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COTTAGE Mar. - Apr. 2014

PEOPLE • COMMUNITY • CULTURE • HISTORY

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Page 2 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a COTTAGE Contents March-April 2014 • Volume 12, Issue 2 • People, Community, Culture & History

12 north 18 38 Features 12/ Snow, Spruce and Smelter Smoke Photographer Hans Arnold reveals the beauty of northern Manitoba Libby Stoker-Lavelle 18/ Lalor Rises and Revives Snow Lake New insights on progress and predictions for the Lalor Mine Marc Jackson 21/ Saskuranium Discover the story behind an exciting new uranium discovery in northern Saskatchewan Jim Parres 25/ North of Fifty-four Chris Szott captures the magic of northern summers in his debut album Libby Stoker-Lavelle 31/ And the Rest is History: The Flin Flon Bombers Meet today's players, and the hockey greats who inspire them Shannon Smadella 38/ The Munn Cup: A Hockey Legacy in Thompson Byer reveals how this minor hockey tournament has become a Thompson institution Penny Byer 42/ Tractor Trains of the North Two local historians reveal the challenges faced by the young men who brought supplies into northern Manitoba via tractor sleighs. Morley Naylor & Les Oystryk 50/ Highlights from the Trappers' Festival Libby Stoker-Lavelle 51/ Storytellers Film Festival: Creating a Spark Libby Stoker-Lavelle In Every Issue 5/Contributors 28/Capture the North Photo Contest: Round 5 6/Calendar of Events 31/Spotlight on Northern Athletes: 8/In a Nutshell: Regional News Nadine Colomb 24/Wildlife: Pine Grosbeaks - Gerry Clark 49/Poetry Corner 26/Health & Wellness: Tips from Body Break 52/A Good Taste: Something Hot to Drink 54/ Q & A: Meet Bruce Krentz - Penny Byer Cover photo by Scott Kurytnik "Beautiful Bald Eagle". Winner of Photo Contest Round 5 (see p.28)

@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 3 Editor’s Note

In northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, we know that what makes us great is hidden beneath the surface. From uranium to zinc, copper, and gold, the wealth of this region is invisible to the naked eye. And just as prospectors see potential where others see rock and earth, at Cottage North we know that what makes our communities great is often hidden below the surface. The stories of each community’s riches deserve to be uncovered and shared, and we are here to toot that horn. Here are a few stories you should know about: In The Pas, a doctor is working with diverse community groups to bring the Storytellers Festival, a dynamic event celebrating Aboriginal filmmaking, to the town’s historic Lido Theatre. “There is a lot of interest in video, especially among youth,” says Dr. Bernhard Friz, “I want this to be a seminal event, to project the idea and have the community come around the idea and see what they want to do.” (p.51) In Flin Flon, the local ski club welcomed guests from two provinces to a packed day of races at their extensive cross- country trails. “We felt like we were in the middle of a high-energy happening,” recalls VP Dave Price, “with this crowd of skiers, coaches, parents and volunteers. It was a good place to be.”(p.10 ) In Thompson, volunteers and sponsors have helped foster minor hockey in the north by bringing the annual Munn Cup tournament to life each year. A longtime sponsor recalls, “We used to watch these young guys, not tall enough to see over the counter, asking ‘Mr. Timmons, can you sharpen my skates?,” and watch them grow into successful adults.” (p.38) As a regional publication, we are here to celebrate our communities, and the people who make “community” happen. You’ll encounter them on every page: a group of ladies who knit homemade scarves and give them away to strangers; high-profile athletes who take the time to mentor kids; historians who dig deep into the archives to share the region’s past with readers. These stories are compelling reminders of the value of sharing our talents and our time with others. By giving what we have, we can strengthen the fabric of our own communities, while building a more enriching life for ourselves as well. We hope you enjoy this issue of Cottage North!

Libby (Elizabeth) Stoker-Lavelle

Cottage North Magazine is published six times a year by The Flin Flon Reminder and is distributed free of charge to businesses and services throughout northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Greetings to Publisher: Randy Daneliuk Editor: Libby Stoker-Lavelle Production Manager & Layout Editor: John Bettger Cottage North Advertising Coordinator & Graphic Designer: Krista Lemcke Sales & Marketing Advisor: Karen MacKinnon readers Office Administrator: Shannon Thompson Receptionist: Rose Daneliuk Subscribe to Cottage North Support your local magazine & get Cottage North delivered to your door six times a year! Makes a The Manitoba government great gift. One year subscription (6 issues): $36.00 GST incl. is proud to support the We welcome submissions of photos, art and articles at all times. Please contact us if you have something to share! continuing growth and Cottage North Magazine development of this 14 North Avenue, Flin Flon, Manitoba, R8A 0T2 There's more to discover online! phone: 204-687-4303 fax: 204-687-4473 www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca majestic region. www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca email: [email protected] To Advertise: Contact Krista Lemcke, [email protected] Cottage North Magazine Vol 12, Issue 1. Printed in Canada, 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction of photos, illustrations, or text in any form without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Page 4 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Cottage North Contributors Shirley Barbeau Morley G. Naylor Shirley Barbeau is a long-time resi- Morley G. Naylor was born in dent of The Pas, and former resident of Sherridon and has lived in Flin Flon Cranberry Portage. A recent graduate since. For 32 years, he has travelled all from UCN, Shirley works for both The over northern Manitoba and Pas Arts Council and The Pas & District Saskatchewan with CBC TV and CBC Chamber of Commerce. In her free Radio. “I’ve really come to appreciate time, Shirley taps into her creative side the beauty and diversity of our area,” with crafting projects and art installa- Morley says, “there are so many stories tions; she is also a MS Walk ambassa- to tell.” dor. Jim Parres Penny Byer Jim Parres is a prospector/geologist Penny Byer moved to Thompson in who was born in Timmins, Ontario, the late 70s to open up the CBC North but raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba. He Country studio. She moved into print has co-authored two Manitoba mining as editor of employee publications with books, “The Nor Acme Gold Mine a mining company and has freelanced Story” and “Headframes, Happiness for various organizations and publica- and Heartaches” along with Marc tions. She also teaches courses on com- Jackson. Jim also writes a bi-monthly munications and leadership. column in the Snow Lake paper. Gerry Clark Shannon Smadella Gerry Clark is a retired schoolteach- As a charitable business profes- er whose whole career, starting in 1969, sional, humanitarian and former Miss has been at Hapnot Collegiate, Flin Canada, Shannon has traveled the Flon. His interests include drawing, world aiding in various causes. From mostly portraits and some caricatures; TSN Sports Host to Freelance Journalist, photography, mostly wildlife but also this young entrepreneur stays true sports, involving his four grandsons; to what she loves—fitness. Shannon and writing, mostly about local histo- will be running her first marathon in ry. August in support of Team Diabetes and teaches yoga at Sal’s Fitness. www.shannonsmadellafit.com Marc Jackson Marc Jackson has lived in Snow Lake for 42 years. He Glenda Walker-Hobbs is married to Leone and has four chil- Glenda Walker-Hobbs is a retired dren and three grandchildren. For the library technician, Flin Flon Writers past number of years, Marc has written, Guild secretary, and co-facilitator of edited, and published Snow Lake’s Advanced Poets of Writers Village Underground Press, as well as a syndi- University. She has published seven cated column that runs Fridays in the books of poetry, mostly recent- Flin Flon Reminder, Opasquia Times, ly Shadows to Sunlight and Beyond the and Nickel Belt News. He has co- Candle Flame. She is currently revis- written two books. ing a novel and has two books of poetry in progress. Sheila Marchant As a longtime resident of northern Manitoba, Sheila Marchant enjoys cap- Do you have a story to tell? turing the natural beauty of this region in poetry. Sheila gathers inspiration We welcome submissions at any time. everywhere, but particularly from her Contact us: scenic views on her monthly bus rides [email protected] or 204-687-4303 from Flin Flon to Prince Albert. “You Visit our website: can never get bored if you look out the window,” she says. cottagenorthmagazine.ca

@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 5 March - April

TheCalendar Calendar of Events is now online! Checkof out more E listingsv entsand details for the latest concerts, festivals and other local happenings at cottagenorthmagazine.ca

The Pas On April 2, get a rst-hand look at the barriers March 14: St Paddy’s Day Furry Fundraising Social and hardships of life on the streets at Spend a in support of local dog shelters. Day in their Shoes, in the Pas, 12-4 pm. Location TBA, 9 pm All proceeds of this event will be donated to March 20-23: Storytellers Film Festival, Oscar’s Place. For more information, contact celebrating Aboriginal and northern peoples at Teresa at 623-9698 or email The Lido Theatre, various showtimes & events. [email protected]. See p. 51 for more details. April 5: 20th Annual Bill Bannock Classic Fishing Derby, Clearwater Lake, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, Flin Flon, Creighton & Denare Beach April 6: Home Routes Concert Series presents March 7: Tim Hus concert, Flin Flon Community Hall 7:30 pm David Newland, Sam Waller Museum, 7 pm March 9: Flin Flon Ski Club Centaloppet: A fun race for skiers of all levels. Registration at 1 pm March 20: Cas & Dylan presented by the Films Up North Film Series, Hapnot Theatre, 7 pm March 20: West My Friend concert, Northminster Memorial Church, 7 pm March 22: International Women’s Day Luncheon, Flin Flon Community Hall, 11 am-2 pm April 1 – 30: Lois Pedersen art exhibit at the NorVA Centre April 9 & 10: Home Routes Concert Series presents David Newland, 7 pm April 17: The Sapphires presented by the Films Up North Film Series, Hapnot Theatre, 7 pm April 27: Shari Ulrich concert, with the Flin Flon Community Choir & The Pas Choirs, time TBA

Prince Albert March 13: Diana Panton jazz concert, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm March 27: Caladh Nua: A vibrant Irish band, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm March 28: Wolf Back a Beer, Beer Tasting Extravaganza at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7 pm April 1: Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don't Fail Me Now: theatre, music and dance. E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm April 14: Jimmy Rankin concert, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm

Thompson The Stacks will be performing as part of the Home Routes Concert Series on March 8 in The Pas, March 11 & 12 March 22 & 23: Writing Extravaganza Workshop with Chadwick in Flin Flon, and March 15th in Prince Albert. Ginther & Carolyn Gray, TRCC, 12-5 pm Visit homeroutes.ca or thestacksmusic.com for more details. April 7: Volunteer Appreciation Night, TRCC 5:30-7 pm

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Page 6 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a (204) 687-3526 • 4 Main St. Flin Flon, MB R8A 1J4 www.gunnsound.com [email protected] Tents, Tables, Chairs, Dance Floor, Sound Systems All Shapes and Sizes for any Event Tent Models Table Models MQ15 Marquee – 15’ x 15’ 2 1/2’ x 6’ banquet MQ20 Marquee – 20’ x 20’ 4’ diameter round Matrix Marquee Diamond – 20’ x 20’ 5’ diameter round PPT40x – 40’ x 40’ & 40’ x 60’ MQ34 Marquee Hex – 1040 sq ft White (Miami Bistro) Chairs Plain or Window Walls Available

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@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 7 In a Nutshell: A miscellany of regional news Two Honours for Snow Lake Steel Becomes Art in - Marc Jackson - Cranberry Portage - Shannon Smadella -

Snow Lake’s Economic Development Officer, MaryAnn Mihychuk, with the certificate and token presented by the Mining Hall of Fame in honour of Kate Rice’s induction. Photo by Marc Jackson; Kate Rice portrait courtesy of St. Marys Museum Gordon Kosmenko with his artwork in Cranberry Portage. Photo by Shannon Smadella In the past six months, the community of Snow Lake has been the recipient of two separate, but significant, presenta- Living atop the 53rd parallel, we are accustomed to fine tions. On October 1, 2013, Premier Greg Selinger pre- works of art from remarkable northern artists. One artist in sented a certificate to the Town of Snow Lake recognizing particular from Cranberry Portage intrigued me, as much of the bravery and courage that followed the November 18, his work, rather than being on canvas, is made from steel. 2012 tragedy that took the life of Pilot Mark Gogal and While driving through the quaint village of Cranberry injured seven others. Portage, which has inspired picturesque paintings by many On January 16, 2014, Mayor Clarence Fisher and Snow artists, you will discover much of Gordon Kosmenko’s metal Lake Economic Development Officer MaryAnn Mihychuk work. From custom-made family signs on the exterior of the were on hand at a Toronto Gala Event to receive a certificate town’s homes, to interior work such as intricate iron railings, and token honouring Kate Rice’s induction into the Mining Gordon Kosmenko is constantly expanding his portfolio of Hall of Fame. Both presentations will be put on display in one-of-a-kind creations. Snow Lake; the former in Snow Lake’s Town office and the See more of the Cranberry Portage artist’s work at latter in the Snow Lake Mining Museum. www.gordonkosmenko.com. Chasing the Chill in The Pas On February 1, thirty-six donated scarves were wrapped - Shirley Barbeau - around various objects such as trees, signs, stairs, and bike racks throughout The Pas. The scarves were available for anyone to borrow or take to “chase the chill” of this cold winter. Chase the Chill is a project that was started in Pennsylvania by Susan Huxley, and a Chase the Chill event was held in Winnipeg in December 2013. I decided to start a similar project in The Pas to help residents stay warm in this brutally cold winter. A number of local ladies enthusiastically stepped up to knit or crochet for the cause, and many others helped with donations of yarn and scarves. Val Paulley, the Winnipeg Chase the Chill host, shared the posters, tags and logo that were passed on to her from Susan Huxley, along with her best wishes. It was a heart-warming project that I would love to see continued. We hope to host another Chase the Chill Jennifer Marin hangs a handmade scarf at The Pas Town Hall. next winter on November 1st, 2014. All scarves were free for anyone to take or borrow. Chase the Chill is still taking in donations of scarves and yarn. Photos submitted by Shirley Barbeau Donations can be dropped off at Watier Jewellers or by contacting The Pas Arts Council at [email protected] or 204-623-7035.

Page 8 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Thompson’s Operation Red Nose Gives $18,500 to Local Organizations - Ian Graham - SpecialtyStefy’� cakes, cupcakes &T�eats treats for all your occasions 93 Main Street Flin Flon, MB (204) 6TREAT3 (204-687-3283) [email protected] Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Open Fridays until 8 pm! Featuring: Daily Specials Hot beverages Eat in or Take out service Just like this!

Representatives of groups receiving funding from Operation Red Nose gathered at NC Crossroads Lane on Jan. 31. Beth’s Yarn & Needlecrafts Photo by Ian Graham 909A Central Ave, Prince Albert, SK • 306-764-6910 We’ve got it all! Thompson’s Operation Red Nose program was one of the Yarns of every type, for every budget busiest and best-supported in the province over the 2013 holiday Small & large knitting needles • Crochet needles season, receiving the second-most donations among the 11 com- DMC embroidery thread is just 42 cents! munities that offer the designated driver service, giving the third- Handmade items for sale highest number of rides (494) and having the third-highest Beth is happy to help with your projects! number of volunteers (227). Winnipeg won out in those three We do mail orders (Mastercard only) categories, and a friendly wager between the Operation Red Knitting & Crocheting Yarns Nose programs in The Pas and Thompson ended in favour of Just present this coupon The Pas, which gave 503 rides in total. Love this scarf? SAVE at time of purchase On January 31st, Thompson’s Operation Red Nose held a Beth can help you % make it yours! In-store only • Oﬀer expires April 31, 2014 party for volunteers and disbursed the donations they received 25 for providing a designated driver service over the holiday season. “The mandate of Operation Red Nose is to support the youth and/or youth in sport in our community,” said Thompson Operation Red Nose organizing committee member Carol Pelton. “This year we are giving back to the community $18,500 from the donations raised by our volunteers, and the donations from the community, and that’s all staying in the community. Thank you for a job well done.” -excerpted from two articles in The Thompson Citizen

Making the Most of Winter Stop in for a bite, stay for the Good Thymes! Featuring Daily Specials Delicious Lunches Mouth Watering Dinners Visit goodthymes.ca to see our full menu Come try our new menu items!

Relax and unwind with great food and house specialty beverages in our lounge while viewing Thompsonites can check out the multi-colour igloo built in an array of sporting events on several HD Tv’s Samuel Veissière’s backyard at 92 Copper Rd, dubbed “Empire des Glaces” (Empire of the Ice). Veissière, Jason Hildebrandt, Alexander Ashton and Jon Hodder- Szyszlo were involved in the Book us for your special event! project. Photo submitted to the Thompson Citizen 1607 Gordon Avenue, The Pas, MB • 204-623-2412 @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 9 SaskMan Cup & Saskatchewan Provincials Come to Flin Flon - Libby Stoker-Lavelle -

33 Church Street

Skiers off to the races at the SaskMan Cup on Feb 22 in Flin Flon. Photo by Kelly Carrington

Cross-country skiers in Flin Flon & Creighton know 100 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB they have something special in the Flin Flon Ski Club; now 204-687-7527 the rest of the region knows it too. On February 22, the ski club hosted the Saskatchewan Provincials in conjunction with the third annual SaskMan Cup, an event started by the Flin Flon Ski Club three years ago. According to Dave Price, VP of the club, skiers attended from LaRonge, Regina, Saskatoon, Humboldt, Sturgeon River, and Thompson. “We had 57 skiers in total, a very good turnout,” said Price, “and the visiting skiers were very happy with our trails. Visitors often tell us that we have the best trails in Manitoba or Saskatchewan.” Due to weather, what was planned to be a weekend-long race was compressed into one, very-packed Have a great spring... safely! day for attendees and volunteers. “It was hectic,” said Price, “all the racers had two events to participate in, and we were scrambling to change the trail markings and re-mark the trails. We felt like we were in the middle of a high-energy R. M. of Kelsey happening, with this crowd of skiers, coaches, parents and A True Northern Experience volunteers. There also seemed to be a never-ending supply of good hot nourishing food, with these casseroles of steaming Snowmobile Trails chili coming in to the chalet all day,” Price recalled. “It was Camping Facilities a good place to be.” Check out the race results at zone4.ca & learn more at flinflonskiclub.com Commercial Fishing Derbies Lots for Sale and so much more Hapnot Students Flex their Acting Chops

Rural Municipality of Kelsey LUD of Cranberry Portage Office 264 Fischer Ave., P.O. Box 578 105 Portage Road, P.O. Box 209 The Pas, MB, R9A 1K6 Cranberry Portage, MB, R0B 0H0 E-mail: [email protected] (204) 472-3219 Toll Free 1-888-535-7391 E-mail: [email protected]

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Hapnot Collegiate students Nicole Storey, Hailey Whitmore, Phone: 204-623-2969 Fax: 204-623-7378 www.genestelecom.ca • 240 Fischer Ave, The Pas, MB and Peter Ryan earned laughs at the school's dinner theatre Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm • Sat & Sun – closed production of The Creepy Creeps of Pilgrim Road. * Free Globalstar Satellite Phone is contingent upon customer signing a 24 month service agreement. Phone traded in by customer becomes Globalstar property upon execution of the 24 month service agreement and issuance of a Globalstar Satellite Phone. Early termination of the service agreement will require customer to pay a cancellation fee of $20.83 multiplied by the number of months remaining in the 24 month term plus tax for the Globalstar Satellite Phone received as part of the promotion in addition to any penalties incurred for the premature termination of service. Limited time offer. Coverage may vary. Taxes are extra. Globalstar reserves the right to make changes to promotions, offers, pricing, coverage and price plans at any time without notice. Ask your Authorized Globalstar Dealer for complete pricing and coverage information. Please see complete details of Globalstar Service in the Terms and Conditions on our website, www.globalstar.com. Photo by Jonathon Naylor © 2013. All rights reserved. Page 10 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Lazy Bear Lodge has unforgettable expeditions to offer you in the winter and summer. Contact us for more information regarding the following tours… Churchill, Manitoba

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Photographer Hans Arnold Goes Up North

Photos by Hans Arnold In Up North: Manitoba’s Last Frontier, Hans people understand what the north is about. About 90% Arnold captures the hidden beauty of the of people in Winnipeg have never seen anything north of Dauphin. So my message is “Look at Manitoba in a province. different way, look at it in these pictures and you’ll see that Manitoba isn’t just bush– it’s about industry, its - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - about people, and wildlife, it’s about the beauty of the different parts of our regions.” ver the past six I wanted people to see how different Manitoba is years, Hans Arnold from how they envisioned it; it’s a gorgeous province, Ohas seen more of and it matches any one of our provinces in Canada in Manitoba than most resi- beauty. dents of the province will see in a lifetime. Fortunately Up North includes quotes from individual Manitobans. for the rest of us, Arnold Why did you decide to incorporate these quotes into the has captured his travels in book, and how did you gather them? breath-taking photography, While we were working on the design of the book, I and shared it with the world wrote two hundred letters to people I knew in the in his latest book, Up North: north, asking them what they felt it was like to live in Manitoba’s Last Frontier. the north. I received about sixty responses back, and While Hans Arnold lives in Winnipeg today, he then used about twenty of them as quotes in the book. spent the first ten years of his life in Germany, and That part was important to me, because the book is moved to Canada with his family in 1959. In the early dedicated to the people of the north. I wanted to tie the ‘70s, Arnold picked up his first professional camera, a pictures in with how people really live. moment that became pivotal in his life. Since then, Arnold has dedicated much of his time to studying pho- Can you tell us a bit about your process while photo- tography and creating fine art photographs that evoke a graphing on location? mood while capturing the essence of a place and time. When I go out to photograph on purpose, and I want In Up North, Arnold has tackled the challenge of to photograph a certain subject matter all day, I leave photographing northern Manitoba’s diverse, and often my car door open and I play music. It could be rock and forbidding, landscapes. With the help of his daughter Nancy Arnold, a graphic designer, Hans has created a stunning book that is truly a tribute to the regions it portrays. The book launched in November 2013. As a Winnipeger who has travelled extensively in northern Manitoba—he worked as a facilities manager for Frontier School Division for 30 years—Arnold is keenly aware that too few people understand what the northern regions of the province are really like. With Up North, Arnold is working to remedy that problem. “This is not a tourist book” he explains, “in that it doesn’t attempt to explain what the north is all about. The idea is to show people what the north is like, and let them make up their own minds.” Arnold sat down with Cottage North to share some insights into his passion, his purpose and his process.

What is the key message you aimed to convey with this book? I wanted to let people know how beautiful Manitoba is. I’ve travelled it from one end to the other, flown it from one end to the other, and I really wanted to let Hans Arnold Page 12 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a “Hans intentionally wants you to know the land. His primary intention is to invite your spirit to feel the mystery and the beauty of the north.” - Ovide Mercredi, in his foreword to Up North roll or classical, or I might put Enya on, it depends on the mood I want to create. The music puts me into a mood and I just blast it, because nobody’s around, and that helps me take the picture. When I’m taking a picture, it becomes an emotional part of me. The music is part of how I envision a particular scene, and how I want it to appear when it’s finished. In fact, I can probably tell you what I was listening to for almost every picture I have taken in this book. So the music helps me, how I feel helps me, and the end result is affected by both of those things. It’s all about the creative mind, and how we want to express ourselves.

Rock mural at entry to Mission Island in Norway House Another time, I was in the Interlake area, in a farm- ing area on a road close to private property, in an area where there were a lot of cattle farms. I was photographing, and in the background I heard a truck coming. When I turned around I saw that these two guys had their shotguns hanging out the window and they were headed towards me. They had heard that I was in the area and thought that I was poaching or something. They looked like they would have shot from a dis- tance! Duck Mountain Provincial Park You teach photography to kids and adults. What are the most important concepts you teach? In your photographer’s notes in the book, you write I focus on ‘the art of seeing’…how to see things about stopping on an ice road to take a photograph, and through the camera so you can capture what’s in your being aware of the very present danger. Can you recall mind. I tell students, “Don’t just snap—think about another experience when you faced a risky situation in what you’re doing.” order to capture a shot? Taking a photo is just like baking a cake, in that you Being an outdoor photographer, I’ve been shocked by have four ingredients that you must use in order for it electric fences, fallen into holes, even fallen off small to work. A photograph is made with light, colour, cliffs! If you want to be an outdoor photographer, you shape, and composition (or balance). If you focus on can’t always shoot from the road. I remember one time those four ingredients, you will always have a good pic- I was photographing in the Pembina Valley in the ture. spring, during snow melt. I had about two hours to Another important thing is simplicity. If you look at wander there, and I got lost and got my vehicle stuck. I my pictures, you’ll notice that every photo has just one got myself out eventually, but really had to work hard at subject, just one story to tell. Over the years I’ve learned it. That wasn’t just foolish, it was actually quite hazard- from my mistakes, and that's what I’ve come to know. ous.

Polar bear & raven crossing a frozen pond in Churchill

@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 13 What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you started out? The best advice I received was from my dad, when I received my first camera from him in the early ‘70s. He said, “When you use this camera, make absolutely sure you are going to use it for a purpose.” I’ll never for- get that. I think he meant that when you take pictures, you should try to become something with it. Today, I think I’ve done that. I’ve helped the community through workshops, I’ve helped myself by becoming a better photographer, by keeping up with technology, by continuing to learn, and by being involved with associations of my peers. For me, the seed had to start somewhere, and my dad did that, but of A film festival course you have to carry it on with your own passion. I chose to continue with photography, and I love it. There isn’t anything else I’d rather do. celebrating This interview has been edited from the original. Aboriginal and Read the full version on our website, cottagenorthmagazine.ca Northern Peoples Featuring: Full length films Curated shorts Live music Community discussion

Meet northern filmmaker Danis Goulet & local Mezzo Soprano Rhonda Head

March 20-23, 2014 Lido Theatre The Pas, Manitoba Follow us & nd out more at: facebook.com/StoryTellersFilmFest Bear paw snowshoes with hardwood frame and rawhide webbing, Granville Lake

Page 14 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Natural Beauty Abounds at the International Peace Garden Add the International Peace Garden to your bucket list; you will be happy you did. Nestled on the U.S and Canadian borders of North Dakota and Manitoba, the International Peace Garden is one of North America’s most scenic attractions. With over two thousand acres of land stretching across the U.S/Canadian border, the garden includes lush floral displays, terraced walkways, symbolic monuments and many other unique diversions.

Nature-lovers will enjoy the freshwater lakes, picturesque hiking paths, and the extensive and diverse displays redesigned each year. Meander through the fragrant walkways, and watch for unique floral displays such as the U.S.A. and Canadian flags and the fifteen-foot mantel clock. The clock is masterfully recreated each year; gardeners use two to three thousand flowers to depict the clock’s face in different colours and patterns. A GPS system keeps this beautiful piece running on perfect time.

The columns of the Peace Tower reach into the sky, Photographers find a wealth of subject matter throughout the garden, representing early immigrants' soaring ambitions. many visitors take the opportunity to snap photos from the scenic upper terrace of the Formal Garden, where you can stand with one foot in Canada, and one foot in the States.

Love history? You’ll enjoy the breath-taking view along the 49th parallel, known as the Border Walk, which leads to the Peace Chapel. In the chapel, you’ll discover quotes from “People of Peace” etched in the fossil-embellished Tyndall Stone walls, and a book of remembrance for the victims of the World Trade Centre attacks.

The Historic Lodge, built in 1937, is also an interesting landmark. The lodge was built with materials from both sides of the border, including spruce from Duck Mountain, Manitoba, and granite from North Dakota. On the front lawn, you’ll find a monolith inscribed with the Ten Commandments, a gift from the Fraternal Order of Eagles of South Dakota, North Dakota and Manitoba.

Visitors of all ages enjoy the North American Game Warden Museum, a joint initiative of Fish and Wildlife Officers from Canada and the United States. Have an eye-to-eye encounter with a mounted Kodiak bear, mountain lion, or timber wolf, and learn about A narrow terraced channel of water flows through wildlife law enforcement and nature conservation in both countries. the center of the Formal Garden, along the 49th parallel.

No matter the weather, the Interpretive Centre is always a popular spot, with a conservatory, retail store, café, and a small library. Savour a delicious lunch with a view of the impressive Peace Tower, or explore the conservatory’s year-round display of cacti and succulents.

With boundless natural beauty and lots of interesting diversions, the International Peace Garden is the perfect spot for a weekend trip or a relaxing holiday. We look forward to welcoming you soon! For more information, please visit www.peacegarden.com or call 1-888-432-6733 Special Advertisement @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 15 The Best Time To Purchase a New Vehicle is NOW 2014 dOdge jOUrneY $18,995 YOuR CHOICe OR $ 2014 dOdge BI1-WE0EKL8Y grAnd cArAVAn

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@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 17 Lalor Rises and Revives Snow Lake

Sunrise on the Lalor Mine shaft and hoistroom. Photo by Bruce Reid, courtesy of Hudbay Minerals. - Marc Jackson - Brad Lantz, Hudbay’s Vice President, Manitoba Business Unit, says the Lalor Mine is a 30 million tonne resource, with Snow Lake writer Marc Jackson shares new a 20-25 year life, and it is on the cusp of full production. Through a mature and well groomed moustache, Lantz speaks insights on developments at the Lalor Mine. with a clear, concise tone. His knowledge is evident, and ifteen minutes from the town of Snow Lake, down a winding, but well-maintained, gravel road, you’ll find the FLalor Mine. It seems an oddity for all this steel, paint, and polish to be situated among the spruce trees and snowdrifts of the northern landscape. But this is where the minerals are, and the mining jobs that come with their extraction. Hudbay has been in the business of mining in the Snow Lake area since the mid-1950’s. In that time they have brought thousands of people to this lakeside community, promising, then delivering on, lucrative jobs and a laid-back lifestyle amongst the region’s natural beauty. Mining, however, is finite in nature, and the day a new mine opens, the countdown towards its eventual demise begins. This is a fact of life in the industry, and one that the people of Snow Lake know only too well. In its 67 years of existence, this community has gone through three rebirths. The town’s most recent revival, however, seems to hold the promise of longevity like no other before it. Looking Forward at the Lalor Mine It is said that there will be a multitude of jobs that result from the Lalor Project, and although the mine and its spinoff Tony Butt, Hudbay’s head of Health, Safety, and Environment at have been discussed and debated since the 2007 discovery of Lalor and Brad Lantz, Vice President Manitoba Business Unit the orebody, many people wonder if the town will be ready for converse with the Lalor headframe looming in the background. it, or if the predicted boom will manifest at all. Photo by Marc Jackson Page 18 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a answers come instinctively, as if the questions are anticipated. But Hudbay and they don’t know Snow Lake, so they will come here there is no smugness to his nature…he is both respectful and and see if it suits them. Then, if they decide to stay long-term in helpful with his answers, and always willing to flesh things out to the community, that means buying housing,” he says. Considering increase understanding. Brad Lantz is, from all indications, a the size of the mine and longevity of the orebody, Lantz feels that perfect spokesperson and salesman for Hudbay. Having risen no one would want to stay in a camp indefinitely, and he doesn’t through the ranks, he has a firsthand knowledge of mining and expect the camp to be around for the life of the mine. of the company he represents. Lantz has worked for, and with, Amidst all this change, housing prices in Snow Lake have seen the men now under him, and a wide fluctuation, from a low appears just as comfortable con- “The Lalor Mine is a 30 million tonne of $15,000-30,000 before the versing with a miner, an opera- discovery of Lalor, to prices as tor, or a company executive. resource, with a 20 – 25 year life, and it high as $300,000 since. This In July, Lantz explains, pro- is on the cusp of full production.” has caused a minor glut on the duction at Lalor will rise from market, with some who had 1500 tonnes per day (tpd) to thought of selling long before 1900 tpd when Lalor’s produc- the boom now trying to grab tion shaft becomes available and top dollar before it arrives. capable of hoisting tonnage Currently there are close to 30 from Lalor’s depths. This will, homes for sale in the commu- of course, create a greater nity – few for under $100k. demand for workers. “Today, However, until new permanent we have roughly 160 people workers arrive in Snow Lake, (outside of project contractors) sales of real estate are at a stand- at the mine site, and 60 at the still. Snow Lake Concentrator,” says Nevertheless, the require- Lantz. “We are looking at ment for more housing has increasing that by 60 people by been contemplated since Lalor’s July 1st.” This will include discovery. The planning also “people to run the hoist, main- began at that point. Still, the tain the shaft, and underground provincial government would workers that will be needed not allow any new housing when the production rises,” he developments to take place explains. until the community’s Waste Where will the workers Water Treatment Plant was come from? The answer relies upgraded to allow for increased heavily on a combination of capacity. The town set about several prospects. Lantz says arranging financing for the some may be transferred from project and Hudbay stepped in Flin Flon operations, others Preparing to drill below the 955 meter level of the Lalor Lake and contributed $2 million from training programs now Mine, to make the depth of the shaft 985 meters.. towards the plant’s construc- underway at Flin Flon’s Photo by Bruce Reid, courtesy of Hudbay Minerals tion. When bids came in 30% Northern Manitoba Mining above what was anticipated, Academy. He noted that three Hudbay loaned the additional Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) members who graduated money required to proceed. With a new plant just weeks away from the academy are now working at Lalor. He also says that from full commissioning, the focus now moves to land develop- contractors on site have indicated that some of their workers like ment. the community, and once their work is finished they would be The town council has secured land for an ambitious plan of interested in hiring on with Hudbay. “So it will be a combination growth. It will consist of approximately 66 lots – many of them of contractors, training, [moves from] Flin Flon, and hiring out- lakefront - in three subdivisions. Some basic land clearing has side of the communities,” he explains. been done on these, but the town hopes to focus their full attention on developing the three subdivisions and being ready to Accommodating a Growing Workforce meet the housing needs they anticipate will be required by the Lalor development. Of course, with this sizable increase in the workforce in Snow Lake (where the population was just 915 in 2011), another question arises: where will these workers live? Timeline of the Lalor Lake Mine Although Hudbay has long asserted that they would sooner operate without a camp, for the time being and in the near future, 2007 – Lalor deposit is discovered, planning begins. it will be a fact of life in Snow Lake. With a lack of rental units, 2009 – Gold zone and copper-gold zone identified. new workers must have a place to live and a camp is the reality 2012 – Continued drilling, initial production begins. until the availability of all housing in the community improves. 2015 - To be finished and fully functional Lantz says that various company recruiters have been told that the (HudBay Minerals , 2012). camp is important to new employees. “People don’t know @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 19 Progress at Lalor: Going for the Gold

At present, work at the mine continues on budget and, despite deferring the construction of the onsite concentrator, on schedule. Current mine grades are 0.80% copper, 6 to 7.5% zinc, as well 0.06 ounces per tonne of gold budgeted. “We are currently mining in what we call the ‘Ten Lens’ for the first half of the year, which is primarily zinc,” says Lantz, in relation to recent underground operations. “In the second half of the year we will be starting to mine Lens 20 and 21. Lens 21 is a gold lens, so when we start to develop that, the gold grades will increase over current levels.” Area cleared for Lalor headframe. Inset, the Stall Lake Lantz says the type of mining will not change as they go after concentrator. Photos by Marc Jackson new lenses containing multiple minerals – it will be longhole stope mining. “The gold zones are all somewhat unique. Lens 21 wraps Terminology around 20, so with the increased width of the orebody it can be Cage - The conveyance used to transport men and longhole mined. There are a couple other zones that are uniquely equipment between the surface and the mine levels. gold, so we’re not sure yet how we are going to mine them.” Concentrator/Mill - A milling plant that produces a The VP notes that Hudbay is studying what a gold leach plant concentrate of the valuable minerals or metals. Further will do for the operation, and in 2014 they will determine the treatment is required to recover the pure metal. economic feasibility of adding one to the processing facility. “This Diamond drill - A rotary type of rock drill that cuts a deposit has a significant amount of gold and you can recover gold core of rock that is recovered in long cylindrical sections, through the flotation process that we have now in the mill, then a two cm or more in diameter. leach process would take those tails and remove the final scalp of Drift - A horizontal underground opening that follows gold,” he remarks. “Typically flotation will give you 60 - 65% along the length of a vein or rock formation as opposed recovery. If you put a leach plant in, it could bring your recovery to a crosscut which crosses the rock formation. into the high 80’s to low 90’s. There may be enough gold in this Flotation - A milling process in which valuable miner- deposit to make it work,” concludes Lantz. This process wouldn’t al particles are induced to become attached to bubbles be incorporated into the reconditioned Stall Lake Concentrator, and float as others sink. however, which will be used until the Lalor mill is constructed, but Hoist - The machine used for raising and lowering the a leach plant may become a part of the new mill. The new mill cage or other conveyance (Skip) in a shaft. will be completely engineered by fall 2014, with site-clearing Leaching - A chemical process for the extraction of beginning at that time. Final commissioning of the new concen- valuable minerals from ore; also, a natural process by trator will take place in late 2016 to early 2017. which ground waters dissolve minerals, thus leaving the Defining the gold content within Lalor is an ongoing process. rock with a smaller proportion of some of the minerals Hudbay announced early in January 2014 that an exploration than it contained originally. drift planned to come off the 955-metre level will proceed this Lens - Generally used to describe a body of ore that is year. “It is approximately five hundred metres in length and it is thick in the middle and tapers towards the ends. going to test Lens 27, which is the copper/gold zone,” says Lantz, Level - The horizontal openings on a working horizon expanding on information in a recent news release. “That is the in a mine; it is customary to work mines from a shaft, high grade zone with considerable value, where we have had large establishing levels at regular intervals, generally about 50 intersections of copper and very high grade gold. It’s accessible, metres or more apart. now that the ramp and infrastructure will be interconnected with Longhole - Use of a rotary or percussive-type drill in the shaft this year. It (the drift) will help us explore that lens at order to drill underground blastholes to depths exceed- depth and give us a chance to detail diamond drill it from under- ing 3 metres. ground; everything else has been from [the] surface. There are Orebody - A natural concentration of valuable materi- roughly two million tonnes estimated in Lens 27. If we can al that can be extracted and sold at a profit. expand on what we have it would be very good for the property.” Ramp - A sloping underground opening for machine Currently, no one knows where it bottoms out, as they quit drill- access from level to level or from surface; also called a ing from surface when they hit the 1500 meter level. decline. Concluding, Lantz notes that the Lalor Mine Project is nearing Shaft - A vertical or inclined excavation in rock for the completion and he feels that the deposit has the potential to grow. purpose of providing access to an orebody. Usually “We’re going to mine 1.7 million tonnes here per year,” he empha- equipped with a hoist at the top, which lowers and raises sizes. “It’s going to be a big mine…Hudbay’s biggest underground a conveyance for handling workers and materials. mine. And Reed is also producing in 2014, so we’ve gotten Skip - A self-dumping bucket used in a shaft for hoist- through those preliminary years and we have a little more security ing ore or rock. here. What I like to think is that late in the year… early next year, Stope - An excavation in a mine from which ore is, or we’ll be announcing a new project. It would be great to see us keep has been, extracted. the growth going.” Tails - Material rejected from a mill after most of the recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted. Zone - An area of distinct mineralization.

Page 20 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Saskuranium Geologist Jim Parres reveals the story I have a fondness for Saskatchewan as it is the prov- behind an exciting new uranium discovery ince where my parents were from, where my only son was born, and also where I attended university. in northern Saskatchewan. My grandfather, Chris Parres, and his two sons James and Lew paddled from Saskatoon to Beaver (Amisk) Lake, SK, then on to Snow Lake, MB, numerous times to develop the Nor-Acme gold deposit into a producing mine. Those two sons later started a company called Dee Explorations (named after my aunt) that explored numerous properties in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Dee explored for uranium in Northern Saskatchewan during a boom for the mineral in the early 1950’s. The company was active in the Charlebois Lake area, located 55 kms northeast of Stony Rapids on the east end of Lake Athabasca. Dee Explorations encountered a showing with radio- activity at Spreckley Lake, associated with regolith beneath the Athabasca sandstone. My Uncle Jim was the first to identify it as autunite. Autunite is a secondary mineral chiefly found in areas of oxidation and weather- ing derived from the alteration of uraninite. Autunite is characterized by strong yellow-green fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Dee Exploration had the first discovery in the Athabasca Basin. Just over a decade later, when economic conditions were more favourable, the first of many high grade-deposits were discovered at Rabbit Lake, Cluff Lake and Midwest Lake. The big boom was on. Uranium had previously been mined in Saskatchewan at Beaver lodge (Uranium City), in the 1940s and ‘50s, but in a different geological setting. The Patterson Lake South Discovery

The exploration story leading to the Patterson Lake South discovery is simply amazing. Canadian Occidental, an oil company, had already worked in the discovery area, completing a soil Lew Parres, Chris Parres and Jim Parres Sr. gas survey which indicated possibilities from radon anomalies, Photo submitted by Jim Parres but did not follow up with in-depth exploration. This informa- brand new high-grade uranium discovery at Patterson Lake in northern Saskatchewan has A been one of the very few bright spots in the Canadian mineral exploration scene during 2013/2014. Located on the southwest edge of the Athabasca Basin, near the border with Alberta, the Patterson Lake South discovery continues to showcase Saskatchewan as the premier uranium “hot spot” of Canada. The province of Saskatchewan is certainly endowed with its share of natural resources, boasting diverse agricultural crops and potash in the south, and a basin full of uranium with a pinch of base metals and gold in the north. Mix in a dash of tourism, diamonds and a steel mill (Regina) as well, and you’ve got the recipe for a vibrant economy. Major uranium deposits in northern Saskatchewan, with the Dee Explorations & Early Discoveries of Uranium in Patterson Lake South deposit indicated. Saskatchewan Image provided by Jim Parres.

@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 21 tion was later located in the Saskatchewan Government assess- Then, experience and innovative technology entered ment work files, and considered very interesting. the new exploration program’s thrust. The experience part Highway 955, the route to the Cluff Lake Uranium mine, was a team of keen explorationists led by Ross McElroy. The runs right past the Patterson Lake South discovery area. The technology aspect was a unique airborne system featuring a original two companies that were in on the Patterson Lake dis- now-patented system of sodium iodide crystals. This array covery (Alpha and Fission) had inherited a land position from of sixteen large crystals was able to discern a “bright area” two previous companies they had “morphed” from, but this land that turned out to be a boulder field. Prospectors on the position did not contain the boulder train nor the actual deposit. ground found the boulder field contained radioactive high- They were located on new land staked by Fission and Alpha (now grade uranium. The next step was ground geophysics, fol- consolidated into Fission Uranium). Is that lucky, or what? lowed by diamond drilling of the anomalies discovered.

About Uranium Uranium is a metallic chemical element, which was depressed, but they recovered in 2003 and peaked at discovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, a German around $136 U.S. per pound in 2007. Currently (early chemist. Some scientists hypothesize that the Earth’s 2014) the spot price for uranium is around $40 U.S. per uranium was originally produced during one or more pound. Quite often, producers deliver the uranium Supernova events about 2.6 billion years ago. The ele- directly to the utilities under 3-15 year contracts. ment uranium was named after the planet Uranus, Dev Randhawa, the Chairman and CEO of Fission which was named after the Greek god of the sky. Uranium, is optimistic that uranium prices will eventu- Today, there is a great deal of interest in uranium for ally rebound. Mr. Randhawa thinks it is possible Fission its nuclear properties. may be sold to an interested company that would Nuclear technology uses the energy released by develop and mine the Patterson Lake South deposit. splitting the atoms of uranium or plutonium. This fuel Rob Chang, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, stated in a is assembled inside the nuclear reactor in such a way Northern Miner interview that the newest drill results that a controlled fission chain reaction can be give a “back of the envelope” resource estimate of 76.8 achieved. The heat created by splitting the U235 million pounds at an average grade of 1.47% U3O8. atoms is used to make steam, which spins a turbine to NOTE: There are two Patterson Lakes in Northern drive a generator, producing electricity. Saskatchewan and the new Fission Uranium discovery The first commercial nuclear power stations started is located near the more southerly one, near the S. W. up in the 1950’s. As of 2013, there were over 450 Corner of the Athabasca Basin. nuclear power reactors operable in 31 countries around the world, with approximately 70 more under construction. There are 180 reactors that power some 150 ships and submarines. These reactors provide 11% of the World’s electricity without carbon dioxide emis- sions. To date, Canada has mined more uranium than any other any country, 428,000 tonnes, according to geologist Ed Schiller. Saskatchewan is fortunate in that the province contains many uranium deposits. Some of these deposits are the largest and richest “uncomformity related” type ore bodies in the entire world. Uncomformity related deposits are usually hosted in faulted and brecciated meta sediments below a major unconformity and the overlying Proterozoic sand- stones are usually undeformed rocks. The uranium deposits in northern Saskatchewan are located in and around a unique oval-shaped geological feature, the Athabasca Basin. The Cigar Lake, Saskatchewan orebody is a unique example of a very rich deposit which averages 20% U3O8 [U3O8 is triuranium octoxide, a compound of uranium which occurs naturally as the mineral pitchblende] Some sections of the deposit run over 50% U3O8. Currently, the McClean Lake and the McArthur mines in Northern Saskatchewan, are also producing uranium. The major primary ore minerals are uraninite A billet of highly enriched uranium that was recovered from (UO₂) and pitchblende (U3O8). scrap processed at the Y-12 National Security Complex Plant. Uranium experienced high price values in the Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons 1970’s. By the 1980’s and 1990’s, prices were

Page 22 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Drill hole #22 was the discovery hole. Then hole #38 inter- surface to create thicker ice. sected 35 meters of almost 5% U3O8. Game on. The best intersection from a drill hole to date was Drilling to date has mainly been done from three DDH #PLS13-075 in one of the five zones. The intersec- barges, as a good deal of the discovery is under Patterson tion returned 54.5 m grading 9.08% U3O8. These are quite Lake. Drilling will continue in 2014 from the lake ice, a spectacular grades. Early estimates, according to Schiller, process which is being expedited by pumps flooding the ice indicate a minimum fifty million pounds of U308. The

Image provided by Jim Parres.

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t never fails to amaze me when visitors to my home ask what the little red birds at my feeders are called. Even though pine Igrosbeaks are as commonplace in Flin Flon in winter as the robin is in the rest of the year, and are about the same size, people for some reason don’t notice them. From November until April we live in a world of white, grey and black; pine grosbeaks are a colourful exception. For me, they brighten the dullest, coldest days of winter. I am so grateful, I quite happily spring for the $25 bag of sunflower seeds every month. The arrival of the grosbeaks is one of the surest signs of the coming of winter. Apparently, the grosbeaks go further north from here for the summer, but maybe they just scatter into the woods and flock up to come back into town. The experts say that during the nest- ing period, grosbeaks pair up and become fiercely territorial and anti-social. I guess their gratitude for keeping them alive through the winter doesn’t extend to saying hi during the rest of the year. Did you know that the pine grosbeak was once featured on a Canadian bill? Unless you are in a higher tax bracket than I, it isn’t that likely that you ever saw it. The vibrant little bird was featured on the 1986 series of the Canadian $1000 bill. And, just to complete your education, a flock of grosbeaks are technically known as a ‘gross’ of grosbeaks. The pine grosbeaks are robust as a species: they are in no danger of extinction. In fact, they are doing so well, I couldn’t find anybody on the internet whois even studying them.

Photo by Gerry Clark

Page 24 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a North of 54 The Soundtrack of a Flin Flon Childhood - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - plenty of creative surprises for the attentive listener. On the Edmonton Journal’s entertainment blog, reviewer Chris Szott captures the magic of Flin Flon Sandra Sperounes shared this apt description: summers in his debut album. The nine-song album starts off with the drip-drop of icy synths and a transmitter-radio voice telling us about The Sunless City, a novel about a prospector who builds a submarine to explore a Manitoba lake…..Beach Babies mixes crashing waves, hypnotic guitar riffs and blinking beats with audio from a family vacation. “Wave to mommy!” says a female voice, backed by a whoosh of water. Charming and seductive — you’ll want one of your own memory soundtracks after listening to north of fifty-four.

Chris Szott comes by his interest in music honestly. “My grandfather, Ray Beauchamp, was a multi-instrumentalist,” he explains, “and my mother and all of my aunts sing, my cousins are into music too.” While Szott initially attended university for drama, he eventually realized that it was music that really lit him up. “Music was something I always went back to, something I always felt comfortable doing,” he recalls. After teaching guitar and playing in a number of bands, Szott completed a diploma in sound engineering and music at Point Blank Music College in London, England. Soon, he was working in a recording studio and producing music part-time while also working in construction. Last September, Szott decided to commit full-time to creating his debut album. He burrowed deeply into the project, and completed North of Fifty-Four in just a few months. With an overall concept of the flow he wanted to create on the album, Szott went about hunting down tracks that would very year, the day after school was out, we’d be in create the emotional and musical resonance he was looking the car driving to Flin Flon,” recalls Chris Szott, a for. The Flin Flon Tourist Bureau and Museum provided a “Erecording artist who was born and raised in great deal of help to Szott, lending him a number of historical Edmonton. “We didn’t come back until school started again, videos from which he was able to pull the audio tracks that two months later.” For Szott, Flin Flon is a second home: his give North of Fifty-Four its unique sound. maternal grandfather, Ray Beauchamp, raised his family in Szott’s hard work, in the archives and the recording studio, Flin Flon, and each summer his children and their families is beginning to pay off. The CBC Radio show The Signal has flock back to their cabin on Lake Athapap. been playing North of 54 as part of their regular rotation, and For Chris Szott, who is 24, Flin Flon means long days by the song “Beach Babies” from North of 54 was nominated for the lake, jam sessions with friends and family, and the Best Electronic Recording of the Year by the Edmonton Music untainted beauty of the north. “The long car rides, the smell Awards. (taste) of the smokestack, water-sports, fishing, and even just North of Fifty-Four is available for free streaming, or to the isolation of the Manitoba wilderness were all hugely influ- download on a pay-what-you-can basis, on iamsirch.com ential in my upbringing, and consequent songwriting,” he says. On his debut album, North of Fifty-Four, Szott, or Sirch (his recording name) has attempted to recapture those feel- ings, and experiences, through music. Szott describes his style as “experimental, electronic-folk or ambient downtempo,” and indeed his style is hard to capture in one word or genre. In North of Fifty-Four, Szott creates fascinating sound- scapes that incorporate diverse tracks, including audio from historical films, joyful chatter from home videos, and his own field recordings. While the album is skilfully arranged to create an atmospheric, soothing experience, Szott included Chris Szott, aka Sirch @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 25 Health & Wellness Chiropractic on Main 49 Main Street BodyBreak’s Top 5 Tips Flin Flon, MB Kick-start a healthier lifestyle today with these simple, but 204-687-4092 life-changing tips from two Canadian fitness experts. Fax: 204-687-3479 - Shannon Smadella - [email protected] Dr. Dominic McKenna vital component of a great lifestyle is good health, but it can be difficult to know where to start when you have less-than-healthy habits. That’s B.A., D.C. A where Hal Johnson and Joanne MacLeod come in. From a chance meeting in the gym over 25 years ago, Hal Johnson and Joanne Macleod have become “Canada’s #1 Trusted Source for Healthy Living’ through their well- known show, “Body Break.” Together, Johnson and MacLeod have made a career of helping Canadians transform their lives. For over two decades they have been gracing our TV screens, giving us tips on how to “Be Fit and Have Fun,” and the two have successfully helped millions of Canadians to incorporate fitness and healthy living into their everyday lives. Here, this dynamic duo shares advice for obtaining, and maintaining, a truly healthy lifestyle.

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Include more movement into your day. We tend to sit far too much which hardly burns any calories. Step it up by actually taking more steps each day. Work up to 10,000 by finding easy ways to add more steps into your day naturally like taking the stairs more often, parking further away from where you are heading or getting out of your car to walk into the café for your morning tea instead of using the drive-thru. This is the first “step” to getting your body to burn more calories each day.” New Patient? Make at least 30 minutes of exercise a priority each day. It is this type Quote code “Wellness” of attitude that will have you accomplishing your goals and feeling better. and receive $25 o Exercise is any sport or activity you want to do that elevates your heart rate such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, zumba, kickboxing, spinning, ellipti- your initial $50 exam! cal, stepper, hiking, kayaking, skating, x-country skiing and the list goes on and on. We believe there is an athlete in everyone. It is up to you to find it Need Orthotics? and reap the rewards. Quote code “Happy Feet” Watch how much and what you eat. Typically, people think they exercise more than they do and eat less than they actually do, which is a sure fire for- and receive $25 o mula to gain weight and/or not have a handle of why they are not achieving a $400 pair of orthotics! their healthy lifestyle goals. One of the simplest ways to eat healthier is to

Page 26 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a “We believe there is an athlete in everyone. It is up to you to find it and reap the rewards.” 363 Crossley Avenue, The Pas, MB • 204-623-6469 keep track. Eatracker.ca brought to you by the Dietitians of Canada is an excellent tool to get feed- back about your eating behaviour as well as your exercise habits. Get some sleep. Too many Canadians of all ages are not sleeping enough to allow their bodies to repair, restore and replenish so that they can get up ready to take on the day’s challenges. Turn the television off, shut down the electronic devices and make your way to bed. Get a routine that allows you to unwind. Read a book or magazine or listen to pleas- ant music. We don’t recommend the use of electronic devices for reading as the light from it can influence your ability to get to sleep. Minimize light using blackout curtains and noise with earplugs if it is safe Featuring the Grub Club with Discount Pricing! for you to do so. Supermarket Shopping with Convenience Store Hours Avoid and/or confront saboteurs that are nega- tively affecting your ability to live a healthier life- Monday to Saturday from 9am - 10pm style. If a friend doesn’t want to join a walking group Sunday from Noon - 5pm then don’t let them stop you from joining. If your partner does the grocery shopping and continually Your local Family Foods Grocery Store buys “treats” then ask them to no longer bring it into your home. Often people sabotage your efforts due to a lack of understanding of your goals, so it’s important to share your goals with them so that they can give you some much-needed support. Learn more about this amazing pair, and find out more about “Body Break” on www.bodybreak.com.

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114 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB M gsy’s 687-7676 For Take-out or reservations Mon to Fri Saturday Sunday Delifully licenced 8am - 4pm 9am - 3pm Closed Photos courtesy of BodyBreak Find Mugsy’s soups & sandwiches at Super K! @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 27 Capture the North Photo Contest his issue marks the final round of the Capture the the floor to you, our readers, to elect a people’s choice win- North Photo Contest. We are feeling a bit sad to let ner. Tit go – it has been a gift to see northern life through Do you have a favourite shot from this year’s contest? your eyes, and we hope to run another contest soon. Vote for your top shot at cottagenorthmagazine.ca – the The winner of the trip to Churchill will be announced in winner will receive a special treat from our contest sponsor, our next issue, and over the next month we’ll be opening Lazy Bear Lodge! Winning Photo Beautiful Bald Eagle Scott Kurytnik I photographed this strik- ing bird while visiting family on North Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Why is this photo a winner? Judges’ Comments “This is a powerful image showing great detail of one of our most strong and dynamic birds.” “There is nothing soft about these feathers. In all their true texture they appear carved. The image is cut crisp and clear. This is a regal and iconic image. The treatment supports the symbolic reverential weight. A remarkable photo.” “It is a perfect profile shot and the eyes, feathers and beak are all very sharp. I would like to know if this was done with a large zoom or if the photographer managed to get quite close. Either way, nice job.”

Runners-up

Crystal Flake Dayton Moreton Ever since I first read an article on snowflake photography, I made it my goal to capture the crys- talline structure. This photo was taken in The Pas, MB, freehand on a backdrop of a common black neck warmer. I had to first choose a desirable crystal with my naked eye and hope that the further snow- fall wouldn’t cover it or have a gust of wind blow it away. Taking the shot required more than a steady hand as it was necessary to hold my breath in order to be still enough to keep the crystal in focus.

Page 28 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a A Friend Indeed Holly M. Toews Winter hiking is always a quiet and peaceful outing, as the sounds in the forest are muffled by the fallen snow. I enjoy the solitude, but sometimes I can count on a friend, the Gray Jay or “Whiskey Jack”. They seem to enjoy visitors and will stay near awhile, like they are showing off their home to invited company. The photograph was taken along the Torch River in Northeast Saskatchewan. Whiskey Jacks Pamela White This picture was taken at our wilderness cabin on Defender Lake. We feed the Whiskey Jacks all year round. This picture is one of the Whiskey Jacks patiently waiting for some bread.

Almost Spring Randy Whitbread While out for a drive one day near the end of March, last Moose Visit year, I decided to go down the North Star Road near Flin Eileen Bona Flon. As I came to the bridge I noticed the reflections in the This cow moose, Bertha, was trying to eat the clover water. I quickly attached a polarizing filter to my lens to cut in the window of our home in Ardrossan, Alberta. the glare, enhance the colours and snapped this shot. @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 29 MY KNOWLEDGE of many things MIGHT care for the elderly OR MAYBE start a business MY KNOWLEDGE, EARNED AT UCN.

Your knowledge is only the start of your KNOWLEDGE IS journey. To find out how UCN can help, visit us at www.ucn.ca or call 1-866-627-8500 POWER (The Pas) and 1-866-677-6450 (Thompson). WWW.UCN.CA

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Page 30 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a And the Rest is History: The Flin Flon Bombers - Shannon Smadella - and also peek into the future of this historic team.

As this year’s hockey season comes to a close, A Building Year Shannon Smadella takes a look back at one of This season, Head Coach and GM Mike Regan has the Bombers’ more challenging seasons, and learned that sometimes you need to take a few steps back to explores how the legacy of this historic team go even further forward. “At the end of the season, we will look back and say, ‘Wow, did I ever learn a lot’. You have to continues to live on in Flin Flon. go through one of these years eventually. We look at it as building for the future.” Regan, who is a four-year veteran player, has been the head coach of the bombers for the past seven years. While he is optimistic for the future, Regan admits that this season has been a challenge. “It’s probably been one of the most frustrating seasons I’ve been a part of,” he says. “We thought we’d be one of the best teams in the league this year. From trades to sickness, it’s been a year where nothing seems to work, no matter what we try.” Going into the next season, Regan intends to focus on work ethic to solidify the team. “If we outwork our oppo- nents, we are likely to win games. Our players need to realize that they are just as good as they want to be. It’s all mental. It’s always easy to be a good teammate and play your best when you are winning, but when you’re not winning, that’s when you find out a lot about your character.” “It’s not just about hockey, it’s about preparing for life 1927-28 Hockey Team: afterwards,” Regan says, and teaching players to have a good Manager Tom Creighton (left),Trainer BB Snydal (right) work ethic and a positive attitude is part of his role as coach. Mascots: Norman Stephansson (right), Eileen Hughes (right) “We wrote “how will you be remembered?” in the dressing Back row: WF Hughes, GG Duncan, WK Huchinson room” he says, “because we want guys to think about their Front row: DE Bourke, J Hone, A Clow, HJ (Jack) Hartt Photo courtesy of the estate of Lila Stevens

here’s little question that the Flin Flon Bombers have brought our small northern community considerable Tfame. As Hockey Canada’s website proclaims, “Ask someone to add a name behind the City of Flin Flon, and a large percentage of people will say “The Flin Flon Bombers.” Since 1927, the Maroon and White club has formed more than its fair share of legendary players, many of whom went on to claim successful careers in the world’s most pres- tigious hockey league, the NHL. Amid those ranks are Bobby Clarke, Reggie Leach, Gerry Hart, and Mel Pearson, just to name a few. Notably, Clarke and Leach went on to play outstandingly in two Stanley Cups for the Philadelphia Flyers. Over the years, the enthusiastic and hard-working Bombers have earned sixteen league championships and two national wins. Some would say that the Bombers are the heart and soul of the city. For those young men who play on this hockey team today, the Flin Flon Bomber jersey brings great honor, but also great responsibility. After spending some time with The signatures of past hockey greats adorn the walls in the this year’s team, I was able to see the ‘heart and soul’ that Whitney Forum, inspiring today’s Flin Flon Bombers. Photo by Flin Flon’s loyal fans come out to see over and over again, Shannon Smadella @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 31 time here. You only have three or four years to play junior Today’s Bombers certainly seem to appreciate what it hockey, why not make it the best three or four years of your means to follow in the footsteps of hockey legends like life?” Gerry Hart. Ultimately, Regan remains positive about the team’s out- Paul Soubry, a ‘rookie’ from Winnipeg, says “The look. “We’ve put ourselves in a really good position to be Bombers are one of the most historical junior hockey teams successful next year. Our goal is to win a championship, not in Canada, arguably the world. It means a lot to play here. to be a mediocre team. We believe we will have a good You hear some of the great names like Reggie Leach and return on our players going forward.” Bobby Clark and you can’t help looking at the rafters, and in the training room, everyone that’s signed it. I love the Bomber Pride atmosphere, and there are great fans.” “This is a great community to play for,” says Brock Hounsell, a 20-year-old 3rd year veteran from Martinsville, SK, and a team captain. “I am proud to be part of a great team, with a lot of history.” Playing for the Bombers is not only an opportunity in itself, but an experience that can open doors for the young athletes, such as scholarship opportunities. Twenty year-old Bomber Danys Chartrand, who hails from Winnipeg, recently won a scholarship to the University of North Dakota. “It’s the greatest accomplishment of my life,” says Chartrand. “I grew up watching them, so it’s awesome. I’m excited to go.” Secrets to Success

The Flin Flon Bombers offer a few nuggets of wisdom about sports, and life. In 1957, the Flin Flon boys defeated the “unbeatable” Ottawa Canadians in The Memorial Cup. “You have to make hockey your main priority. All of the Photo courtesy of the Flin Flon Bombers little things on and off the ice make you a better player.” -Brock Hounsell Gerry Hart, one of Flin Flon’s most famous alumni, went on to play for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, “Stay focused, set goals for yourself and really work hard at Quebec Nordiques and the St. Louis Blues. Hart shares his those goals.” sense of “Bomber Pride” in this excerpt from a letter posted -Robbie Cameron on the Bombers’ page of the Hockey Canada website at hockeycanada.ca. “Don’t give up. You may get cut by teams, you may get told you’re not good enough, which I’ve been told a lot…you just “My hockey career began as it did for most youngsters in have to keep working hard, and use it as fuel to motivate your- Flin Flon: outdoor rinks, frozen lakes, and Saturday morn- self to get better and better. Just make sure that you always have ings with Pinkie Davie’s Community Club Program….. a goal in mind. You have to make sure that you are always Youth hockey in Flin Flon flourished back in the 1950's doing something to try to get better and try to stay motivated.” and 1960's, and former and current Bomber players of that -Paul Soubry era were the role models that every hockey-playing youngster looked up to. Individuals such as Cy Gilmore and Buddy Building a New Legacy: Bomber Buddies Simpson, from earlier teams, and Mel Pearson, Ted Hampson, and George Konik from the Memorial Cup team in 1956- Athletes are role models for youth in any community, 57, left a lasting impression on me. Playing for the Flin Flon and for the last two school years, the Bombers have been Bombers was certainly my goal at a very early age. giving back through a partnership with Flin Flon elemen- When my turn came, Paddy Ginnell entered the scene tary schools. According to Blaine Veitch, Superintendent of and left an indelible impression on all of us. Paddy brought the Flin Flon School Division, the concept for the Bomber a new sense of pride, enthusiasm and toughness to the team. Buddies program evolved after school trustees listened to a With Paddy's leadership the winning tradition of the team presentation by Israel Idonije. A Nigerian -Canadian NFL continued and his positive outlook was the springboard for player who grew up in Brandon, Manitoba, Idonije now many of us to continue to pursue hockey beyond the Bombers. plays for the Detroit Lions. Idonije spoke to the school Paddy taught the meaning of the word "character" and what trustees about a mentoring program he had started in it meant to a hockey team. Role players like Craig Reichmouth Chicago, matching kids in inner-city schools with profes- contributed as much but in different ways as did the talented sional athletes. The Flin Flon trustees were inspired to start Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach. The tradition was set for a similar program. Veitch recalls, “Israel spoke about the many years to come. To this day, Flin Flon is known in every value of high-profile athletes working with students and hockey city in North America for its ‘Bombers.’” motivating kids. For us, those athletes are the Bombers, so we decided to give it a try.” Page 32 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a “We wrote “how will you be remembered?” Back by in the dressing room” he says, “because Poutine! popular demand...

we want guys to think about their time Perogy Poutine Double Bacon Cheeseburger here. You only have three or four years Red skin fries topped with baby Red skin fries topped with seasoned perogies topped with gravy, cheese ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon curds, fried onions, crisp bacon, and gravy. Finished with fresh to play junior hockey, why not make it green onions and sour cream pickles, tomatoes, onions and our own secret sauce. Add ketchup and the best three or four years of your life?” mustard if you dare! At Ruth Betts and Ecole McIsaac Schools, the hockey players spend four afternoons a week helping in classrooms, Try these other extraordinary poutines: then stay after school one day a week to spend time with a Loaded Baked Potato smaller group of students. George Trevor, Vice-Principal at Ecole McIsaac School, says the program makes a big differ- Chicken “Chef” Style ence. “The guys are really positive male role models, and for Nacho Poutine the kids, this is a bonus in their life. We’re really happy with what [the Bombers] have done in the school and how Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner they’ve helped out. I think the Bombers themselves get Chili Poutine some valuable life experience from it too.” Regan notes, “The Bombers talk to the kids about their Roast Beef Poutine experiences growing up, it’s sort of like being a big brother, and our kids [the Bombers] get to learn responsibility and leadership.” Paul Soubry, who participates in the program, has enjoyed building connections with the students. “The kids are great—they really look up to the ‘Bomber’ that’s in their class. You feel kind of special. I love it, all the kids cooperate, and you are able to create some great bonds. 130 Highway 10A, Flin Flon, MB Also, it’s a lot of fun.” With billeting families, sponsors, fans and supporters 204-687-3779 rooting for the Bombers, this small-town team is full of Dine in or Take out! spirit, and Bomber pride radiates from the players and

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Find out why at: B&C Power Products Inc. 86 Larose Avenue The Pas, MB 204-623-5791 bcpowerproductsinc.com • [email protected] @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 33 coaches. While the population of the community has reduced considerably over the years, the Bombers maintain The Bombers in 2014 a loyal fan base, with 16,230 attendants at games in the 2013-2014 season. Some still reminisce of the days where With the unique characteristic of playing on a hockey the fans doubled the maximum capacity of the rink, in rink that is situated on two provinces, the Flin Flon Game Six of the SJHL championship in ‘93. With 2013/2014 as a building year, the team has great Bombers have changed leagues a number of times over ambitions to gain their 17th league championship in the the years. The team has also changed names: they were years to come. This team has long been the heart and soul of known as the Kopper Kings until Joe Pieper, a local Flin Flon; and the expression “Once a Bomber, Always a miner, came up with the name ‘The Bombers”. Today, the Bomber,” certainly applies to the fans as much as it does to Flin Flon Bombers play in the Saskatchewan Junior those who don the uniform. Hockey League, a 12-team league with three conferenc- es and a 56-game regular season. The other teams include Yorkton, Kindersley, Melfort, Battlefords, Melville, Humboldt, Estevan, Nipawin, Notre Dame, Weyburn, and La Ronge. As of our print date, Wednesday, February 26th, the Bombers had played in 53 games in the regular season and the team was eleventh in the league, with 46 points. It was down to the wire whether or not the team would advance to the playoffs. For the latest updates on the Photo by Shannon Smadella Flin Flon Bombers, visit www.bombers.ca

The 2013-2014 Team. Photo by Shannon Smadella

Page 34 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a HEALTHY EATING STARTS HERE! Garden Fresh Produce Our Bakery has a large selection of healthy choice grain products North of 53 Consumers Co-op 31 Main St. 204-687-7548 Gourmet Fresh cut meats - Our cutters are on duty for you Investing In Our Communities A variety of lower-fat dairy products to choose from in our Dairy Section Healthy eating is important to good health. Food nourishes your body and gives you energy to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Eating the right foods can also help reduce risk of many chronic diseases.

Eating well doesn’t mean giving up foods you love; it means choosing food wisely. Try some of the following suggestions when making food choices:

Select a variety of foods from all groups such as fruit, vegetables, dairy and grains;

Emphasize cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables and fruit;

Choose lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats and foods prepared with little or no fat;

Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight by enjoying regular physical activity and healthy eating; and OPEN Check the Nutrition Facts table on food labels to compare products more easily; MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. determine the nutritional value of foods; better manage special diets; and increase Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. or decrease your intake of particular nutrients. Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m. CLOSED Statutory Holidays the

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Page 36 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Spotlight on Northern Athletes

Nadine Colomb Age: 25 Hometown: The Pas What I love about Special Olympics: It’s fun, and I like meeting new people. What I want readers to know about me: I like playing Wii Dance, going for car rides, and listening to country Submitted photos music. What is Special Olympics? My motto: Let the fun begin! Favorite food: Hamburger Helper Special Olympics is a worldwide program providing Favorite sport: Curling sport training and competition for people with intel- Favorite team: Team Canada lectual disabilities. Special Olympics is recognized by Sport: 5-pin bowling Sport Canada as the main provider of services to individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Special Nadine started with Special Olympics Manitoba in Olympics Manitoba is the provincial sport governing 1999, at age eleven, with snowshoe and track & field in body responsible for the delivery of sport for people The Pas. She moved to Thompson five years ago and with an intellectual disability in the Province of now participates in 5-pin bowling. In that time, Nadine Manitoba. Special Olympics is a not for profit organiza- has competed in Special Olympic competitions in tion, registered as a charity within Manitoba. Our mis- Brandon, Thompson and Winnipeg. She competed at sion is “enriching the lives of Manitobans with an intel- the Winter Games in 2006 in PEI for snowshoeing. She lectual disability through active participation in sport”. also competed at the Provincial Spring Games in April 2013 and got a bronze medal in bowling. Coach-Donate-Participate Nadine likes travelling and meeting new people, and really enjoys cheering on her fellow teammates. She is Special Olympics Manitoba is looking for individuals always joking around with her friends at work and who are interested in helping with new sporting oppor- wants to help everyone. Nadine is well known for her tunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities in all enthusiasm and positive outlook, and is well-liked communities in our region. Check out our website for throughout the community. all of the sports that are offered in Manitoba and/or to Nadine has now started her training for 5-pin bowling, register as a volunteer: www.specialolympics.mb.ca. as she has been selected to be on Team Manitoba for For more information, please e-mail Heather Chrupalo the National Games in Vancouver B.C. in July 2014. She at [email protected] or phone 204-358- is extremely excited for this opportunity. 7610.

This installment will conclude our series of articles on Special Olympics athletes. We look forward to bringing you more stories about community organizations and the people who bring them to life.

@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 37 The Munn Cup: A Hockey Legacy in Thompson - Penny Byer - the Munn Cup in 1980, and who went on to break all scoring records in the Western Canada Junior Hockey league before being drafted by Detroit. Penny Byer, on location for the 2014 Munn Another local business, Carroll Aviation, and then Carroll Cup in Thompson on February 14-16, reveals Meats, sponsored a whole team, the Carroll Aeros, a team how this minor hockey tournament has created which has a special place in the hearts of many who have been a sense of community, connecting business involved in the Munn Cup over its four decades. “It’s been called a ‘last chance’ team,” explains Marsha Carroll. “It was owners, volunteers, and young hockey players originally set up for those who didn’t quite qualify to play on since 1971. the Thompson teams selected for the Munn Cup. It’s always obbie Orr, Gordie Howe, Phil Esposito — those were the heroes of the players of the earliest Munn Cup hockey Btournaments in Thompson. Some of those early Munn Cup competitors went on to become professional hockey players themselves; some became coaches and organizers for local minor hockey league clubs; some became doctors, heads of mining companies and policemen. Many of them have seen their children, nieces and nephews follow in their skates to compete, in and help organize the Munn Cup tournament. Little did Lorne Lamontagne realize the legacy he created when, as President of the Thompson Minor Hockey Association, he asked Don Munn, General Manager of Inco Limited in Thompson in 1971, if he would lend his name to the event. The first Munn Cup tournament was recognized as the Manitoba Tom Thumb Championships (the age category became known as Atom in 1983) for players aged nine to 11. The Gillam Chargers and The Pas Huskies battle it out on the It was scheduled for the Easter weekend and for decades it was ice at the 2014 tournament held during that weekend to allow extra travel time for out-of- Photo by Ian Graham town teams. Since that first championship, Thompson has hosted teams from all over Manitoba and Saskatchewan and been made up of extraordinary kids. All we ask is that they work from as far north as Rankin Inlet. It has attracted as many as 24 on their skills, follow the rules and enjoy the game. That’s all.” teams, bringing in up to 400 youngsters and adults, and has “We didn’t actually start the team,” added David Carroll. required the support of dozens of local businesses and hundreds “We took it over from Cullaton Lake Mine when they gave up of volunteers to pull it together. the sponsorship. We enjoy watching kids play hockey. And at There are many long-standing business relationships associ- that time, Thompson had so many kids playing hockey that ated with the Munn Cup. The longest is with the mining giant there was room for another Atom team.” Vale Canada Limited (which purchased Inco Limited in 2007), Ron Mymko, who moved from Flin Flon to Thompson in but a number of family businesses have contributed to the tournament as well. The late Al Timmons, Sr. and his son Earl, used to sharpen skates at the C. A. Nesbitt Arena in Thompson. Al was the head referee for the Munn Cup for several years, when referees were volunteers. “We used to watch these young guys, not tall enough to see over the counter, asking ‘Mr. Timmons, can you sharpen my skates?’, and watch them grow into successful adults,” recalls Earl, now the owner of E. T. Blades. The Timmons created the Most Valuable Player Award in conjunction with Inco (now Vale); and they sponsor the Timmons Cup. Earl’s shop is filled with hockey memorabilia, including pictures of Munn Cup players who advanced in their hockey careers. “Here’s Vernon Beardy from Split Lake. He played with the Regina Pats with the WHL,” points out Earl. “Then there Rankin Inlet Rock beat the Cross Lake Islanders 3-2 in a shoot- is Paddy Scott. He had a successful career in Europe.” out to win the B division consolation final. His wall of pride also includes Glen Goodall, who played in Photo by Ian Graham Page 38 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a I think that desire stemmed in part from what he learned in his early years in hockey.” It is also common to see the names of players from the early years reappear as coaches, managers and directors in later years: Lamontagne, Mintenko, Paulic, Hause, Davis, Meston, Thevenot, Levesque, Laycock, Fayant, Edwards, Bennett, Valentino, Portey, Antila and Krentz are just some of the sur- names you see reappear. Lovro and Justin Paulic – Two Munn Cup Legacies

Lovro Paulic, who played in the Munn Cup in 1976, is Vice-President of Manitoba Operations for Vale Canada Limited. In 2010, as General Manager of the operations, he was invited to bring greetings on behalf of Vale in the Munn Cup programme. Here are excerpts from that message: When I laced up my skates to meet the Melfort Missiles at the 6th Annual Munn Cup Hockey Tournament, it never occurred to Mark Scott of Vale and Darrin Timmons, representing ET Blades, me that 30 years later, I would have a son competing in the same presented Keilan Holland of The Pas Huskies AA with the Most tournament. Some of my early team mates are still my colleagues Valuable Player Award. Photo by Penny Byer. today… I think it is safe to say that those early organizers of the Munn the 1970s to play with the Thompson Hawks, and whose son Cup built a hockey legacy for us all. Derek and three grandchildren played in Munn Cup tourna- p.s. By the way, Melfort may have beat us 1-0 at the 6th Munn ments, prefers to think of the Carroll Aeros as a development Cup; but, my son’s team beat the Portage team 3-0 at the 36th team, rather than a ‘last chance’ team. He tells the story of one Munn Cup. Justin got the shut out. I’m proud to say that his early of his favourite players, Blake Knox, to prove his point: “It was success with the Munn Cup was a factor in his recent success at the the Hellair Hoppers back then,” recalled Ron. “Blake didn’t 2010 Provincial Bantam AA championships. skate well, but he had lots of heart and was willing to work. The Today, Justin is in his second full year with the Moose Jaw extra ice time he got with the Hoppers was invaluable to him. Warriors of the Western Hockey League. In his rookie season The following year he made it to the AA team as a nine-year- last year he played 57 of 72 games (the second most games of old, which was uncommon back then. In fact, you had to be any first year goaltender) and won two team awards at the end exceptional when competing against 10-year-olds. Blake went of the season: the Warriors Booster Club Unsung Hero award on to win the Memorial Cup in Junior A hockey. That’s the and the Vanier Collegiate Scholastic Achievement Award. same as winning the Stanley Cup in the NHL.” A Storied History

The history of the Munn Cup is perhaps best told through the programmes published and preserved over the years. Dating back to 1971, they tell a story of commitment, growth and change, on both a local level, and in the sport as a whole. Changes to the game of hockey are revealed through notes on new rules and new standards for equipment; new awards and divisions are announced as well. In 1978, the first female player, Kim Drapack, was introduced to the Munn Cup; by the early 1980s the names of female players were regularly appearing on the rosters. The Round Robin format was adopted in 1998, allowing teams to play more games. In 2011, the championship shifted from the Easter weekend to the long weekend in February. While a number of changes have transpired since the early days of the tournament, the mindset of the players remains, for the most part, the same. “I think every little boy or girl who plays in the Munn Cup has the NHL, or equivalent, in the back of their minds,” says Sharon McKay, whose son Mervin played in the Munn Cup in the 1990s. “But even if they don’t go on More than 150 volunteers provide the ‘extras’ that make Munn to play in the big time, what they learn here about team work, Cup special -- from the souvenir booth to the games night for focus and work ethic helps them later in life. My son switched the young players. Photo by Penny Byer. sports after grade nine, so he didn’t continue with hockey. But an interesting thing was that, after a short period at university, he decided to join the army. He said he needed more discipline.

@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 39 at the Munn Cup,” explains Karen Rae-Cormier, this year’s Munn Cup coordinator. “But we have parents from other divisions volunteer too. I think they come back because they know how much work it is, and how important it is too. We also have groups who volunteer at specific events, like the Kings Hockey Team cook all the pancakes for us. Yes, it’s a lot of work. And we all go home tired. And once the hockey season is over, most of us won’t see each other again until hockey season starts again! We say you have your rink family and you have summer.” Where are they now?

Although we cannot track every person who played in the Munn Cup, the following are some names that are known, or that kept popping up in recent interviews: Brian Skrudland – Munn Cup 1971 – later joined Montreal Canadiens The Pas Huskies AA won the 2014 Munn Cup with a 7 - 3 win Wes Braun – Munn Cup 1972 – entrepreneur, Braun’s over the Thompson King Miners AA. Photo by Penny Byer A Promising Future Munn Cup 2014 Winnings Munn Cup The Pas Huskies AA The reputation of the Munn Cup for its role in player devel- Lamontagne Cup Flin Flon Bombers AA opment has attracted newer teams recently. David Clarke, who Crockett Cup Warren Junior Mercs A played for the Norman Northstars, now lives in Rankin Inlet. Mintenko Cup Norway House Northstars A “He wanted his son to play in the Munn Cup, so he made two Consolation Rankin Inlet Rock B Timmons Cup The Pas Huskies B teams from his roster, so all the kids could ‘have the experience McMunn & Yates Cup Flin Flon Bombers B of playing in the Munn Cup’,” says Karen. “And a team from Most Valuable Player Keilan Holland / The Pas Huskies AA Warren, Manitoba is here. One of the fellows told his parents ‘this is a great tournament; we’re going!’” All Star Team #10 Chase Bertholet / Forward / The Pas Huskies AA - #11 Carter Every year, approximately 150 volunteers come out to Anderson / Forward / Thompson King Miners AA • #8 Braden ensure that the tournament runs smoothly, from the posting of Swampy / Forward / The Pas Huskies AA#6 Joie Simon / Defence / scores to the dressing room refreshments to the handing out of Flin Flon Bombers AA • #9 Cole Assailly / Defence / The Pas Huskies prizes. “It’s the responsibility of the (Atom) parents to volunteer AA • #1 Cree Nicholas / Goalie / The Pas Huskies AA

Lucien Tait-Reaume celebrates a goal during a 4-3 win over the Flin Flon Bombers Photo by Ian Graham Page 40 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Furniture; later construction supervisor Dean Evason – Munn Cup 1973 – later joined Hartford Whalers, 13 years with Washington Capitals, then assistant NIKI ASHTON coach, now the head coach of their farm team in the AHL MP Churchill Doug Lamontagne – Munn Cup 1974 – entrepreneur / Doug’s Source for Sports / Thompson Flin Flon oﬃce Lane Lambert – Munn Cup 1975 – later joined Detroit 24 Main Street Red Wings 1-866-669-7770 Lyndon Byers – Munn Cup 1975 – later joined Boston e Pas oﬃce Bruins 1416 Gordon Ave. Don Wood – Munn Cup 1975 – General Manager Surface 1-866-785-0522 Operations of Manitoba Operations, Vale Canada Limited Derek Laxdal – Munn Cup 1976 – later joined Toronto Email: [email protected] Maple Leafs, then New York Rangers Website: nikiashton.ndp.ca Ken Baumgartner – Munn Cup 1976 – later joined LA Kings, then New York Islanders Lovro Paulic – Munn Cup 1976 – Vice-President Manitoba Operations, Vale Canada Limited Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill MP Rob Clarke Ottawa La Ronge 1

Murray Bennett – Munn Cup 1976 – entrepreneur / House of Commons 711 La Ronge Ave -

502 Justice Bldg. Box 612 866 owner of A & B Builders K1A 0A6 S0J 1L0 Theoren Fleury – Munn Cup 1978 – later Canada’s Junior Phone: 613-995-8321 Phone: 306-425-2643 Fax: 613-995-7697 Fax: 306-425-2677

Hockey Player of the Year with Moose Jaw Warriors, Stanley - Meadow Lake Cup winner with the Calgary Flames and also Olympic Gold 114 Centre St. Suite C 400 Box 1260 Medal winner with Team Canada S9X 1Y9 Phone: 306-234-2334 Fax: 306-234-2339 - 2334 2334 Please contact my office if you are having problems with EI, CPP, Passports, CEP, Status cards, CRA, Agriculture Canada or any other Federal Government programs or departments.

“Check out my website at www.RobClarkeMP.ca for important information.” - MP Rob Clarke

Theoren Fleury played in the Munn Cup in 1978 and went on “Your One Stop Fun Shop” to win a Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold medal. Photo from 84 Severn Crescent Wikimedia Commons. Thompson, MB R8N 1M6 Phone: 204-778-6333 Toll Free: 1-800-442-0456 Paul Thompson – Munn Cup 1978 – the only player to be www.nickelcitymotors.com drafted straight out of Manitoba AAA Hockey into the NHL (New York Islanders) Save More On Gas Mike Zakowich – Munn Cup 1981 – later Western Canada Junior Hockey League, then Spokane with the 2014 Skandic Glenn Goodall – Munn Cup 1980 – later Western Canada 600 ACE Junior Hockey League, then Seattle and Detroit $14,429.00* Peter Paulic – Munn Cup 1980 – later Vice-President and $346/MTH* General Manager, Smook Contractors Blake Knox – Munn Cup 1982 – Swift Current Broncos $173 BW* Memorial Cup Winner Kyle Reeves – Munn Cup 1982 – Swift Current Broncos Memorial Cup Winner Merv Priest – Munn Cup 1983 – later professional hockey in Europe Stephan Cherneski – Munn Cup 1989 – later Brandon Wheat Kings in Juniors, then drafted 17th overall in Canada in first round of NHL draft by the New York Rangers; he had a career-ending injury playing with farm team in Hartford. ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. Ben Lalushnike – Munn Cup 1992 -- doctor in Dauphin, * Prices do not include Set-Up, Freight, Life and Disability, or Applicable Taxes. Bi-Weekly Payments OAC (on approved credit) based on 9% interest rate and a nance term of 60 months. Payments based on sale price, prices subject to change without MB notice. @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 41 featuring Cecil McCullock, Cat Swing Foreman

Jim Woods is one of the few remaining cat swing operators. Here, Bruce Anderson drives a D-4 cat. Photo by Les Oystryk

Freight swings were the sole method of bringing supplies into the north of Manitoba and Saskatchewan for several decades, and for the young men who worked on these “cat swings,” danger was always around the corner. - By Morley G. Naylor and Les Oystryk -

ebruary 1951 – It’s big news in the north: the first “cat swing” of the year has just pulled in to the isolated Fnorthern settlement at Wollaston Lake in northern Saskatchewan. One hundred and thirty tons of supplies have arrived, including flour, tea, tobacco, and dry goods; hunting, fishing and trapping supplies; and drums of gasoline. In the summer months, isolated settlements in the north were often supplied by Canso flying boats, but in the winter, the populations could wait up to four months for supplies to come in by ice tractor hauls. The “swing”, consisting of 20 sleighs pulled by 5 “cats” (tractors) had left the railhead in Flin Flon ten days prior, travelling night and day on a 350-mile journey. The crew crossed numerous lakes, and travelled through untamed bush, rough terrain, and steep grades. The trip back south will see the sleighs filled with frozen fish hauled from Wollaston and Reindeer Lakes. Cecil McCullock, April 1951. Photo by Mike Kesterton The eighteen-man crew on that cat swing was headed up Inset: Cecil McCullock today by a twenty-two year old bulldozer driver, a.k.a. “cat skin- Freight swings, in one form or another, serviced the ner” by the name of Cecil McCullock. We tracked down north of Manitoba and Saskatchewan from the 1920’s to the that young bulldozer driver, Cecil McCullock, who now 1970’s. In the 1920s, the original drayers used heavy horse- keeps busy in retirement in Prince Albert. Seventy years drawn sleighs to haul supplies. By the late 1930s and later, McCullock recalls his time on those perilous northern throughout the 1940s, mechanized equipment was replac- routes with crystal clarity, and he generously offered to share ing horses and tracked vehicles began to pull the freight his story with us. swings. The tractor train concept was far more efficient than Cecil McCullock was born in 1928 and grew up near horse drawn sleighs, could travel day and night, required Canwood, Saskatchewan. In 1946, at the age of nineteen, he fewer men, and could pull an enormous weight of freight. started working with the Saskatchewan Department of Each year, the crews would assemble, with young men trav- Natural Resources (DNR) on their freight hauling trips eling “by train from Prince Albert to Flin Flon via Hudson north of Flin Flon. “These trips went as far north as Reindeer Bay Junction and The Pas,” McCullock recalls. The men Lake and Wollaston Lake,” McCullock explains, “and I who formed the crews were seeking a challenge, adventure, worked on those cat swings during the winters of 1946-47 and a good paycheque: up to $200 - $250 a month if you and 1948-49.” were a top-notch man. Page 42 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a had been mechanized with the evolution of cleat-treaded tractors to pull the loads, but the potential man-killing risk was never far from anyone’s thoughts. Every crew member on a cat swing realized the dangers involved each time they set out. This was a young man’s game, and joking about death was common. Freighting was only possible when old man winter put a thick layer of ice over the barren lakes and rivers of the north, but even when the weather cooperated, a typical trip would be anything but. A persistent fear was bad ice. Had too much snow fallen early in the winter, insulating the ice I always had a plan for jumping off the Staff at the Flin Flon Yard. Photo submitted by Cecil McCullock cat, should the ice start to break up under me. I knew the dangers, as other Danger Close at Hand cats and their drivers had previously gone through the ice in what was called “the graveyard” on Reindeer Lake.”

and preventing a thick (15” to 20”) layer of “blue ice?” “Risking your life on those cat swings seemed to be the norm back then,” recalls McCullock, “Going through the ice while driving my cat was a calculated risk after I learned how to tell good ice from bad. I always had a plan for jumping off the cat should the ice start to break up under me. I knew the dangers, as other cats and their drivers had previously gone through the ice in what was called “the graveyard” on Reindeer Lake.” The isolation on the route meant that a serious accident or injury could likely occur without a doctor or radio com- munications available. The lack of both was part of the risk for the crew. The crews and the equipment were assembled Transport Ltd cat swing going into Pelican Narrows 1950-51. for the journey early in the new year, when ice conditions Photo submitted by Cecil McCullock would be at their best. The equipment was methodically assembled and prepared: first came the Caterpillar tractors, or ‘cats’ to pull the sleighs [’Cat` is a generic term originat- Treacherous ice conditions had seen drayer James ing from the tread/track concept of bulldozers manufactured Snelgrove lose valuable teams of horses and supplies through by Caterpillar Inc.] The units on Cecil McCullock’s routes the ice near Flin Flon. Some years later, the horse-killing job included the Caterpillar D4 and D6 as well as the International (Harvester) TD9 and TD14. The larger tractors were most often used for the overland portions of the Bearing Capacity of Blue Ice winter trails. As the tractors were the backbone of the Bearing Capacity of Blue Ice operation, numerous parts and spares were packed, including headlight bulbs - these malfunctioned often due to the 4 inches = 1600 pounds constant vibration and jarring en route. The tractor opera- 6 inches = 3600 pounds tors rode in open cockpits so that they could jump out at 8 inches = 6400 pounds any time should the machine begin to break through the 10 inches = 10,001 pounds ice. 20 inches = 40,003 pounds Sleighs, approximately 9 feet wide and 24 feet long, and capable of carrying 10 tons of freight were checked and lined 30 inches = 90,006 pounds up. Loose articles were lashed down under tarps for protec- 40 inches = 160,011 pounds tion from the snow and tree branches and in case of a sleigh upset. Metric Gold Formula The all important caboose (approximately 9 feet wide, 24 Provincial Winter Roads feet long, and 11 feet high ) had 6 bunks for off-shift tractor operators, a large and long table for meals, a stove for heat, Data provided by Manitoba Transportation and and all sorts of storage for food, pots, pans, an oil drum, Government Services water tank and many gadgets for the cook. Washroom facilities consisted of a basin, water heated up, and the great @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 43 The Workhorses of the North: Specifications As Cecil McCullock explained, the Caterpillar tractors used on the cat swings had a small, separate gasoline motor to start the main diesel engine (known as a pony or pup engine), while the International Tractor types utilized a separate gasoline carburetor and small gas tank to start the engine with gasoline, and then switched over to diesel once the main engine was operating smoothly. Caterpillar Tractors D4: 1938 – 1957 Chassis: Crawler Engine: Caterpillar – Diesel – 4 Cylinder Liquid Cool – 312 ci Transmission: Gear – 5 Fwd 1 Reverse Weight: 9,970 lb Dimensions: 120”L 62”W 60.62”H RPM: 1600 HP : 50.18 Drawbar 58.88 Belt Fuel Capacity: 20 Gal D6: 1941-1947 Chassis: Crawler Engine: Caterpillar – Diesel – 6 Cylinder Liquid Cool 468 ci Transmission: Gear – 5 Fwd 4 Reverse Weight: 16,695 lb to 17,338 lb Dimensions: 149.2”L 80.5”W 75.25”H RPM: 913 HP: 74.82 Drawbar 92.52 Belt Fuel Capacity: 48 Gal International Tractors TD9: 1939-1959 outdoors. The fuel needed for the journey – up to fifty Chassis: Crawler drums of it - would be carried on one designated sleigh. Engine: International – Diesel – 4 Cylinder As the departure time drew close, all the equipment was Liquid Cool – 334.5 ci lined up like a military convoy, and, with a little hell raising Transmission: Gear 5 Fwd 1 Reverse the night before, the tractor train would depart first thing in Weight: 10,800 lb the morning, heading into a wilderness where wolves and Dimensions: 114”L 75”W 64”H RPM: 1400 caribou were far more abundant than human beings. HP: 29 Drawbar 39 Belt Fuel Capacity: 31 Gal A Cat Swing Trip TD 14: It’s an early -45º morning at Mile 85, and against the backdrop of the famous Flin Flon metallurgical plant smokestacks, a 1939 – 1958 tractor swing is in the final stages of departure. The stench of Chassis: Crawler diesel exhaust fills the air and the vapour clouds the outline of Engine: International – Diesel – 4 Cylinder the train. The tractor drivers quiver in the vibrating open cock- Liquid Cool – 460.7 ci pits. These guys live day and night in all but their heaviest Transmission: gear 6 Fwd 2 Reverse Weight: 17,500 lb outdoor clothing, often crawling into sleeping bags fully dressed Dimensions: 134”L 92”W 78”H after a shift change. Soon, a gut-wrenching start: the tractor RPM: 844 drivers shift and lurch the frozen runners of the loaded sleighs HP: 51.8 Drawbar 61.56 Belt loose. The tractor drivers do not use a wheel to steer, but rather Fuel Capacity: 45 Gal use the left or right tread of the machine. They will often bounce the tail of the tractor from right to left to gain traction. Each Data provided by Peter Easterlund, TractorData.com time the cat skinners shift in to higher gears, the crew can feel the jarring of the tractors. Page 44 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Soon, the clattering and clanking drowns out all other and quarters of beef and pork. Substantial meals included sounds and the drivers use hand signals to communicate. The roast, steaks, chicken, potatoes, vegetables and sweets. Meals lead cat, with a huge blade, plows ahead into the enormous were served in the caboose, with breakfast at 4:00 a.m., din- white drifts of snow, clearing the way for the awkward and top- ner at noon, and supper at 8:00 p.m. The crew had a break heavy sleighs of cargo and other tractors to follow. halfway through each eight-hour shift, when they’d return to Each tractor pulled a “train” of several sleighs, and one or the caboose for sandwiches and coffee. The train stopped at more trains headed for the same location comprises a meal times and the shift coming off always refueled the trac- “swing”. A typical swing snaking its way over lakes and tors before eating. through bush trails might consist of twenty-five sleighs pulled by five tractors. Each train would be operated by a cat On one journey, a train suddenly skinner and a “brakeman,” or “brakie”. Like the swing fore- stopped for no apparent reason. An off- man, the brakeman would often serve the entire swing – his main purpose was to dig in to the snow to couple and shift skinner proceeded to the head of uncouple sleighs. Much like trade apprentices, they aspired the train, stumbling in the darkness, and to be tractor drivers and often endured menial tasks and unpopular chores on their journey to becoming a cat skin- found no sign of the cat or driver—only ner. a hole in the ice partially covered by a sleigh rack. A tractor ahead had broken off a small chunk of ice and the following tractor and driver had gone through the ice, never to be seen again.

Monotony or not, danger always lurked near. On land, the trains stayed close together to allow dou- bling up of tractors on hauls that one tractor could not handle. On “big ice,” long stretches across large lakes, the trains travelled hundreds of yards apart for safety. Large areas of slush, caused by a crack in the ice and water seeping into the snow, could be treacherous as a tractor had to be run back and forth to pack the slush and let it freeze over for the sleighs. A cat was liable to go through the ice at any time. A similar peril existed when a lead tractor broke off a chunk of ice and one of the units following it could go through the ice if it struck it. Cook John Roth was the king of the caboose. Any cracks had to be examined carefully, and accorded Photo by Mike Kesterton the utmost respect. Cecil recalls, “when we headed up north sometime after the new year, we would not get back to Flin Flon until late March. The swing bosses that I remember from the DNR ranks were Bob Gooding, Cory Martinson, Alex Kildeer, Bill Hamilton , and George Langford. These men as well as many others were from the Prince Albert area. Arnie Anderson was another good friend that I worked with – and he was from Canwood as well as I.”

From Monotony to Peril in Seconds

Once the journey was underway, a routine was set to operate the swing on to its destination. “The trips were long and monotonous,” McCullock recalls, “with shifts of eight hours driving a tractor and then eight hours sleeping in a bunk car that was on a sleigh as part of the swing.” There would be six or so cat drivers on each of the swings at one time, as well as one “brakie” and one cook. The cook was the undisputed boss of the caboose, and in the eyes (and stom- Trouble afoot on the April 1951 cat swing trip. achs) of many, the most important man on the trip. Each Photo by Mike Kesterton caboose carried an enormous food supply, including halves @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 45 In some cases, the ice would actually part, and logs were On one journey, a train suddenly stopped for no apparent wedged into the crack to make it firm. A solid path would be reason. An off-shift skinner proceeded to the head of the train, built by filling in snow and slush to make a solid, frozen path. stumbling in the darkness, and found no sign of the cat or Failure to carry out this time-consuming task could result in a driver—only a hole in the ice partially covered by a sleigh rack. tractor breaking off a chunk of ice, with fatal results for a follow- A tractor ahead had broken off a small chunk of ice and the fol- ing tractor. lowing tractor and driver had gone through the ice, never to be Other cracks were known as “pile-ups,” where the ice would seen again. split and pressure would force the ice up above the surface, some- On land, upsets on hills and side hills were an ever-present times as high as eight feet. If a route could not be found around danger. Sleighs of precious cargo or essential fuel drums for the the pile up, a path would be chiseled through the pile-up tractors could suddenly be lost, strewn across the path, or dam- mound. aged beyond repair. A caboose-upsetting was also dangerous for the men inside. The men would be thrown from their bunks, and all sorts of projectiles including pots, pans, a hot stove, coals, and boiling coffee would fly through the air. A fire could also quickly erupt under these conditions. The old saying, “sleep with your boots on,” was particularly apt for the cat train crews. One can only imagine the sense of relief and jubilation when “the swing” pulled in to its destination – only to face the same dangers on the return trip . Such was the life of cat swing crews.

The Move to Transport Limited

After spending the first two winters working with the Department of Natural Resources in Saskatchewan, the provincial government decided to give up their role in the winter transportation of freight and fish. At this point, Cecil began working for Transport Limited, a company based in The Pas Transport Ltd sleighs tipping over on a beaver dam near Deep which opened a branch office at mile 85 in the then-booming Bay, Reindeer Lake. Photo submitted by Cecil McCullock mining community of Flin Flon. George W. Evans, who later became mayor of Flin Flon, was hired as the manager. Thanks to his experience with DNR, at the age of 23, Cecil was deemed experienced enough to be a Cat Swing Foreman for Transport Limited on their winter freight hauls. “I spent the next four winters with that company, as they were freighting goods north to the Saskatchewan government trading store at Wollaston Lake as well as to the Hudson Bay Company store at Brochet on

Drilling ice for water on the April 1951 trip. Transport Ltd. swing that went through the ice on Reindeer Lake Photo by Mike Kesterton

Page 46 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Reindeer Lake. We also hauled all of the bricks, lumber, and ment of very remote northern DEW (Distant Early Warning) building materials from Flin Flon for the construction of the Line sites. They also came equipped with several trunks full of town site and associated fish plant at Kinoosao on Reindeer Lake new types of winter clothing to test in the northern climate.” in 1952.” These were very busy winters, according to McCullock: “ Shieff’s Transport also hauled their own freight with D-4 and An Era Draws to a Close D-6 cats for their trading post at Brochet”, he explains, “once the winter trail had been opened by Transport limited tractors each As our story draws to a close, we want to take a moment to winter.” acknowledge the contribution that all freighters made in opening Also on the work agenda was hauling ballast rock by cat up the north. Freighters helped sustain commercial fisheries scat- swings for cribs along the new power line to Snow Lake in 1953. tered throughout the north and helped northern residents access Cecil clearly remembers working with many great cat skinners crucial supplies, as well as contributing to major development who spent the winters with Transport Limited, including projects in the region. The famous Linn Tractors played a huge Herman McKinnon, Jack Carter, Peter Ballantyne, and Bill role in supplying construction supplies for the HBMS Island Highway, as well as Marcel, Maurice, and Paulie Vandergucht. Falls hydro generating station (1928-30). In the early 1950s, the “John Roth was the man that everyone wanted to help,” entire mining town of Sherridon was relocated via cat trains to a McCullock recalls, “as he was the cook and he ruled the caboose new mine at Lynn Lake, as were the materials for the Laurie River with an iron fist.” Dam and hydro generating site. Mighty as they were, the cat trains of the north were not Visitors Aboard immune to the march of innovation and progress. By the 1950s, overland roads began to reach more communities, allowing year- round access to settlements by fast and efficient freight trucks. Where permanent roads were not practical, “winter roads” began to facilitate transportation to and from communities on a sea- sonal basis. Air transportation is used at other times of the year to bring in essential goods. By the early 1960s, the so-called “freight swings’ had pretty much become obsolete, and the ice tractors joined the ranks of the horses that they had replaced a couple of decades prior. There are, however, some circumstances where “freight hauls” are still the only option, and a few remaining tractor drivers still step up to the plate. Jim Woods, who operates from the Churchill River near Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, hauls fuel to the Whitesand Dam on the Reindeer River and supports exploration drilling projects. Over in Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Joey Barnes fulfills a similar role in the north from his King of Obsolete operations, and has achieved some fame on the popular television series, Ice Road Truckers. Today, ice road truckers are the order of the day in freight hauls in the north – huge tractor trailer units with the most The Flin Flon yard on the 1952 trip. At centre, two US military sophisticated equipment available in the world, particularly officers (in fur hats). Photo by Mike Kesterton prominent in the oil patch drilling and the resource sector in remote locations of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Will today’s ice road truckers be replaced by technology as the horses, ice tractors and smaller freighting trucks were? You just January of 1951 brought a brief moment of fame to never know. McCullock and his cat swing crews. Two journalists joined the Perhaps we should ask Cecil McCullock – he’s seen it all. swing crew on a 350 mile, ten-day trip to Reindeer and Many thanks to Michael Kesterton for sharing his photos, Cecil Wollaston Lakes. Writer Bill Wolf of the Saturday Evening Post McCullock for sharing his memories, and to Ray Rossington for his along with photographer Mike Kesterton travelled to Flin Flon technical assistance. by train, and Transport Limited arranged for a smaller caboose for them to stay in on the trip north. They were very well taken A Note on Photographer care of in order that they could document the details of this remarkable journey. The article was published in the April 21, Mike Kesterton 1951 edition of the magazine, and photos from Mike Kesterton’s collection are included here, with permission from his son.A year Photographer Mike Kesterton was born in Moose Jaw later, Kesterton returned with two Colonels from the United in 1920. He served in the RCAF during WWII and trained States Army who had made the trip to Flin Flon up by train. The in photography in New York after the war. He freelanced military officers made the trip north with the Transport Limited from 1947 to 1956 while working for “Saskatchewan swing in order to experience the conditions first hand, and to try Photographic Services.” His photos have appeared in to understand what was involved in carrying out an extensive such well-known publications as the Saturday Evening winter freighting job in the frigid north with the use of tractors. Post, Canadian Geographical Journal, Sports Afield, As McCullock surmises, “this appeared to be some sort of McLean’s, and Field & Stream. preparation for the US Army’s involvement with the establish- @Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 47 Residential & Commercial Snow Removal

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Page 48 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Poetry Corner

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@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 49 The Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival: Highlights - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - This lively poster welcomed visi- th tors to Fort-Whoop-it-Up, centre he 67 Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival took for many Trappers’ events. place from Feb 12-16 2014. Residents and visitors Talike enjoyed an incredibly busy week of activities that celebrated and showcased life in The Pas. Highlights included the three-day World Championship Dog Race, and the King and Queen Trapper competition, in which contestants demonstrate their strength, endurance and smarts in a series of survival-oriented challenges. This year’s festival saw a number of unique events as well, including a snowboarding and snow-skating competition sponsored by Funky Threadz, a slo-pitch baseball tournament in the snow (aka sno-pitch) and even a human dogsled race! For those looking for shelter from the cold, there were King Trappers compete in beautiful mukluks and other crafts to discover in the events related to hunting and Opasquia School, and several venues offering live entertain- trapping life. Here a King ment, local music and jigging contests. Trapper contestant chops wood for the “tea-boiling” event. The flour packing challenge in the King Trapper contest always draws a crowd. Contestants carry 700 to 1000 lbs of flour for twenty feet.

The dogs take off with incredible speed at the mass start for the final day of the World Championship Sled Dog Race. A local snowboarder competes in the Funky Threadz Dam Jam. The course was designed and constructed by local snowboard- ers, with the Eazy Livin crew taking the lead, with help by members of 624 Films.

The Fur Queen candidates for 2014 with last year’s Queen and Princess (front). Brittany Dorion (third from right) was crowned Fur Queen 2014. All photos by Daniel Dillon Page 50 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Storytellers Film Festival: Creating a Spark - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - from Quebec. This dark, haunting film explores the lasting effects of residential schools on a younger generation, and has his March 20-23, The Pas will host the Storytellers Film received critical acclaim since its world premiere at the Toronto Festival. This festival will showcase films which address International Film Festival. TAboriginal culture, people, and issues, while also high- The busy weekend will include a youth day organized by lighting work produced by Aboriginal filmmakers. Most of the Oscar Lathlin Collegiate on the Friday, and the festival will film showings and events will take place in the community’s conclude with a gala evening on the Saturday night. All film historic Lido Theatre. festival events will be free for attendees, though donations of Bernhard Friz, a Winnipeg-born physician who works in any kind will be gratefully accepted, and put towards next year’s The Pas, is spearheading this first year of the film festival, with festival. guidance from Coleen Rajotte of the Winnipeg Aboriginal On Sunday March 23, a brainstorming discussion will be Film Festival. Through the Storytellers Film Festival, Friz and held to bring together those interested in moving the idea of the his fellow volunteers hope to spark community discussion on festival forward. As the song goes, It only takes a spark to get a how to develop and nurture aboriginal film culture in the fire going—here’s hoping this spark lights something great. North. They also hope to kick-off an event which would Get the most recent info on the festival at www.facebook. become an annual occurrence in The Pas. com/StoryTellersFilmFest, and check out our May/June issue According to a press release, the festival’s name, “Storytellers,” for a follow-up story on this event. comes from the wish to “firmly root First Nations’ traditions of storytelling at the core of a festival that will use film and video to present current cultural ideas”. With this in mind, a number of events will focus on oral tradition. An Elders Discussion will be held on the weekend, where a panel of community Elders will pre-screen a series of short films. They will then be invited to discuss their thoughts with the attending directors and members of the audience. The festival will include a number of short films (some by local filmmakers) and six features, including Rhymes for Young Kiowa Gordon and Joel Nathan Evans star in Lesser Blessed, one Ghouls, a film directed by Jeff Barnaby, a Mi’gmaq filmmaker of the feature films at the Storytellers Film Festival. Otineka MALL CARLEY Style BEARING & AUTO Selection Competitive Pricing Climate controlled Otineka Development Corp. Ltd Box 10310, Opaskwayak, MB R0B 2J0 Contact the General Manager 204-627-7230 • Fax: 204-623-2770 www.otineka-mall.ca Retail Stores Ardene’s 1-877-606-4233 ext. 369 IGA 623-6187 Bank of Nova Scotia 627-5423 Burger Ranch 623-1451 Did you put your car up for the winter? Donuts & Deli 623-5707 EasyHome 623-5343 We have everything you need to get it ready for spring! Opaskwayak Chiropractor 623-2989 PaperWorks Plus 623-1672 Make things easier on yourself, just stop in! Shane’s Music 623-5836 Sports Traders 623-5555 Super Thrifty 623-5150 Teekca’s Boutique 623-4610 Bargain Shop 623-7181 Rock Garden 623-3220 (204) 623-5416 • [email protected] Constant Threat 623-2111 Tim Horton’s 623-1480 33 2nd Street East, The Pas, MB UCN 627-8675 VIP Garden 623-1571 Warehouse One 623-2737 Bentley’s 623-3370

@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 51 Eddie’s A Good Taste

Something Hot to Drink Chai Masala In India, chai literally means “tea” — but it is so much more than that. This spicy drink is a great way to start the day and a refreshing alternative to coffee. Parisian Chocolat Chaud That romantic café won’t seem so far away when you’re sipping Ingredients this rich concoction. Loose-leaf black tea (measure one teaspoon per cup of liquid) Ingredients 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 5 oz bittersweet/dark chocolate, finely chopped. 1-2 tsp. ground ginger At least 50% cocoa is best – don’t use baking chocolate as this will give the 1 tsp. ground cloves drink a waxy texture. 1 tsp. ground cardamom 2 cups whole milk 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 2 tbsp light brown sugar (optional) 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper Cane sugar or honey to sweeten (optional) Directions Warm milk on the stove to near-boiling temperature (but don’t let it boil) Directions Add dark chocolate and whip into the milk with a whisk until chocolate Combine equal parts milk and water in a medium pot. has completely dissolved. Add brown sugar if desired. Serve in a teacup Add spices. with a square of chocolate. Heat mixture over a medium heat, watching it Recipe adapted from www.davidlebovitz.com/ carefully so it doesn't boil over, and giving it an occasional stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and add loose-leaf black tea. Allow it to steep on low heat for 5-8 minutes or until tea reaches desired strength. Strain tea through a fine, mesh strainer into individual glasses or mugs. Sweeten to taste.

Spiced Apple Cider This is the perfect treat to pack in a thermos on your next ski or snowshoe excursion.

Ingredients 3 liters fresh apple juice or cider 3 whole cloves 3 cinnamon sticks 5cm/2 inch piece of fresh ginger root (peeled and sliced thinly) 3 whole allspice berries 1/2 a lemon, juiced Sweetener, to taste, such as honey or soft brown sugar (optional) Apple brandy (optional) Sliced apples or oranges for garnish

Directions Pour the cider or apple juice into a large saucepan. Add the spices. Heat gently, to simmering point. Stir occasionally to ensure it isn't sticking. Add the sweetener to taste. Add the lemon juice and stir through. If using the apple brandy, add this as well. Slice the apples. Add the slices to the simmering cider or juice in the last one to two minutes of cooking, then remove from the heat. Strain, and ladle the cider or juice into serving glasses or mugs and add fruit as garnish. Recipe from www.wikihow.com

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Page 52 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Home Businesses in Your Community

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Page 54 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a Title Here FAP-1035A-C JAN 2011

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@Co t t a g e No r t h f a c e b o o k .c o m /Co t t a g e No r t h Ma g a z i n e Ma r c h - Ap r i l Page 55 Page 56 Ma r c h - Ap r i l Fo l l o w u s : cottagenorth m a g a z i n e .c a