January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice 1

Volume 30, Number 2 January 28, 2021 Delivered to every home between Edgewood, Kaslo & South Slocan. Published bi-weekly. Your independently owned regional community newspaper serving the Arrow Lakes, Slocan & North Kootenay Lake Valleys. Kaslo and New Denver submit affordable housing proposals to BC Housing by Jan McMurray entrance on A Avenue and a secondary priorities to develop capacity within the Collaborative out of Nelson, noted and to cover the rest of the capital costs The housing societies in Kaslo entrance on Penny Lane. community, and we really feel we’re for its experience designing energy- with a mortgage. They are also looking and New Denver have each submitted Both projects are fully supported part of the team. They have developed efficient buildings. Kaslo is working at applying for a grant from the Canada applications for just over $1 million to by the Villages. Hartman says the excellent relations with our CAO at the with architect Christine Ross from the Mortgage and Housing Corporation, BC Housing’s Community Housing Village of New Denver has promised Village. I can’t imagine pulling this off east shore of Kootenay Lake. Kaslo’s which would reduce their mortgages Fund. The deadline for proposals to provide the New Denver and Area without that kind of help.” building site is in the heritage zone, and by about $450,000 each. was January 15, and BC Housing’s Housing Society with a 60-year Hartman echoed these sentiments. Ross was trained in Britain and has a Funding for the work done so decisions are expected this spring. lease at a nominal cost if the funding “Dion and the team at New Commons lot of experience working in historical far on both projects has come from “We’re really happy with our application is successful. Bird says the have been amazing to work with. contexts. the Columbia Basin Trust and New proposal and can’t wait to hear back Village of Kaslo will either sell or lease They’ve guided us through this process Both projects are estimated to cost Commons Development. The New from BC Housing,” says Kathy the land to the Kaslo Housing Society and we’ve learned so much.” more than $3 million to build. Both Denver group has also received some Hartman, vice-president of the New at a nominal cost. Both Villages have Preliminary drawings have been societies are hoping to obtain just over funding from the Canada Mortgage Denver and Area Housing Society. “The also indicated that they will initiate the done for both projects. New Denver’s $1 million in grant funding from BC and Housing Corporation and the Rural community really needs affordable required rezoning process. architectural firm is Cover Architectural Housing’s Community Housing Fund Dividend program. housing.” “The CAO and council have been Erika Bird, president of the Kaslo proactively helping us find a site,” said Housing Society, says she is also Bird. “We’ve looked at three sites over very hopeful about their ‘Penny Lane the past four years. We submitted an Apartments’ proposal. “It’s nice to be application to BC Housing for one of involved in a project where there is them and didn’t get the funding. Then no doubt there’s a need for it. This is we started working with the Village critical,” she said. on the Kaslo Bay Estates property, and New Denver’s proposal is for a in the end found it wasn’t financially two-storey building with 10 units, viable. But through that process, we to be located on the Village-owned developed a good relationship with the property where the recycling depot is Village and they suggested this site.” currently located. The building would Both societies are working on include two studios, two one-bedrooms, their projects in partnership with New four two-bedrooms and two three- Commons Development (NCD), a bedrooms. The main floor suites would non-profit real estate developer based be accessed from Slocan Avenue, in Vancouver and Toronto. NCD’s and the second-floor suites would be main goal is to increase the supply of accessed from the laneway to the north. community-owned affordable housing. Kaslo’s proposal is for a three- Its new Small Communities Initiative storey building with 10 units – two focuses on small rural communities like studios, five one-bedrooms, two two- Kaslo and New Denver. bedrooms and one three-bedroom. “A big shout out to New The building would be located on Commons Development and Dion Village-owned property adjacent to Whyte [director, Small Communities the Kemball building, with the main Initiative],” says Bird. “It’s one of their Sandon Historical Society volunteers Gerald Wagner & Frank Barnes prepare to shovel the roof of the Atherton Block in Sandon.

100% Locally Owned & Operated 2 NEWS The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 RDCK directors face ‘difficult task’ as budget talks begin by John Boivin, Local Journalism being able to predict that is easily “The uncertainty is even more reserves in some departments, communications officer for the Initiative reporter the most difficult task we’ve got prevalent in 2021. We don’t know that can also be used to lower any recreation department in June. The Regional District of Central with respect to budgeting,” RDCK what the rest of the year will look needed tax increase. The board removed all directors’ Kootenay’s board of directors have Chief Administrative Officer Stuart like,” he said. “With respect to “This will allow the tax increase travel expenses for conferences had their first glimpse of this year’s Horn told directors at a special 2020, with facility closures it’s a lot to be significantly lower than what except for the 2021 UBCM budget – along with a warning that budget meeting January 22. easier to predict how it will impact was originally proposed in the conference, and they reduced the choppy financial waters may be He said the coming year will things, but with the reopening we five-year financial plan,” he told electoral area directors’ allowance ahead. continue to see reduced service are not sure how we are going to the board. “[B]ut staff does want for workshops and conferences to “We don’t know if the last levels, opening and closing re-open, or when we can reopen. to point out that using surpluses to $1,500 per rural director. quarter of 2021 will look anywhere facilities, staffing difficulties, and “And due to the fact budgets lower taxation simply pushes tax Some Fire Service operations near the first quarter of 2020, and unpredictable revenues. have to be set by March, increases down the line, save for a also face big local budget increases, anticipating what is going to change in service level.” due to new equipment and staffing happen in September/October does In all, the administration’s first needs. Emergency Management is carry a significant risk, especially crack at the budget set a tax increase always a wild card, depending on financially.” at 1.8% – the rate of inflation. weather and other natural disasters The opening session of the New costs and budget to determine costs. And directors budget deliberations – which will pressure still have to debate including long- go on for the next two months – On the negative side of the overdue improvements to the 9-1-1 brought the major issues to the fore ledger, Horn pointed out pressures communication system for that and set general directions for the on that bottom line. department. discussion. It’s important to note He noted that Community Besides the job of properly the decisions made at the January Services is going to continue its funding the services people want 22 meeting are preliminary, and shift to providing outdoor recreation from the RDCK, directors also have will be included in a new draft of opportunities and support this year. their eye on the calendar. 2022 is the budget, which still has to be Unlike last year, when facilities an election year. That had Area F ratified by the board later this year. were open until February and Director Tom Newell warning his Surpluses and cost closed completely for months, 2021 fellow board members to avoid cutting is a lot more hard to predict. As a cutting too close to the bone. Horn noted that the COVID-19 result, “In 2021, we are going to In response to a motion calling pandemic is now estimated to have to move carefully to ensure for slashing director’s travel budgets have cost the RDCK $250,000 in we don’t get into a position where and stipends further, he said, “If we direct costs in 2020. The board deficits are unavoidable,” he told don’t go to UBCM, [then at least] passed a motion to use some of the directors. we’ve covered part of our 2022 emergency COVID relief fund it Fire Services in general are increase in this budget line. I just received from the Province to offset becoming more and more expensive want to, as we go through this, make about $193,000 of that. to deliver each year, he said, and sure we don’t rebound ourselves in Horn said the General composting and waste recovery 2022 and have tax shock.” Administration department efforts are also pushing up costs Tax impact is conservatively estimating a to the RDCK. Insurance rates are Right now the administration “rather large” surplus for 2020 of another pressure upwards. has set its proposed tax increase $300,000. The Building Inspections Then there are projects that to inflation, or about 1.8%. The department had an even higher can’t be delayed any longer. The January 22 meeting reduced that a surplus ($460,000). Even the RDCK’s main office in Nelson bit further. RDCK’s Fire Services had a modest needs a new roof and heating and But what you will actually pay surplus. There are also robust cooling systems. While directors depends on where you live in the wondered if the $254,000 project regional district. could be delayed until a decision is Residents pay a different tax made on adding another floor to the rate according to the services they building, Horn advised against it. get from the RDCK – fire, water, “My only comment on timing libraries, recreation, economic is, if you’re putting a second storey development, etc. Your final tax bill on this building, you’re looking at will also depend on local municipal a referendum,” he said. “And the taxes, and provincial property roof and HVAC units will likely fail assessment increases. before that referendum.” But Horn was able to The board passed the motion to approximate tax increases based finance the building repairs. on the initial draft budget. Using The board also agreed to hire a benchmark house value of a purchasing officer this year, $250,000, here’s the size of the tax noting the position can save a large increase/decrease in your area: Area organization like the RDCK money. D: + $18.50; Area H: + $11.25; Area A Chief Financial Officer will K: - $0.25; Village of Nakusp: - also be hired, but not till October, $34.50; Village of Kaslo: + $12.50; balancing the need to save money Village of New Denver: + $1.25; with the need to fill the long- Village Silverton: + $4.00; Village delayed position. of Slocan: + $34.50. (To calculate Tough decisions your tax bill increase/decrease, Directors put off improvements multiply by $250,000 increments to the board’s audio-visual system of the value of your house. For and website redevelopment, but example, for a $750,000 home did approve hiring a marketing/ you would multiply the increase or decrease by 3.) These numbers are likely It pays to to change further as the budget deliberations continue. advertise in the The public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed budget. Valley Voice!!! Meetings are planned for the first Call toll free week in February for Area H, New 1-833-501-1700 for Denver, Slocan, Silverton and details Nakusp, and the first week of March for Kaslo. Check the RDCK website [email protected] for more information. January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice NEWS 3 Province acquires land for Valhalla Park and Purcell Wilderness Conservancy by Jan McMurray Nemo would be nice to see come up Wilderness Conservancy is the largest “This is a great step, but at the the properties are added to parks: Valhalla Park and the Purcell for sale.” park in southeastern BC, so it provides same time, we are in the middle of engagement with Indigenous nations, Wilderness Conservancy are slated to BC Parks has also purchased a a lot of critical habitat for wildlife a biodiversity and climate crisis, and consultation with local government, grow a little bit bigger, thanks to the trapline tenure in Valhalla Park for such as grizzly bears, wolverines we have to protect nature at a really defining a legal boundary and legal provincial government’s purchase of $50,000. The tenure covered 33,000 and mountain goats. “It protects big scale. It’s been a while since designation. key properties through the BC Parks hectares of the 50,000-hectare park. diverse ecosystems from high alpine we significantly expanded our park In this land acquisition, which Land Acquisition Program. Pettitt said the trapline has not been to old growth and interior temperate network. The federal government included purchases and donations of “It’s certainly good news to active in the past several years, but that rainforest, so this parcel protects an has committed to protecting 25% of land, the government has acquired see the government slowly picking the main trapping activity had been in important part of that travel corridor.” Canada’s land and ocean by 2025. In 650 hectares to add to 16 provincial up private land,” said Craig Pettitt, the Cahill-Beatrice Lakes area. Petryshen said the properties that BC, we’ve protected around 16% so parks and two protected areas in the director of the Valhalla Wilderness The piece purchased for the will be added to Valhalla Park and we need to see a significant jump in province. The newly acquired land Society (VWS). VWS led the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy is the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy the next four years.” is valued at more than $9.7 million. campaign that resulted in the creation an 18-hectare waterfront property in are “small but significant.” However, The government announcement During the last three years, 883 of Valhalla Park in 1983. “The piece the Birchdale - Fry Creek area. The he points out we have a lot more about the land acquisitions states hectares of land have been acquired up Gwillim Creek west of Slocan is Province paid $640,800 for it. conservation work to do. there are several more steps before for parks and protected areas. a very important piece – it kind of The report says that acquisition controls access into Gwillim Creek – of this waterfront parcel reduces the so it’s very good to have it added to number of inholdings in the southern The Corporation of the Valhalla Park.” section of the park. BC Parks’ Land Acquisition Eddie Petryshen of Wildsight, Program Report says adding this which has been involved with the park Village of New Denver inholding to Valhalla Park will prevent since its very beginnings, said that incompatible uses and will further most of the shoreline in the Birchdale protect the ecological integrity of area is steep and rocky, but the newly Notice to Electors of an the area. acquired piece is not. “So this piece The 32-hectare piece was is key for wildlife connectivity. It Alternative Approval Process purchased for $175,000. allows wildlife to move from higher This notice is the first of two notices to advise electors in the Village of New Denver of the intention to proceed with a “Fortunately, we got the Valhalla elevations all the way to the shoreline Municipal Boundary Extension. The Proposed Municipal Boundary Extension includes properties primarily within the Mile about 10 years ago, and now this and that’s critical for a wide range of area known as Denver Siding; additional properties included in the proposal are either already serviced by Village one,” said Pettitt. “Hopefully we’ll get wildlife populations.” water, are owned by the Village, or are properties that form a logical final boundary, as required by the Province. a few more – some property north of Petryshen said the Purcell The purpose of the Municipal Boundary Extension is to provide Denver Siding water system customers with a safe supply of drinking water. Grant funds have been received by the Village of New Denver to improve the Denver Siding Working to take care of parks in water distribution system in the event of a boundary extension taking place. If the Proposed Municipal Boundary Extension is successful, Denver Siding water system customers would be connected to the Village of New Denver’s the Kootenays water system and the Village would assume responsibility for the area’s regulations and local services. All privately submitted Other infrastructure projects owned properties within the boundary extension area would participate in all functions and services provided by the The Province is investing $5 throughout the province include Village, except that those not connected to Village water would not be charged Village water rates. million for infrastructure projects upgrades to water systems, parking A summary of the proposal is available on the Village’s website at www.newdenver.ca and at the Village of New Denver in 24 provincial parks, including lots, multi-use trails, campground Office during each business day of the week between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A copy of the full Municipal Boundary Kokanee Creek Park. facilities, backcountry facilities Extension Proposal as submitted to the Province of BC’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is available, for New accessible pit toilets and accessibility improvements. in-office viewing only, at the Village Office during these times. and a mobi-mat, which improves Electric vehicle charging stations accessibility for wheelchairs over will be added to some day-use areas The Council of the Village of New Denver proposes to proceed with the Proposed Municipal Boundary Extension loose or low traction surfaces, are in northwest BC. The projects are unless, by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2021, at least 10 percent of the electors in the Village of New Denver sign being added to Kokanee Creek Park. scheduled for completion in the an elector response form opposing the implementation of the proposal unless Village Council holds a vote. Located east of Nelson, the park is spring. The number of elector responses required to prevent the local government from proceeding unless a vote is held is known for its sandy beaches, hiking This announcement is part of estimated to be forty-one (41). A report respecting the basis on which this determination was made is available upon trails and three campgrounds. BC’s $10 billion COVID-19 response, request from the local government. Upgrades are also being made to which includes StrongerBC, a the drinking water system at Wasa plan that protects people’s health Elector responses are required to be submitted to the local government on forms that can be obtained during regular Lake Park north of Cranbrook and and livelihoods while supporting business hours from the Village of New Denver Office at 115 Slocan Avenue, New Denver, BC. The form can also Syringa Park near Castlegar. businesses and communities. be downloaded from the Village of New Denver’s website at: www.newdenver.ca. The only elector response forms that will be accepted by the local government are the ones provided by the Village of New Denver, or an accurate Federal government explores copy of the form. Only electors of the Village of New Denver are eligible to sign the elector response forms. There are two types of new approaches to economic electors – resident electors and non-resident property electors. development in the West Resident Elector: When signing an elector response form during an AAP, a resident elector must: be 18 years of age submitted across BC and ability to strengthen or older; be a Canadian citizen; have lived in British Columbia for at least six months; have lived in the jurisdiction The federal government is economic growth at the local level.” (Village of New Denver) for at least 30 days; live in the area defined for the AAP; and, not be disqualified under the looking at creating a new regional As the domestic and global Local Government Act, or any other enactment from voting in a local election, or be otherwise disqualified by law. development agency in BC. economies continue to grow and Non-resident Property Elector: When signing an elector response form during an AAP, a non-resident property BC has been served by evolve, the West’s economy has also elector must: be at least 18 years of age; be a Canadian citizen; have lived in British Columbia for at least six months; Western Economic Diversification grown and become more diverse. have owned property in the jurisdiction (Village of New Denver) for at least 30 days; own property in the area defined Canada (WD), one of six regional Economic drivers and conditions in for the AAP; and, not be disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment from voting in a local development agencies in the country. Canada’s Pacific and Prairie provinces election, or be otherwise disqualified by law. Founded in 1987, WD is the regional have diverged. For the government development agency for Manitoba, of Canada, this new approach Note: Only one non-resident property elector may sign an elector response form per property, regardless of how many Saskatchewan, Alberta and British of establishing separate regional people own the property; and, that owner must have the written consent of a majority of the other property owner(s) Columbia. development agencies for each region to sign the response form on their behalf. Property owned in whole or in part by a corporation does not qualify “We can no longer treat the West will provide greater flexibility to under the non-resident property elector provisions. as a monolithic bloc,” said Minister focus on unique economic priorities Resident electors signing the elector response form must provide their name and address. Original signatures are of Economic Development and in BC, as well as targeted support that required on the completed forms – faxed or emailed submissions will not be accepted. Official Languages and Minister better meets the needs of the rest of Non-resident property electors must provide their name and the address of the property in relation to which they are responsible for WD Melanie Joly. the western provinces. entitled to register as a non-resident property elector. The local government will not share the information on the form “We need an approach that allows with anyone other than the Corporate Officer, or other person designated by the Corporate Officer. our agencies to be better positioned Support the Valley to respond to the distinct realities of Voice with a voluntary For more information on elector qualifications, please contact the Village of New Denver or see the Voter’s Guide their region. Increasing our presence subscription to Local Government Elections in B.C., available from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing or online at: in British Columbia will bring us Only $5-$50 https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/governance-powers/general-local-elections/ closer to those on the ground, giving voter-eligibility-voting. us an improved understanding of the Send Cheque or Money Order to: Valley Voice, Box 70, For further information please contact the Village of New Denver by phone at 250-358-2316, facsimile at 250-358- needs of businesses and communities New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 7251, or email at [email protected]. 4 OPINION The Valley Voice January 28, 2021

are based on is the suffering of the Thanks, KDCFS poor of the world. Mining predation Thank you very much for the great comes to mind, and the sale of arms, fire-safe logging done above Kaslo fully endorsed by pension plans. Then by the Community Forest. It shows there’s tourism predation, where poor a lot of foresight from the foresters people are forced from their land by and directors. Also thanks to Shane encroaching hordes of funloving others. Mckinnon for the excellent job on the Let us get real, folks. logging. Angelica Herlihy Paddy Flanagan Grand Forks Kaslo Jazz Fest Notice to anti- As someone who has volunteered maskers at Jazz Fest, most recently the South Your freedom ends where the Beach campsite, I was somewhat taken freedom of the next person begins. That aback by the letter of John Eckland (VV is: at your property line. January 14). I would really like to hear Don’t want to wear a mask? I don’t if the Kaslo Chamber of Commerce have a problem with that! Just STAY shares John’s point of view and to have HOME. an accounting from the mayor and I’ve been a senior for 19 years. I council on what if any costs to hold have a heart problem. If I run into you in Jazz Fest are borne by the taxpayers. a supermarket or in Home Hardware or Most of the people I see attending a group of you protesting in the street, Jazz Fest are respectful, but yes, some minus mask, you are putting my life young people are boisterous and like to in danger. stay up later than I do at age 70. Given E. de Boer the broad range of culture and music Fauquier that Jazz Fest has brought to Kaslo from – KASLO HOTEL IS OPEN – around the world over the years I would Happy Hour is back! 3PM-5PM & 9PM-10PM daily. Drink and appetizer specials. COVID-19 is a prefer an ongoing dialogue to deal with Open from 3Pm Mon-Thurs & from Noon Fri – Sun. real emergency issues and irritants. Let us learn a lesson WWW.KASLOHOTEL.COM 250-353-7714 from our neighbours to the south, and The Ingrid Rice cartoon is a satirical look at current events in politics and is sponsored by the Kaslo Hotel. The Hotel does not necessarily share the political views of the artist. I appreciate many of the letters in instead sit down and discuss how to the January 14 issue, but I particularly improve Jazz Fest rather than end it as whereas it is not possible for some to in Victoria you will come up against of immediate needs of companies for appreciate Diana van Eyk’s letter. There John wants to do. wear face coverings and I have taken challenges working with your party on profits and workers for jobs against are many of us who do not blindly trust Andy Shadrack that into consideration in this order…” these issues. hard environmental limits will have our governments on many issues. But Kaslo Section 4 of the order lists all We have a half-finished Clean disastrous consequences, some of we are willing to put our trust in the the instances where face coverings BC climate plan. Building LNG, and which will become glaringly real over vast majority of scientists and doctors Face mask are exempted. Exemptions apply the fracking, leaking methane and the next four years. who say that COVID-19 is a real health to children under 12; people with a emissions makes it impossible to meet Good luck. emergency, and that we can and should exemptions psychological, behavioural or health our commitments to the world, both our Keith Wiley do our part to keep it from taking down I’d like to inform your readers condition; people with a physical, 2030 target and the 2050 one. You’ll Nelson our health care system. about the face mask exemptions in cognitive or mental impairment; find there is NO plan to capture the Tia Leschke Emergency Program Act - Ministerial people who can’t put on or remove a fugitive gas emissions, and we don’t The common Winlaw Order No. M425. Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety, signed this face covering without the assistance even measure them. good Selfishness on November 24, 2020. of another person. There are a few The skyrocketing billions in costs I felt real relief when Joe Biden I am reading articles by Black Please check the five-page ‘Order other exemptions listed in the order of the Site C dam were hidden before became president of the US and the Press staff on how not wearing a mask of the Minister of Public Safety and describing times when people would the election, but they will come out. Orange Monster was banished to Mar- represents unbelievable selfishness. Solicitor General’ online by searching temporarily remove their masks. These costs will be paid by BC Hydro a-logo. Judging by what President I would like to retort that there are for ‘M425.’ On April 4, 2020 the government rate payers for generations. Meanwhile Biden did in his first two days in office, many, many acts of selfishness, one Note that the Emergency Act/M425 issued Ministerial Order M098 and on the LNG and fracking industries will it appears sanity is returning to the of which is the global industry of does not indicate that you have to prove May 1, 2020 the government issued get a bargain deal on the power. You American federal government. It will investments. More selfish than that is your health issue. Ministerial Order M139. Both where have a mega problem. be a long road back. We Canadians hard to imagine. What all the profits I quote from the order: “…and repealed when the BC Ombudsman The government failed to tackle should wish our southern neighbours EDITORIAL / LETTERS POLICY found them to be contrary to law. They the forestry crisis of dwindling forests well. The Valley Voice welcomes letters to the editor and community news were replaced with M425. and exported jobs. The greenwash I was glad to hear President Biden articles from our readers. Karin Leja announcement in September to protect use the words “common good” quite Letters and articles should be no longer than 500 words and may be Winlaw some old growth was a sham. The truth a bit. In the ’50s and ’60s when I edited. We reserve the right to reject any submitted material. is old-growth logging won’t be slowed attended public school, the “common Please mark your letter “LETTER TO THE EDITOR.” Include your Good luck to at all. The government has failed to good” was part of what we were taught address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. Brittny reform management of logging on Canada was all about. Unfortunately, We will not knowingly publish any letter that is defamatory or libelous. Congratulations to Brittny public or private lands. They tinkered notions have been creeping in during We will not publish anonymous letters or letters signed with pseudonyms, Anderson on taking her hard-won seat with the professional reliance model, the pandemic which are not about the except in extraordinary circumstances. in the legislature. In your campaign, but it still gives the fox purse-string “common good.” Opinions expressed in published letters are those of the author and not Brittny, you expressed deep concern control over protection of the henhouse. Kootenay Freedom should call necessarily those of the Valley Voice. about BC’s environmental crises. Now The NDP’s ‘moderate’ balance themselves Libertarians, which is what they are if what I read in the The Valley Voice Box 70, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 Valley Voice are their true aspirations. Phone/Fax: 1-833-501-1700 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.valleyvoice.ca Libertarians are on the far right of the political spectrum and are all about Publisher - Dan Nicholson • Editor - Jan McMurray • Food Editor Emeritus - Andrew Rhodes • Arts & Culture Editor - Art Joyce personal liberty trumping the common Reporters - Barbara Curry Mulcahy, Moe Lyons & Kathy Hartman good. I can’t help but think that there This position is funded by the Government o are far right agent provocateurs in Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - John Boivin Canada taking people down the wrong Published and printed in British Columbia, Canada road. Ask yourself why you are giving The Valley Voice is distributed throughout the Slocan and Arrow Lake Valleys from South Slocan/Playmor Junction to Edgewood and Kaslo on Kootenay Lake. up your personal freedom to be led Circulation is 7,600 papers, providing the most complete news and advertising coverage of any single newspaper serving this area. astray to the fantasyland of conspiracy SUBSCRIPTIONS: CANADA $54.60, USA $84.00, OVERSEAS $126.00. E-Mail Subscription $22.40 (Prices include GST) theories. Is wearing a mask when in Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement #40021191 continued on page 5 January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice LETTERS 5

continued from page 4 electricity. solution is simple. Imagine they are We may never all agree, but let’s get what they want, eh, Donnie! public buildings, social distancing, and Please vote with your conscience, children. How would you modify your accept this at least: none of us are Stable genius Donnie is not tired refraining from travel for the time being and ask the premier to do the same. driving behaviour? the villains in this situation. Villains of winning, even though he lost really that much of a sacrifice? It is in the interests of all British Kip Drobish do exist, and they are orchestrating the election to old man Biden by a This pandemic is far from over. Columbians that you terminate Site C. Hills this madness from places like Davos landslide. Donnie wants to pardon Even with safe, effective vaccines and Roger Bryenton and Silicon Valley. That is where our a slew of friends, lawyers, family the following of responsible guidelines, Vancouver Get together anger should be directed, not at each and finally himself. While the most we will be living with this for a year or I sit here feeling a mix of other. Come on people, we’re better powerful man in the world can two or three to come. Doing what we From the birds tenderness and grief at how much than this. prevent prosecution for others, he While giving a lesson at Valhalla can to help the process rather than the the world is suffering and how much Lisa Ross cannot pardon himself. A federal Hills Nordic trail, I was distracted by an B.S. whining and crying is the proper we have all lost over the past ten Kaslo judge in USA has told Donnie and exceptional example of the almost daily way forward. Stay well. months. We are all traumatized, all his toadies that “Fundamentally, no slaughter. The mostly red crossbills and Michael Brown incredibly stressed, angry, hurt, and If it ain’t broke, one can be a judge in his own case.” few pine siskins were alighting on the New Denver frightened. More than anything I On January 6, Donnie was giving highway for grit as they do most every don’t fix it grieve over how much the COVID a speech to his faithful supporters. “If nice morning after a highway plowing First of all, kudos to the Village Open letter to issue has split society down the you don’t fight like hell, you’re not and sanding. Thump, thump and thump. of Kaslo for allowing customers middle. It’s very much on purpose: going to have a country anymore.” I paused my lesson and walked out till the end of the year to pay utility BC Cabinet divide and conquer. This was what I Patriots to Donnie believed him, Peter Milburn’s report on Site C has onto the highway and collected over bills, and the 10% reduction if paid was trying to say in my letter ‘The even when he said he would march been issued, and is in your hands now. 12 dead mothers, fathers and now by February 15, and for reducing COVID drama’ (VV December 3.) down Pennsylvania Avenue with Despite the work to date, and the report, grown children off the pavement and business licence fees to zero. Very None of us has ever experienced them to the Capitol. Old Donnie the underlying facts have not changed: moved them to an open grit area of our supportive. such divisive times. People on both actually cowered back to the west 1. There is no need for additional ski club parking area hoping the dead I received my utility invoice sides of what I think of as “the great wing in the White House to watch electricity. There are at least 12 would act as a decoy for the remaining from the Village of Kaslo, and COVID divide” are utterly convinced it all on live TV. While Viking Man alternatives, far less costly and flock (it didn’t work). The time was late discovered a new online payment they are right and are perplexed at and hundreds of others stormed the ecologically destructive. morning, a common time to encounter option: an app called Pay TM. If you how no amount of arguing sways Capitol in a violent insurrection, 2. There is no point in spending these two species collecting grit/salt to pay this way, a ‘convenience fee’ will those firmly on the other side. On Donnie was glued to the tube. Even additional money on a project that will digest their diet of conifer and birch be added to your payment and that both sides, people are sure that those as five people died and lawmakers have insufficient revenue to cover its seeds. goes to Pay TM to cover the cost on the other side are dragging the inside the Capitol begged for help costs. In the early years, should it be Imagine you are on a family picnic of the service. Before the addition world kicking and screaming to its for six hours, Donnie was hiding in completed, Site C power will be sold at a beach with extended family, and of Pay TM, there were and still are, doom. Understandably, tempers are Fortress White House, watching it to the US at $30/MWh. That power someone from another culture than other methods of paying such bills: in frayed. Connection across the divide on the TV. will be costing you, your families and your own comes driving a truck on the person with cheque or cash, through is almost nonexistent. Security at the Capitol building their children, over $100 /MWh. That beach at 100 kph and kills or mortally Canada Post, through your financial As I say, this is by design. If we was pretty sparse. Maybe they means BC subsidizes US power users wounds four family members. When institution, i.e. Kootenay Savings are blaming each other, we don’t see thought the mostly white patriots $70 for every one of the 5,100,000 you run over to see what happened Credit Union. the smoke and mirrors for what they would just wave their flags and chant MWh produced. That is $350 million to them and try to wake them, along Paying in person costs nothing, are. I stand by every word I said in an “Stop the steal.” Once they stormed per year. Plus there is the cost of paying comes another strange vehicle and mailing your payment costs perhaps earlier letter (‘Where is this headed?’ past the guards and gained entry off the $12 to $15 billion debt. smacks four more including you. a dollar and paying through the VV August 27). Unfortunately, the to the Capitol building, they were 3. There are many more jobs You just don’t understand as you lie credit union costs nothing. Here Great Reset is not a conspiracy kind of bewildered. They shuffled available by addressing the crucial there dying. Everything was fine just are the ‘convenience fee’ numbers theory. Trudeau is one of its biggest around with their mouths open at a climate emergency, retrofitting homes moments before. Life was good and as found on the Pay TM website. champions. On my shelf is a book beautiful building. One patriot put and buildings, community facilities you were not hurting anyone! Red Interesting enough, the Village News called COVID-19: The Great Reset. his feet on Nancy Pelosi’s desk and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions crossbills mate for life, or at least until conveniently (no pun intended) left It’s happening, and if we drop the wrote her a nasty note saying “We dramatically, so that we can meet the a mate gets killed. They have one or two off the ‘convenience fee’ structure. confirmation bias that these are will not back down.” He said he was Paris Agreement targets. That money sets of offspring each spring. They face The website says that the ‘outrageous conspiracy theories,’ the fully prepared to die violently that will be productively spent, and many lots of perils in their lives: squirrels, convenience fee for bill payments evidence is overwhelming that we are day. Lucky for him he was white more jobs will be created than Site C martins, hawks, owls, cold, forest fires made with a Mastercard or Visa being deluded into believing there is and survived. Imagine a black and offers. and disease. They might make it ten credit card is 2%. For payments made a pandemic necessitating lockdown Spanish mob trying the same assault 4. It will be hard to admit. But it years if they are lucky. with Visa Debit and Mastercard measures and the most dangerous on the Capitol – they would have is like groceries forgotten in the back Do I really need data for you, the Debit, the fee is 1.25%. For tax ‘vaccine’ in history (it’s not a real been gunned down out of existence. of the car. They are spoiled now. Will driving public and the Ministry of bill payments with Visa Debit or vaccine, but that’s another story). A second civil war may happen you eat them anyway? Site C is the Transportation, to show that thousands Mastercard Credit, the fee is 2.5%. COVID will not be over anytime in the USA. That the election was same waste. Will you ask BC residents of these two species are being killed My water bill is $312.30, and soon; it is not meant to be over until stolen from Donnie is pure fantasy. to waste more money on a project that each winter on our local highways? adding another 1.25% or 2% adds the Great Reset is achieved. Business Over 60 judges refused to proceed does not make sense? Anyone who has driven these conifer- another $3.90 or $6.24 depending if owners particularly need to research with the stolen election platform 5. We save the productive Peace bordered roads has seen or hit birds you use debit or credit card. and fight this. because there was no evidence. River Valley. It has not been used collecting grit on the highways. What If your tax bill is perhaps $2500, To answer Richard Caniell’s This is when fantasy meets reality, for intensive agriculture because of you have not seen is the total number of you can add an additional $62.50. question (VV December 17) about Donnie: you LOST! Instead of reserves for flooding, and BC Hydro mortalities piled on the roadside. This And we mustn’t forget the dog whether the body bags outside draining the swamp as he promised ownership of the land. It can generate is because of the ravens you often see tags and garbage bag tags. US hospitals are fake, my answer in 2016, Mad Donnie is drowning as much as $500 million a year in flying the roadways. They check their These ‘convenience fees’ go to is “very probably.” That really in over 20,000 lies, COVID-19 and intensive agriculture, and with climate raven watches and wait for the next a disembodied entity somewhere in is the level of organized evil we domestic terrorism. change, we will need that productive plug of hurried ferry traffic to give them cyber space and we as consumers are dealing with. I understand the Radicalized right-wing land for food security. their regular feeding. receive nothing in return – just hurt underlying Richard’s full-page conservatives are suffering from 6. We have no idea what the final If the slaughter from fast-driving another attack on our wallets. article lambasting me, but I do not delusional mass hysteria. Mad cost will be. The dam is located in a cars on gritty highways coincides with a The Village has had a method of accept the role of villain because I Donnie’s base of 70 million geologically unsuitable area, with no year high in mortality from other causes, collecting fees and licence costs know what I am saying to be true. I Americans are in a fantasy world actual bedrock, only consolidated mud, we could see a population collapse. for years, without a lot of internet wish more than anything that I were of conspiracies like QAnon, Deep called ‘shale bedrock,’ which swells Otherwise we can be fairly certain we interference. Now something new wrong, but I am not. We are facing State, The Reptile Alien Invasion, and slides when wet. There have been will see a continual population decline has been added, further confusing and horrors that we can prevent if we The Illuminati and the Pedophile serious problems with work to date, in our valleys. By the time we change disenfranchising those living without get together and refuse to cooperate Pizza Ring, to name a few. Like and no assurance that these problems our behaviour, it will likely be too late the benefit of the ‘convenience’ of with the fascist state that is fast strange Hollywood B movies, people will not escalate, or other more serious for them (probably for us also). Do you computers. encroaching. lap this stuff up like so much of Jim problems arise. think you can do anything about this big Jim Van Horn I know some will be furious Jones’ kool-aid back in Guyana The only road forward is to problem for our small feathered fellow Kaslo at this juncture. I can only humbly when 918 people died in 1978. terminate the Site C project. Any other creatures? As long as we keep making offer what I have: an open heart Radicalized politics is religion action is reckless. We do not know our hurried lives and hurried business Children of the full of love for this tortured world, for these deranged Children of The the safety of the dam, the final cost, so much more important than theirs, including both sides of this divide. Donald continued on page 6 and most of all, we do not need the they will be killed. Think about it! The Billionaire sociopaths tend to 6 LETTERS The Valley Voice January 28, 2021

continued from page 5 independent MPP of course, to seek with words! cannot blame it on the wolves because wildlife had been totally obliterated? Donald. Like any cult leader, Donnie clarification on what “other related Finally, the Year 2020 wasn’t I have only come across one wolf kill For five years, I have tried to find wants his way, no matter what the federal requirements associated with all bad news. If you switched off in 34 years, and only actually saw one out through Freedom of Information cost or how many die. COVID has the COVID-19 pandemic response” the CBC and did a little research, wolf. Has major helicopter traffic had what it cost. This was refused. So claimed 384,000 American lives to means. He never received an answer you would have heard about the this effect on the animals? Consider as a person who operates heavy date and true sociopath Donnie says from the government. Curiously, Portuguese Appeals Court decision Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. Are machinery and worked construction, it is not his problem. the procurement notice in question declaring the PCR medical test to terror-stricken animals jumping off I have to estimate between $10 and America will still be divided was swiftly removed from the GoC identify COVID-19 unreliable and cliffs (people have witnessed this) or $15 million. This was my money; this after Donnie leaves, if they can website but still exists on internet the subsequent lockdowns based on pregnant females losing their unborn was your money; this was our money. actually make it happen. The fantasy archive. Then, as more and more the PCR test unlawful. In December young? The loss of wildlife is too Think about what this money would that the election was stolen is the people learned about the tender (possibly due to crimes against extensive. It is as though you took a have done for underfunded long term fuel for these deranged patriots of notice, Justin Trudeau went into humanity lawsuits being launched wrong turn and wound up on the dark care homes, the grandparents that the conservative right. The USA damage control mode on October 20, against public health officials and side of the moon. died and the little children who will was forged in blood and bullets. 2020 to squash any questioning of the organizations worldwide), the Then the answer came. I discussed never know them. As for the loss of From a civil war to the genocide of tender notice to be misinformation World Health Organization (WHO) the lack of animals with the woman wildlife, whether it was accidental the native people, war after bloody and conspiracy theory. admitted there is “elevated risk at North American Furs in Prince or deliberate, what should be the war, Americans are not afraid to take The other colossal Justin Trudeau for false SARS-Cov-2 results” George. Her response was immediate, penalty? Should it be termination up arms and use them to form their deception was when he called ‘The especially when high cycle without hesitation, “Did they spray?” without severance or pension? Or view of justice. Great Reset’ a conspiracy theory six threshold (Ct) values are used. Even My records had letters from the should we look at what happens to a Russia recently computer days after a video of him went viral Anthony Fauci disclosed a PCR Ministry showing they sprayed member of the public when they take hacked the USA government. What promoting ‘The Great Reset’ to the Ct cycle above 35 reveals dead in 1999 and 2001. This woman an animal illegally and multiply it by Russia does with this hidden power UN. If you haven’t heard of ‘The virus nucleotides which means the communicates with trappers from all a million times? while the world is being ravaged by Great Reset,’ it is worth looking person tested is not contagious. over BC so rest assured the Duncan This loss of wildlife is confirmed COVID-19 is terrifying. It’s obvious into. Essentially, the oligarchs and Confirmation of Fauci’s disclosure and the Westfall are not the only places by the ministry given the fact that that countries, politics and money plutocrats of the world at the World was published in an article in The in BC where all the wildlife has been trapping wolverines in Region 4 is cannot fix this existential mess we Economic Forum (WEF) who National Post. Nevertheless, most wiped out. terminated. Nothing left for them are in. We need new ways to govern devised ‘The Great Reset’ agenda are labs in Canada use Ct cycles between These were my animals. These to eat so no wolverines either. Also or this tiny experiment of Humanity claiming by the year 2030, “You’ll 35 to 40 to detect SARS-CoV-2. were your animals. These were our because the wolves have nothing to will likely end, taking all life with us. own nothing and you’ll be happy.” A seminal study released at the animals. They were not the property of eat in the wild, they have moved into Nick Chatten Based on history, me thinks the end of November entitled External the ministry to destroy as they pleased. “town.” The ministry acknowledges Crescent Valley owning nothing part does not apply peer review of the RTPCR test to Is this what all the caribou this by having a no closed season with to oligarchs and plutocrats! detect SARS-CoV-2 reveals 10 major propaganda is about: to draw attention no bag limit over much of Region 4. Truth vs. Chrystia Freeland, our deputy scientific flaws at the molecular and away from the fact that literally all the Ed Varney prime minister and federal finance methodological level: consequences wildlife in BC has been wiped out? Winlaw propaganda minister, is a proponent of ‘The for false positive results. In this Yes, the caribou are in trouble but so is Year 2020 will be remembered as Great Reset’ and sits on the WEF study, 22 scientists re-examined all the rest of the wildlife in BC. With the year common sense and critical Waiting for board of directors. Recently, she the test protocol to identify SARS- nothing for the predators to eat in the thinking flew the coop. Mid-year, described her ‘pre-loaded stimulus’ CoV-2 (originally endorsed by the wild, they chase what animals are left vaccine the BC Centre for Disease Control As we do our best to survive idea and asked Canadians how WHO) and “identified concerning into our backyards. Misguided fools recommended an unusual variation during these crazy times, I read money in their savings accounts errors and inherent fallacies which think with these animals in their yards of sexual intercourse known as with interest letters submitted to could be “unleashed” and used as render the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test that there is an unlimited number of glory hole for safer sex during the the Valley Voice on COVID-19. In a source of potent fiscal stimulus useless.” animals in the wild. ‘pandemic.’ Check out the ‘how to particular, I would like to thank “and maybe it happens by itself.” Now, the burning questions Is this why roads are deactivated graphics’ for glory hole sex to add a Richard Caniell for his tireless Apparently, Trudeau Liberals in their are: How many people have had so the people are denied access to the little COVID levity into your life and efforts to share his well-researched Fall Economic Statement mentioned their lives, families and livelihoods backcountry so that they cannot learn see how hobnobbing with a crash-test information. Quite frankly, it disturbs “unleashing” the $170 billion dollars ruined by the faulty PCR test? all the wildlife has been killed? I was dummy could prove to be more fun. me to see individuals and groups such in Canadian household and business How long will Ministers of Health, notified culverts and bridges were to As well, the new restaurant seating as Kootenay Freedom questioning savings accounts to repair the Public Health Officials and MSM be removed from the Upper Duncan protocol where patrons are required the science behind our collective economy ravaged by COVID-19. continue to traumatize humanity and the Westfall. They pulled the to wear masks until seated and once pandemic response. Let me translate Minister Freeland’s and promote lockdowns based upon bridges and culverts from the Westfall, seated masks can be removed (if you We have seen this before. The babble gab... The Government of the misleading and unreliable PCR then the Duncan. I was asked by the think about it) is akin to creating a internet gives us many examples of Canada wants to rob your personal test? Be assured there will be a day ministry what they could do to help pissing area in a swimming pool. those who believe climate change savings account so that you can be of reckoning for violations of the me maintain access to my trapline. Not to be outdone by increasingly is a hoax. Most of us, including happy! Nuremberg Code! They believed all access would be inane COVID mandates, mainstream members of Kootenay Freedom I Continuing on a WEF theme, a Dona Nobis Pacem. cut off where the first bridge would media (MSM) ‘news’ in 2020 became suspect, have chosen to base our mastermind for world domination Ellen Chambers be pulled out. I told them to leave theatre of the macabre. Politicians of information on the overwhelming emerged into cyberspace during Winlaw big rocks (anchors) on both sides; I all stripes and colours, unelected majority of the world’s scientists 2020. His name is Klaus Schwab. He would run cable across to clip onto world leaders and unelected public who state that climate change is very is the founder and executive chairman Where have with an ATV to cross and proceed. health officials filled the air waves in real. Our ‘COVID deniers,’ on the of the World Economic Forum, an Bridge and culvert removal was 2020 with blatant lies, veiled threats other hand, have chosen to base their advocate for transhumanism and co- all our animals delayed by two years. I asked why the (sometimes not veiled) and appalling beliefs on various conspiracy theories author of a book entitled COVID-19: delay? The response was “waiting for manipulations. gone? circulating on the internet rather The Great Reset. One time he I started trapping in the Duncan money.” They needed more money Justin Trudeau jumped on the than on scientific data supported appeared for a photo op dressed in and Westfall watersheds in 1986, 34 because now the plan went from bandwagon to label two inconvenient by the World Health Organization, robes likening himself to a Star Wars years ago. The amount of wildlife was removing bridges and culverts to total truths (with potential devastating our medical professionals and supreme exalted space commander. tremendous. I saw deer, elk, moose, destruction of this public access. More consequences for Canadians) as governments of virtually all countries Here is a statement made by Klaus caribou and mountain goats. Every money to completely rebuild 45 km of conspiracy theories. On September as evidenced by the international Schwab foreshadowing a potential major snowfall, the entire road from road to haul in heavy machinery on 17, 2020, the Canadian government response to this deadly virus. This cyber-pandemic, “We all know – edge to edge would be completely low beds to completely destroy the sent out a tender notice which read could prove to be dangerous for but still pay insufficient attention packed down by these animals moving road the following year. The upgrades “The Government of Canada (GoC) our collective well-being, if enough to – the frightening scenario of a down the Duncan. This would happen to the road would have left the road is considering engaging a Third people do not follow the guidelines comprehensive cyber attack could three or four times a winter. accessible for the next 15 to 20 years Party Service Provider for Federal and choose not to get vaccinated. bring a complete halt to the power About 20 years ago, the wildlife for public access to Glacier National Quarantine / Isolation sites that will In conclusion, I must say that supply, transportation, hospital started disappearing and over the Park and the trails that come into the be used to house and care for people both Ann and I are waiting for our services, our society as a whole. The next 10 years became virtually non- head of the Duncan from Highway 1. for public health and other related chance to access the vaccine so that COVID-19 crisis would be seen in existent. You cannot blame it on the Why was it so desperately federal requirements associated with we can slowly get back to some this respect as a small disturbance in logging: the animals were still there important to destroy this access; to the COVID-19 pandemic response.” normalcy in our lives. comparison to a major cyber attack.” when the logging was finished. You rebuild a road then to destroy it? Was it The word “other” in the procurement Alex Atamanenko These plutocrats certainly have a way cannot blame ATVs because there to hide the fact from the public that the request alerted Randy Hillier, an Castlegar is no off-road access for ATVs. You January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice SPONSORED PAGE 7 8 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 Slocan council, January 11: Zoning and OCP amendments for part of mill site adopted by Barbara Curry Mulcahy the newsletter. Councillor Joel potentially be salvaged and environmental, and economic industrial permits issued participation, Dave Bouliane • Before starting the Pelletier called the streets “super the timber could pay for the projects. commonly fluctuates wildly said virtual meetings were meeting, Mayor Jessica Lunn icy and very, very slick” and clean-up. Staff were directed • The 2020 Building from year to year. “technological discrimination” announced that Tim Hill suggested public works should to advertise for proposals for Permit Report showed that • The 2020 Transit Sales and “this platform is ridiculous would retire as public works add more gravel to the streets. the clean-up. only one new house was built Report showed that revenues are – I was cut off for 15 minutes.” supervisor at the end of January During public participation, • The Village will apply for in Slocan last year and one half of what they were in 2019. Mayor Lunn explained that all and that Lachlan McGreal Jeremi Buzolitch-Roy and Dave a grant to hire a summer student permit for a new house was • Council agreed to send a municipalities had to follow would replace him. She praised Frederickson also complained. under the Canada Summer Jobs renewed. Seven permits, an letter to the Minister of Finance, the provincial health officer’s Hill and expressed confidence Frederickson said the roads Program. CAO Gordon pointed average number, were issued Minister of Health, Premier of order of December 2, which in McGreal. were really bad from December out that the program now funds for additions, renovations, or BC, and local MLA Katrine said that due to the worsening • Council adopted zoning 31 to January 2. CAO Michelle workers up to the age of 30. accessory buildings. Permits Conroy in support of universal pandemic, the public was no and OCP amendment bylaws Gordon said the Village will • Mayor Lunn noted that for one reno and one accessory no-cost access to all prescription longer allowed to attend local to allow the northern portion review its call-out policy, that the CBT Community Initiatives structure were renewed. One contraception available in BC government meetings and of the mill site to be rezoned public works staff were taking grant program is now open for trailer home was demolished. under the Medical Services public hearings in person. Lunn from ‘mill industrial’ to ‘parks, staggered leaves and call-outs applications, with a deadline No commercial and industrial Plan. said that people could attend open space, and institutional.’ were also staggered. of February 26. The program permits were issued – the • This meeting was held the meeting by teleconference This will accommodate future • Councillor Pelletier supports local cultural, social, number of commercial and virtually. During public instead of the internet. waterfront development within reported that he had heard the foreshore and riparian areas, back from Daniel Scott of Rec Strong reactions to Slocan’s affordable housing project draft plans and will support environmental Sites and Trails BC. The new by Barbara Curry Mulcahy snow-clearing and emergency first documented in a letter to given for opposing the protection for sensitive areas. parking lot by the rail trail will Slocan council held a access. There would be 12 council in August, had largely development: that eight units During public participation, remain closed unless public virtual meeting January 12 parking spaces, two of them been ignored; and that multi- were too few units when so Neil Turkington asked if works wants to take on plowing to present draft plans for the accessible. Brody said that family housing in the Village many people needed a place to this meant the Village was that area. Council directed staff proposed affordable housing fencing around the whole had septic systems that smelled. live, so council should plan a considering selling the newly to meet with Rec Sites and project for the corner of Giffin project would give “definition Steve Baal reminded bigger project somewhere else acquired waterfront land. Trails BC and public works to Street and Slocan Avenue. and a safety factor,” and council that 28 people had in the village; that the corner Mayor Lunn no, the Village negotiate a joint use agreement More than 50 people attended also limit “cross-traffic” of written a letter in August of Giffin and Slocan was too was “not rushing into anything” for plowing the new rail trail – many of them opposed to the pedestrians. opposing the project. He said dangerous and congested for and planned to have much parking lot in the winter. project – and at times during Brody also noted that a there was “zero support in multi-family housing; that the community engagement and • The Fitness Centre had the presentation, things got lot of the building would be this neighborhood. We feel five lots on Slocan Street should due process, starting in 2021, a $2,417 shortfall in revenues ugly. Mayor Lunn had to ask “quite hidden.” The sloping site like we’re being stonewalled.” remain zoned ‘commercial’ as on future development of this last year, as it was closed from three times for a microphone would make it visually “less Councillor Joel Pelletier told there would be a need for more “special piece of property.” April through December due to be muted. When one of the impactful.” Evergreens south Baal that his neighbourhood businesses as the village grows; • Dave Frederickson asked to COVID-19. Mayor Lunn cat calls included a four-letter of the driveway and on the had opposed the project before that water pressure was too low why Councillor Madeleine said the Fitness Centre plays “a word, Mayor Lunn called the east side of the property would it had been designed. He said in the village. Perriere had been granted a leave huge role in physical and mental swearing “inappropriate,” and partially screen the project from it was impossible for council The last speaker, Pat of absence from December 14 health in our community.” after that the meeting was civil. the neighbours on Springer to answer questions about the Ashton, noted that speakers to January 14. Mayor Lunn said Council asked that the shortfall A 30-minute presentation Avenue. Evergreens along project before the details had who were opposed to the project Perriere’s written request said be made up from the $262,000 of the plans was given by Giffin Avenue would partially been ironed out and the design because of possible septic and she wanted time to “reconsider COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant. two representatives from screen the project along that drafted. water issues had also said they her commitment to the Village.” CAO Michelle Gordon said a Cover Architecture and two street. Local native plants are Baal also noted that the were in favour of affordable The mayor said Perriere “had meeting was being organized from M’akola Development planned for the landscaping. draft plans were being presented housing in a different location. some concerns.” to “get the numbers on funds” Services. After the presentation, Two of the five lots fronting on January 12 and that the Ashton said, “Sometimes it • Councillor Van Bynen needed for the extra staffing the public question period went Slocan Street are set aside for deadline to apply for funding gets to be NIMBY – not in reported receiving “a lot of required at the centre during on for an hour and 45 minutes. a septic field, which would for the next stage of the project my back yard.” He also spoke complaints about snow the pandemic. This funding Lukas Armstrong and Adam double as a common green was January 15. He said that about a flyer delivered to Slocan plowing.” He said some could also come from the Safe Brody of Cover Architecture of space. A pollinator garden and there had been “no chance for mailboxes that claimed Slocan residents are parking on streets Restart Grant. Nelson presented their draft a vegetable garden are planned us to have any meaningful residents were “100% opposed” and public works couldn’t plow • Mayor Lunn reported building and landscape designs for this area, too. input other than to state our to the project, according to a around the vehicles. Mayor that there had been significant for the project. M’akola Development positions.” He said, “process recent poll. Ashton said he had Lunn suggested staff publish blowdown of trees at the Owl The proposal is for eight Service reps Graham Burns has been followed but not really not been polled, and nor had “snowplowing protocols” in Walk. She said the trees could units in three two-story and Lindsay Monk spoke about honoured.” Baal called for the any of the 15 people he queried. buildings: two duplexes, each the three phases of the project. project to “be put forward to the He urged the community in its with three-bedroom units, and The project is currently in community before you move discussions to “try to make it one fourplex with one-bedroom the pre-development stage, ahead.” truthful.” He said traffic, water, units. The two ground-floor which is the first stage. The A number of people were and septic were in general units in the fourplex would be second stage is development, adamant that they did not separate issues that needed to accessible for residents with where M’akola would oversee a want another multi-family be worked on. He noted that the disabilities. The plans call for funding application and put out development in the Village septic design would be available patios on the ground floor, and RFPs for more detailed designs because the condos and the in the next stage of the process balconies on the second floor. of the buildings, septic system Slocan Suites (both multi- and said, “We need to wait.” Each unit would have a washer and landscaping. The last stage family developments) had Lindsay Monk assured and dryer and a 2.5-square- is construction, and usually inadequate septic systems. the community that there metre storage room. Each of the takes 12-16 months. “They’re stinking up the would still be time to make three-bedroom units and both M’akola said BC Housing neighborhood,” Baal said of the comments on and changes to the of the accessible units would would be the most likely funder condos, and Dave Frederickson design even after the funding have access to a private back of the project. The deadline to agreed. application went in on January or side yard. apply for BC Housing funding When asked after the 15. “The application doesn’t Brody described the designs for the development stage was meeting about septic issues at commit us to anything... but as minimalistic, without “much coming up just three days after the condos and Slocan Suites, if we don’t submit, we don’t architectural fluff.” He also said this meeting, on January 15. Interior Health spokesperson have the opportunity” to move the buildings would have a During the public question Karl Hardt said they had no forward on the project. great deal of southern exposure. period, 11 community members recent substantiated complaints The Village did not respond The pre-fab units would be spoke, and the naysayers greatly for Slocan. He said if people to a question after the meeting pre-assembled, decreasing the outnumbered those in favour are concerned about health about whether or not it had cost, construction time, and and those undecided. issues associated with a new submitted an application. construction noise at the site. The main concerns of or existing septic system, they The meeting was recorded. A driveway wide enough people opposing the project can contact the Interior Health Both the plans and the recording for two-way traffic with traffic- were that they had not heard Environmental Public Health are available on the Village calming features would make about the project until council Office in Nelson, and the local website under both the Slocan the project accessible from both started the rezoning process in environmental health officer News tab and the Committees/ Slocan Avenue and Springer July; that their opposition and will assess the situation. Slocan Affordable Housing Avenue, and allow for good questions about the project, There were other reasons Commission tab. January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 9 New Kootenay cannabis organization submits concerns to Health Canada by Jan McMurray influences the development of public opportunity to connect the consumer cannabis sales that were announced is her alternate. The CEDC is in A new organization in the region policy on cannabis across most with the amazing stories and quality that last year to be implemented in 2022,” communication with four Indigenous has submitted a 12-page document in government agencies.” are part of our region’s rich cannabis she reports. “We want to ensure that Nations to appoint a rep for the council. response to the recent consultation on She said another concern put sector.” this very promising announcement Cannabis Act regulations. forward by the council is the space The provincial BC Craft Farmers has a program development that will The Cannabis Economic restrictions on the micro-licence. “The Co-op also submitted comments in genuinely open up new, low barrier Development Council (CEDC) was limitation on the scale of micro class response to Health Canada’s recent call. opportunities for our region’s cannabis formed through Community Futures’ licences puts them at an economic “Over the past year, our volunteers producers.” Cannabis Business Transition Initiative disadvantage because they cannot have been encouraging the federal “We are continuously providing to support economic development of the realize scales of economies or produce government to urgently reset Cannabis feedback and assisting both Health area’s cannabis sector. Its 23 members amounts that would enable them to Act regulations that are excluding Canada and the Province in developing were chosen through an application maintain a retail presence for more than thousands of BC’s craft farmers,” said a more refined approach to small-scale process last fall, and the council had short periods of time,” she said. BC Craft Farmers Co-op President cannabis production,” says Paul Kelly, its first meeting on December 3. This Another issue flagged by the Bob Davidson in a December 15 press program manager at Community submission to Health Canada was the CEDC in its submission is that security release. Futures. council’s first formal action – but it most clearance and licence approvals are The press release said that in the 26 RDCK Board Chair Aimee Watson certainly will not be their last, promises given only after a huge investment months since the Cannabis Act came sits on the CEDC as the appointed the council’s coordinator, Abra Brynne. by the proponent. “This leaves an into effect on October 17, 2018, less RDCK representative, and Leah “This 30-day consultation was enormous risk on the shoulders of the than 30 of BC’s craft cannabis farmers Main, Silverton’s RDCK director, launched on December 12 so with the proponent without any safeguards,” have been licensed by Health Canada to holiday season, it meant for a very Brynne said. participate in the legal market. Smokey Creek Salvage constrained timeline for soliciting, The microbial thresholds that do “BC has the most to lose when 24 HR TOWING New & Used Auto Parts, Back Hoe Work, consolidating and submitting a group not distinguish between pathogenic these small, independent farmers are Certified Welding & Repairs, Vehicle Removal submission,” said Brynne, “but we and beneficial microbes are another denied access to the legal market,” said WE BUY CARS & TRUCKS managed to pull it off, with some really point of concern for CEDC. “For the Davidson. “Even with the extremely 359-7815 ; 1-877-376-6539 3453 YEATMAN RD, SOUTH SLOCAN great and thoughtful contributions by many producers here who grow in soil, ‘micro’ production and processing CEDC members.” and may also follow organic practices, caps imposed by Health Canada, 2,000 Health Canada put out the call for it is virtually impossible, without licensed farmers will create over 4,000 comments on regulations pertaining irradiation, to meet Health Canada’s jobs and hundreds of millions in new to micro-class and nursery licences, thresholds. Many of our producers revenue for all levels of government.” product labelling, non-therapeutic are very committed to the incredible The CEDC has established cannabis research, public possession beneficial qualities of cannabis and working groups, Brynne says, that limits and COVID-19 measures. know that irradiation will undermine will focus on provincial policy, federal “One common concern that the quality product that they put so policy, the creation of a regional brand members of the CEDC hold is the much effort into producing,” she said. (appellation), economic development, fact that cannabis production and The council also put forward and education / communications. consumption remain stigmatized, suggested changes to the labelling “We have opened a dialogue despite the legalization of cannabis and packaging requirements to help with the Province, seeking to be in Canada,” Brynne said. “The reduce excess packaging and alarmist involved in the very early stages of prohibitionist approach still heavily warnings, she said, “and to provide an the development of the ‘farm-gate’ BC Auditor-General pans forest service road maintenance by John Boivin, Local Journalism they are often used for other industrial resource districts to accurately and Initiative reporter and commercial purposes, and provide consistently track ministry inspections BC’s financial watchdog has important access to remote and and maintenance on forest service found problems with the way the First Nations communities, private roads Province maintains and manages its residences, recreation and wilderness • assess whether the natural vast network of forest service roads. areas. The roads aren’t built or resource districts are inspecting forest BC’s auditor general, Michael maintained to the same standards as service roads as required by policy and Pickup, released a new audit of the public roadways, but proper upkeep is take action to reconcile any gaps backcountry road system through the critical to help ensure the safety of road • reconcile the discrepancy province’s forest lands on January 19. users and protect the environment, the between policy requirements and the The audit assessed whether the auditors said. extent of maintenance that actually Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Still, “The ministry did not occurs, given resource allocations Resource Operations and Rural manage safety and environmental risks • support the effective oversight of Development managed safety and on FSRs as required by its policies,” forest service roads that are under road environmental risks on FSRs in the audit found. “The shortcomings in use permits, including improving the accordance with its policies. maintenance work and lack of reliable supervision of road maintenance by And it found the ministry lacking. information increase risks to road users the permit holder “We found that the ministry did and to the environment.” • BC Timber Sales should enable not complete critical maintenance and The report includes nine business areas to accurately and repairs on roads, bridges and major recommendations to help the consistently track inspections and culverts that are part of the 58,000 ministry meet its own expectations maintenance on FSRs kilometers of FSRs in the province,” for undertaking inspection and • BCTS should “assess whether it said Michael Pickup, auditor general. maintenance work on FSRs: is inspecting and maintaining forest The auditors also found that • improve policies and practices service roads as required by policy natural resource districts received only to make sure information on FSRs and take action to reconcile any gaps.” about 25% of their budget requests for is complete, accurate and easily A ministry official said maintenance on roads they had deemed accessible to both ministry and BC FLNRORD agreed with the report’s as priority. And about $9 million worth Timber Sales staff. “This includes findings that there are opportunities of high-priority maintenance and location, length, the ministry entity for improvement in the management repair work was unfunded. responsible for administration, and of forest service roads. The audit also found that the the permit holder responsible for “To that end, we are creating ministry’s information on inventory, maintenance,” the auditors said new FSR data systems and reviewing inspections and maintenance was • develop a plan for regular and reconciling policies to address inconsistent, difficult to share and, at inspection and maintenance of bridges the Auditor Generals’ findings and times, inaccurate. and culverts to meet ministry policies recommendations,” said ministry “These gaps made it challenging • clear up policies and practices spokesperson Tyler Hooper. “We are for the ministry to monitor and track to ‘provide consistent guidance’ on also committed to aligning policy and maintenance activity,” the report says. inspection schedules, maintenance, improving the tracking and inspection Nine recommendations and the closing and de-activation of of maintenance being done on FSRs by While FSRs are built primarily to roads government to ensure consistency and access timber for forestry operations, • do more to enable natural accountability.” 10 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 Credit union service cuts a ‘disservice’, says Kaslo mayor by John Boivin, Local Journalism Service Centre. express our disappointment at how and people who work weekdays, as However, Hewat reports that Yee Initiative reporter “Branch transaction volume the days and hours of operation they cannot conveniently get to the indicated the reduction in hours is Kootenay Savings Credit trends have been monitored over were considered, without any bank except on Saturday.” likely permanent. Union has made more changes to the last few years and we have consultation with our residents or The mayor also pointed out While Hewat says there’s its branch hours starting January seen a decreasing trend,” the credit business owners who rely on your that ending Thursday service probably nothing council can do 25. union said in a document on its banking services,” Mayor Suzan would affect residents living north about it, her letter on behalf of Both the Kaslo and New website. “In addition, several Hewat wrote to a senior manager of Kaslo, who only get bus service council to Yee remained hopeful. Denver branches are now open alternate ways to bank have been at KSCU, Colleen Yee. to town on that day. As well, there “We appreciate the support Monday, Wednesday and Friday added over the last few years. At the beginning of the are many statutory holidays on of KSCU and recognize its from 10 am to 3 pm, and the “There is no doubt members’ pandemic, Kaslo’s branch Mondays, affecting the credit importance to our community,” Nakusp and South Slocan branches banking behaviours are changing,” hours were reduced to Tuesday- union’s hours. Hewat wrote. “It is with great are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 it continues. “What’s not changing Saturday, 10 am-3 pm (from “And we have a lot of seniors regret that we see the scaling am-3 pm. The seniors-only hour is our commitment to offering you Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 am-4:30 here,” she told the Valley Voice. back of financial services to our from 10 am to 11 am has been choice and trusted advice to assist pm pre-pandemic). Now they are “The push for online banking – residents and businesses and we discontinued. you with your financial goals.” being further reduced to Monday, where does that leave them?” hope to see services restored once Despite the shorter hours, But the change of service – Wednesday and Friday, 10 am-3 In a later exchange with Yee, we are through these troubling KSCU says employees will still and how it was rolled out – isn’t pm. Hewat said the manager told her times and would welcome further be on site conducting advisory going down well with Kaslo civic Hewat pointed out the change she may be able to consider an dialogue with you regarding this appointments by phone or leaders. to Monday, Wednesday and Friday alternate opening day on those matter.” responding to calls to its Member “On behalf of council, I will “is a disservice to business owners weeks with statutory holidays. Thank you for supporting your local businesses! The key to a thriving local economy throughout the pandemic and always New Denver Community Pharmacy NAKUSP & AREA KASLO & AREA Open Mon-Fri, 10 am-5:30 pm Bon Marche Dollar Dollar ACE Building Centre-Kaslo We look forward to serving you! Open 9 am - 5 pm Monday to Saturday. Contactless debit/credit. Cleaning Open 7:30-5 Mon-Sat, Open Sundays and most stat holidays 10-2 Welcome to shop by visiting during business hours or: protocols in place, customers reminded to social distance. Please wear a 250-353-7628, [email protected], www.kaslobuilding.com By phone: 250-358-2500, By fax: 250-358-2524, By email: kaslopharm@gmail. mask in store. com (please use reference “NDCP”) Facebook: Bon Marche Dollar Dollar Nakusp Angry Hen Brewing Company 309 6th Avenue, New Denver V0G 1S0 250-265-3644 Open for patio and inside seating with off-sales for beer to go, 7 days a week! Phone to pre-order or to arrange a ‘beer-it-forward’ delivery for a friend. 250- New Market Foods Crescent Bay Construction Ltd. 353-7446, [email protected], Facebook, Instagram. Open every day, 8 am-6 pm Open Mon-Sat, 8 am-5 pm You are welcome to come and shop. Keep your distance as much as you can Cornucopia with others. We have hand sanitizer at the door as well as at the tills. Nitrile gloves must be put on (available beside the door) when entering and Now open Mon-Sat, 9:30 - 5:30, closed Sunday If you are self isolating or not wanting to come to the store, we can do your discarded (beside the door) when leaving. 250-353-2594; [email protected]; Facebook Cornucopiakaslo Phone orders and pick-up available. E-transfer payment available at cresbay@ shopping for you and have it delivered to you or you can pick it up. telus.net • 250-265-3747 JB’s Pub & Restaurant You can call the store at 250-358-2270 or email [email protected] to Open Thurs-Sun, 3-9 pm. Hours will extend in the summer. place your orders. Kal Tire Nakusp Takeout available 250-353-7716; 250-353-7717 Open Mon-Sat, 8 am-5 pm Raven’s Nest Call or book online for appointment or tire purchases. Emergency and commer- Jones Boys Boats Happy New Year! Now Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm. Closed cial work done as required. Please only one customer in showroom at a time. We are open for business! Sunday to Tuesday. We’ve got awesome clothes, warm blankets, great Payments accepted by Debit or Credit. NO CASH please. www.jonesboysboats.com books, and much more. Thanks for shopping local – we hope to see you Sanitization precautions being taken in showroom and all customer vehicles. 250.353.2550 [email protected] soon! Visit our Facebook page for full details. 250-265-4155, www.kaltire.com https://www.facebook.com/Jonesboysboats Valley Voice Kim’s Kustoms Kaslo Hotel Open 1-833-501-1700; [email protected]; www.valleyvoice.ca Open regular hours, 8:30 am-5:30 pm Open! Pub 11 am daily. Open for lunch and dinner every day. Prime rib dinner 250-265-4012 every Friday night! Fall Getaway special now on! Front desk 8 am-8 pm for SILVERTON check-in and reservations. Strict sanitizing protocols in place. 250-353-7714; Marvin’s Small Motor Repairs kaslohotel.com; Facebook. Silverton Building Supplies Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm; Sat 9 am-5 pm Open Monday-Saturday 8:00 am-5:00 pm Open regular hours 250-265-4911 Kaslo Husky Hand sanitizer is provided. Please observe distancing. Nakusp Glass Open Mon-Fri, 6 am-8 pm; Sat & Sun 8 am-8 pm We look forward to serving you! Open Physical distancing measures in effect. 250-353-2205 250-358-2293 Drop in, call or email to make an appointment. Kaslo Community Pharmacy Silverton Camp Cafe 250-265-3252, [email protected] Open Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm Wed-Sat 9:30-2:30 • Sunday 10-2 We look forward to serving you! 250-358-7271 Nakusp Taxi Welcome to shop by visiting during business hours or: Pick-up and delivery of anything from licenced food, beverage and retail stores. By phone: 250-353-2224, By fax: 250-353-2336, By email: [email protected] 250-265-8222 SLOCAN For prescription refills online visit: kaslopharmacy.myrefill.ca Royal LePage Selkirk Realty 403 Front Street, PO Box 550, Kaslo V0G 1M0 Village of Slocan – Office, Library, Clinic, Fitness Center Open Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 4:30 pm with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. [email protected], phone 250-353-2224, fax 250-353-2336 Village Office open – Masks Mandatory. Library open (Thursdays 1-5pm, Sundays 11am-3pm) - COVID protocols in place; masks mandatory; take out Our agents are more than happy to help! Kaslo Mechanical 250-265-3635; [email protected] service available. Clinic open – Nurse Practitioner, Acupuncture - COVID Open! Tuesday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm, Saturday 9 am - 1 pm protocols in place; masks mandatory. Fitness Center temporarily closed. Shon’s Bike - Ski - Stay Closed long weekends. Mon-Sat, 9 am - 5:30 pm 6336 Hwy 31, Kaslo • 250-353-7409 Slocan Village Market Open. Limiting number of customers in the store. Providing gloves and masks Please drop off bike repairs to the rear entrance (in alley) of the shop. No Kul Nijjar, REALTOR(R) Fair Realty Ltd. appointments are necessary for bike tune-ups. Our coffee shop and lounge to shoppers. Open area is currently closed. We are accepting orders by phone for pick-up for those who prefer not to [email protected], 250-505-4722 All 2019 bikes are on sale. enter the store. We are also offering delivery services on a weekly basis. For all inquiries, call us as (250) 265-3332, email: [email protected], website: Sunnyside Naturals 250-355-2211, [email protected] www.shons.ca, Facebook: Shon’s Bike - Ski - Stay. Open Mon-Sat, 9 am-6 pm Studio Connexion Art Gallery Physical distancing measures in effect. Food takeout WINLAW Emery Herbals Botanical Dispensary, Healing Suites and Open by appointment or by chance Tues-Sat 11 am-4 pm Phone orders and delivery available. 250-353-9667 Teaching Centre 250-265-8888; 203 Fifth Ave NW, Nakusp Woodbury Resort The Botanical Dispensary Open Thurs and Fri, 12-4. Limit of one client in the Boat rentals, Camping, Fishing! Angler Incentive Program Depot shop at a time. Save-On-Foods Ph: 250-353-7717; Fax 250-353-2004 [email protected] Open 8 am - 7 pm daily; 7-8 am for seniors and people with health issues needing Order requests can be sent to [email protected] or by phoning 250- more space to shop. Max customer limit in place. Please shop individually; leave 226-7744 for pick-up using our safe pick-up guidelines. We offer a $10 local recycle bags at home; No bottle returns at this time. SLOCAN VALLEY ship rate and all local orders over $75 are shipped free. We ship once weekly. 250-265-3662. Store Manager: Duncan, Asst. Manager: Ryan Our online shop is https://emeryherbals.com/online-apothecary/ NEW DENVER • Colleen Emery, RHT (CHAofBC) is conducting all client consultation online Eagle Small Motors and Repairs or via the phone. Priority is for acute cases, new clients are welcome. Glacier View Service • All classes have moved online at this time. Monday 4-6 pm; Tuesday-Thursday 9 am-6 pm; Friday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm. Open 7 days, 8 am - 6 pm 250-265-4911 250-358-2445 Mama Sita’s Open for dine-in, take-out and delivery. Outdoor seating. 9 am-7 pm. Phone or come in. 250-226-7070. January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 11 Musician’s posts raise hundreds for Slocan food bank by John Boivin, Local Valley Co-op. days. And for the last few years, for the co-op as well. season, the food bank is “Songs that kind of make people Journalism Initiative reporter “I wasn’t surprised because he’s busked outside the co-op at “At first I believed in especially in need, so maybe this think about people who might It seems even COVID-19 I know valley people are so Christmastime. order for the co-op to reach its will remind folks when they have not be having that good of a time can’t quash the generosity of generous,” said Bill Hillary. “I “It was a stretch, as the co-op maximum matched contribution some extra change,” he says. at Christmas. People who don’t Slocan Valley residents. If was humbled and proud at the doesn’t usually allow buskers,” of $500, it was going to take a You can hear the songs he have all that stuff.” anything, it gave it a boost. same time.” he says. “But this was strictly lot of effort on social media to uploaded by visiting his or the They may not be A Slocan Park musician Hillary, a retired contractor for charity, so they supported it.” encourage people to donate,” co-op’s Facebook page. And Christmassy, but the spirit of the handed a cheque for nearly and hobby farmer in Slocan Park, Because of public health says Slocan Valley Co-op don’t worry about it not being season still worked its magic. $1,300 to the Slocan Valley Food plays music as a passion. He orders, Hillary couldn’t do his Manager Chris Sapriken. Christmas – the songs he’s posted And with the encouragement Cupboard earlier this month, even has a local band, the Back usual in-person fundraiser at “That goal was reached in less aren’t particularly seasonal in of this year, Hillary pledges to be money he raised by “virtually Road Dogs, who performed the gas station and convenience than a week after just three nature. back next season – and maybe busking” outside the Slocan irregularly for fun in pre-COVID store. So instead, he posted his of Bill’s performances were “They’re all depressing, bring some of his band members songs to the web. posted on Facebook. It really is secular songs,” he chuckles. along for a live concert. “I posted the first song at encouraging to see such great the beginning of December, support from our community, and the last one on December especially in these difficult 23,” he says. times.” The result was rather Help for after the astounding. Instead of raising holidays about $350 or so, he raised On January 14, Hillary $1,285. dropped a cheque off to the Food “It was just a joy,” he says. Cupboard in Slocan. Bill Hillary delivers a $1,285 cheque to the Slocan Food Cupboard after raising funds The response was a surprise “I know after the Christmas by virtually busking outside the Slocan Valley Co-op. The co-op topped it up by $500. Annual allowable cut under review for Valentine’s Day is coming! Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area .99 by Jan McMurray in 2001. Dozen red roses $59 .99 The Kootenay Lake Timber The process to determine the Dozen red carnations $19 Supply Review is underway, AAC has three stages. The first Flower arrangement in vase and will result in an updated stage is underway. Comments Animal feed for chickens, Bouquets of flowers: small, annual allowable cut (AAC) for are being accepted until February medium and large the region encompassing Kaslo, 5 on the Draft Data Package, a horses, pigs, sheep, dogs, Show your love with Nelson and Creston. technical report that describes the flowers In this review, the chief data and assumptions that will be cats & more forester will determine the used in the timber supply review. Please call ahead and reserve maximum amount of timber that In the second stage, a Public NEW arrival your flowers, limited is reasonable to harvest from the Discussion Paper describing the of ladies & mens quantities Kootenay Lake Timber Supply availability of timber supply is clothing, flannel Area, which includes the tenures made available for public and First shirts, vests, held by five large companies – Nations consultation. In the third coveralls, overalls, Kalesnikoff, Porcupine, Atco, stage, the AAC determination is jackets Canfor, and JH Huscroft – as well made, and a document explaining as BC Timber Sales. the rationale behind the decision Peat Moss - $19.99 The review does not include is released to the public. We are limiting people to 4 customers in the store at any one time the community forests, First Once the chief forester has set Nations woodlands, or woodlots the AAC, the Minister of Forests .00 operating in the region; these allocates the AAC to the general Straw bales $13 types of tenures have a separate types of forest licences. Fir pellets by the pallet or in 1 tonne bulk bags AAC determination process. The draft Data Package is – Face masks are mandatory – The AAC is updated once available online. To find it, search every 10 years. In 2010, it was set for ‘Kootenay Lake Timber at 640,000, down from 681,300 Supply Area.’ Open 10-4 daily, including Sunday 12 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 New emergency vehicle for Lardeau Valley First Responders by Jan McMurray to equip it with additional items, the vehicle can be plugged in and they feel very well supported by Lardeau Valley First Response team The Lardeau Valley First as well. protected from the weather. the department, and they have a can call the Kaslo Fire Department. Responders now have their own “The back of the truck looks The Lardeau Valley First great relationship with the local In an emergency, always call 911. emergency vehicle, purchased from almost like the interior of an Responders are part of the Kaslo ambulance workers. The 911 dispatcher will contact the the Ymir Fire Department. ambulance,” says Robyn. “We’re Fire Department. Robyn says Anyone interested in joining the appropriate emergency responders. Kaslo and Area Fire Chief not trained to the level of paramedics Douglas Yee said the Kaslo so it’s not quite the same as an department bought it “so that the ambulance, and we can’t transport First Responders in the Lardeau patients, but we can put them in the Valley would not have to attend back of our vehicle and keep them calls in their personal vehicles, warm and work on them until the as they have been doing. This ambulance arrives.” lets them carry their equipment Robyn notes that it can take in a dedicated vehicle while also the ambulance quite a while to get providing enhanced scene safety there at times. “Sometimes it’s the with a clearly marked emergency difference between life and death, vehicle.” so the vehicle will help that much Robyn and Glen Skobalski, more.” primary first responders in the The vehicle is parked in an Lardeau Valley for about six years, old shop on private property in are thrilled to have the new vehicle. the valley, very close to where the They have filled it with all their Skobalskis live. The owners of supplies, which were at the hall in Hamill Creek Timber Frame have Meadow Creek, and have been able generously offered the space, where Joan Scholz (nee Hurst) Robyn and Glen Skobalski, Lardeau Valley first responders, are thrilled to have a new emergency vehicle. 1938-2021 Divine Fayerie exhibiting Frantisek Strouhal’s artworks I would like to announce the submitted Fayerie is an eco-friendly shop only experience the world. Through the passing of Mom. She was born West Kootenay artist Frantisek using eco-friendly packaging. medium of art, we can be elevated in New Denver, raised in Slocan Strouhal is exhibiting in the new “It is a privilege to showcase to a different plane of consciousness and resided in Perry Siding where Divine Fayerie boutique in Castlegar. Strouhal’s exquisite work,” Erica where we feel rapture – pleasure, she raised 3 daughters with Divine Fayerie is a gemstone says. peace and harmony. Rudy Scholz. She leaves behind and crystal boutique that features Strouhal is internationally known Strouhal’s ‘Art Embracing Betty-Ann Thompson, Linda works by artists and artisans of for his powerful expressions of the Awareness’ portfolio embraces the Jennings and Shelly Scholz as the Kootenays. Erica, the face of human body and spirit. His visual art idea that all human beings, regardless well as 7 grandchildren and 6 Divine Fayerie, wants to bring divine and writing advocate the need for a of their differences in appearance, great grandchildren. She loved love and light to the world through change in consciousness within each position, language, behavior, and gardening and looking after her earth elements and alternative one of us. values, are entitled to live in peace flowers. She will be missed. healing therapies and medicines. There is an increasing amount just as they are. There will be no celebration of She envisions Divine Fayerie as a of scientific proof that art enhances Everyone is welcome to life. sacred healing space to help raise brain function. It has an impact on experience a moment of serenity in universal consciousness. Divine brainwave patterns, emotions, and the intimate environment of Divine the nervous system. Art can change Fayerie located at the Castleaird a person’s outlook and the way they Shopping Centre in Castlegar.

The artwork of local artist Frantisek Strouhal is showing at Divine Fayerie in Castlegar. January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 13 Slocan musician reforming pop culture from the inside out submitted continue acts of self-harm. That’s music. But I’m sure that we don’t Akefa hopes that what she is album available for download from Slocan musician Akefa why so many conscious folks like have to throw the baby out with the doing inspires other artists as well. her website on March 2. If you want (pronounced Ah-keh-fah) Azu is me stop listening to mainstream bathwater.” “I genuinely believe we can be the to pre-order or if you want to join her about to release her counter-culture change we want to see... Music community to get exclusive access to concept album, a pop experimental is powerful magic, and I want to what this spirited woman is up to, go titled Immortal, this spring. This emancipate it and elevate it to its to www.akefamusic.com. Her music bushwhacked wild woman puts the former glory!” she exclaims. “We will also be available on all major medicine in the music, calling her gotta look at what spells we are platforms as of March 22. Spread genre ‘kombucha’ – the healthful casting on the public. Do they bring the word. The sonic revolution has pop alternative. us together or divide us, do they arrived. Her lyrics contain a depth of make us feel hopeful and powerful, soul that is uncharacteristic of or discouraged and weak?” mainstream pop music. She admits The central theme of Immortal is that her mission is to change the empowered love. “I feel my music listener from the inside out, by is more relevant than ever in this making the message count. “I climate of division and fear. I seek yearn to rehab the listener. We have to encourage us all to keep focusing conditioned ourselves to half-listen on love.” to music. It’s instinctive because Akefa expects her song we subconsciously know that the ‘Solitude’ to be a balm of validation content is crap.” for the isolated, estranged, and She challenges listeners to lonely, and ‘Practice,’ to give hope practice actively listening to the and guidance to us all, reminding music they expose themselves to, us to practice self-acceptance, self- and see how it feels in their bodies. love, and self-care. “Like Allen Carr says in his guide She is working hard to have the to quitting smoking, when you fully participate in doing something harmful to yourself, you get the MOUNTAIN GOAT signal to stop,” she says. “It’s when ADAPTATIONS we are unconscious that we can Slocan musician Akefa Azu will release Immortal, her counter-culture pop experimental album this spring. Mountain goats are better adapted to steep terrain and harsh winters than any other hoofed mammal in NA, with The Langham’s first-ever ‘virtual’ Polar Plunge makes a big splash! powerful shoulder muscles for climb- ing and digging for food; a low centre submitted video the plunge and share it with provided. Karen Pidcock won for of gravity, and hooves with rough The Langham Cultural Society’s the community on the Langham gathering the most pledge money, traction pads and pincer-like toes for annual fundraiser, the New Year’s Facebook page. Plungers were and Delanie Smith and her son Tyrell travel on narrow ledges. Body heat is Day Polar Plunge, has become a encouraged to be creative and plunge Green won for most creative video. maintained by very long hollow guard hairs and finely laced underfur. signature community event for in any way they wanted. You can see all the plunge videos – Kaslo. Due to the pandemic, the The event turned out be a and prize winners – on the Langham event was forced to go virtual for big success – about 20 plungers Facebook page at https://www. 2021. (including four dogs!) raised over facebook.com/thelangham Polar plungers we’re asked to $4,500 for the Langham’s arts, plunge ‘within their bubble’ and to culture and heritage programs. “We were very happily surprised with the results,” says Langham Executive Director Paul Grace-Campbell. “Because of the pandemic, we were on the verge of writing the whole thing off this year. Then someone had the idea of a virtual plunge and folks just ran with it! A big thanks from the Langham to all who participated.” Prizes of $75 gift certificates to Kaslo Front Street Market were

Delanie Smith and Tyrell Green won the Langham’s Most Creative Plunge Video Award. It pays to advertise in the Valley Voice!!! Call toll free 1-833-501-1700 for details [email protected] 14 MINOR HOCKEY The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 It pays to advertise in Next Valley Voice the Valley Voice Deadline: Two novice teams for Kaslo • Call 1-833-501-1700 for details • submitted by Sarah Burns players ranging from ages 5 to 13, practice and scrimmage. email: [email protected] February 5, The Kaslo & District Minor and a junior novice team was added It is very exciting to see fresh Hockey Association has two novice this year with players aged 4 to 6. enthusiasm for hockey with a new 2021 teams this year, with older Kaslo The public health orders due generation of players. Thanks to Congrats Hockey players on Nakusp and Nelson teams. to the pandemic this year did not the Kaslo Arena, parents and on-ice to all The Kaslo Winterhawks novice affect the program greatly, as the volunteers for helping this great those builds division continues to expand the focus for the teams has been playing group of kids have fun and play making community! program. The senior novice team has locally and developing skills through hockey! Minor Hockey possible despite COVID! Minor Hockey Week Celebrates our young players! Nakusp Aimee Watson (250) 265-3635 www.selkirkrealty.com RDCK director, Area “D”

The Natural Choice Hockey helps More than just a Health Food Store Proudly Supporting kids learn Minor Hockey! teamwork Building Memories and Dreams for a Lifetime

422 Front Street • Kaslo, BC Kaslo Winterhwaks Junior Novice: Front row - Tess Dufort, Avery McGeorge, Mazie Carlson, Theo Howes, Rory Turner, Erik Bunney, Oakley 250-353-2594 Gillies, Ruby Gingerich, Leo Poisson. Back row - Coach Chase Sellwood, Junior Coach Ryatt Mercredi, Coach Jason Turner, Coach Sarah www.cornucopiakaslo.com Burns, Coach Casey McKinnon. Missing - Maverick Chatfield, Byron Smith. Play hard. Have fun. Drink water!

Kaslo Winterhawks Senior Novice: Front row - Xander Cameron, Hudson Danby, Jack Walker, Cailen Scott, Theo Carlson, Kaeda Dube, Keanna Tyers, Joseph Hume, Griffin Gillies, Fen Bunney, Will Danby. Back row - Coach Scott Gillies, Ryatt Mercredi, Trey Dufort, Coach Cal Walker, Ronin Dube, Lily Kinnear, Fynn Wilson, Lochlan Dube, Tyson Austin, Coach Chase Sellwood, Ella Kinnear, Coach James Danby, Coach Sarah Burns. Missing - Soren Stewart, Emma Gillies, Piper Wiens, Bodyn Gillies. Play for the love of the game!

95-6th Ave NW • Nakusp 250-265-4155 • www.kaltire.com

The Nakusp & District Minor Hockey Association’s U18 team practises their passing skills at the Nakusp arena.

The Nakusp Minor Hockey program is running with four house league teams this year. January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice MINOR HOCKEY 15 Nakusp Minor Hockey keeps on keepin’ on through the pandemic by Jan McMurray from Kaslo. season, they’re back to just practicing.” try to help families out,” she says. “Last referees and coaches to help them work The Nakusp Minor Hockey There are no rep teams this year, Fundraising has been difficult, too. year, we bought lots of gear, so we can with the COVID protocols – and then program is running with four house and no one over 18 is allowed to play The association raises most of its funds lend out gear every year.” the referees had a very short season league teams this year, and has done indoor sports, so the Nakusp men’s and at 50-50 draws at the games. The arena There was extra training for while games were allowed. well despite having to navigate the ladies’ leagues are not running right concession is also a regular source of Minor Hockey builds public health orders related to the now with the restrictions. funding for them. The Falcon’s Cup character! pandemic. Robins says that at the beginning adult tournament is another annual When the program started in the of the season, when games were fundraiser for the association, but fall, games were allowed. Then in allowed, the West Kootenay Minor couldn’t happen this year. The Legion early December, the provincial health Hockey Association did a good job held some meat draws for Minor officer made tighter restrictions, and of setting up cohorts for each of the Hockey until they were prohibited by only practices have been allowed divisions and scheduling games within provincial health orders. However, since. the cohorts. That happened for a few Robins says they’ve done well with “We’re hoping things will get weekends before the program had to be their fundraising in the past, so they back to normal next year, but this year, scaled down to practices only. are not struggling now. “And we still it’s just how it is. The kids are happy “We can’t have any contact of any 411 Hall Street • Nelson, BC Thanks to all the players, 250-352-6261 that they are still able to get out and sort,” she said. “The kids have to be coaches, officials and fans practice at least,” says Kristy Robins, three metres apart at all times, and only for supporting treasurer and registrar for the Nakusp coaches and players can be in the arena. hockey in our Minor Hockey Association. No parents or spectators are allowed, so community! Nakusp has 11 players on the it’s hard for the little ones. Our numbers initiation team, and 18 players on the are down because a lot of those little U11 team (formerly called the Atoms). ones need the support of their parents.” wishes to acknowledge all the Of special note – there are two U18 “It’s sad, because the Bantams did teams (formerly Midgets) this year. so well last year, and it’s pretty much hard work of players, parents, coaches Nakusp has the distinction of being the the same team this year, so it would only association in the West Kootenay have been fun to see what they could and volunteers to keep the game of hockey to have two U18 teams. One U18 team have done,” said Robins. “The one U18 has 11 players, and the other has 14. team is mostly going to graduate, so alive in our communities! There are eight players from Kaslo they’ve been in hockey since they were on those teams, and both goalies are four years old and now, for their final Practice good sportsmanship in We salute our minor hockey both hockey and Play Hard, Play Fair, players and all life! the coaches, Have Fun! officials and Enjoy Minor Hockey Celebrating Minor Hockey Week, 2021! fans who work Week Crescent Bay so hard to Kaslo Mohawk Construction Ltd. support 250-353-2205 Nakusp • 250-265-3747 them! 405-4th St. • Kaslo Kaslo Building [email protected] Supply Box Lake Hockey builds 6521-Hwy 31, Kaslo • 250-353-7628 Lumber character! Practice good www.kaslobuilding.com Nakusp • 265-4767 Minor sportsmanship in Hockey both hockey and Hockey helps kids builds spirit! to score life’s life! big goals!

MADDEN TIMBER Galena Contractors Minor Hockey builds character! CONSTRUCTION, INC. Nakusp • 250-265-4100 [email protected] www.galenacontractors.com 250 265 1807 Pacific Inland Pole & Nakusp Legion #20 250-265-3033 Piling Co. 2004 Ltd. The door to success is often locked. One of the keys to that lock is teamwork, on the ice and off. Best wishes to all our great local teams for Minor Hockey Week.

Play for Thank you to all players for the love of Celebrating the young playing safe! athletes in our community! the game! Minor Hockey Week, 2020 Minor Hockey Week 2020 Celebrating Minor Hockey Week 2021 New Market RHC Insurance Brokers Katrine Conroy, MLA Foods A division of HUB International 518 6th Ave 510 Broadway, Nakusp, BC New Denver 401-6th Ave • New Denver, BC Kootenay West 250-265-3662 250-358-2270 250-358-2617 1-888-755-0556 • [email protected] • www.katrineconroy.ca 16 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 Curlers see early end to season; Kaslo Arena may shut down early by John Boivin, Local Journalism receives annually from the RDCK to Leathwood reports, when the Province that much of a deficit.” after the adult sport restrictions cut the Initiative reporter operate the facility. decides whether they’ll extend the RDCK closes facilities RDCK’s revenues by $118,000 this fall. Curlers in Nakusp are calling it Kaslo youth leagues cut? restrictions or allow adult sports again. The news comes as the regional “Decisions like this, although quits and minor hockey players in Kaslo Meanwhile, the future’s not so clear “If we can open it up again for adult government also struggles with its difficult, are important to ensure that may face an early end to their season as yet for Kaslo Minor Hockey players. users and get through the season, then budget. Earlier this month, the Regional the cost of our recreation services arena managers in that community face The volunteer board there will decide we would definitely keep it going. But District of Central Kootenay announced it are balanced between user fees and mounting budget deficits. in early February if it should try to keep if they don’t ease up on the restrictions, was closing two of its five ice sheets to cut taxation,” said Joe Chirico, the manager The Nakusp Curling Club the season alive. and it’s only youth hockey, then it’s hard costs. The Pioneer Arena in Castlegar and of community services for the regional announced last week they were ending “We’ll do our best to keep going, and to justify staying open and operating with the Nelson Civic Centre will be closed government. their season early as a result of a ban hope for the next month people abide by on adult group sports announced by the the rules so we can go back to the way SD 10 board, January 17: Board moves forward on Fauquier land sale provincial health officer. And the Kaslo we were operating earlier in the season,” by John Boivin, Local Journalism used for Strong Start programming. “The project remains within budget and Arena board is considering closing the says Molly Leathwood, who sits as the Initiative reporter The classroom pressure is a far cry a beautiful child care centre… has been facility a month early because of the council representative on the Kaslo and • Superintendent Terry Taylor from the dark days of 2012, when only a created.” There’s no word on when the same COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, District Arena Association. opened her report to Arrow Lakes handful of students remained at Burton official opening will take place, thanks which will reduce revenues. The Kaslo Arena gets $50,000 to School District 10’s board of trustees Elementary, prompting its closure. It to COVID. Soon after Nakusp curlers operate annually from the Regional with a headline that’s getting to be a proved only temporary, however, and Taylor wrapped up her update on announced they were folding for the District of Central Kootenay, but that regular item: the district’s enrollment Taylor credits the BCLC for taking care the child care service by noting the NDP season, the Village announced it was only covers a portion of the building’s is going up. of the building and maintaining it during government plans to move delivery of going to pull the ice from that section of $120,000 budget. The rest of it is “Slow but steady,” is how Taylor the downtime. child care to the Ministry of Education by the sports complex. The main ice will be covered by fees charged to user groups described it to the board. The district She says BCLC will continue with 2023. “All current and future Shared Use kept in until the usual end of the season, – especially adult users – for the facility. saw a net increase of four students in shared use of the school library and Agreements with non-profit childcare in March. “We opened the arena up a little late the last month. Six new students were Burton Reading Centre. providers will comply with forthcoming Unlike Kaslo, it’s not directly tied to all the user groups, with restrictions in added to the Distant Learning program, • Plenty of daycare news for the Board Policy and the School Act,” she to a funding squeeze from the loss place, and it was going pretty good,” says and two more to Nakusp Elementary’s district as well. Taylor reported that the noted. of participants, says Nakusp Chief Leathwood. “Then the restrictions were enrolment. However, two students left final architectural drawings have been • The massive wind storm that passed Financial Officer Mark Tennant. put in place on adult sports.” both Edgewood Elementary and Nakusp completed for the Nakusp Child Care through the area on January 13 caused “The deficit for the curling rink in Since those orders came down, the Secondary, making for the net increase Centre by district architects, engineers some damage to Nakusp Elementary 2020 is minimal – approximately $4,800, arena association has done everything of four. and consultants. playground structures, closing schools which is actually slightly less than what it can to keep the facility open for at • After five years of hard work and The Request for Proposals – the for the day and snarling buses with Valley we budgeted for,” he told the least the youngest players. And she says navigating the labyrinth of property sale official call-out for contractors to bid downed trees – but thankfully no one Voice . “This will impact us more so in minor hockey organizers have done an procedures, SD 10 staff have seen some on the project – should be ready by late was hurt. The NES forest play area and 2021 and fortunately we will be able to excellent job of making sure players progress in their plan to sell the old school February. the damaged area of the playground are account for that in the budget since it is and coaches are following public health property in Fauquier to the community. “The project is proceeding on time, currently out of bounds and cordoned off so early in the year.” protocols. But with most of its revenue “Amidst many delays exacerbated albeit with minor adjustments to the while an assessment of trees on NES and However, with no curlers, the gone from adult users, the arena just can’t by the pandemic, slow and steady schedule, and is on budget,” reported all school properties is conducted. Village was wasting money and energy afford to remain open. progress on the Fauquier School property Taylor. • And Taylor ended her report with keeping the rinks in. The Village receives “We just want to make sure that file has been made,” Taylor told the Meanwhile, operations at the newly another dollop of good news. Based on about $10,000 from the curling club each when the end of the season comes we’re board. “Application was approved by opened Goat Mountain Child Care September enrolment numbers, which year, a small fraction of the $410,000 it not in a deficit,” she said. the Ministry of Transportation and Centre in New Denver are going well, were much higher than projected, the With the next RDCK grant not the Agricultural Land Commission to says Taylor, with qualified staff serving district’s operating grant increased to coming until September, the association subdivide the property into two lots in the needs of a growing number of $8,896,161 – about $760,229 higher faces a budget crunch. the fall –these are significant milestones.” young children and families. Some than projected. “Our expenses are pretty high in In a process that began in 2015, the final tweaks to the construction job There may be more adjustments winter months because of power. We pay board committed to sell one building lot are being completed now, which has upward to that, as new students still an average of $5,000 a month for power. at a “modest price” to the community of set back the final reconciliation of the trickle into the district, especially for But all of our income from minor hockey Our valley’s green Fauquier, while the second lot will be put project for funders. But Taylor says, distance learning. is less than $1,000,” she says. up for sale at market value. grocer since 1990 The association has decided to “Hopefully we’ll make enough back keep the arena open until February 5, Kaslo’s big-picture plans need more hands to cover the cost of the subdivision,” by John Boivin, Local Journalism Initiative these priorities and continue to work on the • Fresh Taylor said, only half-joking. reporter rest of them with a multi-year outlook.” Professional haircuts & It doesn’t mean the land sale will The Village of Kaslo has an “urgent Staff capacity, training and succession styles for one & all. happen right away. Taylor says their need” for more staff if the local government will be a significant challenge, as “the job of • Organic application is sitting with the Ministry is going to meet its ambitious five-year plan, running the Village does not get any easier,” Clean, comfortable of Education for its approval as per the say officials at city hall. the report states. • Wholesome home setting in the School Act. The final review period ends The plea for more bodies at the The staff make a direct pitch for February 28, “at which point district staff 1290 Hwy #6 Slocan Valley. village office was made at the end of a more help at city hall. They note the anticipate good news,” she told the board. planning document presented to council at Village currently has grant applications Crescent Valley Flexible days and hrs. Taylor credited Assistant Secretary- a Committee of the Whole meeting earlier or involvement in projects totaling over By appointment only pls. Treasurer Shelly Woolf for her work and this month. $17 million in value, which require an 250-359-7323 For more info RDCK Director Paul Peterson for his The 2021-25 Corporate Plan outlines estimated 3,400 hours of management time call 250 226 6833 “unwavering support” for the project. – Open daily – the strategic priorities for the Village and to administer and execute… “on top of the (Closed Christmas & New Year’s day) Covid Regulations Followed. • Things are getting shuffled around community, and the updated version builds normal day-to-day management activities,” at the Burton Community Learning on plans that were first outlined in 2015. says the planning document. Centre. As is common with such documents, “This situation underscores the urgent Norma Waldron The community school has seen it lists both general goals and specific need for additional management capacity 1940-2021 an absolute renaissance in recent years, targets around areas of interest, including at the Village Office,” the report says. “A Norma Waldron of New Denver, born November 6, 1940, passed thanks to young families moving into the economy, arts and culture, community critical strategic planning outcome will be away January 4, 2021, at Kootenay Lake Hospital following a brief battle the area. In recognizing the new need health, planning and capital projects. Items for staff and Council to determine how this with cancer. for space, the BCLC has moved its gym can be as specific as installing new public gap can be filled without being burdensome Norma spent her working career in several cities throughout BC, and fitness equipment out of the school toilets in a park to more general, like to the local tax base.” eventually settling and retiring in Castlegar before coming to live in New building. reviewing housing needs or the need to repeal The planning document also points Denver in 2014. She enjoyed walking and exploring around town, with Taylor says both increased enrolment obsolete bylaws. out the fragile economic status of the local her favourite walk being the Mori Trail along the lakeshore. It was on one pressures at Burton School and pandemic Within the general corporate strategies, government, and urges caution. these walks that she met her close friend Gary. constraints prompted the group to move council develops and manages specific “The Village of Kaslo continues to be Norma was predeceased by her parents and sister, Margaret Fallon, and its equipment out. programs on a yearly basis. And, staff note reliant on grant funding to remain sustainable is survived by her cousin in Vancouver and her second niece in Calgary. There are three classrooms at Burton in the report, it’s a big job. due to the limited local tax base,” it notes. We will miss you, Norma, at our regular breakfast outings and birthday School with one classroom currently in “There are a total of 61 priorities listed “Although grant funding has been generous dinners. use for a primary class, and the second in the ‘Corporate Strategic Priorities Grid’ recently, particularly with the $480,000 Missed by Gary, Lora Lee, Grace, Pete Vanin, Mark and Vicky, and for intermediate students. The third covering all of the areas of focus – a daunting in COVID Rapid Response funding we Tom and Daphne in New Denver and her close friends Grace Mills and classroom, recently vacated by Burton number for a Village with a small staff and received, we must be cautious of what lies Faith Sontag in Castlegar, and Carl and Daphne Halvorsen of Langdon, AB. Community Learning Centre, is being resources,” it says. “But we fulfilled 27 of ahead and how the money is spent.” January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 17 New Denver council, January 12: Voting opportunity coming soon for boundary extension by Kathy Hartman In the AAP, only voters who the Valley Voice. Between February announced at the March 19 council Fund Sustainable Affordable • Village residents will soon have are against the boundary extension 12 and March 15, voters who are meeting. Housing program. This program a chance to weigh in on the Denver register their votes. Those in favour against the boundary extension can The boundary extension is being provides funding to study how to Siding and area boundary extension. do nothing. If 10% or more of New register their dissent on an elector proposed mainly as a solution for achieve a net zero energy building To move forward, the boundary Denver’s eligible voters register response form, available from the Denver Siding water users. The for the proposed 10-unit affordable extension must be approved by the their dissent, the AAP fails and Village office or website. Completed Denver Siding water system has housing project. eligible voters of the municipality, the extension cannot move ahead. and signed forms must be returned been on boil water notice since The Village has already provided either through a referendum or the Should this happen, the Village to the Village office by 4 pm on April 2004 because it is a surface a letter of support for the society’s BC Alternate Approval Process (AAP). would likely hold a referendum. Monday, March 15, in person or via water system with no treatment. The Housing application. The NDAHS Council approved the AAP option, as Notice of the AAP is being given Canada Post. Emailed or faxed forms Village has received confirmation should hear back from BC Housing it is faster and less expensive than a through an advertisement in the will not be accepted. of funding to improve the Denver this spring. referendum. January 28 and February 11 issues of Results of the AAP will be Siding water distribution system if • Council voted to limit the boundary extension goes ahead, participation in council meetings to Silverton council, January 13: Acting Mayor Leah allowing Denver Siding residents to virtual only. In order to comply with connect to the Village water supply. the guidelines set by the provincial Main promises to take care of business The boundary extension takes in health officer, no members of the by Moe Lyons Councillor K. Gordon feels the on Wednesday a week before the Denver Siding, properties between public or the press may attend • Acting Mayor Leah Main byelection should be the top priority meeting. K. Gordon replied, “How New Denver and Denver Siding, and meetings in council chambers. made an opening statement to start and expressed deep concerns about can we assure the items make it there? properties outside of the Village that Members of the public or the press off the new year in the absence of an the timeline. She asked about the Because they’re not.” Main replied are already connected to the Village wishing to participate are encouraged elected mayor. “I am sitting here in possibility of hiring someone other councillors have the opportunity water system. to do so remotely via telephone or a mayoral ‘caretaker’ position in our than Elliott to be chief election to raise issues in the councillors’ • Council gave staff the go- video conferencing. Draft agenda established acting mayor rotation… officer, to fast track the process. reports. K. Gordon wound up by ahead to apply for three grants. One packages for regular council The business of the Village does CAO Elliot said she would try to saying, “These concerns are greater of the grants, from the National meetings will be posted publicly on not stop just because a particular report back on this at the February than my voice.” Association of Japanese Canadians, the Village website Friday afternoon permanent office is not filled, and meeting. • Councillor T. Gordon reported would provide $1,500 to recover before the meeting. Members of the it is my intention to take care of the • Correspondence from the that rat activity has picked up quite lost revenue during the closure of public are invited to submit written business of the Village during the Healthy Community Society a bit and wants to remind residents the Nikkei Centre in May and June comments regarding items on the time I sit in this chair. outlined the community composting to get trapping, and not to put food 2020. The other two grants, through agenda up until 4 pm on the day of “There is a pace to the business program, presented the program waste in their personal compost. the Canada Summer Jobs program the meeting. These comments will of local government, a schedule of budget, and asked what kinds of • Councillor T. Gordon also and the federal Young Canada Works be presented to council during the items that need attending to, and a support the program could expect reported on a “really productive” in Heritage Organizations program, ‘public comments’ portion of the roadmap of activities that need to from the Village. Council agreed campground project meeting and would provide wage subsidies for meeting. happen regardless of bumps in the (with Councillor K. Gordon said people can look forward to summer employees. The Village • Emma Beaton, Slocan political road. I will work closely opposed) to refer this to the more news soon. CAO Elliott said has accessed Canada Summer Jobs Valley Chamber of Commerce with our CAO and council to ensure upcoming Village budget discussion the contractors are “looking at the funding for many years to offset the manager, expressed the Chamber’s that Silverton meets all statutory – but not without considerable last pieces of the puzzle,” mainly costs of hiring summer students for appreciation to the Village for the and practical deadlines, remains discussion first. timelines for the permits from DFO the Nikkei Centre and the public upkeep of the local sidewalks and functional and well looked after, and Councillor Tanya Gordon and MOE. A draft will soon be works department. If funding is not trails along the dyke and thanked the can thrive in the coming months, wanted to know if a request for ready and a special meeting will be received for Nikkei Centre summer Village for the lighting installed on regardless of what challenges come support for the program would called. She said this was “reasonably staff, the digitization project will not the main street this holiday season. our way. come up every year, and wondered imminent.” proceed, and staffing levels in the gift The letter stated “These things “We will continue to meet if there would be compensation for • Councillor Yofonoff expressed shop will be reduced to minimum promote community pride and make virtually, in compliance with the Silverton’s loss of one composter. safety concerns with logging trucks levels. our village an inviting place for December 2 Public Health Order Main said she didn’t know if this from a private operation coming • The Village will provide a letter visitors and prospective residents. on Gatherings and Events, which, in would be an annual request, and down a decommissioned road of support for the New Denver and Be assured that the Chamber board part, restricts members of the public noted that Silverton has three directly behind her house. She Area Housing Society’s application and many local citizens are very from attending all local government composters, “which is what we said the homeowner had access to to the Federation of Canadian pleased with these community meetings and public hearings in started with.” Red Mountain Road as an alternate Municipalities Green Municipal improvements.” person.” Councillor K. Gordon said she route. She also said large trees are • Councillor Kerry Gordon and Councillor Arlene Yofonoff are falling down as a result, and she stated she felt that the appointments the Village liaisons to this program, believes these should be given to VILLAGE OF of councillors to various and haven’t been receiving reports the campground for firewood. Main committees, as determined at last on it. She suggested no money be said there was no policy on this, and NEW DENVER month’s meeting, should wait until offered to the project. the Village should seek clarification a new mayor had been elected. She Following the meeting, the on who has jurisdiction over the PUBLIC NOTICES requested a change to the minutes in manager of the compost project, decommissioned road. regards to the appointments. Main Julia Greenlaw, wrote a letter of • The application form and 2021 UTILITY BILLINGS replied that council had a statutory apology addressed to Councillor parameters for grants-in-aid are Invoices for 2021 water and garbage charges have been mailed duty to make these appointments K. Gordon and copied to all council attached to the agenda for perusal to property owners. If you have not received your invoice please on an annual basis, and that these members and the Village, assuring by the general public. Some grants- contact the Village Office. Please utilize the drop box located appointments could be revisited them they’d be kept up to date. in-aid are disbursed annually. These at front door if paying by cheque. Payments can be made in if deemed necessary or advisable Greenlaw acknowledged that include: Chamber of Commerce ($24 person at the Village Office (cash or debit) or through Kootenay after a new mayor is elected. She they had failed to put Councillors per business licence), Community Savings Credit Union’s online banking as well. said minutes could not be changed Yofonoff and K. Gordon on their Club ($1,000), Royal Canadian “to change what actually happened mailing list because they had been Legion ($50), Slocan Lake Arts Please note that a 5% penalty will be applied to all amounts at the meeting.” focusing on communicating with Council ($5,000). that have not been paid by February 15th, 2021. An additional • CAO Hillary Elliott was asked users of the service. • The meeting wound up with 5% penalty will be applied to all amounts that remain unpaid for a byelection update. She said Also during the discussion on the the public input session. Policy at October 1st, 2021. she had no new information since composting project agenda item, K. now states that questions will not last month’s meeting, and referred Gordon asked that all correspondence necessarily receive an immediate CENTENNIAL PARK PLANNING council to her report. The Village and communications always be in response, including questions is awaiting further correspondence the minutes available to the public. from the press. Don Broughton You are invited to help shape the future of Centennial Park. and clarification from Ministry of Main replied that correspondence asked some questions about the The Village is undertaking a comprehensive process to develop Municipal Affairs, Elections BC is in the agenda package, not in the campground planning documents a new Master Plan for Centennial Park. Public input will help and IHA re procedures for holding a minutes, and the public has access and was told by Councillor T. inform the design and master planning process moving forward. byelection during COVID-19. to the agenda packages. Gordon that the information he was As a first step in the public engagement process, we are asking Elliott has determined the K. Gordon also asked how asking for had been given to him you to provide feedback through a short survey. Visit our website approximate cost of the byelection councillors could participate in and to the contractors. Press asked for the link or pick up a paper copy at the Village Office. Your to be $6,000, based on the previous drafting the agenda. Main replied it a question about hiring for the participation is highly valued! election and the addition of an is not the job of council to construct byelection and was invited to meet option for all eligible voters to vote the agenda, and that council with Acting Mayor Main at a later 115 Slocan Avenue · P.O. Box 40, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 with a mail-in ballot. members can submit items by noon time for clarification. (250) 358-2316 · [email protected] · www.newdenver.ca 18 NAKUSP & THE ARROW LAKES The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 Nakusp council, January 11: From marina to arena, Nakusp ponders infrastructure needs by John Boivin, Local Journalism really affect the economics of this one on main floor). Each unit would meeting to forward a resolution to the presentation in November from Initiative reporter community,” the mayor commented. have proper parking as well as its Association of Kootenay-Boundary Hal Wright of Silversmith Power of Marina woes The issue went to council’s own yard to enjoy. Local Governments, which will Sandon. He told council his station News the Village may have to strategic planning meeting for further “Keeping it in its current location then forward it up to the provincial can produce clean, run-of-river take over operations of the marina discussion. will allow us to provide a beautiful organization, the Union of BC power, but they have a difficult time raised some concerns around the Arena heating study yard space for each rental unit as Municipalities. selling it to the grid. He was looking council table. rejected well as providing off street parking The motion calls on the Province for support from communities like The Village heard earlier this Councillors unanimously for them,” the proponents wrote to to allow municipalities to “have Nakusp to pressure the Province’s month the Nakusp Launch Club rejected a report that recommended council. the option to obtain and use Green utilities regulator to even the playing Society, which runs the facility, was the Village forget about producing Councillors did have some Energy within their communities to field for small, green producers. disbanding for lack of membership. biomass energy to heat and power concerns however, especially about reduce the increasing energy costs… Fire contract The society wants to turn in the keys the local arena, and instead go for a allowing smaller setbacks from the [and] to provide an alternate option The Village renewed its fire to council by the end of March. completely different system. property line. The proponents were that has low impact on aquatic protection agreement with the While Village staff seem The report by Rocky Point to have a chance to defend their ecosystems, habitat, land and RDCK, pretty much without confident they can manage the Engineering, which was hired by proposal at the January 26 council communities.” comment. The agreement allows for operation (with perhaps some hires), the Columbia Basin Trust to assess meeting. “This resolution is very, the portion of Area K just outside councillors were concerned about the the Village proposal, said biomass Green motion very important,” said Mayor Nakusp to receive fire services size of the project being taken on. wouldn’t meet the community’s Council is taking its push to Tom Zeleznik. “Hopefully all from Nakusp’s volunteer crew. The “This has the potential to have needs, and recommended instead be able to access green energy communities can get behind it, and RDCK is requesting to renew the significant impact on services and council use a proven system to save another step up the lobbying ladder. we can all have a say in green energy, agreement for five years, paying the taxation,” said Councillor Joseph money on the ice-making at the It passed a motion at its January not just clean energy.” Village $78,336 for the service in Hughes. “Look how much trouble community complex. The motion comes after a this first year. we have getting grants for the arena. The Village of Nakusp wants This would just be another massive to install a new biomass boiler Fee increases in future for Nakusp residents one on the list.” system to replace the existing electric by John Boivin, Local Journalism some hikes if council accepts staff infrastructure needs replacement. “That is correct,” agreed CFO boilers that provide domestic hot Initiative reporter recommendations. The report says “Rather than increasing rates Mark Tennant. water and hydronic heating to the By the time you read this, the the base fee for a new connection by 10% in five years to make Hughes suggested the council building. It could be expanded to fees for some services from the doesn’t cover actual costs. up for these changes, staff’s go to the community with the issue serve other buildings as well, and Village of Nakusp will likely be “Currently the new connection recommendation is to smooth it for consultation and direction. He would use local wood waste for increased. Council approved a new fee is the greater of $1,320 and out with 2% annual increases,” suggested the town could, as a last power generation. rate schedule for civic services actual cost. Staff recommends council was told. resort, turn the facility over to BC Council had gone to the CBT at its January 11 meeting, and amending the new connection fees This would result in an increase Hydro for removal. for a $100,000 grant for upgrading was expected to ratify them at its to the greater of $2,000 and actual of $8.54 in 2021 for a single-family Mayor Zeleznik said he was the facility’s systems for energy January 25 meeting. cost,” the report says. With a new dwelling. reaching out to MLA Katrine efficiency. Some of the changes are as well in the works and expanded Council needs to adopt the new Conroy for a meeting to see if she But the consultants found that follows. service, staff warn the Village fee structures by February 8 to have could intervene to help solve the “…at an estimated capital cost of The Winter Wednesday needs to replenish its reserves to it ready for the first billing period community’s ongoing problem $637,200 this is a very expensive discount at the Hot Springs will avoid rate shocks in the future when of 2021. with BC Hydro’s lack of support project and our analysis indicates no longer apply to tourists, just for the marina. He pointed out this cost will not be recovered over locals. “Many tourists show up Nakusp rail trail washout repair other communities on the lake have the estimated lifespan of the boiler; expecting to pay full price and breakwaters and boat launches therefore, we do not recommend end up receiving the discount,” project update maintained by Hydro, while Nakusp proceeding with this project.” staff note. by John Boivin, Local Journalism lands for a specific period of time is responsible for its own. The REALice system—at a cost While waste fees were “right Initiative reporter under specific terms and conditions “If it goes under, it could of about $40,000 – was a much better where they needed to be to Nakusp council’s January 11 from the Province. It’s not quite a investment, the consultant said. cover the cost of collection” last meeting opened with an update lease, but allows a certain user to The Hungry Barber The report did not impress year, that cost is going up, staff on efforts to repair the rail trail use an area for a specific purpose. council. warned. Expenses are anticipated on the outskirts of town that was Neufeld first asked for the LOO “I struggled with this, I think to increase by about 6.5% in damaged by a washout. Janice from council in October. Without there are some flaws in it,” said 2021. To cover the increase, staff Neufeld of the Kootenay Adaptive it they’ll deny the application, she Zeleznik, who’s been studying proposed increasing the cost of Sport Association attended the warned. biomass energy systems for years. Village bags from $3 to $3.25 and meeting virtually to tell council that “I really need to impress that the “I still think we have to go with non-residential receptacles from they needed to move quickly to get Licence of Occupation be moved Wednesday – Saturday biomass. We know it’s proven.” $21 per cubic metre to $22.50 per the project underway. upon, sooner than later,” she said. 10 am – 6 pm Councillor Ken Miller, who used cubic metre. Neufeld told council an It seems there was a bit of to work at the arena, agreed. It’s going to cost more to engineering estimate has set miscommunication while trying to 313 Hwy 23, Nakusp “The figures don’t seem to connect to the Village sewer system, repair costs for the trail at about get moving on the project. Neufeld 250-265-7258 jive. It’s theoretic, even the life as staff warned that connection fees $90,000. While KASA will do the said the Village CAO, Cheryl expectancy,” he says. “…I want to are substantially underpriced for fundraising, she said they needed to Martens, was looking for KASA to be convinced these work.” the cost. start by showing funding agencies get the funding first, before applying However, the Village CFO, “Typically, a straightforward that the local government was for the LOO. Mark Tennant, pointed out the grant connection will cost approximately behind their project. “That’s a Catch-22, I can’t apply application had to prove its numbers $2,300,” the report says. Currently “My confidence level is very for the funding and then get the made sense, and the consultant’s the new connection fee is the high at this point that we’ll have LOO. It has to come first.” report showed biomass wouldn’t; greater of $1,385 and actual cost. funding to move forward in 2021 to Through different organizations, so the particular grant council was Staff recommended amending the repair the washout,” she said. “What Neufeld hopes to raise the money for seeking might not be available. new connection fees to the greater needs to happen now, and I need the completion of the project. LOSING A PET CAN BE With only a day or two before the of $2,300 and actual cost. mayor and council to understand They also need a Memorandum TRAUMATIC!! grant deadline, councillors chose to Staff also recommends very clearly, is the first thing that of Understanding to ensure everyone All cats and dogs should have iden- stand down on the grant application. increasing sewer rates. An has to happen is the Licence of agrees to their roles in repairing the tification. A visible collar with their Ice House renos infrastructure report found that the Occupation.” trail. name and a phone number gets a A plan to do something with Village needed to put more into The LOO is necessary for her KASA will fundraise and lost pet returned quickly. Talk to your the old Ice House at 96 3rd Avenue its infrastructure reserve to cover group to apply for numerous grants, manage the project; the Village vet about permanent identification downtown is going forward to a capital replacement costs over the she said. will apply for the Licence of such as ears tattoos and microchip public hearing. The applicants want next 30 years. “At any point if they come back Occupation and chip in for the implants. For more information call to construct a new foundation for “While we understand 2020 was and ask if I have permissions in engineering work to be done; and PALS at 250-265-3792. the historic building, and are asking a difficult year financially for many, place, that I’ve done all the proper local trail organizations will commit staff recommends increasing sewer consultation, then I need to supply to maintaining the trail after repairs WEEKLY SPONSOR: council to allow for a reduction of the front yard setback from 16 feet rates at least 5% for 2021 ($22.61 that Licence of Occupation that are completed. to 1.25 feet. for a single-family dwelling) to basically proves all of that.” Mayor Zeleznik said he would The plan is to renovate the avoid falling farther behind in our A Licence of Occupation (LOO) look into where the Licence of Nakusp structure to accommodate two, two- capital replacement plan.” is a legal agreement authorizing the Occupation process is right now (250) 265-3635 www.selkirkrealty.com bedroom rental units (one up and Water rates are also going to see non-exclusive occupation of Crown with municipal staff. January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice KASLO & DISTRICT 19 Kaslo council, January 12: Support for housing, Legion, racquet club by John Boivin, Local Journalism board, not simply because a residential money. January. the project is a big job. Initiative reporter property owner feels like expanding,” • The Kaslo Raquet Club wants • Council approved a plan by the • Kaslo Hotel owner John Eckland In addition to waiving business wrote neighbour Rick Galbraith. the Village’s help in expanding their Kaslo Legion to apply for grants to wrote to council calling on it to ban Licence fees for 2021, Kaslo Village Village staff suggested that the facilities. The KRC wants to build start planning major renovations to Kaslo Jazz Fest, saying that the councillors accomplished a lot at the applicant consider revising their plans new pickleball courts, rehabilitate the their building. The organization is festival-free long weekend last January 12 meeting. to reduce the side setback variance playing surface of the existing courts, looking for $5,000 from the RDCK summer worked out just fine. (The • The push to bring affordable being requested. Recognizing that the install new fencing, lighting and install Community Development program to letter was published in the January housing to Kaslo got a boost from existing house and deck are already a small building with washroom. To get the work underway. The building, 14 Valley Voice.) Council received the the Village. At an in-camera meeting non-compliant, staff said some relief do that they need a long-term lease and constructed in 1901, needs significant letter as information. of the Committee of the Whole in from the requirements can be justified, some adjustments to the boundaries of repairs and even scoping and pricing December, council passed a motion to “but perhaps not to the extent being the property, located near the arena. support the Kaslo Housing Society’s proposed.” Council directed staff to investigate project if it receives funding. Council The applicant, however, didn’t the issue – there are technical and said it would contribute by rezoning show up, so council tabled the legal complications with trying to the site and providing the land either at hearing until its January 26 meeting expand in that area – and report back Since 1986 a nominal cost or as a long-term lease. to allow the applicant to answer some on the project. Since 1986 The support is being provided on questions. • The Village has chosen a Our cozy wool sweaters are the condition that there are long-term • The former owner of 439 View manager for its Front Street Park now on sale. legal agreements ensuring the project Street has found you can’t fight city construction project. Chris Temple Stop by and see us Tuesday through is for people needing affordable hall. The Village had placed a Notice will handle the construction of the Saturday, 10 am to 5:30 pm housing. on Title for bylaw violations and stage and washrooms and will be paid 250.353.2566 The motion was ratified at the property remediation in 2018, and a maximum of $15,000 for the job. 408 Front Street, Kaslo, BC www.figmentscanada.com January 12 council meeting. The put the property up for sale for unpaid The work is expected to be done by KHS project is now before funders taxes last year. early summer. for consideration. The property was sold by the • The Village is going to take • A Kaslo homeowning couple owner before the tax sale was finalized advantage of this year’s reconstruction is getting some pushback on plans to and the proceeds were used to redeem of the Highway 31 bridge over the expand a deck on their property. The the property. That turned out to be Kaslo River. The Province has offered owners of the house, on 245 A Avenue, a $30,000 payday for the Village. to include a sewer line connection want to reduce the setback from their The new owners have promised to across the river as part of the scope property line from 3.9 metres to 1.67 clean the site of noxious weeds by of the construction and design. The (approximately 13 feet to five feet) this spring, and with that pledge, the Village just has to pay for the pipe and metres to accommodate an addition Village has removed the notice from materials needed to install it – about to their existing deck. The project the land. $25,000 – saving the Village from would also require the overall limit “Staff have no concerns with the more expensive job of retrofitting for building coverage on the property removing the order and are happy to a pipe in the future. Engineers will to be increased from 40% to 50% to work with the new owners through the ensure the pipe will work with the accommodate the change. planning processes to redevelop the planned sewer expansion. In related Council held a public development property,” a report to council states. news, the Province has told the Village variance meeting to hear arguments Mayor Suzan Hewat declared a the bridge project may be ready to go for and against the change. Two conflict and removed herself from out for tender as early as the end of neighbours to the property wrote in to the discussion of the issue, as she’s a the hearing, objecting to the proposal. neighbour to the property. One said it would set a “dangerous • Staff will prepare a grant precedent.” application to government for the “Variances should be allowed replacement of the Kaslo Arena’s ice only when there are special needs, condenser. The project, expected to such as providing a wheelchair- cost $200,000-$250,000, can receive • Fresh Meat Cut Daily accessible ramp, or a small kiosk that 100% funding from one of the federal/ • Fresh & Frozen Seafood acts as an historical interpretation provincial COVID recovery pots of • Freezer Packs • Deli Sandwiches to go • Awesome Cheese Selection • Fresh & Smoked Sausage • Smoked Salmon • Awesome Beef Jerky An article on • Custom Cutting • Weekly Instore Specials this page was found to be incorrect and has been redacted 20 CLASSIFIED ADS The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 ANNOUNCEMENTS receive business plan instruction and for returnable bottles at the New Denver YOGA WITH TYSON * ONLINE! CARPENTER CREEK LAST BUDDY’S PIZZA, KASLO: Award- ongoing business training and coaching Recycling Depot. Fundraiser for Goat Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Feldenkrais WISHES SOCIETY provides winning, hand-stretched artisan pizza. while you start your business. And if Mountain Kids Centre. If you are classes. All ages. Info: call/text 250-551- information on preplanning for death 250-353-2282. you’re eligible you will usually also receive unable to make it these Saturdays but 8505, email [email protected], www. and advice for alternative funeral 2021 GRANT APPLICATIONS financial support for the first year. To learn would like to contribute, please email sacredearthsomatics.com. arrangements. Ph: 250-777-1974. www. from the Slocan Valley Legacy Fund - more call 265-3674 ext. 201 or email [email protected]. NOTICES carpentercreeklastwishessociety.ca deadline March 19. Guidelines and other [email protected]. FOR SALE REMINDER - VALLEY VIEW GOLF NELSON & AREA ELDER ABUSE helpful information available at www. THINKING OF STARTING, buying AFFORDABLE STEEL SHIPPING Course early bird rates end January 31. PREVENTION Resource Centre: 250-352- slocanvalleylegacy.com. or expanding your own business? If so, CONTAINERS 20 ft. and 40 ft. sizes. Check website www.golfvalleyview.ca or 6008 NelsonElderAbusePrevention@gmail. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Community Futures offers business loans, Kootenay Containers Sales & Rentals, Facebook page for rates. com/ www.nelsonelderabuseprevention.ca. WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY counseling & training; and delivers the Castlegar. 250-365-3014. ATTENTION “AIR” TV VIEWERS Drop-in Wednesdays 12-2 pm, 719 Vernon to live your dream and own your own Self-Employment program in the Arrow WATKINS PRODUCTS, HAND IN SILVERTON, NEW DENVER, Street, Nelson. Nelson and District Seniors business. Become the proud owner of the & Slocan Lakes area. For more info leave CRAFTS – Bertha Williams, #11 – 217 ROSEBERY, AND HILLS: Analog TV will Coordinating Society. Valley Voice and a quaint building on the a message at 265-3674 ext. 201 or email Zacks Rd. 250-265-9080. remain available until all the new Digital TV HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU main street of New Denver. The newspaper [email protected]. KIDS CLOTHES BY DONATION! licences are approved by Industry Canada KNOW been sexually assaulted and want business can provide a modest living for you CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Koots Kids Clothing Store, 222 Lake and CRTC. This might take a while, so keep help? Call the Interior Crisis Line 24/7 at and your family, and wonderful community THE NORTH VALLEY Mountain Ave., Silverton General Store. Open those antennas up and stay tuned! Area H 1-888-353-CARE to discuss your options or connections. If you are so inclined, we Film Festival is now accepting Thursdays and Saturdays 11am-3pm or by North TV Society. go directly to Arrow Lakes Hospital or your would love to show you the ropes and stay submissions of short films and digital appointment. Call 250-505-4610. ARE ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS local emergency room for confidential care. as long or as little as you need us. We have slideshows for its 2021 event. Visit www. HEALTH a problem in your life? AA, NA and AL- SILVERTON LAKESHORE INN is absolutely loved our life as newspaper northvalleyfilmfestival.com for event SHADE TREE MASSAGE THERAPY ANON (family) meetings can help. For looking for all the things taken from the people! Give us a call at 1-833-501-1700 for information and submission guidelines or now welcoming new and returning clients information on AA: in New Denver, 250- hotel as follows: all the archive pictures a chat, or email valleyvoice@valleyvoice. email inquires to northvalleyfilmfest@ for therapeutic and relaxation treatments. 358-7158; Nakusp, 250-265-4216; Kaslo, that were displayed in hallway, BA sign ca. Yours, Dan & Jan. gmail.com Clean, quiet, professional office located 250-353-9617. For NA: New Denver, 250- orange and blue, grandfather clock, air WORK YOUR DREAM JOB and be COMING EVENTS in Winlaw. Jessica Coonen RMT 250 551-4043. For AL-ANON (family): New conditioners in all the rooms, 5 old yellow your own boss with help from the Self BOTTLE DRIVE - Saturday January 226-6887 shadetreemassagetherapy@ Denver, 250-551-6540. Please, if you can’t hockey jerseys in frame with broken glass, Employment program at Community 30 and February 6, a bin will be available fastmail.com get through, try another number. and numerous other things. Please return, Futures! Through this program you will no questions asked.

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Sharie Merrifield 25 years experience Email: [email protected] (That is a zero, not an ‘0’) New Winter Hours: Tel: (250) 358 - 6806 Wednesday – Saturday Support the Valley Voice with Support the Valley Voice with a voluntary subscription Personal Classifieds start at $8.00 11 am - 4 pm Only $5-$50 Call 1-833-501-1700 for details Send Cheque to: Valley Voice, Box 70 a voluntary subscription Closed Sunday – New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 email: [email protected] Tuesday Main Street, New Denver Only $5-$50 250-358-2178 January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice CLASSIFIED/COMMUNITY 21 NOTICES SILVERTON LAKESHORE INN is Selkirk College pre-med program invites community support looking for people who have witnessed: submitted of post-secondary options. A leader in In addition to the JSC, the program The endowment will support students heavy machinery driving on our septic field, heavy machinery piling snow on our Selkirk College’s Rural Pre- both the classroom and the community, receives financial support from regional by lessening the financial stress they septic field, slander against the hotel or hotel Medicine (RPM) Program is providing the 18-year-old has already discovered hospital auxiliaries and the Kootenay experience at the beginning of an owner. Please email buyriteautosales@ a successful post-secondary start for the benefits of a close-to-home start to Boundary Division of Family Practice, academic pathway that can take as many hotmail.com. future healthcare professionals. his education. contributing more than over $6,000 as ten years to complete. PETS Growing up at the end of a dirt “The positive skills and habits that annually towards scholarships for To donate to the Selkirk College NO SIT! Not your usual dog training class. road along the shores of Duncan Lake one is encouraged to build through graduates of local high schools. Rural Pre-Medicine Endowment Find the AMAZING in your dog. www. in Howser, Jace Lamoureux’s ambition the program helps me develop what is The program is now inviting Fund, contact Jonathan Vanderhoek at proudofmydog.ca needed to succeed not only academically, members of the public to participate as [email protected] or get more SERVICES to become a medical doctor started in but in anything I do in life,” he says. part of a community initiative to develop information at: https://selkirk.ca/donate- BLAZE KING/VALLEY COMFORT September at Selkirk College, a place Wood, Electric & Oil specialist: sales, that feels custom-designed for his needs. “Through diverse and comprehensive an RPM Scholarship Endowment. today installations, service inspection & A member of the first-year RPM cohort courses, along with the additional consultations. Duct cleaning & sanitizing; and graduate of Kaslo’s JV Humphries coaching and preparation, I am acquiring Ductwork, Chimneys, Oil tank removals, School, Lamoureux did not need to look the essentials needed to prepare me for BC ventilation solutions & HRV design far to find the right fit. what I will be facing down the road in and installations. K.F. Kootenay Furnace “This school is an incredible my pathway to medical school.” Ltd. 250-355-0088. transition for rural students,” says The RPM Program was created in JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER and “B”- ticket gasfitter for new construction or Lamoureux. “To go from a school consultation with stakeholders from renovation plumbing, water systems/ with less than 300 K-12 students to medicine and medical education. As the filtration, septic. 250-777-3588 (Tim); a university in a big city would be program continues towards its next stage www.paradisevalleyplumbing.ca or email: very difficult. The RPM Program is a of development, one of its foundational [email protected]. lot of hard work, but the education is funding partners has provided a boost WANTED personalized and it is very helpful to for the future. A partnership between NEWLY RETIRED COUPLE looking to have that strong connection with your the Doctors of BC and the Ministry of rent in beautiful New Denver or Silverton, Health, the Joint Standing Committee from April 1 to October 1, 2021. We have instructors.” been coming to New Denver in the summer A stellar academic student and on Rural Issues (JSC) has renewed its for more than 20 years. We would love valedictorian for his 23 classmates commitment to the Selkirk College to spend the whole summer there. Local who graduated from his high school program with a further $1.074 million Raised in Howser north of Kaslo, Jace Lamoureux is a first-year student in the Rural Pre- reference available. 250-231-2834. in 2020, Lamoureux had no shortage in funding for 2022-2024. Medicine Program at Selkirk College. BUSINESS DIRECTORY CONSTRUCTION • HOME • GARDEN HALL LUMBER MADDEN TIMBER CONSTRUCTION, INC. & BUILDING SUPPLIES Wired by Alex Your ad HPO Licenced Builder & Red Seal Carpenter Open Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat Electrical Contracting Ltd 10 am to 5 pm TimberFrame Homes PHONE 250-269-0043 Stairs, Interior Finishing, Drywall Find us at 280 Lower Inonoaklin Rd. Alex Joseph could be Concrete and Excavation Edgewood, BC Roofing and Siding Custom Design here for Wood and Timber Sales 250-358-7721 mobile (250) 551-TIME (8463) [email protected] K & A Kent & Arlene Yardcare Services only $19.50 250 265 1807 Housewatch • Free Estimates 358-2508 • 358-7785 • 505-8210 [email protected] + GST Crescent Bay Construction Ltd. SOLID Jim Pownall Eric Waterfield — Septic Planning/Installation & Co. Nakusp, BC • Ph. 250 265-3747 • Fx. 250 265-3431 Indoor Garden PLAN • Email [email protected] Supplies DRAFTING AND DESIGN LOG & TIMBER Tim Reilly Castlegar S. 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Your ad could be here for only TUES $11.00 + GST ADVERTISING GIFTS Hand & Soul Support the SUPPORT FOR Wellness Centre Your ad 202 Lake Avenue, Silverton Valley Voice YOUR SPIRIT CHIROPRACTOR: Dr. Larry Zaleski with a voluntary Bi-weekly book study, bi- could be Over 30 years experience of Spinal Health Care weekly services, Tuesday Offices in Silverton, Winlaw & Nakusp 250-358-2177 8 am meditation, monthly subscription Contemplative in the Kootenays here for COUNSELLOR: Sue Mistretta, M.A. Over 20 years counselling experience supporting For information & links, contact Your ad could clients experiencing stress, anxiety, grief and other Only $5-$50 [email protected] only $19.50 life changes. In person and Secure Video sessions. Turner Zion United Church of be here for only Now offering somatic therapy. Offices in Silverton Send Cheque or Money Order to: Canada is alive and welcomes and Nelson. 250-777-1704 Valley Voice, Box 70, you online—and in person. + GST Visit www.handandsoul.ca New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 $11.00 + GST January 28, 2021 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 23 RDCK noise bylaw expanded to include Area H by John Boivin, Local Journalism knocking down offender’s doors. Allen says at the discretion of when the noise started and stopped, to the bylaw, including emergency Initiative reporter “First step always taken is the bylaw officer, courtesy action she said. “[The bylaw officer will] repairs to a dwelling, garage, or Residents of the Slocan Valley through education of the bylaw may be taken on receipt of one identify the type of noise that is signage; farm animals located on will now have recourse if they suffer and encouragement to comply with noise complaint. That means only causing concern (parties, loud live ALR land that has a class designation from a chronically noisy neighbour. requests made,” says Grace Allen, that bylaw officers will bring the or recorded music, hooting and of agriculture under a zoning The board of directors of the bylaw enforcement team leader provisions of the bylaw to the hollering, animal-related noises, bylaw; and public works for road the Regional District of Central for the RDCK. attention of the person of interest, etc.), identify the location of where maintenance or repairs. Kootenay approved a motion at its Under the RDCK bylaw, Allen’s identify the hours the bylaw is the noise emanates and follow up Emergency sirens from fire, January 21 meeting to expand its office must receive two letters of in affect, and request voluntary by notifying the person of interest ambulance, police and other noise bylaw to include Area H – the complaints against the same source compliance. of the bylaw provisions and request signalling devices deployed for Slocan Valley and the north end of of noise for a file to be opened for On receipt of two written voluntary compliance.” safety are also exempt. Pass Creek. investigation. Then, a series of complaints, the bylaw officer will Should the notices be ignored, But don’t expect the ‘noise escalating actions takes place from ask each complainant to keep a noise Allen says a written warning can then Next Valley Voice police’ to be patrolling the area, there. log that contains information such as be issued to the person of interest. The written warning is to bring the Deadline: New owners for New Market Foods in New Denver fine amount to the person’s attention February 5, by Jan McMurray the business and will continue to be.” by local contractors and tradesmen and advise a fine will be issued if 2021 New Market Foods in New Janice and Vern have been from December 2010 to May 2011. compliance is not met. Denver is changing hands. Vern and training the new owners since Opening day had to wait several If the problem continues and Janice Gustafson will hand over the December, and have indicated that weeks until BC Hydro hooked up more complaints are received, a fine keys to New Denver natives Teresa they will still be available to help if the power. of up to $200 per offence (plus court and Kieth Steenhoff on February 2. needed. Teresa and Kieth say they “It was very exciting building the fees) can be issued. “We’re really excited!” says will both take on active roles in the business from the ground up,” Janice Allen notes there are exemptions Teresa. “We both grew up in New store. “The store has amazing staff says. “We tried to source products Denver and are raising our family who are all great at their jobs. We that our customers wanted. Creating here. We knew we wanted to stay plan to learn from all of them and an outlet for local producers to sell living here but we were both ready see where we can fit in,” Teresa said. their products was a particular high for a change from our current careers, Kieth comes from a construction point for us. The lows were things we so we were looking for a business and mining background and Teresa couldn’t control, like late deliveries opportunity. The more we looked has been in the insurance business. and products simply not arriving.” into purchasing New Market Foods, Teresa has worked in grocery stores Janice and Vern also grew up in the more we realized it would be the before, “but overall this is a new New Denver. They spent 30 years right fit.” adventure for us both,” she says. in Golden, and then returned to Teresa and Kieth say they have “We would like to thank Janice and New Denver to be closer to their no plans for major changes. “Janice, Vern for giving us this opportunity. parents and siblings. “New Denver Vern and their staff have done an Without their help and guidance this is where we wanted to spend the rest amazing job running the store and would not have been possible.” of our lives,” says Janice. “In our making it a place people want to Janice and Vern opened the store retirement, when we are able to travel come and support. Our goal is to on June 11, 2011. After attempts again, we would like to go to Golden keep that up. We may make a few to buy two local grocery stores, and Whitehorse and spend some small adjustments to make it feel they decided it would be best to time with our kids and grandkids. like our own, but overall we have no build a new store that would meet But we’re here to stay – I think we plans for major changes. Local food the community’s needs for several will even do some gardening this and products is an important part of years to come. The store was built summer!”

Kieth & Teresa Steenhoff have purchased New Market Foods in New Denver from Janice & Vern Gustafson. We’re passing our business on to Teresa & Kieth Steenhoff

Wishes the best for our regional community in 2021! The Valley Voice is still going strong, thanks to you! HUGE thanks to our readers, advertisers, contributors, subscribers and voluntary subscribers. We ask for your continued support in 2021: • Consider a voluntary subscription – a contribution towards our cost of delivering the Valley Voice to your mailbox. Suggested amount is $10 - $50. • Tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in the Valley Voice. • Advertise with us. • Keep submitting those letters and articles. Proud to be producing an independently and locally owned regional community newspaper Thank you for your patronage over the last 10 years! in the West Kootenay! Vern & Janice Gustafson website: www.valleyvoice.ca • email: [email protected] Tel: Toll-free 1-833-501-1700 • Box 70, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0 24 COMMUNITY The Valley Voice January 28, 2021 Trust seeks true measure of internet speeds in valley towns by John Boivin, Local Journalism Corporation. “The federal government “We definitely want to take the test and they need to fill out the form “The federal program is already Initiative reporter determines eligibility based on the advantage of any government giving their internet package info.” oversubscribed and the Trust’s The Columbia Basin Trust wants connectivity data found on their map. programs that will provide funding for Split applications application may not be successful,” residents of some Valley communities “So if a community is deemed connectivity projects,” says Hoodicoff. The snag created by the federal map says Hoodicoff. “We would need to to let it know how fast their internet to have access to 50/10 [the federal “Connectivity projects are expensive has the Columbia Basin Broadband continue to work with communities connection is – and it needs the standard for up/down connection and require more funding than the Corporation splitting the funding and the Southeastern BC Regional information as soon as possible. speed], then it doesn’t qualify.” Trust and local communities can bring request into two parts. Broadband Committee to look at other But so far, the response to the While large areas of the Slocan forward.” “In order to increase our options for funding these projects.” Trust’s request has been “very low.” Valley don’t meet the federal 50/10 However, the CBBC can only make likelihood of success, the Trust will The Slocan Valley Fibre Optic The CBT is calling on residents connection threshold, Ottawa’s maps the appeal if they get a survey response be putting forward an application Project was announced in March of five Slocan Valley communities to say those five communities do have from 20% of the residents in the area. that includes communities that are 2019, and envisions a $10.2 million take part in a speed test before the end adequate service, and thus won’t qualify So far, she says they’re not getting a definitely eligible,” she says. “We high-speed cable line from just north of the month. for funding support for connecting from good response. will put in a second application with of Nakusp to the Playmor Junction. The The goal is to gather information the main trunk line to individual homes. “The good news is over 3,800 the communities currently deemed project’s seen delays due to licencing for an appeal of a federal assessment “But what we’ve heard from speed tests have been done in the ineligible, along with supporting complications, but officials hope to that the internet service is fast enough residents is that they are still not getting Basin! This data will be useful for us,” data to dispute the current mapping start laying cable later this year. The in Nakusp, Rosebery, New Denver, adequate connectivity,” says Hoodicoff. Hoodicoff says. “Unfortunately, only a information.” completion for the main trunk is Silverton and Slocan. “… but it’s up to us to prove that, hence small number of tests met the criteria. But it may be an uphill battle to get scheduled for mid-2022, but connecting Hundreds of thousands of dollars of the request to residents to conduct a “Folks who live in that specific area the money, even if the CBT can bring a the line to individual homes may take support for completing the high-speed speed test. “ that’s in dispute, they need to complete successful argument to the table. several years beyond that. internet project may be at stake. Deadline looms for survey “The Trust is submitting an But time is running out. To meet Stubbornly high COVID numbers prompt plea from BC Health application to the federal government’s an appeal deadline, the Trust is asking by John Boivin, Local Journalism across the province, though, health 1,034 active cases as of Monday, Universal Broadband Fund to support residents of those five communities to Initiative reporter officials warned on Monday we were with 50 people hospitalized and 11 ‘last mile’ projects in the Basin,” says test their internet speeds at the RDCK The first weeks of January have on the brink of skyrocketing case in intensive care. There have been a Delphi Hoodicoff, a spokesperson website, ourtrust.org/speedtest. You seen inoculation plans slowed across numbers. They pleaded with British total of 62 deaths in the region since for the Columbia Basin Broadband have until January 31. the province as vaccine supplies Columbians to redouble efforts to the pandemic began. temporarily dry up, while a handful stay at home and social distance. Meanwhile, international of cases continue pop up regularly in “This is about doing more,” supply problems continue to slow the West Kootenay. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie vaccination plans. Though mid-month was overall Henry said. “This is the most While just under 120,000 doses a bit better for the region, BC Centre challenging of times for us. This is have been delivered already, Henry for Disease Control figures show not the time to falter. Despite us being said deliveries are going to slow for the Arrow Lakes subregion, which tired and frustrated and wanting it to the next three weeks. She says that’s includes Nakusp, New Denver and be over. We need to hang in there, we prompted public health officials to Silverton, with a single COVID are so close.” extend the second dose date to 42 case between January 10 and 16. The Province reported 346 new days. That will allow them to at The Nelson subregion had two cases Monday, with 54 in the Interior least partially protect society’s most cases. However, the rest of the Health region, which includes the vulnerable, Henry said. Kootenay Boundary – Grand Forks, Valley Voice readership area. As of “This is about putting out fires Castlegar, Creston and Kootenay press time, there are 4,392 active before they get out of control,” she Lake subregions – all had no new cases in the province, with 328 people says. “…we will make up these infections during the period. hospitalized. There were 26 deaths doses, we will be providing the With new variants spreading and provincially over the weekend. second doses to everybody as soon numbers remaining stubbornly high The Interior Health region had as we possibly can.”