Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

New Environmental Consulting Company in Fernie

Carmen graduated from BCIT with a Diploma of Technology in Occupational Health and Safety. Carmen is now a competent asbestos laboratory analyst. Photo courtesy: BCIT

Pacific Environmental, a Vancouver-based company has opened an office in Fernie. Carmen Smith who grew up in Fernie, is Pacific Environmental’s new consultant in the Elk Valley. She has recently moved back to the Elk Valley, happy to be returning to small town life and being able to provide services in her community that will help people live and work in a safe and healthy environment.

In, 2006 Carmen graduated from BCIT with a Diploma of Technology in Occupational Health and Safety. Carmen has been working with Pacific Environmental Consulting for the past two years in Victoria, BC, where she has become a competent asbestos laboratory analyst and has completed asbestos abatment projects for both residential and commercial clients. She has attained a wide range of skills required to be a successful consultant with Pacific through her education and previous work experience as a Safety Coordinator in the petroleum sector. This includes worker exposure monitoring, worker training, indoor air quality assessments, confined space programs, mould assessments and health and safety programs. She also has had work experience in several other industries, over the years, including ski instruction in BC and Australia, operation of coal mine trucks (mine rescue/first-aid), and hiking trail construction.

Pacific Environmental head office is in North Vancouver and branch offices are located in Fernie, Victoria, Fraser Valley, Prince George, and Nanaimo. Pacific Environmental has been providing diverse environmental consulting services throughout western Canada since 1990 and boasts a staff of industry leaders with a wealth of experience including professional engineers, certified industrial hygienists, registered professional biologist, Canadian registered safety professionals, and occupational health and safety technicians.

Delta Announces Weekly Summer Service

Delta’s weekly service to Cranbrook will run every Saturday starting June 20th to September 5, 2009. Photo courtesy: Keith Powell

Delta Air Lines will fly to Canadian Rockies International Airport for the summer season in 2009. The announcement of continued jet air service between Cranbrook and Delta’s western hub at Salt Lake City was made today, as the winter service came to an end with the last flight on March 29. The summer service will begin June 20 with once a week Saturday flights servicing YXC (Canadian Rockies International) until September 5 (Labour Day weekend.)

“Delta has been evaluating all routes within their network since the merger with Northwest Airlines and particularly in light of the economic uncertainty in the U.S,” comments YXC Managing Director, Phillip Elchitz. “We are delighted that we will be enjoying continued service to YXC for the summer season based on strong results shown during our first winter season, which is now complete. Despite many challenges associated with starting up a new route such as ours, February and March showed strong bookings and solid support from the community.”

“Our ski season started slowly in the Kootenay Rockies region and that was reflected in our December and January inbound numbers. But, as the season picked up and word continued to spread of our region’s new accessibility through Delta service, our load factors grew quickly and demonstrated a solid trend line right to the end of the season,” said Chris Dadson, President of Kootenay Rockies Tourism.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism staff and their winter resort partners are attending a number of trade marketplaces this spring, beginning with the Mountain Travel Symposium in Keystone, CO this week, to talk with tour operators about the second season of winter service.

The Delta flights from Cranbrook to Salt Lake City connect to hundreds of other cities worldwide. Bookings can now be made online at www.Delta.com or through your local travel agent.

Eagle Plains Announces Joint Venture to Produce Gold at Yellowjacket

SA photo gallery of the property and mill equipment may be found here

Cranbrook-based Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (EPL:TSX-V) and Prize Mining Corp. (PRZ:TSX-V) jointly announce that the companies have executed a Letter of Intent containing the principle terms by which, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the two parties will form a joint-venture to facilitate the production of gold and conduct further exploration and development of the Yellowjacket Zone on the Atlin Gold Property, located 9 kilometres east of Atlin, in north-western British Columbia.

Under terms of the Letter of Intent, Eagle Plains will purchase a 40% interest in the project by providing $2,000,000 CDN in working capital. These funds will be used to clear existing liens and obligations on the property, in addition to completing upgrades of the existing mill facility and covering costs related to engineering, permitting and environmental compliance. Eagle Plains will in turn receive 60% of all net proceeds of production up to $2,000,000, at which time it will revert to a 40/60 working interest. Eagle Plains will have the option of increasing its working interest to 60% by making payments to Prize totaling $2,000,000 by the sixth anniversary. It is expected that commercial production activity will commence by the third quarter of 2009. The joint venture remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including the execution of the definitive purchase and joint venture agreement.

The Yellowjacket Zone of the Atlin Gold Property is accessible year-round by all-weather road. The claims lie along the Pine Creek valley which is an historic and continuing placer gold producing area. Basic supplies and material to support mining activity can be readily sourced out of Atlin, and specialty services may be secured in Whitehorse, Yukon, located 180 kilometres north via Highway 7 and the Alaska Highway. Hydro-electric power has been recently established to within three kilometres of the property boundary. The Atlin placer camp ranks as the second largest producer of placer gold in the province. Mining has been the economic mainstay for the town of Atlin since the discovery of gold on Pine Creek in 1897. The mineralized zone at Yellowjacket underlies significant historical surface disturbance. Downstream topographical features have rendered Pine Creek a “low-value” fish habitat.

Gold mineralization at Yellowjacket consists of coarse gold hosted in quartz stockworks and silicified zones in brittle volcanic and altered ultramafic rocks. Gold mineralization occurs along a prominent fault structure which is interpreted to control the distribution of placer gold reported in the area. The Yellowjacket Zone coarse gold mineralization has a pronounced “nugget effect” where adjacent samples within the same mineralized zone can have widely varying gold values. This prompted Prize in 2006 to proceed with a bulk-sampling program in order to evaluate the deposit in an economic framework. Prize engaged a number of prominent engineering, metallurgical and environmental consultants to carry out permitting, pit design, mill design and fabrication work. Regular consultation was made with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (“TRTFN”).

Excavation activity commenced in 2007 under a 10,000 tonne bulk sample permit. A modern milling facility was constructed, and includes a 1000 kW generator, ball mill, SAG mill, feeders, pumps, conveyors, three Knelson concentrators, magnetic separator, Diester and Gemini tables and an on-site assay laboratory. Test work indicated preliminary recoveries of 81%, with ore head-grades of approximately 9.0 g/t gold. Test work done on the rock units excavated from the pit have found them to be non-acid generating.

Tim Termuende, President and CEO of Eagle Plains states “We are excited about participating with Prize Mining on this project. We recognize the quality and incredible amount of work required to bring the project to this stage, and are pleased to be able to provide financial and technical assistance to advance it, ultimately to the benefit of the local community, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Prize Mining and shareholders of Eagle Plains.” Harry McGucken, President of Prize Mining, added “we are extremely pleased with this new association and what Eagle Plains and its team bring to this project. The addition of their technical expertise will now enable the project to get to the next level of development for the benefit of all concerned.”

First Golf Course to Open this Year - Ski and Golf in Same Day

A golfer makes a drive at Riverside at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Riverside is the first resort golf course to open in B.C.’s Columbia Valley. Photo courtesy: Fairmont Hot Springs

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is the place to be this spring for a unique B.C. Rockies experience. Riverside Golf Course is the first Resort course to open in the Columbia Valley on March 26. Thanks to Fairmont Hot Springs’ unique location on the warm side of the Rockies, you can head up the mountain to ski at the family ski hill in the morning, and catch a round of 18 holes in the afternoon.

“We’re in such a special place here in the Valley where the climate gives us a window of time where skiing and golfing in the same day is very practical,“ Harrison McKay, marketing manager for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, says. “It’s truly a B.C. Rockies experience like none other.”

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 continue to invest in the future and refine their amenities. For the last 11 years Smith has been director of golf for Greywolf at Panorama and has also been the head professional and managed The Springs Golf and Country Club in Radium, B.C. In addition he was named Golf Professional of the Year by the BCPGA in 2005.

This year’s golfers will be treated to a new food and beverage experience at the Mountainside and Riverside courses, thanks to a new husband and wife management team. Head Chef Adrian McCormack and his wife Lara are taking the helm at Riverside’s clubhouse, and bring a celebrity flavour to the menu. McCormack apprenticed in the U.K. under renowned celebrity chef and creator of The Food Network, Antony Worrall Thompson, and brings nearly 20 years of experience to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Lara is a restaurant management professional with worldwide experience. She has worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the U.K., including St. Andrews Links Clubhouse in Scotland, and J. Sheekey’s in London. The duo is teaming up to operate the newly named Dapper’s Landing restaurant at Riverside, The Rockies at Riverside gasto-pub and Mountainside Clubhouse. All of the dining options have been renovated for the new golf season and have new menus created by the McCormacks.

“Our menu philosophy brings you a fresh, seasonal menu created by chefs with a passion to bring simple, flavourful dishes to satisfy all palates.” McCormack says. “We believe in supporting local producers in British Columbia and Alberta to bring the best quality and flavour to the table.”

With three courses, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers 45 holes of golf at its picturesque location on Hwy. 93/95 in the majestic B.C. Rockies, one hour from Cranbrook, B.C. and three hours west of Calgary, Alta.

Columbia Basin Trust appoints one new director

Columbia Basin Trust welcomes the new board appointment of Richard (Kim) Deane. Photo courtesy: CBT

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) welcomes one new member to its board this year and would like to recognize the reappointment of five current members.

Richard (Kim) Deane’s two-year appointment to the board is effective March 31, 2009.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Kim’s calibre and experience join our Board, said Garry Merkel, CBT Board Chair. “Kim is actively involved in his community and his strong history in energy and power will be an asset.”

Deane is a Professional Engineer and has worked in Canada and abroad in utilities and on new mining projects. He also served as Energy Manager for Cominco Ltd. in Trail, overseeing their hydro operations and sales of surplus power, and was directly involved in several sales of power assets. Following retirement from Cominco he served on the BC Utilities Commission as an energy consultant, as a Director of FortisBC and as a volunteer director for Community Futures in Trail.

As a long time Basin resident, Deane holds a thorough understanding of the region's assets as well as the concerns it is facing. Deane said he looks forward to helping more residents connect with CBT.

“CBT is special - very few regions have anything like it,*#8221; said Deane. “CBT’s mission to create a legacy of well-being is a unique opportunity for Basin residents and communities - beyond anything provided by government. I look forward to helping CBT deliver on its mandate throughout the Columbia Basin region.”

The reappointed Board members include:

• Mike Berg from Nelson, is reappointed for a two-year term
• Jim Miller from Creston, is reappointed for a two-year term
• Gregory Deck from Radium Hot Springs, is reappointed for a two-year term;
• Paul Peterson from Burton, nominated by the Regional District of Central Kootenay, is reappointed for a two-year term;
• William Trewhella from Warfield, nominated by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, is reappointed for a one-year term.

Existing members include Denise Birdstone from Grasmere, Evelyn Cutts from Fernie, Garry Merkel from Kimberley, Ron Miles from Cranbrook, Loni Parker from Revelstoke and Jeannette Townsend from Valemount.

To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org

West Kootenay Recruitment Video Captures Award

Selkirk College’s Pat Henman accepts the bronze award for the best recruitment video. Photo courtesy: Selkirk College

Selkirk College’s Donor Development Coordinator, Pat Henman, recently attended the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District 8 Conference in Seattle, WA, and accepted the bronze award on behalf of the college for “Best Recruitment Video”.

The competition was open to post-secondary institutions across North America and was selected from over 784 entries. Selkirk’s video was created in 2007 by Digital Arts and New Media Alumni Jeremy Kenning, Scotty Carlson, Markus Nurmi and Ryan Thibault of Juicy Studios in Rossland, BC. Former Institutional Marketing Coordinator of Selkirk College, Lucie Fortier, received credit as the Project Manager.

To view the video, visit www.selkirk.ca/students.

Kootenay Region Residential Statistics

Yara Chard points out that the Kootenays still offers some great real estate values. Photo courtesy: www.nelsonlocal.com

I received a newsletter from Yara Chard who is a realtor in Nelson in which she highlighted some interesting real estate statistics.

Chard points out that the Kootenays still offers some great real estate values. Here’s her comments… “If you are interested in purchasing real estate in the Kootenays during this buyers market but you are unsure where to invest during these slower economic times, take a look at the 2008 year end boundary breakdown. For individuals holding onto the dream of home ownership, or first time investment opportunities there are still some affordable housing prices in the smaller communities throughout the Kootenay region. As per the Kootenay Real Estate Board Statistics for the end of December 2008 the averages on real estate in the Kootenay Boundaries were as followed: (bear in mind these numbers can be skewed with large or small $ volume individual transactions).” For more info visit www.nelsonlocal.com

Residential Sales Only

• Castlegar $276,021
• Cranbrook $320,164
• Creston $249,657
• Golden $309,507
• Grand Forks $239,805
• Greenwood $177,875
• Midway $168,642
• Montrose $242,600
• Nakusp $249,972
• Rossland $314,874
• Salmo $219,154
• Silverton $N/A
• Warfield $183,705
• Elkford $287,140
• Fernie $513,899
• Fruitvale $265,884
• Invermere $416,984
• Kaslo $291,625
• Kimberley $272,123
• Nelson $359,711
• New Denver $192,750
• Radium $340,000
• Slocan $167,250
• Sparwood $304,939
• Trail $202,742

EKCCU Reviews 17 Community Projects Valued At Over $1 Million

Monique DuBois from Key City Theatre speaks with Arden Thacker concerning the “solid ground” project. Photo courtesy: East Kootenay Community Credit Union

East Kootenay Community Credit Union has reviewed the 17 applications for the $25,000 Community Award. The requests received were for excellent projects that will benefit the community. Of the 17 applications, six fit all the criteria for the award. “I was very impressed by the 17 community projects. The total value of all projects was valued at over $1 million!” stated Diane Baher, senior manager of the Cranbrook branch EKCCU.

EKCCU has confirmed the following groups are self-sustaining over the long term, and would use the single award of $25,000 to create a lasting legacy in the Cranbrook community, supporting the social, economic or environmental well-being of Cranbrook. Don Holt, board chair, commented, “The level of professionalism and significant community impact the 17 applications contained was incredible.” He went on to say, “This award is an example of EKCCU’s commitment to our communities in good times and also when things are a little tougher”.

The six groups to move on in the award process include:

1. East Kootenay Foundation for Health – Daybreak community programming bus
2. Key City Theatre “Solid Ground Project” – replacement of floor at the theatre
3. Improvement of Cranbrook Ball Fields – bleachers and nets
4. South Star Recreation Trail System - enhancement
5. Kootenay East Youth Soccer Association (KEYSA)– start-up equipment and jerseys
6. Cranbrook Curling Club – facility enhancement

EKCCU looks forward to the next step where the selected participants will showcase their projects. The groups will appear on a Shaw Cable production, on radio and will showcase their projects. April 2nd and 3rd at the Cranbrook Credit Union branch. The winner will be determined by members of EKCCU voting for their favourite. Each member, young and old, will be eligible to vote. All members are encouraged to vote at the Cranbrook branch April 2nd and 3rd.

The winner will be announced at the AGM April 15th 2009.

Springer Creek Forest Products completes energy efficient upgrades with assistance of FortisBC PowerSense

With FortisBC as a partner, Springer Creek Forest Products recently upgraded its lumber mill. Photo courtesy: www.fortisbc.com

With FortisBC as a partner, Springer Creek Forest Products recently upgraded its lumber mill with new energy efficient equipment and technology, improving air quality in the Slocan Valley and saving tens of thousands of dollars in electricity costs.

“It is rare to get a win/win opportunity like this, where we can lessen our impact on the environment, improve air quality and at the same time reduce operating costs,” said Ralph Tomlin, general manager, Springer Creek Forest Products. “In challenging economic times like these, it is important to be as efficient as possible, and we appreciate the support we have received from FortisBC on this project.”

FortisBC provided a $43,000 PowerSense rebate to Springer Creek Forest Products in Slocan, after the company incorporated energy efficient upgrades and technology in several areas of its mill and operations. The most significant component of the project was completed in August 2008. The mill’s old beehive burner and its 1,300-horsepower motors were decommissioned and a new hogging system was installed to process the wood waste. The hog uses half the horsepower and processes the wood waste in half the time of the beehive burner.

The raw material going into the hog consists primarily of sawdust, bark, shavings and some white wood.

3nd Annual Business, Education and Career Expo ready to roll

Don’t miss the upcoming Business, Education and Career Expo at the College of the Rockies.

Over the last two years, Kootenay Business has teamed up with the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and College of the Rockies (COTR) to give employers and potential employees an opportunity to network at the popular Business, Education and Career Expo. The 2009 Business, Education and Career Expo is one of the easiest ways businesses can connect with a wide range of potential employees.

Nearly 50 employers will participate in the 2009 Business, Education and Career Expo, including major businesses and community services such as Interior Health, CGA’s, RCMP and many more. The event will bring companies into contact with COTR students as well as area high school students, offering businesses a chance to get young people interested in their industry.

The Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce will host a business luncheon at the College of the Rockies from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Guest speakers will be from the Cranbrook Economic Development office as they present the new brand image being developed for the City.

Business, Education and Career Expo

• When: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Business Luncheon and Networking from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Career Fair from 1 to 5 p.m.
• Where: College of the Rockies - Cranbrook
• Info: Keith Powell, publisher of Kootenay Business, keith@kpimedia.com

Also: Career Connections—Invermere—Monday, April 6th, 2009; Career Connections—Fernie – Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

CBT Re-launches Youth-Led Scratch Magazine

Source: Columbia Basin Trust eNewsletter

Scratch Issue 12 - Winter 2009: This issue features a complete redesign, more relevant information, interesting stories, poems and more.

Communities across the Basin received copies of CBT’s redesigned youth-led Scratch magazine in February when Dana Welsh, CBT Basin Youth Liaison, delivered the latest edition to coffee shops, schools, youth centres and book stores.

“I am amazed by the reception the new Scratch magazine has received so far,” said Welsh after returning from her delivery tour. “It is great to see that all the work put into the redesign of this magazine is getting people’s attention and providing a medium that CBT and Basin youth can be proud of.”

Scratch magazine provides a forum for youth in the Columbia Basin to share their art, ideas and experiences with each other. The magazine is created by and for youth as a way to examine issues in their lives, and propel their creativity forward through sharing.

“During a program evaluation we consulted with groups of youth from across the Basin and discussed how to create a better venue for the art and other submissions we receive from youth,” explained Welsh. “This year we implemented many changes to support the direction that these focus groups gave us, including printing the magazines on higher quality paper to better showcase the submitted art, but still using paper that is environmentally friendly.”

The next edition is already in the works and Basin youth can get involved in three ways:

• Submit works of art, poetry, photography and editorials on health, travel, community initiatives and volunteerism via CBT’s youth website www.scratchonline.ca
• Get involved with the Scratch editorial committee which reviews and selects feature submissions for each edition.
• Share the magazine with friends and let them know about the opportunity to have their work published.
• CBT is also looking for community mentors and reporters to take part in Scratch.

“We would love to find a youth reporter who could write articles on topics that interest and inspire youth as well as adult mentors who are willing to volunteer their time to assist youth in producing the best possible articles, art or poetry for submission to Scratch Magazine,” said Welsh. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Dana Welsh at 1.800.505.8998 or e-mail dwelsh@cbt.org.

Copies of Scratch magazine can be found at various coffee shops, schools, youth and community centres and book stores. For a list of venues in your community or to subscribe or view the magazine online, visit www.scratchonline.ca.

New Owners at Fernie Ford

Source: Fernie Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Jim and Loretta Ryley are now running day-to-day operations at Fernie Ford. Photo by: Fernie Chamber of Commerce

Jim, Loretta and son Ryley Johnson moved back to Fernie a little over two years ago. Jim grew up in Fernie, the son of Betty and Bud Johnson, and is the oldest of four children.

Jim has worked in the automotive industry with Ford for the past 20+ years. His positions have included vehicle sales, fleet sales, purchaser for five dealerships and sales manager.

Loretta has worked for Ford for the past 10 years, starting out as a service writer, and is now in charge of fixed operations at Fernie Ford Sales Ltd.

Jim and Loretta started their partnership at Fernie Ford in December of 2008 and are running the day-to-day operations of the dealership. The Ryleys are enjoying living in Fernie again and look forward to many happy years here.

Come in and visit them at Fernie Ford Sales Ltd., 1492 Highway 3, Fernie, B.C; Phone: 250-423-9211.

Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa offers excellent commercial space

Allyson Hunter of Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa shows KRREA and chamber directors the many amenities in the new resort’s show suite. Photo by: Keith Powell

As part of a recent tour of Kimberley by the board of directors of the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance (KRREA), Allyson Hunter, marketing director for the new Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa, gave the group a behind-the-scenes look at the impressive new resort.

In addition to the 68 luxury rooms that Mountain Spirit offers, the spacious new resort also has allocated a plus-4,000-square-foot space for a high-end restaurant and a plus-900-square-foot space for a possible convenience store (an outlet that is desperately needed on the hill). Mountain Spirit has already secured an operator for the lodge’s luxury 6,000-square-foot, two-floor spa facility. Entrepreneurs or commercial operators are invited to check out the restaurant and convenience store opportunity.

Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa reports that over 50% of their units have been sold already and the first construction phase is nearing completion. They are anticipating an official grand opening of both phases, possibly as early as the May long weekend.

Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa offers both full and quarterly fractional ownership to prospective buyers. For more info visit their website at www.mountainspiritresort.ca

Plans for Kimberley Conference Centre Unveiled

An artist’s conception of the new Conference Centre and Paralympic Training Facility soon to be built at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Photo by: Keith Powell

At a recent board meeting of the directors of the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance (KRREA) the economic benefits of the new Kimberley Conference Centre were highlighted.

The Conference Centre and Paralympic Training Facility will be located right at the base of the Kimberley Alpine Resort, just in front of the RCR administration offices. The spacious convention space will be on the lower floor (dividable into two conference areas) with the Paralympic Training Facility on the second floor—allowing for direct access to the high-speed quad for disabled athletes.

Kimberley Chamber of Commerce president Don McCormick and the City of Kimberley EDO, Carol McGregor, spoke highly of the positive impact the new Conference Centre will have on Kimberley, especially by adding business to the traditionally slower shoulder seasons.

Total budget on the project for the Conference Centre will be $5.9 million. Building tenders are set to be issued by mid-March, with projected construction slated for later this spring and completion in the spring of 2010.

KRREA tours Tyee Log Homes

The directors of KRREA took the opportunity to visit value-added wood manufacturer Tyee Log Homes in Kimberley. Photo by: Keith Powell

The board of directors of the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance (KRREA) recently held their monthly meeting in Kimberley. KRREA was hosted by the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce to lunch and a tour of area businesses.

One such successful business they toured was Tyee Log Homes. The directors were shown by Rob Wheeler, partner in the company, how Tyee mills and manufacturers their timberframes and logs. The company primarily serves the local Kootenay market with log and timberframe homes, taking projects from conception to complete build-out. The company has done 93 log and timber structures and 18 custom homes since moving to Kimberley in 2003.

They source their logs from various regional log sort yards and have constructed many of the log homes near the Kimberley Alpine Resort. The company is currently supplying the timber framing for the nearly complete Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa.

Tyee Log Homes employs up to 15 during their peak season. They produce handcrafted scribe-fit logs, log post and beam, timberframe and commercial structures as well as custom milling of high quality timbers. For more information about them visit their website at www.tyeeloghomes.com

East Side Mario’s set to open in Cranbrook

Popular Italian-style eatery East Side Mario’s will soon open in this newly renovated space in Cranbrook. Photo by: Keith Powell

An East Side Mario’s restaurant is slated to open in Cranbrook as soon as renovations to the existing building are completed.

The Cranbrook East Side Mario’s franchise will open in the former location of Boston Pizza and most recently Dante’s Restaurant. The building is undergoing extensive interior and exterior renovations, which are being completed by a host of tradespeople including custom builder Dueck Enterprises.

Prime Restaurants of Canada, the owner of the East Side Mario’s brand, has achieved significant growth in the past 10 years, expanding the number of restaurants operated from 88 in 1997 to about 160 in 2007. The founders of Prime, pioneers since 1979 in the Canadian casual dining industry, opened the first Casey’s restaurant in 1980 in Sudbury, Ontario.

New Executive Director for KRREA

Patti K. Phillips comes on board as the new executive director of the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance (KRREA). Photo by: Carrie Schafer

The Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance has a new executive director, Patti K. Phillips. She took over the position in late January with the position having been vacant for a number of months.

“A great deal of time and energy have gone into a number of projects already in the works. I’m very excited about seeing these projects through to completion,” says Phillips. She adds, “The foundations of this organization are very strong; a lot of work has gone into infrastructure and ensuring a good solid core to build on and move forward from.”

Phillips brings to the organization a strong economic, community and regional background. She has most recently worked as a manager for an aboriginal business advocacy society.

In addition to maintaining current projects and programs, Phillips intends to explore other opportunities for the organization with the guidance of the board and the organization’s strategic plan. If you are interested in more information about KRREA or becoming a partner member, Patti Phillips can be reached at info@krrea.org or toll free at 1-866-534-9902.

Mitsubishi Motors to make debut in Kootenays

Ongoing construction continues at Cranbrook’s newest automotive dealership, as new Mitsubishi vehicles start arriving. Photo by: Keith Powell

While the new Mitsubishi dealership on Cranbrook’s busy Victoria Avenue is still under construction several of the company’s new cars arrived last week in the Key City.

The new auto outlet will be the first Mitsubishi dealership in the Kootenays. Mitsubishi’s lineup includes the popular Eclipse, Lancer and Galant automobiles and the Outlander and Endeavor SUVs. The vehicles are manufactured in Japan, with Mitsubishi’s Canadian head office located in Vancouver.

The new dealership will be owned and operated by Kevin Nichol, former owner of the Import Auto Group in Cranbrook. All indications are that the new Mitsubishi dealership should be open later in the spring or early summer of 2009.

The auto dealership is part of the Victoria Crossing development, which includes the new TD Bank and a new building which houses Iris Vision Care.

Delta Flights a Winner

A recent sold-out Delta flight unloads passengers and luggage at the Canadian Rockies International Airport in anticipation of a quick turn-around back to Salt Lake City. Photo by: Keith Powell

From personal experience the new Delta flights from Cranbrook to Salt Lake City are a real winner. My wife Linda recently had to take an unexpected trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and she was able to fly with ease from the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook.

With a quick transfer in Salt Lake City, she was soon on her way to Minneapolis—she said the airport in Salt Lake City was easy to navigate and there were lots of Delta representatives to help out. Both her flights—coming and going—to Salt Lake City were almost 100% full and she tells me that the jet was abuzz with excitement about how great it was to have Cranbrook and the Kootenays served by such great air service.

Delta has not officially confirmed if they will continue the air service this summer after the current winter season wraps up, but by all indications, their first foray into Cranbrook has proven to be a hit with local and visiting travellers.

There is a seat sale on the Delta flights until March 13th and the winter season flight schedule will be completed on March 28th.

New Director at the Columbia Valley’s Largest Golf Resort

Submitted by: Ian Fraser

Peter Smith, new director of golf operations at Fairmont Hot Springs Golf Resort. Photo courtesy: www.cleanpix.com

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, the largest golf operator in B.C.’s Columbia Valley, is excited to welcome Peter Smith as their new director of golf operations.

Smith moves across the valley from Panorama’s Greywolf Golf Course and brings a wealth of experience to the three golf courses at Fairmont Hot Springs. Smith will be responsible for golf operations at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s two championship courses, Mountainside and Riverside Golf Courses, and its nine-hole Creekside Golf Course.

“I’m very happy to have the opportunity to stay in the Columbia Valley and to take on the challenge of uniting two championship courses under one banner,” Smith says. “This season will be very busy and we will have several exciting announcements coming up.” For the last 10 years Smith has been director of golf for Greywolf at Panorama and has also been the head professional and managed The Springs Golf and Country Club in Radium, B.C. In addition he was named Golf Professional of the Year by the BCPGA in 2005.

“This is an exciting step forward for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and we are confident that Peter Smith will continue to help us create more of a good thing here,” Guy Chartier, president of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, says. “With more than 30 years of experience in the golf industry, Peter will be invaluable as we continue to create a B.C. Rockies golf experience like no other,”.

With three courses, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers 45 holes of golf at its picturesque location on Highway 93/95 in the majestic B.C. Rockies, one hour from Cranbrook, B.C. and three hours west of Calgary, AB. The Riverside Golf Course is an 18-hole course set on the majestic Columbia River with the rugged Rocky Mountains as its backdrop. The winding Columbia River creates a natural and peaceful water challenge as fairways roll gently along its sloping banks.

Mountainside Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course with fairways skirting towering peaks and a view of Columbia Lake. This meticulously maintained mature course was the first 18-hole course to be built in the Columbia Valley. Creekside, the par 3, nine-hole golf course, is the perfect choice for a family golf experience or those looking to learn the sport, or just brush up on their skills.

“Welcome to Kaslo” Sign and Timber Frame Kiosks Complete

Submitted by: Ian Fraser

The new Welcome to Kaslo signs direct visitors downtown to Kaslo’s Visitor Information Centre. Photo courtesy: www.cbt.org

This January Kaslo’s new entranceway sign project was created as a joint initiative of the Kaslo and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kaslo Trailblazers Society.

An ambitious undertaking, the more than $20,000 project was funded by Columbia Basin Trust, the Regional District of Central Kootenay and by 16 Chamber of Commerce members.

The new Welcome to Kaslo signs direct visitors downtown to Kaslo’s Visitor Information Centre, and highlight Kaslo’s cultural and recreational tourism opportunities. One part of the new sign also lists merchants that can be found in Kaslo.

The two pullout areas around the signs (one to the west and one to the south of Kaslo) will eventually have a picnic area with picnic tables, garbage cans and landscaping improvements. All the entranceway improvements will ensure that visitors to Kaslo have an exceptional first impression of the community.

The signs are all-weather and vandal-resistant with an estimated 10-year lifespan and were designed and supplied by Ian Fraser & Associates. Project management was by Val Koenig of the Trailblazers and Geoff Beer of the chamber.

This project’s legacy will be increased tourism and awareness of the strengths of Kaslo and area. Thank you, CBT, for your generous legacy contribution to this forward-looking project.