction. Funding will assist in the Tourism Information Centre part of the project, as well as the historical display cases that will showcase Elkford’s rich mining history.”

The concept plans can be viewed at the District office or on the District’s website at www.elkford.ca.

CBT delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.