Heli-Skiers Opposed to Pipeline Timing Fuel for the Fire
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New leadership for better support 8 The Party’s in the Pantry 10 Pete talks weed 12 New fam in McBride 18 PM42164515 Thursday, November 23, 2017 Volume 8 Issue 46 $1.90 + GST 20 years for the birds 2 ($1.30 when you subscribe) Heli-skiers Fuel for the fire opposed to pipeline timing Detailed pipeline route hearings coming this February by Andru McCracken Some people may be waiting for the pipeline to start breaking ground, but the reality is the exact route that the pipeline will take past Valemount and beyond hasn’t been approved - and some people are dead set against what has been proposed. More than 20 statements of opposition have been filed against the specific route planned by Trans Mountain. In Febru- ary the National Energy Board will hold hearings in Valemount and Clearwater to learn more about these opinions. “Now that the project has been ap- proved, the Act is clear that the Board may only consider those issues related to determining the best possible route,” said Sarah Kiley, Communications Officer for the National Energy Board. “Landowners and affected persons may file an opposition to the detailed route of a pipeline based on the location of the pipeline or the methods of timing or construction.” Intrawest has filed a statement of op- In a reversal of fortunes over the weekend, Jason Nash, the Corporal, supervises and Bob Dean, the Detachment Commander, splits. See more photos position. The company owns 99.99% of and story P9. / ANDRU MCCRACKEN Canadian Mountain Holidays and the proposed route goes through their prop- reads the statement of opposition. parties in the detailed route hearing. opposition, John Richardson of Avola erty near the exclusive Valemount heli-ski Intrawest is appealing to the National Whether or not landowners and us- recalled the first right of way that already lodge. Guests of the lodge pay about a Energy Board to prevent the construc- ers successfully campaign to change goes through his property. He said the 60 quarter million per week, with access to tion from happening during their the route, the pipeline company is still foot by ½ mile right-of-way was settled world class chefs, bakers and massage operating season, which is December to required to compensate the landowner, for a lump sum of $80 in the 1950s and therapists, the company says. April. said Killey. She said those interested is one of four separate easements on his Lawyers representing the heliski com- “It bears emphasis that Intrawest in the pipeline’s obligations may look property, held by BC Hydro, the highway, pany made no bones about their opposi- reserves all legal rights that it presently at section 86 of the National Energy and fibre optics. tion to the timing of the project. enjoys to pursue Trans Mountain for Board Act. “We wish to hold to that agreement, and “...the construction of the Pipeline damages in respect of any harm it may Of the 20 statements of opposition, as such, we require no monetary compen- expansion on or in the vicinity of the suffer as a result of the construction of the most are concerned with the loss of valu- sation for Trans Mountain’s use of that 60 Lands will unreasonably interfere with Pipeline expansion…,” reads the state- able portions of their land that can no foot right of way,” wrote Richardson. “By Intrawest’s current use and enjoyment of ment of opposition. longer be built on, or must be harvested the same token, we reserve the right to the Lands and thereby cause Intrawest Killey said the board intends to reach of trees. cede no more of our property to facilitate to suffer significant commercial harm…” a decision that balances the needs of all In a handwritten statement of your project.” Irene Berndsen 2016 MLS Award Winner serving McBride, Valemount and the Robson Valley [email protected] www.mountainviewrealty.ca $119,000 $99,000 Personal Real Estate Corporation 845 Beaven Cres, Valemount Lot A Highway 16, McBride - large 3/4 acre lot -17 acres minutes from McBride - park like shrubs and trees - great views overlooking the Holmes River Prince George - older mobile is de energized - no value - adjacent to Crown land and recreation area 250-569-7397 - Lot is serviced. - nicely treed - great cabin spot ► MORE ON P2 2 Thursday, November 23, 2017 therockymountaingoat.com Do you have a news tip? Volunteer reflects on 20 years of Ducks Unlimited Call us! 250-566-4606 . THE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM OF BC Certifications & Skills Development It takes a team to pull off the Ducks Unlimited dinner and auction each year. Shown above L to R: Marg Mackenzie, Ken Ferris, Lil Self Employment • Looking for a job Basaraba, Eric Buck, Walter Matthew and Elsie Buck. Missing from photo: Christine Latimer, Susan and Debbie Tinsley, and Rae Eligibility Assessment for Funding Ann Black. / LAURA KEIL Apprenticeship & Training LET US HELP YOU ! by LAURA KEIL Over the course of two decades, Valemount residents have cleared roughly $300,000 (after expenses) for the For 20 years, November has been a busy month for El- conservation group, funds that all remain in B.C. says sie Buck. It’s the month she organizes the annual Ducks Ken Ferris, Manager of Event and Volunteer Relations Unlimited fundraising dinner in Valemount. for Northern BC. Locals gathered Saturday night at the Best Western ho- On Saturday locals streamed in for the fundraiser tel - a stone’s throw from Cranberry Marsh which is itself which is an occasion to dress up and bid on auction a recipient of Ducks Unlimited funds. items big and small. Up to date Job Board Ducks Unlimited has been monitoring the marsh “They love coming,” says Buck of the attendees, noting Copies & Fax • Interview Skills • Computer Lab Career Planning • Resume & Cover Letter Assistance water levels since they created the wetland in 1981. they get a lot of the same people every year. They built the dyking systems and pathways around the This year’s items included a canvas gazebo, leather marsh. They also created the water controls that retain recliner and remote control zamboni-shaped cooler. In water. total the items in the room this year were worth roughly The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by The nesting islands and water controls continue to bear $7000, Ferris says. the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. fruit - or in this case, nesting birds. Buck says the reason she has been so committed to Phone: 250-566-4601 • Fax: 250-566-4602 Beaver, otter, moose, deer and 150 species of birds call the organization is she believes conservation is very www.ValemountLearningCentre.org the marsh home. Bears also forage in the area. important. The marsh became a Wildlife Management Area under “I think it’s a wonderful organization,” she says. “When 1201 - 5th Ave., Box 789, Valemount, BC, V0E 2Z0 Provincial authority a couple years ago, but Ducks Un- you see ducks nesting (at the marsh) you know that’s all Monday to Friday - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm limited continues to have a stewardship function. done by Ducks Unlimited.” Irene Berndsen 2016 MLS Award Winner serving McBride, Valemount and the Robson Valley [email protected] www.mountainviewrealty.ca Personal Real Estate Corporation $320,000 $105,000 4227 Mountain View Road McBride Lot 22 Crown Road, Tete Jaune - Over 5 acres - almost 2 acres Prince George - large country home - 15 mins from Valemount - gravity fed water - perfect for home or cottage 250-569-7397 - minutes from McBride - priced to sell $39,000 SOLD $69,000 $299,000 790 Airport Road, McBride 625 King St, McBride 3115 River Bend Road McBride - high visibility commercial lot - large .64 acre lot - mobile home park on 4 acres - good access - nice views - zoned R4 -multi-family and more - minutes from McBride - situated on busy corridor - King Street and alley access - beautiful rural property - could be good investment - investment potential - excellent tenants $196,000 $32,500 $59,000 1092-2nd Ave McBride 877 5th Avenue, McBride Lot 5 Airport Road E, McBride - 3 bedrooms - level building lot - Approximately 1 acre lots - large double lot - services at lot line - Newer subdivision - double garage - nice street - great views - Services at lot line - move in ready! - priced to sell Longsword Introduction January 21, 1-5pm $79 • Ongoing Classes Each Month • swordfight.ca • 604-727-4365 Valemount | Dunster | McBride | In Print | Online Thursday, November 23, 2017 3 Mitten making Top: Polly Schindel of Saskapaca shows Isis Hiroe the way to make warm winter mittens from alpaca. Schindel came all the way from Kelvington, Saskatchewan to teach the course, which was organized by Jean-Ann Berkenpas and her mother Betty Pilcher. Right: All that will become a neat pair of mittens. Grace Michaud bravely begins her mitts at the alpaca mitten making workshop in Tete Jaune this weekend. /ANDRU MCCRACKEN Snow hazards abound, Valemountain Days but smart play is okay are over? by Andru McCracken by LAURA KEIL In a video this week on Tourism Valemount’s Valemount’s beloved summer festival may be shut down per- Facebook page, Curtis Pawliuk sits atop his manently after another paucity of volunteers this year. snowmobile and behind him, a ridge away, is a “If we don’t get people, we’re going to fold,” said Barb Shep- massive size 2 slab avalanche. herd, who is herself a tireless volunteer. Pawliuk is the manager of the Valemount and The Valemount Community Sports Day Association has orga- Area Recreation Development Association and nized the festival nearly every year for the past 37 years, but has an ambassador for the area.