Dawn Manning has a lot to be proud of, and thankful for. In 2008 she took ownership of  Bear Country Kitchen, a trendy store in Rossland that has been providing the community with classy kitchen items and other quality merchandise since 1993.

“I offer gourmet kitchenware . . . a bridal registry, complimentary gift wrapping and a local delivery service,” said Manning. “We (also) sell custom-made gift baskets, frozen yogurt, ice cream and smoothies.  I have been described as an independent Williams Sonoma.”

Bear Country Kitchen is known for carrying top brands such as Le Creuset, Cuisinart and Emile Henry, to name a few.

The company website gives an impressive overview. Manning has done her homework, and prides herself on the business’s reputation for exceptional service and good value with respect to price.

“I want local people to think of Bear Country Kitchen before driving across the border or to the Okanagan,” she said. “I want my customers to feel welcome to browse and request specialty items.  I want to know their names, interests and (for them to) always be greeted with a sincere welcome to my store.”

Manning has more under her belt than just a shining reputation as a business owner. In 2009, when out on a hike with her family, Manning single-handedly saved her then five-year-old son Simon Impey from a cougar attack. As a result of her courageous act, she was awarded a medal of bravery from the Governor General of Canada on April 20 of this year.

Hosted by Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), the conference takes place March 16 to 17 in Rossland. The event is free to
attend.

The goal of the conference is to help young people better understand what the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) is, how it works and what considerations exist for the future.

"This is a unique opportunity for young people to get involved and increase their knowledge on this important issue that may affect their future," said Kindy Gosal, CBT director, water and environment. "We encourage young people to learn more and participate in this discussion about a locally relevant international water management agreement."

The CRT is an international agreement between Canada and the United States to co-ordinate flood control and optimize hydroelectric power generation on both sides of the border. Under the 1964 treaty, three dams were constructed in Canada, including Mica, Duncan and Hugh Keenleyside. A fourth dam, Libby, was constructed in Montana. Its reservoir, the Koocanusa, extends 67 kilometres into Canada.

The CRT has no official expiry date, but has a minimum length of 60 years, which is met in September 2024. Either Canada or the U.S. can terminate many of the provisions of the agreement effective any time after September 2024, provided written notice is filed at least 10 years in advance (2014). While no decision has been made by either Canada or the U.S. on the future of the current treaty, given the importance of the issues, and the approaching date of 2014, both countries are now conducting studies and exploring future options.

Over a thousand Basin residents have already attended CBT-hosted information sessions about the CRT in communities around the Basin. The CRT Young Leaders Conference is one more way CBT is helping ensure Basin
residents are informed about the CRT.

For more information, or to apply to attend the conference, visit the website.

To learn more about the Columbia River Treaty, visit the website.

Dr. Stephanie Cameron and Dr. Jane Grey, owners of Rossland & Castlegar Medical Aesthetics & Day Spas, opened their third branch on Cedar Avenue beneath The Doorway in November 2011, thus making their many esthetic and rejuvenation services more easily accessible to those who prefer not to venture up the Trail/Rossland hill.

This most recent addition was brought to completion with admirable speed by Dr. Cameron, Christa McLaughlin and Julie Tiendl, along with a team of dedicated assistants and efficient local trades, including Seib’s Contracting.

Most of the services for which they have become renowned are available in Trail and the doctors will be in session on a regular basis.

They welcome several new estheticians and receptionists to staff the three locations.

Potter was drawn into the Rossland life after one short visit three years ago.

“Basically I came (from Calgary) with my wife, we biked for a couple of days in Rossland, and that was it. Within two weeks we had found a place to live. This is our home now. This place is paradise,” he said.

Potter’s long-standing relationship with skiing and mountain biking drew him to Powderhound, where he can let his expertise shine. Customers will see the same great service that they came to expect from previous owner, Don Vockeroth, with a greater focus on technical outerwear, and catering to the backcountry crowd.

“I’m super passionate about skiing,” Potter laughed. “If I don’t ski, it’s not good for the health.”

There’s something else he wants customers to know.

“I’m trying to make sure in the store that everything is strictly MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) or less. It’s pretty important, I think. I was just looking online and saw some of my skis are actually $200 less than MSRP”.

Visit the new Powderhound website here, and get updates on sales and products on the company’s facebook page.

Within the site, you can explore a wide range of investment information, from economic drivers to major employers to transportation and demographics. Or, link to the beautiful communities within the Lower Columbia Region and explore the tremendous lifestyles each community has to offer.

Visit the Lower Columbia Initiatives new website and sign up for our quarterly newsletter; see why the Lower Columbia Region is a great choice to live, work, play and invest.

The Lower Columbia Community Development Team is the result of a partnership between the five eastern municipalities; City of Rossland, City of Trail, Villages of Warfield, Montrose, Fruitvale and electoral areas A & B of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, The Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation (LCIC) was created in 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lower Columbia Community Development Team (LCCDT).