Kootenay BizBlog :: Keith Powell

Selkirk College Celebrates its Founders

On Friday, October 16, 2009, nearly 40 Selkirk College Founders, Founding Retirees, Chartered Students, Retirees and current staff enjoyed an evening which included a wonderful meal by Selkirk Classic Catering, a historical display of Selkirk College memorabilia, and speeches. >From left to right, President & CEO of Selkirk College, Marilyn Luscombe, Vice-Chair of the Board, Bruce Morrison, Selkirk College Founders Glenn Weatherhead, Dr. John Hall, and Lloyd Wilson (son of Founder Lawrence Wilson and one of the colleges Chartered Students), and Chair of the Board, Stefan Lehmann. Photo Credit: Carrie Voysey

On Friday, October 16, 2009, Selkirk College celebrated Founders’ Day in honour of the individuals who sowed the seeds, laid the corner stones and created our regional college.

Nearly 40 Selkirk College Founders, Founding Retirees, Chartered Students, Retirees and current staff enjoyed an evening which included a wonderful meal by Selkirk Classic Catering, a historical display of Selkirk College memorabilia and speeches from Dr. John Hall (one of the original Founders of Selkirk College) and President Marilyn Luscombe.

Two of the original Founders of Selkirk College, Dr. John Hall, and Mr. Glenn Weatherhead, were at the Founders Day event. Lloyd Wilson, son of Founder Lawrence Wilson and one of the colleges Chartered Students, drove all the way from Calgary for the special celebration.

Dr. Hall outlined a brief history of the colleges roots and upbringing. In 1963 he was appointed to the newly formed Steering Committee to investigate the feasibility of developing an institution of higher leaning in the West Kootenay region. Each of the six School Districts in the region appointed two members to the committee-one school board member and one citizen-at-large. Dr. Hall was the citizen-at-large.

Many hurdles were encountered and overcome in the early days under the leadership of Jim Gray, from the Trail School Board, and other members of the Steering Committee which included; John Welton and Collin McKenzie from Trail; Mickey Jacobson and Dr. Hall from Castlegar; Elizabeth Wallach, Gordon Sargent and Dick Palmer from Nelson; Dr. Don Perley from Grandforks; Glenn Weatherhead and Lawrence Wilson from Nakusp; and Nancy Baker from Slocan.

“Choosing a site for the college, designing and constructing the buildings, choosing a name for the institution, arranging for the necessary infra-structure of road, power, water and sewage disposal, in addition to developing a curriculum, hiring a Principal, faculty and support staff, were major undertakings of no small magnitude," explained Dr. Hall. "Liaising with the Provincial government and the Russian people who lived where the Mir Centre for Peace now stands is a story unto itself. At that time, as their family physician, I made house-calls to a family in that communal dwelling. We also had a significant challenge in obtaining the use of the Celgar bunkhouses in which to open our first classes in 1966.”

Time has proven that this experiment in education-the opening of the first Junior College in British Columbia-has been a success. Selkirk College, over the past 43 years, and with the contributions of many quality people in governance, faculty and support staff, has become an internationally recognized institution of learning.

“Because of the hard work and passion these Founders brought to public post-secondary education in the West Kootenay and Boundary regions, tens of thousands of lives have been transformed through learning, and the social, economic and cultural development of our communities has been impacted significantly,” said Luscombe.

A new Founders' Wall, was unveiled by Chair of the Board, Stefan Lehmann and Vice-Chair Bruce Morrison. The wall is made out of oak and is approximately 3.7 m x 0.9 m (12 x 36). It hosts the Founders photos and a brief description of what the Founders mean to Selkirk College today. The Founders’ Wall Project was coordinated by Corrine Major and Pat Henman and was built by Peter Sherstobitoff. Much of the research for the wall was undertaken by Board Member Darlene Kalawsky.

Other Founders of Selkirk College which are recognized on the wall include; Burt Campbell, Robert (Dick) Palmer, Frank Beinder, Elizabeth Wallach, J.A. (Jim) Gray, J.L. (Lawrence) Wilson, C.S. (Colin) McKenzie, Gordon Sargent, Mickey Jacobson , A. (Albert) W. Hearn, Nancy Baker, R. John Welton, J.E. (Ted) Fletcher, Robert T. (Bob) Waldie, Joseph Kary, S.N. Mitchell, G.F. (full name unknown), and D.A. (Don) Perley.

The Founders’ Wall is located outside of the staff lounge at Selkirk Colleges Castlegar Campus and is open to the general public for viewing.

TOP TEN PHOTOS ANNOUNCED IN CBT'S 'SHOW US YOUR BASIN' PHOTO CONTEST

Vote for your favourite photo online

Photo Credit: brad Smiley

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) wants you to vote for your favourite photo!

The Show Us Your Basin photo contest, which closed earlier this month, received nearly 1000 images from residents across the Basin. These images have been narrowed down by a selection committee and now CBT wants residents to choose the winning photo.

“CBT sincerely thanks all residents who showed us the many great angles, views and stunning locations of our region,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “Many of the photos were submitted with comments about what the Basin means to them. These comments were incredibly thoughtful and a true reminder that we live in a very special place that is worth protecting, fostering and strengthening. CBT is honoured to be a part of this Basin.”

Basin residents can vote for their favourite photo until November 20 by visiting www.cbt.org/vote

The top ten finalists are:

• Brad Smiley, Cranbrook
• Douglas Noblet, Nelson
• Freya Rasmussen, Revelstoke
• Gail Spitler, Kaslo
• George Hopkins, Revelstoke
• Kathy Howard, South Slocan
• Laurie Sittler, Nelson
• Liliane L’Archer, Cranbrook
• Rob Wyatt, Montrose
• Sanne van der Ros, Golden

Five prizes will be awarded to the top ten photos in the Show Us Your Basin photo contest as follows:

• 1 Grand prize - Basin Basket (made up of items/services from around the Basin) valued at $500;
• 1 Runner-up prize - Basin Basket (made up of items/services from around the Basin) valued at $250;
• 3 Honourable mention prizes - CBT jackets valued at $50 each;
• Each of the ten finalists will receive a custom framed copy of their photo.

The winning photos will also be used on CBT's website, in publications, advertising and more.

Interested in what the Basin means to the people who call it home? Check out the new "Your Basin" section of the website showcasing a selection of contest photos and descriptions of what the Basin means to the photographers at www.cbt.org/YourBasin.

CBT delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Real Estae Foundation supports Selkirk Scholarships

Photo Credit: Carrie Voysey

The Real Estate Foundation of BC recently donated $10,000 to Selkirk College in support of scholarships and bursaries for students in the Geographic Information Systems, Integrated Environmental Planning Technology and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology programs. Don Selby, Office Manager of Caldwell Banker in Nelson and Representative of the Foundation (left), presented the cheque to Joyce Buckler, Donor Services Coordinator at Selkirk College (right). In the past 21 years, the Real Estate Foundation has approved over 1400 grants totalling $54 million in communities throughout BC. Last year alone, six grants totalling $373,267 were awarded for projects initiated by Kootenay Real Estate Board area organizations.

Awarding Excellence in Fernie

Carolyn Doyle was the big winner with two award for her company, Big Bang Bagels.

The Fernie Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Community & Business Excellence Awards Recipients for 2009 which were presented on Thursday October 22nd:

• 2009 YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: Jenna Lamothe
• 2009 YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Carolyn Doyle (Big Bang Bagels)
• 2009 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Carolyn Doyle (Big Bang Bagels)
• 2009 NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Big Bang Bagels
• 2009 OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE: Ghostrider Trading Company
• 2009 FERNIE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Parastone Developments Ltd
• 2009 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Alice Ferrarelli
• 2009 CHAMBER BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Parastone Developments Ltd

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients from the Fernie Chamber of Commerce Thank You to the sponsors, The City of Fernie, GPI Chartered Accountants, and Community Futures East Kootenay for their continued support of the annual Community & Business Excellence Awards.

Castlegar Airport re-named West Kootenay Regional Airport

Source: City of Castlegar website

Last week the Castlegar Airport shed its former name in an official ceremony and is now known as West Kootenay Regional Airport (WKRA).

Shawn Sutherland, airport manager, said the change is a reflection of the new and improved face of Castlegar.

“The branding exercise recognized that the airport is truly the airport of the region. The opportunity is here to also emphasize how important the airport is to the social fabric of the community,” explained Sutherland.

Sutherland added that Castlegar Airport has always been informally acknowledged as the regional airport and that the name change is merely a formality.

The West Kootenay Regional Airport is owned and operated by the City of Castlegar and offers regular service to both Vancouver and Calgary. It is 250km by road to the nearest alternate airport with scheduled passenger air carrier service.

Are you a ski bum video screened!

Click here to watch the above video.

At the recent Kootenay Rockies Tourism AGM in Fernie the search for the Ultimate Ski Bum got underway in ernest. Looking for the Ultimate Ski Bum lifestyle… free? Ready yourself for the Greatest Winter Getaway contest ever offered!

One lucky Ski Bum will win a 3 Month Journey along the Powder Highway and have Free Lift Tickets at all of the Resorts, 15 days of Heli and Cat Skiing, Accommodation and Transportation provided. This place has long been a haven for Ski Bums from around the world. We're sharing that adventure through the experiences of one person - the Ultimate Ski Bum. No agenda, no job, just snow, mountains and a road that links it all together.

Create your own entry video (90 seconds max) that explains why you should be chosen to be the Ultimate Ski Bum. Click here for entry details.

New Video Showcases Cranbrook and area

Click here to watch the above video.

The City of Cranbrook EDO Officer Kevin Weaver revealed the new YVR-sponsored video for Cranbrook and area at this week’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The promotional video is slated for some major exposure at the Vancouver International Airport from now until the upcoming Olympic Games in February.

“From Moyie Lake to Idlewild Park, Cranbrook offers residents and visitors mountains of opportunity. Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Canadian Rockies, Cranbrook is a progressive, thriving community with a proud Aboriginal and Pioneer history, and an exciting future. From pristine natural habitats like the Elizabeth Lake Bird Sanctuary, to world-class sports and arts facilities, Cranbrook has a wide range of activities and attractions for families and businesses alike.”

Resurrecting the historic Ainsworth Silver Project

Goldcliff Resources test sampling crew checking out exploration targets. Photo: Goldcliff website

George Sanders, President of Goldcliff Resource Corporation (TSX VENTURE: GCN) is pleased to report that highly anomalous silver values in stream samples highlight the exploration targets on the Ainsworth Project. These stream samples of 26.61 and 30.01 grams silver per tonne, in conjunction with additional geochemical and geophysical anomalies associated with the targets, have confirmed that three of the established five target areas are of high exploration priority for silver.

The 26.61 grams silver per tonne result is related to Target 2 (No.1), and corresponds to the No.1 mine geological system. The No.1 mine, the largest producer in the Ainsworth silver camp, had historical production of 1.99 million ounces of silver at a grade of 49.64 ounces per ton. The 30.01 grams silver per tonne result was discovered by Goldcliff on Target 5 (Bjerkness), which is eleven kilometres to the north of Target 2.

The five silver targets on the Goldcliff Project claims are north of the historical Ainsworth silver camp, between Ainsworth Hot Springs and Kaslo, British Columbia. The five target areas occur over a distance of 13 kilometres in a north-south direction. The exploration program on Goldcliff’s claims has consisted of prospecting, geological mapping, stream sediment and soil sampling, and a 910 kilometre combined electromagnetic, magnetic and radiometric “Resolve” airborne geophysical survey carried out by Fugro Airborne Surveys Corp. Follow-up prospecting, geochemical sampling and trenching are underway.

Acquired by staking in early 2006, the Ainsworth Project claim position is owned 100 per cent by Goldcliff. The Ainsworth Project area occurs in the Kootenay Arc -- highly prospective geologic terrain for silver deposits. The historic silver production for the Kootenay Arc was from three camps -- Ainsworth, Slocan-Sandon and Slocan City -- and total silver was 92,500,000 ounces. The Coeur d’Alene camp, a similar silver camp in the Kootenay Arc, located in the State of Idaho, USA, had historical silver production of 1.2 billion ounces.

UBCM RECOGNIZES CARBON NEUTRAL KOOTENAYS PROJECT

Regional Districts Receive Community Excellence Award

Gary Wright, RDCK Chair recognizes CBT’s partnership in the Carbon Neutral Kootenay Project by thanking Neil Muth, CBT’s President and CEO at a recent RDCK General Affairs Committee meeting. Photo by Keith Powell

The Regional Districts of Central Kootenay, East Kootenay and Kootenay Boundary, received a Union of British Columbia Municipalities UBCM) Community Excellence Award for the Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project. This project, delivered in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), is helping regional districts and local governments reduce their corporate emissions and become carbon neutral by 2012.

The Carbon Neutral Kootenays project is the regional district winner in the Leadership and Innovation category which recognizes environmental excellence and ideas that showcase vision, creativity and teamwork that can be followed by others. The award was presented at the most recent UBCM held during the last week of September in Vancouver.

“We know that work to reduce emissions at this scale, with so many regional and local government partners in a rural context, is unique,” says Kindy Gosal, CBT's Director, Water and Environment. “It’s great to have the work recognized by the UBCM and to share our experiences with other communities who want to reduce their emissions.”

The project began in February 2009 when Sheltair Group and the Community Energy Association were hired to deliver year-one of the four-year Kootenay Carbon Neutral Action Strategy. The project is building on actions already being taken by local governments in the Columbia Basin. According to a survey done with local governments earlier this year, seventy-five per cent said they were already reducing emissions by taking actions such as improving insulation and retrofitting lighting and heating.

“This regional collaboration with local governments and Columbia Basin Trust will help all of us fulfill our commitments under the BC Climate Action Charter,” says Ramona Mattix, General Manager of Development Services for the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

The consulting team is building templates that will enable up to 29 local governments and five first nations communities to develop their own carbon-neutral strategies. Plus, the consulting team is looking at options for enabling ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing as the rest of the Kootenay Carbon Neutral Action Strategy is implemented over the next few years.

The Carbon Neutral Kootenays initiative is one of several climate change initiatives supported by CBT. For more information about CBT and its climate change initiatives, visit www.cbt.org/climatechange.

Aeroplan Program Supports Selkirk Students

This year, Selkirk College will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of its signature event—the Gala! This event is held each year to raise money to support students through awards, projects and field trips.

During the Selkirk College Gala, a live and silent auction will be held. As part of the live auction, the auction committee will be holding their Aeroplan Charitable Pooling Program once again. The program allows individuals to contribute their Aeroplan Miles to the success of Selkirk students.

Every Aeroplan Mile that is donated goes towards becoming a key gift for the silent auction at the Selkirk College Gala, which takes place on November 28 at Mary Hall in Nelson. The goal is to collect 100,000 miles and auction a “trip”.

“This is a wonderful way for individuals in our communities to contribute directly to supporting the future of students in our region. Anyone can donate their miles to Selkirk College and support our students,” says Pat Henman, Donor Development Coordinator for Selkirk.

Last year over $12,000.00 from the live and silent auction proceeds went to the Athletics Program and the programs that hosted the event which included; the Professional Cook, Hotel and Resort Management, Contemporary Music and Technology and Aviation programs. This year, proceeds from the silent auction will go to the Human Services program.

The program allows one month to the collect miles. The deadline for donating this year is October 19, 2009.

For more information and to donate your Aeroplan Miles to Selkirk College, please call 250.505.1324 or email events@selkirk.ca.

Kootenay author releases new historical novel about Wild Horse Gold Rush of 1864

Kootenay-based author Keith Powell has written a new historical novel called Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak, about John S. (Jack) Fisher, founder of gold on Wild Horse Creek. Photo credit: Josh Lorincz.

The Kootenay gold rush of 1864 opened the Kootenays to modern day development. This spurred the extension of the Dewdney Trail beyond Hope to Wild Horse Creek near Fort Steele. Kootenay-based author Keith Powell has written a new historical novel called Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak, about John S. (Jack) Fisher, founder of gold on Wild Horse Creek.

In 1849, sixteen-year old Jack Fisher, of Philadelphia, headed for the rich goldfields of California, across the barren plains of the Midwest, enduring hardship every step of the way. Gold fever eventually drove him north to the banks of Wild Horse Creek in Kootenay country, where he finally claimed his fortune only to lose it as quickly as he found it.

“In some ways the Wild Horse Gold Rush in the Kootenay is the “forgotten” gold rush but it is really what lead to the development of the Kootenays,” said Keith Powell. “I think people will enjoy reading this historical narrative and learn a little more about the history of the Kootenay region.”

Jack Fisher was one of the Kootenay’s most colourful (and long forgotten) characters. His story is captured and brought to life in this new historical novel. The book is 176 pages and contains over twenty historical photos.

The author has made a commitment to donate $1.00 from the first 500 books he sells to help place a plaque on Jack Fisher grave—recognizing his regional significance and legacy. It is the authors hope that interested individuals and historical groups will help in this project as well.

Through his own publishing company called Wild Horse Creek Press; Keith Powell has just released his new book in the Kootenays. It is available at local bookstores throughout the Kootenays for $21.95.

Keith Powell will hold a book launch at the Cranbrook Public Library (Manual Training School Building) by invitation at 7:00 pm Friday, October 16th and will be at Lotus Book Store in downtown Cranbrook 1:00 to 3:00 pm Saturday, October 17th.

Keith Powell is founder of Kootenay Business magazine and publisher of Koocanusa Publications based in Cranbrook. He has a keen interest in Kootenay history and the many colourful characters who at one time or another called the Kootenays home.

New Video-Rich Website for Kicking Horse Resort

Source; Kootenay Rockies newsletter

Above: Beautiful Selkirk Range. Photo credit: www.kickinghorseresort.com

A website with some kick! Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has launched a fresh new website for the 2009 / 2010 winter season. The new site offers an industry-leading design with fresh video, images, easy navigation. The site sets a new standard for resort-based websites.

“The new website raises the bar for resort websites” says Steve Paccagnan, President and General Manager of Kicking Horse Moutain Resort. “Passionate skiers from the region and around the world are visiting our website often. www.kickinghorseresort.com is going to blow everyone away with easy navigation and fresh dynamic content to keep you up to speed on all that is going on at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort” continues Paccagnan.

The new website features include:

• A video-rich homepage – Experience the feeling of skiing Kicking Horse Mountain Resort the moment you hit the homepage.
• Re-skin the home page based on the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort experience you desire;
• Navigation bar that ensures users quick and easy navigation so that you can find the information you require;
• Improved online booking allowing visitors to easily reserve packages and make travel arrangements;,
• A fully interactive trail map
• Quick links to our facebook and twitter communities

With so much to explore on the new Kicking Horse Mountain Resort website, visitors are invited to sign up to receive our regular e-newsletter, updates on snow conditions and powder reports or you can follow Kicking Horse and all that is happening on a daily basis via facebook, twitter and youtube

New Circle Routes Map (English & German) Kootenay Rockies Powder Highway Ski & Snowboard Maps Released

Source; Kootenay Rockies newsletter

Above: The new Circle Routes Map (English & German) and the Kootenay Rockies Powder Highway Ski & Snowboard Map.

The Circle Routes Map has a massive print run of 200,000 (185,000 English version and 15,000 German version) and distribution is well underway. This lure piece combines destination imagery, driving routes and attraction & adventure information; a perfect support piece for the annual Travel Guide.

The Ski & Snowboard Map has hit the press, in time for its presence at the first ski show of the season: Toronto Ski Show - October 15. The map showcases all winter product for the region including resorts, heli and cat operators, backcountry lodges, Nordic skiing and ski packagers/accommodators. With a print run of 175,000, this map will be in circulation for two winter seasons.

Local bookstore celebrates Independents’ Day by hosting two local authors

Left: Joanne Bellanger, owner, and staff Lyndell Classon, Aimee Oudette, Tevor Chaney and Rosie, the Lotus Books cat , all welcome you to celebrate Independents’ Day with them.

It’s Independents’ Day on October 17th and you are invited to join in the celebration. Independently owned and operated bookstores throughout the Kootenays including Lotus Books in downtown Cranbrook are taking part in this Canada-wide event. This special day is designed to recognize the value of independent booksellers.

Independent bookstores across the nation will be holding special events. Lotus Books on 10th Avenue in Cranbrook will be hosting two local area authors at the store. Keith Liggett of Fernie and author of the book Island Lake Lodge: The Cookbook will in the store from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Then Cranbrook author Keith G. Powell, will introduce to the public his new historical novel about the Wild Horse Gold Rush called Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“We want to show that independent bookstore like mine are important to the community. We are excited to be hosting the two Keith’s in our store,” said Joanne Bellanger, owner of Lotus Books in Cranbrook. “I believe people are increasingly interested in supporting local businesses, because they keep money, tax, revenue and job in our own communities. Remember, bookstores are not only a literary resource, they add cultural and entertainment value our city as well. We bring in and support local authors/artists allowing their work to be enjoyed by many.”

Independents Matter is a national grassroots campaign with a community focus sponsored and created by the Canadian Booksellers Association to encourage locally-owned booksellers to celebrate their independence and promote the benefits of shopping locally at independently-owned stores.

Lotus Books is located in downtown Cranbrook and is open Monday to Saturday. You are invited to catch a couple of local authors and visit your locally owned independent bookstore on Independents’ Day, Saturday, October 17th.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Launches The Powder Highway

Ultimate Ski Bum Blow Your Mind Contest

Click Here to learn more about this contest.

Ready yourself for the Greatest Winter Getaway contest ever offered!

Take one of the most coveted ski destinations on the planet. Add time to delve into it for three entire months, on famed mountain ranges like the Rockies, Purcells, Selkirks and Monashees. Drop in seven deeply delirious resorts, and the highest concentration of snowcat and heli operations anywhere, not to mention endless glaciers, peaks, tree stashes and bowls, all linked together by one wonderously adventurous road, and then make it all free.

Throw in cozy accommodation and a sweet ride for three months, one very lucky winner and you’ve got ‘The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum!’

R U The Ultimate Ski Bum? Contestants can submit a 90 second video, explaining why they should be the Ultimate Ski Bum, and why they deserve to have their mind blown by one of the most incredible winter destinations on planet earth.

Videos will be accepted from October 5 to November 22, 2009 with the winner to be announced on December 1, 2009, as voted by video viewers and the Powder Highway Ski Resort judges.

“This place has long been a haven for ski bums from around the world. We’re sharing that adventure through the experiences of one person—the Ultimate Ski Bum. No agenda, no job, just snow, mountains and a road that links it all together,” explains Chris Andrews, Kootenay Rockies Tourism.

New Office Digs!

Renovations Completed at the Kootenay Rockies Office

Source: Kootenay Rockies newsletter

Chris Andrews and Shannon Harrison (Partner & Community Programs) now have their own office space. Photo by Kootenay Rockies.

During the past year, the basement of the Kootenay Rockies office building has been renovated from storage space to four private offices and a 15-person board/meeting room.

What was once a ‘graveyard’ of old office equipment, including the office’s first fax machine (saved for sentimentalism & nostalgia) and endless filing cabinets of our accounting records has been transformed to a functional and efficient working space.

Chris Andrews and Shannon Harrison (Partner & Community Programs) now have their own office space. The new area also includes two office leases.

The modern and functional board room is also available for meeting room rental space for other businesses in the community. Please contact Katherine if you wish to book it.

Tourism Industry Conference/AGM Thursday October 22nd in Fernie

Here’s a meeting you won't want to miss…the Tourism Industry Conference/Annual General Meeting. For a complete agenda visit … www.krtourism.ca/agm . The conference is Thursday October 22nd at the Best Western in Fernie.

This year’s conference once again includes the ‘Year in Review’ by Chris Dadson, President of Kootenay Rockies Tourism, plus tourism activity updates by the other staff members.

A special thanks goes out to the College of the Rockies for sponsoring the Coffee Break. And, to Island Lake Lodge, Shadow Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Spirit Resort and Skytrek Adventure Park/Enchanted Forest for donating wonderful products for the raffle draw.

Hope to see you there!

Books Anew Opens in Fernie

Source: Fernie Chamber newsletter

Glenna looks forward to greeting you and making awesome suggestions when it comes to your book selections.

Its courtyard welcome at Fernie’s newest bookstore, Books Anew. for all who love reading and book trade exchanges. A warm hello and friendly atmosphere are all part and parcel of this esthetically pleasing book environment. Every genre, from romance to mystery, from biographies to histories awaits you on these well stocked shelves. Approximately 7000 great reads are in circulation.

Glenna looks forward to greeting you and making awesome suggestions when it comes to your book selections. She is well read and her passion for books helps to research materials wisely to meet her clients needs. This little nook adjoining Glenna’s home is easily accessible right off Highway 3 and 15th Street in Fernie. The store is just up the street from the Kootenay Taxi building. Ample parking is provided as well as a bike rack for all those eco friendly folks who use pedal power to get around town.

Books Anew is open Tuesday through Saturday. The hours are posted on the gate and Glenna can be reached by phone at 250-423-4100 or booksanew@shaw.ca, or visit us online at www.booksanew.com.

Good News from FLY YXC

For flight details contact www.delta.com

Delta Air Lines service is on track for the 2009/10 winter season. The flights to and from Salt Lake City (western hub of Delta) to the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) in Cranbrook begin again December 19th and runs through March 28, 2010.

As last winter, flights are on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday with non-stop service to Salt Lake City (SLC). The winter schedule consists of 44 flights, which is the equivalent to 2,200 inbound seats and 2,200 outbound seats. The aircraft is CRJ 100 with 50 coach seats.

The flight departs SLC 11:10 am and arrives at YXC at 1:08 pm, it then departs YXC 1:50 pm and arrives in SLC at 3:45 pm.

The service is loaded and available for sale at www.delta.com, on other travel websites or a your local travel agent.

Hot Shots on the move?

It looks like one of Cranbrook's most popular coffee spots, Hot Shots, is on the move. Photo by Keith Powell

It looks like one of Cranbrook's most popular coffee spots, Hot Shots, is on the move. “Coming soon Hot Shots” signs are up at a new location on busy Victoria Drive at the Victoria Crossing retail centre right next to Iris Opticals and across from the TD Bank in Cranbrook.

The Victoria Crossing retail centre is also the home of the new Mitsubishi dealership called Mountain Mitubishi.

This high visible location is substantially larger than Hot Shots current locations and is rumoured to offer a drive thru-window which in the coffee service business is major advantage. Hot Shots is owned and operated by Sherry Jackson and Troy Verdenhalven.

Watch Biz Blog for more details concerning Hot Shots new location.

Selkirk College & Partners Protect Habitat

Selkirk College, FortisBC and the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program have joined forces to protect the natural habitat along the Kootenay River. A “wildlife friendly” fence has been built along the college boundary, where off-road motorized vehicles were accessing the oxbow area. From left to right, Tim Thurston, Instructor of Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology at Selkirk College, Irene Manley, Wildlife Biologist for the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program and Blair Weston, Technical Advisor for FortisBC. Photo by Carrie Voysey

Selkirk College, FortisBC and the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program have joined forces to protect the natural habitat along the Kootenay River. In particular, the riparian (riverside) area near the oxbow at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers.

The Castlegar Campus of Selkirk College is located adjacent to this valuable habitat. Recently, the trails near the Kootenay River, particularly near the oxbow (U-shaped bend in the river), have experienced an increase in motorized vehicle use. This has, in turn, led to negative impacts for the natural habitat in the area.

To help eliminate the motorized use of the riparian area, FortisBC and the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, which works on behalf of its program partners that include the Ministry of Environment, BC Hydro, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, have donated funds to build a “wildlife friendly” fence along the college boundary, where vehicles are currently accessing the oxbow area.

The fence runs approximately 200 meters in length, limiting access to motorized vehicles. It is about 100 cm high and has been built to a standard which will have minimal impact to wildlife movement. Three “walk-through openings” have been incorporated along the fence so that foot traffic can pass through and use the trails.

Signs have been posted at the fence, which inform visitors that the use of motorized vehicles is not allowed on the trails. A gate, donated by Selkirk College, will also be installed on the north end of the trail, behind Selkirk’s Administrative building.

“The installation of the fence is not an attack on motor vehicle enthusiasts,” says Tim Thurston, Instructor of the Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology program at the college. “My main concern is for the wildlife and natural habitat and my goal is to educate the general public, which uses the trails a lot for recreational purposes, on the negative effects the vehicles have on the area. I have faith that once people understand these implications, they will use more appropriate areas for motorized recreation. Hopefully, the Conservation Officers won’t be too busy,” joked Thurston.

Recent changes to provincial forestry legislation make individuals who damage an ecosystem subject to penalties of up to $100,000.