Radon report: not great P2
Tourism down but not out P3
Digital economy soars P9
Local ski business outlook P15
Thursday, October 15th, 2020 Volume 11 Issue 38 PM42164515
$2.00 GST INCLUDED A COVID-19 Halloween P7 ($1.30 when you subscribe) Ski hill access GRAD CLASS pitched for gets creative COVID relief By Andru McCracken
In a report to Valemount Council, Economic Development Officer Silvio Gislimberti ventured that the path to rebuilding the economy post COVID-19 should be downhill. As in downhill skiing. Gislimberti advised council that the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP), a provincial grant, could be used to build bridge access over the McLennan River to a proposed ski hill on Mount Trudeau. Gislimberti said that Valemount Glacier Destinations Ltd., the current Recreation Controlled Area tenure holder, would contribute to the project by providing engineered bridge drawings and a geotechnical study for the bridge RE-ELECT abutments. “Once completed, the bridge could be owned and operated by the Valemount Community Forest. This bridge will also represent substantialRE-ELECT cost savings for RE-ELECTShirley logging operationsRE-ELECT in the McLennan valley,” he said. In the near term, the bridge would facilitate access to a community handle-tow BOND lift planned by theRE-ELECT Valemount Ski Society. Shirley Gislimberti said thatShirley the ski society is in the process of applying for permits to operate a Prince George-Valemount community ski hill through the Mountain Resort Branch of the Province of BC. BOND He estimated theBOND cost of the bridge at GRAD $850,000. Shirley Gislimberti said the Prince George-Valemount grant aims to supportPrince CONT’D George-Valemount ON P3 CALENDAR Andrew Wilkinson BOND The Community Birthday Calendar has been a fundraiser for the Graduating LeaderClass ofof theMcBride BC Liberal Secondary Party School for the past 45 years. This year, due to the small class size as well as COVID-19 restrictions on door-to-door sales, the class has been selling from a Irene Berndsen table just outside AG foods, but sales have been low. 2021 high school grads Tyler and Destiny work with Marty Kelly at the table set Prince George-Valemount Sales PRINCE GEORGE up outside AG Foods in McBride. /ANDREA ARNOLD Andrew Wilkinson ASPIRE REALTY Irene Berndsen Leader of the BC Liberal Party Andrew2018 MLS Award Winner Wilkinson serving McBride, nd MCBRIDE Valemount and the Robson Valley By Andrea Arnold AG Foods.A strong With just economic two more days recovery of plan14 and to Friday, October 16 from 11:45- 851-2ASPIRE Avenue REALTY [email protected] ofof thethe BCBC LiberalLiberal PartyParty - full duplex [email protected] table sales planned, Wednesday, October 1:15pm, for orders and payment (cash - 2 - 3bdrm 2bthrm units www.mountainviewrealty.ca restore confidence and rebuild BC www.mountainviewrealty.ca- full basement The Community Birthday Calendar has 14 and Friday, October 16, sales are low. only). $229,000 - let your tenants help with the mortgage! McBride 250-569-7397 been a fundraiser for the graduating class The cost of these calendars remains $11. If you want to support the 2021 Grad McBride 250-569-7397 Personal Real Estate Corporation Andrew Wilkinson of McBride Secondary School for the past SubmissionImmediate of birthday, actions anniversary to supportand/ class small through the purchase of a calendar Bell Mountain Road Andrew Wilkinson2044 Museum Road see LISTINGS ON Leader of the BC Liberal Party 45 years. This year, due to the small class or memorialA businessstrong information economic and localis not recovery requiredfamilies planbut canto not make it to the store during MCBRIDE Leader of the BC Liberal PartyMCBRIDE - 42 acres 8 km fromA McBride strong economic recovery plan- 5+ acresto minutes from McBride size (around 5 students) as well as COVID to purchaserestore one. confidence and rebuildthese BC times you can order directly through BACK- Power to property PAGE and great - some pasture/hay some treed access - community water - nice views restrictions on door to door sales, the class Grads will be available at the table the high school office at 250-569-2295. - Close to Bell Mountainrestorerestore Rec Area confidenceconfidence andand rebuildrebuild BCBC- backs onto farm land $173,000 - Excellent for recreation or hobby $150,000 outsideSafer AG Foods communities on Wednesday, and October a pathway to farm has been selling from a table just outside Immediate actions to support small PRINCE GEORGErecovery - fromVALEMOUNT drug addiction business and local families 946-5th AvenueImmediateImmediate actionsactions toto supportsupport smallsmall8985 Crescent Spur Rd SOLD MCBRIDEA strong economic recovery plan toCRESCENT SPUR A strong economic recovery - Large 2 Storey homebusiness with suite and local families - 386 acres rural property -Large - Includes doublerestore garage with alley confidence and rebuild BCshop,- cottage and unique 9700 RE-ELECTaccess restore confidence and rebuild BCsq ft home to be finished. plan torestore confidence Safer communitieswww.bclib.ca/shirleybond and a pathway to - central location - great views - Include fields, pasture and - currently rented. wooded areas - Panoramic views $249,000 $849,000 - spectacular Mt. Ryder and rebuild BC PRINCE GEORGErecovery - fromVALEMOUNT drug/ShirleyBondforBC addiction @shirleybond ImmediateImmediateSafer communities actionsactions toto and supportsupport a pathway smallsmall to Immediate actions to Shirley3115 River Bend Rd 910 Airport Road A strong economic recovery @shirleybondpg businessrecoveryrecovery and fromfrom local drugdrug families addictionaddiction support small business and 1-800-567-2257 MCBRIDE MCBRIDE plan torestore confidence www.bclib.ca/shirleybond RE-ELECT - Mobile home park on 4.3 acres - 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cottage local families [email protected] - beautiful setting on the Dore style home - 1 beautiful acre in BONDRiver the village - great views and rebuild BC /ShirleyBondforBC -10 rental pads - great tenants - newer shop, decks and out $279,000 - Within 911www.bclib.ca/shirleybond FireSafer responseRE-ELECT area. communities$318,000www.bclib.ca/shirleybond and a pathwaybuildings to - very private - totally Safer communities and @shirleybond fenced and landscaped. Immediate actions to @shirleybondpg Shirley recoveryrecovery /ShirleyBondforBC fromfrom drugdrug/ShirleyBondforBC/ShirleyBondforBC addictionaddiction a pathway to recovery v th support small business and 1-800-567-2257 1180-5 AvenueShirley@shirleybond @shirleybond@shirleybond #11 3115 River Bend Rd from drug addiction VALEMOUNT @shirleybondpgNEW @shirleybondpg MCBRIDE local families [email protected] BOND- high visual - highBOND traffic lot - comfortable and affordable PRINCE GEORGE - VALEMOUNT- centre of town - corner lot 250-961-7851 - over 1200 sq ft - good condition 1-800-567-2257 - nice deck and fenced yard - prime www.bclib.ca/shirleybondcommercialRE-ELECTPrince - cleared George-Valemount www.bclib.ca/shirleybond Safer communities and AUTHORIZEDAUTHORIZED BY DAVID BY GOLDSMITH, DAVID GOLDSMITH, FINANCIAL FINANCIAL AGENT AGENT FOR FOR THE BC BC LIBERAL LIBERAL PARTY PARTY | 1-800-567-2257 | 1-800-567-2257 - [email protected] uses - quiet rural park $159,000 /ShirleyBondforBC $56,[email protected]@bcliberals.com /ShirleyBondforBC/ShirleyBondforBC a pathway to recovery Shirley@shirleybond @shirleybond@shirleybond from drug addiction BOND @shirleybondpg @shirleybondpg PRINCE GEORGE - VALEMOUNT 250-961-7851 Prince George-Valemount1-800-567-2257 AUTHORIZED BY DAVID GOLDSMITH, FINANCIAL AGENT FOR THE BC LIBERAL PARTY | 1-800-567-2257 [email protected]@[email protected]
AUTHORIZEDAUTHORIZED BYBY DAVIDDAVID GOLDSMITH,GOLDSMITH, FINANCIALFINANCIAL AGENTAGENT FORFOR THETHE BCBC LIBERALLIBERAL PARTYPARTY || 1-800-567-22571-800-567-2257
AUTHORIZEDAUTHORIZED BYBY DAVIDDAVID GOLDSMITH,GOLDSMITH, FINANCIALFINANCIAL AGENTAGENT FORFOR THETHE BCBC LIBERALLIBERAL PARTYPARTY || 1-800-567-22571-800-567-2257 2 Thursday, October 15th, 2020 In Print | Online | therockymountaingoat.com Radon campaign reveals high levels of radioactive gasses in many homes
Radon enters the home through contact with the ground. Several homes in both communities tested above 200 becquerels per cubic meter. The study didn’t reveal any above 600bq/m3. /TAKE ACTION ON RADON
By Andru McCracken Where does it come from? and then shipped to the lab for testing. Results of the tests Radon gas is the natural result of trace amounts of are only communicated to homeowners to protect their Results from a campaign to test radon levels in Valemount uranium naturally breaking down. Radon enters homes privacy. and McBride are back and tests show that 10 per cent of from the ground. Radon tests can be purchased at Robson Valley Home homes in Valemount and 17 per cent of homes in McBride Hardware in McBride and Valemount Home Hardware. reported levels higher than 200 becquerels per cubic metre. What can be done? Taking action The B.C. average is eight per cent of homes. It’s pretty simple to deal with. Radon is emitted from the That measurement, becquerels per cubic metre, is a ground, so installing a fan to exhaust air from the ground “Many Canadians still don’t know that radon is the leading measure of radioactivity and 200 becquerels per cubic metre around your home can prevent radon from building up. cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and that simply is the limit outlined by Health Canada. Anything above that How new or old your house is, isn’t a good indication of reducing radon exposure can save lives,” said Warkentin. indicates something should be done to mitigate radon levels. whether you will have problems with radon. The only way to “We commend the villages for their leadership in bringing In all, 62 radon testing kits were deployed in Valemount know for sure, according to Pam Warkentin, the Executive attention to this cancer-causing gas and helping its residents and 41 kits were deployed in McBride. Director of the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists test their homes.” In a letter to the village councils, Pam Warkentin urged and Technologists and the Project Manager for Take Action Warkentin said that long-term exposure to high levels of both councils to continue playing a role in raising awareness on Radon, is to test for it radon damages the DNA in lung tissue and is currently about radon. Test kits were provided for free to homeowners that signed leading to over 3,000 Canadian deaths each year – more up for the program, the results of the test for each home than the combined toll of car collisions, house fires, carbon What’s the fuss about Radon? were kept confidential but the data is being shared at a monoxide poisoning and drowning combined. Radon is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas and the community level. If the radon level is high (above 200 Bq/m3), homeowners leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. A campaign should take action to reduce it by consulting a certified called ‘Take Action on Radon’ was spearheaded by a How do I test for it? radon reduction specialist. coalition of national health organizations including the A radon detector is placed in your home for three months Canadian Cancer Society. New titles in store! DESCRIPTION SAPIENS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF HUMANKIND 100,000 years ago, at least six species of human inhabited the earth. Today there is just one. Homo Sapiens. How did our species succeed? NON-FICTION BY YUVAL NOAH HARARI
SONGS FOR THE END OF THE WORLD A moving and hopeful meditation on what we owe to ourselves and to each
FICTION other. It reminds us that disaster can bring out the best in people - and that coming together may be what saves us in the end. BY SALEEMA NAWAZ
FORAGING WITH KIDS: 52 Wild and Free Edibles to Enjoy with your children GUIDE A fun, informative and practical introduction to safely foraging with kids. BY ADELE NOZEDAR To order a book The RMG email [email protected] Located at 1170 5th Avenue, Valemount, B.C. Bookstore ACROSS FROM THE IGA DOWNTOWN Valemount | McBride | Dunster | Blue River Thursday, October 15th 2020 3 Robson Valley tourism, down but not out cont’d from A1 By Fran Yanor / Legislative Reporter was able to hire back all his staff, albeit Ski hill access... working reduced hours at the beginning of Despite the pandemic, BC summer travel summer, he said. reached 70 per cent of 2019 levels, and International travellers usually make up while the accommodations sector dropped at least 50 per cent of Stellar Descents’ 50 per cent in every region of the province, clientele. domestic visitors kept the lights on for a few In a normal summer, many of his rafters Robson Valley businesses. stop by during an RV tour of the province, “The season was positive enough for us he said. The usual RV route begins in that we’ll open in 2021,” said Jim Gillese, Vancouver or on Vancouver Island and owner of Stellar Descents in Tete Jaune. wends its way across the province, through “We did well for surviving a recession and a the Robson Valley, into Alberta and the pandemic. We did well.” Rockies, ending in Calgary. Or vice versa. Gillese and his team of river guides lead McBride also catches travellers along the raft loads of tourists (and locals) through Alaska route. the Fraser, Holmes and Doré river rapids, It wasn’t the best summer, agreed Pat and conduct float tours on the Fraser. Reimer, co-owner of iRVin’s RV Park and “The season was positive, for sure, (given) Campground in Valemount. the circumstances,” said Gillese “But it was “It was a very, very slow start to the certainly way down.” season,” Reimer said. But by early summer,
The proposed community ski hill is shown just west of the Valemount airport (airport visible in bottom left corner).
the Province’s goals of resiliency and the emerging needs of the post pandemic B.C. economy through investing in projects that consider the benefits of residents, local businesses and improve the visitor experience. “In partnership with the Valemount Ski Society and with the support of local organizations VARDA, YORA, Valemount Chamber, and Community Forest, staff is recommending the Village submit an application to a bridge over the McLennan River, 3.6 km west from Valemount’s airport, in order to considerably facilitate the access to the West Ridge area and to Mount Trudeau,” he said. “This is a shovel ready project that will provide local job opportunities and immediate economic stimulus for Valemount and the Robson Valley. This new piece of infrastructure will be open for public use and be both community- and visitor- oriented. This project will also support the recovery of the tourism sector in Valemount and the Robson Valley by providing a new access to an unsurpassed Rocky Mountain experience namely, stunning views of Mount Robson from the Premier Range.” Zoe and Curtis Pawliuk enjoy a moment in the great outdoors. “It’s pretty easy to social distance in the back country,” said Pawliuk, general manager of Valemount Area Recreation Development Association. // Photo by Boosted Imagery
Accommodations sector : traffic picked up a lot. The accommodations sector was hit While Reimer also missed the especially hard with every region in B.C. international travellers, Canadians filled down at least 50 per cent, said Ingrid enough of the gap to save the season. Jarrett, president and CEO of the B.C. Hotel “People realized that RVing was a pretty Association. safe way to travel,” Reimer said. “Going into the winter, there is significant concern for our businesses.” said Jarrett. Great Canadian outdoors “Not only the accommodation sector, According to research by Destination but all the other businesses that are Canada, about 25 per cent of British interconnected with us.” Columbians surveyed in August 2020 said Data from the Robson Valley Visitor they’d like to stay in a campground or RV Centre in McBride revealed a similar drop park, and 22 per cent said they’d like to in traffic – mostly attributed to the loss of kayak, canoe, or paddle board (there was American and overseas travellers – along no river rafting category) on their next with an uptick in domestic visitors. vacation. Meanwhile, the B.C. accommodations The pandemic may have rekindled We encourage you to contact market reached 31 per cent occupancy for Canadians‘ love of the outdoors. 2020 with the same projected for 2021. About 45 per cent of Canadians surveyed us by phone or email: According to Destinations BC, 2019 hotel this summer said they’d like to hike, walk, occupancy rates ranged from 57 per cent in or take in natural attractions like mountains January to 86 per cent in August. and waterfalls on their next vacation. [email protected] “Even though we saw some strength in Which may account for the high July and August, it’s a mere fraction of traffic levels at the Valemount Bike Park 250-566-4606 what we need to see to make sure that our managed by Valemount Area Recreation businesses stay solvent,” Jarrett said. Development Association (VARDA) over Shortly before the election, the provincial the past summer. government announced $100 million in “Some weekends, we were actually a little funding for the tourism sector as part of the bit busier than last year,” said VARDA COVID-19 economic recovery plan. The General Manager Curtis Pawliuk. funding included community grants up to “I think it’s probably one of the healthiest $15,000 and $50 million to be disbursed by things you can do right now is to get a specially-appointed task force, of which outside,” said Pawliuk. “It’s pretty easy to Jarrett is a member. socially distance in the backcountry and on Businesses need relief measures such as a trails.” cut in property taxes, reduced B.C. Hydro rates, and low interest loans, Jarrett said. Fran Yanor / Local Journalism Initiative / In that regard, Gillese was fortunate. He Rocky Mountain Goat / Fran@thegoatnews. accessed some government funding and ca 4 Thursday, October 15th, 2020 In Print | Online | therockymountaingoat.com Editorial
I’m thankful for... COVID-19
Andru McCracken, EDITOR
COVID has been really hard for a lot of reasons, Taking music lessons? Just check and see if Eric but adopting the attitude of gratitude is a useful Clapton has any room in his class. exercise. Think about the great conferences and workshops you have always wanted to attend. Now you can. COVID makes me younger and smarter Our communities are younger and better educated thanks to COVID. Quite a few young people COVID opens doors enrolled in university are staying at home. It may be The pandemic has been hard on the economy a downer for them, but it’s great for us. as we know it, but it has cracked open up niches Having young people living in our communities for entrepreneurs. It is amazing to see all of while their minds are challenged by further the businesses that have started up or had new education from around Canada, and in some cases ownership during these times. Two examples that the globe, is exciting and cool. Last week we carried I frequent daily are Vale Coffee and the Gathering a story about university student Pierce Longuskie’s Tree. The Gathering Tree changed hands in August, understanding of McBride’s troubled namesake. Vale Coffee started in July. COVID hasn’t killed We’re already seeing the influence of having post the economy, but it has just changed it. Take a look secondary students back home. around. Can you see niches that need to be filled? What are the implications of 10 or 20 extra minds in the valley? There will be an impact. COVID and the new neighbours The valley has always been a refuge for city-weary COVID improves community folks. When the dust settles, more people are going Oddly, COVID makes this place better. On a recent to decide to make the move out here. It has become trip to Toronto I told some people I was from a even more clear that this is the place to be. That’s remote village in the mountains. They practically good in a lot of ways. More bodies for team sports, swooned. more volunteers, even more kids in the school. “That’s a good place to be right now,” they said. Yes, yes it is. COVID brings heaps of bad along with it. Sickness, inconvenience, deepening isolation from each other. These things are bad, but there is a little bright side COVID disrupts for which I am grateful. Many new opportunities are opening up for rural communities like ours. Universities are just one institution that has had to change their format, and guess what? Their response means someone from 700km away can participate in classes. If there are courses you want to take, anywhere in the world, this is the time to do it. Many institutions, mentors, tutors and teachers of all sorts have had to move their classes online.
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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Pete Amyoony, Jean Ann Berkenpas, Dave Marchant, Andru McCracken Laura Keil Arthur Tanga Deanna Mickelow Fran Yanor Andrea Arnold Beth Russell & Matthew Editor / Reporter Publisher / Co-owner Graphic Design/Art Sales Legislative Reporter Reporter Wheeler, Greg Reimer. Valemount | McBride | Dunster | Blue River Thursday, October 15th 2020 5
We welcome all letters to the editor Letters/Op-Ed Write to us! [email protected] Get Fire Smart Nazi reference this fall offensive
Submitted by the Regional District of Fraser- Actually take offence to your latest edition (Oct. 1st 2020 Fort George editorial). No, I’m not an SOO [Soldiers of Odin] or 3% fan either. How about married to a German Immigrant The typical wildfire season of April through October who came to Canada in 1967. Back then Canada was is now behind us, but there are FireSmart principles for especially hard on them and besides proving they could homeowners to follow during the Fall to keep reducing support themselves and written tests, etc., they had hard their risk and protecting their homes and properties. times as a family, as although they did not support the Remove debris in roof valleys and gutters /RDFFG • Raking and cleaning up dry leaves, tree needles war, during wartime either got in line or got shot. Sound and branches is a major undertaking in property familiar as Justin heading down that path, but another maintenance at this time of year. Leave no debris story. behind to build up and get ignited by wildfire When you make reference to Nazis it is almost like using embers. active fire free of combustible material, and also the “N” word if commenting on a BLM [Black Lives • Clear out all the corners and crevices around your ensure that a burn barrel has proper ventilation Matter] subject. How about they [Soldiers of Odin] are home, attached garage, decks and patios, including and is screened with 6-millimetre (or finer) wire just racist, but entitled to their own opinion as this is still a free country?? Again I don’t support in any shape, way gutters and roof valleys. mesh. or form, but unless you personally went through WWII in • Stocking up the woodpile for an outdoor fire pit or • occupied Germany, then you have no right to wield “The for wood heat in your home over the winter? For more information on how easy it is to FireSmart pen mightier than the sword” complex. • Keeping wood piled against a house is a major fire your home, visit www.FireSmartBC.ca or call the Just my opinion, and again it is a free country, so I have Regional District of Fraser-Fort George at 250-960- hazard. Remember to maintain a non-combustible mine, and you have yours. 4400. Also, watch the Regional District of Fraser- Fort zone around your home, and store firewood at George Facebook page and YouTube channel for a series least 10 metres away from it. Regards, • Outdoor fire pits and burn barrels* should also be of tips and new videos. placed as far as possible from any structures and *Residents are reminded to burn responsibly and Jim Brown trees. Always keep the area within 3 metres of an should always check local regulations first. Kindersley, Saskatchewan
Gwynne Dyer is a Canadian-born independent journalist whose column is published in more than 175 papers in 45 Trump – the Odds countries.
Now is when it gets interesting. And Trump did indeed indulge in some major chest- Outcome A: Trump dies. Probability: less than 10% (see When it was announced last Friday that US President beating when he got home. “Feeling really good!” he above). Consequence: Vice-President Mike Pence takes his Donald Trump was infected with Covid-19, it was hardly tweeted. “Don’t be afraid of COVID! Don’t let it dominate place, and loses the election. a surprise. His political strategy of playing down Covid-19 your life!... I feel better than I did 20 years ago!” Outcome B: Trump gets very ill and is re-hospitalised. required him to be reckless about his own health, and Of course he’s feeling better. He’s on a steroid high, He survives, but cannot resume the campaign. Probability: other Republicans were already dropping like flies. because his doctors have put him on dexamethasone, a around 10%. Consequence: Joe Biden wins the presidency Fourteen Republican Senators and Representatives have steroid medication that is not normally given to patients with a margin big enough that Trump’s people cannot now tested positive, compared to six Democrats. who are not critical. plausibly dispute it. Some journalists started speculating right away about The doctors doubtless told Trump that the real make- Outcome C: Trump recovers, and is back out what would happen if Trump died from Covid, but that or-break time with Covid-19 is seven to ten days after campaigning within a week. Probability: more than 70%. felt premature and kind of ghoulish. The death rate for symptoms first develop, when some patients suddenly go Consequence: he still loses the election, but it’s close people in their 70s who are hospitalised with Covid into a steep decline with severe lung problems. That’s when enough, and he is fit enough, to lead a campaign from the symptoms is 8.5%, but at least wait and see. you get put on the ventilator. But it probably didn’t register. White House (not necessarily non-violent) to dispute the Well, he did go to hospital, and he was twice put on “Now I’m better, and maybe I’m immune,” he said at the postal vote. oxygen briefly last Friday and Saturday, but that does not White House. Then he took his mask off on the balcony He is desperate and ruthless, and he comprehensively mean he’s deathly ill. On the other hand, the fact that they and, still highly contagious, walked back in among the muddies the waters. Perhaps the United States becomes a let him go home to the White House on Monday doesn’t staff (almost a dozen of whom have already been infected). banana republic, perhaps not. mean the doctors are hugely confident either. If Day 1 for Trump was last Thursday, as his doctors And we must recognise the possibility that Outcome C is Trump would have put immense pressure on the doctors say, then Days 7 to 10 are this Thursday to Sunday. So already inevitable because Trump contracted Covid days to let him go, since that would let him do some macho it’s now reasonable to discuss how those days might earlier, concealed it, and is already safely past Day 10. In posturing about having defeated the virus. They would define the future of the presidential election, and perhaps which case this entire drama is pantomime. have shrugged their shoulders and given in, because the of the United States. Tastefully, of course, and with no realcrisis was not due until later. ghoulishness. VEHICLES FOR SALE DNG Developments, McBride, BC 1st Place 2019 Best Feature Story THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT is one of just a few locally- 1st Place 2019, 2018, 3rd Place 2018 Best Historical CERTIFIED SALVAGE REBUILDS 2015 for Newspaper owned community newspapers in BC. Story We believe being part of the community we serve Excellence B.C. 2nd Place Best Website 2015 Chevrolet Trax AWD & Yukon <2000 contributes to accountability and a strong local voice, Newspaper Excellence & Best REDUCED circulation Front Page: Blue Ribbon 2016, unhindered by corporate profit interests. Thank you for Air and cruise, back up camera 2nd place 2016 3rd Place 2015 helping to make this publication a success. 99000km | Lot #5669 | $9000.00 2008 Ford F150 The Rocky Mountain Goat serves a population base of approximately 5,000 residents Crewcab, 4x4 SOLD from Valemount to McBride to Dome Creek and Blue River. It is 100% locally owned.RETURN 188000km | Lot #3476 | $2000.00 CONTACT US UNDELIVERABLES TO: The RMG, Box 21, Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0 The Goat is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, an independent org established to deal with 2018 Ford F150 CALL 250-566-4606 acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, contact [email protected]/566-4606. If you are not satisfied with the response, you Xcab, 2.7 litre (turbo, six cylinder),SOLD 6 ½ foot box EMAIL [email protected] can file a complaint at mediacouncil.ca/1-844-877-1163. Only 11000km | Lot #2577 | $26000.00 The Rocky Mountain Goat is produced and distributed by Rocky Mountain Goat Media Inc. and is subject to copyright. Reproduction, or distribution of any content must get prior consent from Laura FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT 1170 5th Avenue, Valemount Keil. Call 250 569 0343 We acknowledge the Nous reconnaissons l’appui financial support of the financier du gouvernement BCDL #31296. Government of Canada. du Canada. Prices shown do not include applicable taxes. 6 Thursday, October 15th, 2020 In Print | Online | therockymountaingoat.com Valemount minor hockey gets the go-ahead By Laura Keil
Hockey skates will get to carve the ice this season, but things will look a little different in light of COVID-19. Valemount Minor Hockey coach Glenn Loignon says players will have to arrive at the arena already dressed in their gear no more than 10 minutes prior and will be given a spot to lace-up. Young players who don’t know how to skate won’t be able to play this year as the coaches aren’t allowed to lift skaters off the ice unless they are injured. “These are only a few of the new rules,” Loignon said. Anyone still wanting to inquire or sign up should contact Glenn at (250) 566-3527 or they can email him at [email protected]
Village of Valemount 2021 Permissive Tax Exemption CBT CIP/AAP Adjudication Committee—Call for Members As per Section 227 of the Community Charter, the Village of Valemount would like to give Public Notice of Proposed Bylaw No. 831, 2020, being a bylaw to grant a permissive tax exemption to the following properties The Village of Valemount is seeking volunteers to for the 2021 property taxation year. These taxes include municipal PLUS all other taxing agencies. fill vacancies on the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program Description Description Estimated Value Adjudication Committee (CBT CIP/AAP). The of Property Organization of Exemption of Exempt Taxes Adjudication Committee’s role is to make Lot A, Plan PGP11201 United Church of Canada Buildings and Land (2021) $1,613.52 recommendations to Council regarding which District Lot 7355 (2022) $1,678.06 community organizations should receive funding PID: 012-559-547, Folio: 97.000 (2023) $1,745.18 from the CBT CIP/AAP. Cariboo Land District There are 3 positions available all for 2 year terms. Lot 4, Plan PGP8948 Roman Catholic Bishop Buildings and Land (2021) $1,455.37 District Lot 7356 of Kamloops (2022) $1,513.59 Get your Committee Application at PID: 010-571-370, Folio: 124.050 No exemption for (2023) $1,574.13 www.valemount.ca/grants or pick one up at the Cariboo Land District Residential Village Office, 735 Cranberry Lake Road. Contact Lot 2 & 3, Block 2, Plan Valemount New Life Buildings and Land (2021) $1,713.94 Krista Etty at 250.566.4435 or email PGP10449 Centre (2022) $1,782.50 [email protected] for further information. District Lot 7356 (2023) $1,853.80 PID: 012-675-440 The deadline for applications is November 2, 2020 PID: 012-675-423, Folio: 159.000 at 4:00 pm. Cariboo Land District Part Lot B, Plan PGP31083 Valemount Senior Buildings and Land (2021) $8,074.05 Cemetery Maintenance District Lot 7356 Citizen Housing (2022) $8,397.01 PID: 005-229-618, Folio: 125.001 Society (2023) $8,732.89 The Village asks that the number of mementos and Parcel B, Plan PGP23940 floral arrangements placed on grave spaces be District Lot 7356 Leased land from limited, so as not to interfere with regular mowing Folio: 125.005 Village of Valemount and maintenance of the cemetery. If the size or Cariboo Land District number of items on a grave space is such that they Lot 8, Block 3, Plan PGP10449 Provincial Rental Buildings and Land (2021) $2,509.57 interfere with maintenance, or the items are in District Lot 7356 Housing (New Seniors) (2022) $2,609.95 very poor condition they will be removed. PID: 012-675-563, Folio: 180.000 (2023) $2,714.35 Lot 10, Block 3, Plan PGP10449 Residents are also reminded that the planting of District Lot 7356 flowers, trees or shrubs, or the installation of PID: 012-675-580 Folio: 182.000 fencing or railings in the cemetery is not permitted Cariboo Land District other than by an employee of the Village of Lot A, Plan EPP68609 Valemount Lions Club Buildings and Land (2021) $106.12 Valemount. All unpermitted items will be removed District Lot 9778 10% Exemption (2022) $110.37 by Public Works staff. PID: 030-232-198 Folio: 252.500 (2023) $114.78 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to Cariboo Land District contact the Municipal Office at 250-566-4435. Lot A, Plan PGP14950 Royal Canadian Legion Buildings and Land (2021) $404.51 District Lot 9778 Valemount & District (2022) $420.69 We thank you for your co-operation as we work to PID: 009-014-276 Folio: 265.100 Branch No. 256 (2023) $437.52 maintain the cemetery grounds to the highest Cariboo Land District 10% Exemption possible standard. Lot 9, Plan PGP21237 Valemount Curling Club Buildings only (2021) $351.47 District Lot 7354 10% Exemption (2022) $365.53 Reminders to Residents PID: 009-580-905 Folio: 435.012 Land is leased from (2023) $380.15 • Cariboo Land District Village of Valemount The Village utilizes the easements and boulevards within all residential areas for snow Lot C, Plan PGP16682, Valemount & Area Building and Land (2021) $334.64 Ditrict Lot 9778 Recreation Dev Ass (2022) $348.03 clearing operations throughout the winter. PID: 026-108-500 Folio: 230.142 10% Exemption (2023) $361.95 Storing vehicles of any kind (including RV’s, Cariboo Land District boats, utility trailers etc) or materials such as (BW519646) dirt, gravel, firewood, etc within Village Parcel A, Plan PGP9569 Valemount Affordable Building and Land (2021) $269.03 easements and boulevards is in contravention District Log 7356 Rentals Society (2022) $279.80 of Village Bylaws. Violations may result in fines PID: 013-899-783 Folio: 128.200 10% Exemption (2023) $290.99 or vehicles being towed at the owners expense Cariboo Land District should they hinder snow removal efforts. If you Lot 1, Block 6, Plan PGP10449 Fraser Fort George Buildings and Land (2020) $12,248.21 District Lot 7356 Regional District (2021) $12,738.14 require further information, please contact the PID: 012-694-151, Folio: 203.100 (Fire Department) Building owned by (2022) $13,247.67 Village Office at 250- 566-4435. Cariboo Land District Automatic exemption Regional Dist. • Pets, including cats and dogs are not permitted Lot 1, Plan PGP43828 Fraser Fort George Buildings and Land (2020) $41,643.92 District Lot 7354 Regional District (2021) $43,309.68 to run at large within the Village. Pets found PID: 024-468-240, Folio: 412.100 (Arena) Building owned by (2022) $45,042.07 running at large may be subject to a fine as per Cariboo Land District Automatic exemption Regional Dist. the Village of Valemount Animal Control Bylaw.
Valemount | McBride | Dunster | Blue River Thursday, October 15th 2020 7
HALLOWEEN this year By Laura Keil You should know everyone who attends, no plus ones. It looks like Halloween 2020 will be all Follow our guidelines for safer about the kids this year. Parties are celebrations. a no-go, but B.C.’s top medical Don’t pass around snacks, drinks, health official Dr. Bonnie Henry smokes, tokes, and vapes advised that trick-or-treating Be more outside, than inside. Keep your is okay this year with a space well-ventilated with windows open. few provisos. Trick- Avoid using props that can cause or-treaters should coughing, such as smoke machines. incorporate a non- Be careful with hand sanitizer and open medical mask into flames - hand sanitizer is very flammable! their costume and stick to smaller 3. Trick-or-treating can be done safely by groups (The following these tips BC Centre for Respect homes by staying away if the Disease Control lights are out. advises 6 people Keep to your local neighbourhood this or less). People year. handing out Avoid trick-or-treating in busy areas or candy should indoors (in places like malls) since there stay outside if may not be enough space to distance. possible and Indoor spaces may require a non-medical use tongs or a mask or face covering. “candy slide” (let Trick-or-treat in a small social group, your imagination stick to six people. go wild!) to hand Leave space between you and other out individually- groups to reduce crowding on stairs and wrapped items (and sidewalks. avoid having kids Wash your hands before you go out, reach into a common when you get home, and before eating bowl). treats. Candy givers should Keep hand sanitizer with you if eating sanitize doors, doorbells treats on the go. and railings frequently over You don’t need to clean every treat. You the course of the night. Or simply should instead wash your hands after encourage trick-or-treaters to do handling treats and not touch your face. what they do best: yell trick-or-treat outside the house. GET CREATIVE HANDING OUT TREATS • Get creative! HERE IS THIS YEAR’S GUIDANCE Use tongs, a baking sheet or make a FROM THE BC CENTRE FOR DISEASE candy slide to give more space when CONTROL: handing out candy. 1. No matter how you celebrate Plan to hand out individual treats instead Halloween this year… of offering a shared bowl. • Turn off your porch light and stay Only hand out sealed, pre-packaged at home if you are sick or self-isolating. treats. • Try including a non-medical Wear a non-medical mask that covers mask or face covering as part of your your nose and mouth when handing out costume. - Costume masks should not treats. be worn over non-medical masks or face Be more outside, than inside. coverings as that may make it difficult to If you can, stand outside your door to breathe. hand out treats. Then kids won’t need to • Wash your hands or use hand touch the door or doorbell. sanitizer often. If you’re unable to sit outside to hand out treats, clean and disinfect doorbells and 2. Skip Halloween parties this year knobs, handrails, and any other high touch Leave the parties behind. surface often during the evening Indoor gatherings, big or small, put If you are decorating, avoid props that people at higher risk of getting COVID-19. can cause coughing, such as smoke Celebrate with your favourite Halloween machines. movie or other traditions that you can do Help make trick-or-treating more with your household or social group. accessible to everyone by handing out If you host or attend a small party, keep it treats from the bottom of your stairs or at within your social group (Stick to six). your curb-side. 8 Thursday, October 15th, 2020 In Print | Online | therockymountaingoat.com
VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION
Find where and when to vote below.
We’re helping B.C. vote safely during the You can vote in person or by mail. What should I bring if I vote in person? pandemic. Here’s what you can expect if you Vote in person • ID that shows your name and home address. See vote in person: Vote at a district electoral office – Find the elections.bc.ca/id for the list of acceptable ID. • Physical distancing and capacity limits office nearest you at elections.bc.ca/deo. • Your Where to Vote card. Look for it in the mail Voting is available now during office hours. from Elections BC. It will make voting faster • Election officials wearing personal protective and easier. equipment (such as masks and face-visors) Vote at advance voting – Find advance voting • Your own pen or pencil to mark your ballot, • Protective barriers and sanitization stations places and the dates they are open below, or visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca. if you wish. • Frequent cleaning of voting stations • You may wear a mask in the voting place, if you and surfaces Vote on election day – Find voting places and wish. We encourage voters to wear a mask when the dates they are open below, or visit • Election workers trained on safe workplace they vote to protect others. You will not be asked wheretovote.elections.bc.ca. Election day is guidelines and pandemic protocols to remove your mask to vote. Saturday, October 24, but there are lots of Follow the instructions from election officials in the ways to vote before then. voting place to help maintain physical distancing. You will be asked to sanitize your hands before and Vote by mail after voting. If you requested a vote-by-mail package from Elections BC, return it as soon as possible. If you are ill or self-isolating, do not visit a voting Vote-by-mail packages must be received by place. Contact Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 Elections BC by 8 p.m. (Pacific time) on to discuss your voting options. Saturday, October 24. Mail your completed Learn more at elections.bc.ca/safevoting. package as soon as possible or return it in person so that it is received before the deadline. See elections.bc.ca for a list of in-person drop-off locations.
Voting Places for Prince George-Valemount Open Dates Advance Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on the dates listed) Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Oct. 15 Oct. 16 Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 19 Oct. 20 Oct. 21
Columbus Comm Centre 7201 Domano Blvd, Prince George, BC Elks Hall 172 Holdway St, McBride, BC Golden Years Lodge 1300 Main St, Valemount, BC Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 3590 Dufferin Ave, Prince George, BC Prince George Civic Centre 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC General Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 24): District Electoral Offices:
Blackburn Comm Centre Elks Hall Pineview Elem School Valemount Comm Hall 2451 Blackburn Rd S, Prince George, BC 172 Holdway St, McBride, BC 8515 Old Cariboo Hwy, Prince George, BC 101 Gorse St, Valemount, BC Buckhorn Elem School Ferndale Tabor Fire Dept Prince George Civic Centre Van Bien Elem School 1511 3rd Ave 5190 Buckhorn Lake Rd, Buckhorn, BC 16315 Giscome Rd, Ferndale, BC 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC 311 Wilson Cres, Prince George, BC Prince George, BC Columbus Comm Centre First Baptist Church Prince George Sec School Vanway Elem School (250) 649-2890 7201 Domano Blvd, Prince George, BC 483 Gillett St, Prince George, BC 2901 Griffiths Ave, Prince George, BC 4509 16 Hwy W, Prince George, BC Dome Creek Comm Centre Harwin Elem School Sinclair Mills Comm Hall Westwood Elem School Hours of Operation: 13766 Dome Creek Rd, Dome Creek, BC 1193 Harper St, Prince George, BC 37832 Upper Fraser Rd, Sinclair Mills, BC 2633 Vanier Dr, Prince George, BC Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dunster Comm Hall Hixon Elem School Southridge Elem School Willow River Firehall Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7085 Read Rd, Dunster, BC 378 Lockyer Rd, Hixon, BC 7300 Southridge Ave, Prince George, BC 55 Willow Ave, Willow River, BC
Candidates for Prince George-Valemount Candidate’s Name: Financial Agent: Official Agent:
Shirley Bond Philip Foucher BC Liberal Party 400-177 Victoria St, Prince George BC, V2L 5R8 (250) 960-9641
MacKenzie Kerr Jason Sanders BC Green Party 1734 7th Ave, Prince George BC, V2L 3P8 (250) 981-9848
Laura Parent Peter MacMillan BC NDP 6824 Fairmont Cres, Prince George BC, V2N 2P5 (250) 964-2015
Sean Robson Jessica Ricard Libertarian 28-2000 Central St E, Prince George BC, V2M 3C5 (250) 640-9700
elections.bc.ca / 1-800-661-8683 @ElectionsBC Valemount | McBride | Dunster | Blue River Thursday, October 15th 2020 9
DIGITAL ECONOMY EXPLODES: Northern tech firm reaches out to small operators
By Andru McCracken of product was creating the best margins ie: making the TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY, ONE PROPERTY AT A TIME! most money for the inputs involved. The artisan said it Big technology companies had projections for how the was specialized supplies that he was getting direct from a Sherri CALL ME! digital economy would advance but when COVID-19 hit manufacturer. Daykin said the art supplies weren’t listed MALONE 1-250-566-1022 this year, it grew faster than anyone imagined. on the artist’s website. That’s according to Michael Daykin, a Prince George- “The digital economy, by all accounts, moved five years in based digital resilience analyst with Hubspace, who the span of about eight weeks,” said Daykin. Realtor at stopped in on some local businesses in Valemount last “Obviously that has significant implications for local ROYAL LEPAGE week to see how things were on the ground. business.” ASPIRE REALTY The rapid growth of the digital economy is great for big He said the program was designed to help businesses tech, but it is a problem and an opportunity for small move into or expand in the digital economy. businesses adapting to COVID-19. An example of expanding into the digital economy is Enter a new program called DER3 from InnovateBC. setting up a website and e-commerce platform to sell to DER3 stands for Digital Economy: Rapid Response and customers online. Resiliency. Locally it is delivered through the Hubspace Many businesses don’t even know where to start, but program. The consultation part is free. that’s okay, Daykin said. They interview the business EMAIL: [email protected] “The tagline they use on the marketing material for this owner and figure out what their needs are. WEB: propertiesinvalemount.com program is that it is intended for the butcher, the baker, “We do an assessment of where they’re at and we produce OFFICE: 1275 5th Ave, Valemount BC V0E 2Z0 the candlestick maker… it’s for every kind of business,” some immediate action items that they can undertake, said Daykin. depending on the business and depending on the needs.” Daykin said when the pilot program ran on Vancouver Daykin said it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. In many LOVE LOCAL CONTENT? Island, the surprising result was a number of businesses cases businesses can make changes on their own, but in saved money. cases where they will need help, they try and line up the Support the Goat: So far the program has been operating in the North since business with local tech companies. September 15, and it’s having some impact. The program is for small and medium sized businesses in therockymountaingoat.com/ He gives the story of an artisan in Prince George who any sector. If you think your business could use some help, subscribe started selling crafts online, Daykin asked him what type contact Michael through the website: hubspace.ca
Canada Bears in eases border BC take restrictions the brunt slightly of negative By: Joel Barde, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Sun Peaks Independent News human The federal government is easing border restrictions, announcing plans to allow more family members of behaviour Canadians and permanent residents to enter the countries on Friday, Oct. 2. Starting Oct. 8, adult children, grandparents, siblings of a Canadian or permanent resident will be able to enter the country provided they stay for at least 16 days. By Morgan Hampton, Local Journalism they had become involved in human-wildlife conflict Those who are in a “committed relationship” for at least Initiative Reporter, Merritt Herald to a new location elsewhere in the province. During a year with a Canadian or permanent resident will also be the same time frame of 2015 to 2019, 2,490 black bears permitted to enter the country. WildSafeBC has recently released data collected over a were destroyed by COS. This number does not take into “As health and safety remains our top priority, anyone five-year period regarding human-bear interactions. account bears that were destroyed by others in wildlife- wishing to enter Canada will be subject to all health WildSafeBC grew out of the Bear Aware program and human conflicts. measures, including the mandatory 14 day quarantine on focuses on preventing conflict with wildlife through These statistics, as well as statistics regarding arrival,” said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino. education, collaboration and community-based grizzly bears and cougars can be found Mendocino added the federal government will also solutions, such as the Bear Smart Community Program. at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ be allowing a compassionate-entry program for those According to the data, from 2015 to 2019 there environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/ looking to enter the country under specific reasons, like to were more than 82,000 calls to the British Columbia human-wildlife-conflict see a dying loved one. International students will also be Conservation Officer Service (COS) regarding bears, “You can help increase the safety in your community allowed to enter the country, provided they are studying the majority of which were black bears as they are the and avoid conflicts with bears by securing your at their place of learning has been identified by provincial most commonly sighted bears in BC and are frequently attractants,” reads a statement by WildSafeBC. authorities as having a COVID-19 plan in place. found in residential neighbourhoods. “That means ensuring bears cannot access garbage, He cautioned against anyone making travel plans before At 48% of those calls, an attractant was noted. fruit, bird seed, barbeque grease, compost and anything they get proper authorization to enter the country. Details An attractant is something that draws a bear into a else that can provide a food reward to a bear. If there on the process will be online soon. residential area where it has a higher chance of being is nothing there for a bear to eat, it will keep passing While the border easing should bring joy to some involved in a human-wildlife conflict. Common through the community to seek out natural foods families, there is no word foreign property owners will be attractants are garbage, compost piles, birdseed, pet elsewhere. If you are in a community with abundant able to re-enter the country. food, berry bushes and fruit trees; fruit trees being the natural foods, be aware of these locations and use As reported by SPIN, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort second most commonly reported attractant. caution or avoid them when bears are most active. Be Municipality council and local MP McLeod, who Black bears have unfortunately born the brunt of aware, carry bear spray and keep pets under control. represents Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding, have negative human interaction, irresponsibility and the BC is wildlife country and living with bears requires both called for the government to open up the border to failure to secure attractants. all of us to live, work, play and grow in a WildSafe international homeowners at an early stage of its border From 2015 to 2019 44 black bears were translocated, manner.” reopening plan. which means they were moved from an area where 10 Thursday, October 15th, 2020 In Print | Online | therockymountaingoat.com
Freshly squeezed! DID YOU KNOW?
PUPPIES AND KITTENS CAN BECOME PREGNANT AS EARLY AS 4 MONTHS
NEITHER DID THEIR FAMILIES! Don’t get stuck with accidental litters!
Contact Robson Valley Spay and Neuter Society for information about funding assistance 250-566-9706
Recently, students from McBride Secondary got a first-hand look at apple-pressing from local guru Pete Amyoony of the Three Valleys Community STAY UP TO DATE Development Co-op. Students were blessed with a sunny day to learn the art of transforming local Subscribe today: apples into fresh-squeezed juice they got to take home. /LAURA KEIL 250-566-4606 [email protected]
Pete Amyoony has lived, worked & gardened in the Dunster area for 35 years. He tries to deal with the “down to earth nuts and bolts of Organic vs. Conventional Growing organic gardening” in his columns.
While reading through some of my garden magazines the soil. Recent studies also show that growing heritage and other magazines to which I subscribe, I am Another fact that jumped to the fore was that over varieties organically also gives a higher level of sometimes amazed that the “mainstream media” the 22 years of the study, the organic crops used over nutrition in the vegetables and crops. mention so little about such things as organic growing 30% less input of fossil fuels (petroleum products) than My dream is to see a world where all food is grown vs. chemical growing of our food supplies. They also the conventional crops. If the price of fuels keep on by local growers that use methods that are as close as seem to ignore the health effects on gardeners, farmers their upward spiral, this fact alone will make organic possible to nature’s way and causing as little harm as and their families or effects on the environment that farming much more attractive! possible. Dream along! all the chemicals commonly used around the world are The other fact that seemed to jump out was that the having. conventional crops constantly had pesticides leaching I was recently reading about a review in the journal into the groundwater at levels that were higher than of Bioscience of the 22-year study by Rodale Institute. the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety The study looked at similar crops planted on similar limits. In other words, in order to grow our food, we Valemount Curling Club plots of land over this period. Half the crops were contaminate our drinking water! planted using organic methods and the other half I think, the reasons I have stuck with the organic ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING used conventional (chemical fertilizers, pesticides, method for over fifty years can be listed as: herbicides, etc.) There is no long-term advantage in chemical growing th For the first five years, the conventional crops had I don’t really want to be eating unknown chemicals Tuesday Oct. 20 2020 very slightly better yields than the organic. During I don’t see much sense in contaminating my drinking this time, the organic plots were building up healthy water 7:00 PM soils by the addition of manures, compost and green I have to sell a lot of plants or vegetables to buy manures. Gradually, the organic plots gave yields equal chemicals that do more harm than good. to or greater than the conventional ones. All my “inputs” such as manure, leaves, compost, 98 Elm Street During years or drought, the organic crops showed etc. come from this area. In conventional farming, very little effect. However the conventional ones all the “inputs” have to be imported. They cause Thanks to the R.D.F.F.G. collapsed and had huge reductions in yield. It seemed damage to nature where they are mined, where they the organic enriched soil had much greater water- are processed, along the highways where they are for funding contributions! holding ability with so much humus and fibre added to transported and then in my area after I use them! Valemount | McBride | Dunster | Blue River Thursday, October 15th 2020 11
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). the equation is off? Are you How would your life change not being receptive, or is Mercury Goes Retrograde if you made your own love not being shown? Make happiness a top priority? it a priority to prize, seek on Purpose HOROSCOPES And how is that different and nurture mutually loving It’s pretty easy to have a TAURUS (April 20-May from when you make the relationships. stellar attitude when you 20). Time has its role. The happiness of those close know your purpose and space between interactions to you a top priority? This SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. you have what you need to is part of interactions. week, there will be ways 21). It’s not unusual for your execute it. But if you don’t When people are early or for everyone to be happy day to change as you make have what you need, the late, it means something. at once, and you’re clever moves to accommodate purpose alone could still be Hesitations matter. They and considerate enough to those close. You care about enough. The trouble comes can indicate lies or point come up with them. them, and you’ll meet their when people are mistaken to deep truths. Rushes and needs in whatever way about or don’t know what overlaps and grooves are LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). you can. Even when it’s not is their purpose. Better to all functions of timing. Your The more you understand convenient for you, you’ll just to name one and go respect for time has you yourself, the more you still be the one to adjust and after it than to stress over paying attention this week. appreciate how unique you support. Just make sure which one to claim. Clarity are. But how do you get you’re not codependently of purpose will be the GEMINI (May 21-June to know yourself better? giving too much. saving grace this Mercury 21). While it feels good in The same way you’d get retrograde week. the moment to divulge BY HOLIDAY MATHIS to another -- interview CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- yourself, it can be the least Professional and personal, dark side of peace is not yourself, take yourself on Jan. 19). Do you feel a ARIES (March 21-April 19). interesting option available dates, put yourself in novel little vulnerable around You could use help, and to you. The urge to share platonic and romantic... conflict. Conflict only serves situations to see what people? Good. Unshakeable you’re in a good position your views will be strong. jogging things into the to enhance a state of peace, happens. Self-knowledge confidence is a fine look, to ask for it. The only thing Give a little, but hold back. groove where they fit is a bit as it provides a contrast and will tip off a fortuitous chain but it leaves no place for holding you back is the idea Because if you resist, then challenging. Maybe you can an ideal for which to strive. of events. people to hook in. No one that you should already another urge will take hold avoid murky relationships The dark side of peace is and messy situations by stagnation, which hosts any knows what to do with know this. Drop it. Consider -- the urge to learn how SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). someone who has all that maybe everyone who it is in their world. That’s being true to your feelings. number of terrors. Don’t let There are some questions the answers. But the one acts like they know what’s the one that comes with a Then again, maybe it’s the action stagnate. Keep you just shouldn’t have to who needs help, wants going on doesn’t. It’s a week takeaway. going to be a glorious mess marching on, through the ask. For instance, “Do you participation and admits to get honest people on and that’s all for the best. harmony, through the fight. Just don’t stop. like me?” If you have to ask, there’s room to grow will be your team. It’s easy because CANCER (June 22-July 22). then “not enough” is your the catalyst of team spirit. you are alsoSUDOKU honest. by Myles MellorRelationship and Susan Flanagan lines blur. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The answer. So, which side of AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9X9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller 18). The value of most grids of 3X3 squares. To solve the puzzle each row, column and box must contain each relationships intrinsic. The of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. trouble starts when we treat a relationship as the means Level: Medium 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 to an end instead of as an end itself. Expectations can 11 12 13 become the enemy of love.
52 3 7 14 15 16 If you love what’s there, and keep looking for loveable 87 17 18 19 20 qualities, then you’ll find an endless abundance of them. 618 2 4 21 22 23 24 25
8157 26 27 28 29 30 31 PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You feel the best when 1832 33 34 acting in accordance with 3691 35 36 37 your finest nature. It gets tricky sometimes because 2 7 435 38 39 40 41 42 43 it’s like there’s an entire
44 45 46 47 48 49 committee inside your head 62 running your personality 9 3 81 50 51 52 like a democracy. The higher angels do sometimes 53 54 55 get outvoted. The important thing is to hear everyone HOW TO PLAY Answers on P13 out -- and don’t give up.
Fill in the grid so that every row, Across Down every column and every 3x3 box contains THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS: the numbers 1 through 9 only once. 1 Says "When?" 1 "20/20" airer 5 Yankee's foe 2 Coin opening You’ll accept all there is for Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You you to accept in a situation already have a few numbers to get you started. 8 2002 Winter Olympics host 3 Kind of nut Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 11 United group 4 Illegal ticket sale and then find that you are 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box. 12 "__ House" TV series 5 Stick up willing and ready to change. 13 Negative alternative 6 Continental tender So, change you will! Thus, 14 Goes with Coca 7 Toot one's horn the year will be divided Gees by Myles Mellor 15 Push-up lingerie item 8 Faze 16 Lincoln Ctr. site 9 Protein source into a “before” and “after” scenario. You’ll do lucrative 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 17 Barber's supply 10 Type of welding 19 Rake's look 18 Cheese base business with friends. 14 15 16 21 Groaner 20 Mekong native There will be some dicey
17 18 19 23 Specialty, so to speak 22 Present moment investments on offer. Be 26 "Help yourself" 24 Slithery swimmer very cautious and do the 20 21 22 29 Command to Fido 25 Sleeve contents homework. The best time 32 It meets Seventh Avenue at Times Square 26 Subside 23 24 34 Wych or white to get into deals will be this 27 Don't just seem month, mid-January or 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 35 Crooked 28 Space available on a ship 36 Kind of test 30 Kid early May. Your love will be 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 38 Lowest tide of the lunar month 31 Wildcat returned and your family
40 41 42 43 41 Encephalogram, e.g. 33 Had a bite will embrace whomever 44 It's split in soups 37 Obeyed the alarm clock you do. 44 45 46 46 Capture 39 Over 48 Saudi Arabia neighbour 40 Peel 47 48 49 50 51 Write Holiday Mathis at 50 Instigate 42 Gulf V.I.P. 52 53 54 55 56 57 51 Time to remember 43 Ball material HolidayMathis.com. 52 Beget 44 Sulky state 58 59 60 61 62 53 From head to ___ 45 Self concept COPYRIGHT 2020 63 64 65 66 54 Caught in the rain 47 Cave dweller CREATORS.COM 55 Coastal hawk 49 Born, in bios 67 68 69
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BOOK YOUR AD! 566-4606 OR LOCAL RESOURCE DIRECTORY [email protected] 4 Weeks $13/week | 1 Year $11.50/week contract
Accounting Computers Fuel
Contracting
CASTELLA CONTRACTING LTD. OFFERING SIDING, METAL ROOFING, WINDOW INSTALLATION, TIMBER FRAMING AND GENERAL CONTRACTING SERVICES. 20+ years of experience. Can take on bigger projects. Contact Petr at 1-250-552-8239 to get a quote.
Automotive Construction Monashee Motors Ltd Towing & Auto Repair 3050 Birch Road, Valemount (Cedarside)
• Vehicle • Propane • Batteries Inspections • Oil • Mechanical • Tire Sales • RV Supplies Service • Tire Service • Heavy Truck Tires ...and more!
24-hour towing BCAA Authorized Road Service Open Monday-saturday 8:00 am - 5 pm 250-566-4318 Closed Sundays & Holidays
Design Golf Optometry BRANDING AND PROMOTIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES DR. MONIKA BRAUN We do... DR. JENNIFER LANGFIELD Affordable, professional logo and branding OPTOMETRISTS design from a local company you can trust Free consultation and quote HINTON OPTOMETRY CLINIC: Logo redesigns, business cards, letterheads, 158 Athabasca Avenue, Hinton 3D upgrades and much more For appointments call 780-865-3915 or 1-800-323-9891 [email protected] Monday/Friday 8 AM-4 PM, Wednesday/Thursday 9 AM-5 PM, Tuesdays 9 AM-6 PM. 250 - 566 - 4606 Closed Fridays 12PM-1PM for lunch.
Physiotherapy
BOOK YOUR AD WITH US! ROBSON VALLEY Contact us at PHYSIOTHERAPY 250- 566-4606 or Offering Telephone appointments [email protected] and Video Conference appointments Mon-Thurs 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM PH: 250-569-7995 | EM: [email protected] Valemount | McBride | Dunster | Blue River Thursday, October 15th 2020 13
BOOK YOUR AD! 566-4606 OR LOCAL RESOURCE DIRECTORY [email protected] 4 Weeks $13/week | 1 Year $11.50/week contract
Security Shoe Repair Transport Services
Sure SHOE REPAIR Step • Top grain leather belts (X-long available) - $39.95 • Super feet Archmold insole - $49.95 Ryan Vale LOCATED IN THE [email protected] MCBRIDE HOTEL! 250-569-7822
Television Photography VAC Truck Valemount Vacuum Truck Service Passport photos & more ... • Hydro Vac Service Taken and printed in just 15 mins! • Septic Tank Cleaning • Line Cleaning Passports (including babies!) • Hazardous waste hauling Firearms Visas BLAIR or MIKE 250-566-1536 Citizenship & more
Andru McCracken 250-566-3050 (Rocky Mountain Goat Office) 1170 5th Ave., Valemount PUZZLE ANSWERS
SudokuSUDOKU Solution ANSWERS CROSSWORD ANSWERS TOUGHIE ANSWERS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 A S K S R E B U S A G A B E G A S H G I A N T 14 15 16 529346817 11 12 13 A V O N I D L E U N D I D B L O C O U R N O R 17 18 19 843571296 14 15 16 N O N I G E O L A T O M S 20 21 22 C O L A B R A N Y C G I G G L I N G G I R L S 17 18 19 20 23 24 761892534 T A L C O G L E D O M O S A I D 21 22 23 24 25 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 #45 Juniper Square fully-furnished all-included suites. 2 Bachelor suites coming P U N A R E A A C E D I S O L D E 698125473 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 available in November. $640 includes heat, hydro WIFI, furniture and kitchen 26 27 28 29 30 31 A T V U M A M I R I O T 152437968 E A T R O L L O V E R 40 41 42 43 32 33 34 S W I M M I N G G O G G L E S supplies. Linen rental package available. 44 45 46 B R O A D W A Y E L M P I E R A M O U R T R Y 437689125 35 36 37 47 48 49 50 51 B E N T D N A S T R I A E R I E L 38 39 40 41 42 43 52 53 54 55 56 57 286714359 N E A P X R A Y E N G R G I G A #47 Comfortable Family Home, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Updated main floor, partially 58 59 60 61 62 44 45 46 47 48 49 G A G G L E O F G E E S E finished full basement. Large wired workshop with alley access! 1-year contract. 315968742 P E A N A B O M A N 63 64 65 66 50 51 52 G O U G E A R A L G O O D 67 68 69 Pet ok with approval. $1850 + utilities. 974253681 E G G E R A S I R E O H A R A R A T E E D N A 53 54 55 70 71 72 T O E W E T E R N E O S M A N E N Y A S E E M #51 Updated and partially furnished end-site home in Cranberry Mobile Home Park. New flooring and paint, bright and comfortable space. No pets, no smoking. Longer term tenant preferred. $1150 + utilities SEEKING NEW CLIENTS Rustic Luxury will work with you to provide housing options for the Valemount area. Robson Valley & North Thompson Classifieds Licensed and experienced property management services support your tenant/landlord relationship while improving and maintaining your real estate investments. CALL JEN TODAY! FOR RENT LAND FOR SALE Cute and cozy 2 bdrm home for rent SETTLERS! approx 20-acre homestead for 6 month lease. After 6 months between Blue River and Clearwater. the property will be listed for sale Cabin, tool shed, hay and barn shed. but the tenant can remain until the 5-acre hay field, two water rights. 8 miles property has sold with possibility of to nearest house. Very private. Peaceful it extending with the new owners. No and quiet. A deal at $184,900! Lots of pets. Mature professionals wanted. pictures, will meet. John 604-530-9295 or Comes unfurnished. $1300 per Bernie C: 250-674-8075. month, utilities not included. $650 damage deposit required. Must have references. Call or text 780-217-8903. FOR RENT FOR SALE / LEASE Furnished Accommodation with kitchenette: Bachelor suite, Two For sale or lease in McBride Bed Room and Three Bed Room Provincial Classifieds 1) 9800 sq ft. commercial building Mobile Homes for Rent. Viewing with set up for grocery store. appointments. Call 250-566-9884 0r 250- SERVICES BUILDINGS FOR SALE 2) 1000 sq ft. commercial building. 566-5072 Email: [email protected] GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 95 INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, 3) 37 acres with executive home, almost 2 million people for only $395 shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and shop, barn, fenced. Excellent hay a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for more. [email protected]. 1-250- land. small display ad. Choose your province or 351-5374. www.integritybuilt.com Call 250 862 8340 or 250 566 1017 Goat Classifieds all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. . For sale: 2013 18-foot American $7-10/WEEK or $40 for www.bccommunitynews.com/advertise sailboat with trailer. Asking $4500 3 months! or 1-866-669-9222. obo. GET RESULTS! Call 250 862 8340 or 250 566 1017 goatnewspaper For sale: 2013 BMW X5. Fully @gmail.com HEALTH Reach almost 2 million people in 95 papers for equipped. Excellent Condition. Diesel. 250-566-4606 GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government only $395/week for a Asking $15,000. Call 250 862 8340 or of Canada. Do you or someone you 250 566 1017 know Have any of these Conditions? 25-word text ad, or ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, $995/week for a COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty formatted display ad Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, In print and online, too! under 20 words ...... $7/week Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and bccommunitynews.com/ Hundreds more. ALL ages & Medical advertise under 40 words ...... $10/week Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 250-566-4606 box classified (<40 words) . . $25/week 18 instantly receive more money. CALL 1-866-669-9222 ‘Guaranteed to Sell’ ...... $40/3months BRITISH COLUMBIA BENEFITS 1-(800)- [email protected] 211-3550 OR Send a Text Message with Book by province or whole (<40 words) Your Name and Mailing Address to (604) country and save over 85%! 739-5600 For Your FREE benefits package. 14 Thursday, October 15th, 2020 In Print | Online | therockymountaingoat.com
ROBSON VALLEY Community Events Send us your event to [email protected] or call 250-566-4606. Use 40 WORDS or less and we will publish it FREE up to a month before
There are dozens of free Gale online courses for you requests it. We will work collaboratively with other assistance in navigating platforms on their personal to choose from. All you need is a valid library card dont community organizations and groups that are helping devices. Clients are encouraged to bring their own have one? Library cards are free to local residents, to improve food security, by sharing resources and devices and masks are required. One-on-one bookings and we can sign you up in person or over the phone rescued food. For questions or more information, are available in 15 minute time increments. Please (569-2411). These courses are great resume builders, please call Jana at 778-764-0245 or email jana@ email [email protected] or call 778-763-1330 for more and there are lots of subjects to choose from. You can rvcsbc.org. For tips and tricks on how to decrease information. access the list of courses here: your household waste, please contact Amy @ amy@ https://education.gale.com/l-mcbridedpl/?fbclid=IwAR1 rvcsbc.org or call: 1 (778) 763-1319. During the week cguDDv6zwwRucsCBXDhvg3LvizDtFiqhJQConOJvnx of Oct 19-25, Look for posts on Facebook with more DUNSTER 0fcRRuEkHyMbOw information on Waste Reduction. SAT. Oct 17. We are having a general clean-up work- TUES. Oct 20. CYMH Youth Drop In. This is a bee for the Dunster Community Hall on from 1pm to VALEMOUNT virtual youth drop in (ages 13-17) to support youth 3pm. We would like it to be in top shape for the election mental health. This is a bi-weekly program that will be the following Saturday. CORE Hunter Training happening until December. This will be an interactive, If anyone has a steam-cleaner for carpets and SAT/SUN Oct. 24 & 25 - - Cost: safe space to talk about mental health, including things upholstery that they would rent us for the work-bee, $220.00 + GST = $231.00. Please call 250 566 4601 to like stress, managing anxiety, healthy relationships and please call Pete Amyoony at 250-968-4334 or reply register Valemount Learning Center. coping skills. Some sessions will be structured with to this e-mail with the details. We need it for the Valemount Family Place themes and others will be a chance to just connect and upholstered chairs not for carpets. FRIs - Call 1-844-324-2004 socialize with other youth in the community. The Drop All volunteers are much appreciated for the two hour to attend new and exciting themes each week in in will utilize aspects of Solution-Focused Approaches work-bee! both communities. Social distancing protocols will be to real life challenges. Each week will be a little different enforced. but will overall work to promote youth awareness Tell us about your favourite Dunster hike. Or consider of and access to mental health services within their writing a short poem about your favourite Dunster SUNs, ongoing, Pancake Breakfast has returned to community, while fostering a safe space to continue the Valemount Legion! 8am-11am. By donation. Social place. Maybe a sketch of some wild flowers or wild to connect with peers during a challenging a new animals. The Dunster Fine Arts School Society is still distancing and COVID-10 protocols in place. time in our world. The focus will be on supporting and building resiliency skills within teens. Contact Jessica collecting Dunster Stories & Such for our Fundraiser or Laura at: 1-844-324-2004, or email: events@ Book. We would love you to share your Dunster MCBRIDE rvcsbc.org to request the ZOOM link and password. Memories! Email submissions to [email protected] Chew on This Campaigný The International day for Toll Free: 1-844-324-2004 WED. McBride Family Place- Meet at RVCS, in the Eradication of Poverty is October 17th. Watch for the front yard to join in the activities below. (Unless posters and events happening around this time. otherwise stated). Contact Charlene @ 778- 763-1329 WED. Oct 21 World Food Day. Bring along a favourite to register. recipe, maybe one that stems from your culture. TUES - FRIs. Do you have memories on old slides World Food Day- In honour of World Food Day on or home movies that need to be preserved? October 16th, RVCS, the McBride Library, and our Food Literacy Program will compile an eclectic The Valley Museum & Archives wants to help! Call us collective of recipes from all around the world. Please at 250-569-3000 to sign up. Or, are you willing to help consider sharing a favourite recipe that highlights your with the New Horizons Voices from the Past Project? familys beloved culture and traditions. You may email please connect !! Open Tuesday - Friday 11am -4pm submissions to [email protected], drop off recipes in TUES, WED - SAT. McBride & District Public person at either RVCS location, or at the McBride Library, 521 Main street. Current Open Hours: Library. Credit will be given to those who submit Tues: 10:30am-5pm; 7-9pm selected recipes. Look for cookbooks to be available in Wed-Thurs: 10:30am-5pm early December, just in time for Christmas! Fri: 1:30-8pm THURS. Oct 22 McBride & District Housing Society Sat: 2:30-5pm AGM at the Robson Valley Community Centre 7pm. TUES - FRI, Until Oct 16, NOW SHOWING at the Max 25 people. Video recording will be uploaded to Valley Museum and Archives. Village website afterwards for those not able to attend. - Twelve paintings by visual artist Corey Hardeman. See ad right. - Wandering the Edge of the World is Two Rivers WED. Oct 28. From 9AM-12PM. Halloween craft & Gallery’s Outreach Exhibition, developed to be shared theme. within the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. Come along in costume. Contact Charlene @ Valley Museum and Archives. 778- 763-1329 to register. WED & THURS, Dec. 2 & 3. Dr. B. Loose - Licensed MON - SUN. Oct 19-25. October Waste Reduction Optometrist Week- Food waste is estimated at 31 Billion dollars , is coming to McBride & District Do you have an event? per year in Canada. Approximately 47% of food that is Hospital, to provide on site Optometric Services. Call the hospital for more information and to book you Tell us! wasted is at home.(wrwcanada.com) this is a relevant appointment! 250-569-2251 ext. 2000. topic for our Food Security Program at RVCS because [email protected] practicing food rescue can do so much to decrease Tech Café- the impact of food waste. We have partnered with Join us for Tech Cafe towards the end of 250-566-4606 Second Harvest, a Surplus Food Rescue Company, October (dates to be announced shortly). Tech Cafe to distribute food to the entire Robson Valley. We will provides residents with the opportunity to have their distribute food in a barrier-free setting, to anyone who technology-related concerns addressed, along with
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING at 2020-2030 WOODLOT Valemount Pines License Plan, W0201 Golf Course The Woodlot License Plan and Map Held at the club house for Woodlot 2021 are available for a 30 day review period ending Oct. 22 at 630pm Thursday October 24th, 2020. GENERAL Please call 250-569-7543 or email PUBLIC a request to Ray Thiessen if you WELCOME would like to view the documents. Written comments may be sent or emailed to Contact Colin Wied Ray Thiessen, Box 932, McBride, B.C. V0J 2E0 for more information at 250-566-1664 Email: [email protected]
DRIVE INDEPENDENT NORTHERN JOURNALISM Subscribe today: therockymountaingoat.com/subscribe Valemount | McBride | Dunster | Blue River Thursday, October 15th 2020 15
Local Heli and Cat ski operations brace for COVID season
By Andru McCracken
Most heliskiers are international visitors whether from the US or further afield and that means the global pandemic will have massive implications for heli-ski operations from Blue River to Crescent Spur. Crescent Spur Heli Skiing for example has solid bookings for the upcoming winter but whether or not they will be able to operate is outside their hands. “We’re in a holding pattern. The borders are closed for non-essential travel and there is a quarantine requirement. That doesn’t make it workable for international travel,” said Mark Aubrey, an owner and founder of the boutique heli-ski outfit. “We have a very high return rate, 75 per cent plus, 10 years in a row, and the vast majority are US and European.” He said many have committed their deposits anyways and have agreed to transfer them to next year if they cannot ski this season. “We aren’t finalizing travel until we have some advanced notice they can come across the border,” he said. Aubrey said the company’s primary concern is safety for the community and clients and staff. “We want guests to be able to travel safely for themselves and everybody else,” he said. “We can weather this. It’s going to have a huge impact on the finances of the company of course, but as importantly, it will have a huge impact on suppliers - grocery stores in McBride to our helicopter provider. Lots of our employees have been working for us for 10+ years. This is a big part of their revenue for a year.” Aubrey said this year may demonstrate the economic impact of heli- skiing…. in the negative. “Heli-skiing puts 100s of millions into the economy, primarily into small communities from Golden to Terrace,” he said. “It becomes a big part of the economic structure of these communities. It’s not visible but it is consistent and stable.” Aubrey said that Crescent Spur Heli-skiing will be ready to spring back into action when the global pandemic passes. “Local ownership is committed to be part of the solution as we move towards rebuilding the economy when that time comes. When the public With the pandemic shutting down international travel what lies in health officials feel it’s time to get going again, we’ll be ready to go.” store for heli-ski companies? One thing is for sure, it won’t be the same season as last year. Here a local takes advantage of Cariboo Cat Canadian Mountain Holidays launched a program that will provide Skiing terrain on Mica Mountain. No wonder people all over western discounted heli-ski rates for Canadians at their Bobbie Burns lodge south Canada are lining up to ride the snowcat. /ANDRU MCCRACKEN of Golden between January and March. “With winter fast approaching, we have prepared a program that will allow our Canadian guests even more opportunity to get out and explore the world’s best skiing and riding that exists in their own backyard,” says Jeremy Levitt, President of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures. “This year has kept most of us cooped up longer than any of us would prefer. With the long-range forecasts calling for remarkable conditions, we want to get people outside again and back into the snow.” The company conducted a trip simulation with 50 people in August. The company believes safety measures will keep up to 27 guests at a time safe and sound. It usually accommodates 44 people. CMH also operates two facilities in the valley, the Valemount Lodge, an exclusive lodge for small parties located just south of the village and the larger Cariboos Lodge up the Canoe River valley. Area manager John Mellis said their heli-ski season is still up in the air. “If we don’t start in December we shoot for January and so on,” he said. Whatever the case, he said that the lodge is ready to go. “We have a few play books in place for whatever scenario unfolds.”
We contacted Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing based in Blue River but didn’t hear back by presstime.
RELEASE THE SNOWCAT Terry Cinnamon said that Cariboo Cat Skiing should be able to operate this season because their clientele doesn’t typically cross borders. “The majority of our clientele are from Western Canada,” he said. “We’re hopeful to be able to operate.” Though he is concerned that small changes in guidelines could have far reaching consequences. “If they told us we can only have one person per seat we wouldn’t be able to operate,” he said. Cinnamon said that safety procedures should allow them to reduce the risk to an acceptable level using thorough cleanings and masking guidelines - something he implemented during the rafting season this summer. “[Riding in the snowcat] is no different than riding a city bus,” he said. Cinnamon is mindful of the potential risk to the community if there are COVID-19 outbreaks in the cities where his clients are from. “I don’t want to bring potentially COVID-infected people into our town,” he said. But despite the pandemic, or perhaps because of it, the urge to get out and play in nature is stronger than ever. “A lot of our returning groups are saying that after the type of summer they had, they are really looking forward to this trip,” he said. 16 Thursday, October 15th, 2020 In Print | Online | therockymountaingoat.com
Centre City Realty CentreCENTRE City CITY Realty REALTY Cell: 250-566-1086 Cell:Cell: 250-566-1086 250-566-1086 WITH YOU EVERY Office: 250-562-3600 Office: 250-562-3600 Office:Each office 250-562-3699independently owned and operated Each office independently owned and operated STEP OF THE WAY. VisitVisit ValemountMcBrideListings.comValemountMcbrideListings.com Shelly Battensby, Realtor Visit ValemountMcbrideListings.com Shelly Battensby, Realtor A Agreat great resource resource for your property property search search in thein the Valley. valley Different. Better. A great resource for your property search in the Valley. Different. Better. Shelly VALEMOUNT VALEMOUNT Battensby NEW PRICE DROP NEW
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$145,000 $345,000 #9-1500 7th Avenue DIFFERENT 1020 Main Street Situated in a highly visible location, this ethnic restaurant is in a long- $148,500term leased location with an established clientele. Perfect for the $199,000 This is a turn-keyth opportunity at its best. Fully equipped and with a owner/operator entrepreneur, this business opportunity can be stepped 1180world-renowned 5 Avenue, reputation, this Valemount thriving bakery/eatery offers a great into or molded to suitLot your dream.2 DL6022 E Hwy 16, Valemount opportunity for someone looking for a serving of business with a side BETTER Locatedof mountain in the lifestyle. heart of downtown Valemount, this corner commercial lot has great Located approximately 15 minutes northwest of Valemount, this rural acreage offers $148,500 $199,000 visibility and opportunity. Zoned C1, the options for development are broad and varied, potential for developmentVALEMOUNT with hillside views of the valley and mountain ranges th including retail, food service, or professional offices; combined residential use is allowed beyond. With a year-round creek and mature trees, you can establish your own 1180 5 Avenue, Valemount Lot 2 DL6022 E Hwy 16, Valemount as per zoningSERVICE bylaws. COUNTER The property has street parking – both front and side, as well as oasis in the woods. A 20’ container is in place to get you started on your construction Located in the heart of downtown Valemount, this corner commercial lot has great Located approximately 15 minutes northwest of Valemount, this rural acreage offers laneway access – and municipal services are at the lot line. project and there is merchantable timber in place. visibility and opportunity. Zoned C1, the options for development are broad and varied, potential for development with hillside views of the valley and mountain ranges including retail, food service, or professional offices; combined residential use is allowed beyond. With a year-round creek and mature trees, you can establish your own PATIO VIEWS as per zoning bylaws. The property has street parking – both front and side, as well as oasis in the woods. A 20’ container is in place to get you started on your construction NEW laneway access – and municipal services are at the lot line. project and there is merchantable timber in place. $143,000 NEW 1180 5th Avenue Located in the heart of Valemount, this corner lot offers you great visibility and access in the downtown core. Zoned C1, the opportunities for development are broad, ranging from retail to food service to professional services.
Visit my website to see all of my featured$149,000 listings. www.valemountmcbridelistings.com $110,000 A GREAT RESOURCE WHEN LOOKING FOR REAL ESTATE. Lot 2 Pitney Road, Valemount Lot 2 Small River FSR, Valemount Just minutes from town, this 2 acre property has a roadway in and a partially cleared This 4+ acreage property is ripe for development. One of 7 acreages in a private building site. With easterly views, you’ll be afforded views of the Canoe river valley. The community, it is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast or a vacation retreat. Registered as property’s location is both close to amenities and recreation, putting you within easy a bare land strata, the roadway and water easement are in place. And with only a 20 reach of the country lifestyle you are looking for.MCBRIDE minute drive from Valemount, you are on the edge of all that the area has to offer. $149,000 $110,000 3121 Dorman Road ASPIRE REALTY Lot 2 Pitney Road, Valemount Lot 2 Small River FSR, Valemount - beautiful new home 3 Brm 3 1/2 Bath This 4+ acreage property is ripe for development. One of 7 acreages in a private - Very private, 2+ acres fenced Just minutes from town, this 2 acre property has a roadway in and a partially cleared - great views - minutes from McBride Irene Berndsen building site. With easterly views, you’ll be afforded views of the Canoe river valley. The community, it is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast or a vacation retreat. Registered as - landscaped, treed and outbuildings property’s location is both close to amenities and recreation, putting you within easy a bare land strata, the roadway and water easement are in place. And with only a 20 [email protected] reach of the country lifestyle you are looking for. minute drive from Valemount, you are on the edge of all that the area has to offer. [email protected] $695,000 IN MCBRIDE www.mountainviewrealty.ca TEL: 250-569-7397 SERVING MCBRIDE, VALEMOUNT LIVING ROOM KITCHEN AND THE ROBSON VALLEY
VALEMOUNT DUNSTER 1075 4th Avenue 6930 Read Road - Cute and Cozy - Approx 6 acres with creek - Excellent Condition - very private - beautiful views - Large fenced Yard - large country rancher/ full - Spacious Garage/Workshop basement - great shop, decks and much more! $189,000$189,000 $465,000
MCBRIDE MCBRIDE NEW PRICE 1057 3rd Avenue 1048 4th Avenue - great floor plan, great views - bright and sunny 2 bdrm - breakfast bar, stainless appliances - cheaper than rent - bright , dry basement - lots of character - separate entrance - great location - large shop - excellent location $119,000 $59,000