NEW - VISITOR’S MAP TO FERNIE AND AREA Pg44 ...... Ferngetie yours monthlFixy
JULY 2007 | ISSUE 8
Feature Artist ANGIE ABDOU ...... Feature Business RAGING ELK HOSTEL ...... Your View LOCALLY SUBMITTED ARTICLES AND OPINIONS!OPINIONS! All under one roof Historic Downtown at 661 - 2nd Avenue Fernie
Strength, flexibility Open Every and balance in mind and body. Day! Check out our schedule at Check out our www.essentialyogastudio.com outstanding New to yoga? Buy a 6-class pass to use over the summer and Summer pay only $6 a class! Offer valid through August. clothing, footwear and accessory collections in stock now!
• Your year-round destination for *Vintage *New *Accessories *Jeans unique gifts for family and friends. *Belt Buckles *Vintage Records *and Much More *For Men and Women *423-6441 • The largest Carhartt clothing and accessory collection in the Elk Valley • Coffee and Fresh Baked Goods • Exclusive Fernie Souvenir • Custom Cakes clothing and mementos. • Daily Lunch Specials • Take-out or Eat-in Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sundays and holidays 12pm to 5pm. 423-5510 Phone: (250) 423-5541 email: [email protected] [email protected] All under one roof Historic Downtown at 661 - 2nd Avenue Fernie CONTENTS
Strength, flexibility COVER Open Every and balance Dan carving a turn on 3 Kings by Rob Plato in mind and body. THIS PAGE Day! Check out our schedule at Water Fun photos by Ryland Nelson Check out our www.essentialyogastudio.com outstanding New to yoga? Buy a 6-class pass to use over the summer and EDITOR’S FIX | 5 Summer pay only $6 a class! Offer valid through August. OF TABLE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | 7 COMMUNITY FLASH | 27 clothing, footwear Taxation by Randal Macnair and accessory FEATURE ARTIST | 8 Fernie is Bear Country, Are YOU Bear Aware? collections Angie Abdou – Author By Kathy Murray in stock now! Community Green Initiatives by Kyle Hamilton FEATURE BUSINESS | 13 Studies on the Elk River by Chad Wilkinson Raging Elk Hostel by Joe Howse OUTDOOR LIFE | • Your year-round destination for *Vintage *New *Accessories *Jeans New Businesses to Fernie 32 unique gifts for family and friends. *Belt Buckles *Vintage Records *and Much More An Epic Journey if Nothing Else by Emily Brydon *For Men and Women *423-6441 REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT | 17 Fly Fishing Fix by By Jeff Mironuck • The largest Carhartt clothing Mind Over Matter? by Krista Turcasso The Metamorphosis of FSS into 901 Fernie and accessory collection by Krista Turcasso HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 37 in the Elk Valley Bike Injuries by Sarah Storey • Coffee and Fresh Baked Goods FERNIE ABROAD | 20 Health, Naturally by Dr. Taina Turcasso • Exclusive Fernie Souvenir • Custom Cakes A Little Piece of Paradise by Geof Hare BITS AND BYTES | clothing and mementos. • Daily Lunch Specials 40 The Answer Guy by Kevin McIsaac • Take-out or Eat-in RESTAURANT REVIEW | 23 Freshies Horoscope Fairies by Kim Stokie Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 8pm; Where to Eat by Sarah Sangster Sundays and holidays 12pm to 5pm. 423-5510 YOUR VIEW | 42 [email protected] Phone: (250) 423-5541 email: [email protected] OURFERNIE EVENTS CALENDAR | 24 Locally Submitted Articles and Opinions What’s On in Fernie this Month SPECIAL FEATURE | 44 Fernie Fix Walk to Work Week by Krista Turcasso A Visitor’s Map to Fernie and Area Fernie Writers Conference by Keith Ligget Wine in the Mountains by Krista Turcasso AROUND TOWN | 46 Q & A With every turn of the key or pull of the cord. Flkfek_\cXb\fiflk`ek_\nff[j#pflnXekkfbefnpflZXei\cpfe k_\\hl`gd\ekpflËi\j_Xi`e^pfliZXdgj`k\n`k_%8k?fe[X#n\Yl`c[fli gif[lZkjkf[\c`m\ik_\gfn\ipfle\\[#\m\ipk`d\%8]k\iXcc#`]pflËi\ Yi`e^`e^?fe[XXcfe^#`kËjfecp]X`ik_Xkn\glk`eX]lcc[Xpf]nfibjfpfl ZXe_Xm\pfli]lcc[Xpf]]le%('' ?fe[XÆe\m\ij\Zfe[^l\jj%
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M`j`kpflicfZXc?fe[X[\Xc\iXe[\ogcfi\k_\gfjj`Y`c`k`\j% Trust Honda. Ghostrider Motorsports *'J_X[fnIfX[#=\ie`\9%:%G_1 ),' +)*$0),( nnn%^_fjki`[\idfkfijgfikj%ZX EDITOR’S FIX what we were doing, we made our way through the Educational Forest, our rainy June has made summer main goal being to come out alive. It
a dire need indeed! And what comes as no surprise then that it took FIX better way to start off the me until recently to pick up the sport A again! Other than hanging out in sunny, rain-free season (hey, I’m an optimist) than with the FernieFest and parks, playing pool at the local gym or Canada Day Celebrations! It is typical trying to get into the Motor Inn, there for many Fernie locals to head to the was not much going on as a teenager “lake district” on every opportune in Fernie. occasion, but with a summer line-up So much has changed, and yet the same like Fernie has this year, it will be themes rise to the surface of many difficult to leave town, even just for conversations in town. One theme in the day. As a long time resident and particular that I’ve been mulling over business owner in Fernie, seeing a is whether or not the businesses and surge of events in such a short time the Chamber of Commerce should has me excited about the direction stay open all weekend. When I first
Fernie is moving in. EDITOR’S heard a conversation on this topic, I I remember summers as a child in quietly agreed with the commenting Fernie: quiet, ghost-like streets and no parties, but have since reconsidered. vehicles or people in site, we wandered Retrospectively, we have come far. carelessly in search of anything to do. From a ghost town just 10 years ago The occasional mountain bike ride to a town with over 40% of businesses occurred (maybe 5 times total) on open and frequented on Sundays Kona Lava Dome mountain bikes. No coupled with near to 0% vacancy suspension, no helmets, and no idea downtown and an Info Centre open 24-7 all year round, I would say we’re doing pretty well! This on top of the variety and number of events happening throughout the summer, an extensive mountain bike and hiking Fernie Fix trail network, and a vast amount of www.ferniefix.com other activities to explore, the options Published monthly by Claris Media in Fernie during the summer months Box 1124, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 are endless, even for teenagers. (250) 423-4062 The July issue of the Fix offers www.clarismedia.com a snapshot of Fernie in summer. To advertise and for general inquiries, Read about bike trips, fishing tips, please contact [email protected] downtown improvements, summer injury and illness prevention, and Editor | Krista Turcasso CLARIS more and get as excited about summer Creative Director | Vanessa Croome MEDIA as we are at the Fernie Fix. I personally Associate Editor | Taina Turcasso want to thank the individuals and Subscribe online at www.ferniefix.com creating clarity through organizations that spend the majority strategic marketing and of their spare time making these events All content copyright Claris Media distinct design and activities possible. You may not ...... always get recognition, but know that Visit OurFernie.com for more you are integral to making summer in information on events in Fernie. 250.423.4062 Fernie fantastic for all! www.ourfernie.com [email protected] www.clarismedia.com Editor Krista Turcasso CLARIS MEDIA FERNIEFIX.COM
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ust finished the June 2007 issue of Fernie Fix. JThoroughly enjoyed it -- as always. Now how about Top 40 Over 40! Anne Gafiuk Note from the editor: Thanks Anne! We have had many similar requests, and passed them along to the Top 40 Under 40 Committee.
Plans are in the works for compiling THE EDITOR this list, so keep your ears and eyes open to make sure you get your nominations in! There are so handed many individuals over 40 that deserve to a selection committee, made up of 4 recognition so be sure to get involved to individuals in varied positions within the ensure they are nominated. community OVER 40. I agree, there are many people that were not noted in this list that should have been nominated, TOP 40 CONFUSION hopefully the outcome is that they will be nominated the next time the list is compiled seem to remember earlier in the and if the list is published in the Fernie year that there was a concern that Fix, we will be sure to include the criteria "Attention: Hip Women this would become a popularity Soulful Adventurers!" I and the selection process - what seems to contest and the Fix attempted to quell have been a major mistake. Self Discovery such talk. Well ya blew it, the “Top Doesn't Happen 40 Under 40” reeks of nepotism and Sorry for your disappointment, but in the cronyism, with a rank stink of a high end I suppose you have to appreciate the By Accident... school king and queen of the prom efforts made by a few individuals that contest. That was a steaming bowl volunteered their free time to recognize
of weaksauce and a large amount of the younger generation and their efforts LETTERS TO credibility was lost. in the community, don’t you? For more information on the Top 40 Under 40 Graham Rennie process, please contact Jeff McRae at Sacred Directions Weekend Intensive [email protected]. September 7 – 9, 2007 Note from the editor: Thanks for your Birch Meadows Lodge B&B, Fernie, BC comments. Unfortunately, you’re aiming them at the wrong party. The Fernie Fix had an agreement with the Top 40 Under What’s In It For You? Community issues, concerns, · A step-by-step self discovery system. 40 steering committee guaranteeing we · Gain clarity about why you are here. feedback and suggestions - · Discover where you’re heading. had first rights to publishing the list (to · Unleash the power of what you are capable of becoming. be published in the Kootenay Business we want to hear what you · Seek, embrace, and face what is finding you. Magazine shortly) and partnered have to say. · Experience and learn about your authentic true self. with them in promoting it. But, to the Submit letters to the editor at Details at: www.sacred-directions.com steering committee’s defense, the list was made COMPLETELY from nominated [email protected] 403.554.6777 individuals. Only 60 people were [email protected] nominated. These nominations were then www.redtreehealingcentre.com HealingRed TreeCentre FERNIEFIX.COM ARTIST FEATURE FEATURE
Angie Abdou Author
y facebook profile lists In other words, I really really love life is tenuous and we can’t afford to my religious affiliation as books, and attempting to write them endlessly defer our true goals. “Later” MBibliotheist. God is in books. was, therefore, inevitable. is always in the future and the future is Bookstores, libraries, and universities uncertain—what’s wrong with now? It’s fairly recently, though, that I’ve Byare Gareth my temples Roberts of worship. Socrates said, “an unexamined life is unworth been able to call myself a writer. I’ve I, therefore, encourage people to act living.” Literature creates a space in written articles and academic pieces (rather than talk) themselves into which to examine contemporary life, for well over a decade, but I wasn’t—I existence. Don’t say, “I want to be a and in that way it is everything. In a would’ve said—a real writer. Despite writer” (heard so often). Instead, try recent interview, local artist Jocelyn of (or, more likely, because of) my love “I am writing.” This statement not Thomas asked me what I would do if for fiction, I procrastinated on my only moves writing out of the elusive I couldn’t be literary. “You mean I attempt to write it. It took a brush with future and into the present, but also can’t read, write, teach, or talk about death to startle me out of that sleepy takes the emphasis off some glamorous books?” I was struck dumb. “I’ll try it later” attitude. After a head- idea of “The Writer” and puts it on collision in 1999, I realized that instead on the everyday life practice of
FERNIEFIX.COM writing. No one says, “I want to be a beginning writer must master, and quilter” or “I want to be a gardener.” for this process, workshops and Why, then, when it comes to writing, mentorship programs are invaluable. do people linger so long in the limbo Greater than those lessons, though, between desire and action? Perhaps, is the inspiration such programs gave there’s more interest in an imagined me, the confidence to believe in myself Writer persona than in the often- as someone who writes. tedious act of writing. Writing is not glamorous, and anyone who pursues it Because mentors have been so crucial to my writing development, I’m in the service of ego will, I think, fail. ARTIST The work-to-fame ratio in the writing delighted to be moving into the role life is about 7 years to 15 minutes. of mentor myself. This summer I’m teaching at two writing workshops— Once I decided to write fiction, I drew one for teens (Sage Hill Teen Writing heavily on a well-developed national Experience in Moose Jaw, July 16-20) mentorship program. Canada boasts and one for adults (the conference here some of the best writers in the world, in Fernie, July 23-29). I’m excited to and I’ve learned lessons from many enter this next phase of my writing of them, including Elisabeth Harvor, career and feel lucky that things have Bonnie Burnard, Lynn Coady, Suzette gone so smoothly for me since that Mayr, David Carpenter, and Joanne 1999 decision. Gerber. Can writing be taught? In its ethic. But there are fundamentals essence, probably not—much depends of plot, characterization, setting, Luck is a word frequently on my lips on talent, individual voice, and work narration, and dialogue that a these days. I’m lucky to live in such a FEATURE FEATURE
fernie writers conference Monday, July 23 through Sunday, July 29, 2007 Lead Sponsors Gathering writers of all abilities to work with noted authors in intensive one week and three day workshops. Special guests—editors, publishers, and writers—will meet with participants. Scholarships available. Hosted by Griz Inn at Fernie Alpine Resort. John Keeble Angie Abdou Brenda Schmidt Jeff Wallach Phil Rowley Novel Short Story Poetry Golf/Travel Fishing Workshop Workshop Workshop Workshop Workshop July 23 thru July 27 thru July 27 - July 27 - July 27 - July 29 July 29 July 29 July 29 July 29 for more information visit: For registration: 2nd Tier Sponsors www.ferniewriters.org 1-888-423-6855
“Feature Artist” continued on page 11 FERNIEFIX.COM $EO?KRANEP=P*QJELAN,K@CA Fernie’s on-mountain, 4-season paradise.
Outdoor heated pool, spa, fitness rooms, whirlpool, pet friendly, quality craftsmanship, travel opportunities with Interval International, quartershare or whole ownership... these are our passions. Juniper Lodge Starting at $88,900. Call 1.866.423.6873 or visit www.juniperlodgefernie.com “Feature Artist” continued
beautiful place. I’m lucky to be part of such a supportive community. I’m lucky to have such a loving family. I could fill books counting my blessings, and 2006-07 has been especially packed with good luck—I published my first book (a short story collection called Anything Boys Can Do) in September, gave birth to my first son ARTIST (Oliver Hawksley Hafke) in December, and will be publishing my first novel (The Bone Cage) in July. But “luck” is a misnomer. “We make our own luck,” as the cliché goes, and my decision to surround myself with good people (especially my husband, Marty Hafke) plays a large role in my recent good fortune. In this way, Fernie is the perfect place to be a writer. I cannot imagine a book community more supportive than Laura Nelson,
Patty Reedyk, and Patty Ohm at FEATURE Polar Peek Books & Treasures. That little store in this little town sold over 200 copies of my short story collection and has already ordered 100 copies of my novel. Asked to list popular homes PRAISE FOR with undercurrents of death, violence, for Canadian writers, one might think ANYTHING separation, or loss, but the overall of Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and BOYS CAN tone of the writing is buoyant and rich Montreal. But I guarantee that writers DO: with details that lighten the mood.” in those cities have never been greeted - Margaret Tessman, ARTiculate magazine with the kinds of smiles I get when I “An extraordinary walk into Polar Peek. Maybe this is literary debut” Fernie’s best-kept secret – it’s a great - BC BookWorld PRAISE FOR place to write. If you want to be in the THE BONE writing scene, move to Toronto. If you “ H i l a r i o u s l y CAGE: want to engage in the work of writing unromantic and refreshingly bitter” (and to feel wonderfully supported in - Elisabeth Harvor “Abdou captures your occasional 15 minutes of fame), “For centuries, terms to describe the heroic quests move to Fernie. female sexuality have been along of these hopeful the lines of Slut, Tart and Whore. Olympians in all Thank you, Fernie. There are, sadly, no words that their gritty pain and glory.” “Vivid, For more information on my books describe female desire that are not pejorative, and this lack of available intense, and authentic” “Abdou’s ear and upcoming tour schedule see: for dialogue is sharp.” “The Bone www.abdou.ca. vocabulary is one reason why Angie $EO?KRANEP=P*QJELAN,K@CA Abdou’s debut short story collection, Cage is well paced and readable, Fernie’s on-mountain, 4-season paradise. Anything Boys Can Do, is important.” memorable for its fresh perspective - Bronwen Welch, Victoria Times Colonist on the lives of athletes and the obstacles they must overcome.” Outdoor heated pool, spa, fitness rooms, whirlpool, pet friendly, quality craftsmanship, travel “Abdou sometimes creates tension - Christine Walde, Quill & Quire opportunities with Interval International, quartershare or whole ownership... these are our passions. Juniper Lodge FERNIEFIX.COM 11 Starting at $88,900. Call 1.866.423.6873 or visit www.juniperlodgefernie.com
Raging Elk Hostel by Joe Howse
he Raging Elk Hostel was founded in 1997 as a back Tpackers haven, celebrating 10 years of being the ultimate downtown home away from home for tons of travelers from Canada and overseas. BUSINESS My wife Sadie and I immensely enjoy hosting back packers from throughout the world and Canada who come to Fernie knowing there will be a warm welcome, an affordable social place to hang, epic mountains and of course an amazing town at our front doors. I caught the hostel bug during a lengthy Australian trip through New South Wales and Northern Queensland, which helped me in creating a unique completed is an enlarged deck and accommodation and work in Fernie. and effective hostel that specializes in barbecue pit at the rear of the hostel. We actively help travelers find their a diverse social scene. Our focus lately This BBQ pit is a nightly gathering. seasonal rental in town and created is not just on the single backpacker Guests bring what they want to cook and hosted the Job Expo for Fernie FEATURE experience, but families and groups and we sit around the fire, watch the last couple of years (thank you as well. A recent shift I have noticed satellites, swap yarns, sing and even ladies at the Elk Valley Job Seekers). at The Raging Elk is wedding groups utilize laptops. The Elks year round The great bonus of staying in a hostel using our facility for accommodation facilities and layout are reputable in at the beginning of winter is that you and activities prior and during the hostel world, having been used can actually meet and bond with your wedding festivities. We have also just as a blue print for some of the new potential roommates before you move recently hosted a couple of family hostels across B.C. in with them, which often results in reunions as well. life-long friendships. As an affiliate of Hostelling International, The Raging Elk connects My wife and I are avid skiers and to a 4,000 chains scattered throughout mountain bikers/hikers, along with approximately 78 countries. Our 80% of our guests and often we enjoy assorted clientele have the most the mountains with our guests when amazing stories and adventures to the occasion arises. Our highlight share from their worldly travels. Often over the past decade was the birth these young people are keen on a new of our daughter Indika and our TV experience or adventure and they appearance on Trading Places (for prefer to spend their spare change on a good laugh and honest look at life eating, drinking and adventure rather in a hostel, check it out on the Life As part of the hostel’s 10th anniversary than on accommodation. Network). Bottom line: we have both year, we are giving the exterior of the enjoyed the past 10 years at the Raging Elk a face-lift. A large log deck built During the fall, the hostel serves as Elk and feel lucky to be a part of such in post and beam with a log canopy a great information source for skiers a unique and special community. over the entrance in Rocky Mountain and snow boarders seeking seasonal décor style is in the works. Already “Business” continued on page 15
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14 FERNIEFIX.COM1.866.291.2774 • 250.423.2606 • www.pinnacle-ridge.com Show suite open daily “Business” continued If you or any of your family members FREYJA LIFESTYLE Souliere. “People want fashion and are planning a trip overseas or across FASHION function and pieces that complement the country, be sure to come into the their personal style, that’s what we hostel to find out more hostel and ronounced Fry-Ah, the name are all about down here”. backpacking information and to get comes from a Scandinavian Check out Freyja for Canadian some great travel tips from other Goddess, but basically they travelers. And for those of you heading P designers like Mimi&Marge, Twice- chose it because it just sounds cool. our way, don’t forget that we serve free Shy 100% Organic and other lines Canadian pancakes daily, and will be Freyja is Fernie’s fresh new clothing such as Kenzie, Box Fresh, and Gentle giving away a free ski pass to the lucky boutique. The concept is “west coast Fawn. 602B 2nd Ave., 423-0713. backpacker who manages to demolish chic” meets “rustic Rocky Mountains” the millionth pancake this winter. with a little hip hop flavour. Reflecting the casual cool lifestyle of the town in a “look” and creating a truly unique BUSINESS New Businesses shopping experience for locals and visitors, Freyja offers classic and to Fernie trendy looks with a price range for everyone. “Fashion is fun and it SNOW VALLEY PETS makes people feel good and if I can provide that to my customers, then I proud supplier of Canadian feel like I have the best job in the world made Multi Menu pet foods in the best city in the world”, says Aand accessories delivering to owner and concept designer Chantel doorsteps anywhere in the Elk Valley. Multi Menu pet foods were specially formulated to ensure optimum health. They provide all the vitamins and minerals necessary for all stages of FEATURE development at a reasonable price. Rob Plato Photography Multi Menu has a custom made recipe studio / gallery with different flavours to adapt to individual animal’s needs. 692 6th Ave, Fernie BC Our food is certified by the Canadian www.robplato.com Veterinary Medical Association. It does not contain wheat gluten, by- products or artificial preservatives and is certified HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points). This program certifies that the food is conceived according to the highest standards of > Limited edition prints quality. > Custom archival printing For a free sample delivered to your > Custom matting and framing door call (250) 423-9265 > Product/portrait photography
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FERNIEFIX.COM 15 5BLFUIFPQQPSUVOJUZUPPXOBQBSUPG'FSOJF«TIFSJUBHF "5SBOTGPSNBUJPOPGUIF'FSOJF4DIPPMIPVTF4JUF
8PSMEDMBTTTQB IFBUFEVOEFSHSPVOEQBSLJOH QSJWBUFDPVSUZBSE 4)0846*5&7*&8*/(4"7"*-"#-&#:"110*/5.&/5 1)"4&4 07&340-% ]ZPVS]XXXGFSOJFDPN]TBMFTPG²DF"7JDUPSJB"WF The Metamorphosis of FSS into 901 Fernie By Krista Turcasso DEVELOPMENT
Photo by V. Croome
ot too long ago Fernie was home owner of Fernie Snow Valley) transferred in December of 2005. to a bright and inescapable purchased the FSS property with building in its Historic grand plans for development. Simon called upon long-time friends N from Australia to partner with him in Downtown, Fernie Secondary School (FSS). Its white and yellow adornment For the next few years the empty the project, Tony Dennis and Jason was commonly used as a reference schoolhouse stood dormant while many Smith. Not only are they partners in point when looking into town from the awaited the plans for the large parcel the development, they all work closely top of any mountain, or even from a of property and historic building. In on the project site as well, utilizing their helicopter. Those of us that attended the spring of 2005 Heiko met with an experience in landscaping, mechanics, FSS accepted the building without interested purchaser, Simon Howse, plumbing and construction. “To find question, not realizing that it was once owner and operator of the Fernie Hotel. all 3 owners of a development onsite, an integral and attractive piece of the Simon had a vision for the property that everyday is very unique to say the décor of downtown. satisfied Heiko’s concept. “In general, least”, remarks Vaughn Lessard, Sales I thought the building was an eye-sore Director. The class of 1998 was the last to attend and as a business owner in Fernie, I FSS, an emotional occasion for some knew it was not helping”, says Simon. In the summer of 2005, Simon happened AND REAL ESTATE and celebratory one for others. Soon Creating an attractive addition to the to meet an architect at the Parkplace after, a well-known figure in our already beautiful downtown of Fernie Pub over beer. Nick Vale of LeBlond community, Heiko Socher (previous was essential to both parties. The title Architects Ltd., a second homeowner “Real Estate” continued on page 19 FERNIEFIX.COM 17 QSPUFDUZPVSJOWFTUNFOU
L]^iZLViZgGV[i^c\ 8]ddhZndjgaZkZad[VYkZcijgZ ROCKIES LAW B^aY";Vb^an;adVi corporation LZi"L]^iZLViZgGV[i^c\ $POUJOVJOHB5SBEJUJPOPG4FSWJDF4JODF :migZbZanLZi">cÓViVWaZ:migZbZanLZi">cÓViVWaZ@VnV`h .BSLP.BSZOJBL+% 4UFQIFO:V[XBL$% --# #ALL 4OLL &REE NBSLP!SPDLJFTMBXDPN TUFQIFO!SPDLJFTMBXDPN OR 5FM ]'BY WWWRAFTFERNIECOM #PY 4VJUF SE"WF 'FSOJF#$7#. iÀiÊ iÌÀ>Ê,iÃiÀÛ>ÌÃiÀiÊ iÌÀ>Ê,iÃiÀÛ>ÌÃ
iÀi½ÃÊwÀÃÌÊvÕÊÃiÀÛViÊÊ 6>V>ÌÊ >>}iiÌÊ «>Þ `i«i`iÌÞÊÜi`Ê>`Ê«iÀ>Ìi`ÊÊ LÞÊV>Ê«ÀviÃÃ>à viiÀiViÌÀ>ÀiÃiÀÛ>ÌðVÀiViÌÀ>ÀiÃiÀÛ>ÌðV "OOK YOUR &ERNIE $REAM 6ACATION TODAY AT INFO FERNIECENTRALRESERVATIONSCOM 0ROPERTY -ANAGEMENT )NQUIRIES MANAGEMENT FERNIECENTRALRESERVATIONSCOM “Real Estate” continued D o w n t o w n . Creating a walkable, livable community is an essential part of our future and 901 Fernie fits that future p e r f e c t l y . ” Bringing more people into the downtown core and raising the bar on Photos by d e v e l o p m e n t s Henry Georgi / 901 Fernie of this type in Fernie, it is in Fernie, was instantly excited about ecstatic. Extensive use of the original obvious that 901 Fernie is welcomed the project and immediately wanted features of the school, including the by both the community of Fernie to be involved. With experience in “Fernie Public School” sign at the and those interested in purchasing historic buildings, including the front entrance and use of the original property at the heart of the Historic DEVELOPMENT Banff Springs Hotel Spa and Lobby, lobby, 13 ft ceilings, exposed brick Downtown. Personally, I can’t wait it seemed a natural fit to have Nick both inside and out, use of the bell for Phase 4 to be completed so I can and the LeBlond Architects Ltd. on tower in three separate units, heritage step back in time in the FSS I spent 5 board. Automatically Nick wanted to style windows, the list can only go on! years attending classes in! move away from the industrial look The top floor of the school will be of the building, choosing to integrate home to Penthouses, where a “bare the modern with antique in 4 separate foot” philosophy allows a seamless and distinctive buildings. 901 Fernie transition between indoors and out. was born. This level will be the highest point of the development, using primarily The development has moved rapidly. glass to optimize the amazing views Occupancy of the 1st phase occurred 5. the units will offer. 3*()5#30,&3 July 1st, 2007, with Phase 2 slated 3*()5.035("(&¥ for November 2007 and Phase 3 for 901 Fernie is also offering amenities 5. June 2008. And when you tour the such as 24-hour concierge, 3*()51-"$& site or visit the open show suite, it is underground heating and storage understandable that 80% of the first units, and a world-class spa designed 1VSDIBTFt3FOFX three phases are sold. The attention by Karen Vankeman who also worked to detail within each unit, beautifully on the spas at Banff Springs and Bear t%FCU$POTPMJEBUFt'JSTU5JNF designed interior layout and décor, use Mountain. Mineral pools, fitness )PNFCVZFSTt4FMG&NQMPZFE of unique materials and unparalleled facility, estheticians and massage views set 901 Fernie apart. therapists will all be available for t/PO3FTJEFOUT both residents and guests. This June, 901 Fernie invited the community to its first open house, 901 Fernie is a project that not only $EBBIE 6ANCE !-0 touring more than 300 people increases the appeal of the Historic -ORTGAGE #ONSULTANT through the show suite. “People Downtown, it falls in line with the are thrilled with the improvement”, City’s “smart building” objectives 0HONE
&AX AND REAL ESTATE says Lessard of the response, and as well. According to Fernie Mayor DEBBIE EKMORTGAGESCOM why not? Anyone that has seen the Randal MacNair, “901 Fernie fits into plans for the last and most important Fernie’s vision for smart growth as well "OX &ERNIE "# 6" - phase of this development should be as the revitalization of our Historic FERNIEFIX.COM 19 ABROAD
A Little Piece of Paradise By Geof Hare FERNIE What the hell are we doing would become our real estate agent than five minutes without seeing a “SE here, and what the hell were we there) and another friend, Bug. It was VENDE” (for Sale) sign. The land “thinking?” Looking over at Cam strictly a travel and surf vacation. around the Nica-Costa Rican boarder Carr (my partner in this endeavor), I But after seeing all the properties that was being sliced up and sold off. With can see he is thinking the same thing, were available and the prices that so much available,Photos prices by Heather were Kerr low. if not worse. Standing in the blazing were being asked, I left “Nica” with The main challenge was trying to figure sun looking at our Nicaraguan money more real estate brochures and email out which developers were legitimate pit, our “little piece of paradise” seems addresses than souvenirs. Getting and which were just, “get rich quick, a long way away. Now I don’t want home to the real world however, put fly by night” operations. you get the wrong idea. This place is an end to the property dream. It just incredible. The people, the landscape, seemed too out of reach. Being so far The idea had always been to buy some the food and all of the things you would away and not knowing the language land and build, maybe an acreage with expect from a tropical destination are or laws, it didn’t seem plausible. rolling hills, fruit trees and monkeys here. However, once you leave the Then one day the phone rang. It was playing in the jungle canopy. But with comforts of being a happy, relaxed Rob, who had stayed in Nica, bought all the construction going on there, it traveler and try and actually get some property, and then decided to is close to impossible to get even the something done (like renovate a become a realtor. He convinced me to most basic materials to your site, let house), you begin to learn a lot of come down again and start seriously alone the trucks to bring them there. lessons, the first and foremost being checking things out. Building a house could have taken patience. For Cam and I, we learned years and years and we wanted our that lesson day after day after day. That second trip down was fast and little piece of paradise right away. furious. With Rob’s help, Cam and Margaritas and sunsets as soon as The idea of buying a house in I saw more houses and land than I possible! So we concentrated on Nicaragua was not spur of the moment can even remember. The amount of looking at existing houses from then by any means. My first trip there was property available was overwhelming. on, and on the last day of our trip, in the winter of 2005 when I headed It seemed as though every hillside there she was. A little two-bedroom, down to the town of San Juan Del around San Juan del Sur was under two-bath, single story hacienda only Sur with Rob Bamford (the man who development. You couldn’t drive more two hundred yards from the beach in
20 FERNIEFIX.COM a nice development just out of town. for room and board he would look After inspecting it and being assured after what we thought would be some that everything was in tip-top shape simple renovations. It would turn out we returned home to Fernie. that “tip-top shape” is a relative thing in Nica. Unfortunately, title searches The rest of the buying process was pretty don’t cover outstanding water and straightforward. Marko Maryniak, power bills, so the house had neither. of Rockies Law Corporation here in Bug’s first few weeks of room and Fernie, and Rob in San Juan Del Sur board consisted of a hotel room and 492 - 2nd Ave. 423-4060 were able to put things together in just taxi rides to and from the house. a few days. The usual title searches Having local knowledge and more were done and as a foreigner you are importantly cash helped overcome Come experience our ABROAD able to own the title and deed of the many problems. It is recommended summer drinks menu! property outright. No sponsorships that you find a local and pay them or 50-year leases necessary, and what well or you will find yourself standing * Freshly steeped iced tea you buy is what you own. Plus there in government offices going around (60+ varieties!) are no squatter’s rights - you won’t in circles for weeks on end. It is also come back six months later to find a very nice to have your lawyer with * tea smoothies family living on your land. you as well. Thankfully, Marko just * espresso & cocoa frappes So there was nothing left to do but happened to be vacationing in San head down and enjoy, right? Well, not Juan del Sur at the time. A lawyer all And more! quite. We realized that a few things on fired up with the right words anda the house needed to be worked on and certain look in his eye sure made a lot Open Late FERNIE we had some ideas that would really of red tape disappear. 11am-10pm, Mon-Sat improve the place. So our friend Bug This brings us back to standing in offered to head down and in exchange front of our money pit. Work had been going on for almost a month. was painted on your chest and a neon Don’t miss the BEST day of And everyday would bring another sign that read “gringo gringo gringo your summer! problem. No truck to bring supplies, money money money” was hanging no sand or gravel for the cement. over your head. From the taxi drivers Workers would come for a day or to the hardware store to the local you two, get paid, and never return. Then have hired to translate for you, you there would be no water. The lack feel as though you are getting robbed of tools was also a problem. You just a little everyday. And on the last day, can’t go and hit Home Depot if you I actually did get robbed. need something, and it would seem as though every worker had only one In the end, despite all of the hardships tool, like a hammer or trowel, so it was and trying times, we were finally able a struggle to get all the right guys with to sit on our new porch, have a beer all the right tools together just to get a and watch the sun go down on our certain project done. Then there were little piece of paradise. I guess if it was the accidents. In total I think there easy to do, everybody would be there were 30 or 40 stitches, one broken doing it and one of the great things neck, one drilled foot, and a hot piece about Nicaragua is that nobody is. of metal in the eye. On top of all of this Thanks go out to Marko, Rob and of there was the money. All we heard was course Bug. You all have the patience “I need money for this and that” or of a saint. “money for my sick mother”. We did Adventure for Everyone: give a little money to that guy but then PS – If you are interested in property The River Wild or The River Mild suddenly it seemed as though a lot in Nicaragua, feel free to contact Rob of guys on the site had sick mothers. 1.888.423.7226 or 423.7226 Bamford at rob@realtornicaragua. www.canyonraft.com You began to feel as though a target com. FERNIEFIX.COM 21 Serving double black diamond coffee and good vibes Daily
561 Victoria Ave Historic Downtown Fernie
j.turcasso engineering ltd.
helping build fernie for 27 years
john turcasso 250.423.1148 the most consistent regulars! Where to Eat With a new wine list featuring B.C., By Sarah Sangster South American, and Australian wines there is a glass or bottle to pair MOJO RISIN with every dish. There is also a solid back bar with a fine scotch and port ojo Risin is “Bringing flavor inventory as well as a specialty coffee back to downtown Fernie” at list to match with the delectable desert 501 1st Ave. It’s shaping up to menu. Try the Bananas Foster with M the Hazelnutty coffee! Soak up the REVIEW be a sensational summer for food as Mojo reopened for business June 1st. ambiance and relax and if you want to Located in the historic Royal Hotel, make it a full evening unwind at the Mojo emits a classic night on the town Blackened Prime Rib, and Rhubarb Rockin-R Bar located just down the atmosphere with interesting antiques Rack of Lamb. For the summer, hall. head Chef Debra Brygadyr-Cook has throughout the room, New Orleans Mojo has continued serving breakfast style art lining the walls and Frank integrated several more subtle flavors such as the Soft-shell crab, Goat Friday - Sunday with exciting menu Sinatra serenading in the background. items such as Smoked Salmon Eggs Bright colours, old woods and the Cheese Mousse, and Primavera Soup, pleasantly understated, that suitably Benny and Banana Stuffed French intimate candle-lit space all give Toast. you the sensation that you’re in for incorporate the fondness of white wine something exceptional. in the warmer season. This summer Mojo uses organic local produce from notably, there is a weekly fish feature Cincott Farms located in Hosmer. With a Cajun/French influence Mojo changing with the markets as well as naturally has a focus on powerful a beef tenderloin special that changes flavors with dishes such as Jambalaya, nightly to keep the menu fresh for even
New Brewery SERVING THE COMMUNITY YEAR ROUND! NOW OPEN! RESTAURANT RESTAURANT
All natural, handcrafted beer brewed right here in Fernie.
401 2nd Avenue * Griz Pale Ale * 250.423.0009 * First Trax Brown Ale * * Rocky Mountain Genuine Draft *
Dj’s and Live Music Check our events Coming this Fall, 26 Manitou Road throughout :: board for up-to-date :: Fernie’s only www.ferniebrewing.com July Brickhouse info licensed Pool Hall 423-7797
FERNIEFIX.COM 23 FRIDAYS to welcome the latest and final book in the Harry Potter series. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & LOCAL DJ’S @ the Brickhouse SATURDAY 21.7.07 SATURDAYS ELK VALLEY COAL “BLACK ROCK” GOLF TOURNAMENT @ FGGC. For LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & more info contact dougrobb@golffernie. JULY JULY 2007 LOCAL DJ’S @ the Brickhouse com SUNDAYS ONGOING EVENTS SUNDAY 22.7.07 FERNIE MOUNTAIN MARKET@ Rotary FERNIE WRITERS CONFERENCE @ ALBERTA SENDS IT BEST. @ the Arts Park. 10am - 2pm every Sunday Station. Six accomplished artists, based in The Griz Inn. The Fernie Writers Confer- the Crowsnest Pass will display their work FEATURED EVENTS ence brings established writers to work from July 1, to August 4, 2007 with writers of all levels in an intensive SUNDAY 01.7.07 workshop setting. For information: www. KIDS SUMMER PAINTING PROGRAM ferniewriters.org @ Ready Paint Fire Ceramic Studio. CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS. See Tuesday through Friday, any two hours below for full details. MONDAY 23.7.07 between 12 and 5pm. Ages 7-12. FERNIEFEST. Don’t miss the finale of THE BUTTLESS CHAPS @ The Arts WEEKLY EVENTS Fernie Fest featuring Green Season at Station. This five piece Alternative/Rock 6:45pm and Keith Greeninger & Water at band will make a strong impression MONDAYS 10pm. Check out ferniefest.com. with their ‘fiercely original – often breathtaking’ music. Mark your calendar MONDAY RIDES with the Fernie FRIDAY 06.7.07 Mountain Bike Club. Meet 6pm at Fas Gas. – you won’t want to miss them. 8pm. More details bikefernie.ca WINE IN THE MOUNTAINS @ Island DANCE WORKSHOPS @ The Arts Lake Lodge. Join us for a weekend retreat Station. Classes in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, $10 JUGS OF BEER @ the Brickhouse. to celebrate the wonders of food & wine at Come enjoy our array of brew choices and modern, pointe, jumps and turns, musi- Island Lake Lodge. Register at 423-3700. cal theatre, lyrical, floor barre and daily catch a game on one of their big screen Retreat is limited to 20 people. TV’s. stretch class. All ability levels welcome! SATURDAY 07.7.07 Call Miss Coraley for scheduled class times MONDAY MADNESS @ the Pub 423-4434. FERNIE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB TUESDAYS CHAMPIONSHIP @ FGGC. For more info MONDAY 30.7.07 contact [email protected] WING NIGHT @ the Pub EAST KOOTENAY PRO/LADY GOLF SATURDAY 14.7.07 TOURNAMENT @ FGGC. for more info CHEAP NIGHT @ the Vogue Theatre. All contact [email protected] seats $4. DIRTY GIRLS MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP @ Fernie Alpine Resort. Mountain Bike ULTIMATE FRISBEE DROP-IN @ Camps designed by women for women! Prentice Park at 7PM These camps are catered to beginner to WEDNESDAYS intermediate level riders and are led by qualified female instructors. LET’S GET DIRTY @ Prentice Park. It’s THURSDAY 19.7.07 Work Party Wednesdays at the Community Eco Garden in Fernie. Drop in from 2- TONY SERVELLO GOLF OPEN @ 6pm. FGGC. For more info contact dougrobb@ CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS golffernie.com TRAIL MAINTENANCE with the Fernie ROTARY PARK ACTIVITIES - 10 am to 2 pm. Children’s Activities, Birthday Mountain Bike Club. Meet 6pm at the Fas FRIDAY 20.7.07 Gas. More details bikefernie.ca Cake FERNIE GROOVE MOVEMENT. A sum- WINE NIGHT @ The Brickhouse. A great ANNEX PARK ACTIVITIES mer dance workshop for kids, adults and 7 pm to 11 pm. Admission by donation opportunity to sample some of the Brick experienced dancers. Classes in Modern, House’s fine wines! Hip Hop, Jazz, Yoga/Dance Fusion and LIVE MUSIC FEATURING: Urban more... Registration forms available at Divide, Coco Alcorn, Vera Choir THURSDAYS Evolution Health and Fitness. CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: Crafts, MIXED SOCCER at Isabella Dicken HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY Face Painting, Stories and More... each School. 7:30-9pm. HALLOWS MIDNIGHT PARTY @ Polar child will receive a “Watch It Grow” Peek Books & Treasures. Coming July seedling to take home THURSDAY NIGHT RACE SERIES @ 21st, reserve your copy now and receive FAR. Register by 6:30 pm at the Mountain an invitation to our special Midnight Party LUMINARIA DISPLAYS Adventure Centre - race starts at 7:00 pm. FIREWORKS AT DUSK
24 FERNIEFIX.COM Walk to Work Week fund. Fernie Fix Walk The business closest to $0 on the 14th of September will to Work Week be recognized at the Taste By Krista Turcasso of Fernie on the 15th, and given a free 1/2-page ad in A couple of months ago I was having the Fernie Fix along with a conversation with Christa Moffat being the Feature Business of Island Lake Lodge. She had biked in one of our upcoming issues. The money raised from her downtown office to the EVENTS Chamber of Commerce for a meeting, by the other businesses will and when I asked where her car was be compiled and donated to she informed me of the initiative her WildSight. office developed to reduce the amount Let’s all work together to of cars driving short distances in This September 10th to 14th, all make this a successful week town (outlined by Kyle Hamilton in businesses in Fernie are encouraged in Fernie, and realize the benefits of a the Community Flash section of this to walk or bike to work, the ultimate healthy population and environment issue). I immediately thought it was a goal being a downtown bustling in our beautiful town. great idea, and developed the concept with people on bikes or walking, for the Fernie Fix Walk to Work Week with barely any cars in sight! Each Contact Krista at krista@clarismedia. with the support of the City of Fernie employee that drives to work that com or 423-4062 before Sept. 10th to and WildSight. week must submit $1 to the Fernie Fix register your business.
The Conference gathers noted one-on-one to discuss their work and Fernie Writers and award winning writers to lead how to move it forward. intensive workshop sessions to Seeking Balance, Living in Nature, Conference refine the participants’ crafts. In the COMMUNITY Thursday evening’s keynote panel by Keith Liggett workshops, writers present their work then discuss with a group of peers how discussion, addresses the question of it works, how it impacts. how we balance our social development CREATING A BIGGER needs with pressing conservation CLOSET During the week, there will be evening needs. The panel will include a broad readings. Angie Abdou will read cross section of stakeholders from both Writing is a solitary profession. from her new novel, The Bone Cage, the nature and the development side. Putting words on paper, wondering if to be released the week prior to the Conference. Award winning authors The joke among writers runs that all they will impact a reader. Out of pure writing is done in a closet. It’s true. The faith, putting more words on paper. John Keeble and Brenda Schmidt will read an evening each. Fernie Writers Conference attempts to Hoping for publication--somewhere, expand the closet footprint and pack sometime. Hoping to bridge the vast For many writers, publication seems in a few more people for a few days. chasm between writer and reader. a hurdle too high to leap. There will The closet will not be quite so lonely. be two weekend panel discussions with The Fernie Writers Conference pulls Check it out at www.ferniewriters.org writers of all levels of accomplishment both writers and editors/publishers on out of the closet for a week gathering. how you break the publication barrier And plan on spending the week of July Part intensive workshop, part social for literary work and for mainstream 23rd to 29th enjoying the literary side and part intellectual questioning, the media. What are the submission of life. Conference offers writers a chance needs? What are the expectations from to mix with peers, to learn and to be a writer? Throughout the Conference, renewed. guest editors, and publishers will be available to meet with the participants
FERNIEFIX.COM 25 Diane Warren and the Island Lake Summer at Head Chef Kelly Attwells and offers a casual and intimate wine pairing Island Lake workshop with a 7 course seasonal and local tasting menu, paired with - Wine in the the best of North American wines. This educational and interactive Mountains wine and food pairing workshop will By Krista Turcasso also include useful information on
EVENTS purchasing and cellaring your own ith summer at Island collection. The weekend retreat Lake well on its way, the our legendary menu, including the includes 2 nights’ deluxe lodge Wstaff is excited about one idea of pairing wine with every dish accommodation, 2 breakfasts, lunch, of its premier event, Wine in the we serve. Our wine list, which is 7 course tasting menu - including Mountains this July 6-8. “It’s a really continually growing and changing wine pairing workshop, wine and a exciting event for us as it showcases and which won an honorable mention guided adventure hike. the incredible food and amazing at the Vancouver Wine Show a couple wine we have at Island Lake Lodge” of years ago is always something we Date: July 6 -8, 2007 explains Christa Moffat, Sales and like to expose our guests to, this event does all that!” continues Moffat. Package Price starting at $420 per Marketing Manager. “We have a person new head chef this summer who has The all inclusive retreat will be added some very exciting twists to hosted by local wine enthusiast Retreat limited to 20 participants
JkfgYpfiZXccljkf^\kpfli cXk\jkZfgpf]k_\e\n COMMUNITY = Let us work with you in securing your piece of paradise. (-')$0k_8m\%G_fe\1 ),' +)*$)'''fikfcc]i\\($/..+)*$)''( 26 FERNIEFIX.COM broader geographic area. Municipal governments however can make relatively precise adjustments to the tax rate on an annual basis in relation to the assessments for that year. Some property owners will indeed have seen an increase this year for the reason that the tax rate is established FLASH BunchesSpecial for July based on the overall assessments and it is the average home that will see a mens and ladies reduction in 2007 taxes. Obviously, summer clothing some properties will have had an increase while others will have had a 25-50 % off greater decrease than others. • wedding registry • tuxedo The Fraser Institute, my favorite right- wing think tank, identifies something rental • gifts • lingerie • jewelry they refer to as “Tax Freedom Day”. • body & bath This is the day that, according to the • speciality houseware Fraser Institute, Canadians begin working for themselves rather than to pay taxes to various governments. Located in Historic Downtown Fernie Tax Freedom Day generally falls 522 - 2nd Ave • 423-2171 shop online at www.bunchesonline.com around the end of June. To put this into the context of municipal government, with Taxes collected by federal and responsibility for just over 10% of COMMUNITY Taxation provincial governments rise as the average person’s tax bill, local by Randal Macnair incomes and the cost of goods and government tax freedom day would services increase so these governments fall sometime around January 20th. s we sit in the sun in the middle see an increase to their revenue even of summer, paying taxes may if they reduce tax rates. This is not There is of course, another side to seem like a distant memory. the case with municipal governments. taxes – the services that all levels of A Due to the nature of property tax, governments provide to the people of This month, however, the editor of the Fix thought a bit of light reading municipalities set the tax rate on the country. In a future issue of the on taxation would be in order for property on an annual basis, which Fix I hope to provide an overview of your summer fair; something to get results in a more transparent means the services that the City of Fernie the blood flowing as you sit by the of tax collection and a very clear provides with the tax dollars with lake or enjoy your garden. indication of whether the taxes which we are entrusted. collected have gone up or down. Each of the three orders of government federal, provincial and This year, the average person in local government, collect taxes from Fernie saw a decrease to their the people of Canada. The federal property taxes, a reversal of the trend government collects proportionately over the past number of years. This by far the most money from the trend, both upward and downward is taxpayer, followed by the provincial related to taxes paid to the provincial government and then, with the least and regional governments. These impact on your pocket book, local governments are not as responsive government. to changes in property assessments in individual communities as they tax properties over a much FERNIEFIX.COM 27 Fernie is Bear not attracting bears by: Community • managing our garbage responsibly, Country, Are YOU keep it stored indoors until collection “Green” day Bear Aware? • attending to our fruit trees, pick Initiatives By Kathy Murray ripe and fallen fruit daily. Remove By Kyle Hamilton FLASH unused fruit trees ernie is made up of a series here has been a lot of hype in the of narrow valleys. The Elk • burning off, covering and securely media lately concerning global FRiver winds throughout storing our BBQ’s Twarming and the impact that providing natural wildlife corridors humans are having on the atmosphere. and locations for roads, railways • keeping our pet food stored While there is no doubt that humans and settlements. Because people and indoors damage the environment around wildlife share this habitat, there is • using bird feeders in the winter only them, the extent of our impact is still often conflict over habitat and other and keeping the ground free of seeds debatable. But one thing is certain; we resources. There are greenbelts can limit the damage we do by making surrounding and throughout the City •reporting bear sightings to the RAPP simple lifestyle changes. of Fernie drawing bears into town line 1-877-952-RAPP (7277) to eat an abundance of attractants (especially fruit and garbage). Thank you for being Bear Aware. For more details contact your local Bear Bear Aware is an initiative to reduce Aware Program. bear human conflict though education, innovation and cooperation. As bears Bear Aware contact info: don’t recognize political boundaries and have huge home ranges it is Fernie: [email protected], COMMUNITY important that Fernie and the surrounding communities are all on 423-6406 board to ensure that humans are safe Elk Valley: and bears remain wild. [email protected], Bears live to eat, consuming up to 25 531-0311 000 calories a day. They have a keen www.bearaware.bc.ca sense of smell and will take advantage Some of the simple things that you can of whatever food is available. do that make a difference include: Carelessly stored garbage, fruit recycling empty cans and bottles, paper trees, BBQ’s and birdfeeders are an and tetra-paks; reuse old clothing and open invitation for bears. Once bears furniture by donating them to the become used to human food and lose Salvation Army or selling them in a their fear of people they can become garage sale; and choose to purchase a potential safety threat and have to products that come with minimal be removed. This doesn’t solve the packaging. By starting with these problem; it simply opens up a niche simple measures, you will find that you for other bears. begin to make other environmentally We have chosen to live, visit and play friendly choices. in Bear Country. With this choice At Island Lake Resort Group we try comes a responsibility to ensure to incorporate these practices into our peaceful coexistence. Lets work daily business. All empty beverage together to bear-proof our community containers get sorted and returned by ensuring that our own property is for a refund. Paper products are also 28 FERNIEFIX.COM recycled. We recently had a garage sale to move some old clothing, furniture and linens to new homes in the community. Knowing that it is very easy for large companies to say one thing, and do another, we are currently working on revising our Environmental Policy. Some of the positive benefits that we have FLASH already seen include: Housekeeping cleaning products are now 100% Green Seal certified to reduce their impact on the environment, staff, and guests. All paper-products used at the lodge are also Green Seal certified. This means that no dyes or bleaches were used in the manufacturing process, and that the fibers are 100% recycled and contain a minimum of 40% post- consumer material. In the office, our marketing and promotional material is now being printed on minimum 30% post-consumer paper. We are also developing a “Purchasing Policy” whereby all suppliers will be asked a set of questions concerning their environmental practices and ethics. We hope that from this we will be able COMMUNITY to choose suppliers that minimize the material used for packaging as well as Open choose only companies that share our Offering a wide selection Sundays concern for the environment. of quality, specialty items... Since all big changes start with a little push, the employees at our downtown chosen with care. office started an initiative of their own. They have been encouraged to walk or bike to work to reduce the amount of =`e\j\c\Zk`fef]gif[lZkjj_fnZXj`e^ cars being driven short distances and \okiXfi[`eXip:XeX[`XeXik`jXejXe[ZiX]kjd\e% polluting the air in town. If someone still drives to work, they are asked A\n\cc\ip to make a minimum $1 donation to ?Xe[YX^j our charity box. At the end of each ;\ZfiXk`m\ =leZk`feXc@ife month, the money in the charity box is ?flj\nXi\j donated to a local charity. This month G\ijfeXc:Xi\Gif[lZkj it is WildSight. The hope is that staff CfZXk\[ È=\ie`\Ëj=`e\jk=l[^\É will begin to reduce their dependence ?`jkfi`Z;fnekfne on their car or truck, and get a little E\nkf:Xifj\ccX =\ie`\ exercise in the process. Or, if they decide not to help themselves, then at NXccKXcb -'($)e[8m\ least someone in the community will 9likËj9\\jFlk[ffiJb`e:Xi\ ),'%+)*%-(,' benefit. ?g\GcXeXjA\n\cc\ip]ifdHl\Y\Z FERNIEFIX.COM 29 Studies on the Elk River By Chad Wilkinson ishing practices on the Elk River have undergone a considerable FLASH Fshift in ideology from the local subsistence fishery that developed in the valley over the past century. This came in part with the understanding that the native fish populations in the upper Elk are isolated by both natural and human-imposed barriers at Elko, and cannot be naturally replenished from adjacent river systems. There has also been a shift in values from reliance on a modest, local subsistence fishery to a burgeoning sport fishery that helps drive the summer tourist economy. Nested within these values, there has always been an understanding of the Branch on Cranbrook, conducted harvest. The surge in guiding over the importance of conservation to Fernie another creel survey in the winter next few years led to renewed local residents. of 1992, noting that catch rates had concern for the state of the Elk River’s COMMUNITY improved for cutthroat trout, but sport fish, proffered by exceptionally Fisheries management on the Elk not for bull trout. Additional creel high angling activity with nearly River above the dam at Elko has surveys resulted in new regulations to 80% by non-residents anglers from necessarily adjusted to the increased include a single hook gear restriction, Alberta and the US. Overcrowding, fishing activity since the early 1980s, a shortened duration of the winter poaching, post-hooking mortality, when resident anglers noted a drop in release fishery, and a moratorium and illegal guiding activity were chief the abundance and size of bull trout from April to June 15 to protect among the concerns. The Ministry and west-slope cutthroat trout. Prior spawning cutthroat. The floods in of Water, Land, and Air Protection to this, there were not any size limits, 1995 devastated the cutthroat spawn, imposed an 18 month moratorium in bait bans, gear restrictions, or closures prompting a ban on harvest of all 2003 on both new guide licenses and to protect overwintering and spawning cutthroat trout for three years in increases to guided days so biologists grounds. The local concern prompted order to allow the stock to rebuild. could develop a conservation plan for a creel survey in 1982 and 1983, from fish populations. The Elk River has which came new regulations aimed to In 1998, new regulations designated a been designated as Class II Classified improve the state of the fishery. series of catch-and-release zones from Waters since 2004 with limited guided Elko to Elk Lakes, alternating between days. Regulations came into effect in harvest zones that limited catch to 1984 to limit harvests to a minimum 1 a day. The single hook restriction When I returned from UVic in 2002, length of 30 cm. A summer bait ban was changed to single barbless hook I immediately noticed how the river was implemented to reduce hooking in 1999. These regulations were on which I grew up had become mortality, with a daily catch limit of 2 in response the steady increase in quite an epicentre for recreational of each species and catch-and-release summer recreational fishing, especially fishing. I inquired to the Ministry of during the winter to protect the guide-assisted non-resident fly fishers Environment about the state of the overwintering stock. Bill Westover, favouring catch-and-release over populations of sport fish. Despite the now retired from the Fish and Wildlife 30 FERNIEFIX.COM concern, no studies had yet been done. Sparwood Fish and Wildlife also In September 2005, I went to UBC to helped with tagging efforts. It is truly start a Master of Science in Zoology. wonderful to see how the community FLASH I chose UBC because it is a world- has stepped up to assist me and I think class institute for fisheries science and it really demonstrates how many of the have been conducting an investigation locals value our river. into the population dynamics of bull trout and west-slope cutthroat trout I will be tagging fish again this summer, on the Elk River ever since. I have and I am definitely looking for interested independently had to find my own anglers to help assist me, whether in COMMUNITY support for the research. These two the capture and tagging process or species rely on both the mainstem and by taking its tributaries to complete their life data sheets cycles. Elk Valley Coal has an interest along with in the tributaries, where mining them and operations are located and where both r e c o r d i n g species spawn. They have generously their total provided funding to me to conduct catch. Each surveys of juvenile fish densities and p e r s o n ’ s assess whether mining has an impact sheet is on young fish. a single replicate for Last summer, I successfully tagged this analysis. 213 adult fish in the lower mainstem The more replicates I have, the more of the Elk River from Line Creek to accurate the results. Please email me at Elko. Thanks go out to the incredible [email protected] or phone support and assistance provided by me at 423-5998 if you are interested in local guide outfits, particularly Lost helping out with this study. If you love Creek Outfitters, Fernie Wilderness to fish, and you want to do your part Adventures, and the Elk River Guiding in ensuring that the Elk River sport Company. Many of the guides graciously fishery is sustainable, please drop me a volunteered their time and gear to line or visit www.elkriverfishtracker. drift and tag fish for a mark-recapture com to log your catch info into the web study on the adult populations of bull based database. and cutthroat trout. Local members of the Fernie Rod and Gun Club and FERNIEFIX.COM 31 An Epic Journey LIFE if Nothing Else By Emily Brydon seed was planted last winter, which led to one of the most Aepic journeys of my life. What is now called the “Tour of Champions” once was an idea put forth for several reasons; the first being a sort of “boot camp on bikes”, the second “team bonding” and last but not least an iconic transfer of the annual World Cup in Lake Louise to the new World OUTDOOR Cup venue and future Olympic slope in Whistler. An idea that I was always excited and inspired by (minus the weekly panic attacks) turned into a bigger experience than I anticipated. Our journey on road bikes started amidst a snowstorm in Lake Louise, quite fitting really, and carried us over the Columbia Icefields to Jasper. We headed south at that point towards Valemont, Blue River and on to Kamloops. The final leg of the journey took us from Kamloops, through Cache Creek, Lillooet and onto Whistler. The tour took a total of 10 days, which included 8 days of Photo by riding. Part of the goal was to bring Guy Napert-Frenette awareness to our sport and to the Alpine Canada Alpin Olympics, and involve communities and sport along the way. and it was interesting and challenging the finish line? I need to get there!” For me, each day represented to be put in a situation where it was This experience bonded us even more, something new and challenging. More necessary to work as a team. What making us stronger and more united so than our winter sport, cycling like was most interesting was that this as a team. this involves a lot of teamwork. The process allowed you to not only see the true colours of your teammates I have always loved biking and although only way to get from start to finish is my heart has always lain with mountain by working as a team. A positive result but of yourself as well. It is amazing what fatigue and mental exhaustion biking, I am becoming a quick convert of this is that on your good days, you to the road-side of things. Daily I was lead the pack and on your not so good can do to you and distort your “team” spirit. As the ride goes on, it goes from inspired by my surroundings and by days, it is the pack’s turn to pull you. the amount of pavement we covered. Ski racing is a somewhat selfish sport “rah-rah team” to, “My god, where is 32 FERNIEFIX.COM I honestly thought that I would enjoy 90km, rolling ride into Jasper. That to me. After 6h15min in the saddle, more scenery than I did, but instead day took just over 5 hours, although it 135km later (80% of them being hills), ended up staring at the person’s rear did not seem like that at all. The three riding the Duffy Lake and the 36- end in front of me! I did spot a couple of us worked as an efficient team, each degree temperatures, I can say that waterfalls, mountains and passes that accomplished something special. each and every one of us wobbled into LIFE I had never noticed in a car before, Whistler. We may have looked good even though I have driven that route The second epic day was the ride from when we left Lake Louise but what a couple dozen times. In all, there Valemont to Blue River. Before we arrived in Whistler was a bedraggled are three epic days out of this whole began this journey, I decided that I group of athletes! It was the hardest experience that will forever be etched would ride with the guys at least one thing that I have ever done on a bike in my mind. day. When I woke up on that morning and potentially in my life. It broke in Valemont, I knew it was the day. I me down physically and mentally but The first was day two, our route from probably experienced the best ride of in the long run it built me up in more Saskatchewan Crossing to Jasper my life as I rode with the 5 top guys. We than one way. over the Columbia Icefields. It was averaged 38km/h and the time flew by. probably the most spectacular section This ride was sort of a test, a challenge For many of the athletes on the ski of the tour and one that I would do to myself that I enjoyed immensely. team who took on this challenge it was again. I set off with two other girls not only the first time on road bikes, early in the morning with a solid pace. Although it didn’t feel at all like a but also a challenge that pushed them I don’t know if it was the serenity of “best experience” at the time, I would to levels they never thought possible. the National Park or the red bull that have to say that the last ride from That is what I love about adventures OUTDOOR I chugged at the bottom of the hill, but Lillooet to Whistler was also a day I like these; you always surprise the climb up to the Icefields was not will never forget. I am not too sure if yourself with what you can overcome nearly as difficult as I had anticipated. it was because of the pain or fatigue, and accomplish when truly tested. I now realize it is all about pacing or the exhilaration of accomplishing yourself. After the climb it was a the tour, but this ride meant a lot BIKES SERVICE ACCESSORIES HIKING CLIMBING CAMPING FERNIE, B.C. 671 2ND AVE 250-423-3650 photo Gene Dwarkin FERNIEFIX.COM 33 There are many good early season patterns for the river. I usually have the best success in the stained water when I resort to the larger patterns in my box. Generally these patterns are matching the hatch, as most of LIFE the large Golden Stoneflies are dark orange in color. Half of the time it seems trout can’t refuse a large meal and their curiosity gets the best of them. If you find that the trout are missing the fly or slashing at it, you may want to switch to a smaller and even more realistic pattern. In my experience the trout tend to get hooked up more frequently in the early stages of the hatch. It’s during this time that I go to the biggest flies. As the hatch Photo by progresses I find that the trout don’t Jeff Mironuck seem as aggressive. Perhaps they are full, how many big stones can a 16- OUTDOOR inch trout eat? If I find I’m missing a usually a good day to fish either a 6wt lot of trout I go to a smaller pattern Fly Fishing Fix or a fast action 5wt. You will be casting right away. I do the exact same thing if By Jeff Mironuck big patterns and there’s no sense in I miss a trout on the first cast. Instead struggling all day with too light of a “Fly Fishing Fix” continued on next page rod. Fishing a lighter rod like a 4wt EARLY SUMMER STREAM on the Elk will usually do more harm FISHING than good. Why fight a cutthroat for 20 minutes only to see him die? Yes, July 1st tends to kick off the best you might feel really good with your fly fishing on the Elk River and all 2wt but you’re killing trout in the long the streams around. Last year was run. incredible. The water was slightly stained but the cutthroat were We were both ready to go. The eagerly searching for food. The conditions for a major hatch were water temperature had been climbing perfect and Curt’s first fish of the day every day and as it raised so did the came tight to a large rock in turbulent aggressiveness of the trout. Getting water, a clean cutthroat of about 18 the boat ready last summer, I noticed inches, and a great way to begin. We a few large Golden Stoneflies fluttering fished hard all morning alternating Quality on the surface. This is my favorite between patterns. This time of year hatch and most experienced anglers I’m always going back and forth from Natural & Artificial I know certainly feel the same way. I green drakes to golden stoneflies. It was with a good friend Curtis Lamey; was a day off but I still had quite a Stonework this guy can really fish so there was no few new flies to try out, more like a babysitting required for a change. I research and development day. Every • chimneys • fireplaces love guiding but it was my day off and spot where the water is slow and • exterior/ • custom it was nice to be out with friends. We steady will hold fish. It’s best to seek interior walls applications both saw the stones struggling in the out these spots and “cherry pick” the water and temporarily left the boat prime water, rather than pound every on the trailer and rigged up. This is spot as you work your way upstream. Jay Fraser 430-7372 [email protected] 34 FERNIEFIX.COM LIFE 391 - 1st Avenue, Fernie, BC OUTDOOR Tel: 250.423.4314 Toll Free: 1.800.860.3136 Email: [email protected] www.nufloors.ca “Fly Fishing Fix” continued of feeding the same pattern just take fly to death and the strikes will follow. a couple minutes and change your fly. If a couple of newbies from Texas can Often that same trout will come back catch fish here, anyone can. the massage place and hit a completely different pattern. deep tissue • sports massage • relaxation Another stream not to miss this season Many times the fish won’t be actively is Michel Creek, a tributary of the Elk searching the surface and you need to River and a great place for anglers of Natural Solutions for attract them as they could be focused all levels. Anytime I get a new angler I on nymphs near the bottom. For the top think of this gem right away. The fish Health and Wellness action in the early summer, large dark are pretty willing to rise to the fly and Fitness-Relaxation- colored flies with rubber legs work. I there is plenty of water from Sparwood can’t get enough of the action that the all the way to the headwaters. The Stress Management rubber legs create. I love seeing a good road that follows much of the creek is Your Answer to angler in the front of my boat casting to paved and it’s great to drive from hole Achieving Balance! shore and then twitching the fly along to hole for the afternoon. The same the surface. This can really create techniques you use on the Elk River some explosive takes. The Madame X apply on Michel Creek. A lot of people Cathy Morris and other large foam patterns fit that have been asking me lately where the 423.9677 perfectly. Many anglers see the dark best spot to learn is. Michel Creek wins by appointment water and fast currents and figure that every time. the water can’t be fished. Last year I had a couple of “good ol’ boys” from Check in next month when I’ll be Texas. They didn’t know a thing about writing about the best stream in the fly fishing but knew how to work a bass Kootenays, the Wigwam River. 592 - 3rd ave Fernie, BC popper. The idea is the same, twitch the FERNIEFIX.COM 35 was also tricked, but by one too many Mind over “cocktails”. Matter Pat: Ron Clark, we have cycled together many times over the years. LIFE by Krista Turcasso How have you been preparing for this raining is in full force for the 3 competition, both individually and as Fernie teams participating in a team? Tthe TransRockies this August, especially with the event’s last stage Arthur: Unfortunately preparation for the ending in the Historic Downtown race consists largely of too much talk and of Fernie. I had the opportunity to unfortunately not enough riding. With our ask some of the participants a few conflicting work schedules, and Brendan questions, discovering the light- and I each having four children, we find it hearted and joking nature of the difficult to get in a great deal of training group as a whole. Arthur Sombrowski but do our best to get out on our bikes as and partner Brendan Morgan, Sean much as possible. Staplin (partner Todd Loewen) and Pat Gilmar (partner Ron Clarke) Sean: Ride, ride, ride and ride some more. humoured me while answering a Ride together. OUTDOOR few questions I had regarding their Pat: Lots of road cycling, less beer and involvement in the TransRockies: burgers. Cycle hard for four to six hours, What made you decide on entering the twice per week with several short rides in TransRockies? between. Arthur: About half way into our first What are the goals you have set for season of mountain biking, on the yourself in this event? weekend of last summer’s Transrockies Arthur: To cross the finish line in one piece Start, after having gone for what at the without significant injury so I can proudly time seemed like a grueling ride (hardly), wear the finisher’s t-shirt! Brendan Morgan and I along with a few others were sitting around the campfire Brendan: To get through each day before discussing how great our ride had been time expires (6:00 pm), and to sneak a 20 that day. With the assistance of a few pound rock into Ron Clarks backpack. cocktails to enhance our bravado, we had determined that after our ride of that day, Sean: To finish, and have a good time! we surely were up to the challenge of the TransRockies. After that night and with Pat: I would like to finish the event without the assistance of conversations at a few Arthur: The partners from our two hurting too badly, trying for the top half. groups, Brendan / Arthur, and Todd / more festive occasions with Brendan and How do you imagine it will feel as you Sean were determined by Ian Shopland Todd Loewen, the idea of the challenge roll into Fernie, hearing and feeling from Straightline Bike and Ski pulling of doing the TransRockies stuck. With the the support of your community as you our names from a hat in order to ensure encouragement of our wives and after sober head towards the finish line? second thought of what we were getting random fairness amongst friends. Sean ourselves into, we committed to the event. claims he was tricked into the event as a Arthur: I have not given any thought to replacement for Todd’s previous partner how I will feel when I cross the finish line Sean: I was tricked! who could not see the event through. as I am concentrating only on what it will take to get there! I imagine though that Pat: I have watched it too many years! Sean: Todd Loewen, and he tricked me upon crossing the line, one could not help into being his partner after his original but feel a great sense of accomplishment. Who is your partner in the race, and partner was not able to do the race. Todd how did you decide on one another? “Mind over Matter” continued on next page 36 FERNIEFIX.COM “Mind over Matter” continued Brendan: I can’t even imagine how I will feel after an adventure as this, but I do know that it will be fantastic seeing all of my friends and family bringing us in! Sean: Relief! Pat: Thirsty! Thank you to Arthur, Brendan, Sean and Pat, and good luck! We’re looking forward to cheering you on August 18th as you roll into town. LIFESTYLE Bike Injuries By Sarah Storey hether you are a cross country, down hill, or park Wrider, biking is finally in season! In order to ensure it is a long one there are a few exercises to keep in mind to prevent injuries from biking. down and arms straight above you is your Iliotibial band (outer thigh) Lets first take a look at your biking and thumbs facing the roof. Lift your getting too tight. You can fix this by posture: typically the chin is pointing arms up/down off the floor. Do 10 rolling your outer thigh on a foam out, the shoulders are rounded times, repeat with your arms out to 45 noodle or a soccer ball 5 times right forwards and you are bent forwards degree angles and again at 90 degree from your hip to your knee. Known at the hips with your knees slightly angles. This will help keep your as myofascial release, this is not a bent at their straightest point. shoulder blades back and down and comfortable feeling but it is very Going from the head down, we will take pressure off your collarbone. effective. AND HEALTH first start with the neck. Try to make The upper back can become habitually Unfortunately there is not much cross sure you are keeping your chin tucked rounded depending on what kind of training to prevent you from going in when biking. This will cause you biking set up you have, so be sure to over the handlebars, but should you to sit a bit more upright and help cross train with back extensions (lie incur an injury like this don’t forget prevent direct trauma to your cervical on your stomach with your hands to ice 10 minutes on and off any new spine. A good exercise to strengthen behind your head and lift chest off the injury especially during the first 24 your neck is to lie on your stomach ground. Repeat to exhaustion.) hours. with your forehead on the ground and chin tucked in and lift your head one Lower back pain usually comes from And remember to stay hydrated! A inch off the ground keeping your face hip flexors being too tight so make dehydrated muscle is a fast way to get parallel to the floor. Hold 5 seconds sure you stretch them before and injured! and repeat until exhaustion. after each ride. You can stretch your hip flexors by placing one foot on your Sarah Storey, BSc.Hons Kinesiology, The shoulders are going to have a bike and lunging forwards. To increase Registered Kinesiologist tough time keeping back, so cross your stretch, try squeezing your bum Evolution Health and Fitness. 1192 training with some ‘thumb raises’ can together. Hold 10 breaths per side. make a huge difference. This exercise 9th Ave. 423-9167. you lie on the floor with your forehead The most common cause of knee pain FERNIEFIX.COM 37 the recommended dosage of vitamin D Another issue in the summertime from diet/sun alone so supplementation for many people is dehydration. A Health, Naturally is generally advisable. In the summer, minimum amount of water for the with Dr. Taina Turcasso, ND however, 10-15 minutes of pure sun average person would be 1.5-2 litres exposure on your face/arms a few times of water daily. Any amount of activity, PLAYING IT SAFE IN THE a week should produce enough vitamin alcohol/caffeine consumption, or sun SUMMER D to prevent deficiency. Unfortunately, exposure increases this requirement skin cancer is just as much of a risk significantly. Heat exhaustion is Winter is gone. Spring is on its way out as ever and so I would recommended also a common problem for people the door. What does this mean? It’s applying sunscreen after the initial in the summer - particularly with time to dust off the hiking shoes and 10-15 minutes of exposure and relying overexposure to the sun while sandals and partake in some of our on supplementation/diet alone if you exercising. Loss of body fluids through favourite summer activities. Whether are in a high-risk category for skin sweating causes the body to overheat this includes hiking, biking, running, cancer. which can easily escalate into heat LIFESTYLE beachcombing, soccer, stroke, a life-threatening or deck-lounging, there condition resulting in are certain things to overheating of your keep into consideration internal organs as a result if you want to have of the breakdown of your a safe and healthy cooling mechanism. These summer. conditions can be avoided by limiting exercise in One of my favourite high temperature, keeping things about spring your head covered, and is the instantaneous replacing body fluids effect the sun has on appropriately. Drinking people around town. a lot of water is helpful More people are out but in addition to water, and about, walking you are losing electrolytes around, and generally in your sweat. Water just soaking in as much should be supplemented of these long-awaited Photo by with electrolytes such rays as possible. Why is Ryland Nelson as sodium, potassium, this? Well, one possible chloride, calcium, and HEALTH AND HEALTH explanation is that sun phosphate. There are makes us feel good. Vitamin D has Sunscreen itself has been a bit of a many electrolyte drinks on the market been a hot topic lately as more and topic in the media because of its link and although I would recommend more research indicates that many to cancer. Research has demonstrated avoiding the gatorade/powerade people are deficient in vitamin D that there are many chemicals in family for daily use because of (particularly those of us that live far sunscreen, from artificial fragrance to artificial colours, flavours, and high from the equator) and this deficiency preservatives, that have carcinogenic sugar content, in an emergency it may has been correlated with an increase in properties. Additionally, research be the only drink available. depression, certain types of cancers, on sunscreen has indicated that an multiple sclerosis, and osteoporosis, increase in sunscreen use has an Heat exhaustion is a condition to name a few. inverse relationship with vitamin D that usually affects the elderly and levels, which as mentioned above is people with high blood pressure but Vitamin D is formed in the skin also linked to an increased incidence anyone working or exercising in a hot after exposure to UV radiation and in skin cancer. I would recommend environment is susceptible. Warning is absorbed from the diet. It is then sticking with organic and natural signs include heavy sweating, paleness, converted by the liver and then the sunscreens, such as those produced cramping, dizziness, headache, kidney into its active form. In the by Aubrey Organics, for your family’s nausea/vomiting, and fainting. Heat winter, it’s almost impossible to get sunscreen needs. exhaustion can be treated by assisting 38 FERNIEFIX.COM in cooling, via cool beverages, rest, cool showers, lightweight clothing, and an air-conditioned environment but if symptoms don’t resolve within an hour or if the victim has a heart condition or high blood pressure, medical attention should be sought immediately. Heat stroke can develop rapidly and is fatal if not promptly and properly treated. Food safety is always an issue, but particularly in summer. The temperatures are warmer and people are more likely to be cooking outside at picnics, BBQs, and at campgrounds. LIFESTYLE Some tips to minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses in the summer include making sure there is always a source of clean water available, even if it means bringing your own along. Have hot, soapy water available for washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handing raw meats or poultry. Keep raw foods separate from cooked foods and clean all utensils/ plates/cutting boards between uses to prevent cross-contamination. Make sure you kill harmful bacteria by cooking food until it reaches the proper temperature and keep cold food cold. This is obviously only a brief list of summer safety considerations but are perhaps some of the more important guidelines. Whatever your sport or activity may be in the summer, be AND HEALTH aware of your environment. Know what you need to protect yourself against - whether it be bug bites, poison ivy, drowning, falling off of your bike - and take the appropriate measure to keep yourself and your family safe. Finally, have a fun and safe summer! Next Month: Healthy Alternatives to Your Favourite Junk Foods Dr. Turcasso is a Fernie “local” who is currently completing a residency in naturopathic medicine at Holistic Health Clinic in Tacoma, Washington. FERNIEFIX.COM 39 The Answer Guy by Kevin McIsaac .EW TECHNOLOGIES FOR A MODERN &ERNIE #OMPUTER .ETWORK 3UPPORT UPGRADING VERSUS BUYING NEW BYTES One of the truisms of the computer industry is that obsolescence is always just around the corner. Just a few years ago almost no one outside of Hollywood would consider trying to put a movie on their computer and then try to edit it. Today it seems like everyone wants that capability. Whether expectations are rising to meet capabilities or vice versa the result is that computers are increasingly being expected to do things that they weren’t designed to .ETWORK $ESIGN s .ETWORKING s #OMPUTER 2EPAIR s 3ERVERS s )NTERNET )NSTALLATION do. So, do you try and upgrade your s 7EB (OSTING s %MAIL s 6IRUS 2EMOVAL s 3PYWARE 2EMOVAL s )NTRUSION $ETECTION s 3ECURITY BITS AND computer or buy a new one? 0HONE WWWOTHERDATACOM First off let me lead in with a green 4OLL &REE INFO OTHERDATACOM thought: computers are incredibly hard on the environment. Not only are they prodigious consumers of electricity, but it takes almost two old, it will cost more to upgrade than late make these monitors great buys. tons of chemicals, fossil fuels and to buy new. One of the challenges The fourth rule of thumb is, there water to produce a single PC. So, if of upgrading is the technology of all are some things inside your computer you are buying new, let me urge you the components in your computer that you can upgrade that make a big to consider passing along your old continues to advance along with the difference in your computing and some computer to someone. Many schools, processor. So, that new video card or things that don’t. Now you do have to outreach centres, churches, etc. need hard drive quite possibly won’t plug think a bit about what you’re using computers and most often they don’t in to your old computer. your computer for to make the best need anything fancy. It just needs to The third rule of thumb is, it’s easy and choices, but generally speaking adding work. cheap to upgrade the stuff that plugs more RAM, upgrading your video When do you buy new? The first rule into the outside of your computer. card and buying a faster processor of thumb is this, if you don’t need a That means that keyboards, mice, are the three things that will give you new computer don’t buy one. Wait speakers, monitors and printers are the most obvious improvement. One until you really need your computer cheap and you don’t need to be a note before discussing these items, if to do more than it does now. Moore’s rocket surgeon to replace them. So, if you’re not comfortable taking apart Law, which states approximately that you just want a bigger screen, don’t computers and putting them back the cost of processing power halves buy a new computer. Speaking of together, please call a local computer every eighteen months, means that monitors, if you are using an old small shop, or your niece the computer the longer you wait, the more bang CRT style monitor (those are the cube whiz, to help you with this next part. you get for your buck. shaped ones) consider buying an LCD monitor when you upgrade. The lower Adding more RAM almost always The second rule of thumb is, if your power requirements, gain in desk helps. Especially in these days of fat computer is more than four years space and greatly reduced prices of applications like Microsoft Word. If “The Answer Guy” continued on next page 40 FERNIEFIX.COM “The Answer Guy” continued your computer currently has less than Laughter will help you to see your 1GB of RAM an upgrade will almost Freshies life in a new perspective, and realize certainly make it run faster. A new insights and solutions. video card can be a tremendous boost Horoscope Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22) Quiet for certain applications. If you’re using Time. You need some time alone, your computer to play anything more Fairies away from people and environmental graphically intensive than online poker, By Kim Stokie noises. Even a brief respite would be BYTES a new video card can make everything extremely rejuvenating for you! snappier. Just make sure you’re getting Aries (March 21 – April 19) Raising something with at least 256MB of RAM Your Standards. Don’t settle for less Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) Problem and it’ll have the juice to boost almost than your dreams. Once you make the Resolved. An issue that’s been anything. One note, a bigger hard drive commitment to reveal an improved bothering you is being healed behind generally won’t make your computer situation the universe will find a way the scenes. The solution is creative, faster. It’ll give you more room for all to deliver it to you. ingenious, and is a joyous surprise for those photos your Facebook posse is you! sending you, but it won’t speed things Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Family up much. Harmony. The Fairies ask you to Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) see goodness within each member Vacation. The Fairies urge you to Finally, we get to the guts of your of your family. Have patience. give yourself permission to regularly computer, the processor. The CPU is You are beginning to feel a great rest and relax knowing that being the single most determining factor in healing occurring in your family revitalized makes you happier and the speed of your computer. Upgrading relationships. more productive. takes an expert and it’s not always BITS AND possible. And if your computer is more Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Inner Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Moving than a couple years old, you may want Power. Release any fears about Forward Fearlessly. You are making to go multi-core. Processors with more being powerful. You’re asked to keep big breakthroughs in your life by than one core are the new big thing in your self-esteem high by honouring putting your divinely inspired ideas home computing. Multi-core processors yourself, physically and emotionally, into action. Trust that you are guided are able to split up tasks to accomplish working on your dreams and each step of the way. them faster and can run different tasks aspirations, and spending time being simultaneously. A multi-core processor comfortable with you! Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) will undoubtedly make a big difference, Visualization. The Fairies know the Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Peace of power of conscious visualization as a but you’ll almost certainly have to buy Mind. Peace of mind isn’t something a new computer to get one. tool of manifestation. You are asked you have to earn or acquire, since to visualize yourself living a happy, Now about your operating system. your true self is already at peace. healthy, abundant and meaningful At the moment the general consensus Make peace of mind a focus; you’ll life. seems to be to wait on upgrading to inevitably feel a great sense of relief. Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20) Dreams Vista. If you’re a hard core gamer you Leo (July 23 – Aug 22) Honouring may want to consider it as Vista only Coming True. Good news! The life Your True Feelings. The Fairies urge you’ve been dreaming of is becoming games are on the horizon. However, you to honour your true feelings. Do incompatibilities, missing drivers and a reality. Your affirmations, prayers, not betray yourself, or rationalize visualizations and other positive a draconian digital rights management that it is acceptable to deny your inner setup have made Vista somewhat practices have brought your dreams voice. Know that they are the answers into fruition. undesirable for now. to your prayers. Next month, Your computer and Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22) Laughter. camera: a picture perfect marriage Every cloud not only has a silver or do you shutter just thinking about lining, but has a humorous side as them. well. Try to objectively stand back from your situations and find a twist. FERNIEFIX.COM 41 Please note that the views and opinions expressed within the following section do not necessarily represent those of the Fernie Fix staff. Submit “Your View” to [email protected] your excuse anymore. It’s estimated nineteen-eighties that we can make VIEW Concerned that if every Canadian switched a difference if the concern becomes one incandescent bulb to a compact great enough and if we all do our Citizen fluorescent bulb, the energy savings part. Because of the curbing of would amount to more than $73 chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) set by nvironmental issues have million, and emissions of greenhouse the Montreal Protocol, it has been become one of the most pressing gases would be reduced by 400 000 predicted that the “hole” in the ozone Econcerns of our generation. So tonnes. Think of what could happen layer (currently the size of North why is it that no one is prepared to take if we each changed two, or even three! America) will rejuvenate. Luckily the initiative to make a change? The How are your reducing, reusing, and we were able to make the connection world’s population is approaching 6.6 recycling ventures coming along? By between the problem and the source YOUR billion, approximately four times that now you probably know that you can early enough to make a drastic and of only one century ago. It’s only a locally recycle bottles, cans, paper, effective change in our use of CFCs. matter of time before our population cardboard, glass, aluminum, plastics exceeds the earth’s ability to sustain numbered one through six, motor oil, Please take a closer look at your our anthropocentric society. car batteries, milk jugs, juice boxes, everyday routine and see if you can’t cell phones, and paint. And coming make a few more environmentally The phrase “Think globally, act soon, you will be able to recycle all of conscious decisions. There are simple locally” was originated by Rene your electronic devices, including that solutions suitable for everyone, like Dubos, an advisor to the United five-year-old computer that is now hanging your clothes on the line to Nations Conference on the Human virtually obsolete! It only takes a few dry, printing your documents on both Environment back in 1972. He minutes every week to be responsible sides of the paper, and not letting your explained that global environmental for your consumption. car idle while you quickly run into the problems can turn into action only store. It won’t feel like a huge chore by considering ecological, economic, Sure, you’re getting tired of hearing if you slowly implement ideas rather and cultural differences of our local all this repetitive talk about “global than trying to do it all at once. Every surroundings. So why is it that warming” and “climate change,” but little bit helps. And remember what the majority of Canadians feel that guess what; it’s not going to go away Margaret Meade said: “Never doubt as individuals they can’t make a until we do something about it. Even that a small group of thoughtful difference? if you’re one of those skeptics, you committed people can change the have to admit that it makes sense for world: indeed it’s the only thing that You do not need to participate in a radical us to reduce our ecological footprint ever has!” movement to be environmentally as much as possible for the sake of conscious. For example, the District the environment in general. Yes, it -T.C. of Tofino on Vancouver Island has takes time to clean your margarine recently implemented a ban on container out for recycling, or to bike Audubon plastic grocery bags. Sure, Tofino is to work instead of driving, or to bring a small town, but the initiative has kitchen scraps to the backyard for Cooperative made headlines nationwide, sparking composting. And yes, it takes money other communities to step up to the to buy biodegradable paper towel, or Sanctuary challenge. Did you know that up to buy ethanol or biodiesel fuel, or to to one trillion plastic bags are used buy post-consumer recycled paper. Program for Golf annually in the world; that’s over But whatever the cost, shouldn’t one million per minute! What about future generations be able to enjoy Courses (ACSP) compact fluorescent bulbs? You don’t the planet in the same capacity that like that unflattering, blue light they we have? he Fernie Golf Club has been in give off? Well, now they come in existence since 1918 providing warmer shades so you can’t use that as It was demonstrated in the late Ta haven for golfers and non- golfers alike over the years. In 1998 “Your View” continued on next page 42 FERNIEFIX.COM “Your View” continued course superintendent Ray Bryant, on behalf of the club, undertook joining the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program as part of a long term initiative to provide our community with an ecologically responsible habitat for VIEW wild life, plant species and recreation. The environmental impacts of most golf courses include water depletion and toxic contamination of the soil, underground water, surface water and the air. This in turn leads to health problems for local communities, populations downstream and even golfers, caddies and chemical sprayers YOUR at golf courses. The construction of golf courses in scenic natural sites, such as forest areas and coral islands, Photo by also often results in the destruction of Henry Georgi biodiversity. environmental planning, wildlife and some of the nesting species observed. The Fernie Golf and Country Club habitat management, integrated pest Migrating birds which Bob noted has chosen to go a different and more management, water conservation and resting on ponds included Baffleheads, difficult route than typical courses water quality management. Some of the Barrows Goldeneye, Lesser Scaup, throughout the world. In joining the steps the course has taken to comply Blue Winged Teal and Trumpeter ACSP it took stock of environmental with the program include significant Swans. Red Tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles resources and potential liabilities and investments in a state of the art and Coopers Hawks are some of the developed an environmental plan that computerized irrigation system to more raptors seen on the course. A Great fits the course’s unique setting, goals, effectively manage and reduce water Horned Owl has been nesting on the staff, budget, and time. Most courses usage during the golf season; recycling property for a few years now as well. achieve certification within one to programs are to ensure that all glass, Mammals frequenting the property are three years, depending on how quickly cans, cardboard and other forms of White Tailed and Mule Deer, Moose, they plan, organize, implement, waste materials are properly disposed Elk, Coyote and the occasional Black and document their environmental of to maximize recycling and minimize Bear. Species in the ponds and streams practices. It is much like a farmer waste; organic waste materials such as are Painted Turtles, Frogs and Eastern getting “organic” status for his grass clippings and leaves are stored in Brook Trout. All of these species along produce. designated dump sites throughout the with golfers live in harmony within the course and composted for later usage bounds of the City of Fernie. While not yet attaining ACSP in flower beds and other gardens; and certification, the course anticipates substantially decreasing the amount So, in addition, to providing residents undergoing a site audit this fall as a of chemicals used in our golf course and tourists alike with a fine public golf prelude to gaining certification. For resulting in a natural and healthy facility, a peaceful home is also being the past few years Ray and his crew course. made available to birds, animals and have been implementing the measures numerous plant species. If you don’t necessary to meet these requirements Local naturalist observer Bob Livsey golf but live in the community you and have been submitting work books reports sightings of many species of can be proud that the Fernie Golf and to the Audubon Society which track ducks and geese passing through on Country Club is inline with what we all progress toward implementation of their annual migration as well as a few love about Fernie…staying natural, the various components required to species which remained and nested on beautiful, healthy and co-existing with become certified. the various ponds and wetlands located nature. throughout the golf course. Hooded The Audubon Cooperative Society Mergansers, Common Mergansers, Mercedes Polewski program follows a format which includes Wood Ducks and Blue Herons were FERNIEFIX.COM 43 THREE SISTERS MOUNT FERNIE MOUNT ANNEX PROCTOR ISLAND LAKE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FERNIE LODGE MOUNT RIDGEMONT HOSMER MOUNTAINVIEW/AIRPORT WEST FERNIE PARKLAND TERRACE/ALPINE TRAILS 7 Annex Park 3 RIVERSIDE Maiden Lake 1 THE ARTS STATION 2 8 3 CITY HALL 4 3 THE COURTHOUSE LIZARD RANGE 4 ROTARY PARK James White 3 5 AQUATIC CENTRE Park 2 TO CALGARY Victoria (2nd Ave) 6 VISITOR CENTRE / MUSEUM 6 1 7 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5 FERNIE RIDGE 8 ARENA FERNIE ALPINE RESORT TO GOLDEN & Elkford 3 TRANSCANADA HIGHWAY (HWY 1) TO CALGARY Sparwood VIA HWY 22 2 95 TO CALGARY Kimberley 93 Crowsnest 22 3 Pass VIA HWY 2 CASTLE Fort Steele W Fort Mcleod MOUNTAIN 95A 3 3 Bellevue N Cranbrook Fernie Pincher Creek Tie Lake Rosen Lake 95 S Wardnednerr Jaffrayray 3 North Star Lake Suzanne Lake LAKE E ALBERTA Baynes Elko COUNTRY Lake 93 Lake Koocanusa 3 95 Grasmera e MORRISSEY RIDGE BRITISH COLUMBIA TO CRESTON 3 U.S.A. 93 WATERTON NATIONAL PARK Eureka TO CRANBROOK (Kalispell & Spokane) THREE SISTERS MOUNT FERNIE MOUNT ANNEX PROCTOR ISLAND LAKE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FERNIE LODGE MOUNT RIDGEMONT HOSMER MOUNTAINVIEW/AIRPORT WEST FERNIE PARKLAND TERRACE/ALPINE TRAILS 7 Annex Park 3 RIVERSIDE Maiden Lake 1 THE ARTS STATION 2 8 3 CITY HALL 4 3 THE COURTHOUSE LIZARD RANGE 4 ROTARY PARK James White 3 5 AQUATIC CENTRE Park 2 TO CALGARY Victoria (2nd Ave) 6 VISITOR CENTRE / MUSEUM 6 1 7 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5 FERNIE RIDGE 8 ARENA FERNIE ALPINE RESORT TO GOLDEN & Elkford 3 TRANSCANADA HIGHWAY (HWY 1) TO CALGARY Sparwood VIA HWY 22 2 95 TO CALGARY Kimberley 93 Crowsnest 22 3 Pass VIA HWY 2 CASTLE Fort Steele W Fort Mcleod MOUNTAIN 95A 3 3 Bellevue N Cranbrook Fernie Pincher Creek Tie Lake Rosen Lake 95 S Wardnednerr Jaffrayray 3 North Star Lake Suzanne Lake LAKE E ALBERTA Baynes Elko COUNTRY Lake 93 Lake Koocanusa 3 95 Grasmera e MORRISSEY RIDGE BRITISH COLUMBIA TO CRESTON 3 U.S.A. 93 WATERTON NATIONAL PARK Eureka TO CRANBROOK (Kalispell & Spokane) 2. For sure, even on rooftops if need be! cXgW\f[XfUbj_f c_TgXf Q & A 3. I am “pro” BP as I have worked for them before and hope to work with them This Month’s Questions: on this project. 1. Will you do what it takes to be involved in the Fernie Fix Walk to Work UTa^f TOWN Week this September? VbTfgXef 2. Do you think that working on getting more patio space along 2nd avenue in the summer is a good initiative for GT^XT5eXT^ Fernie? CT\agLbheBja YeT`Xf 3. Have you heard of BP Energy’s plan 6XeT`\Vf for Coal Bed Methane exploration, and if Patty Reddyk, ? years old, 17 years iTfXf yes, where do you stand? in Fernie 6b`Xbalbhebja 1. It will be very easy for me as I already 5e\aZg[X^\Wf walk to work every day! @T^X\gTWTgX gXTcbgf UbkXf ;TiXTCTegl 2. Yes, that’s an easy question! Having AROUND patios along 2nd avenue would bring people in the community together. GhXfWTl FhaWTl 3. I’ve heard about it, and don’t like the (*$4%aW4iXahX `hZf idea of Coal Bed Methane exploration in '%& '((% our back yards. j\aXZbU_Xgfg\_Xf Shelby Clerihue, 19 years old, 10 years in Fernie central downtown location • new online shop 1. I live in the airport, so it is easy enough for me to walk to work. corporate wear • fresh look • same great service 2. Yes, I do! It would bring more business to the bars and retail shops during the daytime. 3. No, I have not heard of it. George Mayor, 62 years old, 34 years in Fernie 502 - 2nd Avenue, Historic Downtown Fernie 423-3369 1. I can cycle from home (Morrissey), which doesn’t use any gas. www.fernieshirt.com 46 FERNIEFIX.COM X 8FBMMLOP GFSOJF XJOUFSJO SPDLT ZPVLOPXXIBU NNFS TQSJOH TV BOEGBMM SPDLUPP 0,!. 9/52 &%2.)% 6!#!4)/. 4/$!9 6ISIT WWWOURFERNIECOM FOR &ERNIES MOST COMPREHENSIVE BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOMMODATION SEARCH LOCAL NEWS #00,0/-*/& AND EVENTS PLUS SO MUCH MORE -PDBMLOPXMFEHF -BSHFTU4FMFDUJPO ,OCAL \ #ALGARY -PXFTU3BUFT(VBSBOUFFE 4FDVSF 4OLL &REE Celebrate Summer at Island Lake Lodge We invite you to uncover the magic of Island Lake this summer. Explore the extensive trail network, wander through the Old Growth Forest, relax in the serene environment of our mountain spa or indulge in acclaimed food and wine. Open 7 days a week. (250) 423-3700 or 1 888 422-8754, Fernie, B.C. www.islandlakeresorts.com