A regular report on newsworthy business developments
in the Kootenays…
JUNE 29 Mainroad launches a new identity
Mainroad Group has introduced a new brand identity to its valued customers and suppliers. A big part of their brand identity is the new Mainroad logo, a strong mark created to highlight their focus on roads and to underscore the diverse nature of the company today, its growth, industry positioning and vision for the future. Other applications for the new branding, including vehicles, building signage, website, letterhead and promotional materials will roll out over the next few months and eventually include everything that carries the Mainroad name.
Work on the new brand identity project began last fall as a direct result of strategic planning workshops where management determined that Mainroad's business had grown and diversified to the point where a review and update of their brand image was a worthwhile investment to assist Mainroad in delivering their strategic vision for the future within a changing and more competitive industry environment.
Mainroad will be officially launching their new brand identity at "open houses" being scheduled for key operating locations in the province.
JUNE 28 Selkirk College president elected Board Chair of National Community Colleges Organization
Marilyn Luscombe
Selkirk College President Marilyn Luscombe was recently elected board chair of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), a post-secondary education advocacy group representing over 150 member colleges and institutes across Canada.
Luscombe, who served as a board member of the ACCC for the past three years and vice-chair for two, was re-elected to the board as one of two BC-Yukon regional representatives by BC-Yukon voting delegates present at the association's annual general meeting in Montreal in May. She was then elected chair by the other board members.
"I am very pleased and honoured to be chosen by my colleagues across Canada to be involved in this leadership work," Luscombe said. "As chair of the ACCC board, I will be providing governance leadership with a twelve-member board of directors-two presidents from each of the ACCC's six regions and the president as ex-officio."
JUNE 26 Veggie oil to deliver veggies
Endless Harvest is now using vegetable oil to deliver organic vegetables.
“Biodiesel is the ideal fuel for us, as an organic food home delivery service,” says Velvet Kavanagh, owner of Endless Harvest. “It fits right in with the organic food we offer, and our desire to reduce our environmental impact. The most immediate effect is that our truck hardly smells anymore—it’s amazing! We’ve had people stop our drivers to ask about it. You can stand right by the tailpipe and barely notice.”
After some experimentation and research, Endless Harvest has opted to use B20, a blend of 20 per cent biodiesel and 80 per cent regular diesel. This mix offers significant environmental benefits, with only a minimal increase in fuel cost. The emission reductions include lowering hydrocarbons by 20 to 50 per cent, carbon monoxide by 12 per cent, and particulates by 12 per cent.
Endless Harvest gets the fuel from Agri-Green Biodiesel, based in Sparwood, BC. It is made from canola and soy oil, and has the appearance and scent of a light cooking oil.
JUNE 25
New addition to BDC Cranbrook
Banking on Canadian entrepreneurs (BDC) Cranbrook would like to welcome Chris Rowland, Senior Manager, BDC Consulting for the West Kootenay area. WIth the help of our national network of professional business advisors, Chris can help you assess, plan and implement results-driven, cost effective management solutions, whatever your company's development stage.
For more information on any BDC Consulting solution, please call Chris Rowland at (250) 417-2201.
JUNE 21 Money Mart opens in Cranbrook
Money Mart, a national cheque cashing/payday loan company, has opened its doors in Cranbrook located next to 7-11 on the strip. The store will be managed by Suzanne Cooke.
Money Mart employs more than 2,000 Canadians and has more than 350 branches from coast to coast. The head office is located in Victoria, British Columbia, and is responsible for all North American operations.
According to the company’s website, the typical Money Mart customer accurately represents the average, working Canadian. Statistically, the average customer is 32 years of age and employed with an annual income at the national average—82 per cent of all customers are under the age of 45.
JUNE 20 Rebranding Rossland
Request for proposals (RFP) are currently out to graphic artists throughout the Kootenays to create a new marketing identify for the alpine city of Rossland. According to Deanne Steven of the newly formed destination marketing organization, Tourism Rossland, they are looking for a company or individual to create a new brand identity.
Rossland has been one of the hot spots in tourism development in recent years. The new Redstone Golf Resort just held its grand opening with resort owners Cary Fisher and Robert Flesch on hand for the event. Work is continuing on the new nine holes expansion which is now under construction at the resort.
JUNE 19 Kootenay Rockies joins SYTA
Kootenay Rockies Tourism has joined the Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA)—the largest student travel group in North America.
SYTA is a non-profit group based in Michigan that consists of Tour Operators, Travel Agencies, hotels, restaurants, DMOs, etc. The foundation is a well-heard voice in the youth travel market. Bob Keating, Media and Trade Manager for Kootenay Rockies Tourism, will travel to Whistler for the SYTA marketplace. The Conference takes place September 7 to 11, 2007, and his goal will be to familiarize the youth market with all the activities and adventure opportunities the Kootenay Rockies has to offer.
Source: Kootenay Rockies Newsletter
JUNE 18 Wildstone sells most home sites in one day in Canadian Rockies history
The rush to be the first to own Cranbrook’s new Wildstone community climaxed over the weekend with the first phase completely selling out in one day. Families from across British Columbia and Alberta celebrated Father’s Day by snapping up one of the 76 home sites made available in The Whins at Wildstone.
“I can’t recall another time in Canadian Rockies’ history when more home sites have been sold in one day. We will be working over the coming months to bring additional ownership opportunities to the market,” said Randall White, vice president of sales and marketing for Havaday Developments Inc.
Upon build-out, Wildstone will include 3,000 residences ranging from single-family homes to golf villas and condos, all radiating from a dynamic village centre.
For more information or to register for future real estate opportunities, visit www.discoverwildstone.com or call toll-free 1-888-901-2888.
JUNE 8 Mist Mountain Coalbed Gas Project open house BP Canada is in the early stages of appraising the commercial potential of coalbed gas in the Crowsnest Coalfield.
Please come and meet our staff, learn about our commitment to safety and the environment, and understand the steps we’ll take during the appraisal stage.
District of Sparwood
Tuesday, June 12th, 2007
Elk Valley Leisure Centre
367 Pine Avenue
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Cty of Fernie
Thursday, June 14th, 2007
Senior Citizens Drop- In Centre
562 3rd Avenue
Fernie BC
Time: 5pm to 8pm
For more information call Lane Wells at 1 (888) 620-6984 or e-mail mistmountain@bp.com.
JUNE 7 Fundraising for Museum’s South Wing Project well in-hand
The Creston Museum’s recent fundraising efforts have reached nearly 50 per cent of
the estimated costs of its South Wing Project, the Museum announced today.
"The Creston & District Credit Union was the first major supporter to come on
board, and gave a big boost to our fundraising efforts with a contribution of
$20,000," said Tammy Hardwick, manager of the Museum.
That support was a key factor behind another contribution. "I heard just a few
days ago from Columbia Basin Trust," said Hardwick, "and they have approved our request for $40,000 towards the project."
The Creston & District Historical & Museum Society, which operates the Devon Street facility, has set aside a building reserve of nearly $50,000 for the project. Community organisations, such as the Heide Club, Lister Community Association, and Lions Club, as well as several individuals, have added another $10,000 to that amount, in donations that range from $10 to $1,000.
The South Wing Project is a major renovation of one of the Museum’s
buildings. The building, which houses exhibits on the Creston Valley’s
earliest history and settlement, floods each spring during seasonal rainstorms, is prone to insect infestations, and the leaking has led to mould and mildew problems throughout the building.
Early estimates put the total cost of the project at approximately $300,000.
Technical drawings and plans are expected by the end of July, and the first
phase of the project, the drainage work, will begin in September.
JUNE 6 Columbia Basin Trust continues business support program
The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) announces continued financial support for the Basin Business Advocates Program (BBA) in the amount of $166,000, and a commitment to support the BBA over the next two years.
“We are pleased to be able to offer our support to this unique and successful program that has provided free business counselling to more than 800 established businesses in the Columbia Basin since 2000,” said Wally Penner, Vice-President of Community Partnership for CBT. “Our commitment to support this program over the next two years will mean it can offer the best possible services to Basin residents.”
The program provides free one-on-one business counselling on marketing, sales, financial management, human resource management, succession planning, business expansion, inventory control and exporting. A business’ involvement in the program ranges from one or two meetings with the Business Advocate, to an in-depth analysis of the business’ history, to financial performance and planning processes. The program also provides a contribution to the cost of specialized consulting services, should that be needed.
To participate in the program businesses can contact Steele O’Neil and Associates at 1-250-489-4180 or 1-877-894-5939. The Business Advocate for the East Kootenays is Will Nixon, and he can be reached at 250-427-2783. The Business Advocate for the West Kootenays is Deanne Monroe and she can be reached at 825-4171.
For more information about Columbia Basin Trust visit www.cbt.org.
JUNE 4
Mist Mountain coalbed gas project
Following earlier resource assessments, the BC Government, in 2003, extended a Call for Proposals to develop coalbed gas in the Crowsnest Coalfield. BP Canada is responding to that proposal.
The Mist Mountain Coalbed Gas Project is a proposal by BP Canada Energy Company (BP) to assess whether natural gas in BC’s Crowsnest Coalfield can be produced in a safe, economic and environmentally responsible manner. Our proposal includes three to five years of environmental studies, technical research and consultation prior to a decision on commercial development. We are seeking BC government approval to access public land for this project.
The region offers tremendous opportunity for natural gas development. Over an area of approximately 500 square kilometers, there is believed to be twelve trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas resource. Production over the life of the project could exceed forty years of current natural gas demand in the Lower Mainland.
About BP
BP is one of the world's largest energy companies, providing customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services and petroleum products for everyday items.
In recent years, BP has transformed itself into a global energy group, now employing nearly 100,000 people and operating in 100 countries worldwide. BP's main activities are the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas; refining, marketing, supply and transportation; and the manufacture and marketing of petroleum products. We are also a market leader in solar and alternative energy.
BP in Canada
BP Canada explores for, develops, produces, processes, markets and trades natural gas and natural gas liquids. In addition to being leading oil and aviation product marketers, we also produce Castrol, one of Canada's leading lubricants brands. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, our businesses employ more than 1,500 Canadians. We are active in five provinces and two territories, while our marketing and trading activities span North America.
BP Canada is part of the BP p.l.c. group of companies. BP's shares are traded under the symbol BP on the London and New York stock exchanges.
MAY 30 Columbia Basin Trust elects new chair and vice-chair
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) announced today the appointment of a new Chair and Vice-Chair to its Board of Directors. Both the Chair and Vice-Chair are elected for a one-year term.
“I am pleased to announce that Garry Merkel of Kimberley, past Vice-Chair, and a founding Board member was elected as CBT’s new Chair. Ron Oszust of Golden, also a long-time CBT director, was elected Vice-Chair,” says Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust CEO.
“I am honoured to be elected as Chair and to be able to continue focusing on building strong relationships within the Basin. We have been working hard on this for quite some time and I hope to carry on CBT’s role of being a facilitator and convenor for organizations in the Basin,” says Garry Merkel, Chair. “I have a good understanding of the Basin, and the issues facing the people of the Basin, and I will bring these bring these attributes to CBT over the next year.”
"It is a great privilege to serve as Vice-Chair on the CBT Board,” says Ron Oszust, Vice-Chair. “The legacy of social, economic, and environmental well-being will occur through engaging and empowering the people of the Basin, through the Board being accountable and transparent, and through all of us to being respectful of each other. Through these ideals we can build a truly sustainable Basin community.”
MAY 29 Shadow Mountain development breaks ground
Have you seen the transformation taking place near the McPhee bridge mid-way between Kimberley and Cranbrook? Another new golf course development is well underway. As the Cranbrook Daily Townsman is reporting Shadow Mountain Holdings is the company behind this new recreational property along the St Mary River.
Shadow Mountain Holdings principals include landowners Gary and Owen Barrett and developer Fred Mehl. Mehl, of course, is the driving force behind the Kimberley Alpine Resort base development known as the Sullivan Stone condominiums. (www.sullivanstonelodge.com)
The 18-hole championship, 7,000 yard golf course, will be designed and constructed by Vancouver’s Wayne Carleton of Cooke Carleton International which is a division of Graham Cooke Architects (www.grahamcooke.ca). Full build-out is predicted to take seven to ten years. The project’s ultimate development costs could be in the neighbourhood of some $500 to $600 million.
In addition to the golf course, the 570 acres property has the potential of 500 homes, including 80 riverfront lots and some condominiums. Shawdow Mountain’s property was recently included in Cranbrook’s boundary expansion to the north of the City.
Source: Daily Townsman
MAY 28 Change your oil, change your life
It’s official: a Great Canadian Oil Change franchise is on its way to Cranbrook. The Chilliwack headquartered company which specializing in 10-minute oil changes will soon be setting up shop on Cranbrook’s strip.
The Great Canadian Oil Change has applied the City of Cranbrook for zoning approval which was granted recently by council.
Great Canadian Oil Change is a franchised quick oil change facility (in 10 minutes) that has developed its' reputation on the basis of: Price Leadership & Quality Leadership. In 1978, Trevor Weflen opened the first Great Canadian Oil Change in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The company has over 30 franchises across Canada—primarily in British Columbia and the four western provinces. For
MAY 23
Nelson’s newest scribe
Nelson Becker, publisher and owner of the independently owned Nelson Express newspaper has announced the hiring of a new editor, Chris Shepherd. He replaces Susan Hollis who recently left to join the Glacier Ventures paper in Whistler.
Chris Shepherd is a graduate of the University of King’s College journalism program and most recently worked in Fort St James in northern B.C.
He recent won a Community Newspaper award for his story on Fort St James’ struggling food and toy drive.
Now in Nelson, Shepherd will wear many hats -- from writer and photographer to page layout.
The Express newspaper continues to grow and prosper with circulation at 10,000 copies at week.
MAY 23 NONSTOP Adventure acquires Fernie's Cedar Lodge NONSTOP Adventure Limited (“NONSTOP”)—a UK-based family business specializing in providing ski and snowboard courses in Canada, today announces that it has completed the purchase of the Cedar Lodge, a 47-room hotel in Fernie. NONSTOP operated in Fernie for the past five years under the name NONSTOP Ski and Snowboard. During the 2006-7 season approximately 200 people attended the company’s courses in Fernie.
The Cedar Lodge will be closed for business during the summer and autumn months, while a major refurbishment takes place. Facilities will include a restaurant / bar, swimming pool and leisure centre. In addition there will be an internet cafe and a cinema room. It is planned to re-open the Lodge in December 2007 in good time for the 2007/2008 season. The refurbishment is being designed by Jody Charlton Interiors, while Jens Mende of Mountain Recreational Homes will act as project manager.
In announcing the acquisition, Rupert Taylor, NONSTOP's Managing Director, said: “This is a significant step for the company and a demonstration of our success to date, and of our commitment to Fernie for the long term. The Cedar Lodge will allow us to offer our clients a choice between staying in private houses and in the more communal atmosphere of the hotel. Our success is based upon a passionate focus on giving our clients a truly first class service. In doing this over the years, we have had tremendous support from all our staff, from our friends and colleagues within RCR and from the people of Fernie who have welcomed our clients with real friendship. We intend to make the Cedar Lodge into a great venue for the people of Fernie as well as for our own clients”
Dave Richards, NONSTOP’s Canada Operations Director and a resident of Fernie said: “I have worked for NONSTOP since the business started in 2002. Each year, we have seen steady growth in our numbers. The purchase of the Cedar Lodge will provide us with an exciting new facility for our British clients during the winter months but also a tremendous opportunity to grow a business outside of the ski season.”
Source: Fernie Chamber of Commerce Newsletter MAY 22 Castlegar Plaza goes uptown
Construction is underway in downtown Castlegar on the new Uptown Plaza Mall. The 30,000+ square foot shopping mall will house an 18,000 Shoppers Drug Mart and a 6,000 square foot retail store for Pete’s Andiotronics. The mall has space for four more retail outlets as well.
The mall which promises to feature “architecturally unique elements” is scheduled to open in September of 2007.
MAY 18 New operations director named for new B.C. ski resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort (www.discoverRevelstoke.com) has named Rod Kessler, formerly of Stowe Mountain Resort and Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont, as the new Chief Operations Officer at this new C$1 billion, four-season ski resort destination.
Kessler brings thirty years of experience in the ski resort industry to the team at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, including fifteen years of senior management at Stowe and five years at Stratton. As Chief Operations Officer, Kessler will oversee skier services and cat ski operations; mountain maintenance and construction; food, beverage and retail services as well as the ski school and ticket sales.
“Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a spectacular world-class setting complimented by an incredibly warm and supportive community,” says Kessler, “I’m thrilled to be working with such a visionary team and I’m excited to move forward together to make Revelstoke Mountain Resort a truly world-class, one-of-a-kind destination.”
“Rod is a great addition to our team at Revelstoke Mountain Resort,” says Don Simpson, Chairman of Simpson Property Group Canada (www.simpsonpropertygroup.com), Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s developer. “His years of managerial experience in the ski resort industry combined with his passion for outdoor living make him an ideal choice for our Chief Operations Officer.”
2007 has already been a big year for the team at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, with the recent announcement of a C$22 million gondola and high speed quad chairlift contract with Leitner Poma Canada Inc. (www.pomagroup.com) that will make the resort North America’s longest skiable vertical at 1,829 meters (6,000 feet).
MAY 17 Fine woodworking students setting glue for year end show
One week before the Selkirk College Fine Woodworking Year End Show, Nicky D'Agnone is getting a helping hand with gluing and assembling her final piece for the exhibition.
Time is running tight, and her classmate, Trevor Doig, is tightening clamps and making careful adjustments to make sure the wood fits together snugly and squarely.
D'Agnone, who holds a degree in anthropology, has already earned a certain amount of recognition for a steam-bent reading chair, which was accepted into the 11th Annual Furniture Society Conference that will take place this June in Victoria.
The Fine Woodworking program’s year-end show is a much anticipated event in Nelson, attracting locals as well as people from all over western Canada and the U.S. The show is both a celebration and an opportunity for students to meet with interested members of the community, future clients and potential employers.
MAY 17 Revelstoke Heli skiing business sold for $6 million
Revelstoke Mountain Resort (www.discoverRevelstoke.com) announced today that it has become the official owner of Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, opening up 500,000 acres of skiable terrain. A $6 million CAN agreement to purchase signed in January has been completed.
With the recent acquisition of CAT Powder Skiing and now ownership of Selkirk Tangiers (www.selkirk-tangiers.com), Revelstoke Mountain Resort is now poised to become a one-stop destination for skiers from around the world.
“You can literally get up in the morning and have the world’s greatest adventure playground at your doorstep, with helicopter, snow cat and lift skiing all accessible from the village,” comments resort developer Don Simpson, Chairman of Denver-based Simpson Property Group Canada (www.simpsonpropertygroup.com).
In January, Simpson announced the signing of a $22 million CAN gondola and high speed quad chairlift contract with Leitner Poma Canada Inc. that will make Revelstoke Mountain Resort North America’s longest skiable vertical at 1,829 m (6,000 feet). Lift construction and installation began last month so that the first eight-person gondola and high speed quad chairlift will be operational for next ski season.
Peter Schlunegger, the previous owner/operator of Selkirk Tangiers, said his team of expert guides and professionals will remain with the company and he will assist Revelstoke Mountain Resort through the transition and pass on his 30 years of experience of the heli-skiing operation.
Selkirk College is donning a new look, inspired by Aaron May and Sandon Sherstobitoff, two high school students from L.V. Rogers Secondary school in Nelson.
Earlier this spring, students from across the West Kootenay - Boundary region were invited to enter a t-shirt design contest to compete for a cash prize, free t-shirts and the fame of creating a new t-shirt design for the college.
"The winning entry portrays a series of comic characters, each representing one of the many programs that the college offers," said Eden DuPont, Educational Liaison with Selkirk College. "It's a very clever design, and we're thrilled to reproduce it for our promotional t-shirts this year."
May 15 Recent Trail workshop identifies 2010 Olympic opportunities
The 2010 games are fast approaching and the Government of BC is working hard to include small business owners on the economic opportunities afforded our Province. The newly launched 2010 Commerce Centre was established by the BC Secretariat to ensure enduring legacies for communities and businesses from around the Province. There are many opportunities available for small business owners outside of the Lower Mainland, and local assistance available to help YOUR business profit from these opportunities. The Commerce Centre is online at the following: www.2010commercecentre.gov.bc.ca
Here you will find links to access news, information, resources and business opportunities related to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Both Trail and Rossland Chambers of Commerce directors are part of the Spirit Committees established province-wide to assist small business with the required tools and resources to take advantage of the opportunities associated with 2010. Contact either Pam Lewin 250-368-3144 (Trail) or Maritza Reilly 250-362-5666 (Rossland) for more info.
MAY 14
Team effort at Clarica/Sunlife
In an ongoing effort to serve their clients better Walter Gramm, CFP, CLU, CSA, David Lester, CFP, and Michael Christianson, CLU, CH FC at Clarica/SunLife are working together as a team. Walter Gramm will continue in his role as financial advisor with a focus on retirement planning. David Lester specializes in wealth management and investment taxation, while Michael Christianson focuses on risk management and estate planning with life and health products.
To compliment our combined pool of almost 80 years of knowledge and experience, we also offer you the specialized support ofMs Rauni Naud for critical illness products, and Ms Joanna Copeland for long term care solutions.
If you need more info please contact Clarica/SunLife at 305 Kootenay St N, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3T6, by phone at (250) 426-6200. MAY 14 Nelson YouTubes its fashion styles
Ever wondered why so many people make the trek to Nelson to seek out a great shopping experience? According to Joyce Jackson owner of Lonnie’s for Her and Him, a downtown Nelson business, many shppers from Kelowna, Spokane, Trail, Castlegar, Creston, Cranbrook and beyond choose to do their shopping in Nelson. Why? They know something that many local Nelsonites do not; the fact that Nelson is a hotbed for international designers, local designers, organic materials, ethically traded products, casual and dressy selections.
Recently a number of participating Nelson businesses including Covet, Ripping Giraffe, Streetclothes Named Desire, Hemp & Company, Global Underground, Lonnie’s For Her and Him and Bia Boro put on a spring show called the Bloom Fashion Show.
With the power of YouTube the show was broadcast to the world. Check out the video clip by clicking on this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlMbBVhRA8s
MAY 11 Columbia Power appoints new CEO
Columbia Power Corporation based in Castlegar has announced the appointment of Barry Chuddy as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 1, 2007. Mr. Chuddy, a seasoned utility executive with almost two decades of electricity industry experience comes to Columbia Power (www.columbiapower.org) from Mississauga, Ontario where he has worked as the Vice-President of Business Development and Marketing for Enersource Corporation (www.enersource.com) since 2003. He has also held senior positions in Alberta, Ontario, Atlantic Canada and the US Northeast and has served on numerous boards relating to the electricity industry. A team leader with a strong financial background, Mr. Chuddy is a graduate of the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace and Ordinance Engineering, and the Royal Corps of Electrical Mechanical Engineers.
The position of CEO has been vacant since Columbia Power’s first CEO, Mr. Lorne Sivertson, left the company in late 2005. Mr. Ed Pietraszek, Executive Vice-President, has filled in as acting CEO in the interim.
Since its inception in 1994, Columbia Power Corporation and its partner, Columbia Basin Trust, have purchased and rehabilitated the 145 MW Brilliant Dam and Generating Station, constructed the 185 MW Arrow Lakes Generating Station and the 120 MW Brilliant Expansion Project. The Partners are currently planning the Waneta Expansion Project, near Trail.
For more information about Columbia Power Corporation www.columbiapower.org. MAY 10, 2007 More Cranbrook developments in the works
The new sign is up and groundbreaking is slated to follow soon for the new commercial development on Victoria Ave in Cranbrook. The parcel of land is located across from the former Top Crop property (now home to Peak Performance Motorsports).
The development will consist of two parts; one a new Mitsubishi automotive dealership which is owned and operated by Kevin Nichol. If the name Kevin Nichol is familiar to you, he was the driving force behind the creation of the Kootenay Import Auto Group before it was sold it a group of investors.
2) The other part of the development will be a retail/service mall which will be anchored by TD Bank and other tenants, possibly a pharmacy.
MAY 10 Cranbrook Mall freshening up for the Tiger
A top to bottom renovation of the Cranbrook Mall is underway. The north part of Cranbrook’s original shopping centre will take on the same appearance as the adjacent Canada Safeway store.
The renovations will not only spruce up the Mall but also make way for a brand new Tiger Giant store--a Canada wide discount retailer. Founded in 1961 by Gordon Reid, Tiger Giant is headquartered in Ottawa and has over 174 stores across Canada. www.tigergiant.com
ADVERTISEMENT
MAY 8 Columbia Basin Trust invites the public to open houses
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is hosting open houses in the Columbia Basin and encourages the public to attend and provide input on CBT’s draft three year strategic priorities. The open houses will start at 4:30 pm and continue until 9:00 pm with a group question and answer session at 7:00 pm. Open houses will be held:
Wednesday, May 23 Nelson; Prestige Lakeside Resort
Monday, May 28 Castlegar; Castlegar and District Recreation Complex
Tuesday, May 29 Trail; Best Western Terra Nova
Tuesday, June 5 Creston; Creston and District Recreation Complex
Wednesday, June 6 Cranbrook; Prestige Inn
Thursday, June 7 Fernie; Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge
Monday, June 11 Nakusp; Nakusp Arena
Tuesday, June 12 Revelstoke; The Regent
Wednesday, June 13 Golden; Prestige Inn
The open houses are one way to provide your feedback on the three year priorities. Residents are also encouraged to provide their feedback through the CBT website or to staff. Copies of the draft documents are available at any CBT office, from the Community Liaison in your area, or on the CBT website at www.cbt.org. MAY 8 Sparwood golf project greenlighted
A new golf course development has been given the green light by the District of Sparwood. The project which has up until now been known as the Rolling Hills Golf Course, is now being called the Whiskey Jack Golf Resort.
The resort-style 18 hole championship golf layout will be located just north of Sparwood near the Sparwood Heights/Rolling Heights area just off of Highway 43 heading to Elkford.
A consortium of developers fronting this project have signed up marquee golfer Fred Couples to lend his name to the course and do the actual course layout design.
It is expected that construction and groundbreaking with commence in 2007 with a possible opening date in late 2008 or early 2010.
The golf resort development promises to give Sparwood and area a strong component in the tourism sector and be a real boon for businesses throughout the Elk Valley.
MAY 4
Fording announces settlement of 2007 coal contracts—prices down almost 15% Fording Canadian Coal Trust (TSX:FDG.UN) (NYSE:FDG) has announced that Elk Valley Coal has completed negotiations for approximately 90% of its anticipated coal sales for the 2007 coal year commencing April 1, 2007. If the remainder of the contracts are settled on similar terms, the average coal price for the 2007 coal year is forecast to be approximately US$91 per tonne, down from US$107 in 2006. The weighted average price of 2007 calendar year coal sales is expected to be approximately US$96 per tonne, down from US$113 in 2006. "Overall, the 2007 coal year price settlements represent continuation of a strong seaborne coking coal market," said Boyd Payne, President of Fording Canadian Coal Trust. "Although hard coking coal prices have declined from 2006, they remain nearly double historical levels. The price differential between hard coking coal and semi-hard and other lower-quality coals is narrowing and should reduce the amount of substitution that has occurred in recent years. This should serve to bolster long-term demand for high-quality hard coking coal. As such, we will continue to focus on producing consistently high-quality products to meet the needs of our customers."
Negative shipping performance has effect March rail performance to date has been negatively affected by avalanches in the mountains and a significant rail line washout west of Kamloops, British Columbia. Rail service to the west coast ports has now been restored and sales volumes for the quarter are expected to be approximately 4.5 million tonnes, depending on vessel loadings to quarter end. Weather related transportation risks may continue into the second quarter. For the 2007 calendar year, sales volumes are expected to be in the range of 21.5 to 23 million tonnes. Reduced sales volumes for the first quarter and low port inventory levels have restricted our ability to maximize sales volumes for the calendar year while maintaining product quality targets.
Cost of sales for the calendar year is expected to be in the range of $40 to $42 per tonne, depending on key inputs such as energy costs as well as coal production volumes. Reduced coal production volumes and continued mining activities in the first quarter will result in increased unit cost of sales for the quarter. The focus on mining activities will result in a higher strip ratio for the quarter, which is expected to decline to planned levels over the course of the year.
Decrease transportation costs anticipated Transportation costs for the calendar year are expected to be approximately $35 to $36 per tonne, inclusive of approximately $1 per tonne demurrage costs associated with the increased waiting time for vessels to be loaded due to weather related issues. The decrease in overall transportation costs year over year reflects the decrease in average contracted rail and ports rates.
Sustaining capital expenditures for the year at Elk Valley Coal Partnership is expected to be approximately $85 million, of which $50 million is the Trust's share. This is consistent with the Trust's expectation of long-term sustaining capital requirements of $3.50 per tonne annually. MAY 3 Wag the Dog (Roni)
Roni’s on 2nd has recently moved from their highway location to 2nd Ave in downtown Fernie. With a new larger location and increased foot traffic, owner Jenn Johnson is very excited for the future of Roni’s.
Roni’s will continue with the funky gifts and quality cigars, but expect to find a whole new range of products and clothing in the coming months. Clothing labels Groggy and Penguin will be expanded and new labels Fenchurch (UK) and Delicious (Canada) will be added for fall.
The much anticipated hat orders will be arriving soon by Goorin and Delux, as well as the Espe wallets and handbags. A new range of fantastic bath products has recently been added from Canada’s Open Sundaes www.opensundaes.com
What would you like to see in the basement at Roni’s? Stop by and let me know. Some idea’s include a music store, a retro arcade and milkshake shop, a cigar smoking lounge…
Visit Roni’s at 562 B 2nd Ave, Fernie, BC or www.ronis.ca or call 423-3738.
Source: Fernie Chamber of Commerce NewsletterMAY 2
CBC to open local Cranbrook broadcast centre?
How would you like a local CBC station broadcasting (www.cbc.ca) throughout the Kootenay Rockies region? That’s exactly the vision of CBC program directors as they propose a $25 million budget to fund eight new stations across Canada—with one located in Cranbrook.
The proposed CBC outlet would broadcast an early morning show and an afternoon program highlighting the region’s news-of-the-day, cultural and local happenings.
Right now the area is served out of the Kelowna bureau and a new locally-based station would better represent and reflect the Kootenay region.
Upon approval, the proposed station would be rolled out within three years and it would employ a staff of on-air personalities, news reporters and producers—all part of a 16 person crew needed to operate the station.
CBC Chief of Staff Ted Kennedy and Joan Andersen, Regional Director of Radio of B.C., made the presentation which was held at the Rocky Mountain Prestige Inn in Cranbrook. Having a local CBC outlet seemed the capture the imagination of those in attendance. MAY 1 Columbia Basin Trust provides Ktunaxa Nation with funding for "last inch" connection to Nation Network
Columbia Basin Trust Board Member, Denise Birdstone (far right) presents a cheque for $80,000 to Kathryn Teneese and Don Maki of the Ktunaxa Nation to fund "last inch" connection for Ktunaxa Nation Members.
The Ktunaxa Nation Council recently received a grant from the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) for the amount of $80,000 that will be used to do “last inch” connectivity for Ktunaxa Nation Members who will be accessing the recently launched Nation Network.
The CBT funding will specifically go towards training technicians for the installation of customer premise equipment within Nation Member households, and completing the “last inch” of connection between the home and the Nation Network.
The Ktunaxa Nation Council owned Nation Network is one of the first open networks of its kind in Canada, and was first envisioned in 2001 as a tool for Nation Members to preserve the critically endangered Ktunaxa language through the use of high-speed video conferencing and online training.
MAY 1 Kootenay home prices rising
It may be hard to believe but hot housing prices have moved beyond Vancouver and the Okanagan and into the B.C. Interior. The average percentage home price increase was greatest in the Kamloops region only to be followed closely by the Kootenays—according to the B.C. Real Estate Association.
Though home prices in the Kootenay are increasing rapidly the region still enjoys some of the most affordable housing in British Columbia.
Average percentage home price increase by real estate board region:
