Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

Island Lake Lodge Tops National Geographic Traveler

National Geographic Traveler names Island Lake Lodge as one of the top places to stay on the globe

The international acclaimed travel magazine National Geographic Traveler recently published their ‘Stay List 2009 Guide’, an elite list of 129 hotels around the globe with a transcendent vision that goes beyond traditional hotel-keeping. Island Lake Lodge was first on the list of only 13 in Canada.

National Geographic Traveler’s hotels on their ‘Stay List 2009’ don’t just reflect their surroundings – they help define them. To find these hotels, Traveler tapped into the collected experiences of veteran journalists, inveterate road warriors, and local experts. They based their nominations on key criteria. Is the hotel engaged with the local community? Does it subscribe to sustainable practices that respect the region? Does it truly capture the spirit of its setting? Further research and detailed questionnaires narrowed hundreds of submissions down to a list of 129 hotels.

Set in the Lizard Range of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Island Lake Lodge is only 10 km from Fernie BC. The 7,000 acres of private land seems about as remote and peaceful as anywhere you can imagine. The old growth forest, which covers the valley bottom is reminiscent of a coastal rain forest and holds the most eastern stands of Western Red Cedar in Canada. Add in alpine flower meadows, spectacular peaks and a subalpine lake and you see why this is truly a unique setting. The Lodge itself offers guided hiking, fine dining, cozy lodges, fly-fishing and a full spa.

Source: Kootenay Rockies Tourism

3 out of 10 top Scenic Drives include the Kootenay Rockies

Soaking up the warmth at Fairmont Hot Springs

The Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies was unveiled May 2009, as North America’s newest destination for domestic and international travellers who seek an authentic experience with scenic beauty, wildlife and recreation that delivers a connection with the environment, American Indian cultures and North American history.

1. Hot Springs Route (BC)
2. International Selkirk Loop (WA, ID, BC)
3. Waterton-Glacier Intl Peace Park Loop (MT, AB, BC)
4. Montana Scenic Loop (MT)
5. NW Passage (ID)
6. Hells Canyon & National Rec Area (OR, ID)
7. Salmon-Sawtooth Scenic Byways (ID)
8. Yellowstone-Grand Teton (WY, MT, ID) (ID)
9. Beartooth Highway (MT, WY)
10. Circle the Continental Divide (WY)

The designation was made by the US Federal Highway Administration and the destination is built upon its four All-American Roads, 10 National Parks and Recreation areas, four connecting National Historic Trails and includes more than 100 key partners, including State, Provincial, Regional, Local and Tribal organizations, as well as State and Federal Agencies and private businesses, organizations and individuals.

A comprehensive $564,000 (USD) marketing campaign is now underway to promote this unique geotourism initiative, with the majority of the funding coming from a National Scenic Byway grant. Partner contributors include Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Alberta and British Columbia. Kootenay Rockies Tourism is the coordinating agency for Tourism British Columbia and will provide all direction on the project on behalf of the province.

Campaign activities include branding, mapping, website, a driving map brochure, advertising, media relations and trade activities.

Look for the launch of DrivetheTop10.com this fall. It will also feature niche itineraries for hikers, etc.

Source: Kootenay Rockies Tourism

Vancouver's Bachelorette Jillian Harris & Suitors Stay at Emerald Lake Lodge

ABC's The Bachelorette star Jillian Harris and her suitors (as well as over 6.5 million TV viewers) are on their way to experience Emerald Lake Lodge in Field, BC

British Columbia was the backdrop for two previous episodes of The Bachelorette this season. The first saw Jillian showcase her hometown of Vancouver; from mountaintop dining at Grouse Mountain Resort to kayaking to Granville Island, viewers got a taste of the tourism possibilities available in Vancouver. From there, the show moved to Whistler where Jillian and the bachelors participated in some extraordinary experiences – including a snowmobile trip to the remote Callaghan Backcountry Lodge, ziptrekking over Fitzsimmons Creek and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Source: Kootenay Rockies Tourism

Castlegar Golf Course looks to welcome the RV golfers

Two RV units await the opening of the new Castlegar Golf Club's RV Park —photo by Keith Powell

One of the most popular golf courses in the West Kootenay, the Castlegar Golf Club is set to welcome RVing golfers with open arms in this summer. The 18-hole golf course is developing a 20+ site RV park adjacent to the clubhouse and parking lot--in amongst a grove of beautiful of evergreen trees.

Since many golfers arrive at the popular destination golf course in their RV's, general manager Brian Miller thinks it only makes sense to have a place for them to park their RV units--- and then stay and play a few extra rounds.

The new RV park will feature fully serviced lots and a shower and bath facility as well. Some of the lots are open now with the development fully operational later in the summer. The Castlegar Golf Club will be one of only a handful of golf courses that can offer RV'ers an on-site park like this one.

West Kootenay Storage company to open doors in South Slocan

Photo by Keith Powell

A massive new mini-storage company is under construction in South Slocan, half way between Nelson and Castlegar. It is located on the busy corner of Highway 3b and Highway #6. The spacious new development has excellent highway frontage visibility and will be fully fenced for security and paved for convenience. It will also feature a controlled gate with security cameras as well as easy drive-up access.

In addition to dozens of mini-storage units the new storage facility will also offer covered and open storage for units like trailers and RV's as well. The development is a project by well-known Nelson realtor Burke Jones and will known as West Kootenay Self Storage. West Kootenay Self Storage.

The plans include a residence for an on-site caretaker and other service/retail opportunities. Completion date is slated for mid-summer 2009.

UBC Recognizes Outstanding Contributions to Rural Education

Michael Balahura, Principal of Robson Community School, School District 20, has been awarded the UBC Marlane King and Joseph Ranallo Teaching Award for Outstanding Contributions to Rural Education. From left to right, Kere MacGregor and Naomi Ross, WKTEP Site Coordinators, Michael Balahura, Joe Ranallo, Retired WKTEP Instructor and Advisor, Tyanna Popoff, WKTEP Administrative Assistant and Linda Farr Darling, UBC Academic Coordinator for WKTEP.

Michael Balahura, Principal of Robson Community School, School District 20, has been awarded the UBC Marlane King and Joseph Ranallo Teaching Award for Outstanding Contributions to Rural Education.

In May, 2008, a special teaching award was created by Dean Robert Tierney in the Faculty of Education at UBC to honour the work of Marlane King and Joseph Ranallo who were the Site Coordinators for the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) from 1990-2008.

This year, Michael Balahura was selected to receive the award. Among his significant professional achievements as an educator in rural and small communities, Michael taught the special education course to appreciative WKTEP students for many years.

*This came as a big surprise to me,* explained Michael. *I became involved in teaching WKTEP students in the hope that they would become strong educators, prepared and happy to influence children and young adults who live outside the lower mainland. Seeing the success of the students and the growth of the program is a reward in itself. I never expected anything *external*, but I am certainly appreciative of, and humbled by, the recognition.*

For more information visit WKTEP

Consultant gives Boundary Area crash course in tourism development

Photo by Tanya Laing

Roger Brooks, a Seattle-based, economic and tourism development consultant recently released a 50 page report for the Boundary Area (Grand Forks and area). His report was entitled 12 Things you can do today to make a difference tomorrow (plus a primer on branding). Brooks company is called Destination Development International and has surveyed over 400 successful towns an downtown districts throughout North America to find the common ingredients that make them a thriving, healthy community.

The Ladies Only golf retreat is $329 per person for four people and is available June 16 to 20 and June 23 to 27. This two-day package is reserved for experienced golfers who want to continue improving their skills.

Here are his twelve points of distinction which he suggests communities must adopt...

1. Make the internet your top priority: The internet has changed everything in terms of tourism and economic development.
2. Self experiences (activities) not places: Always "evoke emotion" and concentrate on promoting activities that are different or better than what we can get or do closer to home.
3. Develop detailed itineraries: The easier you make it for visitors to enjoy activities the more compelling it will be.
4. Jettison the generic: People want specifics, not generalities.
5. Market the “hidden gems” that only the locals would know about: Consider creating a book of "hidden gems." These are great little places only local know about.
6. Start an “adoption program”: Create partnership with businesses and attractions.
7. Develop partnerships: The more you have to offer collectively, the further people will travel and the longer they will stay. You'll be a lot more effective as one loud voice than a bunch of small single voices.
8. Get lifelong customers: Look at way to connect with visitors or customers all year long. A simple post card or e-newsletter may be all that it takes.
9. Create invitations not rejections: Once visitors arrive in your community, are you creating invitations or rejections? Look at curb appeal of your businesses.
10. Promote your “anchor tenants”: You must promote key businesses just as Orlando promotes Disney World. These unique businesses make it worth a special trip or at least a stop on your way through town.
11. Recruit outside events & activities: Invite local and regional clubs and organizations to hold rallies, events and other activities in your town.
12. Connect the dots: With wayfinding signage to your attraction, amenities or local services.

Two Fernie businesses join to better your feet

Heather Callahan of Fernie Athletic Therapy and Alex Paquin of Peak Orthotics are pleased to announce their business alliance providing the Elk Valley with locally made Custom Foot Orthotics. It was a natural fit when Alex approached Heather to take over the foot assessment, gait analysis and scanning components of the business for the Elk Valley region. With Heather’s educational background and clinical experience, it was the perfect opportunity to change the focus of Alex’s original business from recreational retail to also include medical supply. It has also been a great opportunity for Heather to expand her business beyond the assessment and rehabilitation of injuries.

For more information please check out their website www.peakorthotics.com

Source: Fernie Chamber Newsletter. Photo source: Women's Enterprise

Ladies-only golf getaways for women launched at Fairmont Hot Springs

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is offering ladies-only golf packages that include a two night stay, golf clinic and a round of golf at Mountainside and Riverside golf courses.

If you’re looking for the perfect ladies-only golf getaway, you can enjoy a B.C. Rockies experience at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with their new Ladies Only Golf Retreats. These getaways are for beginners and experienced players alike, offering two separate packages.

The Ladies Only golf retreat is $329 per person for four people and is available June 16 to 20 and June 23 to 27. This two-day package is reserved for experienced golfers who want to continue improving their skills.

The Ladies Only Learn to Golf retreat is $300 and is also available June 16 to 20 and June 23 to 27. It is the perfect opportunity to begin learning golf in a relaxed and unintimidating setting.

Under the leadership of Peter Smith, the new director of golf, a new golf experience is being created at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort as they invest in the future and refine their amenities. For the last 11 years Smith has been director of golf for Greywolf at Panorama and was named Golf Professional of the Year by the BCPGA in 2005.

“We want to make sure we provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for women to come out to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and begin learning to play golf,” Peter Smith says. “Golf shouldn’t be intimidating and this is just another way to encourage more women to take up the sport.”

$1 Million Targeted to unearth KAT

Ruby Red Resources Inc.is pleased toannounce that Robert (Bob) Thompson, PhD, formerly of the Geological Surveyof Canada, will head the 2009 field program for the Company in theKimberley Gold Trend ("KAT"). Ruby Red anticipates spending up to $1,000,000this year to pursue gold and base metal targets in the KAT. Ruby Red is asmall company with a large land position (44,000 ha.) in south-easternBritish Columbia, Canada. Our mission: to define quality mineral explorationopportunities that can be developed in a sustainable and environmentallyresponsible manner and that can contribute to the economic and socialwell-being of local communities.

Dr. Thompson is a field geologist with more than 35 years experience. In thecourse of managing major multi-parameter geological programs for the GSC, hehas mapped extensively in the Yukon, north-eastern British Columbia, theQueen Charlotte Islands, south-central British Columbia and the Kootenays.From each project came innovative ideas that underscored geologicalunderstanding, new models, and resource potential. Most recently, hespearheaded a massive mapping and compilation project in southern BritishColumbia that is influencing the way we interpret Cordilleran evolution andis opening new mineral exploration frontiers.

Dr. Thompson is a graduate of Queen's University; BSc (hons) in 1968 and aPhD, PEng in 1972. In 1998, The Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologistsawarded him the R.J.W. Douglas medal for outstanding contributions to theunderstanding of sedimentary geology in Canada.

The 2009 program will focus on the Company's Eddy, Spirit Dream, Zinger andZeus properties within the KAT trend exploiting the known goldmineralization and developing drill targets on the properties. The Companyanticipates performing detailed geological mapping supported by soilgeochemistry and limited geophysical surveys to develop these targets.Diamond drilling of the targets is anticipated this field season. Permittingfor road / trail construction, trenching and diamond drilling is underway onall of the Company's properties including the Lov, Gar and Robocop.

Ruby Red was formed to participate in the acquisition, exploration anddevelopment of mineral claims in the Fort Steele Mining Division of BritishColumbia for the purpose of exploring for precious and base metals. Ruby Redholds 100% working interests in 144 mineral claims (approximately 44,000hectares), all located within 80 kilometres of Cranbrook, B.C. in thePurcell and Rocky Mountains.

www.rubyredresources.com

Columere Park wins award for excellence in energy efficiency

Columbia Valley’s Columere Park Developments Limited has won a Power Smart Excellence Award for demonstrating leadership in energy conservation. BC Hydro made the announcement at a ceremony in Vancouver on May 26 that also recognized 11 other winners from across the province.

“Conservation is the first and best choice for meeting our province’s electricity needs as we work towards self sufficiency,” said BC Hydro President and CEO Bob Elton. “Congratulations to all of our finalists and winners for the leadership they have demonstrated in energy efficiency and for the financial savings and operational benefits they will now realize.”

Columere Park Developments, located just south of Fairmont Hot Springs, received the Builder/Developer of the Year award for its Spirits Reach development. The first phase of this 500-acre master-planned community features the latest in renewable energy technologies and water conservation and environmental building practices.

Winners for the seventh annual awards were chosen from 34 finalists from the commercial, education, government, manufacturing, non-profit and retail sectors. Some other recipients include London Drugs, TELUS, BC Housing and BC Non-Profit Housing Association, and the Vancouver Aquarium.

BC Hydro also named Molson Canada, the Overwaitea Food Group, and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority as Power Smart Leaders. This designation is given to organizations that have demonstrated a continuous commitment to energy efficiency and have integrated energy conservation into every facet of their business. For more information and a complete list of winners, visit bchydro

North West Regional Mine Rescue Competition September 11th – 12th, 2009-06-01

The City of Fernie, British Columbia will once again proudly host the North West Regional Mine Rescue Competition on September 11th and 12th, 2009. This will be the ninth year the City has hosted this biennial event, and is expecting a total of 18 teams from across Canada and the United states to participate in the competition.

Only the team’s who have won the Provincial Mine Rescue Competition in their province or state for the year’s 2008 and 2009 are eligible to compete.

The seven person teams will compete in either underground or surface mine rescue tasks. The tasks are all timed, and will consist of simulated smoke, fire, first aid, obstacle and recovery problems, as well as bench and written tasks. Real victims add a sense of reality to the competition, and provide entertaining drama to the tasks.

Chair of the Committee, Cindy Corrigan explained that, “The purpose of the competition is to promote safety and awareness in the mining industry, and the area as well. The last competition in 2007 was a great success and we just keep getting bigger and better. We hope to meet and exceed those expectations this year and host a high quality competition once again.”

If anyone has any questions about the competition, or they would like to help out, they can e-mail Cindy Corrigan or phone 250 423 6817 or Garry MacDonald or phone 250 423 7381

Elko Dairy Bar Celebrates 43rd year in business

Source: Fernie Chamber Newsletter

3/93 Dairy Bar staff: (L-R) Hanna McIntyre, Linnaea Bolen, Gordon Holmes, Desiray Soley, Chelsea Soley, Vivian Dixon, Cathy Walker.

The 3 & 93 Dairy Bar has been an icon in Elko since 1966. A seasonal business open from May to September, it is well known for its delicious ice cream and hamburgers. The current owner, Gordon Holmes, has operated the 3 & 93 Dairy Bar (named because of its location at the junction of highways 3 and 93) going on 15 years.

In recent years, loyal customers have increased so much that the building had to be expanded and renovated to accommodate the rising demand.

Gordon believes in the philosophy of “doing only a few things, but do them well” and the concept must work as the guest book is full of compliments from people around the world.

An eye-catching attraction at the Dairy Bar is the antique train, “Peanut”, which was moved to Elko by the original Dairy Bar owner, Jack Crabb. The train, a compressed air locomotive, was originally purchased by Crowsnest Pass Coal in the early 1900s and was used to haul coal up and down the underground mine shafts in the Michel area until the early 1960s.

The 3 & 93 Dairy Bar has a laid back country atmosphere. The staff of eight, from the Elko, Jaffray and Baynes Lake area, actually look forward to coming to work and having fun with the customers and each other.

When you enjoy what you do the long hot summer days go by much faster. Not many people can actually say they like their jobs – but the friendly folk here definately do!

West Kootenay Moving and Storage Companies Expand

The new home of Trail Cartage & Storage and Star Transfer. Photo courtesy: Keith Powell

China Creek just north of Genelle, between Castlegar and Trail, is the new home of Trail Cartage & Storage and Star Transfer. The new Norsteel building, with great highway visibility, will feature spacious office space for the two companies owned and operated by Rick Donaldson.

It also features a massive 10,000 square foot heated storage warehouse which is attached. Construction is on going and completion is slated over the next six weeks or so.

The companies specialize in commercial and residential moving as well as short and long term storage.

Vancouver-based exploration company excited about new “Sullivan-like” find near Irishman Creek

Klondike Gold Corp's exciting new find. Photo courtesy: www.klondikegoldcorp.com

Klondike Gold Corp. (TSX-V:KG) has announced highly encouraging results from a recently drilled hole that intersected 155 meters of the prospective Sullivan horizon at the Irishman Property in southwestern British Columbia between Moyie and Yahk. The project is a joint venture with Sedex Mining Corp. (TSX-V: SDN).

The drilling by operator Klondike Gold was part of an ongoing exploration effort focused on the search for sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) deposits similar to the world-class Sullivan Mine near Kimberley, which closed in 2001 after producing more than 150 million tonnes averaging 6.9% lead, 5.1% zinc and 67 g/t silver.

Along with partner Sedex Mining Corp., the 'Company' is encouraged by the results of the recently drilled hole, which represents the thickest Sullivan-time interval intersected to date. The work programs are under the direction of Trygve Hoy, Ph.D. P. Eng., a former provincial government geologist who is now a world-recognized expert on the setting and controls for Sullivan type deposits in the Proterozoic Purcell Basin of southern BC. “This is an exciting drill hole, the best we have ever done and probably the best that has ever been drilled in the Purcell basin outside of the Sullivan area,” stated Dr. Hoy.

The Irishman hole, completed to a depth of 1,520 meters in late October of 2008, tested the Sullivan horizon at the south end of the Panda basin, a north-trending structural basin similar to the Sullivan basin hosting the past-producing Sullivan Mine, 40 km to the north. The 155 meters of Sullivan horizon intersected by the Irishman drill-hole exhibit many characteristics of exhalative activity, typical of the distal fringes of SEDEX mineralization in a basin setting. This favourable horizon comprises mainly massive sulphide fragmentals with zones of alteration and visible sulphides — pyrrhotite, sphalerite and galena — mineralization.

Klondike Gold is a large landholder in the Klondike District of the Yukon Territory, an area which produced between six and twelve million ounces of gold during its historic gold rush. The Company also holds a 50% interest with partner Chalice Diamond Corp in approximately 78,000 acres of diamond properties located in the Chapleau-Wawa region of Ontario and a number of properties in southeastern British Columbia.

More complete analyses will be posted on Klondike Gold's website, www.klondikegoldcorp.com.

Castlegar Muffler Constructing New Building

A photo of Castlegar Muffler. Photo courtesy: Keith Powell

Castlegar Muffler is on the move. The longtime automotive service business, which is owned and operated by Irwin Dodds, will be relocating to new location south of Castlegar later this summer.

The new shop will feature four service bays plus one drive-up bay to handle larger commercial work. The new shop is being built on Blueberry Road next to Kenyon’s Auto Body in the Castlegar industrial park area.

In addition to specializing in muffler/exhaust systems, Castlegar Muffler also repairs radiators and offers full mechanical service.

Fernie economic development forum June 9, 2009

A photo of Fernie and it’s surrounding area. Photo courtesy: Jody Mendenhall

Would you like to be part of an exciting process to look at economic development opportunities in the City of Fernie and surrounding area? Can we harness your enthusiasm about sustainable economic development during this period of slowdown? Do you have exciting ideas to share with a larger group?

If you do, then you need to attend the City hosted ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM on June 9th. Mike Stolte, a vibrant facilitator with plenty of experience, will help us focus our energy on plans for economic stimulus for the city and its citizens. Can we keep people working, keep pay-cheques coming in and thus encouraging spending in the community to keep us vibrant and economically secure.

The forum is on Tuesday June 9th from 1-4 pm and 7-10 pm at the Fernie Community Centre. The two parts will help us focus on the information (or data) that is important to help us understand who we are and the second part will move us into some type of action plan.

A short survey is available online at www.mikestolte.com for you to complete as a way to help us identify the untapped opportunities for Fernie.

Respond to Cindy Corrigan at cindy.corrigan@fernie.ca or 250 423 2233 no later than Friday June 5th

Doug Stokes: Mining Person of the Year

May 4, 2009: Doug Stokes (l) Presented with Mining Person of the Year 2008 Award by MABC Chairman, David Parker, Teck Resources (r) Photo courtesy: MABC

The Mining Association of B.C., recently handed out the hardware during Mining Week in British Columbia which included the prestigious Mining Person of the Year Award. This year’s award was presented to Doug Stokes, who recently retired from Teck Coal, a division of Vancouver-based Teck Resources Ltd.

Stokes held a number of senior management position for many years at Elk Valley Coal and its predecessor Fording Coal in the Elk Valley.

Stokes was honoured for his contribution over a long mining career to the development and implementation of the B.C. Mining Code, a legislative instrument that has helped enable one of the industry’s great recent achievements--the best safety record of any heavy industry in the province.

At the same event Kamloops company Absorbent Products and the Upper Similkameen Indian Band were awarded with the Mining and Sustainability Award.