trail daily times, march 12, 2015
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March 12, 2015 edition of the Trail Daily TimesTRANSCRIPT
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THURSDAYMARCH 12, 2015
Vol. 120, Issue 39
$105 INCLUDING G.S.T.
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1895 - 2015
SHERI REGNIER PHOTO
Former Trail Mayor Dieter Bogs said he would only return to council on his own terms – which meant without use of a cane. The 27-year Trail politician was unable to attend the 97th Inaugural council meeting on Dec. 1 because of recent hip surgery. Following successful rehabilitation, Bogs kept his word Monday night when he delivered a very moving farewell address to council, friends and family. Besides a standing ovation and reception, Bogs received a commemorative plaque with a rendition of the Victoria Street bridge that he shared with long-time partner and supporter Flo Woodhouse.
B Y L I Z B E V A NTimes Staff
School District 20 (SD20) is seeking input to help cut over half-a-million dol-lars from next year’s budget.
Last week, district superintendent Greg Luterbach sent an email out to parents and stakeholders detailing staffing chang-es, extra charges for bussing and shorter custodial hours as some of the many ideas considered for the 2015-2016 school budget.
Luterbach said anyone with ideas or questions about cuts or generating more
revenue for the district is invited to an information night on April 15 at the Kootenay Columbia Learning Centre (KCLC) in Trail.
“The intent of the evening is to help the public and our stakeholders understand the current budget position, what changes may be made for the 2015/2016 to balance the budget and provide people with the opportunity to provide feedback to the board,” he explained.
SD20 has also opened up an online survey, which has already garnered 20 responses, to gather input ahead of next
month's public presentation As opinions on cuts come in, Luterbach
wants people to understand why rollbacks are needed – expenses are getting higher, and the budget, while growing, isn't grow-ing enough.
“We will not be receiving enough money for the next school year to main-tain all programs and services,” he said, adding that there is funding coming in for staff wage increases, but it won't cover the difference.
“(Even with extra wage funding) if we kept all services at the same levels as we
planned initially for this school year, we will still be $590,000 short.”
Darrel Ganzert, chair of the board, says the trustees are trying their best to work with what they have been given, but staff-ing numbers may still go down.
“It is very distressing for us to be cut-ting year after year,” he said. “Our concept has always been to cut away from the classroom as far as we can.
“That has left our buildings in a state that is not good. All other sorts of non-teaching things have suffered.
See BUSSING, Page 3
SD20 seeking ideas to trim $590,000 from budget
B Y S H E R I R E G N I E RTimes Staff
Trail landowners might be bracing them-selves for the inevitable tax bill this year given all the new projects breaking ground in the city.
After taxpayers said “Yes” to two city loans totalling about $11 million, the assent could have hit the pocketbook hard in 2015.
But the $6.3 million Riverfront Centre will not impact wallets yet, explains the city's chief administrative officer (CAO).
“The debt will not be issued in 2015 given that there has not been any direct expenditure for design or construction of the facility,” said CAO David Perehudoff.
“Therefore there is no increase in 2015 prop-erty taxes to service the debenture.”
He said pending the construction schedule, the loan probably won't be issued until next fall, so direct taxpayer impact won't happen until 2017 when the city commences repayment.
And as promised by the previous Trail coun-cil, taxpayers won't be footing the bill for the new walking bridge through property tax rev-enue.
That $10 million project is slated to begin by early fall, with Trail's $5 million apportionment for the foot bridge to be paid through the city's gas tax funds over the next decade.
“The city's capital financing plan for the pedestrian/pipe bridge was based on the city using the annual federal gas tax revenue to off-set the debenture debt payment in its entirety,” Perehudoff confirmed.
“Therefore, there will not be any increase in City of Trail property taxes to service this debt.”
See INFRASTRUCTURE, Page 3
SALUTE TO FORMER MAYOR TRAIL
Big projects won’t impact latest tax bill
Property tax going up 2.5 per cent
A2 www.trailtimes.ca Thursday, March 12, 2015 Trail Times
LOCAL
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Mar.20th, Trail Legion Happy Hour 5:00pm
Contact Wally @250-364-4944TRAIL LEGION
General Membership Meeting Sunday, March 15th at 1:00pm
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B y A l i c i A W A l l A c eRossland News
Tourism Rossland has announced that the 2014 calendar year produced the greatest accommodation revenue to date for the city.
In 2014 total accommodation rev-enue for Rossland was $4,456,868. This compares to $2,974,000 for the full 12 months in 2012 and $3,532,000 for 2013.
The revenue has been generated by the 10 accommodation businesses, all included Rossland’s Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) or Hotel Tax reporting program. These 10 accom-modators meet the governments’ cri-teria on collecting the MRDT. Combined these 10 properties can sleep a total of 1250 people per night.
Tourism Rossland compiles accom-modation revenue reports based on the data from the MRDT. This involves accommodation properties collecting two percent of the nightly rate on stays that are less than 30 nights.
Each month, accommodation prop-
erties with four or more rooms, remit the two percent MRDT to the provincial government.
The B.C. government then distributes these funds to Tourism Organizations via municipal governments throughout the province. Funds dispersed back to Tourism Rossland are used for market-ing initiatives, aimed at creating aware-ness of the destination and motivating visitors to Rossland.
Deanne Steven says Tourism Rossland has been collecting and tracking the data since 2006 as a means of measuring the status of the visitor economy.
“This is the only concrete number we have for the state of the industry,” she said.
Based on a metric from Destination British Columbia the value of tourism in Rossland is estimated to be $13,264,488 per annum.
This figure is calculated based on the MRDT as a proportion of total visitor spend in a destination.
Steven explains that this accommo-dation revenue gives us a snapshot of
visitor expenditure across the service industries. These figures can be used to calculate estimates on new money brought into the economy by visitors and what they spend at local restaurants, gas stations, local stores and on grocer-ies.
Steven puts the increased revenue down to big events and festivals and the addition of snow making at Red Mountain Resort.
“Several factors, have also lead to the success of the tourism industry including; large races hosted by Black Jack and the Red Mountain Racers, the success of the Rossland Winter Carnival, the expansion of Red Mountain, the continued improvements of our trails network, and effective co operative mar-keting,” she explained.
“By working in a collaborative man-ner Rossland businesses have been able to continue to grow the local economy in a strategic way”, Steven added.
The data analysis process takes three months to reach full circle. 2015 data is expected next month.
Visitor economy worth over $13 million per yearRossland
Liz Bevan Photo
Skiers, snowboarders and visitors gathered at the base of Red Mountain last week-end for the second annual Beer Goggles festival. Ryan Arnaud from the Rossland Beer Company pours a sampler for a taste tes-ter on Saturday after-noon. The local beer company won the Fan Favorite gold medal after the two-day event, which featured craft breweries from around the province.
Gold medal foR Golden
City bReweRy
LocaLTrail Times Thursday, March 12, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A3
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Grapevine is a public service provided by the Trail Times and is not a guaranteed submission. For full list of events visit trailtimes.ca.
• Tonight, Jazz at the Griff, 7: 30 p.m. for the Clinton Swanson Quartet. A night of chamber jazz featuring Ian Hartline on alto sax and clari-net; Swanson on tenor sax; Rob Fahie, acous-tic bass; and Doug Stephenson on guitar. Call the box office, 368.9669 for info.
• S a t u r d a y , Rossland Miners Hall for an evening with Valdy. Doors open at 7 p.m. Post show recep-tion to meet the performer and get poster signed. Tickets $10. Contact Mike Ramsey [email protected] or call 362.7787 for info. Limited seating, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rossland.
• Sunday, Rossland Miners Hall, doors open at 6 p.m. Joe Hill Coffee House marches on at 7 p.m. Admission $3, kids and students free. Coffee, tea and goodies. For info call Les Carter 362.5677 or email [email protected].
Other• Today, Comino Gym from
4-6 p.m. Steps Dance Company invites the community to a full dress rehearsal for the Canada Production number that they will be performing in Disneyland and on the Carnival Cruise.
• Today, Rossland Art Gallery presents “It’s Time for Colour.” For the first time, the Canadian
Quilters’ Association presents the Travelling Quilt Show. A rare opportunity to purchase a quilt (36 available) made by a Master Quilter for $200 each plus tax. All proceeds donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Show runs until March
16.• Saturday, St.
Andrew’s Anglican Church, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. incrED-IBLE trail’s Seedy Saturday. Seed swap, seed vendors, garden products, education-al booths and more.
Free admission.• Saturday, Sacred Heart
Church gathering space from 1-3 p.m., the Sacred Heart CWL in Rossland is hosting it’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Tea. Cost is $4 per person.
• Monday, Kiro Wellness Centre, 2 p.m. the West Kootenay Ostomy Support Group will meet. Guest: Robert Hill, Convatec Rep from Vancouver. For further info call 368.9827 or 365.6276.
Gallery • VISAC Gallery showing exhi-
bition by Jerry and Kate Enewold. The Thrums couple brings varied talents in silver and beaded jew-elry, paintings, carved masks and doors. Visit visacgallery.com for details, runs until March 20.
Film• Saturday, Royal Theatre at
9:55 a.m. the Met Opera presents Rossini’s La Donna Del Lago.
To submit to Grapevine email [email protected]
Submitted photo
Peanut Butter And Jam, a Creston-based group, which includes Julie Groot lead vocals, flute and penny whistles; Shirley Cameron lead vocals, electronic wind instrument; Bob Gollan lead vocals, guitar; and Ted Bryant, bass guitar and vocals will perform at the Joe Hill Coffee House on Sunday at the Miners Hall
Joe Hill Coffee House returns
GrapevineEvents & Happenings
in the Lower columbia
FROM PAGE 1“As trustees, we understand
declining enrolment and that we are going to have to look at losing some teaching staff and support staff, but it goes beyond that. There is no increased cost for inflation and there hasn’t been, which is like a loss.
“We try to put the best face we can on it, but we are angry.”
One suggestion listed with the intent to generate funds for the district, rather than cut, is to charge an annual fee to use the school bus system – a route other districts across the prov-ince have already gone down.
“Given the budget pressure, one possibility is to charge a flat-rate fee (of either $100 or $50 per year) to recoup part of the cost of the transportation system,” said Luterbach.
“The board’s cost to trans-port one student averages out at approximately $750 after wages, fuel and maintenance. While a $50 or $100 fee would be a major change and would impact families, it no way covers our actual costs. SD35 (Langley) charges $250 for one student,
SD62 (Sooke) charges $135 per year for one student, SD75 (Mission) charges $240 for one student (and so on).”
District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) president, Rebecca McDonnell, says this isn’t the first time bussing and personnel have come up when SD20 budget time rolls around.
“The list has nothing that hasn’t been on there before,” she said.
“I think parents have always known that this kind of thing was going to happen. Previous years, there has been a very negative reaction from par-ents.”
It is too early for McDonnell to comment for all parent advi-sory councils in the district regarding this year’s round of budget issues, simply because they are still looking at all of the options available on the list sent out by Luterbach.
“I can’t give you a DPAC per-spective yet because this infor-mation is still being dissemi-nated among our members and we still need to find out more information about exactly how
all the parents feel,” she said. “We represent our entire dis-
trict so, our reps are talking to their PACs and they are finding out opinions.”
Before the board’s public budget presentation, DPAC, along with the Kootenay Columbia Teachers Union and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1285, all stakeholders with the school district, are going to have an opportunity to address the board of trustees and share their thoughts and ideas.
The first public presentation of the budget is on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the KCLC. The second reading of the budget is scheduled for April 27 at 7 p.m. during the board’s regular meeting.
The final reading, with no opportunity for discussion, will take place on May 1 at the KCLC. Parents are also invited to share their opinions through McDonnell at [email protected].
To access the online sur-vey about budget cuts, visit w w w. f l u i d s u r v e y s . c o m / s /sd20/1516budgetsurvey/
Bussing fee proposed to help balance budget
FROM PAGE 1What does that mean when
Trail ratepayers receive their annual May bill?
The property tax hike sits just above the country’s average inflation rate at 2.46 per cent or $25.46 based on the aver-age residential home valued at $182,679.
“What we’ve really focused on the last month is the operating budget,” explained Trail Mayor Mike Martin. “What we did was set ourselves an objective to try to keep it under three per cent, which we believe is a reason-able property tax increase, but do that without jeopardizing service levels.”
Trail’s current operating bud-get, which includes taxes the city collects then forwards to other forms of government, the regional district, and regional hospital district, is $25 million.
It’s too early in budget talks to cement what the overall bill will be, pending this year’s tax requisitions. However, last year the average homeowner’s invoice (not including home-owner grant) was about $2,050.
That amount was down about $9 dollars from 2013.
The decrease was related to a loss of regional services like the airport and economic develop-
ment, which offset the city’s actual four per cent tax increase to cover Trail’ recreational ser-vices and various infrastructure projects.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary requisition is not about to trend downward again, however, mostly related to a renewed economic agree-ment.
Though not yet finalized, Trail will face an increase – $4.25 million in 2015 up from $4.23 million in 2014.
The next phase of Trail coun-cil budget discussions relates to more visual improvements in the city, like additional down-town revitalization.
The capital plan is $1.8 mil-lion this year, though the list is lengthy and requires long term planning, says Martin.
“We as council remain con-cerned about mounting infra-structure requirements that we need to pay attention to.”
He said with four new mem-bers on the panel, Trail council agreed that this was not the year to make any rash decisions.
“I think as a council in this first year, what we needed to do was rigorously look at how we can move forward.
“Not only to sustain the infrastructure we have but also managing projects going for-ward.”
He mentioned improving the Trail Regional Airport service and council’s commitment to a second access road to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital as priorities coming down the pike.
“It’s a matter of how do we fund those in the future with all the other requirements we have,” he said. “So it’s going to be a good discussion amongst council and we really want to make sure we maintain what we’ve got, advance what is needed and give ourselves the opportunity to look at how we can move forward effectively.”
infrastructure a concern for council“What we did was
set ourselves an objective to try to
keep it to under three per cent, which
we believe is a reasonable property tax increase, but to
do that without jeopardizing
service levels.”
Mayor MikE Martin
A4 www.trailtimes.ca Thursday, March 12, 2015 Trail Times
Provincial
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The Warfield Pool is now hiring seasonal Pool Staff for the 2015 season
These positions are available:Head Lifeguard: The successful candidate must be an experienced, organized, mature, competent, dynamic leader, and team player; who will be responsible in aiding the Pool Manager with the daily operation of the Pool and provide leadership to the Pool Staff. Starts May to August. The following qualifications are a MUST: Pool Operator 1, NLS, WSI, CPR-C, Standard First Aid, LSI. Senior Guard: The successful candidates will work under the supervision of the Pool Manager from mid-May to August; show leadership to the Junior Guards; teach lessons; while providing a safe, enjoyable environment to the customers. The following qualifications are a MUST and are current: NLS, WSI, CRP-C, and Standard First Aid.Junior Guard: The successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain valuable Life Guarding experience under the watchful eyes of the Manager and Senior Staff from mid-June to August. The following qualifications are a must and are current: NLS, WSI, CRP-C, and Standard First Aid.Slide Attendant: The successful candidates must be self-motivated, who can work independently and as a team player under the supervision of the Pool Manager; while be responsible for the waterslide from mid-June – August. The following qualifications are a must and are current: 16 years old, Bronze Cross, CRP-C, and Standard First Aid.Cashier: The successful candidate must be reliable, self-motivated, is polite, knows how to handle money, can multitask; can work independently and as a team player under the supervision of the Pool Manager from June – August. The following qualifications are an asset: 16 years old, and holds a current Standard First Aid, CRP-C certificate. The Summer Student Application Form can be found on the Village’s website: warfield.ca. Send your resume, a completed V of W Job Application with copies of all certifications, to the Village of Warfield, 555 Schofield Highway, Trail, B. C. V1R 2G7; by Fax: 250-368-9354; by Email: [email protected]. Deadline: March 20, 2015.
to book your Appointment:Lisa Kramer-HuntRegistered Acupuncturist
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ACUPUNCTURE
B y K a t h y M i c h a e l sKelowna Capital NewsStudent enrolment
at UBC Okanagan has been on contin-ual upswing, break-ing records for nine straight years.
That upward momentum, however, has come to an end, according to figures recorded late last
year, raising a couple of eyebrows at the university’s registrar’s office.
For the first time in a decade, the uni-versity experienced a decrease in enrol-ment—albeit very slight. For 2013/2014 there were 8,388 stu-dents registered and this school year there
were 8,212.UBC Okanagan
Deputy registrar Fred Vogt, said that it’s not a cause for concern at this point, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
“It’s a small decrease,” said Vogt, noting it was bound to happen “sooner or later.”
“We didn’t want to see a decrease…we would actually like enrolment to be a lit-tle bit larger. So it’s something we need to be paying attention to.”
Reasons for the decline, said Vogt, could be simply a matter of supply and demand.
“One thing we do know is that the number of graduating high school students is starting to decline, which means a small-er number of recruits this year,” he said.
It also means that universities are going to have to be a lot more competitive
if they want to keep their coffers full.
To that end, the university recruit-ment team has been drumming up ideas on how to make the best of a downward trend.
“We’re trying to identify where we we will be most success-ful in finding stu-dents,” he said.
Early estimates on the year ahead have indicated they may have found the right tack, as Vogt said there is some upward momentum in inter-est.
Enrolment opens mid June and carries on until September.
t h e c a N a D i a N P R e s sVICTORIA - British
Columbia’s Liberals and Opposition New Democrats are feuding over the cost of drinks in the weeks leading up to major liquor reforms.
On April 1, grocery stores will be permit-ted to sell alcohol in special sections, gov-ernment-run liquor stores will be able open on Sundays and the province will adopt a wholesale booze-pricing model that is intended to level the playing field in the alcohol market.
Politicians argued in the legislature Tuesday about the impact of the changes - specifically from the new wholesale pricing model, which the gov-ernment initially said would not significant affect consumers.
The NDP pointed to a recent document from the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch that says wholesale prices will increase for
5,300 products, which the party predicted will mean higher prices for consumers. The Liberals countered by noting wholesale prices for about 83 per cent of the province’s 33,000 liquor products will either stay the same or decrease.
NDP liquor policy critic David Eby said the new pricing scheme will likely see British Columbians paying higher prices for some of their favourite drinks. The Liquor Distribution Branch has the exclu-sive right to purchase liquor for resale and reuse in B.C.
“The attorney gen-eral promised that her wholesale price taxes for beer, wine and spirits ‘isn’t about changing prices for consumers,”’ Eby said, quoting Attorney General Suzanne Anton.
Eby said the items that will become more expensive amount to almost one in five
alcohol products sold in B.C. He said those increases will likely be passed on to consum-ers.
Anton said the gov-ernment’s wholesale pricing policy responds to calls from the indus-try and retailers for a level playing field when it comes to alcohol pricing. She said the pricing model was one of the 73 recommen-dations that emerged from the government’s bid to modernize B.C. alcohol policies.
The liquor branch document said the 5,300 product price increase are small and may result from the weakening Canadian dollar and supply issues. But the report also said suppliers were increasing prices on 156 domestic prod-ucts and 978 prod-ucts from outside of Canada. None of the products were named.
“We want to avoid any excessive price increases being passed along to either industry
or British Columbians at the till,” said the document. “For those suppliers who have proposed significant price increases, LDB will continue to work with them.”
Anton said the gov-ernment still expects to take in about $1 billion in annual alco-hol revenues once the reforms, including wholesale pricing, take effect. She said the government is in dis-cussions with suppliers about their prices.
“It is the case that a few products will be going up, but some of that is the result of suppliers taking advantage of the gov-ernment’s changes on April 1 and raising their prices unneces-sarily,” she said.
“We are committed to a level playing field.”
There are 196 gov-ernment liquor stores, 670 private liquor stores, 221 rural liquor agency outlets and 12 independent wine stores in B.C.
t h e c a N a D i a N P R e s sLANGLEY - RCMP say a woman in Langley, has been charged after
about 15,000 pieces of stolen mail were found in her apartment build-ing.
Police began investigating after a man found about 9,000 pieces of mail in his storage locker last month.
Mounties linked the mail to 36-year-old Sarah Arnet, a tenant in the building, and searched her suite.
Police say about 6,000 more pieces of stolen mail, plus identification cards, credit cards, computers, cell phones and data storage devices were seized in the search.
RCMP say the mail came from all over Metro Vancouver and several cities in B.C.’s Interior.
Arnet has now been charged with one count of identity theft and is in custody until a court appearance in Surrey on Thursday.
LangLey
Woman caught with 15,000 pieces of mailLiberals, NDP feud over price of drinks before April Fool’s Day liquor reforms
KeLowna
UBCO sees first enrolment decline in a decade
t h e c a N a D i a N P R e s sPRINCE RUPERT, B.C. - A
container terminal at a northern British Columbia port announced an expansion Tuesday that will increase the facility’s capacity by nearly 60 per cent.
Maher Terminals said it’s expand-ing its Fairview Container Terminal at the Prince Rupert Port to handle 1.3 million containers per year, from its current capacity of 850,000 units.
Don Krusel, president of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, said construction would begin immedi-ately and is expected to be finished by the middle of 2017. He said the expansion will involve a capital
investment of more than $200 mil-lion.
Maher Terminals said the expan-sion will add a second deep-water ship berth, four cranes, a bigger container yard and more railroad track. Fraser River Pile and Dredge and BEL Contracting will build the new elements.
The port authority said contain-er traffic through the facility has increased at a faster pace than at any other port in North America, with 2014 volume 15 per cent high-er than 2013.
The expansion shows that Maher Terminals and the shipping indus-try expect the growth in traffic to continue, Krusel said.
Port expanding to handle an extra 500,000 containers
Trail Times Thursday, March 12, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A5
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Granting OpportunityThe LeRoi Community Foundation of Greater Trail is pleased to announce another granting cycle. The LCF has a limited number of grants to award to other registered charities for projects that benefit the communities of Fruitvale, Montrose, Rossland, Trail, Warfield and Areas A & B of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. The LeRoi Community Foundation Grants Program supports:
• Arts and Culture • Education • Environment • Health and Welfare • Sports and Recreation
The LCF invites interested registered charities to visit its website for eligibility criteria and a “Letter of Interest” form. The deadline is midnight, March 20, 2015.
[email protected] • www.leroifoundation.com
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T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S SCALGARY - This was sup-
posed to be the year that the “ranch” would be booked up again for the Calgary Stampede - but then oil prices fell by more than half.
Caterer Paddy Sorrenti said by early December, a full ros-ter of clients had confirmed they wanted to use the site - a cowboyed up parking lot in the downtown core where pancakes are flipped and beer is poured
But with three and a half months to go to Stampede, Sorrenti says he’s in “limbo.” He figures six of the 10 events that had been booked are going ahead, but some of those might still be scrapped.
“It’s a little nerve wracking,” he said.
The Stampede is party time for corporate Calgary when suits are traded for jeans and silk ties swapped for cowboy hats, but with the lower price for oil, the mood to celebrate has been subdued.
Oil prices have fallen from highs above $107 around the middle of last year to the $50 range.
It costs Sorrenti around $20,000 a day to run the ranch site, including the lot itself, generators, portable toilets, tents and tables. If not enough parties are held, it might not be worthwhile.
“I guess the jury’s still out for some of these parties. They’re still determining whether it’s feasible to do it or whether it’s responsible to do it. I’m still waiting.”
It took a long time after 2009 - when the financial crisis hit and oil hit the $35-a-barrel range - for bookings at the ranch site to recover.
“This would have been the first year since 2008 that we would have had that site full again,” Sorrenti said.
“It was almost like we were just about there again and then the price of oil went down and these guys pulled right back out again.”
While oil companies pull back, property managers “aren’t batting an eye.” That means Sorrenti might be able to pick up some new business, without having to worry about the cost of running his own venue.
It’s a similar story for David Howard, whose company, The Event Group, gets about 10 per cent of its business from Stampede. He says 40 per cent of his clients have cancelled their parties all-together for this year, walking away from thousands of dollars in deposits. And he figures events that are going ahead are seeing their budgets cut by about the same proportion.
“We’ve gone from prime
rib to burgers and dogs,” said Howard.
But while some oil com-panies are scrapping their Stampede parties, they’re hold-ing other types of events for staff and customer appreciation - charitable concerts or keynote speakers, which Howard also plans.
It’s not just about dollars and cents. Companies are wondering if holding their Stampede shindigs gives off the right impression, said Howard.
“You can imagine that if you’re a shareholder at XYZ Oil and the price of their stock has dropped 30 points, they’ve laid off 10 per cent of their workforce and then suddenly they put on a million-dollar Stampede event,” he said. “It shouldn’t happen, quite frank-ly.”
Cowboys, the bar known for its Stampede-Ground festiv-ities, has a clock on its website counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until the 10-day festival kicks off in July.
Paul Vickers, with Cowboys owner Penny Lane Entertainment Group, said he’s not expecting to see a dent in business. He said the slowdown appears to be hitting the high-er-end of things, and Cowboys caters more to the $5 beer crowd than the $100-bottle-of-wine set.
AlbertA
Stampede might be more subdued this year as oilpatch pulls back
MAnitobA
T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S SWINNIPEG - A Conservative Member of Parliament is being mocked
online over questions about terrorism contained in a mailout to his constituents.
The flyer from Lawrence Toet asks people in his Winnipeg riding to choose between two statements - either they agree with him that Canada needs more protection from terrorism, or they disagree and feel “terrorists are victims too.”
The question prompted some acerbic parody on the social media site Reddit.
One Reddit member asked: “Do you believe in mandatory senten-cing? Yes! Justice is important to me. No! I believe that child molesters should be allowed into preschools at will.”
Another asked about the proposed Keystone pipeline, with two options: “Yes! It will create thousands of jobs. No! I am an environ-mental terrorist and should be put in prison.”
Toet was not immediately available for an interview Wednesday.A pollster who lives in Toet’s Elwood-Transcona riding and who
received the mailer at his home called the MP’s question “preposterous.”“As a market researcher, if I had a question like this on an omnibus
survey ... and then it was released to the public, I mean, people would just laugh and think it was a joke,” said Curtis Brown, vice-president of Probe Research Inc.
Brown said the question was more about getting the Conservative message out about the federal government’s proposed anti-terrorism law, which critics say puts the personal information of Canadians at risk.
Toet is far from alone in putting loaded questions in his constituency mailouts. One from New Democrat MP Pat Martin last year asked people what they thought about “Stephen Harper’s unfair election law.”
Conservative mailer’s terrorism comments called
‘preposterous,’ mocked online
T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S SJOLIETTE, Que. -
Public health officials northeast of Montreal have confirmed a spike in the number of measles cases to 119, including one where a student attended school while conta-gious.
All of the cases are epidemiologically related and involved unvaccinated children and adults, the offi-cials in the Lanaudiere region said Wednesday.
They have been traced to an outbreak at a California amuse-ment park.
Dr. Muriel Lafarge, who heads the local health authority, said one student attended school on the last day before spring break and was still conta-gious.
Measles is highly contagious and causes fever, a distinctive red rash and a runny nose. While most people who become infected will only experience an unpleasant illness, the disease has a com-plication rate that is significant.
“The level of con-tact is varied - not all students had the same level of contact with the single case,” said Dr. Joane Desilets. “It’s one case in three
pavilions, but given the level of contagion, we’re not taking any chances.”
The school has 700 students and staff spread across three pavilions. Fifty-one staff and 114 stu-dents were identified Tuesday as not being
fully vaccinated and health authorities began contacting them.
All staff and stu-dents will have their vaccination records checked, information will be offered to par-ents and vaccinations will be offered today.
Quebec
Measles outbreak tops 100
A6 www.trailtimes.ca Thursday, March 12, 2015 Trail Times
OPINION
New finance ministry fact sheet omits a few things
When something changes from one week to the next for no
apparent reason, it sparks some curiosity, as is the case with the B.C. finance ministry’s “Keeping taxes low for B.C. families” fact sheet posted to its website only a week after the prov-incial budget.
It favours spin right from the top. The first two lines, classic.
“B.C. families gener-ally have one of the low-est overall tax burdens in Canada including income taxes, consumption taxes, property taxes, health care premiums and payroll taxes.”
In certain circles that’s called the bait.
The second: “B.C. currently has the low-est provincial personal income taxes in Canada for individuals earning up to $122,000 a year.”
And that’s called the switch.
It goes on to boast that “a single individual can earn more than $19,000 before paying provincial income taxes.” Bet that line wasn’t written by someone earning $19,000.
An average two bed-room apartment rents for $1,571 a month in Vancouver.
Presuming someone earning $19,000 a year chose to share an apart-ment their annual rent would be $9,426, leaving them about $182 a week for incidentals such as federal source deductions, utilities, clothes, trans-portation and food.
And the ministry has the chutzpah to brag about not charging income taxes on a salary of $19,000.
What really jumps out? The four spanking new illustrations. The ones which point out that an individual earn-ing $20,000 a year pays $693 less in provincial income taxes than they did in 2001, a senior couple earning $40,000 pays $774 less, an individ-ual earning $50,000 pays $1,334 less, and a family of four earning $70,000 a year pays $2,027 less.
It’s puzzling why the ministry felt there was a need to come up with new ones, since they tabled six perfectly good scenarios the week before with the budget.
Perhaps the new ones paint a rosier picture? Or maybe it’s because they don’t come with those pesky numbers from other provinces where folk might notice that British Columbians pay taxes that aren’t levied elsewhere?
It also makes one won-der what the numbers might look like if the goal-posts were moved ever so slightly and the starting point was, say, 2002 and not 2001 (a year undoubt-edly chosen out of thin air) and used the budget scenarios instead.
There can’t be any harm in comparing trends with other provinces, can there? Just as no man is an island, no province is a fiscal island, except P.E.I.
but that’s more happen-stance.
In two of the budget’s six scenarios, total provin-cial taxes went up between 2002 and 2014: by $717 for a two-income family of four earning $90,000 and $276 for a two-income family earning $60,000.
An individual earning $25,000 saw their taxes drop, as they would have in every province. B.C. lost ground, dropping to third lowest among the provinces.
A two-income family earning $30,000 saw their taxes fall by 7.6 per cent. They fell in six other prov-inces too, including by 39.9 per cent in Alberta and 44.6 per cent in Ontario. B.C. lost ground again, going from second lowest to fourth.
For an individual earn-ing $80,000 – or near-ly $50,000 more than the median income for an individual in B.C. – their taxes dropped by 14 per cent. B.C. picked up ground, rising from second lowest to lowest.
And it can’t hurt to take a peek at how B.C. stacks up in another prov-ince’s analysis, strictly as
a check on political self-interest.
The Saskatchewan gov-ernment has its annual intercity comparison of taxes that looks at one city from each province. Figures are readily avail-able online from 2008 on.
An individual earning $25,000 saw their taxes drop in all ten cities between 2008 and 2014. In Vancouver by $301. In the other nine? By an average of $523.
For a family earning $50,000, taxes dropped in seven cities and rose in three. Vancouver had the highest increase of the three. A family earn-ing $75,000, saw their taxes drop in seven cities. Vancouver? Second high-est increase.
B.C. may very well have some of the lowest per-sonal income tax rates in Canada, but that doesn’t mean the lowest tax bill. So doing that “lowest per-sonal income tax” thing is a cute trick, but at the end of the day it’s a trick. And not a particularly empa-thetic one.
Dermod Travis is the executive director of IntegrityBC.
Published by Black PressTuesday to Friday, except
statutory holidays
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VNP-T 5N Plus ............................. 2.23BCE-T BCE Inc. .......................... 53.38BMO-T Bank of Montreal ............. 75.66BNS-T Bank of Nova Scotia ......... 62.74CM-T CIBC .............................. 92.58CU-T Canadian Utilities ............ 40.84CFP-T Canfor Corporation ......... 25.67ECA-T EnCana Corp. ................. 14.31ENB-T Enbridge Inc. ................... 58.17FTT-T Finning International.......... 23.50FTS-T Fortis Inc. ........................ 38.87HSE-T Husky Energy .................. 25.72
MBT-T Manitoba Telecom ........... 24.72MERC-Q Mercer International ......... 14.05NA-T National Bank of Canada . 45.99OCX-T Onex Corporation ............ 72.31RY-T Royal Bank of Canada ...... 75.98S-T Sherritt International ............ 2.08TD-T TD Bank .......................... 53.53T-T TELUS Corp. ..................... 42.16TCK.B-T Teck Resources ................. 17.74TRP-T TransCanada Corp ........... 53.53VXX-N iPath S&P 500 VIX ............ 29.23
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CIG Portfolio Series Balanced ... 30.23CIG Portfolio Series Conservative 16.53
CIG Signature Dividend ........... 15.07MMF Manulife Monthly High ... 14.766
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CADUSD Canadian / US Dollar ...... 0.784GC-FT Gold ............................ 1153.90
CL-FT Light Sweet Crude Oil ....... 48.39SI-FT Silver ............................... 15.48
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TIMES PHOTO
From the Trail Creek News in 1895 to the Trail Times in 2015, the venerable local newspaper and its staff (from the left; Liz Bevan, Shannon McIlmoyle,
Sheri Regnier, Jeanine Margoreeth, Kevin Macintyre, Dave Dykstra, Jim Bailey, Michelle Bedford, Lonnie Hart and Guy Bertrand) are celebrating its 120th
anniversary in 2015.
Newspaper grows from humble beginnings in 1895B Y S H E R I R E G N I E R
Times Staff
The source of prosperity of the
Trail Creek county is, of course, its
magnificent ore bodies, according
the first edition of the Trail Creek
News. “Our interests at present
lie centred in and about the noble
structure that is rising foot by foot
on the brow of the hill overhanging
the beautiful town of Trail and of
its growth and magnitude we now
write,” noted the paper's writer and
editor W.F. Thompson on the inau-
gural front page.
The day was Saturday, Oct. 19,
1895 when Volume No. 1 of The
Trail Creek News was hot off the
presses. Under the headline, “This Means
You! When You Patronize the News
You Help Trail Grow,” Thompson
writes that it is now in order for
every citizen of Trail to subscribe
for the home newspaper, The Trail
Creek News, and “the times are
right for such a movement, the
price is right and if the News of
today is not all right, we will make
it right in future issues.”
The price was said to be “cheap”
at $2 per year, and the News office
would be found open all day long
and far into the night, and future
readers were expected to hand in
their subscription at once, so they
would not miss one issue of the
Trail newspaper. “If you want the
news, you must read the News,”
Thompson proclaimed almost 12
decades ago.While there's no silver or gold
commemoration for more than a
century of news reporting, the Trail
Times staff decided an honorary pat
on the back is deserving to all the
people who have typed, pressed,
written, delivered, or simply read
their way into the 120-year history
of the Silver City's only surviving
newspaper.Over the course of the year, we
will actively seek stories from peo-
ple in the Greater Trail commu-
nity such as long time subscribers,
past paper carriers and retired office
workers, who have memories to
share about how the Trail Times has
impacted their lives.See EARLY, Page 3
Celebrating 120 years
Rural Canada is expecting a massive exodus of foreign work-ers which can poten-
tially become a losing situation for everyone.
As of April 1, temporary for-eign workers who have been in Canada at least four years will be forced to leave the coun-try. Since Canadian agriculture employs well over 50,000 for-eign workers to support farming and processing facilities across the country, loss-es to this labour force will be considerable and are really com-ing at the wrong time. For many c o m m o d i t i e s , current high prices are mak-ing market conditions favour-able to more supplies. So, in essence, agriculture may face a severe, sudden labour shortage.
Some groups are now push-ing for a moratorium and a reprieve. In the past, before rules changed in 2011, foreign workers could simply reapply to continue working in Canada for their employer. The new rule limits working permit dur-ations to four years. Workers now have to wait four years after their working permit expires to reapply. A number of workers are currently at risk of leaving Canada after working in the country for more than a decade.
Some may suggest that the current situation stems from poor strategic planning. Perhaps, but human capital is a very thorny issue in the agri-food sector.
It has always been chal-lenging to attract and retain
local talent in agriculture due to seasonality and working conditions. Some have been attracted to agriculture, but regrettably, it is more an excep-tion than the norm. Many jobs in farming and food process-ing expose workers to damp, cold, intensive work condi-tions which many Canadians shy away from. Strangely, many city dwellers see agriculture as
a bucolic, romantic way of life. Let’s face it, a job in the agrifood sector is hard work. It is also often physically arduous.
Local knowledge about these jobs is also lacking. Training Canadians in these jobs will be a chal-lenge for many of our
facilities because most foreign workers are accustomed to our regulations, practices, organ-izational cultures and expected work ethics. Over the years they have developed the proper skill sets for the job at hand.
Food safety, for example, relies on in-house discipline and daily, rigorous risk mitiga-tion practices. The report on the XL Foods major food recall pointed to the fact that lan-guage and cultural differences were not properly addressed by the company and may have contributed to how employees were ill-prepared to manage food safety risks. Under new management, one can specu-late that the situation has changed in Brooks, Alberta.
Shifts in human capital will drive costs upwards, and not necessarily because of higher wages. Foreign workers actual-ly make a decent living working in Canada. However, recruit-ment and advertisement cost
money. Canadian employers will need to conduct more work just to fill fields and plants, never mind making their oper-ations profitable. That said, in Western Canada, the oil patch woes may be good news for agriculture. Some layoffs have been reported in recent months, and many workers may see agriculture as an inter-esting opportunity to continue their work in Canada. Yet, that remains to be seen.
Most importantly, though, the wellbeing of foreign work-ers themselves should be taken into consideration. They come to Canada with a dream of a better life, a higher quality of life for themselves and their love ones.
We often forget that Canadians are lucky to live in a country where resour-ces abound. We should always remember that Canada is an inclusive society and should offer equal opportunity to every-one. The program does not take jobs away from Canadians. In fact, the program was created due to our lack of interest in these jobs. This new rule may hamper our ability to prosper while offering hope to citizens from abroad.
So, in essence, when con-sidering how regulatory chan-ges will impact agriculture, the Harper government has clearly gotten the temporary foreign workers situation wrong. It should reconsider its position on the program and provide more time so temporary work-ers can become permanent residents.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is Professor of Food Distribution and Policy at the University of Guelph’s College of Business and Economics.
The bungling of the TFW program
Sylvain CharleboiS
troy Media
T h e C a n a D i a n P r e S SClimate change is bind-
ing together energy and water issues and Canada must learn to think about them that way, says the newly appointed Canadian head of an international water institute.
“It changes the whole def-inition of water security,” Bob Sandford, who now leads the EPCOR Water Security Research Chair hosted at Hamilton’s McMaster University, said Tuesday.
“Water security means hav-ing the water to reliably pro-vide adequate amounts at the right quality for all who need it, including what nature needs,” said Sandford, whose position is funded through the United Nations University, a global think-tank. “Now we’re seeing this is directly tied to energy security also.”
He also sits on or directs freshwater institutes at three Canadian universities and has been an advisoe to a public policy forum made up of more
than 30 heads of state.Sandford points out that
energy is used to purify and transport water, while water is used to create energy.
Alberta’s oilsands, for example, use three barrels of water for every barrel of bitu-men mined. Hydroelectricity is generated entirely by water.
But while Canada’s popula-tion and economy has grown substantially over the decades, its attitude to water hasn’t.
“Canadians have real dif-ficulty getting their minds around the fact that we have real water issues,” Sandford said. “We’ve had five or six gen-erations of the national myth of a limitless supply. We’re con-sidered around the world as one of the most egregious water wasters, because we have it.”
European waste-water stan-dards are tougher. Water prices are higher. Conservation is a much bigger concern.
Sandford said the average Canadian uses about 329 litres of water a day. The average resi-
dent of Munich, Germany, uses about 100 litres a day.
Climate change is one reason Canadians will have to rethink their attitude, said Sandford.
Rainfall patterns for large areas of the Prairies are changing. Extreme weather such as flooding in southern Alberta is forcing cities and towns to take another look at their infrastructure.
Hydro dams may not be able to always depend on upstream glaciers to fill their reservoirs.
Sandford’s institute has just released a report that points out some of the ways water and energy policy can work together.
“There are countries that have faced these challenges and have come to innovative solu-tions,” said report co-author Corinne Schuster-Wallace.
Some use green energy for irrigation. Others have learned how to treat waste water in ways that generate energy to offset that used in the treat-ment.
Start linking water, energy issues: scientist
PEOPLEA8 www.trailtimes.ca Thursday, March 12, 2015 Trail Times
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful gentleman, Geoffrey John Portman, on March 5, 2015 in Kelowna, B.C., with his loving family by his side.Geoff was born in Rossland, B.C. on January 19, 1931
where he spent his childhood, later moving to Trail.Geoff was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Anne Portman, his loving wife of 50 years, Alice May Portman, and his precious great grandson Stanley McLean. Geoff is survived by his daughters Janice (Tom) McLean and Patricia (Larry) Chernenkoff, grandchildren Brad (Debbie) McLean and Erin McLean (Li Shi), his precious great grandchildren Penny Li and Angus McLean, his brother Cyril Portman, and his very special friend Kellie Hipperson. Geoff was loved and respected by all who had the privilege of meeting him. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who was always generous with his time.Geoff was an avid golfer and member of the Birchbank course for over 60 years. Throughout his life he enjoyed skiing, fi shing, the great outdoors, travel, music, dancing, and his greatest joy of all was time spent with his family.A celebration of Geoffrey’s life will be held on Saturday March 14, 2015 at 3:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Trail. The family would like to thank Dr. R. Wilson, the doctors and staff at KBRH, ICU and Third Floor; the Air Ambulance team and the doctors and staff at Kelowna General Hospital ICU for the exceptional and compassionate care he received.In lieu of fl owers, and should one wish, donations may be sent to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Foundation – ICU at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, B.C. V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
Geoffrey JohnPortman
Brian Stefani photo
Kindergarten to Grade 7 students at Webster School showed off their science fair projects to the school community on Wednesday as a part of the school’s annual showcase of budding scientists. The Regional Science Fair will be held April 11 at LVR Secondary School in Nelson. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.sciencefairs.ca/About/Regional-Network/West-Kootenay-Boundary.aspx.
WEbstEr school sciEncE Fair
T H E A S S O C I A T E D P R E S SLONDON - An off-set alterca-
tion has imperiled the internation-ally known TV car show “Top Gear,” one of the BBC’s most lucrative productions.
BBC News said Wednesday the broadcaster has postponed the three remaining episodes after sus-pending host Jeremy Clarkson over a reported “fracas” with a producer. The BBC hasn’t given details about the incident, but co-host James May characterized it as “a bit of a dustup.”
“But I don’t think it’s that ser-ious,” he added.
Clarkson gave Trail a bit of inter-national recognition in November, 2014 when he tweeted a photo of a quiet Sunday in Trail asking any-one to offer ideas for something to do in the Home of Champions while his flight was delayed by weather.
The tweet garnered attention in Britain, which prompted a British radio station to contact mayor-elect Mike Martin for an interview.
The blend of car news, humour and blokey banter in “Top Gear” has won it legions of fans. The cur-rent series was launched simultan-eously in more than 50 countries
and the BBC has sold the format for locally produced versions in the U.S., China, Russia, Australia and South Korea.
It has also attracted controversy, much of it attached to 54-year-old Clarkson, one of three presenters and a self-styled enemy of “political correctness.”
In October, the “Top Gear” crew was forced to flee Argentina after facing violent protests for alleged-ly referencing the 1982 Falkland Islands war on a license plate.
Clarkson also asked for forgive-ness last year after allegedly using the racist n-word during filming for the show. He said then had been given a “final warning” by producers.
In 2011, the BBC apologized to Mexico after Clarkson and his co-hosts characterized Mexicans as lazy and oafish.
Fans clamoured Wednesday for Clarkson’s return. The gov-ernment’s culture minister, Maria Miller, called the TV personality a “legend,” and said the BBC “needs to be better at managing its tal-ent.”
“There are other organizations that have to deal with larger-than-life characters,” she said.
‘Top Gear’ host, who tweeted from Trail, suspended from
popular BBC show
JErEmy clarkson
T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S SLONDON - Jean Vanier, the son of a former
Canadian governor general, has joined previ-ous winners such as Mother Teresa, Alexander Solzhenitsyn and the Dalai Lama in being awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize.
It comes with about the equivalent of $2 mil-lion and a statement Wednesday said the prize honours a living person who has made excep-tional contributions to affirming life’s spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery or practical works.
Vanier, 86, founded L’Arche in France in 1964. It’s described as a groundbreaking international network where people with and without intel-lectual disabilities work together as peers.
L’Arche got its start when Vanier invited two intellectually disabled men to come and live with him as friends in a small house.
He named the house L’Arche, which is French for ”ark and ”arch,” to symbolize Noah’s Ark and an arch or bridge connecting heaven and Earth.
The first Canadian community, L’Arche Daybreak, was founded in Richmond Hill, Ont., and 29 communities are spread across Canada from Comox Valley, B.C., to Cape Breton, N.S.
Worldwide, there are 147 residential com-munities in 35 countries on five continents.
In remarks prepared for the announcement, he made a plea for global peace.
“Before being Christians or Jews or Muslims, before being Americans or Russians or Africans, before being generals or priests, rabbis or imams, before having visible or invisible disabilities, we are all human beings with hearts capable of lov-ing,” he said.
JEan VaniEr
Son of former GG wins Templeton Prize
B y J i m B a i l e yTimes Sports Editor
The Trail Men’s Basketball League crowned a new king, as Rock Island defeated last year’s champion, Rossland, 70-64 in the final to win its first ever TMBL title on Monday at the Rossland Seven Summits school.
Despite a short bench, Rock Island Tape Centre broke away from an experi-enced Rossland team on the strength of a combined 39 points from Kyle Soukeroff (20) and Kade James (19), that included two three pointers in the final minutes from James and one from Miles Larsen to set the dag-ger firmly in the defending champions’ hearts.
“I’m glad we could bring
the trophy back down the hill to Trail,” said James. “We brought 100 per cent tonight, and Rossland brought a good game tonight and left every-thing on the floor.”
Rock Island jumped out to an 11-5 lead early but Rossland fought back to tie it six minutes into the match when Gent Harrison drove to the basket for two and added a single for the harm.
Rossland enjoyed a brief 16-13 lead midway through the first half, but Rock Island would battle back tying it at 20 with 7:34 remaining and go up front on an aggres-sive rebound and tip in from Larsen. A Rossland three pointer would pull them within five points with two minutes to play in the first
half, but a couple of steals from James and Soukeroff would translate into easy layups for a 33-25 half-time lead.
Rossland would fight back to tie it 41-41 and would take the lead with 13 min-utes left on the clock, but back-to-back steals by Rock Island’s Eddie Shepard would result in a 47-45 lead and give the Island the momen-tum it needed going down the stretch.
James would sink his first of two three-pointers to make it 52-47, and Mauro Cavazzon pulled up and sank a brilliant turn-around jump shot from the top of the key to give Rock Island a seven point lead. Rock Island would increase the lead to 12 points
after Larsen dialed in his own three pointer from beyond the arc, and with time wind-ing down and Rock Island up 65-54, Rossland would be forced to foul in an effort to claw their way back into the match. A Rossland repeat was not to be, however, as the Island’s consistent free-throw shooting down the stretch and solid defence would seal it in the end.
“It was kind of a surprise, but all the games this year were really close and it was a good, competitive year and everybody played well,” said James.
Mota Automotive fin-ished atop the regular season standings, but were stunned in a 56-55 loss to fourth-seed Rossland in the semi-final, while number-two seed Rock Island won handily over Northport 73-69 to get to the title match.
Last year’s MVP Harrison netted 25 points for Rossland in the losing cause.
Mota would win the con-solation final with a 64-53 victory over Northport.
1995 Columbia AveTrail
250.364.1208
1507 Columbia Ave,Castlegar
250.365.2955
www.integratire.com
SportSTrail Times Thursday, March 12, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A9
STEWARTS COLLISION CENTERICBC & Private Insurance Claims
250.364.99912865A Highway Drive
Jim Bailey photos
Above: Rock Island’s Mauro Cavazzon (34) puts up an effective screen for Eddie Shepard (7) as he drives to the hoop. Meanwhile (left) Kade James (22) goes untouched for this lay up as Rock Island won the Trail Men’s Basketball League title Monday with a 70-64 victory over Rossland.
Jim Bailey photo
Rock Island claimed its first TMBL championship with a 70-64 victory over Rossland on Monday. From left: Brian DeMiao, Gordie Lee, Eddy Shepard, Kyle Soukeroff, Kade James, Miles Larsen, and Mauro Cavazzon.
Rock Island savours first TMBL title
By Times sTaffThe Provincial government and the
Freshwaters Fisheries Society (FFSBC) reached an agreement earlier this week that will see 100 per cent of revenue generated from fishing licences go directly to benefit anglers.
Effective Apr. 1, the total amount to be transferred to the society for 2015-16 will be approximately $10 million, an increase of about $3 million annually over what the society cur-rently receives.
“This announcement is good news for the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and our part-ners, but it is great news for the province’s fresh-water recreational fisheries,” said Don Peterson president of the FFS. “This will allow us to invest in recreational fishing opportunities and truly make fishing in B.C. even better.”
Previously the society’s activities were focused primarily on stocking of smaller lakes. The addi-tional funding will allow the society to work with provincial biologists to improve angling opportunities in small lakes, large lakes and riv-ers. This includes angler access improvements, stock assessment to help inform management decisions, and resources to enhance capacity for compliance monitoring and enforcement on both stocked and wild waterbodies.
The FFSBC 2015 trout-stocking plan for Greater Trail area lakes include: Second Champion Lake with 3,000 all-female-triploid Blackwater rainbow trout, Third Champion Lake 2,000 catchable triploid Fraser Valley rainbows, Cottonwood Lake near Nelson 2,000 of the same Fraser Valley rainbows, Nancy Greene Lake 6,000 all-female-triploid Blackwater rainbow, and Rosebud Lake near Salmo 750 all-female-triploid Pennask rainbow trout.
These lakes have seen ample stocking in the past, with almost 15,000 trout stocked in the five lakes in 2014 and up to four different strains.
Whether Gerrard, Pennask, Fraser Valley, of Blackwater, the FFSBC chooses a particular strain of trout for a certain water body based on a number of factors, from physical lake character-istics ie: pH, presence of inlets or outlets, depth and size, temperatures and oxygen levels; to the biological component, which considers the pres-ence of other fish species, and the predator-prey relationship, as well as competition for food. The society also considers fishing pressure, location - urban, rural, or remote - and its classification ie: family or trophy fishery.
The size and type of fish are also factors when stocking bodies of water. For example, the 3N “triploid” undergo a process of hydrostatic pressure shocking to the eggs shortly after fer-tilization. This sterilizes the trout and rather than expend energy on spawning, it is diverted to body growth, often producing larger trout and what fishermen fondly refer to as footballs.
Surcharges on licences for the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund will not be affected by the new arrangement. The fund will continue to receive 100 per cent of the licence surcharge dedicated to habitat conservation under the new arrangement.
In 2003, the Province signed a 30-year con-tract with the FFSBC to be a non-profit deliv-ery partner with a mandate to conserve and enhance freshwater fishing opportunities in B.C. The agreement is now amended to reflect the additional revenue that will be directed to the society. The society is now recognized as one of the most progressive and accomplished fisheries management organizations in North America generating economic benefits and providing world-class angling opportunities.
Province gives fisheries its due
Trail Men’s Basketball League Regular Season Stats
Points per GamePlayer Team PPGKade James Ri 24 steve mota mota 20 Wannes luppens Rossland 19Kyle percy Rossland 14
Assists Per GameKyle percy Rossland 6 steve mota mota 5 miles larsen Ri 4Jess Corcoran Np 3
Reboundsmauro Cauazzon Ri 8Dylan Fitzpatrick mota 7Wannes luppens Rossland 6Kyle Jorgenson mota 5
SportSA10 www.trailtimes.ca Thursday, March 12, 2015 Trail Times
1995 Columbia AveTrail
250.364.1208
1507 Columbia Ave,Castlegar
250.365.2955
1995 Columbia Ave 1507 Columbia Ave,
www.integratire.com
The Boss is Away
WINTERBLOW OUTSALEUPTO 40%
OFFIn Stock winter tires and wheels
March 16 to 20 onlyAt both Trail and Castlegar Locations
Cash & Carry
WEST KOOTENAYKENNEL CLUB
is hosting
Breed Education DaySaturday, March 15
10am - 3pmat Waneta Plaza, Trail
Room #105 (beside Reitman’s)
The West Kootenay Kennel Club would like to invite the public to
come out and meet our club members and their purebred dogs.
We are accepting applications for new members. Information and application forms will be provided on March 15th or
contact Linda Wishneski at 250-368-6541 or email rosefi [email protected].
PLAYOFF HOCKEYKootenay Conference
Finals
Beaver Valley Nitehawks
2 game ticket pack watch both games for only $10
Tickets available at KSCU Fruitvale branch
www.bvnitehawks.com
Kimberley Dynamiters
game 2:Thursday, March 12
@ 7:00pm
game 2:
Beaver Valley NitehawksHost
Hot Shots Hockey goes Tuesday-Friday from 4-4:45 p.m. at the B.V. Arena. Fee is $20 and children must wear full hockey gear.
Tiny Tots Skating is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday both weeks of Spring Break from 3:30-4 p.m. Cost is $40 for the 8 classes. Please dress your child in a helmet, snow pants and mittens.
Zumba is on Mondays at the Fruitvale Hall and on Thursdays at
the Montrose Hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Punch passes can be purchased at class from instructor, Jodie Moretti.
Drop in Hockey for ages 7-10 is Monday-Friday from 6:15-7:15 p.m. at the BV Arena. Cost is $2 and full hockey gear is required.
Spring Break Public Skating is Monday-Friday, from 1:30-3 p.m.
For more information, please call Kelly at 367-9319.
Midget tier 2 SMoke eaterS
The Greater Trail Midget Tier 2 Smoke Eaters host the B.C. Midget Tier 2 hockey championships this coming week and will face teams from Kelowna, Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Smithers, Saanich, North Delta, Castlegar, and New Westminster. All games go at the Cominco Arena starting Sunday and will finish up Wednesday with the final scheduled for 8 p.m. The Tier 2 Smoke Eaters will open their B.C. championship against the Kelowna Midget Warriors on Sunday at 11 a.m. and again Sunday versus Williams Lake at 8 p.m. These seven players round out the Smokies ros-ter that was presented in the Times over the past three days. Good Luck Midget Smoke Eaters.
1. Brandon Youngson Goalie
13. Brad Baldwin Forward
15. tyler Ghiradosi Forward
17. Brendan Mackay Defence
20. Callum o’Shea Forward
30. Cole Gallo Goalie
31. Devin Ghiradosi Defence
Spring breaks out at B.V. Rec
The Greater Trail Midget 2 House team went undefeated in the playoffs on their way to the West Kootenay Championship earlier this month. The players include Mike Isernia, Brett Watson, Kayla Miller , Devin Ghirardosi, Tyler Ghirardosi, John Ferguson, Darren Bella , Lucas Billingsley, Brad Ferraro, Spencer Piccolo, Martin Vickers, Nicolas Doskoch, Jacob Mozak, Adam Mackay, Colton Epp, Dawson Koerber, Jessica Bonacci, Coach David Ferraro, and assistants Terry Ferguson, Paul Marrandino, Pablo Doskoch, Derek Davis and safety Mike Mozak.
WeSt kootenay chaMpionS
C u r l B CNANAIMO– The 2015 BC Masters Curling
Championship titles were won by two past cham-pions as experience proved to be the key to suc-cess.
Ralph Will, the defending champion, once again led his team to victory as they took gold in the Men’s event. On the Women’s side it was Karen Lepine, the winning skip in 2013, who topped the podium at Nanaimo Curling Club.
Team Will, who curls out of Cranbrook, secured their second provincial crown by defeat-ing Team Marshall 7-5. The team, of skip Ralph (lead rocks), throwing fourth Gerland Kent, third rocks Laddie Pavlis and second rocks Peter Sweetman, had a strong week building a 7-1 rec-ord in the Championship.
Chilliwack skip Doug Marshall, and his team of third Russ Knutson, second Vic Miller and lead Howard Grisack, put up a stern fight but a three-ender in the seventh by Team Will was enough to secure the title.
Team Lepine, who plays out of Langley and Cloverdale, were decisive in their 11-3 victory against Team Gallaway. The rink, which consists of skip Karen Lepine, third Susan Beuk, second Agnes Sigurdson and lead Donna Christian, won the game with a draw for two in the seventh end. Lepine also won the Seniors championship, along with her husband when it was held in Trail in 2013.
Comox Valley skip Sandra Gallaway, and her team of third Mary Holden, second Mary Ellen Werner and lead Elaine Starchuk, had beaten Lepine in the round robin stages earlier in the week but were unable to repeat the feat in the final. The bronze medals were won by Team Watson, who plays out of Vancouver Curling Club, and Royal City’s Team Kathy Smiley a for-mer Trail resident.
The two gold medal winning teams will now travel to Whitehorse in Yukon to represent BC in the Canadian Masters Curling from March 29 – April 5.
MaSterS curling
Will, Lepine take Masters
Leisure
Dear Annie: I have been married for 22 years. I started working when I was 14 and didn’t stop until I started hav-ing medical issues two years ago.
The problem is my family. My husband doesn’t think it is impor-tant that our two kids, ages 20 and 21, have jobs. I have tried repeat-edly to help them find employment because they won’t bother to try on their own. But they’ll stay at a job for a month or two, and then they leave. My husband doesn’t think there is a problem. When I bring it up, my son yells at me, and my husband doesn’t care. He says at least our son attends night class-es twice a week. Our daughter’s self-esteem is very low, and I am wor-ried about her.
I am sick of the argu-ments about the kids not doing more around the house and not find-ing work. I have moved out of the house and in with a friend. Was I wrong to do this? How
do I make my husband see that the kids should have jobs? -- Expect Better
Dear Expect: Well, if you are out of the house, no one will push those kids to find work, and your husband will be supporting everyone. Perhaps he will then realize that keeping the children dependent and childlike is not in any-one’s best interest and insist that the kids con-tribute somehow to the household. But it won’t solve everything.
We hate to sound like a broken record, but counseling could help both of you deal more respectfully with each other and more effec-tively with your kids.
Even if your husband won’t go, counseling could help you work out better ways of negoti-ating so that you have other choices besides frustration and walking out.
Dear Annie: My “Uncle Lucius” is 88 and has lived in an assisted-living facility for several years. He’s not crazy about living there, but recognizes that he can no longer live on his own. He also has no interest in senior activi-ties or much else.
Here’s the problem: When taking him to a restaurant or bringing him to my home, he frequently refuses to leave at the end of the evening. Uncle Lucius has a normal appetite, but spends most of the time talking instead of eating. When everyone is nearly finished and he’s prodded to eat, he routinely says he is too rushed, even if two hours have passed, and that he can’t chew his food, even if the meal is soup. He’ll demand new
food to take home. If he’s told there is no food to take, he suddenly has no problem eating everything on his plate within 15 minutes.
Uncle Lucius has become so difficult that I am reluctant to pick him up and take him places. Any suggestions? -- Anonymous
Dear Anonymous: We think Uncle Lucius is lonely and uses these outings as an excuse to be the center of atten-tion, and he wants to prolong the experience. You are a kind soul to pick him up and have him for dinner, but we can see that your patience is wearing thin.
Let Lucius know that any food he doesn’t fin-ish at the time you are ready to leave will be put in a plastic bag for him to take home. Then do it. You also might visit with him in his care facility, asking him to show you around or per-haps visiting at a time when there is an activity you can do together that takes the same amount
of time as you would have spent having din-ner with him. Please try to be tolerant.
Dear Annie: “Frustrated Pastor’s Wife” complained that her husband is not paid for officiating. It seems that customs vary among denominations
and even among indi-viduals within denomi-nations.
Our last pastor would not accept any payment, saying that officiating at such occasions was part of the pastoral care he provided. -- Mike
Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy
Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers col-umn. Please email your questions to annies-mai lbox@comcas t .net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
Today’s Crossword
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Today’s PUZZLEs
Annie’s MAilbox
Marcy sugar & Kathy Mitchell
Trail Times Thursday, March 12, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A11
Moving out won’t solve family’s problems
Leisure
For Friday, March 13, 2015 ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a pleasant day, and it is especially pleasant for travel or exploring new places and talking to people about religion, politics and philosophy. This is an inter-esting day! TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might be concerned with inheritances, shared property and certain money issues. If so, deal with these in the morning or mid-day. After that, wait until Saturday. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be accommodating with others, because the Moon is opposite your sign today, which means you have to go more than halfway. It’s that simple. It’s how it works. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Co-workers will be sup-portive today. In fact, if you want help for anything, just
ask. In turn, others are like-ly to ask for your creative input on how something looks: furniture arrange-ment, layout, design, some-thing. LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) Enjoy this playful, fun-loving day! Vacations, flir-tations, sports events, fun activities with children and opportunities to explore the hospitality industry will please you. Book a table! VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) A family gathering will be a lively affair. Discussions with a female relative will be interesting and informative. People will genuinely enjoy each other’s company today. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) This is a social day for your sign. You will enjoy schmoozing with oth-ers, especially siblings and neighbors. It’s also a good day for writers and those who sell, act and teach. (Your words are like gold.)
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Business and commerce are favored today. Things at work will go well, because co-workers are supportive. Looking good! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Today the Moon is in your sign dancing with fair Venus, which makes you feel friendly and sociable with everyone. Grab every opportunity to enjoy the company of others.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Solitude in beautiful sur-roundings will please you today. You will like working quietly, by yourself, on any project that you choose. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Conversations with a friend or members of a group will be friendly and mutually beneficial today. In fact, a casual acquaintance might become a flirtatious
possibility. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) People will notice you today, especially people in authority. And the good news is that they notice that you are charming, friendly and gracious to everyone. Major brownie points. YOU BORN TODAY You are courageous; in part, because you are fatalistic. You like to explore beliefs about patterns and subse-
quent consequences because you always want to improve yourself. This is the year to settle your debts, so you can prepare for financial accu-mulation in the next three years. To eliminate debt is the thrust of this year. Consolidate your affairs for future growth. Looking good! Birthdate of: Neil Sedaka, singer/songwriter; Kaya Scodelario, actress; Noel Fisher, actor.
Your horoscopeBy Francis Drake
A12 www.trailtimes.ca Thursday, March 12, 2015 Trail Times
TuNDrA
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Trail Times Thursday, March 12, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A13
Call Today! 250-364-1413 ext 206
FruitvaleRoute 362 20 papers 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Evergreen AveRoute 366 18 papers Beaver St, Maple AveRoute 369 15 papers Birch Ave, Johnson Rd, Red-wood Dr, Rosewood DrRoute 375 12 papers Green Rd & Lodden RdRoute 379 18 papers Cole St, Nelson AveRoute 380 23 papers Galloway Rd, Mill RdRoute 381 7 papers Coughlin RdRoute 382 7 papers Debruin Rd & Staats RdRoute 384 19 papers Cedar Ave, Kootenay
GenelleRoute 303 15 papers 12th Ave, 2nd St, GrandviewRoute 304 13 papers 12th & 14th Ave
West TrailRoute 149 7 papers Binns St, McAnally St, Kitchener Ave
WarfieldRoute 195 12 papers Blake Crt, Whitman Way
SunningdaleRoute 211 26 papers Hazelwood Dr, Olivia Cres, Viola Cres.Route 219 15 papers Hazelwood Drive
MontroseRoute 341 24 papers 10th Ave, 8th Ave, 9th AveRoute 344 17 papers 10th Ave, 9th AveRoute 345 12 papers 10th Ave, 9th AveRoute 347 16 papers 10th Ave, 9th Ave, 9th StRoute 348 19 papers 12th Ave, Christie RdRoute 346 27 papers 8th, 9th & 10th AveRoute 340 24 papers 10th Ave, 7th St, 8th St
PAPER CARRIERS WANTED
Excellent exercise, fun for all ages.
Rossland CARRIERS NEEDED FOR ROUTES IN ALL AREAS
Ron 250.368.1162
Darlene 250.231.0527
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Must See!
Class 1 (Driver) – West Kootenay Local P&D
Van-Kam Freightways Ltd.Group of Companies re-quires class 1 drivers to work summer relief out of our Castlegar Terminal to provide P&D services for the West Kootenays region of BC. This position will be ex-pected to:• Daily deliver all LTL (less
than truckload) freight • Ensure all pickups and
deliveries are on time • Provide exceptional cus-
tomer service • Treat company property
with respectPreference will be given to applicants with LTL/P&D ex-perience and knowledge of the West Kootenay region. A $1000 hiring bonus is paid upon completion of proba-tion.To join our team of Profes-sional Drivers, email a cover letter, current resume and current driver’s abstract (within the last 30 days) to:
[email protected] FAX 604-587-9889
Or drop them off at our ter-minal at:
1360 Forest Road Castlegar, BC V1N 3Y5
Van-Kam is committed to equal opportunity and envi-ronmental responsibility.We thank you for your interest in Van-Kam, however only those of interest to us will be contacted.
Terra Green Lawn Care LTD.A Best of Business Platinum Award winning business has two available openings for seasonal work. Terra Green requires one person to head up the Lawn Maintenance por-tion of our business and an-other as a Lawn application technician. Please refer to our website for further information or contact us. Please send re-sumes to: Jeff [email protected]
DALLA LANAIn Loving Memory ofFILOMENALove gre e gifemem r n ever in o r o g
Family
The Trail Times is a member of the British
Columbia Press Council. The Press Council serves as a forum for unsatisfied reader complaints against
member newspapers.
Complaints must be filed within a 45 day time limit.
For information please go to the Press Council website at www.bcpresscouncil.org,
write to PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9
or telephone (toll free) 1-888-687-2213.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS250-368-5651
FOR INFORMATION,education, accommodation
and supportfor battered womenand their children
call WINS Transition House 250-364-1543
COLANDER RESTAURANT is now taking applications for Line Cook. Career training available. Bring resume to 1475 Cedar Avenue, Trail.
**WANTED**NEWSPAPER CARRIERS
TRAIL TIMESExcellent ExerciseFun for All Ages
Call Today -Start Earning Money
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A14 www.trailtimes.ca Thursday, March 12, 2015 Trail Times
1st Trail Real Estate1252 Bay Avenue, Trail
250.368.5222WWW.COLDWELLBANKERTRAIL.COM
Trail $119,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Trail $129,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Fruitvale $319,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Trail $119,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Trail $499,000Jack McConnachie 250.368.5222
Fruitvale $285,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Trail $37,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Trail $215,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Corner Suite & SunroomNew Price
Fruitvale $219,500Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
2 Suites
5 Bedrooms
& New Shop Room for the
Whole Family
Saturday, March 14 11am-1-pm1680 Tolmie St
Trail $169,000Nathan Kotyk 250.231.9484
OPEN HOUSE
Trail $94,900Nathan Kotyk 250.231.9484
Great New Price
Warfield $189,900Nathan Kotyk 250.231.9484
Must See Home
Friday, Mar 13 starts at 4:30pm1258 4th Ave Lane
Trail $149,000Nathan Kotyk 250.231.9484
OPEN HOUSE
Fruitvale $239,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Christina Lake $1,000,000Rob Burrus 250.231.4420
Services
Financial ServicesGET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.
1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com
TAX FREE MONEYis available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mort-gage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.
Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or
604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca
Garden & Lawn
• Aeration• Power Raking• Fertilizing
& Weed Control• Weekly Lawn Maintenance
Call for your FREE ESTIMATE
250-231-5245888-304-5296
M.Olson’s Yardcare, Book Now for dethatching, aerating 250-368-5488, 250-364-0075
Garden & LawnSPRING YARD CLEAN UPaerating, de-thatching, pruningBook now. 250-368-5552
Merchandise for Sale
Heavy Duty Machinery
A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS
Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all
sizes in stock. Trades are welcome.
40’Containers under $2500!DMG 40’ containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift.
Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator.
Ph Toll free 1-866-528-71081-778-298-3192 8am-5pm
Delivery BC and ABwww.rtccontainer.com
Misc. WantedPrivate Collector Looking toBuy Coin Collections, Silver,Antiques, Native Art, Estates +Chad: 250-499-0251 Local
Rentals
Apt/Condo for Rent1/2 MONTH FREE RENT
WANETA MANORSuites
Avail NowPlease call
250-368-8423
Bella Vista, Shavers Bench Townhomes. N/S, N/P. 2-3 bdrms. Phone 250-364-1822
Ermalinda Estates, Glenmer-ry, spacious 1-2bdrms. Adults only. Secure building w/eleva-tor. N/S, N/P. Ongoing im-provements. Ph.250-364-1922
E.TRAIL, 1&2bdrm. apts. F/S, W/D. Yard. 250-368-3239
E.TRAIL, 2BDRM Gyro park, heat, hot water & cable incl. $650/mo. 250-362-3316
WARFIELD 2bd condo totally renovated 250-362-7716
Rentals
Apt/Condo for RentFrancesco Estates, Glenmer-ry,spacious 1-3bdrms. Adults only (45+). Secure building w/elevator. N/S, N/P. Ongoing improvements. Ph. 250-368-6761
Glenmerry 1bdrm. apt. F/S Heat included. N/S. $595./mo. Avail. Apr.1st. 250-368-5908
Glenmerry 2bdrm. apt. F/S Heat included. N/S. $695./mo. Avail. Apr.1st. 250-368-5908
GLENVIEW APTS. Spacious, quiet 2 bdrm. apt. available. 250-364-2401
TRAIL, 1BDRM. Apt, partially furn. $600./mo. util.incl. N/S 1pet negotiable. 778-456-4565
TRAIL, 1bd. Ross. Ave., w/d/f/s. ns/np. $600./mo. utilities inc. 250-368-1361
TRAIL, 2bd. apt. Friendly, quiet secure bldg. Heat incl. N/P, N/S. 250-368-5287
WARFIELD, 1bdrm. condo. Laundry on site. Free parking. N/S, N/P. Available immedi-ately. $550./mo. + electricity. 250-229-4149
WARFIELD APARTMENTS. 2-bdrm, N/S, N/P. Long term tenants. 250-368-5888
W.TRAIL 2-bdrm. main fl oor. f/s,w/d,d/w. $700./mo. plus utilities. 250-368-1015
Commercial/Industrial
SHOP/ WAREHOUSE, 4300 sq.ft. Ample outside space. Good access. 250-368-1312
Rentals
Duplex / 4 PlexFRUITVALE, 3bd., renovated, w/deck. $900. heat incl. F/S, N/S. Avail. Apr1 250-368-3384
Halls/AuditoriumsGLENMERRY HALL, 250-364-0352, 250-368-1312. Please leave a message.
Homes for RentANNABLE, 2bd. suite. Large yard, single car garage, shared laundry, available im-mediately. $850./mo. including utilities. Non-smokers only please. 250-231-4546
RETIRED, DOWNSIZING? E.Trail, 2bd., just renovated, F/S, W/D, $850./mo. N/S,N/P.Ref.req.250-368-9692
Shavers Bench! 3 Bedroom, full basement, F/S, N/S, N/P. $900/month. 250-364-1551
TRAIL, 4b/r home, 1 reno’d bathrm, central A/C, f/s/w/d, ns,np, full bsmt, rv carport, nr Safeway, 1534 4th Ave. $1150. + util. 250-364-3978
TRAIL, newly renovated bachelor suite, very bright, pri-vate patio, shared laundry. N/P. N/S only. $575./mo. incl. utilities. 250-231-4546
TownhousesGLENMERRY, Clean 3bd townhouse, covered parking, F/S, D/W, central air. NS. No Pets. $925./mo. Available immed. Ref.req. 250-367-9607
Transportation
Cars - Domestic1988 & 1992 Honda Civic LX, 4dr sedan, one is automatic and one is 5 speed standard. Power windows, power mir-rors, power locks, both in ex-ceptionally clean condition, very well maintained, 180k & 235k, $1,800. & $2,800. New radiator and timing belt and ball joints. 250-442-0122 / 250-493-1807
Houses For Sale Houses For Sale Houses For Sale Houses For Sale Houses For Sale Houses For Sale Houses For Sale
WHERE DO YOU TURN
YOUR NEWSPAPER:The link to your community
TO LEARNWHAT’S
ON SALE?
Classifieds
We can deliver your � yer right
to the door!
For as little as
we will insert and deliver your fl yer right to your customers’ doorsteps.
$$$$$$65 per 100065 per 100065 per 100065 per 100065 per 100065 per 100065 per 100065 per 100065 per 1000
We can design and deliver your fl yerinto other communities as well!
Call your rep today!250.368.8551250.368.8551250.368.8551
Lonnie ext.201 • [email protected] ext.203 • [email protected]
RegionalTrail Times Thursday, March 12, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A15
Trail’s Future is Bright!Victoria Street Buy-a-Light Fundraising Campaign
• Showcase a Feature Landmark • Celebrate our City & Community Spirit • Enhance the Esplanade •• Create more Excitement & Energy around the Downtown Core • Reconnect Downtown with the Columbia River •
• The LED Lights will complement the lights to be integrated in the soon-to-be Pipeline/Pedestrian Bridge •
*96 lights available. Charitable donation tax receipt available. Forms available at City Hall & online. Image is rendering only.
More info at www.trail.ca/en/inside-city-hall/Buy-a-Light-Campaign.asp or call 250-364-0834
Light-up our Bridge for only $200/light!The Downtown Opportunities & Action Committee (DOAC) is well on their to reaching their $190,000 fundraising goal. Show your support too! Buy-a-Light after March 2nd for $200* and you will receive formal sponsor recognition at the west entrance of the Victoria Street Bridge.
T h e C a n a d i a n P r e s sGOLDEN — A skier was killed
Monday when an avalanche swept down a slope in the Selkirk Mountains about 75 kilometres northwest of Golden.
The skier was part of a group of experienced back-country skiers who had spent several days skiing out of Sorcerer Lodge, a helicopter-only access area.
In a statement released through a communications firm, Tanis Dakin of Sorcerer Lodge said she and the lodge staff are shaken by the death of the skier.
She said the skier, whose name has not yet been released by the RCMP, was well-known at the lodge and highly respected.
The avalanche struck at about 5:30 p.m. in an area near Ventigo Lake, a route on the way to Mount Iconoclast, a 3,251 metre peak northwest of Golden.
The skier was recovered about a half hour after the avalanche and was flown to a Golden hospital by heli-copter where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
“Our hearts go out to the family of our friend, and we will do all we can to support them at this very difficult time,” said Dakin.
B y B i l l M e T C a l f eNelson Star
Rural representative Tom Newell says Nelson city coun-cil and the regional recrea-tion commission are punish-ing taxpayers in his area. Last week, council agreed to look into his complaints about changes to regional recreation funding.
Newell represents regional district Area F, which com-prises the North Shore from Bonnington to Kokanee Park.
The question is how much rural residents should pay to support recreational facili-ties in Nelson, and how that should be decided.
In some rural areas, resi-dents are taxed for those ser-vices (such as the pool, the ice rink, and the playing fields) through their property taxes, and in other areas they are not.
Since 1973, the costs of regional recreation (including the aquatic centre) have been borne through taxation based on property assessments in the City of Nelson, Area F (the North Shore from Kokanee Park to Bonnington) and the west part of Area E (Blewett).
Currently, according to Nelson’s city manager Kevin Cormack, 60 per cent of the cost of regional recreation is paid by Nelson, 28 per cent by Area F, and 12 per cent by area E.
Recently the City of Nelson attempted to bring more equity to this situation, and it chose as its entry point a discussion at a meeting of the regional recreation commis-sion about the upcoming costs of the renovations to the aqua-tic centre.
The recreation commission is a Regional District of Central Kootenay body that oversees regional recreation includ-ing the community complex. Its members are Area E rep-resentative Ramona Faust (chair), Area F representative Tom Newell, Nelson mayor Deb Kozak, and Nelson coun-cillors Valerie Warmington and Janice Morrison.
As a result of that meet-ing, the RDCK board agreed to discussions over the com-ing months that would revisit the relationship between rural residents and regional recrea-tional funding.
And it agreed that the city
will stop paying $184,000 per year to the recreation com-mission, a payment that ori-ginated in 2001 when the city expanded its boundaries to include the dams on the Kootenay River so it could tax them.
That $184,000 per year was intended to compensate the regional district for tax money it lost when the city started taxing the dams directly.
Those discussions were, and still are, difficult because of differing interpretations of historical events of more than a decade ago, and some docu-ments from those days that gradually surfaced during and after the current discussions.
Area F director Tom Newell is not happy with the rescind-ing of the annual $184,000 payment.
In an interview this week he said his Area F residents will have to pay an extra $18 more in taxation on a $360,000 house, in order to make up the funding shortfall. He said this amounts to penalizing Area F residents.
“The burden will fall on the ones that are already contrib-uting the most,” he said.
Newell said his message to council is “taking more money from Area F is not fair. Area F is not the problem, we are on the same side as you.”
At the council meeting last week, Kozak said, “I was approached by director Newell from Area F and he has asked us to reconsider the decision about the $184,000 he has concerns about the impact it might have on his constitu-ents, and he has asked if we would reconsider.”
Council agreed to recon-sider even though it was not council but the regional recreation commission that made the decision in the first place. Councillors Valerie Warmington and Janice Morrison expressed reluctance to agree to Newell’s request.
“By taking it off the table again, the window we have opened up to have that dis-cussion might close again,” Warmington said.
Council agreed to ask staff to bring a report to the March 16 special council meeting with options and a historical overview including the finan-cial arrangements regarding the $184,000.
Rural rep convinces Nelson council to revisit recreation funding
Golden
Back-country skier swept away
by avalanche
A16 www.trailtimes.ca Thursday, March 12, 2015 Trail Times
Money
KOOTENAY HOMES INC.1358 Cedar Avenue, Trail • 250.368.8818
www.kootenayhomes.com www.century21.caThe Local Experts™
WE CAN SELL YOUR HOME.
NOBODY HAS THE RESOURCES WE DO!
Mark Wilson250-231-5591 [email protected]
Terry Alton250-231-1101 [email protected]
Tonnie Stewart250-365-9665 [email protected]
Mary Martin250-231-0264 [email protected]
Richard Daoust250-368-7897 [email protected]
Mary Amantea250-521-0525 [email protected]
Bill Craig250-231-2710 [email protected]
Deanne Lockhart250-231-0153 [email protected]
Art Forrest250-368-8818 [email protected]
Christine Albo250-512-7653 [email protected]
Dave Thoss250-231-4522 [email protected]
Dan Powell Christina Lake250-442-6413 [email protected]
1830 Topping Street, Trail$52,500
Up/Down duplex! Great opportunity
to live in the main unit - then
fi x other unit as a mortgage helper. Great
location close to downtown and on bus route. Super views of the river.
Call Mark (250) 231-5591
414 2nd Ave., Rivervale$149,900
This bright cheery home features upgraded, kitchen, bathrooms, fl ooring, roof, wiring, plumbing,
most windows, tastefully decorated, beautiful decks and low maintenance landscaping,
and garage. Such a fabulous little package! Call now!!
Call Deanne (250) 231-0153
NEW PRICE
966 Upper China Creek Road, Genelle $254,000
This 4 bed/1 bath home offers privacy and 2 acres! Many
upgrades! (wiring, plumbing, heating, roof, fencing,
landscaping). Call your REALTOR® now to view.
Call Deanne (250) 231-0153
1216 Columbia Ave, Trail$199,000
This home is in a great location. Enjoy the low maintenance yard and large deck. This home has
had extensive upgrades including new deluxe kitchen and bathroom and many mechanical upgrades
too. Call today!
Call Richard (250) 368-7897
926 Black Bear Drive, Rossland
$229,000Spectacular 2 bdrm home situated on .27 acre treed lot. Completely
renovated including new windows, wood stove, new kitchen, fl ooring, bathroom, exterior deck, wiring.
Close to the ski hill, plenty of hiking, biking and riding trails right
at your back door.
Call Christine (250) 512-7653
Trail2 bdrm renovated upper suite ..............................$800/mo3 bdrm renovated house ..............................$750/mo2 bdrm renovated upper suite ..............................$750/mo
Great rentals available now!
If you have a property you would like professionally managed, call to set up
an appointment. Terry Alton 250-231-1101
Tonnie Stewart (250) 365-9665
FOR RENT
25 Hillside Drive, Trail$329,000
Rare Find! This home features open fl oor plan with lots of windows and
views of incredible landscaping. Enjoy the main fl oor solarium, “round”
fi replace and updated kitchen with spacious dining area. Lower level is
completely fi nished with fabulous rec room with patio doors to yard.
Call today for your viewing!Call Mary M (250) 231-0264
For additional information and
photos on all of our listings, please visit
kootenayhomes.com
572 Spokane Street, Trail$45,000
Good rental or starter home with 4 bdrms, country kitchen, rec. room, single carport, and view
deck. Plumbing in basement for a second bathroom. Located an easy fi ve minute walk to town.
Call Art (250) 368-8818
NEW LISTING
1345 Thom Street, Trail$162,000
Directly across from Butler Park and near the proposed new walking
bridge, this home has tons of character. Wood fl oors, antique wall sconces, gas fi replace, and
caw-foot tub. Upgrades include new kitchen and some new fl ooring. This
is a fantastic package.
Call Terry 250-231-1101
2705 Columbia-Kootenay Road, Rossland
$670,000Overlooking Happy Valley, this extensively updated home has so much character and charm.
Spectacular views, bright kitchen, private sundeck and fi replace. All
this on 1.13 acres. Price includes a separate 2 acre parcel too. Call now!
Call Mary M (250) 231-0264
1354 Mountain St, Trail$239,000
Spectacularly renovated home overlooking Trail. New wiring, plumbing, heating. Open fl oor
plan with gorgeous kitchen and high ceilings. 3 bdrms/1.5 baths
and covered parking.
Call Mary M (250) 231-0264
1894 Mountain Street, Fruitvale
$60,000Thinking of building this spring? Placing a modular? This 66x105 lot is serviced and ready to go.
Days are getting longer and Spring is less than 60 days away!
Call Tonnie (250) 365-9665
1952 McLeod Avenue, Rossland
$289,000 Immaculate 3 bed, 2 bath home with many upgrades including a
bathroom, heated fl oors and sleek lines. Fully fi nished rec room,
workshop and private fenced yard.
Call Christine (250) 512-7653
New things you might like to know about for your 2014 personal
tax preparation – but first, a disclaimer – this is an overview. Do your research. Talk to a tax professional or visit the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.
The Children’s Fitness Tax Credit has been increased from $500 to $1,000.
This is a 15% non-refundable credit meaning that the $1,000 actual expense you fork out translates into a $150 credit, and since it’s a non-refundable credit, if you don’t need all of it to reduce your tax liability to zero, the bal-ance is not paid to you. However, next year it’s suppose to become a refundable tax credit so any balance will be paid to the taxpayer.
There’s now a Search & Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit. This mirrors the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit intro-duced a few years back. It’s a $450 non-fundable tax credit based on 15% of $3,000 “assumed” expenses (no receipts required).
To qualify, the rescuer cannot be
employed by the department and must perform at least 200 hours of volunteer ser-vice including call-out time, training time and at meet-ings. If the rescuer is also a volunteer firefighter, those hours should be included to achieve this 200 total because only one claim is allowed – either the Search & Rescue or the Firefighter.
A letter from the depart-ment stating 200 hours of service must be supplied or CRA will deny the claim. By the way, if any amount of CRA’s allowable $1,000 income exemption is claimed on a T4, this expense credit cannot be claimed in addition to that income exemption. The $1,000 income exemption is more beneficial.
Some new items have been added to the eligible Medical Expense list. The cost to design a personal therapy plan in some situations is now deductible, as are the costs for service animals to aid persons with severe diabetes. As always, check the CRA website.
The amount claimable for Adoption Expense has been increased to $15,000. This is a non-refundable tax credit calcu-lated by adding up eligible expenses and
subtracting reimbursement received, if any. The net amount can be split between adoptive parents.
As discussed in the last column, the biggest addition to 2014 tax prep is the new Family Tax Cut. This is a non-refundable $2,000 maximum tax credit for eligible couples with a child under 18. For all the specifics, visit the CRA website.
By the way, effective April 1, 2016, the Government of Canada is switching to direct deposits for all federal payments to individuals so if you aren’t set up yet, it’s simple to do during tax prep using form T1-DD.
CRA is also pushing taxpayers to email communications. You have to set-up your CRA “My Account” because CRA, for security reasons, only sends emails to you directing you to check your in-box in your CRA “My Account”. Reminder that the safety deposit box deduction is gone.
Finally, coming soon to an App Store near you, a mobile application for your smart phone so you can access CRA any-time, anywhere! Lucky you.
Ron Clarke has his MBA and is a busi-ness owner in Trail, providing account-ing and tax services. Email him at [email protected].
What’s new for personal tax preparation
Ron ClaRke
Tax Tips & Pits
T H e C a n a D I a n P R e S SVICTORIA - The B.C. government says
it hopes to move more families living on income assistance back into the workforce by increasing the amount of extra cash they’re allowed to earn and keep.
Currently, families with able-bodied and disabled children can earn an extra $200 and $300 a month, respectively, without the government clawing back income-assistance payments.
The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation says it will raise those exemptions to $400 and $500 a month starting Sept. 1.
Under the same plan, the government will allow families to participate in supple-mental dental, optical and medical cover-age for a year after leaving income assist-ance.
About 10,600 families are expected to benefit from the program that the min-istry hopes will encourage people to pur-sue work, even if it’s part time.
Last month, the government made a separate announcement, saying it would eliminate social services clawbacks for about 3,200 families on income and dis-ability assistance.
Income-assistance families can work, keep more cash