KRREA directors tour valued-added plant in Wynndel

STACKING UP: KRREA directors pose in front of a newly milled and wrapped stack of WynnWood lumber.
—Photo by Keith Powell

Directors of the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance (KRREA) recently had the opportunity to tour the newly expanded value-added sawmill of Wynndel Box and Lumber.

Wynndel Box and Lumber (www.wynndellumber.com) is owned and operated by the Wigen family and the tour was hosted by KRREA director Michael Wigen.

Wynndel Box and Lumber was founded in 1903 and currently employs over 200 employees. The new expansion sees a two-storey high-tech planer mill being installed to more efficiently produce the company’s trademark line of WynnWood one-inch lumber products. Over 25% of Wynndel’s production goes to the Japanese export market.

KRREA’s (www.krrea.org) objective is to enhance economic development throughout the East Kootenay region.

Canadian Rockies International Airport is open for business

Story and photo by Tanya Laing

CRANBROOK IS READY TO FLY: The Canadian Rockies International Airport is officially open for business
—Photo by Tanya Laing

The Canadian Rockies International Airport is officially open for business, following a grand opening celebration October 21. On hand to speak on the occasion were MP Jim Abbott, East Kootenay MLA and Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Bill Bennett, Cranbrook mayor Ross Priest, the managing director for Canadian Rockies International Airport, Philip Elchitz and Vancouver Airport Authority president and CEO, George Casey.

“This airport expansion is truly a regional project that will proper for the entire southeast corner of British Columbia,” said Priest, who credited the foresight of several people within the Kootenay region for bringing the project forward.

Notably, the project was not only delivered on time but within budget, said Priest.

“We come in with a clean bill of order, completely within the budget of the federal funding and I believe they are going to use this (project) as a showcase of opportunity throughout Canada,” he said.

Bennett read from his original speech to the legislative assembly regarding the airport expansion, which he presented in a bid for provincial funding in 2002. Bennett said he has long supported the expansion because the potential for tourism and economic development related to the airport is “enormous.”

“This obviously for me is an emotional event because this is the single most important economic development project in our region,” said Bennett.

Abbott paid tribute to the teamwork between the local and provincial government as well as the regional businesses which have driven the project.

“This is all about you,” said Abbott.“I acknowledge and am very proud to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Mayor Priest and Bill Bennett have made to this happening . . . You do have to have people at the political level who are going to fight for you; that is a fact. But what it comes down to is this facility is really about you because have you not been interested in what is happening?” International flights from Salt Lake City will begin arriving in December, opening up the region to 65 million travellers who use that airport as a hub.

Wayne Haddad awarded as Top Producer

TOP PRODUCER AWARD: Wayne Haddad, his daughter Wanda and Cora proudly display the top producers award recently given out at Whistler.
—Photo by Daystar Images/Karen Crawford

Kudos go out to Wayne Haddad and his his two daughters Cora and Wanda. As a team they were awarded with the distinction of being one of the top 100 producers of sales for the Chamber Group Insurance Plan in all of Canada-they work under the Sun Life of Canada umbrella.

Wayne recently attended a conference in Whistler and was honoured with this distinguished award. Wayne Haddad has been administrating the Chamber Group Insurance Plan for many years for the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber Insurance Plan is great benefit that membership in Chamber of Commerce offers especially to small businesses and entrepreneurs who require benefits protection for themselves or their employees.

For more info call Wayne or his team at 250 426 4221.

Nelson‘s CPR Diesel Shop to be demolished

MAKING TRACKS: The decommissioned locomotive maintenance building near Nelson’s waterfront will be demolished in 2009.
—Photo by R. Parlby

What is one of the most visible eyesores on the Nelson waterfront is slated for demolition. The decommissioned locomotive maintenance building near Nelson's waterfront will be demolished according to Canadian Pacific Real Estate VP John Walsh and Nelson's Mayor John Dooley in the near future.

CP used the Diesel shop from 1954 to 1975 for heavy locomotive maintenance. It was fully decommissioned in 1988 and stands vacant today. The demolition contract has been awarded to Hazco Environmental. The company and its contractors plan to work closely with the City of Nelson.

Demolition completion is slated for 2009, freeing up what has to be a prime piece of real estate near the City’s waterfont.

Shuswap Indian Band reaches agreement with Jumbo developers

MAKING TRACKS: A snowboarder laying tracks while descending Commander Glacier.
—photo courtesy Jumbo Glacier Resort

Shuswap Indian Band, Glacier Resorts Ltd. sign benefits agreement for Jumbo Glacier Resort, a year-round ski resort project in the East Kootenays Invermere, BC.

“This unprecedented and historic agreement is the culmination of a very important relationship we have been building since 1991” says Grant Costello, Vice President, Glacier Resorts Ltd.

Glacier Resorts Ltd. (GRL) and the Shuswap Indian Band have signed an agreement detailing how the local First Nation will benefit from the proposed $1 billion year-round ski resort project 55 km west of Invermere and Radium in the Kootenay Rockies.

“This is a great day for our community and our plans to move our community forward.” says Shuswap Indian Band Chief Paul Sam. “After long and considered review of this project, including the 2004 Environmental Certificate conditions protecting the grizzly habitat and the extensive wildlife and environmental management plans, we have decided to give this project our full support. This agreement will bring practical and meaningful economic opportunities to our People,” says Chief Paul Sam. “Not only will there be jobs for our People in construction and at the resort itself, but there will be significant business opportunities throughout the life of the project. A cultural interpretive centre will showcase our history, culture and connection to our lands.”

The Agreement provides for scholarships and training programs to introduce S.I.B. members to the tourism and hospitality industry.

www.jumboglacierresort.com

Plans for $75-million mountain resort development unveiled

ABOVE IT ALL: Hudson Bay Mountain Resort is one of the top five longest run mountains in Britishy Columbia.

BC Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Bill Bennett (and Kootenay MLA) and 20|20 Group president Lorne Borgal addressed a group of local VIPs and representatives of the Wet'suwet'en band on Friday, October 17, 2008, celebrating the official launch of the new “Trail to Town” ski run in Smithers.

The event, which takes place at the base of the Skyline Chair on Hudson Bay Mountain, will allow guests to hear about the first of many changes planned for the ski hill. The first change is the eight-kilometre-long, newly completed “Trail to Town.” It is one of North America’s few opportunities for a skier or boarder of any age and ability to ski from a mountain top, down one continuous run, to the town at the base of the mountain. This gives Hudson Bay Mountain over a vertical drop exceeding 3,700 feet, elevating it’s stature as one of the top five longest run mountains in British Columbia.

20|20 Group Inc. acquired Hudson Bay Mountain Adventures (HBMA) and Ski & Ride Smithers in late 2005. It had operated as a community hill for 20 years. In 2008 it was announced that the mountain resort will once again be named Hudson Bay Mountain.

New Jaffray Pub under construction

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Local businessman Ron Pion is in the process of building a new restaurant and pub in Jaffray.
—photo by Keith Powell

By next summer Jaffray will be home to a brand new licensed full-service restaurant and pub along with a new cold beer and wine store. The Jaffray Pub owned and operated by local businessman Ron Pion. He is in the process of building a spacious new building at the intersection of the Rosen Lake Road and Highway #3.

The Jaffray Pub is a long established bar and community meeting place and should be in its new home by late spring or early summer 2009. The new high profile location is right across from the popular Will-O-Bend golf course fronting busy Highway #3.

Jaffray and the surrounding south country area is an increasing popular visitors destination area with its many outdoor activities, recreational homes and expanding residential base. The small community is located midway between Cranbrook and Fernie.

Hot off the presses...Kootenay Rockies Ski & Snowboard Map

A POWDER GUIDE: The map showcases all winter product for the region including resorts, snow-cat and heli operators, backcountry lodges, Nordic skiing and ski packagers/accommodators.

The Kootenay Rockies Ski & Snowboard Map printed a massive run of 120,000 on Sept 17.

The 2008/09 map brochure features a new expanded size of 30” x 22” (folded to a 4"x9” brochure) and also features Delta Air Lines and the new direct air service from the US into the Canadian Rockies International Airport beginning this December 17.

The map showcases all winter product for the region including resorts, snow-cat and heli operators, backcountry lodges, Nordic skiing and ski packagers/accommodators.
To order a supply for free distribution, please contact Ski@KootenayRockies.com.

Source: Kootenay Rockies newsletter

Regional B-roll HD footage now available

ABOVE IT ALL: The Kootenay Rockies B-Roll DVD was shot and produced by Kevin Shepit, a local director and photographer from the East Kootenays.

Kootenay Rockies has developed a DVD of their B-Roll that includes footage shot over the past two years. Shot and produced by Kevin Shepit, the Kootenay Rockies regional DVD is now available to individual Partners.

The DVD will also be showcased in each provincial Visitor Centre (Golden, Osoyoos, Merritt, Mt Robson, the Peace Arch and YVR - Vancouver International Airport).

So if you have a visual display at your regional visitor centre, central check-in, hotel lobby or want to take the regional DVD (which showcased the region's colourful four seasons) to any of your consumer trade shows and/or, media/travel trade marketplace, be sure to let Kootenay Rockies know and they will send you a copy.

Contact the office via e-mail.

Source: Kootenay Rockies newsletter

International Fam tours comes to Kootenay Rockies region

ENJOYING THE OUTDORS: Steve Kuijt, Lodge Manager at Island Lake Lodge (second to the right) with the 'Go for Gold' Media Group.

The Travel Trade and Media Department headed up by Kathy Cooper of Kootenay Rockies Tourism has been extremely busy this fall organizing and hosting many fam tours throughout the region.

This September the region had two different German fams travel through, one that features deluxe product in their tariffs, and the other that are specialists in Canadian travel products, primarily RV travel. Both fams were implemented by the CTC & TBC offices in Germany and coordinated by TBC with the regional itinerary logistics handled by Kootenay Rockies Tourism.

Also hosted was a group of UK travel agents that were originally to come over on Zoom Airlines and we had significant challenges changing the whole itinerary when Zoom collapsed. However, the tour did go ahead with the assistance of Air Canada. Kathy Cooper met this group in the Revelstoke area where they had a fun time at Sky Trek Adventures and a great dinner in Revelstoke that evening before they headed off the next day to the Okanagan.

Tourism BC’s Media Department is very focused on sending as many journalists as possible to the various regions in the province prior to the Olympics and one such group did come through in September, another is planned for mid-October.

The return of Charlie Locke

AN ALPINE TOWN: Calgary businessman Murray Edwards is selling half his interest in the Lake Louise resort area (above) back to Charlie Locke, who used to own the property.
—photo by Henry Georgi

The Calgary Herald is reporting that financier Murray Edwards is selling half his interest in the Lake Louise resort area back to Charlie Locke—a former ski hill mogul who owned the property for decades before his company went into receivership. Edwards, a major oilpatch player and co-owner of the Calgary Flames, controls a number of ski resorts under the umbrella of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.

But the Calgary businessman is planning to shed half his stake in Lake Louise in order to concentrate on real estate opportunities in places like Fernie and Kimberley, a company spokesman confirmed Thursday.

The deal, which is still pending, would see Locke take over the daily operations of the ski hill. Both sides declined to discuss the financial details of the arrangement. "I will be the managing partner. It will be operated basically independently from, but affiliated with, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies," Locke said.

Fernie Mayor Randal Macnair said he hopes the arrangement will translate into development opportunities for the other properties owned by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies. The company also owns ski hills in Fernie, Kimberley and Quebec.

"The reality is there hasn't been a whole lot investment in the Fernie property in the last number of years," Macnair said. "Anything that will encourage that is a good thing."

Source: Calgary Herald

New Nisga's knit designs released by Kootenay Knitting Company

DESIGN SHOWCASE: The first display of Nisga'a aboriginal designs on the Cross Canada Team.

Lots of excitement over at Cranbrook's Kootenay Knitting Company has they announce the release of the first Nisga'a aboriginal sweater designs for Cross Country Canada ski team.

The colourful new design are the result of a partnership between the Nisga'a and Kootenay Knitting Company. Earlier this year, the Nisga’a Knit & Apparel Corp. purchased 29 per cent of the shares of Kootenay Knitting Company Ltd. This historic business relationship was consistent with the province of British Columbia’s high priority to improve the economic conditions of Aboriginal communities.

At the time Nelson Leeson, president of the Nisga’a Lisims Government said that “we look forward to working with Kootenay Knitting in the creation of authentic and exciting products that will be proudly displayed on the world stage.”

As sales and marketing manager Carol Jeske said, "This is the first display of our Nisga'a aboriginal designs on the Cross Canada Team, needless to say we are pretty proud."

See www.kootenayknitting.com.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort first major snowfall of the season

BLANKET OF SNOW: Over 20 cm of fresh snow has fallen in the alpine at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

What can only be a good indicator for snowy winter, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden has received its first major snowfall of the season.

A layer of fresh snow has blanketed the resort, stretching well below the plaza elevation.

“The first top to bottom snowfall of the season always helps build excitement for winter” states Steve Paccagnan President and General Manager at KHMR. “The timing is a perfect reminder for this weekend’s Early Bird Season Pass deadline.”

Over 20cm of fresh snow has fallen in the alpine with 4cm of fresh snow in the plaza.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a world class four season destination resort located 2.5 hours west of Calgary. The resort is nestled between the Rockies and Purcell mountain ranges in the heart of British Columbia. Winter offers an intergrated mountain resort experience and the most progressive in-bounds skiing in North America.

CBT supports partnership in wetlands stewardship

A DELICATE ENVIRONMENT: Thirty-five groups and agencies joined forces to conserve the Columbia wetlands.

Columbia Basin Trust is providing $60,000 over the next three years to support the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners, a group that manages the wetlands as a single system, irrespective of ownership or jurisdiction, and takes a proactive stance in dealing with issues as they arise.

The partnership of 35 groups and agencies includes all of the federal and provincial agencies concerned with the wetlands, all of the local NGOs with an interest in the river and wetlands, the local First Nations, industry representatives from the tourism and forest sectors, and representatives (councilors, mayors and regional district representatives) from each of the communities along the wetlands.

"CBT's three-year financial commitment creates stability and sustainability, allowing us to expand on our education and stewardship activities for residents in the communities surrounding the wetlands," said Bob Jamieson, Executive Director of the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners. "The group has taken on a wide range of projects to further the management of the wetlands, as well as ensuring local communities and stakeholders are involved in the process."

Faery Isle now Maison

WELCOME: Lisa Knox is the owner of the unique homestyle store Maison in Nelson.
—photo by Chris Shepherd

Lisa Knox who purchased the Nelson business Faery Isle last year, has re-named the unique homestyle store Maison (french for house). Located in the 500 block of Baker Street in downtown Nelson, Maison will feature a more intimate feel with an appreciation for french country style items.

Knox is an interior decorator herself and can offer customers advise and help in both style and colour choices. With a local artisans focus the new look Maison features mirrors, paintings, benches and wooden bowls all crafted locally in the Kootenays.

The store also has an unique of selection of items such as clocks, bedding, bath items, rugs and draperies.

Maison's distinctive appearance is enhanced the store's high ceilings and intimate size. The store is open six days a week.

Source: Nelson Express

Newly expanded Mark's in Nelson

INSIDE THE STORE: Sean Christophers, Mark's Work Wearhouse district manager.
—photo by Chris Shepherd

Nelson's Mark's Work Wearhouse has beefed up its presence in the Queen City. They have expanded from just over 5,000 square feet to a spacious new location of over 10,000 square feet.

With larger selling space the new Mark's Work Wearhouse will be able display and merchandise a wider lineup of "foundation items" such as work pants, coveralls and work boots. Plus the store will now feature more ladies items by expanding their footwear, denim and fashion accessory departments.

Sean Christophers, Mark's Work Wearhouse district manager, told the Express News in an interview, "With the larger selling floor we've also been able to expand some our assortment...it all lets Mark's provide more choices.

The new Mark's Work Wearhouse is located in the revamped Chahko-Mica Mall located on Nelson's waterfront.

Source: Nelson Express

Fernie Physiotherapy re-locates

Big changes are underfoot for the Fernie Physiotherapy clinic, and
the staff is very excited to share them with you!

After 7 years in operation, Fernie Physiotherapy, owned by Susan VanEvra, has recently moved to a new location at the Rocky Mountain Health Centre (901 5th Ave).

The clinic has taken over the space which was previously occupied by the
Mountainview Dental Clinic. The staff is excited to improve and expand their services for you at the new location.

Among other things, there is 400 square feet more space, new exercise equipment,
a hand station specifically for hand therapy, and pilates classes with Stott Pilates trained instructor Louise Wight.

Fernie Physiotherapy’s mission is to continue to provide Fernie and the Elk Valley with a very high standard of care, to provide you with education about your injuries and how to manage them, to constantly upgrade their own education to provide you with the best educated and qualified staff, and to work closely with other health care professionals to provide you with optimal care.

Source: Fernie Chamber newsletter

New auto dealership slated for Castlegar

Craig Kalawsky stands in front of his recently completed Castlegar Toyota dealership; he has a new Hyundai auto dealership in the works which is slated to open in early 2009.

Craig and Keith Kalawsky are the two principals behind a new Hyundai automotive dealership coming to Castlegar. The yet unnamed auto dealership (Castlegar Hyundai?) is slated to open in early 2009.

The Kalawsky family is a well-known name in the West Kootenay automobile industry, with Neil Kalawsky owning the GM dealer franchise in Castlegar and Craig recently opening up a brand new building for his Toyota dealership, called Castlegar Toyota.

Hyundai is a growing and expanding Korean-based import automotive company operating in Canada and offers a full line of automotive products.

The Kalawsky's are currently recruiting new employees for the dealership, they are looking for everything for a sales manager to licensed automotive technicians. Interested applicants can e-mail Keith.

New Cranbrook plumbing enterprise steps into business

THE MAN FOR THE JOB: Nathan Helvoigt, owner of Coyote Plumbing & Heating, specializes in small service repairs and renovations.

Gotta a leaky faucet? How about a dripping pipe? A clogged drain? Or maybe a cracked toilet? Then help could be just a call away. Cranbrook is now the home to a brand new plumbing company owned and operated by Nathan Helvoigt.

With more than 10 years plumbing experience, Nathan recently started his own business: Coyote Plumbing & Heating. Serving the Cranbrook area, Coyote specializes in small service repairs and renovations.

With a shortage of qualified tradespeople around, home and business owners are reporting it to be a real challenge to find plumbers, electricians and other trades. So the addition of Coyote Plumbing and Heating comes at an opportune time.

For more information about this new plumbing company just call Nathan at (250) 426-9712.

“Data Farm” tenant of new Revelstoke high tech park?

A lower mainland computer company says if they get the go ahead to build a technology park on Westside Road it could mean the creation of hundreds of jobs for Revelstoke.

“Several months ago we were approached by Citation Networks for what I think is an exciting proposal to build a high tech park,” said Alan Mason, director of Economic Development for the City of Revelstoke.

Citation Networks is a Vancouver-based company created in 1997 to identify and pursue sustainable economic opportunities in rural locations outside of the Lower Mainland.

Citation Networks president and chief executive officer Robert Sharkey said there are several reasons why they think Revelstoke is the ideal place to build a technology park. Some of those reasons include green electric power (BC Hydro), land (Westside Road locations), fibre-optics (Telus, Bell, Shaw fibre networks), and water (Columbia River).

The technology park would house a variety of different businesses—everything from software engineering to public relations firms. However, Sharkey said there would be a catalyst.

One tenant would be a world class data centre, which is a facility for housing thousands of servers that are connected to the Internet. Currently the market demand for data centres is three to one, said Sharkey.

A Google search by Kootenay Business did not retrieve any information about Citation Networks or CEO Robert Sharkey.

Source: Revelstoke Times Review

Andre’s takes over Muntz

COMING SOON: Watch for the Grand Opening of Andre’s Audiotronic’s Cranbrook downtown location in early October.
—photo by Keith Powell

One of Cranbrook's longest running businesses has been taken over by Kelowna-based Andre's AudioTronic. Muntz opened in the early 1970s and was owned and operated by Derek and Shirley Broadhurst.

The new owner, Andre Blanleil, has been on an aggressive expansion mode with his Andre's AudioTronics chain of electronic outlets. As well as the totally revamped location in Cranbrook, Andre's has locations in Castlegar, Kamloops, Vernon and Kelowna.

In addition to a full line up namebrand electronics—with everything from Plasma HDTV's to car audio—Andre's AudioTronics is an authorized Telus celluar phone retailer. Watch for the Grand Opening of the Cranbrook downtown location in early October.

JCI Kootenay wins big—twice

GROUP EFFORT: Back row (L - R): President Lana Kirk, Steve Stockwood, National Award Chair Diana J. Scott, Effective Speaking National Champ Mike Adams. Front row (L - R): Senator Phillip Elchitz, National VP Jackie Ward, Past President Joey Hoechsmann .

JCI (Junior Chamber International) Kootenay recently returned from JCI Canada’s national convention. The chapter picked up several national awards:

Best chapter of the year National Effective Speaking Champion (Mike Adams) Chapter Efficiency 2nd place, Best Fundraiser – Sam Steele Ball Tournament Honourable Mention – Member of the Year (Jackie Ward).

JCI Kootenay having such a strong showing nationally proves you can be small, yet vibrant. It also helps put the Cranbrook area on the map. The leadership and training organization for young people now has over 20 members. The chapter is officially only four years old, and competed with larger and more well established chapters across the country. 7 JCI Kootenay members attended the convention, and received some great training.

Our Effective Speaking Champion Mike Adams will now compete at the Conference of the Americas in May. Should he win, he’ll be off to Tunisia in November 2009 to compete at the World Congress.

Columbia Basin Trust committed to basic literacy

A BOOST FOR COMMUNITIES: CBT's President and CEO Neil Muth and CBT Board Director Greg Deck presented Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) representatives with a cheque for $140,000, part of the $200,000 commitment CBT is proud to make to support literacy development in the Columbia Basin.

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is proud to support literacy development in the Columbia Basin, committing a total of $200,000 to the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) this year. CBT has supported CBAL for nearly ten years, spending more than $1.6 million to date.

CBAL currently offers 115 literacy programs in 16 communities in the region. Last year more than 4,000 adults and children participated in these programs. Programs include a range from individual and group tutoring for reading and writing, early language learning, English as a second language support, and computer skills for seniors and more.

To learn more about CBAL and their programs, visit www.cbal.org.

Cranbrook Hearing Clinic to help adults and children in Egypt

The Cranbrook Hearing Loss Clinic, today announced plans for the nine-day hearing mission trip to Cairo, Egypt projected to result in fitting more than 3,000 adults and children receiving over 6,000 hearing instruments. The hearing mission trip will be completed in conjunction with the Starkey Hearing Foundation in an effort to fulfill the Foundation’s commitment to helping the world to hear.

“It is incredibly fulfilling to be a part of this hearing mission trip and to do so much good in such a short amount of time. It’s also very humbling to experience the incredible need that exists in the world. We feel honored to have the opportunity to bring the gift of hearing to so many in need and proud to support the Starkey Hearing Foundation in its mission,” said Sabrina Rhodes of The Hearing Loss Clinic. According to Sabrina, not only will those in need be fitted with hearing instruments, they will also receive training on hearing instrument care, maintenance and a supply of hearing instrument batteries.

Hearing mission trips are paid for by donations to the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Every year at the Foundation’s annual “So the World May Hear” Awards Gala, attendees have an opportunity to bid during a live auction to fund a hearing mission trip. A network of distributors of Starkey Canada, a division of Starkey Laboratories, bid to fund the Cairo, Egypt mission, which will take place October 5-13.

The Hearing Loss Clinic Inc. has been serving Southern Alberta and the East Kootenays since the early 1990's. Our clinics are located in Calgary and Okotoks, Alberta as well as Cranbrook and Creston, British Columbia. The mission of The Hearing Loss Clinic Inc. is to make a positive difference in the lives of those with hearing impairment.

Please visit www.sotheworldmayhear.org to learn more.

Mike and Shelley Adams win Gordon Wilder Memorial Award

CONGRATULATIONS: Shelley and Mike Adams have been awarded to 2008 Gordon Wilder Memorial Award for significant achievement in the tourism indusry in the Kootenay Rockies region.

MIke and Shelley Adams who recently sold Whitewater Ski Resort near Nelson to Calgary interests--have been awarded the 2008 Gordon Wilder Memorial Award for significant achievement in the tourism industry in the Kootenay Rockies region.

The award was accepted by Anne Pigeon, Whitewater's marketing manager, at the Kootenay Rockies AGM held at Panorama Mountain Village last week. The Adams have been involved in tourism and resort promotion for many years--going back to the days of the Kootenay Country Tourism Association.. They have owed and operated Whitewater Ski Resort outright since 1997 having managed it for many years prior to that.

Shelly Adams operated the outstanding Fresh Tracks Cafe at Whitewater and has recently gone on to publish a very successful cookbook called "Whitewater Cooks" based on the restaurant's most popular recipes.

Congratulations to Mike and Shelley Adams!

BC Tourism CEO downgrades tourism growth projections

Tourism B.C.’s CEO Rod Harris.

Based on current economic uncertainties, an originally projected 2 to 4% growth in B.C.’s tourism industry in 2008 has been downgraded to 1 to 2% growth according to Tourism B.C.’s CEO Rod Harris, who was the keynote speaker at the Kootenay Rockies Annual General Meeting held at Panorama Mountain Village last week.

He pointed out that tourism is facing “challenging times” and once the new realities of the global economy sort themselves out tourism operators will be facing new points of reference. Harris predicts the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympics will get B.C.’s industry back on a solid growth track.

Harris also stated that power has shifted all the way back to consumers. He shared Tourism B.C.’s integrated approach to harnessing the new consumer power. Beginning with mass-market tactics, moving to focused one-to-one communication and ultimately funneling to consumer-generated content, which captures their own experiences, has proven successful for the Super, Natural B.C. brand. Mass collaboration is the new buzzword in tourism marketing these days.

Harris also underscored the value of incorporating the three Rs into the marketing process: tactics encouraging visitors to relive the experience, recommend it to others, and, of course, revisit.

Fort Steele economic benefit adds up!

At the recent Kootenay Rockies Tourism AGM held in Panorama, heritage planner for Eastern B.C., Berdine Jonker, from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts made an interesting presentation on the value of heritage tourism.

She sited the example of Fort Steele Heritage Town and a recently completed economic impact study (2007). The study suggests that incremental spending from visitors to Fort Steele amounted to $2.71 million.

Direct and indirect economic benefits included direct employment of 34 equivalent full time jobs for local residents and including indirect and induced effects, a total of 56 equivalent full time jobs. With annual wages and salaries of nearly $1.7 million and an annual gross domestic (regional) product slightly over $2.0 million.

Added together the economic impact or spin off of Fort Steele Heritage Town is some $6.41 million to surrounding region.

Selkirk College Launches First Ever Classroom on Wheels Columbia Basin Trust provides $74,000 for Industrial Mobile Training Program

CBT DONATION: Representatives from Selkirk College and Columbia Basin Trust recently partnered to create the first ever "classroom on wheels"- a mobile training unit that will travel to different communities and offer specialized training. From left to right, Selkirk College's Vice President of Academic and Student Development, Angus Graeme, Industry and Trades Training Instructor, Dave Griffin, Dean of Community,
Corporate and International Development, Vi Kalesnikoff, and Wally Penner, Vice President of Community Partnerships at Columbia Basin Trust.
—photo by Pat Henman

Selkirk College is launching the first Industrial Mobile Training program in the West Kootenay, thanks to a $74,000 contribution from Columbia Basin Trust.

The program will consist of a unique educational plan where equipment
and instructors travel to communities to offer specialized industrial training. In other words, it*s a classroom on wheels, and in this case the classroom will travel throughout the local region on a 40-ft. flat bed trailer and truck tractor.

This will be a new way of tacklingconcerns around employers' needs in the industrial sectors, as well as a means to supply additional education in industry to students from communities across the Basin.

The new mobile training program will be implemented in two phases. The first, which is taking place this year, will see participants being able to take provincially-licensed certification in general areas such as forklift, air brakes, industrial rigging and scaffolding.

Anyone interested in the Industrial Mobile Training program can contact Vi Kalesnikoff.

College of the Rockies board elects new board chair and vice-chair

NEW BEGINNINGS: College of the Rockies Board Chair Ron Toyota.

The Board of Governors of the College of the Rockies is pleased to announce the election of a new Board Chair and Vice-Chair during its regular meeting held September 11, 2008.

Elected to the position of Chair is Creston Valley area resident Ron Toyota. Ron was appointed to the College Board by the Province in July 2007. Prior to moving to Boswell, Ron lived in Cranbrook for 30 years where he owned and operated Taks Home Furnishers in Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Golden and Grand Forks. He retired in 2007 after four years with Clarica / Sunlife Financial.

Elected to the position of Vice-Chair is Kimberley resident Andrew Cohen. Andy was appointed to the College Board by the Province in September 2005. Andy is General Manager, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) BC Division (Fernie and Kimberley Alpine Resorts) as well as General Partner, Tall Pines Development Ltd. Prior to his position with RCR, Andy was President and COO of Private Retreats, a private club real estate company. He has more than 25 years’ experience working in the mountain resort industry both in Canada and the United States.

Geoscience to assist in hunt for Kootenay minerals

The View From Below: Fugro Airborne Surveys will ue a helicopter with sensing instruments suspended below the aircraft to conduct an electromagnetic survey over 609 square kilometres from Nelson to the U.S. border.

Geoscience BC, in partnership with Dajin Resources Corp. and Sultan Minerals Inc., is funding an airborne geophysical survey in southeast British Columbia starting in mid-September. The survey is designed to provide new geoscience information to help further our understanding of the mineral potential of this historic mining camp.

Fugro Airborne Surveys will fly this $542,000 time-domain electromagnetic survey over a 609 square kilometre area that stretches from Nelson to the U.S. border, using a helicopter with sensing instruments suspended below the aircraft. The survey will commence on September 15th and run until approximately November 15th.

"The aim of the survey is to provide new geoscience information to help attract additional mineral exploration investment into this region and its communities," said 'Lyn Anglin, president and CEO of Geoscience BC. "Similar surveys in central British Columbia have led to an improved understanding of the region's geology and increased industry investment, and we're confident that this survey will do the same for the Kootenays."

The Kootenay area is highly prospective for base metal deposits such as lead-zinc, tungsten skarns and copper-gold porphyries, and was rated by the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources as having some of the highest mineral potential in British Columbia. The survey area includes the historic Jersey, HB and Reeves-Macdonald mines which were the second, third and fourth largest lead-zinc producers in the province. The survey also covers the historic Emerald tungsten mine—Canada's second largest tungsten producer, the Sheep Creek gold camp and the Ymir gold camp.

For more information on QUEST-West and other Geoscience BC projects, please see Geoscience BC's website.

Fair Change’ conference scheduled for October

ONE RED PAPERCLIP TRADER TO SPEAK IN CRANBROOK: Internet trader Kyle MacDonald started with one red paperclip and after only 14 trades he ended up with a house. As one of four keynote speakers, MacDonald will tie his unique personal story with the ideologies behind Fair Trade Certified products and reinforce the universal adage that people are more important than stuff.

‘Several Cranbrook and Kimberley organizations are working together to organize an exciting conference scheduled to take place from Thursday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 26 at the College of the Rockies, Cranbrook Campus.

Fair Change: Fair Trade and Climate Change in the Kootenays explores global issues associated with fair trade and climate change while putting a focus on local solutions and choices that can make a difference. The conference will feature workshops, guest speakers, movie presentations, social functions and a trade fair featuring international and regional artisans and businesses, including Ten Thousand Villages.

Included in the agenda is the Fairly Local Gala Banquet, a silent auction and dinner fundraiser for the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation’s Environmental Endowment Fund.

Keynote speakers include: acclaimed authors Guy Dauncey and Anna Lappé; the General Manager of Ethiopia’s Oromio Coffee Union Tadesse Meskela; and One Red Paperclip internet trader Kyle MacDonald. Special workshops for students, educators, business and the general public are also included in the plans, as well as a full-day workshop facilitated by Guy Dauncey.

Prior to the main conference in Cranbrook, condensed one-day presentations focusing on fair trade will take place from Oct. 20 to 23 in Invermere, Golden, Fernie and Creston.

For more information or to register, click here or contact Jeff Cooper at 250-489-2751 ext. 3578.

Behind-the-scenes tour at Shadow Mountain

Bird’s Eye View: Shadow Mountain is situated on 580 acres of land and features a 19-hole, 7,400-yard championship golf course, practice academy, clubhouse and gated RV story along with 600 real estate lots and properties for development.
—photo by Keith Powell

On recent cool September morning, Kootenay Business Magazine publisher Keith Powell and sales representative Mike Dale were treated to an exclusive pre-opening tour of Cranbrook’s newest golf destination, Shadow Mountain Golf Community.

Hosted by developer Fred Mehl, we were toured around the spectacular new golf course and allowed to get a behind-the-scene glimpse into the tremendous amount of work and attention to detail that goes into developing such a project.

Shadow Mountain, soars above the banks of the St Mary’s River, is billed as residential lifestyle golf community and it is situated on 580 acres of land with a 19-hole, 7,400-yard championship golf course, practice academy, clubhouse and gated RV story along with 600 real estate lots and properties for development.

“We had three golf architects bidding for the project and in the end we choose Cooke and Carleton International because we felt they understood the essence of the project and best understood how to incorporate the dramatic natural contours of the property into the project,” explained Fred Mehl. “Wayne Carleton who was on-site just about every week--shared the same vision as we did for Shadow Mountain.”

Some of the natural features that stood out in our morning tour of Shadow Mountain was the large natural “waste” bunkers, the spectacular mountain views, the enormous contoured greens, the natural landscape and the long rolling, tumbling fairways and the impressive man-made lake.

Shadow Mountain will soon punch a tunnel beneath the highway to connect the east and west sections of the golf course. This tunnel will be completed over the fall and winter. Cranbrook and area residents are in for a real treat when Shadow Mountain opens for play in the spring of 2009, even though the golf course looked like we could have pulled out our clubs and played already—the wisdom of good golf course management says let the grass mature and really take root.

Visit their website.

DreamCatcher Development moving ahead

Alpine Dwelling: The DreamCatcher development is footsteps away from the Trickly Creek Golf Course and Kimberley Alpine Resort.
—photo by Keith Powell

Kimberley’s DreamCatcher development is an exclusive low-density site comprised of 25 wooded acres that will be home to fewer than 100 homes and will boast the exclusive owners-only Mountainside Club. The Mountainside Club which includes pool and hot tub is currently under construction.

This mountain chalet development is footsteps away from the Trickle Creek Golf Course and Kimberley Alpine Resort.

New Dawn Developments of Cranbrook is the general contractors on the project. Close to dozen homes are now completed or in the final stages of completion.

DreamCatcher is located on a prime piece of property which was the site of the former Happy Hans Campground.

For more info click here.

Build out at Timberstone continues in Kimberley

In Construction: Timberstone Spa Resort in Kimberley is a 120 condo development located at the foot of Kimberley Alpine Resort.
—photo by Keith Powell

More Kimberley condominiums are nearing completion on the mountain. Timberstone Spa Resort –a 120 condo development—located at the foot of the Kimberley Alpine Resort is well under construction.

Construction began in January, 2006. The eventual build out will see the completion of 120 deluxe units in 11 buildings will be built over an 11 phase schedule spanning 3-4 years. Unit sizes range from 950 – 2750 square feet, with a choice of 1-4 bedrooms. Each unit offers a luxurious look and feel with convenient access to resort amenities and features slate granite accents, hardwood floors, fireplace, full kitchen, private hot tub, and balcony. Since releasing the sale of 4 of the 11 buildings, they have sold 65% of these units.

Click here for more info.

Fernie mortgage broker on the go

Need A Loan? Lana Gale of HLC Home Loans Canada will help you to arrange a mortgage and help you understand what is best for your circumstance.
—photo courtesy Chamber News

Fernie residents may recognize Lana Gale from her years with the College of the Rockies and Elk Valley Job Seekers…Small Business Owners may recognize her from her bookkeeping and consulting business, Gale Force Business Services…Now, Gale wants everyone to recognize her as one of Fernie go to mortgage brokers at HLC Home Loans Canada!

As a wife and new mother, she says she knows what it is like to be stretched for time.

That is why she has decided to be mobile. Gale will drive out to meet you any place in the Elk Valley or South Country, at any time that works for you. She believe you deserve a mortgage specialist who will work with you to arrange a mortgage and help you understand what is best for your circumstance.

Lana Gale Mortgage Specialist. Office: 250-423-4493

Mountain Spirit rises in Kimberley

Luxury Lives here: Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa is one of largest construction projects to take place at the Kimberley Alpine Resort and is billed as Kimberley's first boutique condo hotel.

One of busiest construction sites in Kimberley these day is the massive new Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa which is currently a real beehive of building activity.

The Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa in Kimberley is rising up at the foot the Kimberley Alpine Resort and right next to the Tickle Creek Lodge (formerly the Marriott). This is one of largest construction projects to take place at the resort and is billed as Kimberley's first boutique condo hotel. As well as Kimberley's best ski-in and ski-out locations.

Studio, one, two and three bedroom suites run from $250,000 to $1 million. The Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa will feature geothermal heating and cooling, year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub, full service therapeutic wellness spa and professional resort management.

New Dawn Developments of the Cranbrook is the general contractor on the project and the first completions are slated for the winter of 2008/2009. The new resort is part of the Intrawest's Resort to Resort, global homeowner exchange network.

WD contributes to Kootenays success

Supporting The KootEnays: Honourable Jim Abbott (centre), presents Keith Powell (right), vice-chair of KRREA and Patti Phillips (left) KABAS with funding support from Western Economic Diversification Canada.

The Kootenay region will benefit from the three new community capacity building projects, thanks to investments by the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

Federal funding of more than $220,000 was announced last week by the Honourable Jim Abbott in Cranbrook. Funding is provided under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative, a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.

The Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance Society (KRREA) received $104,985 to complete “Foundations of our Economy”—a baseline assessment of the regional economy.

The Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society (KABAS) received $46,085 to develop services for aboriginal youth.

The British Columbia Community Forest Association based in Kaslo received $69,500 to build a marketing program to promote eco-tourism opportunities.

The organizations funded would like to thank the Honourable Jim Abbott and WD for their support.

New pedestrian bridge for Sparwood

Bridging The Gap: This project includes the construction of a pedestrian / cyclist bridge located at the confluence of the Elk River and Michel Creek.
—photo by Keith Powell

Thanks to $1 million in LocalMotion funding, a new Elk River pedestrian bridge will make the District of Sparwood a greener and healthier community.

“This project is a great addition to Sparwood,” said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett. “The current Elk River crossing takes travellers along a busy highway while this new pedestrian bridge offers a safer and far more direct route to schools, local shopping and recreational facilities. This is a perfect opportunity for Sparwood residents to drive less and demonstrate their role as an active community while bringing the two parts of town closer together.”

This project includes the construction of a pedestrian / cyclist bridge located at the confluence of the Elk River and Michel Creek. The new crossing will provide a direct link between Sparwood Proper and Sparwood Heights and an alternative to the previous bridge which directed travellers toward the busy Highway 43, a corridor for heavy truck traffic. “This project develops a new safer transportation link for our residents and has the potential to be an asset to our tourism industry,” said Sparwood Mayor David Wilks. “We are grateful to the Province for recognizing the importance of this project.”

LocalMotion is one of four Green Cities programs announced by the Premier at the 2006 Union of BC Municipalities Annual Convention. For more information on LocalMotion and links to other local government supports, visit www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca.

Redstone Golf Resort nearing completion

The place to play: Here is a shot of the 9th fairway from the green.
—photo courtesy www.redstoneresort.com

The transformation of the Rossland Golf Course is well underway and the prospects has golfers throughout the Kootenays and beyond eager with anticipation.

John Reed, marketing director, at Redstone Golf Resort is reporting that the remake of the historic front nine at Rossland's Redstone Golf Resort is now complete including the new driving range and nusery green.

Golfers are invited to play the new back nine for the rest of 2008. All shaping, seeding, and installation of the irrigation system has been completed on the new front nine at Redstone and it will be ready for play in the spring of 2009.

Management sends out a huge thanks to Les Furber and his team, along with Redstone's Superintendent Grant Maule and his team for their herculean efforts! All holes, fairways, the driving range, new putting and chipping green and the nursery greens are complete, and have been seeded.

Redstone looks forward to full play on 18 next summer! Call 1-877-362-4555 to book a tee time.

Aboriginal education project helps Cranbrook students

Aboriginal College of the Rockies students will enjoy better access to culturally focused learning programs through the Revitalizing Individual Strength through Education (RISE) project thanks to $100,000 in provincial funding from the Aboriginal Special Project Fund.

The RISE project will create increased access and more culturally appropriate learning opportunities for a multi-barriered Aboriginal population currently not being adequately served by the college or mainstream programs. This program will provide an opportunity for Ktunaxa and other Aboriginal participants, in particular youth, to develop knowledge and skills in their traditional values and practices so they will be better able to contribute to their community.

As part of the ministry's Aboriginal post-secondary education strategy, the special projects fund provides up to $100,000 to public post-secondary institutions to work with Aboriginal communities and educators on projects that address the government's education priorities in language, culture and history, adult basic education, teacher training, health sciences, math sciences and the trades.

Knee Deep Development snatches up Whitewater

Winter Wonderland: Whitewater Winter Resort in Nelson is known for its steep and deep terrain.

One of the last family-owned ski resorts in the Kootenays has been sold to a Calgary-based developer for an undisclosed amount. Knee Deep Development Corporation which is owned by Dean Prodan, Andrew Kyle and Mitch Putnam has purchased the ski resort near Nelson. Mike and Shelly Adams have owned and operated the resort for many years.... known for its simple operating style and its steep and deep terrain.

The new owners also announced that they have hired Nelson resident Brian Cusack as new the general manager of the resort. Cusask has been resort manager of Castle Mountain near Pincher Creek, Alberta for over 20 years. Expansion plans are in the works—with new lifts into the back side of the resort. In addition to lift expansion Knee Deep plans to build a new rental shop and retail shop, ticket office, staff room and ski school office.

Funding for Whitewater expansion plans will probably comes from anticipated construction of condominiums and a destination hotel. Knee Deep is looking to maintain a small mountain feel while upgrading the existing facilities. The deal officially closes at the end of August.

www.skiwhitewater.com

Source: Nelson Express