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The children were all excited at the Christmas in the Mountains Parade in Blairmore on Nov. 16. See more photos on page 6 and 7. Photo by J. MacFarlane

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The Finer Things in Life

By Joni MacFarlaneEditorA moving, emotional tribute was paid to hon-

our the men and women who served their coun-try both in times of conflict and in peace-time.

On Monday, Nov. 11, Crowsnest Pass held its annual community Remembrance Day ceremo-ny led by Piper Bill Plant. A Parade of Colours, the Canadian and American National Anthems, Last Post, two minutes of silence and reveille were followed by an invocation by Rev. Nicky Keyworth and Special Address by Warrant Of-ficer Charles Gresln.

“The Pass looks after its veterans, “said Gresln. “I’ve attended many ceremonies and there’s none nicer than in Crowsnest Pass.”

An address by American Legion national Ex-ecutive Committeeman Mervin Gunderson was followed by a short speech by Mayor Blair Paint-er.

Referring to the service men and women in the military, Mayor Painter, said he was “humbled by their sacrifices”.

After the community service, there was a short commemoration at the Coleman Legion with a moving tribute to the lost soldier.

Services were also held in the afternoon at the Blairmore Legion Branch #7 at the cenotaph moved from the organization’s former location, and ended at Bellevue Legion, Branch #19.

Lance Roche leads the Parade of Colours at the 2013 Remembrance Day Services at the Royal Canadian Legion, Bellevue Branch #19 on Nov. 11. Photo by J. MacFarlane

Constable Melanie Sokoloski of the Crowsnest Pass Detachment laid a wreath on behalf of the RCMP at the Remembrance Day ceremonies on Nov. 11 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Blairmore Branch #7.

Photo by J. MacFarlane

Isabelle Sellon School Grade 6 students Sydney Haslam and Dylan Cleverly paid tribute to Canada’s mili-tary in honour of Remem-brance Day on Friday, Nov. 8. The special ceremony in-cluded poems, songs, and a Laying of the Wreaths by students.


Crowsnest Pass remembers

Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter gave a brief speech at the Community Remem-brance Day Service at Crows-nest Consolidated High School on Nov. 11.


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By Joni MacFarlaneEditor

At the Nov. 5 council meeting, Chief Administrative Officer, Myron Thompson, gave his first briefing on activities admin-istration has been working on in recent months.

First, said Thompson, the municipality was approached by the DimeStore Fisherman show about featuring the Crows-nest Pass as a fishing destination in an upcoming episode.

This is one of the longest Alberta-produced television shows and is seen on many channels across Canada, he said, includ-ing several major stations. Travel Alberta promotes and pro-vides funding for the show.

“They not only do a fishing show but they really include a lot of information about things that are going on in the com-munity, events, highlights, things like that,” said Thompson. “It’s real good promotion for the municipality.”

The filming would take place over nine to 10 days. More details will be brought to council as the proposal continues, Thompson added.

RC Strategies, the consultant service conducting the Recre-ation and Facilities Feasibility Study, was in the Pass to inter-view stakeholders and staff members and to tour the facilities, said Thompson. He added that there was a good response to the survey that will provide invaluable information.

Thompson told council that the Emergency Management Plan was in the final stages of update and it was critical that

information be gathered from operations people in the field who have worked through events such as the flooding incident in June.

A Train the Trainer program overview was provided to staff and a work order system will be introduced over the next two months with full implementation by the beginning of 2014.

“This will give us a true cost accounting for various func-tions within operations and will be a good work plan tool as well,” said Thompson.

A Joint Union Management meeting was held with the ma-jority of discussion around implementation of action items relative to the Workplace Assessment, Thompson told coun-cil.

The Frank Waste Water Treatment Plant design will be com-pleted by end of November and a grant application has been made for the Sentinel Water Treatment Plan upgrades.

A review of the municipal 10-year capital infrastructure improvement plan is underway and will be presented during 2014 budget discussions.

The Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery-Centennial Enhancement Project was awarded $10,000 from the Community Founda-tion of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.

The mixing of winter sand and salt is near completion. Mixed winter sand will be distributed to public works facili-ties and crushed gravel will be hauled to the Passburg Pit for maintenance purposes.

The Honour Guard were an important part of Remembrance Day Services at the Royal Canadian Legion, Coleman Branch #9 on Nov. 11. Submitted photo

Piper Bill Plant closes the Crowsnest Pass Community Remembrance Day Service marching off the Colours. The ceremonies included a moving tribute to the service men and women who have fought for their country.


CAO reports to council

Like every journalist around the world, I can’t resist the temptation to write about Toronto’s mayor-in-name-only Rob Ford. From Belarus to Brazil, newspaper scribes, TV talk shows, and workplace water coolers are abuzz with the dirty daily detritus that are now the chambers of To-ronto city hall.

As each new day unfolds, another juicy storyline more riveting than the day before attracts our attention like flies on a sticky strip. The layers are intricate, complex and so deliciously irresistible.

First, of course there were the admissions about drug use during his term in office, followed by a correspond-ing series of apologies and a stunningly tasteless string of lewd language during a press conference.

There were the unfounded allegations from former staff-ers saying they saw Mayor Ford intoxicated at City Hall and other official city events, that they were asked fre-quently to buy alcohol for him, that he often drove while drunk, that he’d used cocaine, that he was seen with a prostitute, and that he’d suggested something of a sexual nature to a former female staff member.

None of these allegations have been proven and Ford dismissed them all, vowing to sue everyone and anyone who would dare to say such a thing. Sure he smoked crack, but drinking and driving? How dare they?

Then there’s the spectacle at City Hall. Last week, councillors voted overwhelmingly to restrict his powers as mayor. More motions were discussed this week to peel away Ford’s powers, rendering him a virtual figurehead

whose influence would be limited to a single vote. As at press time, this latest move hadn’t been confirmed.

And of course, again, legal action is threatened against the city and each and every council member who voted against him.

A “modern day coup d’état” was how Ford’s brother, Councillor Doug Ford, described it – a comparison stun-ningly offensive to a good many Canadians who have fled to this country after experiencing a real - and usually bloody – overthrow of a government.

Going on the offensive last weekend, Mayor Ford went on a series of media interviews in an attempt to control the message after his month of scandal-plagued news.

On Fox News on Sunday afternoon, Mayor Ford ad-mitted that, “yes, one day I do want to run for Prime Minister”.

Well that would sure liven up those boring summits and conferences among world leaders, wouldn’t it? Who wants to talk climate change and global currencies? Let’s get hammered!

What interests me most though is the celebrity status this has given the mayor – and yes, I realize by writing this, I’m con-

tributing to it.What holds us in its grip and why the story fascinates is

because Ford’s not following the script.You know the one – celebrity finally gets caught, con-

fesses their sins, says their sorry (the wife standing stoi-cally behind their man), goes into rehab shameful and repentant, and emerges, redeemed and fully cleansed.

Ford instead, just says no. He won’t go away. No matter how bad it gets, he’s clinging to his job like a drowning rat.

The Rob Ford Reality Show has become an endless cy-cle of sordid behavior, denial, lies, proof, apologies and a vow to carry on. What does it say about us - it’s painful to watch but still we can’t look away.


Phone: 250-509-0177Email: [email protected]

For news tips, community, sporting and other events, please contact Joni MacFarlane at 403-563-7725 or email: [email protected]

12707, 20 Avenue, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0 • 250-509-0177Chris Hopkyns, Publisher Email: [email protected] weekly each Thursday by The Crowsnest Pass Free Press, a division of Black Press Group Ltd. and distributed throughout the Crowsnest Pass. Free circulation, 1,700.

Free PressCrowsnest Passthe

Chris HopkynsPUBLISHER/SALES

Bridget FixPRODUCTION

Joni MacFarlaneREPORTER/EDITOR

The Crowsnest Pass Free Press welcomes letters to the editor that are of interest to our community. Whatever the subject, there are a few basic guidelines to follow before Crowsnest Pass Free Press will publish your

comment.• Letters must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s paper.• One letter per person per month.• Letters should be typed or neatly written and present the issues as clearly as possible in 350 words or less.• All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be

reached during business hours.• Anonymous letters will not be published and pen names may not be used, except in exceptional circumstances at

the discretion of the editor.• The editor reserves the right to edit for length, clarity or reject letters over matters of libel, legality, taste or

style.Letters published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or belief of this newspaper.

The Rob Ford Reality Show


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SpecialistsBy Joni MacFarlaneEditor

Council members were presented with a de-tailed look at the municipality’s financial posi-tion on Nov. 5 with a presentation from the Di-rector of Finance & Corporate Services.

Marion Vanoni presented financial reports for the period ending Oct. 30 with transactions com-pared to the approved 2013 budget.

First, said Vanoni, a positive cash ratio exists with current assets in excess of $9.3 million and liabilities of just over $2 million. There are com-mitments for reserves, deferred revenues of $3.1 million based on grants, employee benefits total-ing $7.3 million, and an annual debt payment of $482,661.

Currently, debt is $1.1 million and reserves are $1.8 million.

“Currently we are sitting at a cumulative sur-plus position and I intend to see that until year end. We are expecting a very small surplus, some-where around where we budgeted for, around $18,000,” said Vanoni.

Capital projects so far this year are $971,336 - far below the budget of $6.2 million, said Vanoni.

This is due to a delay by the provincial gov-ernment to upgrade the Sentinel Bridge and the 6th Street Hillcrest Bridge. Another $1.5 million budgeted for Culture and Recreation Heritage initiatives is also still to be allocated pending re-sults from the Recreation Feasibility Study, said Vanoni.

Reserves projected to year-end are $1.7 million and currently sit at $1.9 million. At the start of the year, they were $1.7 million.

Of note, she said, was the deferral of $100,000 to the Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing Author-ity for upgrades to York Creek Lodge, a mora-torium on offsite levies, and lower than expected sales of municipal land.

Vanoni told council that the municipality has a debt ceiling of $17 million so fund could be borrowed to honour the commitment to Senior Housing so council could assist that organiza-tion.

“There are some options that we will be talk-ing to you about during budget deliberations,” she said.

A mill rate stabilization reserve set up in con-junction with the triennial budget is at $555,041, said Vanoni, and $350,000 will go towards the Crowsnest Centre demolition. Another $50,000 will be taken from land sales to fund the demoli-tion, she added.

“Once the land is sold, these two reserves will be bolstered back up,” she said. “The balance of that demolition is coming out of grant revenue.”

Vanoni explained that Crowsnest Pass is one of five municipal electrical suppliers in Alberta. The electrical department reserve was estab-lished to enhance the capital infrastructure and is currently sitting at $531,404.

Last, a summary of operating programs was presented that shows 22 per cent of the 2013 budget remains for the last two months of the year.


Residents of Crows-nest Pass know we have a gem in our backyard with the Pass Pow-derkeg Ski Hill. Now we have an opportunity to grow that gem so others will know it too!

The Pass Powderkeg

Ski Hill is in the third and final round to qualify for a grant worth up to $300,000 towards a quad chair lift.

The Aviva Commu-nity Fund is sponsored by Aviva Insurance who is giving away $1 million to ideas that will help create posi-

tive change in their communities.

Residents can vote daily in the qualifying round (up to Nov. 25) in order to send the Pass Powderkeg to the top 10 in the category and advance as a final-ist.

Once you click on the link below you will

receive 15 votes auto-matically. After that, you’re asked to vote every day to show your support for this amaz-ing opportunity for Crowsnest Pass.

Visit www.avivacom-munityfund.org/ideas/acf17842.

Semi-finals run from Dec. 2 to 11.

Council gets first look at books

Help lift the Pass

By Joni MacFarlaneEditorBudding and advanced artists have an oppor-

tunity to learn an interesting medium and meet a talented Aboriginal artist at the Gushul Studio in Blairmore this month.

Tracey-Mae Chambers is the current artist-in-residence who is busy working on a new exhibition called “about eve” using encaustic – a technique us-ing heated beeswax.

The exhibit focuses on how contact with Euro-peans affected the social structures of women and children in First Nations communities.

Working on both three-dimensional structure and paintings, Chamber uses encaustic painting – a mixture of melted beeswax, paint and Washi, a Japanese paper.

“I’m approaching it from an artistic perspective examining the change between being a grandmoth-er-driven culture to a patriarchal society based on the European model,” said Chambers.

As well as sculptures and 32 paintings, Chamber constructed a nine-foot canoe crafted from Washi, fur, leather and other natural elements such as birch bark strips. She worked with designer Linda Lundstrom on the project to learn how to sew in such a mosaic of mediums.

Admitting to an affection for fashion, Chambers is also working on other installations that draw on

fashion and how First Nations women were im-pacted by European design.

“Linda [Lundstrom] has been invaluable to me,” she added.

Chambers is also passionate about working with the encaustic technique.

Not only does she love the smell of beeswax and how it permeates surfaces, she said the medium has great longevity and is one of the oldest forms of mediums in human history.

She said she chose Crowsnest Pass for the name of the community (she admitted to an affinity for crows) and applied to Gushul’s to immerse herself in work in preparation for her exhibition.

“It’s a great place to separate myself for creating,” she said. “A great physical space to work in, free of distractions.”

However, while at Gushul, Chambers believes its also important to connect with the community and offer her talents as an artist to others. She has been holding workshops in abstract art, encaustic paint-ing and dream catchers throughout the month of November.

Chambers said people in the Crowsnest Pass have been very helpful towards her and she’s encouraged by the positive reception.

If you are interested in registering for a work-shop, call 403-563-3955 or for more information on Chambers, visit www.tracey-mae.com.

Gushul artist connects with community


Councillor Marlene Anctil was an exceptionally good sport by o� er-ing to conduct the o� cial town light up ceremony. The ceremony, in Gazebo Park on Nov. 15, en-tailed being hoisted up more than 20 feet in the air to place the top decoration on the tree.


Coalminers from the Bellevue Underground Mine � oat gave out candy-canes along the parade route at the annual Christmas Parade in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 16.


Even the animals were dressed for blustery winter weather at the Christmas Parade in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 16.


Servus Credit Union’s Financial Wizard Teck’s delighted and amazed parade watchers at the annual Christmas Parade in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 16.


ChristmasChristmas in


Teck’s Jurassic Park-themed float depicting the creation of coal was a big hit with the crowd at the Christmas Parade in Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 16. Photo by J. MacFarlane

Nicholle Auger of Elkford’s Lovely Tutu’s, displayed a colourful variety of creative wares at the 15th An-nual Christmas market hosted by the Crowsnest Pass Royal Purple Lodge #159 on Nov. 15 and 16 as part of Christmas in the Mountains.


Cayleigh Braun was first up for a special visit with Santa after the Christ-mas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 16. Dozens of children waited with their parents for a chance to tell Santa what’s on their wish list for Christmas this year.


Santa paid a surprise visit to two little boys after the Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 16.


Spry on Main Street, Blairmore was busy with late-night shoppers on Nov. 15 as retailers participated in Christmas in the Mountains. Volunteers with CNP Indoor Playground were on hand for gift wrapping services.


Christmas in the Mountains kicked off on Nov. 14 with the delicious, Art of Chocolate, at the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery. Participants en-joyed wine and chocolate-themed desserts while supporting the arts.

Submitted photo

Holy Trinity Catholic Parish held its first Annual Tea and Fashion Show featuring Bonnie’s Fashions and Work & Play on Sunday, Nov. 17 as part of Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Com-merce’s Christmas in the Mountains.


MountainsMountainsthethe

As part of Christmas in the Mountains, Riversdale Resources held an open house on Nov. 15. Peter Murray, Operations Manager (left), Marcos Axelson, Geologist, (middle) and Morgan Tanner, a consultant with the project were on hand to provide informa-tion about the company’s Grassy Mountain Mine. Missing from photo was Bridget Buckle, Accounting/Office Manager. Photo by J. MacFarlane


By Joni MacFarlaneEditorShe’s only six years old, but she’s already

endured more than most people do in a lifetime. Claira Murray, a Grade 1 student at Horace Allen School, was diagnosed with a large mass on her esophagus earlier this year. Since then, she’s been in and out of hospital while friends at home rallied together.

Claira’s Recovery Craft/Bake Sale Fun-draiser, held on Nov. 9 at the Hillcrest Fish & Game Club, was a smashing suc-cess and proved – once again – that the people of Crowsnest Pass have enormous hearts.

Organized by friends of the Murray family, Danielle Harris, Melissa Hvizdos and Kat Williams, over $9,000 was raised to help the family with expenses incurred by their ordeal.

Starting from a small idea, the event

grew as more people and businesses became in-volved, said Harris. “We were really surprised and overwhelmed by the support,” she said. “When we heard about what the family was going through, it really hit hard.”

Tracy Murray, Claira’s mom, said they were first alerted to a problem around the end of the school year when Claira complained of being tired all the time. A chest x-ray showed a large mass on her esophagus, behind her lungs and below her heart.

In September, surgery was performed to remove it but they found the mass had grown into the wall of the esophagus.

Tracy said they couldn’t remove it all because it would have left a hole in the esophagus that would’ve caused it to collapse. A softball-sized mass was removed and they thought the worst was over.

“Doctors said it was a very unknown case,” said Tracy. “They hadn’t seen one like it in 10 years.”

After a three-week stay in hospital, Claira came home but had to be fed an expensive formula with a tube that went straight into the intestines. After a week, Tracy said, the tube became plugged and they returned to the hospital.

This back and forth routine continued for some time until doctors discovered that a pouch formed on the esophagus after surgery had developed a hole resulting in a massive infection.

Now on heavy doses of antibiotics, Claira is awaiting the date for a second surgery – this one to close up the hole in the esophagus.

In addition, Tracy said, doctors also diagnosed Claira with a mild case of cerebral palsy.

Tracy relayed the information matter-of-factly but admitted the ordeal has been exhausting. With three other children at home – ages 11, nine and four - Tracy’s husband Brad and she have often had to rely on family and friends.

She said Claira is very easy-going and rarely cries but is looking forward to eating real food again.

“We’re optimistic that the surgery will fix the problem. Hopefully we’ll have a normal Christmas and Claira will be eating again,” she said. “You have to have a positive attitude. [Kids] sense that from you.”

Funds raised from the Hillcrest event will be used for Tracy’s accommodation, gas back and forth to Calgary, hospital parking and Claira’s special formula.

“I want to send a big thank you out to everyone that contributed. We really appreciate it,” Tracy said. “I love the Pass. We’ve only lived there three-and-a-half years but it feels like home.”

Danielle Harris (right), one of the organizers of the fundraiser for Claira Murray, said the response from the community was overwhelming. Claira’s Recovery Craft/Bake Sale raised over $9,000 to assist the Murray family with expenses incurred by their daughter’s medical issues. Photo by J. MacFarlane

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With the announcement last week from Conservative MP and Minister of State for Finance Ted Menzies that he was leaving politics ahead of the next election, an early candidate has thrown her hat into the ring.

First out of the gate was High River resident Melissa Mathieson who worked with Menzies over the years and has been actively involved in politics since childhood.

Despite her youth, Mathieson said it doesn’t mean she’s inexperienced.

“I started getting involved in politics at 11, knocking on doors and licking envelopes,” she said. “I was working with Ted (Menzies) when I was 13 and volunteered at constituency and policy conventions for over a decade.”

An unabashed admirer of Menzies, Mathieson said he’s so well-known and respected, she’s very lucky to have worked with him.

She said she admires his ability to listen to his constituents and the inex-haustible energy that takes him across the large riding of Macleod.

“I know I’m not what you’re used

to, but what makes me different is my stint in Ottawa working with Ted, the Department of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office,” said Mathieson. “I know the big players and I can hit the ground running.”

Born and bred in High River, Mathie-son said she’s passionate about the Ma-cleod riding, describing it as “bedrock of fiscal conservatism”. As such, it’s a desirable riding for Conservatives to run in for a federal seat.

Asked why she wants to start her po-litical career at the federal level, Ma-thieson admitted that’s where her heart is after working in Ottawa with Men-zies.

She also believes it’s important for the Conservative Party to renew itself with younger candidates who are passionate and strong about their role.

“Our job is to listen to the constitu-ents and listen to their concerns,” she said. “My youth is a huge advantage. I know the players and the system like the back of my hand… I was lucky to work with Ted and learn from him.”

When an MP leaves the position ahead of an election, a by-election must be held within 180 days. The Conserva-tive Party of Canada will hold a nomi-nation to elect their candidate for the riding. A federal election is set for 2015.

For more information on Mathieson, visit www.electmathieson.ca.

High River resident Melissa Mathieson declared her intention to run for the Conservative Party in the Macleod rid-ing following Ted Menzies retirement an-nouncement. Submitted photo


Surprising his supporters, Tory MP and Minister of State for Finance Ted Menzies announced he was leaving politics ahead of the next election.

Although Menzies announced last July that he wouldn’t run in the 2015 election, many expected he would stay on until then.

Menzies, who represents the Macleod riding, one that was hit heavily by the June flooding incident, said at the time of announcing his retirement that the devastation of Higher River and other communities, led him to decide it was more important for him to be there than in Ottawa.

In his announcement, Menzies said, “the time has come for me to move on”. Although retiring from politics, he “look[s] forward to another exciting career ahead”.

As of Jan. 1, Menzies will take on the role of President and CEO of CropLife Canada, an industry association represent-ing companies that develop, manufacture and distribute pest control products and plant biotechnology.

“As a farmer, I have always been interested in how tech-nology can improve operations. I saw firsthand the role that pesticides and plant biotechnology play in increasing yields and helping improve the farm environment. I know how im-portant these technologies are for farmers and that’s a very big part of why I am so excited about this next phase in my career,” said Menzies.

MP candidate declared

MP Ted Menzies retires

By Joni MacFarlaneEditorBusiness owners in Crowsnest Pass were

encouraged to support and encourage youth in the community and to foster de-velopmental assets through their business.

At the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the High-wood Hotel on Wednesday, Nov. 13, Kim Lewis and Michael Mertz provided an overview of 40 Developmental Assets, a philosophy that speaks to the relation-ships, opportunities and qualities that youth need.

Lewis and Mertz highlighted a research study conducted by the Search Institute that identified 40 positive experiences and qualities that everyone has the power to bring to children and youth.

“It’s a philosophy, or a lens, at which to look at children and youth… and it happens through strong positive relation-ships,” said Lewis.

Search Institute has been studying the effects that developmental assets have on youth since 1989, she said. Millions of surveys have been conducted on youth in Canada and the U.S. with the same re-sults.

“All young people have assets, but too many youth have too few,” said Lewis. “All

children and youth need assets. The more they have, the more successful they’ll be.”

Relationships are the key to building as-sets, she added, and the message should be consistent, intentional and repetitive.

Lewis said the focus has shifted from fix-ing young people’s problems to promot-ing their strengths, from seeing youth as

problems to seeing them as resources, and from offering programs to building rela-tionships.

In June, 270 students in Crowsnest Pass from Grades 4 through 12 were surveyed and completed a 160-question survey.

Mertz said that the more assets youth re-ported having, the better their health and the more successful they were in school. Con-versely, those with fewer assets fared worse at school and experienced poorer health.

From Grade 4 up, the gap in assets dropped steadily. It spiked again at Grade 12 but this was because of dropout rates after Grade 11, said Mertz.

He also reported that survey results were very consistent in over a million youth and that gender made no difference.

Mertz also said there was a large gap between what adults said were important values and what they actually did to en-courage those values.

Lastly, Chamber members were encour-aged to make their business a welcoming place for youth, to offer internships or hire them, and to show youth that their talents and aspirations are respected.

A plea was made to get youth involved in local activities such as sports, clubs or organizations either at school or in the community.

Kim Lewis, with Michael Mertz, were guest speakers at the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce lunch on Nov. 13. Their presentation on 40 Develop-mental Assets provided an overview of a philosophy that seeks to improve rela-tionships, opportunities and qualities for youth. Photo by J. MacFarlane

Chamber lunch highlights developmental assets


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Power tools whirl, crews unload gallon after gallon of paint and a steady buzz of work envelopes the building, both inside and out, as the massive reconstruction contin-ues on one of the com-munity’s largest hotels.

The Best Canadian Motor Inn (BCMI) was devastated by a fire in November 2011 and the remains of the

building on 21st Av-enue in Blairmore sat vacant for over a year as detailed renovation and expansion plans were completed.

Today, the remark-able transformation is on the downhill slide as crews work to finish enclosing the second floor and continue in-terior finishing work on the main floor.

Project Manager Kevin Cox with Belfor Property Restoration said once the project

is finished, it will be a fresh new building.

BCMI announced in early April that the fa-cility would be rebuilt and will include 49 completely renovated modern rooms, fitness room, laundry facili-ties, deluxe continen-tal breakfast area and business center.

A conference cen-tre to accommodate about 75 people is be-ing built as well as an elevator to the second floor.

There are eight dou-ble suites and several with kitchenettes, said Cox. The reconstruc-tion also includes a lounge with patio off the main lobby that BCMI will sub-lease.

Before reconstruc-tion could begin, a two-stage demolition took place. First, all the contents had to be removed and identi-fied. Due to extensive smoke damage, very little was salvaged.

As well 28 rooms on

the north side of the building contained as-bestos that had to be removed.

Everything taken out of the rooms was bagged, sprayed and taken to a special land-fill site, said Cox.

Afterwards, all that remained was the shell when everything was gutted down to the studs. All new wiring, plumbing, insulation, walls, water and heat-ing systems had to be installed.

Cox said the project has employed anywhere from 20 to 40 people at a time with most of the workers and sub-trades supplied locally. The only exceptions, he added, were the eleva-tor shaft and the torch-on roofing, a flat roof application.

Cox said work has been progressing well with only one delay caused by engineer-ing. The new hotel is expected to be com-pleted and open for business at the end of May 2014.

Crews work to finish and enclose the upper floor of the BCMI in Blairmore. An elevator is also being installed to reach the second floor. Photo by J. MacFarlane

BCMI rebuild nears completion


With a firm background in municipal recreation and facility management, the new Director of Protective and Community Services hopes his knowledge and experience will help con-tribute to the success of the Crowsnest Pass.

Lyle Hannan took over the position on Nov. 4 after a career spanning a broad variety of communities throughout western Canada and the north.

An avid athlete in his youth, Hannan said he was very in-volved in baseball, rugby and hockey and was looking to-wards scholarships to pursue his athletic career when a sports injury sidelined his ambitions.

The injury changed his plans and he instead began to study kinesiology at the University of Victoria. As courses over-lapped with those involving the philosophy of sports and why recreation was important to communities, Hannan said he found himself drawn to focus in that direction.

He switched to study Leisure Services Administration, a blend between public service and recreation that more closely resembled his interests.

Hannan said as a youth growing up with a focus on sports and recreation, he understands that providing quality facili-ties and community events lead to a happy and healthy com-munity.

“It put words to how I felt about it,” he said. “It matched my philosophy and took advantage of the things I grew up with.”

Employed in the public service, Hannan has worked in nu-merous communities ranging in size and population, includ-ing Swan River, Manitoba, Norman Wells, NWT, Cold Lake, Morinville, Grande Cache, and Hay River, NWT.

In two of these communities, Hannan said, he was involved in multi-million dollar recreation projects, including manage-ment of a new high school campus and recreation centre, as well as a recreation centre expansion and aquatic centre ad-dition.

Every community had a parks and recreation component, he said, and often combined tourism, family and social ser-vices, with protective services.

Hannan said he’s always loved the mountains and envisioned working again in that landscape. Still very much interested in sports, he’s an avid golfer in summer and downhill skier in winter. He’s also open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, playing slo-pitch and rugby, and refereeing hockey.

He said he likes the location and size of the Crowsnest Pass as well as the challenge and diversity of his position.

Hannan said he will be working closely with the Manager of Protective Services who will provide the direction and over-sight for the department.

“I’ll be relying on him for that,” said Hannan, “and together we’ll work on the strategic direction.”

With only a few days under his belt, Hannan said he’s look-ing forward to getting council’s vision for the future.

“It’s a brand new council and we haven’t had an opportunity to look at the strategic plan,” he said.

As council sets its mandate, Hannan said discussions will have to take place on issues such as how recreation ties into council’s plan for economic development, what the communi-ty’s focus is, how much investment does the community want to put into recreational facilities, trail building, or culture and heritage, and if it’s determined to put certain things in place, how financially feasible are they.

“Our focus is to work with council to set the direction for the next four years and to build relationships with community groups so they’re involved and informed,” he said. “There are so many wonderful assets to work with here.”

Hannan said his focus right now is to review documents, talk to stakeholders and understand the background of his portfolio so he can better advise council.

“I want to have a positive impact on the community,” said Hannan. “I’m just excited to meet everyone and get at it. I’m sure there’s no shortage of interesting times ahead.”

New director takes the helm

Community Calendar

NOVEMBER 26 – Michele Montgomery will be speaking to parents/community on adoles-cent media awareness, bullying prevention, and building a safe and happy family. Michele Mont-gomery is the Regional Prevention of Family Violence & Bullying Coordinator for Southwest Alberta CFSA. This workshop is organized by the CNP Parent Link Centre’s PASS Program supporting teens and their families. All are wel-come to this free workshop held at the Crows-nest Consolidated High School, Library (2nd) floor from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Register by call-ing Karen Manzer, PASS Program Facilitator at 403-563-0540 or email [email protected]. Free childcare available if requested by Nov. 18.DECEMBER 7 – In partnership with Moun-tain Radio and Bridge City Chrysler, Crowsnest Pass Food Bank presents PACK THE PICKUP from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sobey’s parking lot. Cash, non-perishable and perishable foods will be accepted (no meat please).DECEMBER 10 – The CP Holiday Train will be providing live entertainment with Matt Dusk in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the CP Holiday Train at 1:15 p.m., south of 17th Av-enue between 69th & 70th Streets, Coleman. The Crowsnest Pass Food Bank will be accepting cash and non-perishable donations.

Community Calendar submissions

This is a free service offered to provide visitors and residents with information about events organized by non-profit groups in the

Crowsnest Pass.Events must be received by 4 p.m.

Thursday for the following week’s paper and must be submitted via email. They must contain the

name and phone number of the organization and kept as brief as possible.

Please tell us about your upcoming events by emailing the editor at

[email protected]

Free PressCrowsnest Passthe


Registered Level II Dental

AssistantWe require an energetic Registered Level II Dental

Assistant at Crowsnest Dental.

This position will commence immediately. This will be a part-time position with the potential to become a full

time opportunity in the future.

You must be proficient in all expanded Level II chair-side duties. You must be able to work closely in a Team and be confident working independently.

Exceptional patient relations are a must as you will be sharing dental education with your patients.

We offer competitive wages and continuing education opportunities.

Please forward resume to:RDAII/ Crowsnest Dentalc/o Cheryl Oczkowski

[email protected] fax: 403-562-2211

Please note only those successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you.

The Food Bank Needs Your Help!

Thank you for your support

Please drop off your donations at our location on 20th AvenueMon. & Wed., 5-7 pm., Thurs. 11am-2pm

(closed Tues.)(403)564-5110


Between Nov. 6 and Nov. 13, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to 43 calls for service. They included:Assaults: 2Mischief: 2Theft of MV: 1Thefts: 3Impaired Driving: 1Disturbing Peace: 2Driving Complaints: 4MV Collisions: 8Suspicious Occurrences: 2Assistance to General Public: 5Assistance to Other Agencies: 5False Alarms: 5Animal Calls: 1Municipal Bylaws: 2Prisoners Held: 1

On Nov. 7, police received a complaint of theft of a licence plate from a parked vehicle on 122 St. Blairmore. The theft occurred sometime overnight.

On Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., police received a complaint of a possible impaired driver in Coleman. The vehicle and driver were located and a 44-year-old female from Coleman was charged with impaired driving and breach of conditions. She was remanded into custody, appeared in court on Nov. 12 and a court date was set over to Nov. 19 in Pincher Creek.

On Nov. 9, Red Deer police arrested a 39-year-old male from Red Deer on outstanding war-rants as the result of a complaint of theft from a store in Blairmore on June 1. The subject was remanded into custody and appeared via closed circuit TV in Pincher Creek court on Nov. 12. It was set over to Nov. 18 in Lethbridge court.

On Nov. 10 at 3 a.m., police received a com-plaint from a 28-year-old male from Crowsnest Pass that he had been assaulted while at a Bellev-ue tavern by an unidentified male approximately half-an-hour earlier. An investigation by police failed to identify the assailant.

On Nov. 10 at 1 a.m., police received a com-plaint of loud music from a Coleman residence. Police attended and advised the occupants to turn down the music. No charges were laid.

On Nov. 10, police received a complaint of theft of meat from a freezer at a Coleman res-taurant. The suspect has been identified and the matter is under investigation.

On Nov. 12, police received a complaint that the rear driver’s door had been kicked while parked on 21st Ave. Frank. The damage occurred some-time overnight.

On Nov. 13, police received a complaint of theft of a motorcycle from a residence located on 117 St. Blairmore sometime over the past month. Reported stolen was a green 1998 Kawa-saki KX60.

Police briefs

Helen Wasnock and Clarence Morrow, help York Creek Lodge host their 4th annual Coffee Break fun-draiser for the Alzheimer Society on Friday, Nov. 8. In the first year, $64 was raised and they continue to beat their previous year. In 2012, the Lodge raised $251 and so far this year they’re well on their way to beating their record. A 50/50 draw and a Coffee Bean Count Contest sweetened the pot for those donating to this worthwhile organization. The top closest guesses will receive a prize with winners announced on Nov. 29. Photo by J. MacFarlane

Servus Credit Union, in partnership with Parent Link, holds financial literacy workshops at Horace Allen School. The sessions focus on financial literacy for young families covering topics such as budget-ing, buying a home, debt, credit ratings, fraud and other financial basics.

Joanne Secretan and Branch Manager Tyler Hope are conducting the free sessions which are open to everyone. Photo J. MacFarlane


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