Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

Man-alone work safety

AC Global Systems is a leader in fleet management and tracking

AC GLOBAL SYSTEMS’ CORE STAFF: (Left to right) Shaun Ashman, president; Brenda Binnie, executive of government and municipal affairs; Stephanie Mitchell, administrative assistant; and Dan Ashman, CEO.

No business ever wants to see a worker die or suffer injury in the workplace. However, there is an inherent danger in having workers perform duties alone, thus the need for constant contact and monitoring. AC Global’s solution is innovative and meets the intent of the WorkSafeBC regulations.

AC Global Systems transceivers are portable, lightweight and bi-directional. Because of their direct link with Inmarsat satellites they are always on and available, which is especially important when seconds or minutes can make a difference in a man-down situation. Users of the AC Global system can literally poll their worker from their home base and request a “ping” back confirming the safety and well-being of the remote or isolated worker.

“This is a work safety issue and WorkSafeBC’s recent regulation changes demand that companies, governments and organizations ensure the safety and well-being of workers who work alone,” said Brenda Binnie. In fact, WorkSafeBC regulation 4.20.2 #3 states: “The employer must minimize the risk from the hazard to the lowest level practicable using engineering controls, administrative controls or a combination of engineering and administrative controls.”

Binnie, well-known in municipal government circles, is AC Global’s new executive of governmental and municipal affairs.

Selkirk Saints Golf Camp On Par With Success

Story submitted by Carrie Voysey

A record attendance: The fifth annual Selkirk Saints Golf Camp hosted the most kids ever with help from sponsors such as Nelson Ford’s Russell Stock.—photo courtesy Selkirk College

The 5th Annual Selkirk Saints Golf Camp, which ran from July 6-10, hosted the most kids ever with help from sponsors such as Nelson Ford’s Russell Stock.

Over 60 individuals aged 7-17 participated in the golf camp this year, with kids coming from Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Reno, Salmon Arm, Kelowna and of course, the East and West Kootenay Regions.

Two of the youth attending the camp were given the opportunity to participate in the Selkirk Saints Golf Camp through the Nelson Ford Golf Camp Sponsorship Bursaries. “The cost of participating in some organized sports can be a financial challenge and barrier to some families,” explained Kim Verigin, Athletics and Recreation Coordinator at Selkirk College. “Thanks to Russell Stock’s (Nelson Ford) commitment, a couple of the kids had an opportunity to partake in a positive, skill-building, fun experience - one that would otherwise be unavailable to them.”

Early bird fees for the camp were $320 or $520, with the latter including lodging, 24-hour supervision and evening activities. Each individual was provided with meals, signature golf balls, tees and a golf shirt.

The camp focused on skill development for every ability level. It included instruction on the history of the game, etiquette, course management, specialty shots, penalties and rules. A video analysis was included and students were able to bring home a CD and frame by frame printout of their swings. Students also benefitted from a new grass top virtual swing analyzer that provided technical feedback, including stats such as swing speed and club face angle.

Other sponsors included Kootenay Savings, the Castlegar Golf Club and Selkirk Beverages. Their in-kind donations contributed significantly to the camp’s success. “I feel elated with the response to the camp and the support of our sponsors!” said Verigin. “Now that we have the numbers, we can refine the structure to maximize one-on-one instruction from the beginners to the more advanced, providing even more opportunities for the youth. I am really looking forward to next year!”

Individuals and companies interested in becoming sponsors for the Saints Summer Camps (which include Volleyball in late August) are invited to contact Kim Verigin at 250.365.1304 or email foundation@selkirk.ca.

New Name, Same Great Service

Larry and Steve of Quality Tire and Auto Service in Trail and Castlegar.

The two Big O tire franchises in Castlegar and Trail have undergone a name change and are now operating as independent tire stores called Quality Tire and Auto Service. The Castlegar store is owned and operated by Larry Chernenkoff and the Trail location is owned and operated by Steve McFadden.

“We offer the same great service and selection that we always did, we just have a new name to operate under,” said Larry Chernenkoff. “Our buying power is as good if not better now and we can literally get our customers just about any brand name tire they require at very affordable prices.”

In addition to being full line tire dealers, the two locations offer complete automotive repair and service. Steve McFadden, of Trail, says, “At Quality Tire and Auto Service, it’s where quality doesn’t cost more.”

You will find Quality Tire and Auto Service on Columbia Avenue in Castlegar and in east Trail on 2nd Ave.

Emergency Room Expansion of Nelson’s Hospital gets final go-ahead

It is anticipated that the construction on the $15 million project will commence later in the fall of 2009. Photo courtesy: Interior Health

The long awaited expansion of the new emergency room at the Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson has been given the green light as the working teams on project have signed off recently on initial design details.

The renovations and expansion will see the current emergency department in the Kootenay Lake Hospital triple in size to 9,946 square feet and include a new CT scanner suite. The initial design work was completed by architectural firm, Stantec; and recently presented to Interior Health for approval.

The project will jointly funded by the Province, Interior Health Authority, West-Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital District and Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation.

It is anticipated that the construction on the $15 million project will commence later in the fall of 2009.

Teck Trail Wins Active Communities Award

Teck Trail Operations’ Inspiring Wellness and Learning Program was recently presented with the Active Communities Award of Excellence. Photo credit: Kris Lindblad

Teck Trail Operations’ Inspiring Wellness and Learning Program was recently presented with the Active Communities Award of Excellence by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). The award recognizes the outstanding work of a group that registers as an Active Community Initiative to encourage a 20-percent increase in physical activity among people in its municipality, organization or company.

This is the first time the award has been presented to a corporate community.

“The Inspiring Wellness and Learning Committee is an important example of how people who recognize that their workplaces are communities can make a real, positive difference in the quality of life for everyone around them – on and off the job,” said Suzanne Allard Strutt, BCRPA Chief Executive Officer, of the award.

The BCRPA also noted that the Inspiring Wellness and Learning Committee has set a fine example of how people can come together to encourage an appreciation for physical activity and healthy lifestyles in their workplace culture.

“We aspire to promote the health and well being of employees and their families in their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle,” said Gord Menelaws, Trail Operations’ Inspiring Wellness and Learning Committee Chair, of the award-winning program. “When we first started, we embarked on a campaign of awareness and education to help employees assess where they were at physically and mentally. We then provided opportunities and tools to make any changes to their lifestyles.”

“The feedback we have received from employees and their family members has always indicated we are on the right track,” Menelaws continued. “People tell us they are feeling better, having fun and learning important health and wellness information. The award from the BCRPA endorses our efforts.”

The award was one of eight presented at the BCRPA’s annual symposium in May. The BCRPA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building and sustaining active healthy lifestyles and communities in the province. Established in 1958, the BCRPA, through a diverse network of partners and extensive programs and services, actively advocates accessibility and inclusiveness to recreation and physical activity and strives to bridge the gap between recreation and sport.

Fernie’s historic Vogue Theatre reopens after major renovations

Cutline: Originally opened as the Grand Theatre in 1909 it was reopened as the Vogue Theatre in 1947 and has undergone several renovations since. Photo credit: ferniemovies.com

Let the show go on! It's seems like its been a long wait but it has been worth it says owner Dennis Djonlich. A major renovation of the interior of the Vogue Theatre on 2nd Ave has been underway since April. New features include everything from a decorative pressed tin ceiling to remind patrons of the Vogue's early roots, to new bathrooms and a state of the art sound system.

“I wanted to make you aware of the exciting events that have been happening with Fernie’s only movie theatre. The much loved, but very run down movie theatre under went a major transformation this spring and was unveiled to the town on Friday of last week,” says Dennis Djonlich. “The reception has been better than we could have imagined, in fact on opening day we had a line up around the block an hour before we opened the doors. The project as been very costly and challenging but very necessary. We still have a bit left to do with the second floor and exterior renovations but the bulk of the project is behind us.”

For the town of Fernie the theatre is an extremely important part of the community and we took a lot of pride in the project. We can now say that we have a theatre that the town can be proud of for years to come, he added.

Kaslo is the big winner!

The lakeside community of Kaslo beat out Williams Lake to become a host city of TSN's special edition of Sportscentre. (Photo by Duke Armleder)

Kaslo, British Columbia has been named the first winning community in the Kraft Celebration Tour – a national celebration that will see TSN's flagship news program, SPORTSCENTRE, broadcast live from 10 communities across the country over a period of 10 days. In addition to the broadcast, Kaslo will receive $25,000 from Kraft Canada that will go towards improving the town's Logger Sports Grounds.

In celebration of TSN's 25th anniversary, anchors Darren Dutchyshen and Jennifer Hedger will host the special edition of Sportscentre when it airs live from Kaslo on Saturday, August 22.

Located on Kootenay Lake in Southeastern B.C. with a population of 1,000, the small logging village of Kaslo was named as one of the 10 winning communities in the Kraft Celebration tour after winning a 24-hour, head-to head online vote against B.C.'s Williams Lake. Kaslo won with more than 52 per cent of the vote.

Slocan Valley's Mountain Sky Soap Expands

Mountain Sky Soaps in Crescent Valley is introducing new liquid soaps (Photo courtesy Mountain Sky Soap)

Mountain Sky is still expanding during this current recession. Mountain Sky has been making its popular natural bar body soaps for 15 years and is now making authentic castile liquid soap in six varieties.

“Many people have been requesting liquid soaps from us,” says Raynald Losier, co-owner. “We have invested in a new manufacturing process and have spent a lot of time experimenting with recipes and scents.” According to Nina George, co-owner, “Our new liquid soaps are really mild and wonderful. I think one of our new scents, Shiva’s Nirvana, is going to be our top selling liquid soap product similar to our top selling body bar, Kali Spice.” All of Mountain Sky’s liquid soaps are made only with simple ingredients, not synthetic detergent blends.

Many liquid soaps on the market are actually a blend of detergents which have major ecological impacts from their manufacturing processes. Detergents or cleansers are created by breaking down petrochemicals, or corn oils and fats (oleochemicals) and heating them up at extremely high temperatures, then they expose the products to toxic chemicals to isolate key ingredients in your ‘natural’ cosmetic product. On average, there are several manufacturing steps between the original raw materials and the final product. This method of breaking down a natural product into isolated ingredients creates a large waste problem for our waterways.

Real natural castile soaps on the other hand, are created by mixing natural oils with an alkali (sodium hydroxide for solid soap or potassium hydroxide for liquid soap). Natural soaps have been created like this since soap was invented by our ancestors. Detergents and chemical cleansers have only been around since the advent of modern manufacturing processes.

The higher ecological impact of the waste stream and transportation issues due to complex manufacturing is often not considered in the greenness of a product. Mountain Sky’s natural authentic castile soap is produced with simple natural oils, essential oils and an alkali. Mountain Sky soaps retain its natural glycerin to create a milder natural soap while still retaining its natural anti-bacterial properties. Losier says, “You can find Mountain Sky’s products in quality health food stores, grocery and gift stores in the Kootenays.”

Mountain Sky mountain-grown natural body products are carefully hand-picked on a sunny summer morning, far up on the green Canadian mountainsides where they grow. Each soap, lip balm, massage bar and body butter is bursting with the same natural beauty amid which it takes shape--the sparkling mountain rivers, sweet forest scents, and calls of the woodland birds or the eagles and ospreys soaring above the peaks in the clear mountain air. True connoisseurs know nothing beats Mountain Sky mountain-grown products for enjoying a clean, healthful, environmentally-friendly lifestyle

Eagle Plains/Prize Mining Receive Small Mines Permit for Atlin Gold Project.

Installing new liners in ball mill. (Photo courtesy Eagle Plains)

Cranbrook's Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (EPL:TSX-V) and Prize Mining Corp. (PRZ:TSX-V) jointly announce that the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources ("BC-MEMPR") has awarded the Yellowjacket Venture (“Yellowjacket JV”) a Small Mines Act Permit for development and production at the Yellowjacket Gold Project in northwestern British Columbia. The Permit allows for the development and operation of an open pit gold mine and onsite concentrator processing up to 75,000 tons per year of ore.

The Yellowjacket JV, Eagle Plains and Prize Mining management teams consider the delivery of the mining and milling permit a major achievement and milestone for the project, its advisors and consultants. The permit is one of only three small mine permits issued by BC-MEMPR since May 2007. The permit process was steered by the Northwest Mine Development Review Committee (NWMDRC).

The Yellowjacket Gold Project is located within the traditional territory of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) who have been active participants in the review and approval of the Small Mines Act Permit both through their representation on the NWMDRC and in direct consultation with the Yellowjacket JV proponents.

Commissioning and test work on the mill facility at the Yellowjacket Gold Project was recently completed (NR June 29 2009) confirming a mill capacity of 350 tonnes per day. Metallurgical test work and plant engineering designs show that expected gravity concentration gold recoveries will be between 73% and 80%. Using ratios of average gold in tailings compared to average total gold values in conveyor cut assays, it appears that the gold loss to tailings is well within the targeted acceptable recovery range. On-going studies will be conducted to improve recoveries.

On site, modifications will commence on the tailings storage facility, in order to comply with federal and provincial environmental regulations. Tailings facility construction will be followed by dewatering of the existing open pit (previously excavated during the bulk sampling program) and extraction of up to 35,000 tonnes of ore. Processing of ore is expected to commence in August 2009.

Eagle Plains Resources plans to commence gold production at the Yellowjacket project in mid-2009 and continues to conduct research, acquire and explore metal projects in western Canada. In addition to holding mining royalties on various projects, the Company controls over 35 gold, base-metal and uranium projects, several with third parties including Waterloo Resources Ltd (TSX-V:WAT.P) and XO Gold Resources Ltd. (a private B.C. company). In recent years, Eagle Plains has completed option agreements with Teck Limited (TSX:TCK.B), Alexco Resource Corp. (TSX-V:AXR), Billiton Metals, Rio Algom Exploration, NovaGold Resources, Kennecott Exploration and numerous other junior exploration companies, resulting in over 53,000m (158,500’) of drilling and over $27.0 million in exploration spending on its projects since 1998.

East Meets West as Alexander Keith’s Celebrates Official Accreditation at Columbia Brewery

Creston, B.C. becomes first city outside of Nova Scotia to brew Alexander Keith’s famous India Pale Ale

Murray Oswald, plant manager and his staff were raising a glass in Creston this week as the Columbia Brewery celebrated its official accreditation at the western home for Alexander Keith’s famous India Pale Ale! Keith’s is proud to share its rich heritage beyond Nova Scotia’s borders. What was once a regional beer has grown to become a highly regarded national favourite, and to meet demand and allow growth to continue, Columbia was selected as the first brewery outside of Nova Scotia to brew this premium beer.

After a vigorous five-step accreditation process developed to ensure Alexander Keith’s strict quality brewing principles were met, the Columbia Brewery has brewed a perfect batch of India Pale Ale, and is ready to share the results with Western Canada.

Graham Kendall, Keith’s Brew Master from the Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery was in attendance as he officially passed on this proud brewing heritage to Columbia’s Brew Master Scott Stokes. Slainte Mhath!

Alexander Keith's has been brewing fine beers since 1820 and to this day his original brewery still stands in the heart of downtown Halifax. Over 180 years later, Alexander Keith's is now the number one specialty draught in Canada, and is still brewed slowly and carefully, taking the time to get it right.

KRREA installs new board; enters second year with momentum

The Directors of the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance (KRREA) and the Directors of the Kootenay Regional Innovation Council (KRIC)recently held a joint Annual General Meeting in Fernie. The directors were given a tour of the 901 Fernie development by Parastone Developments principal Simon Howse. In this picture the directors of both organizations tour one of the premier penthouse suites overlooking the Town of Fernie and Fernie Alpine Resort.

The Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance (KRREA) recently celebrated its second year in operation by holding its annual general meeting June 25 at Fernie's Park Place Lodge.

Along with a review of the last busy year's activities, board members elected a new executive and established working committees to help guide the organization.

Elected chair of the board was District of Elkford chief administrative officer Corien Speaker. Kootenay Business Magazine's Keith Powell will remain for one more year as vice chair.

With vital structure in place, it is now time for KRREA to step forward as a driving force and leader in regional economic issues. Along with regional business leaders taking part, the organization features Regional District of East Kootenay involvement and membership from regional municipalities and government agencies.

"We are now focusing on the projects going forward. I think the next year is going to be an exciting time for KRREA as we develop a formal regional economic development strategy, which will outline the region's priorities to sustain economic activity and growth," Speaker said. "The 'Foundations of our Economy' project will provide the blueprint for moving the region forward with a regional economic development strategy, so that we can effectively compete nationally and internationally in the global economy," she added.

Among the primary objectives of the new executive directorship will be to find funding for the projects as well as funds to support KRREA. In addition, the Member Committee will be actively recruiting new member organizations, with a couple of board seats still available for anyone interested. KRREA is seeking board representatives from the Columbia Valley and Fernie.

Speaker encourages anyone interested in helping push the region's collective economic picture forward to join the board or working committees, which also includes the Projects and Initiatives Committee.

"Plans for the next year include completing the Regional Economic Development Strategy, hiring a new executive director, implementing a communication strategy, revamping the website, ramping up member recruitment and developing action plans to address priority infrastructure issues, such as broadband, employment lands and labour," Speaker explained.

For more information: Call KRREA Chair Corien Speaker, 1.250.865.4002

New Faces at Fernie Physiotherapy

Dan McDonald and Jaime Ellis, new owners of Fernie Physiotherapy.

Fernie is welcoming back Dan McDonald and Jaime Ellis as the new owners of Fernie Physiotherapy.

Dan is a physiotherapist who has worked not only locally in Fernie but across Canada and internationally, including countries such as the UK and Australia. Dan qualified as physiotherapist in the UK, completed his Masters degree in Manual Therapy in Australia and has worked both in a private and public setting, treating a wide variety of conditions. Jaime brings eight years experience as a public relations, communications, marketing and business professional.

Jaime’s multitude of experience from working on many projects in Canada and internationally will focus the clinic on a community-centred direction. “I feel it is really important to understand the needs of the local community and to really focus services around those needs”.

“The philosophy at Fernie Physiotherapy is one of a patient centred approach where our physiotherapists take time and care to fully assess and understand a patient’s condition and needs. Our clinic really focuses on quality care and access to services that the community needs” explains Dan.

Jaime and Dan commenced as the new owners of Fernie Physiotherapy on May 16th 2009.

To book your assessment with one of our highly skilled physiotherapists, please call 250-423-3423 or drop in at the Rocky Mountain Health Centre, 901 5th Ave, 2nd floor, first door on the right. Elevator access.

Source: Fernie Chamber newsletter

The Canadian Fly Fishing Championships are coming to Fernie!

Bring you fly fishing skills to the Elk River this fall (Photo by Kris Lindblad)

September 21-26, 2009

Sat, Sept 19: Competitors package (sign-in forms, laminated name tags, maps of the venues, official programme, goodie bags, local merchant's coupons, etc...) available for pick up at the official competition hotel/head-quarters. This will allow the tracking of which competitors and teams have arrived, and to co-ordinate an introduction between any competitors that arrive as individuals wishing form a team with other individuals.

Monday, Sept 21: First official practice day (competition boats to be available at the lake for the official practice days. Competitors will alternate between venues and apply for a time-slot for the boats to allow equal access and to avoid conflicts. Controllers and judges are not required for practice sessions)

Tuesday, Sept 22: Second official practice day (competitors will again alternate between venues and apply for a time-slot for the boats to allow equal access and to avoid conflicts)

Wednesday, Sept 23: No fishing on competition waters. This day is typically used for team strategy meetings, fly tying and general preparation for competitors, volunteers and organizers.

12pm: Training for volunteers, controllers and sector judges (FFC representatives will be present to help with clarification and questions concerning the rules and procedures).

2pm: Captain's meeting for the drawing of groups and beats and to discuss the rules of this competition and any modifications to the rules.

5pm: Organizing Committee’s 'meet & greet' BBQ for competitors and volunteers, team photos, and opening ceremonies

Thursday, Sept 24: First day of competition - sessions 1 and 2 (morning and afternoon sessions)

Friday, Sept 25: Second day of competition - sessions 3 and 4 (morning and afternoon sessions)

Saturday, Sept 26: Last day of competition - session 5 (morning session only).

3pm to 5pm: Conservation Symposium.

6pm: Closing banquet and awards ceremony and FFC auction..

More info check out the website

Source: Fernie Chamber Newsletter

CPGA Rob Anderson speaks well of Shadow Mountain

General manager and director of golf, Rob Anderson, tees off at Shadow Mountain. (Kris Lindblad photo)

After BC Business magazine, based in Vancouver wrote a long and somewhat negative article about the trials and tribulations of many new B.C. golf developments—including the travails of Cranbrook’s Wildstone new Shadow Mountain CPGA pro Rob Anderson submitted the following “letter to the editor” which appeared in the current edition of BC Business...

"Spin the Ball: Our Golf Course, Shadow Mountain, is slated to open July 1st, (it’s now open to rave reviews) 2009 and has approached the development game differently from the gang that Jim Sutherland describes in “Lights Out” (May 09). The golf course has no debt at this point, and the parent company, Shadow Mountain Properties, is well backed. This has all happened more or less under the radar. Perhaps Sutherland could write another article, about the many golf courses that are doing well because of sound business decisions despite the gloom and doom and big budget failures that have put a negative spin on the golf industry in Canada."

Selkirk Students Go Green

Second year Integrated Environmental Planning students Odin Lewis, Brie Haley, Candice Benner and Daris Piper (left to right) have initiated a composting pilot project at Selkirk College's Castlegar Campus.

Students of the Integrated Environmental Planning Technology program (IEP) at Selkirk College have received $5,000 from the City of Castlegar to help reduce waste through a composting solution at the Castlegar Campus.

Second year IEP students Brie Haley, Candice Benner, Daris Piper and Odin Lewis were inspired by a lecture given by Al Gore-trained presenter and Olympic speed skater Ingrid Liepa. Ingrid visited Selkirk College's Castlegar Campus in December, 2008 to talk about how climate change is expected to impact the West Kootenay region.

"We spoke with Ingrid after the presentation to get a sense of what we could do in our own community," explained Brie. "We decided that composting would be an ideal way to reduce waste at the Castlegar Campus and a good pilot project as well."

Once the waste data was collected, the students were presented with the challenge of finding a suitable composting mechanism that would meet the requirements of the Castlegar Campus and its Kekuli House residents. "Composting on this scale is different than composting individually," explained Brie. "We had to take everything into consideration - size, safety, esthetics, maintenance, odor control - even the wildlife in the area had an impact on our decision making process."

The students have decided to raise funds and purchase an "Earth Tub" which is designed specifically for on-site composting of food-wastes. The Earth Tub is a fully enclosed composting vessel which features power mixing, compost aeration and biofiltration of all processed air. The self-contained unit is ideal for composting at schools, colleges, restaurants, hospitals and supermarkets and has a price tag of approximately $15,000.

In support of the initiative, the students have formed a composting club through the Selkirk College Student Union (SCSU). The club is provided with $250 per semester from the SCSU, which is very helpful for gaining support from other students and raising the profile of the project. The City of Castlegar has also donated $5,000 towards the unit.

Selkirk College's Environmental Sustainability Committee has a mandate for all of its campuses to "go green" by 2010. It continues to research opportunities and support efforts to meet the goals of campus-wide sustainability initiatives.

For more information on the composting pilot project at Selkirk College, e-mail Brie Hailey

ATCO Wood Products Celebrates 50th Anniversary

There is no question these are challenging times in the forest industry. So it is good to hear of companies in the forest sector who are succeeding.

ATCO Wood Products Ltd. located in Fruitvale, BC is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009. This Saturday, July 11th, 2009 they are hosting an open house at their manufacturing facility in Fruitvale to celebrate this milestone in our history. The open house will be from 1PM to 4PM, with a short program at 2PM.

Kootenay Business plans to do a profile on the success of ATCO Wood Products and their 50th Anniversary in an upcoming edition, so we invite readers to watch for it. In the meantime the business community is invited to stop by ATCO during their anniversary celebrations.

Please RSVP to CEO Scott Weatherford or Kris Harvey at ATCO Wood Products.

• Phone: 250.367.9441
• Fax: 250.367.6210

Air services co-ordinator Laurie Reid wraps up contract

Laurie Reid, airport services co-ordinator for Kootenay Rockies and the Fly YXC Alliance, has wrapped up her one-year contract to promote the Delta air service to the Canadian Rockies International Airport at Cranbrook.

"This has been a fabulous project, and an opportunity for which I am very grateful. Thank you. The summer inbound marketing campaign is in progress in key cities, with thanks to those partners who participated, and the board is working diligently towards resolution on the winter contract and beyond. Rest assured, the good work will continue – at this point being shared by staff in the Kootenay Rockies Tourism office under the guidance of Chris Dadson," said Reed in a parting message. Chris Dadson can be reached at 250.427.4838 or by email

The Fly YXC Alliance Society Board of Directors are: Andy Cohen, chair; Ken Wilder, vice-chair; Wendy Van Puymbroeck, treasurer; Chris Dadson, secretary; and Lucy Hallford. Once-a-week summer flights by Delta commenced on June 20th between Cranbrook and Salt Lake City, with three-days-a-week winter service still in the works.

Columbia Gardens' award-winning wines silence the naysayers

Being a wine producer in a mostly untested region of the province meant that Lawrence Wallace heard criticisms from naysayers who said the vintages couldn't stand up to the more seasoned growers in the fertile Okanagan region.

"We were winning lots of wine (festivals) locally," said Wallace, "but we were criticized for not being tested outside of the area."

Wallace took up the gauntlet. He entered the winery's signature wine, Garden Gold, into the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2006.

"The Garden Gold won a bronze medal, which made people sit up and take notice," said Wallace. "The following year, we sent wine again to the All Canadians and we won a gold medal for our Garden Gold, a gold medal for our Gewürztraminer and a bronze medal for our Marechal Foch. That pretty much silenced the critics."

Source: Trail Chamber of Commerce Newsletter.

Teck sells 17.5% to China Investment Corporation

Pictured is the Teck Cominco lead refinery in Trail, BC (Photo by Tanya Laing)

Teck Resources Limited has announced that China Investment Corporation (CIC) has agreed to purchase through a wholly-owned subsidiary 101.3 million Class B subordinate voting shares of Teck for C$17.21 per share. Teck will apply the net proceeds of the transaction to reduce outstanding bank debt. On closing, CIC will indirectly hold approximately 17.5 per cent of Teck’s outstanding Class B subordinate voting shares, representing approximately 17.2 per cent equity and 6.7 per cent voting interests in Teck. Upon completion of the transaction, Teck’s Class A shareholders as a group will hold a 61.8 per cent voting interest in Teck with Temagami Mining Company Ltd. holding a 28.5 per cent voting interest.

Teck President and CEO Don Lindsay said: “This transaction will have an immediate and very positive effect on Teck’s balance sheet, and represents an attractive opportunity for Teck to establish a relationship with a major Chinese financial investor, with a deep understanding of China, the world’s largest consumer of our principal products.”

CIC has advised Teck that it is acquiring the Class B shares for investment purposes as a long- term passive financial investor and has agreed to hold the purchased shares for at least one year following closing. Provided CIC does not sell any purchased shares, it will have the right to maintain its percentage ownership interest through open market purchases or through participation in additional issuances of Teck Class B shares or similar securities or securities convertible into such securities, subject to customary exceptions. If Teck were to issue additional Class B shares within 12 months of closing at a price less than C$17.21 per share (or securities convertible into Class B shares with a conversion price less than C$17.21), CIC would be entitled to a partial make-whole payment, capped at approximately 8.4 per cent of the aggregate subscription price, payable at Teck’s option in cash or in Class B shares.

CIC has also agreed that after the one-year hold period, it will not sell the purchased shares to a participant in the worldwide mining, metals or minerals industries, or to a material customer of Teck. In the event of a takeover bid for Teck, CIC will be permitted to tender its shares, provided that the bid has features associated with a “permitted bid” customary in Canadian shareholder rights plans, or is supported by the Teck board, and in certain other circumstances.

A standstill provision provides that CIC will not take certain actions, including acquiring additional securities of Teck (other than pursuant to its anti-dilution rights) or soliciting proxies, proposing to effect any extraordinary transaction involving Teck, or assisting any third party in doing so.

CIC is investing through a special purpose vehicle, Fullbloom Investment Corporation. The transaction is expected to close on or about July 14, 2009, and closing is subject to customary conditions, including applicable stock exchange approvals.

Teck is the Kootenay's largest employer and operates a smelter in Trail and numerous coal mines in the Elk Valley.

Columbia Basin Trust invests in Lemon Creek Lodge

Lemon Creek Lodge, owned and managed by Barry and Judy Derco for the past 15 years, has benefitted from Columbia Basin Trust. Photo courtesy of CBT and Lemon Creek Lodge

CBT’s Investment Program currently invests in power projects, private placements and market securities to generate a predictable, sustainable and appreciating income stream to support CBT's programs and initiatives.

The private placements category makes up 13 per cent of CBT’s overall investment portfolio, the majority of which is in real estate.

By investing in Basin-based businesses by way of direct ownership (equity) or business lending (loans), CBT is delivering a benefit in addition to generating income.

Currently, CBT has an ownership interest in eight seniors’ care facilities in the region, offering a total of 803 living suites. All eight facilities are leased to Golden Life Management, a Cranbrook-based seniors’ care provider.

In addition, a percentage of private placement investments are selectively made in local private businesses.

These investments are made based on a thorough examination by CBT to ensure it meets the organization’s expectations in being able to generate sound financial returns over an extended timeline.

Lemon Creek Lodge, owned and managed by Barry and Judy Derco for the past 15 years, is one such investment.

Located in the Slocan Valley, this 10-acre property includes a lodge, two cabins and a campground. The lodge also runs a year-round restaurant.

A home away from home, Lemon Creek Lodge has built a particularly strong base of return-customers, and has carved a special niche in the extended stay accommodation market. Lemon Creek Lodge has successfully made a name for itself as a place to be reserved for corporate meetings, for large family reunions looking to reconnect for a week, and for special occasion celebrations like weddings, where the entire property can be rented for the wedding party and guests for an extended stay.

“We’ve met people who came here before they were married. Then we would see them again after they were married, and then they’d come back and they would have a baby. And again, they’d come back and the baby would be a teenager,” said Barry Derco. ”It’s just been amazing.”

Looking towards their future, the Dercos plan to sub-divide the land into three properties for future sale. CBT’s loan has helped finance the planning work required for such a subdivision, as well as assist with renovations and upgrades to the lodge.

For more information about their property, visit www.lemoncreeklodge.com. For more information on CBT’s investment program, visit www.cbt.org/investments.

SNC-Lavalin selected as perferred proponent on Waneta Dam expansion project

Photo courtesy of Columbia Power Corporation.

Castlegar – The Waneta Expansion Power Corporation, a subsidiary of Columbia Power Corporation and Columbia Basin Trust ,is pleased to announce that it has passed another key milestone in the pre-development of the Waneta Expansion Project. SNC-Lavalin Inc. is the initial preferred proponent for design and construction of the Waneta Expansion Project. This project involves the design and construction of a second powerhouse at the Waneta Dam on the Pend d’Oreille River, south of Trail, B.C.

Proposals received in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) were evaluated following the guidelines and process established in the RFP. Commencement of negotiations towards contract finalization with the preferred proponent is the next step in the RFP process, which may take several months to complete.

While the announcement of a preferred design-build proponent is a crucial step, planning to determine whether the project will ultimately move ahead is ongoing. Work with respect to project financing and commercial arrangements towards a power purchase agreement continue, and in accordance with the RFP the viability of the project will be re-assessed upon completion of that work and contract finalization with the preferred proponent.

Polar Peek Books celebrates first anniversay under new ownership

Patty Reedyk is the new owner of Polar Peek Books in Fernie. Photo by Keith Powell

On June 1, 2008, longtime employee Patty Reedyk bought Polar Peek Books and Treasures in Fernie from Laura Nelson, who sold the thriving business to focus on other interests including her art. Reedyk—a passionate bibliophile who has a background in library science—knew the business inside out and was the natural person to purchase the store. Polar Peek Books and Treasures has been in business since 1993 and continues to offer a great selection of books, maps, stationery, gifts and educational children’s toys at 592 Second Avenue in Fernie.

Wow, Shadow Mountain opens to rave reviews

The Shadow Mountain golf course opened to the public at 7 a.m. on July 1, 2009. First off the tee was Gary Barrett. Waiting their turn are (left to right) Chick Nagel, Brian Simms and Spencer Fried. Photo by Kris Lindblad.

It’s official! Shadow Mountain golf resort is open. The long awaited opening of the spectacular new Shadow Mountain golf course took place on Wednesday, July 1st at 7 a.m., when co-owner Gary Barrett stepped up to the first tee and blasted off a drive straight down the middle of fairway #1.

Though construction work continues on surrounding roadwork and infrastructure, the golf course is open and is in tremendous condition. Shadow Mountain is sure to add another challenge to area and visiting golfers throughout the Kootenay region.

“All I can say, is wow! It is a gorgeous golf course. The (Shadow Mountain) course has everything for everybody’s game and something for every level of play whether you fade or draw the ball. It is incredibly challenging and breathtaking and once it fully matures it will be even more awesome,” said Brian Sims, publisher of the Daily Townsman and avid golfer, who played in the initial foursome who teed off on opening day. “Bring lots of balls; every hole presents a challenge. There’s a lot of sand and they use the elevation changes to real advantage.”

Sims added, “I think you need to play Shadow Mountain four or five times to start to understand all the subtleties of the course. It compares well to any of the other destination golf courses in the valley.”

Shadow Mountain winds its way along the St. Mary River, and was designed by Cooke and Carleton International with Wayne Carleton spearheading the onsite work.

Call Shadow Mountain to book a tee time and be one of the first to enjoy this awesome new golf course 1 866 383 6403 or visit www.shadowmtn.ca