Chetwynd Echo March 28 2013

Request to televisecouncil meetingsturned downPage 3

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BY NAOMI LARSENChetwynd Echo Editor

–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – In a reg-

ulatory filing, WalterEnergy announced Fridayits intentions to shut downseveral of their coal miningoperations includingWillow Creek Mine located45 km south of Chetwynd.Willow Creek will cease

operations in April.“Over the past 18

months, since I becameCEO, one of my key priori-ties has been aggressiveoperational management,”Walter J. Scheller III, ChiefExecutive Officer forWalter Energy said in acompany statementWednesday. “While it isnever easy to curtail opera-tions at a facility, our com-mitment to idle operationswhere necessary is centralto the Company’s operat-

ing plan. This plan hasbeen developed with thefull support of our Board.“We greatly regret the

impact this decision willhave on many of our dedi-cated employees,” Schellercontinued. “I would like tocommend them for theirwork in significantlyimproving our productivi-ty and costs at the mineover the past year.“The current price envi-

ronment for met coal dic-tated that we curtail pro-duction at Willow Creek inorder to ensure we gener-ate a sufficient economicreturn in mining the highquality met coal reserves atthe site. Given the tremen-dous progress that hasbeen made in the coststructure at the mine, whenwe see signs of sustainablemarket pricing conditionswe would expect to ramp

up production.”According to a story by

news agency Reuters, themine is expensive to oper-ate with a cost of $150 pertonne compared to othermines in the region wherecosts are $130 and $120 atonne.Raymond James analyst

Jim Rollyson told Reutersthat shutting down theWillow Creek mine inBritish Columbia is the

right move."The market's been tough

for coal, and that's onemine where they've beenhemorrhaging cash, andthey just closed up thewound," he said.Willow Creek's produc-

tion is split between hardcoking coal and pulverizedcoal injection, which somesteelmakers use in place ofmore expensive cokingcoal. It produced 868,000

tonnes of coal in 2012,according to regulatory fil-ings, while the company asa whole produced 14.6 mil-lion tonnes.The mine currently

employs approximately350 employees, of whichapproximately 250 will beaffected by the decision tocurtail production. TheWillow Creek mine willcontinue with limitedoperations to support

Walter Energy’s Brulemine. In an email to the

Chetwynd Echo, ChetwyndMayor Merlin Nichols saidit’s disappointing when acommunity supportingbusiness or industry closes.“It’s not the kind of news

we want to hear,” he said. “We think of the workersdisplaced and the loss ofrevenue to supportingbusinesses. It could be dis-heartening to dwell onthese happenings.”However, Nichols said,

there is another side to thisevent that is a littlebrighter. “The effects of the clo-

sure of Willow Creek couldbe more psychologicalthan material,” he said.“Let me explain. As Iunderstand the circum-stances, only the pit is clos-ing because of the deflatedprice of coal and the cost ofmining at this time in thislocation. The equipmentand the workers will betransferred to Walter’s

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LOCAL NEWS

Coal mine to cease operations in April

Willow Creek produced 868,000 tonnes of coal in 2012. File photo

Closure wonʼt affectrecent District boundaryexpansion efforts

Please see "WILLOW,"page 28

BY MIKE CARTERChetwynd Echo Reporter

–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – A request

by the ChetwyndCommunications Society totelevise the District ofChetwynd regular councilmeetings in full has beentemporarily rejected bycouncil.Instead, a motion was

passed during the March18 meeting to approve therequest from theCommunications Society totelevise the delegation pre-sentations to council only.Council will reevaluate thisdecision after a period ofsix months.The request was made in

a letter to Mayor and coun-cil from Chet-TV signed byManager/Director LeoSabulsky and dated March

6th.“We would like to join

other community televi-sion stations in Canada byrecording and televisingthe delegations and councilmeetings so that the gener-al public may see the regu-lar and special meetings ofcouncil,” Sabulsky wrote.“This would of course beadvertised as a regular fea-ture and repeated at leasttwo times.”The recordings would

also serve as a publicrecord of council meetings

that could be referred to ata later date for researchpurposes. Sabulsky added,

“Valemount communitynear us does this routinelyand their meetings can bewatched on Bell televisionand is a regular feature. Weare requesting the privilegeto televise the meetings andadd to the overall interestin the community. A deci-sion prior to the next meet-ing would be appreciatedso we can do an inauguraltaping and a response from

each of you.”Councillor Rochelle

Galbraith voiced her con-cern over the lack of spacein the council’s currentchambers. “I guess my only concern

is the lack of room that wehave right now,” Galbraithsaid. “If we can just maybemove it to videoing the del-egations first just to kind ofget an idea of the distrac-tion that [it] would cause.”Councillor Laura

Weisgerber raised concernover the fact that televisingthe meeting may deter peo-ple from attending. “We arefinally getting people com-ing here,” she said “If westart putting it on TV noone will ever come. I don’tknow.”A further concern over

broadcasting the meetingswas raised by CouncillorErnest Pfanner who won-dered just how much valuethere would be in televis-ing the meetings.“My concern is that with-

out the meat and potatoes Idon’t know how much

value there would be in thevideo of council if you did-n’t have the backgroundpaper work to followalong. I mean, everybodyhere gets it provided tothem but at home you justhear a bunch of numbers,”Pfanner said.

Councillor AlecBrownlee responded bysaying, “Possibly on theother hand though, seeingit on TV and not under-

3Thursday, March 28, 2013Chetwy nd Echo

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LOCAL NEWS

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Request to televise council meetings turned downCouncil torevisit insix months Please see "BROADCAST-

ING," page 6

Without the meatand potatoes I

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It doesn’t matter if youagree with the Idle NoMore movement or not.

When a handful of aborigi-nal teens from Nishiyuutrek 1,600 km from theirhome to Ottawa in -40 tem-peratures to make a state-ment about their culture, the

environment and poverty asthe Prime Minister you hadbetter flipping be there.But was our leader

there? Nope. Instead hechose to be in Toronto tomeet two pandas on theairport tarmac who will bemaking their home at theToronto Zoo. Now I’m notsaying that’s not cool tooand it’s a great effort tosave a dying species…buthe should have made thatsecond place priority. Heactually probably could

have doneboth in thesame day if hetried. A flightb e t w e e nOttawa andToronto isonly an hour.These teens

are our coun-try’s future. They havefound it in their heart tobelieve in something sostrongly that they riskedtheir lives to bring aware-ness to their fight. They

managed toc o n v i n c ethousands ofothers to join.That is somepowerful stuffsince themajority oftoday’s teenscan barely

peel themselves away fromtheir Xboxes.The Prime Minister has a

duty to act in the interest ofand listen to everyCanadian Citizen – regard-

less if he agrees with theirthem or not.And while these youth

may not have all theanswers, they do havemany questions. Meetingwith the PM could haveanswered those and per-haps even brought newinformation to Harper andperhaps give him insight tosomething he’d never con-sidered before.These issues and con-

cerns are not going to befixed if those involved are

not all willing to sit downand talk and a true leadershould be embracing achance to speak with othersin his country.Harper knew this group

was coming to Ottawa.He’s been aware of it formonths – as I’m sure thepanda trip was planned aswell. I just hope our PrimeMinister takes the time tomeet with these youthsoon. After 1,600 kilome-tres of walking, that’s theleast he could do.

4 Thursday, March 28, 2013 Chetwy nd Echo

Email [email protected] or log ontoour Facebook page. Your response could be

included on page 5 next week.

OUR VIEWS

Do you think the District ofChetwynd should televisetheir council meetings?

(which are held at 4:30 p.m)

It’s nice to see where our fearless leader’s priorities lieNOTABLYNOMI :)Naomi Larsen is Editor forthe Chetwynd Echo. Contact her at by phone at250.788.2246 or via [email protected]

These teens are ourcountryʼs future.

CCHETWYNDHETWYNDEECHOCHO

Published each Fridayby Draper & DobieCompany Inc.

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The opinions expressed on the editorial page of the Chetwynd Echo are strictly those of the paricular writers involved and are not necessarily sharedor supported in any way by Draper & Dobie Company Inc, itʼs management or employees. The columns of the Chetwynd Echo editorial page are opento letters to the editor of reasonable length dealing with current events or other concerns. All correspondence must include the name, address and telephonenumber of the author. The newspaper reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any submission or advertisements.

Naomi Larsen, Publisher/ Editor/Sales/[email protected] • [email protected]@chetwyndecho.net • [email protected]

Mike Carter, [email protected]

Tammy Cloarec, Office [email protected]

ARE YOU AN EMPLOYEEOF WILLOW CREEK?ARE YOU AFFECTED BYTHE RECENT CLOSURE

NEWS?

“OH YES! We were told10 years of mining . Myhusband was hired onMarch 13 worked oneweek just settled in toa rental property andput are child in school

and this happens...Notimpressed at all. I won-der if they will reim-burse those that justpaid moving expensesto relocate and werepromised work for along time...”

-Monique

“When they firstopened years ago mybf helped build thewash plant etc and wastold 10 years. Theymade 18 months Ithink. Thank god he'smoved on from there!”

-Raelene

“We are talking about

a loss of income forfamilies and in mostcases a primaryincome.”

- ChrisnJanette

“Mines don't have along life around here.They open and theyclose then they openyears down the roadagain...” -Hayley

“Very bad news allthe way around,nowhopefully Walters ener-gy does the right thingand gives decent sever-ance packages to theemployees,hopeful lyabove there agreement

states and if there areother jobs in Waltersother two mines in thearea (Brule andWolverine that they canplace as many workerbetween these twomines as possible) AlsoQuintette will be re-opening in the nearfuture,very sorry tohear about this closure”

-Mario

LOG ONTO OUR FACE-BOOK PAGE FOR MOREDISCUSSION AND JOIN IN!PLEASE KEEP COMMENTSRESPECTFUL.

To the Editor:Heads up! Ranchers,

farmers and other ruraltaxpayers.Have you read the

Regional Board’s newBuilding By-law, 1996,2011? If you haven’t, I rec-ommend that you do. Youcan pick up a copy at theRegional Dist. office. It isthe most intrusive, dicta-torial piece of garbage youwill ever read.With this document in

place house constructionwill grind to a halt,nobody will be able toafford to build. Theywon’t be able to do thework themselves or hire a

contractor that isn’tlicensed. This includes allof us. If you can find alicensed contractor thecost will be prohibitive.Up to ten inspections arerequired with a 72 hr.notice, so this pretty welltakes care of the summer,especially if you throw ina few rainy days.Remember, this encom-passes the whole RegionalDistrict. If you are thinking that

it won’t affect you as yourhouse, shop or whateveris already built, what if,Imagine, Mr. Farmer orMr. Rancher 50 miles outof town, you have to get a

permit from the RegionalDistrict, and try to find alicensed contractor, withthis by-law they probablywon’t be too eager tobuild your house. Goodluck folks! Oh, and by theway, the Regional Districthas decided to put a priceon your house, it doesn’tmatter what it costs you,they decide. Makes ithandy for the tax assess-ment folks, they don’thave to put a value onyour place, the dictators atthe regional district did itfor you.As you probably know,

there already is aProvincial Building Code

in place yet our local rep-resentative found it neces-sary to make our livesmiserable with totallyridiculous rules and regu-lations.I cannot imagine why

the board passed this by-law, did some bureaucratliving in an apartment intown think it up? Theydon’t have anything tolose if this is the case. Weelected our AreaRepresentative to lookafter our interests and ifthis is how they do itsomething has to be done,whether they thought itup or just signed it theyare responsible. Ask your

Area Representative toexplain how this is goingto work, 12 million hec-tors to police and onlytwo building inspectors.Oh oh, I see an employ-ment opportunity forsome more university stu-dents who have neverbuilt a house and ahealthy raise in our taxes,and who is liable?Another employmentopportunity for the

lawyers? I think maybethey should keep theirnoses out of our business!Please read this by-law

and let your AreaRepresentative know howyou feel, if you think itdoesn’t affect you, itaffects everyone, includ-ing your children andgrandchildren.

Alva StewartFort St. John

To the Editor:One way or another, you voice will be heard in

Chetwynd on April 13, 2013. If you don’t vote, yourabstention becomes a vote in itself.Please make time in the next few days to contact the

five people whose names will be on the ballot. Say toeach of them, “Why do you want to serve on thiscouncil?” Listen intently to their reply. Promise noth-ing to anyone, neither discuss the issue with anyoneelse…because what we do on Election will share thedirection of our foreseeable future.

Bea KurjataChetwynd ,BC


You can email us at [email protected]; mail to Box 750 Chetwynd B.C.V0C 1J0 or drop of your letter at 5016 50 Avenue. All letters submitted must besigned with a return address and daytime telephone number so we can confirmthat it came from you. The Echo reserves the right to edit letters for clarity,legality, length and to refuse publication of any submitted material. We mayalso choose to use a letter as the basis for a story. So, be sure to keep yourletters brief and to the point. Letters originating from the Peace region get pri-ority. We encourage new contributors as we attempt to publish a cross-section

of public opinion. - Naomi Larsen, Editor

YOUR VIEWS

Follow uson TwItter

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READERCOMMENTSfrom our Facebook page

Your vote does count

Have you read the Regional Districtʼs new building bylaw? You should.


LOCAL NEWS

A trip backin time

• Chetwynd Echo: April 13, 1967

standing what’s going on may actuallybring them in here to say ‘what’s happen-ing?’ We see it on TV but it doesn’t reallymake any sense. Possibly it will drawthem in to see what is actually happeninghere and to read the notes we get. It maybe a good thing. It may do the opposite;it may bring them in. If we say somethingthat really ticks them off possibly they’llcome in.”Mayor Nichols quipped, “Can you

imagine how [we] will have to dress?”Broadcasting council meetings is a pret-

ty common phenomenon right across thecountry. The matters dealt with at councilare in this way brought to a wider audi-ence and not restricted by only what

appears in the news media.“One of the reasons of why we’re ask-

ing now is that we’re expanding our staffby one member and we’ll be able to do abetter job overall covering events andthat’s … a new person is going to be com-ing on deck April 5th so we’ll be able todo more,” Sabulsky explained after themeeting.“We also have two cameras so there

would be no problem. And we’d onlyhave one person [we’d be] very incon-spicuous doing it. We’d probably put onecamera towards the delegation and onetowards the group and that’s it. It’sdoable but it’s their decision and we’lllive with it. I am not going to criticizethem because change is hard no matterwhat you are and who you are.”

Continued from page 3

Broadcasting councilmeetings the norm

Coastal GasLink hosts open houseChetwynd not on scheduled stop listeven though closest community


–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Coastal

GasLink and the provin-cial EnvironmentalAssessment Office hostedan open house Mondayevening in Chetwynd tooffer information andreceive public input fromlocal residents on the pro-posed 650 km pipelinefrom Groundbirch toKitimat.Residents were invited

to make comment on thedraft ApplicationInformation Requirements(AIR) project whichincludes informationabout air quality, sustain-ability of wildlife popula-tions, fish and fish habitat,employment opportuni-ties, social and economicconsiderations, trans-portation, traditional andrecreational land use, andheritage issues.

The project itself comeswithin 15 km south of thecommunity, crossingunder Highway 29 downthe Sukunka Valley con-tinuing through themountains. Originally,Chetwynd was not evenon their list of stops forOpen Houses. Uponlearning they weren’tstopping in ChetwyndMayor Merlin Nichols

personally invited them.Karen Etherington, who

overlooks the environ-mental and regulatoryaspects of the project, saidher company provided adraft of the project to theEAO in February.“Chetwynd is a commu-

nity that will see the activ-ity from the project andwe’re hoping that throughour dialogue over the nextfew months we’ll get tounderstand more of theinterests and concerns ofthe community and thenlook for opportunities towork with the communityand manage any issues.”Etherington said it

would also giveChetwynd a chunk of fair-ly significant property taxrevenue.“That money will come

into the community to

Please see "REGULATO-RY," page 7

ETHERINGTON


LOCAL NEWS

help with the differentservices, healthcare, edu-cation, infrastructurethat’s very important tothe community,” she said.Etherington said they

also look at ways to makecommunity contributionswhich means looking foropportunities for localhire and using localamenities.While Chetwynd was

their third Open Housestop, Etherington saidthey have been met withsome concerns, mostlyfrom landowners inregards to where the routewill actually be as well asconstruction concerns inregards to dust controland other environmentalqueries.“But we’ve been very

happy with the participa-tion,” she said.“We’ve had support

across the corridor. A lot offolks recognize the eco-nomic value the projectbrings to the province.They understand howwe’re making efforts toengage in dialogue.”If everything goes well,

Etherington said majorregulatory filings wouldbe done in early 2014 withconstruction beginning in2015.Mayor Merlin Nichols

was also in attendanceand said he was pleasedwith the public attendanceat the Coastal Gas LinkOpen House. “Coastal Gas Link

potentially has a number

of positive effects forChetwynd,” he said. Those effects include

employment opportuni-ties for clearing of theright-of-way, trucking ofpipe from the lay-downyard to the moving con-struction site, road build-ing, excavation and back-filling of pipe trench,welding, security, safetyand flag person and campand catering opportuni-ties.“Depending on which

way the pipe comes to thearea, a lay-down yardcould be provided in theChetwynd area,” Nicholssaid. “(And) dependingon how the contracts arelet, there could be signifi-

cant temporary work forChetwynd residents.”Nichols said there is a

positive psychologicalpositive effect generatedby the proximity of the

activity. “Upon completion of

the project, the pipelinewill generate increasedactivity in the gas fieldsresulting in increased

work opportunities forChetwynd residents,” hesaid.Residents will have until

April 10, 2013 to submitcomments to the B.C.E n v i r o n m e n t a lAssessment Office on thedraft AIR, whichdescribes the informationrequired for the environ-mental assessment.Open houses were held

in Prince George,Dawson Creek and BurnsLake. The final openhouse was held in TerraceMarch 27.Originally a Chetwynd,

the closest community tothe project, stop was noton the map for GasLinkuntil Nichols personally

invited them earlier thisspring.“I’m glad I invited

them to give Chetwynd aspot in their itinerary,” hesaid.The approximately 650

kilometre proposedpipeline would run fromthe Groundbirch areanear Dawson Creek to theproposed LNG Canadaliquefied natural gasexport facility nearKitimat. It would initially have

the capacity to flowapproximately 1.7 billioncubic feet of natural gasper day. With furtherexpansion, it could deliverup to approximately 5.0billion cubic feet per day.


Regulatory filings scheduled for completion early 2014

NICHOLS

Iʼm glad I invitedthem to give

Chetwynd a spoton their itinerary.


LOCAL NEWSChanges to mine act permitting process


–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Changes

to the Mines Act permitprocess will see mines likePeace River Coal’s Trend-Roman project go aheadwithout having to obtainan additional mine permit. Starting in September

2013, so-called “lowimpact” mine permit activ-ities will no longer berequired for explorationactivities, allowing the per-

mitting process to befocused on higher-impactprojects like larger-scaleexploration. Currently, permits are

required for all mine-relat-ed projects, including somesmall-scale mineral explo-rations that are deemed tobe “low risk” and cause lit-tle-to-no health, safety orenvironmental concerns,the government says.As a result of the change,

projects where a Mines actpermit has already been

granted will be authorizedto carry out further activi-ties such as charging theground with an electricalcurrent and measuring aresponse, further explo-ration drill programs onoperating mine sites andextending the timing ofproposed exploration workby up to two years. Under the new rules,

exploration companiesmust provide 30 daysadvance notice and infor-mation on the planned

low-impact activity to amines inspector. Theprovince then says it willnotify the appropriate FirstNations who could beaffected, making no men-tion of potentially affectedsurrounding municipali-ties. “In fall 2012, the provin-

cial government consultedwith industry, First Nationsand the public on the per-mitting of low-impactexploration activities,resulting in these exemp-

tions,” a government newsrelease states. “This regulation delivers

on the commitment madein British Columbia’s May2012 Mineral Explorationand Mining Strategy todevelop regulations toexempt low-risk explo-ration and mining activitiesfrom requiring Mines Actpermits while marinatinghealth, safety and environ-mental standards.”The Ministry of Energy,

Mines and Natural Gas

receives over 500 applica-tions for mineral and coalexploration work a year.The government’s responseto the amount of applica-tions is to find a way toreduce them. Once in effect,these exemptions willreduce the number of theseapplications by up to 15 percent or about 80 amendedpermits. The changesshould also reduce “unnec-essary” paperwork and“processing delays” thegovernment says.


–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Statistics

Canada released BritishColumbia’s job numbers forFebruary earlier this month,showing the province gained19,800 jobs in both full-time andpart-time employment, 400 ofwhich came from the Northeast.The province’s unemploy-

ment rate remained unchangedat 6.3 per cent. BC was secondonly to Ontario in the numberof jobs created in February.BC’s average hourly wage

rate of $24.26 in February wasup by 2.1 per cent compared

with February 2012 and for BCyouth under the age of 25; theaverage hourly wage was$14.73, up by 6.2 per cent.Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs,

Tourism and Skills training andMinister Responsible for Laboursaid that these numbers repre-sent a healthy BC economy.“There are many reasons to be

confident about BC’s economy.We are bringing new dollarsinto the province throughincreased investment and moreexports to trading partners inAsia and beyond. In turn, we’recreating the opportunity formore jobs for hard-workingBritish Columbians.”

According to Ian Tostenson,president of the BC Restaurantand Foodservice Association,these numbers are a reflection ofa great Canadian pastime –watching hockey. In an interview with the

Vancouver Sun, Tostenson said,“the numbers are really goodand they are definitely hockey-centric. We’re all watchinghockey again… and it goes allalong the supply chain – frombeer and wine supplies to chick-en wings – they all felt theupswing last month.” Lateradding that the industry took alarge hit over the extendedNHL lockout.

Employment was up for youthaged 15-24, gaining 3,600 jobs.Women over 24 added 15,800positions while men over theage of 24 added 600 positions. Most of the gains were from

the accommodation and foodservices industries, which com-bined for a gain of 6,100 jobs,while agriculture, finance,insurance real estate and leasingadded a combined 11100 jobs. The biggest losses were felt in

manufacturing (7000 jobs), utili-ties (2,200 jobs) and profession-al, scientific and technical serv-ices (over 1400 jobs). For Bruce Ralston, the official

opposition New Democratic

party’s finance critic, thesenumbers show only a glimmerof hope, while longer-termnumbers show BritishColumbia’s economy is stillstruggling.“February saw some modest

growth in jobs across theprovince, but since September2011 we’re still down nearly30,000 jobs in the private sec-tor,” Ralston said. Ralston added that the

Statistics Canada number showBC is third worst of allprovinces in terms of overall jobcreation since September 2011,when Primer Clark launchedthe BC Jobs Plan.

Province gains in both full and part time jobs

QQuuaalliittyy PPhhoottooRReepprriinnttss

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WHAT MADE YOU DECIDETO RUN FOR COUNCIL?I have a strong belief that

community healthdepends on us all. Incooperating to accomplishthis objective, we needboth strong leadership andthe ability to communicatewell. I believe that I havedemonstrated strengthand leadership. I want tobe a part of the prudentdecisions that will need tobe made as Chetwynd con-tinues to mature.

HOW DO YOU DIFFERYOURSELF FROM THE OTHERCANDIDATES IN THIS RACE? I am relatively new to

Chetwynd. Prior to choos-

ing to move our familyhere seven years ago, Doriand I had exposure toleadership opportunitiesin communities both smalland large. I feel this per-spective has been instru-mental in allowing me tocontribute toward cooper-ating in strengthening theprogram at PeaceChristian School, in help-ing found the ChetwyndCommunity Foundationand in having the privilegeto be the co recipient of the2013 Chetwynd HeroesLive Here award due to ademonstration of promot-ing community health. Iam already committed toimproving the lives of thepeople who live here. Ialso feel that my back-ground working withyoung people will allowme to more readily identi-fy ways in which we canencourage engagementbetween youth and localindustry in order to fosterthe interest and relation-ship that will allow ourkids to fill our localemployment needs

IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULDBE YOUR PRIMARY GOAL FOR

THE COMING YEAR? Improve communication

between Council and thepublic. In order to repre-sent the Chetwynd com-munity well, I feel it is cru-cial to be in touch withcommunity interests andconcerns. Since decidingto run for Council, I havebeen made aware of con-cerns that people have thatI believe are not known toCouncil at this point.Much of this feedbackcould be addressed with agreater degree of aware-ness. I would like to pro-mote an initiative thatwould ensure that eachmember of our communityfeels that they have avoice. Communicationcan be facilitated throughmany means. Not every-one feels comfortable mak-ing a presentation toCouncil, nor should it berequired in all situationsfor a concern to be valid. Iwould start this process byencouraging people with aconcern, idea or solution,to make initial contactwith me by email. If fur-ther discussion is warrant-ed I would be interested todiscuss the person’s point

of view face to face over ahot beverage. People needto feel that the officialsthey elect to represent theirpoint of view know whattheir point of view is.Longer term plans at thispoint center around con-tinuing to develop theimprovement of health,both for individuals andthe community.

THE LACK OF AMBIENTAIR MONITORING INCHETWYND HAS BEEN ANISSUE FOR COUNCIL INRECENT WEEKS. WHERE DOYOU STAND ON THIS?I feel this has been a con-

cern in our town for manyyears. One of my primaryconcerns pertains to com-munity health.

Clean air is essential togood health. I support themonitoring of air qualityand feel we need to contin-ue to make it a priority.Whether particulatesources originate fromflared gas, dusty millyards, or a pellet plant,Council needs to workcooperatively and proac-tively with local industryto ensure that these levelsare being monitored. After

all, community health isinclusive of the health ofour local industries. Thisissue must be seen as a pri-ority for Council.

WITH A NATURALRESOURCE DRIVEN ECONOMYLIKE IN OUR REGIONAL REAL-ITY, THERE ARE DRAWBACKSAND BENEFITS. THECHETWYND AGE-FRIENDLYSENIORS TASK FORCE WERETHE LATEST GROUP TO RAISETHE ISSUE OF THE RISINGPRICES FOR RENT, FOOD ANOTHER AMENITIES THAT GOALONG WITH THE INCREASEDEARNING POWER THAT SOMECHETWYND RESIDENTS HAVEGAINED FROM JOBS IN NATU-RAL RESOURCES. WHAT, IFANYTHING, DO YOU BELIEVECAN BE DONE ABOUT THISISSUE AT THE LOCAL GOV-ERNMENT LEVEL? IN OTHERWORDS, HOW CAN THELOCAL GOVERNMENT INCHETWYND HELP THOSEWHO LIVE ON A FIXEDINCOME AND ARE DISAD-VANTAGED BY THIS?

The reasons thatChetwynd was named themost livable small commu-nity (<25,000) in BC a fewyears back still exist. The

above concerns are signifi-cant but not trivial in thatthey will not easily besolved. Encouragingskilled labour to seeChetwynd as a great placeto live and/or raise a fam-ily would help contributeto an increase in the devel-opment of affordablehousing opportunities. I am currently working

with contacts from furthersouth that have expressedan interest in cooperatingto access initiativesthrough BC Housing andCMHC to provide afford-able housing. I have alsohad recent contact with anacquaintance that has anextensive background inhousing for seniors. The more resources we

can keep in our own com-munity rather than simplysupporting towneconomies elsewhere, thebetter we will be able tohave the resources weneed to help those whoneed it. This is not intend-ed to be an election prom-ise or a ploy. It is merelyfurther demonstration ofmy deep commitment tothe long-term health ofthis community.


CANDIDATE PROFILE BY-ELECTION 2013

Darren Shankel

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WHAT MADE YOU DECIDETO RUN FOR COUNCIL?I have always held an

interest in civic affairs andI have only now reached apoint in my life where Ihave the time to give backto the community througha Council position.

HOW DO YOU DIFFERYOURSELF FROM THE OTHERCANDIDATES IN THIS RACE? I am very happy to see

five people come forwardfor just one position. Ithink we are all diverseand with that everyoneshould have the opportu-nity to vote for someonethey truly think will do agreat job. I personally draw on a

diverse history includingexperience in the non-profit and governmentservice sectors. I currentlyown and operate a well-established business inChetwynd. While I grewup in Dawson Creek, Ihave spent most of myadult life in Chetwyndhaving moved here in1995 after completing uni-versity. I have been very

active in the communityholding several volunteerpositions. I am able toconduct myself in an edu-cated, caring and profes-sional manner. I am inter-ested in positive economicgrowth in conjunctionwith infrastructure andcommunity development.A few of my priorities arewater, sewer and publicworks.

IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULDBE YOUR PRIMARY GOAL FORTHE COMING YEAR? My primary goal is to

address the communityconcerns of infrastructure,health and environment.

THE LACK OF AMBIENTAIR MONITORING INCHETWYND HAS BEEN ANISSUE FOR COUNCIL IN

RECENT WEEKS. WHERE DOYOU STAND ON THIS?The lack of ambient air

monitoring in Chetwynd issimply not right. It takes only a moment to

realize that we are extreme-ly vulnerable given ourgeographic positioningwith specific Industry. To have no monitoring is

irresponsible given today’sknowledge of health relat-ed issues and technology.The people of Chetwyndhave given Council theobligation to protect thecommunity and I think thatextends to not only themonitoring of air qualitybut performing therequired actions as a resultof the findings. Industryhas means to recover costs;human beings do notalways have means to

recover health.

WITH A NATURALRESOURCE DRIVEN ECONOMYLIKE IN OUR REGIONAL REAL-ITY, THERE ARE DRAWBACKSAND BENEFITS. THECHETWYND AGE-FRIENDLYSENIORS TASK FORCE WERETHE LATEST GROUP TO RAISETHE ISSUE OF THE RISINGPRICES FOR RENT, FOOD ANOTHER AMENITIES THAT GOALONG WITH THE INCREASEDEARNING POWER THAT SOMECHETWYND RESIDENTS HAVEGAINED FROM JOBS IN NATU-RAL RESOURCES. WHAT, IFANYTHING, DO YOU BELIEVECAN BE DONE ABOUT THISISSUE AT THE LOCAL GOV-ERNMENT LEVEL? IN OTHERWORDS, HOW CAN THE LOCALGOVERNMENT IN CHETWYNDHELP THOSE WHO LIVE ON AFIXED INCOME AND ARE DIS-

ADVANTAGED BY THIS?We are definitely no

strangers to the high cost ofliving in Chetwynd andhigh wages have placed aneven greater strain on indi-viduals living on a fixedincome. Chetwynd has been

active in providing alterna-tive housing and variousprograms. A continuedapproach of support toexisting programs, findingother funding, and work-ing with the IndustryGiants to reduce the impacton community membersare viable goals. Although, I do believe the most

powerful support comesfrom individuals helpingindividuals.Thank you and I hope

you all come out to vote onApril 13.


Sandra Leer

Bob Shirley

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDETO RUN FOR COUNCIL?I believe I’m the best can-

didate for the position ofCouncillor in Chetwynd.Recently in conversationswith local citizens theyhave expressed concerns

on numerous issues thatare not being addressed atpresent. I am able to workwith others n any issuesthat may arise in a calm,thoughtful and knowl-edgeable manner. I am ableto think both in and out ofthe box.

HOW DO YOU DIFFERYOURSELF FROM THE OTHERCANDIDATES IN THIS RACE? I have 18 years of elected

public service, 40 years ofbusiness administration,also many years inChetwynd organizationsparticularly as a volunteerfireman and executivemember of the Legion.Experience not only in pol-itics but in our communityhas given me a unique

vision of Chetwynd. As Iam now retired I have thetime to devote all of myenergy to being your voiceon council

IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULDBE YOUR PRIMARY GOAL FORTHE COMING YEAR? A helicopter landing site

at the hospital is essentialfor our health and safety. Itcan be done. An operating room at the

hospital with sufficienthealth professionals as wehave had in the past.Dialysis equipment and

trained staff at our hospitalis a necessity instead oftravelling out of town.Sidewalks in residential

areas to our schools isessential for the safety of

our children.

THE LACK OF AMBIENTAIR MONITORING INCHETWYND HAS BEEN ANISSUE FOR COUNCIL INRECENT WEEKS. WHERE DOYOU STAND ON THIS?TThe equipment should

be purchased, installed,maintained and the resultspublished to the communi-ty daily. This should be anis issue but a must do.

WITH A NATURALRESOURCE DRIVEN ECONO-MY LIKE IN OUR REGIONALREALITY, THERE ARE DRAW-BACKS AND BENEFITS. THECHETWYND AGE-FRIENDLYSENIORS TASK FORCE WERETHE LATEST GROUP TO RAISETHE ISSUE OF THE RISING

PRICES FOR RENT, FOOD ANOTHER AMENITIES THAT GOALONG WITH THEINCREASED EARNING POWERTHAT SOME CHETWYND RES-IDENTS HAVE GAINED FROMJOBS IN NATURALRESOURCES. WHAT, IF ANY-THING, DO YOU BELIEVE CANBE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUEAT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTLEVEL? IN OTHER WORDS,HOW CAN THE LOCAL GOV-ERNMENT IN CHETWYNDHELP THOSE WHO LIVE ON AFIXED INCOME AND ARE DIS-ADVANTAGED BY THIS?

Do not raise propertytaxes nor permit fees. Wemust in fact reduce thesecosts. We must make ourcommunity a place whereindustry, commercial ven-tures and residential

buildings are to every-body’s benefit to investand reside here thus moretax revenue will occur. Wedo not need industry topurchase out of town norworkers to live elsewherenor our retirees to beforced to leave becausethey cannot afford to livehere. We should promote and

assist more food banksand other businesses toassist the seniors and oth-ers in need. Be prudent in our

express, for example dowe really need a four mil-lion dollar plus municipalhall or are there reallymore better value projects.Please discuss this with

Bob, he will listen.

ADVANCE POLLS WILL BE HELD APRIL 3 AND APRIL 10 8 AM TO 8 PM DISTRICT OF CHETWYND OFFICE


11Chetwy nd Echo Thursday, March 28, 2013

Ross Roberts

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDETO RUN FOR COUNCIL?I feel that after just about

20 years of working for the

District of Chetwynd I cancontribute my knowledgeand experience to Counciland the Residents ofChetwynd.

HOW DO YOU DIFFER YOUR-SELF FROM THE OTHER CANDI-DATES IN THIS RACE? I am a very outgoing

person, I can talk to any-one, I’m a good listener,I’m not afraid to ask ques-tions and I have alwaysenjoyed helping people. Iworked my way from theGarbage Truck Driver, tomechanic and then toPublic Works Coorindator.I excel at public relations

and problem solving and Ithink out of the box. I feelI am a positive person.

IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULDBE YOUR PRIMARY GOAL FORTHE COMING YEAR? My primary goal will be

to ask questions and getthe answers needed tomake good decisions forthe Residents ofChetwynd.

THE LACK OF AMBIENTAIR MONITORING INCHETWYND HAS BEEN ANISSUE FOR COUNCIL INRECENT WEEKS. WHERE DOYOU STAND ON THIS?

I would like to see the AirMonitors in place and mon-itored along with regularreports provided toCouncil.

WITH A NATURALRESOURCE DRIVEN ECONOMYLIKE IN OUR REGIONAL REAL-ITY, THERE ARE DRAWBACKSAND BENEFITS. THECHETWYND AGE-FRIENDLYSENIORS TASK FORCE WERETHE LATEST GROUP TO RAISETHE ISSUE OF THE RISINGPRICES FOR RENT, FOOD ANOTHER AMENITIES THAT GOALONG WITH THE INCREASEDEARNING POWER THAT SOMECHETWYND RESIDENTS HAVE

GAINED FROM JOBS IN NATU-RAL RESOURCES. WHAT, IFANYTHING, DO YOU BELIEVECAN BE DONE ABOUT THISISSUE AT THE LOCAL GOV-ERNMENT LEVEL? IN OTHERWORDS, HOW CAN THE LOCALGOVERNMENT IN CHETWYNDHELP THOSE WHO LIVE ON AFIXED INCOME AND ARE DIS-ADVANTAGED BY THIS?

1. With a naturalresource driven economylike in our regional reality,there are drawbacks andbenefits. The ChetwyndAge-Friendly Seniors TaskForce were the latest groupto raise the issue of the ris-ing prices for rent, food

and other amenities thatgo along with theincreased earning powerthat some Chetwynd resi-dents have gained fromjobs in natural resources.What, if anything, do youbelieve can be done aboutthis issue at the local gov-ernment level? In otherwords, how can the localgovernment in Chetwyndhelp those who live on afixed income and are dis-advantaged by this?I would like to see more

research done and hopeful-ly come up with some ideasthat would help those liv-ing on a fixed income.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDETO RUN FOR COUNCIL?

I’m the first person toquestion council membersor staff as to what and whythey are doing things. So,as they say put your moneywhere your mouth is. So the natural progres-

sion now that I’m semi-retired is to put my nameforward, so that maybe Ican help answer your ques-tions.

HOW DO YOU DIFFERYOURSELF FROM THE OTHERCANDIDATES IN THIS RACE? I offer to you a large set of

mental tools that I have

picked up through a longlife of working, usually atleast two jobs in many dif-ferent industries.

IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULDBE YOUR PRIMARY GOAL FORTHE COMING YEAR? Find ways to fully utilize

the manpower that we nowhave. Promote as manynew and diverse business-es as possible to Chetwyndand at the same time pro-mote the existing business-es to help keep them busyand growing.

THE LACK OF AMBIENTAIR MONITORING INCHETWYND HAS BEEN ANISSUE FOR COUNCIL INRECENT WEEKS. WHERE DOYOU STAND ON THIS?I would fully support the

air monitoring forChetwynd and I wouldalso push for a monitoringstation in the area ofPowder King in order toget an idea where the airproblem starts.

WITH A NATURALRESOURCE DRIVEN ECONO-MY LIKE IN OUR REGIONAL

REALITY, THERE ARE DRAW-BACKS AND BENEFITS. THECHETWYND AGE-FRIENDLYSENIORS TASK FORCE WERETHE LATEST GROUP TO RAISETHE ISSUE OF THE RISINGPRICES FOR RENT, FOOD ANOTHER AMENITIES THAT GOALONG WITH THEINCREASED EARNING POWERTHAT SOME CHETWYND RES-IDENTS HAVE GAINED FROMJOBS IN NATURALRESOURCES. WHAT, IF ANY-THING, DO YOU BELIEVE CANBE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUEAT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTLEVEL? IN OTHER WORDS,

HOW CAN THE LOCAL GOV-ERNMENT IN CHETWYNDHELP THOSE WHO LIVE ON AFIXED INCOME AND ARE DIS-ADVANTAGED BY THIS?

There is no way that theissue of product cost canbe addressed by any gov-ernment that I know of.But there are things thatcould be done. I offer as anexample purchase hydroat bulk rates, possibly abasic grocery store run bythe users. Things of thisnature can be used to help.Any volunteers to do

some brainstorming?

Larry Vezina

LookingforLove inAlltheWrongPlaces?Call 250-788-2246 to place your Classified Ad!Find your answer in the Chetwynd Echo Classifieds

PETSADORABLE PUGGLE. 2years old. Looking for aloving home. Call Gina.555-3210.


Chetwy nd EchoThursday, March 28, 201312

DISTRICT OF CHETWYNDNOTICE OF ELECTION BYVOTING

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY given to the electors of the District of Chetwynd that an election byvoting is necessary to elect a Councillor and that the persons nominated as candidates and for whom voteswill be received are:

Councillor – One (1) to be electedSurname Usual Names Jurisdiction of ResidenceLEER Sandra 5764 South Moberly Lake RoadROBERTS Ross 5785 Wabi EstatesSHANKEL Darren 6942 South Moberly Lake RoadSHIRLEY Bob 4540 – 49th AvenueVEZINA Larry 4748 Nicholson Road

GENERALVOTING will be open to qualified electors of the District of Chetwynd on Saturday,April 13,2013 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the District of Chetwynd Municipal Office, 5400North Access Road, Chetwynd, BC.

ELECTOR REGISTRATIONThere is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors for this election will take place at thetime of voting. You will be required to make a declaration that you meet the following requirements:• 18 years of age, or older,• Canadian citizen,• Resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding the day of registration,• Resident of, or registered owner of real property in, the District of Chetwynd for at least 30 daysimmediately preceding voting day, and• Not otherwise disqualified by law from voting.

Resident Electors will be required to produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature).Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity.

Non-Resident Property Electors must also produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with asignature) to prove identity, and proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, ifapplicable, written consent from the other property owners.

MAIL BALLOT VOTING OPPORTUNITYQualified electors may vote by mail if they:(a) have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity;or(b) expect to be absent from the District of Chetwynd on general voting day and at the times of all advancevoting opportunities.

Requesting a Mail Ballot Package:Before 4:00 p.m. onApril 11, 2013, you must submit the following information to the District of Chetwyndby mail (P.O. Box 357, Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0); telephone (250-401-4100); fax (250-401-4101); or email([email protected]):

1. Full name;2. Residential Address;3. Address of the property in relation to which you are voting (for non-resident property electors);4. Method of delivery of your mail ballot package:(a) Pick up at District Office;(b) Regular letter mail through Canada Post to residential address; OR(c) Regular letter mail through Canada Post to an alternate address that you provide

when requesting the ballot package.

The District will send out mail ballot packages commencing on or about March 22, 2013. To be counted, yourmail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8:00 p.m. on Saturday April 13,2013.

ADVANCE VOTING OPPORTUNITIESAdvance voting will be open at the District of Chetwynd Office, 5400 North Access Road, Chetwynd, BConWednesday, April 3, 2013 and Wednesday, April 10, 2013 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00p.m. each day.

SPECIALVOTING OPPORTUNITYA special voting opportunity will be open at Chetwynd General Hospital, Hospital Road at 1:00 p.m. onSaturday, April 13, 2013. Only those qualified electors who are patients or staff of the Chetwynd GeneralHospital at the time of voting may vote at this special voting opportunity.

FURTHER INFORMATION on the foregoing may be obtained by contacting:Laura Howes, Chief Election Officer (250) 401-4105, or

Jannene Disher, Deputy Chief Election Officer (250) 401-4104

Tuesday, April 27 p.m. (no entry after this time)

Pomeroy Inn & SuitesPlease RSVP by Tuesday, April 2 at 1 p.m.by calling 250-788-3345 or by emailing

[email protected].

2013�Municipal�All�Candidates�Forum

SANDRA LEERROSS ROBERTSBOB SHIRLEYLARRY VEZINA

DARREN SHANKEL

CANDIDATESRUNNING:

LOCAL NEWSPfanner nominated for

NCLGA ExecutiveBY MIKE CARTER

Chetwynd Echo Reporter––––––––––––––

CHETWYND –Councillor Ernest Pfannerhas been nominated by theDistrict of Chetwynd toserve as a Director-at-Largeon the 2013-2014 NorthCentral Local GovernmentAssociation’s executive.Nominations for the three

available Director-at-Largepositions will be acceptedfrom the floor at the NorthCentral Local GovernmentAssociation’s (NCLGA)AGM & Convention heldthis year in Quesnel May 1-3.These positions are cur-

rently held by Councillor

Dave Wilbur of PrinceGeorge, Peace RiverRegional District ElectoralDistrict Area “E” represen-tative and member of theChetwynd EconomicDevelopment CommissionJerrilyn Schembri and 100Mile House CouncillorSpencer Henderson. Mayor Merlin Nichols

currently holds the positionas Chetwynd’s representa-tive for the NCLGA.“The NCLGA is an asso-

ciation of local govern-ment’s that addressesissues put forward frommember communities,”Coun. Pfanner explained.“I want to get involved sothat I can see what some of

the other communitiesissues are and look for com-mon ground between thecommunities in the north.Some of the issues that Iknow are quite universalare things like aging sewerand water infrastructure,health care, ambulanceservices and affordablehousing. I believe thatwhen different communi-ties are working togethertowards a common goal wehave a more powerful voiceto lobby for positivechanges.”The NCLGA represents

over 40 communities

Please see "EXPECTED,"page 121

Chetwy nd Echo Thursday, March 28, 2013 13

SPORTS

SOCCERREGISTRATIONFor kids born in 2009 or earlierMonday, April 8Thursday, April 11

Chetwynd Recreation Centre5 pm - 7 pm

New division - U5

If you canʼt make it to the registration nights, forms are availablenow to pick up at the Rec Centre and can be mailed in with yourpayment. These forms have to be mailed in by April 8, 2012.

For more information please call 250-788-2240

Please visit our Facebook page:Chetwynd Youth Soccer Association

*No LateRegistrationREMINDER: AGMWed, April 16, 6:30 pm at CSS

GAME ON!Call us today withyour sporting event!

[email protected]

Emporer’s Challenge sells out in first weekBY TRENT ERNST

Tumbler Ridge News––––––––––––––

TUMBLER RIDGE – Aweek into registrations,the Emperor’s Challengehas already attracted 645runners. With a total of 800spots available, race coor-dinator Jerrilyn Schembriexpects the race to sell outsoon. “It’s filling up a lotquicker than last year,”says Schembri. “A part ofme was expecting it to fillup really quickly, but I’mstill shocked every time Icheck because it’s fillingup steadily.”

Schembri says she is con-stantly checking, and thereare always new peoplesigned up. “We’ve had upto sixty new people regis-ter in an hour,” she says.“If it continues at thisspeed, it will be filled upby the weekend.”As a point of compari-

son, last year, only 255 hadregistered for the 20 k raceafter 15 days.Which means that, if you

haven’t registered by thetime you read this article,there’s a good chance thatyou won’t be able to.Schembri says that people

are already asking if morespots can be added, butshe says that’s not going tohappen. “We can’t reallydo that. It would just beway too congested. It’s notlike they’re running on apaved road, they’re run-ning on a narrow trail formost of the race.” While the first section is

on a road, the route movesonto trail after just under 2km. “When we say ‘onyour mark get set go,’there’s a pack of 600 peo-ple, and by the time theyhit the Boulder GardenSection, they’re down to

single file,” says Schembri.And the more runners

on the mountain, the moreimpact there will bethrough the alpine sec-tions. Schembri says the lucky

ones who do register willbe running a newlyimproved route. “It’sgoing to be a more techni-cal run, following a ridge,”she says. “Rather thangoing through a bushyarea, they’ll be on the edgeof the ridge, giving therunners a much nicerview.”

If you havenʼt registered by now you may be out of luck

Memorial Tournament Champions

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHAMPIONS: SAULTEAU SELECTS who took home this past week-end’s Terry Norris-Brick Hooever memorial hockey tournament. It was down to the wire with TravisGauthier scoring the winning goal in Overtime to make it 3-2 . Photo submitted


SPORTS

SUBMITTED––––––––––––––

GRANDE PRAIRIE –The Little Giant FigureSkating Club was repre-sented by 11 skaters atthe 2013 Peace OpenSection Competition inGrande Prairie March 22-24.

It was a successfulweekend for the club asthey came home withmany personal bests to beproud of and 11 medalsin total. The season willwind up with the AnnualAwards Banquet on April15 and the AGM on April24. Early registration fornext year takes place inJune. Results from the com-

petition are as follows:

Pre-Preliminary FreeSkate: Group G- CamrynGillies (2nd); Group H-Brooklynn Bodo (1st)Junior Bronze Free

Skate: Group A- MadisonWebb (5th); Group B-Dakota Lefebvre (7th)I n t r o d u c t o r y

Interpretive: Group C-Madison Webb (1st);Group D- Camryn Gillies(2nd), Brooklynn Bodo(5th); Group I- DakotaLefebvre (2nd)Introductory Elements:

Group B- Dillyn Parrish(5th); Group C- CorynWebb (1st); Group D-Shaine Lefebvre (5th);Group E- Kylie Bodo(4th); Group G- AlissaWesterlakken (6th);Group I- Isabelle Watson

(6th); Group K- KacyKeutzer (5th)P r e P r e l i m i n a r y

Elements: Group F-Camryn Gillies (1st);Group G- BrooklynnBodo (2nd)Preliminary Elements:

Group A- Madison Webb(1st); Group D- DakotaLefebvre (7th)Introductory Team:

Group E- (Coryn Webb,Kylie Bodo, IsabelleWatson) (4th); Group F-(Kacy Keutzer, ShaineLefebvre, Dillyn Parrish,Alissa Westerlakken)(2nd)Preliminary Team:

Group B- (DakotaLefebvre, Madison Webb,Camryn Gillies,Brooklynn Bodo) (2nd)

Local skaters compete at Peace Open

Dakota Lefebvre, Brooklynn Bodo, Madison Webb, & Camryn Gillies. They are theLGFSC Intermediate/Senior Skaters who competed at the Peace Open Competitionin Grande Prairie. Photo submitted

$5,000 Ticket WinnerLGFSC Intermediate/Senior skaters(Dakota Lefebvre, Brooklynn Bodo,Madison Webb, Camryn Gillies) present-ing a $5000 cheque to Lindsey Sprague ofChetwynd. Her name was drawn at theLGFSC Carnival on Saturday night.LGFSC thanks the community for sup-porting their fundraiser Photo submitted

BY TRENT ERNSTTumbler Ridge News

–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – While he

remained cagey about ituntil after the deadlinepassed on Monday, April25, it is now official:Darwin Wren is runningfor the NDP nomination inthe South Peace. Wren is currently the

only candidate running forthe nomination, which willbe voted on by the mem-bers of the local NDP parton April 6. If he isacclaimed as the candi-date, that will make himthe fourth candidate in theelection, joining DawsonCreek Mayor Mike Bernier,Former Tumbler RidgeRCMP Sergeant KurtRender and IndependentTyrel Pohl. Wren says he’s running

for the position becauseit’s time for a change. “Theliberals have run out ofideas. The public wants tosee a new direction, andthey want to see a positivedirection. The NDP aregoing to bring some practi-cal steps forward andmake things better forfamilies. Truly better, andnot just saying it, butdoing it.”Wren says that he’s not

worried that his encour-agement of the unions andHD Mining to settle theirdifferences, sometimes

perceived as being pro-HDMining, shouldn’t affecthis campaign.” I’ve hadgreat discussions with theunions. I had a long dis-cussion with theOperating Engineers onSunday. I believe thatworking closer togetherwill bring a resolve thateveryone can be proud of.” Wren says the perception

that the NDP is anti-indus-try is false. “The NDPwants to see continuedindustrial growth in thisprovince. There’s already areview started on theTemporary ForeignWorker program, and wewant to see Canadianshave every opportunity tohave employment. Thatcomes to one of the keypieces in the NDP plat-form. While the Liberalshave just cut skills trainingat a time when we need it,the NDP are going to

invest in skill trainingdevelopment, so BritishColumbians have theopportunities to get thesejobs.” Wren says this campaign

will take up a fair amountof his time between nowand May 14, when theelection is held. If elected,he would have to stepdown as mayor, but evenbefore that, says Wren, heis planning on taking timeoff. “I’ll be taking a signifi-cant period of time offfrom my position with theHealth Authority,” hesays. “And at some pointin the future, with discus-sion with my council, I’llbe taking leave from myposition of mayor as well.”Wren says that he knows

that the South Peace willbe a hard nut to crack.There’s never been anNDP candidate sent toVictoria from here. “I think

we need to go back towhen I talk to familiesacross the South Peace,they’re having a toughtime. They’ve seen MSPpremiums go up 200 per-cent since the liberals takeoffice. We’ve seen tuitiongo up to a point where it’snot accessible anymore.We’ve seen deteriorationin services. People in theSouth Peace not only wantbetter, they deserve better.“I believe the NDP is

going to be the next gov-ernment and I want to be apart of that, and I want theSouth Peace to be a part ofthat.”


LOCAL NEWS

LOADRESTRICTIONS

2013The District of Chetwynd wishes to notify thepublic that the following load restrictions will be ineffect starting March 27, 2013

100% Legal Axle Loading is permitted:• North Access Road (business area)• South Access Road (business area)• Nicholson Road• Industrial Park

All other Municipal streets and roads are restrictedto 70% of Legal Axle Loading.

The District thanks you for your cooperation intheir efforts to minimize the damage to our streetsand roads during this spring thaw.

Wren official NDP candidate for South Peace

WREN

Iʼve had greatdiscussions with

the unions.

ADVERTISE YOUR HELP WANTED ADSWITH THE CHETWYND ECHO

Call Sarah 250-788-2246

Thursday, March 28, 201316

Can It, Sort It, Stack It....RECYCLE IT!

Located at 4824 54th Street (behindtheTownPlaza) in Chetwynd the LionsRecycling depot is the sole provider forrecycling drop off services in thecommunity.They offer many services to keepChetwynd clean while helping theenvironment green.Recycling isa loteasier thanpeople thinkand it is an easy habit to get into.First, get as few as three bins for yourkitchen or porch – plastics, tins andpaper. Rinse out your yoghurt cups,break down your cereal boxes andwash out those cans. Then bag themup and bring them to the Depot wherestaff will help you sort.If you are a business call them to havea free recycling box placed outside andfor a nominal –and tax deductible – fee

they will come and pick your recyclingup.The depot accepts a variety ofrecyclable items including:• paper (office paper, newspaper,cardboard, boxboard)• tin cans• All hard and soft plastic (milk jugs,yogurt cups, juice boxes and plasticbags)• Electronics (old stereos, computers,photocopiers)• Small appliances• Car batteries• Oil and oil containers• Cell phones• Batteries• Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors• Spray paint cansThe depot also utilizes a used paint

program where residents can drop offleftover paint. The paint is available forothers to sign out and use on thecondition theybring theemptycansback.They do not accept Styrofoam orantifreeze.Depot manager Sally Paquetterequests drop offs be done during theday as the outside bins are strictly forafterhours.“Please come inside and our staff willhelp your sort your recyclables,” shesaid, adding there is a security cameraon site.Paquette said theRecyclingDepot alsosupports local youth clubs andorganizations and will assist anddonate space for local bottle drives.Contact the depot at 250-788-1111 formore information.

RECYCLE THE FOLLOWINGITEMS AT THE DEPOT

Office PaperWhite & light

colours

Boxboard,Labels,

FluorescentPaper

Newspaper&

Magazines

#1 , #2, #4 &#5 PlasticsMilk Jugs

GlassAll TypesClean

CardboardBoxes

Oil and oilcontainers

Smallappliances

Electronics&

computers

PlasticBags

Aluminum/Bi-MetalsFoil Cans, Trays, Steel Tins,Copper, Stainless Steel

Paint&

spraycans

HOURS:Monday 10 am - 4 pm; Tuesday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm; Saturday 9 am - 4 pm.

LIONS RECYCLING DEPOTHOURS OF OPERATION

Please be advised that the hours of operation for theRecycling Depot are as follows:Sunday - Cl o s edMonday - 10 am - 4pmTuesday - 9am - 5pmWednesday - 9am - 5pmThursday - 9am - 5pmFriday - 9 am - 5pmSaturday 9am - 4pm

788-1111

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P: 788-9599 F: 788-7930

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Because Chetwynd’slivelihood is rootedin a resource-based

economy, there are manyfactors impinging on ourprosperity that have to beconsidered in the deci-sions we make. One of them is location;

another is time. Becauseof our location, shippingcosts to the major marketsare significant. Lumber,for example, is shippedthousands of miles by railand by ship to the primarycustomers. Coal, likewise,incurs a huge shippingcost to reach our cus-

tomers. Now, north-eastnatural gas, no longer inhigh demand in theUnited States, is experi-encing basement pricesbecause the infrastructurefor shipping it to themajor emerging marketsis not yet in place.Which brings us to the

time element. Australia,the United States, andother fields still in thedevelopment stages, areour major competitors.You can be sure that bothAustralia and the UnitedStates are wasting no timeand sparing no effort indeveloping the capacity totie into the Asian marketfor liquefied natural gasfirst. The supplier thatgets there first will natu-rally have the advantageand perhaps lock up themarket for decades to

come.There are some who

would say, “So what?Leave the gas in theground.” That’s one per-spective. But life in thenorth east is not that sim-ple any more. Perhapssixty or seventy years agowhen many of us were onthe subsistence plan ofexistence we could man-

age that kind of life.Things have changed awhole lot in the last halfcentury.Gone are the days when

we could l pick a bucket ofberries, root out a hill ofpotatoes, run down amoose, and survive for thewinter. Mind you, it was apretty meager survivaland many there were who

didn’t survive. In century21 there are not enoughmoose in the bush to keepus alive, 98 per cent of ushave forgotten how togrow a potato, and theberries have disappeared.We have to play with thecards we have been dealt –a modern, industrialized,resource-based economy –to put the food on ourplates. And we can bethankful that we have theskills and the vision to dothat.But time is indeed an

element to be taken seri-ously. If we want to keepon playing in the worldeconomy, we have to beprepared to connect withthe world and thatincludes building theinfrastructure capable ofdelivering our resources tothe markets. The markets

aren’t going to wait for us.Australia has one little dis-advantage in that ourcoast line is marginallycloser to the Asian marketbut the Ausies are a com-petitive and focused peo-ple who will not waitwhile we consider.Neither will the UnitedStates wait while wedecide.In all our deciding, how-

ever, there are certainbasic life-style elementsthat we are resolved topreserve. But let’s not loseour position throughstonewalling and jockey-ing for internal advantagewhen we want the samething.

17Thursday, March 28, 2013

The Mayor’sReport

wwiitthh MMeerrlliinn NNiicchhoollss

OPINION

Disclaimer: The preceding isthe opinion of Mayor MerlinNichols and may or may notreflect the views and/or wish-es of council.

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Many factors impinging on our prosperity in Chetwynd

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IUOE launches website asking for donations


–––––––––––––– TUMBLER RIDGE –

The International Unionof Operating Engineers,Local 115 has launched awebsite to draw attentionto the issues surroundingthe Temporary ForeignWorkers’ permits grantedto HD MiningInternational.Controversy over the

federal government deci-sion to grant HD Miningthe permits rather than

hire Canadian workershas prompted the unionto launch the websitewhich also allows forindividual and public todonations to help coverthe cost of the legal pro-ceedings and variouscampaigns. A judicial review of the

permits is scheduled forApril 9-11.The website titled

“Labour Speaks Out”went like on March 11 andis located at:http://labourspeaksout.com.Brian Cochrane, busi-

ness manager for theunion said, “amazingly,people wrote me sayingthey wanted to make con-tributions to the signifi-cant legal and other costsof this campaign. “We created this web-

site to provide detailedbackground informationabout the TemporaryForeign Worker programbut decided to let thoseinterested donate throughPayPal and their creditcards.Tom Sigurdson, BC

Building Trades Council

Executive Director saidthat the union’s website isa welcome developmentgiven the enormous costsincurred by the Councilmembers date.“While we don’t expect

the new website will raisea huge amount of money,I have to say that every

dollar helps because theBuilding Trades unionsare fighting in courtagainst both the federalgovernment and a multi-national corporation withvery deep pockets,”Sigurdson said. “Thelegal and related costs todate are over $200,000 soour members reallyappreciate any help what-soever from concernedCanadians to defray theseexpenses. We are fightingthis case on behalf of allCanadian workers, whohave a right to expectthey would be first in linefor jobs in their owncountry.The website features a

timeline with links tomedia reports on the HDMining case, allowingaccess to information forthe purposes of public

knowledge on what hashappened to date.“We have our own per-

spective that theTemporary ForeignWorkers program urgentlyneeds an independentreview on top of the judi-cial review we will arguein federal court nextmonth, but I think we havepretty fairly included allperspectives in the mediareports linked on thiswebiste,” Cochrane said. The website also

includes a poll and back-ground information onthe union position.The International Union

of Operating Engineers,local 115 and theConstruction andSpecialized WorkersUnion Local, 1611launched the legal actionlast year.

COCHRANE

Amazingly,people wrote me

saying theywanted to makecontributions...

Site also offersinformation onTemporaryForeignWorker case

EAT WELL. LIVE LONGER.

learn more at heartandstroke.ca

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHENYOU PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT.™

Chetwynd Echo staff––––––––––––––

CHETWYND – The WestMoberly First Nation isamong 11 First Nationscommunities in B.C.receiving provincial fund-ing to pursue clean-energyprojects.Through its First

Nations Clean EnergyBusiness Fund (FNCEBF),the B.C. government isproviding $25,780 to theFirst Nation to carry out afeasibility study for theWest Moberly Solar 1 PVSolar installation.The project would help

meet the community'senergy plan goal of sup-plying 10 per cent of itselectricity through com-munity-based clean-ener-

gy sources by 2020.In this case the money

will be used for installingsolar energy into the com-munity’s new HealthCentre.Chief Roland Willson

said in 2009, West Moberlywas awarded the honourof "Solar Community" bySolarBC for their instal-laion of solar hot water attheir lodge as well as oneof their community’shomes.“We’re trying to walk

our talk,” Willson said.“We have to become ener-gy efficient.”Willson’s community is

also enbracing geothermaltechnology as well withthe plans of the newHealth Centre being

warmed by geothermaland powered by the solar.“We will be reducing our

BC Hydro footprint andbecoming more self suffi-cient.” “I’m pleased we have

been able to provide assis-tance from this businessfund to help the WestMoberly First Nation withits energy plan,” PeaceRiver South MLA BlairLekstrom said in a govern-ment press release.“Developing clean-energyalternatives is part of thegovernment’s plan to pro-mote economic andresource-based opportuni-ties for First Nations with-in their own territory.”The FNCEBF fund helps

to generate jobs for fami-

lies and provides opportu-nities that benefit FirstNations and non-FirstNation communities alike,as well as helping to fostereconomic independencefor First Nations. A percentage of land and

water rentals generated byeligible projects will bereturned to the fund withthe goal of becoming self-revenue-generating in thefuture. “First Nations have

taken a strong role in B.C.'sclean-energy sector, andthis latest round of fund-ing will support newopportunities in commu-nities across the province,”Ida Chong, Minister ofAboriginal Relations andReconciliation.

Thursday, March 28, 201320

ENVIRONMENT

REVENUEREVENUE

BALANCEDBUDGET

REVENUE

Property and Asset Sales

Expenditure Growth Management

2014/152013/14

REVENUE

Asset Sales

wth Management Net Economic Growth

Tax MeasurTax Measures

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17

wth

West Moberly awarded $27,780 for clean energy

21Thursday, March 28, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

RREEAADD AALLLL AABBOOUUTTIITT EEVVEERRYY WWEEEEKK!!PICK UP YOUR COPY AT THEFOLLOWING LOCATIONS:IGASuper Valu7-ElevenPeoplesFas GasPomeroy HotelCrowfeathers StoreChetwynd Home Hardware

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Venessa Weightman250-788-6325

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–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The

Chetwynd RCMP has anew detachment com-mander.

Staff Sgt. OliviaTremblay took over May22 arriving from Fort St.John, replacing Sgt. KimRusk who was promotedto Saskatchewan inMarch.

Tremblay grew up inManitoba and has beenwith the RCMP for 15years.

She began her career inDawson Creek for sevenyears and then headed tothe East Coast with herhusband for anotherseven years in NovaScotia.

She returned to Fort St.John two years ago andthis spring received a pro-motion to Chetwynd.

NewRCMPStaff

Sergeant

Please see "MAJOR," page2


–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – A heavy

rainfall warning prompt-ed local officials to pre-pare for possible floodingin the area this week asthe Peace area readieditself to welcome around60 mm of rain Tuesdayand Wednesday and morethan 100 mm in the PinePass.

RCMP Sgt. OliviaTremblay said forChetwynd area it couldaffect the river systemwith potential for floodingon the Halfway, Moberly,Pine and Kiskatinawrivers.

“We could see a dramat-ic response due to the rainover Wednesday,Thursday and Friday,” shesaid.

With the considerablesnowpack in the Pine Pass

Will historyrepeat itself?Floodfears

Please see "OFFICIALS,"page 2











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–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The






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–––––––––––––– CHETWYND – The






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––––––––––––––CHETWYND – The

8th Annual ChetwyndChainsaw CarvingChampionship: Returnof the Champions hasbeen sullied with thetheft of a piece of thisyear’s first place carvingentitled Fiddle Sticks bytwo-year in a rowchampion Chris Foltz.

The carving of a FireUrchin was discoveredmissing Tuesday morn-ing by District ofChetwynd staff as theywere preparing to movethe carvings to theVisitor Centre.

Foltz, who is fromOregon, explains in hiscarving biography thishe chose his piece of aFiddler Crab captured inits natural surroundingsbecause of its awesomerelationship with theFire Urchin.

“They are both preda-







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RReettuurrnn ooff tthhee CChhaammppiioonnssCarving Competition 2012

See full coverage inside pages 10, 11 & 12

Jeff Samudosky ofConnecticut works on bring-ing out details on the tail ofPegasus at this past week-end’s International ChainsawCarving Competition.Samudosky placed third thisyear. Photo by Naomi Larsen

Foltzcarvingstolen

Please see "RETURN,"page 2

including Chetwynd,Tumbler Ridge, DawsonCreek, Fort St. john andHudson’s Hope.The NCLGA revised its

bylaws at the 2011 AGM &Convention for the selec-tion of regional represen-tatives, resulting in theserepresentatives now beingappointed by their respec-tive Regional Districtrather than elected.However, members vyingfor a position on the exec-utive - like Coun. Pfanner -will still be elected. The successful candi-

dates for the Director-at-Large positions representthe general membership

on issues of interest orconcern. Members of the NCLGA

executive are expected toconsider the concerns ofthe entire NCLGA areawhen participating at the

table or representing theNCLGA at events andworkshops. All executive members

are expected to attend fourto six meeting “in person”throughout the year. Most

of these meetings are heldin Prince George, but itmay be necessary formeetings to be held inother locations. Membersare also expected to attendregular “conference call”meetings. Each executive member

will also sit on at least oneworking committee, beaware of and followNCLGA policy and bylaws.The successful candi-

dates for each of the threeDirector-at-Large posi-tions and the three tablepositions of first and sec-ond Vice President andRegional Representativewill be announced follow-ing the NCLGAConvention.


Expected to consider all concerns

PFANNER

I want to getinvolved so that I

can ... look forcommon ground

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For the sweetest coverage of local

news, business, entertainment and

sports, along with a sprinkle of

regional and national news, look

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This page sponsored by:

Free English PracticeMondays 9:30 am at Northern Lights Collegeand Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at the Chetwynd

Public Library Call 250-788-2559

Chetwynd Breastfeeding Support Networkmeets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m at the

Chetwynd Public Library.

Little Giant Air Cadets Mondays at 6:30pm at the Royal Canadian

Legion. Ages 12-18. Come on out!

Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetsevery Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Pine Valley

Seniors Centre Call 250-788-3306

Pine Valley Seniors Hall weekly activitiesincluding Cribbage, Whist, Bingo and CarpetBowling. Call Anita at 788-5838 for more info.

Alanon meetings 6:30 pmTuesdays Mickey’s Place

(behind A&W)

Chetwynd Society for Community Living BoardMeeting. First Wednesday of each month.4699 Airport Road Ph: 250-788-4889.

Girls Night Out: Learning CircleSecond Tuesday of each month

6 pm to 7 pmCall 250-401-8974 for more info

Baby’s Best Chance Pregnancy OutreachProgram Drop in : Mondays 10am to Noon.

Weekly Group Sessions Tuesdays 11 am-1pm.Located at Kici.

Quintessential Quilter’s Guild meets 3rdMonday of the month. Catholic Church, 7 pm.Come out and join us! Everyone welcome!

Royal Canadian Legion presents JR Goodwin.April 5 at the Legion. Showtime is 8 pm.

Pine Valley Seniors Hall Carpet BowlingTuesdays @ 1:30 pm.

FREE Cree Lessons Wednesdays 5-6 pm at Tansi Friendship

Centre

Darrel and Saskia. March 30 at the DiamondWillow Retreat. Call 250-786-5122 for tickets.

RoadWorn, live at the Curling Rink. March 30.Tickets available at the door.

On your mark, get set, GROW. A celebration ofspring. April 14 Pine Valley Seniors Hall. 1 - 4

pm

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Chetwy nd Echo 23Thursday, March 28, 2013

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Be the first to add to the story or read what your neighbour thinks.Be a part of YOUR community newspaper.Log on to our Facebook page and get involved in the discussion.

Thereʼs more online.

REGIONAL NEWS

BY MIKE CARTERChetwynd Echo

Reporter––––––––––––––

CHETWYND – BC’sfirst auditor General forLocal Government metwith the Executive of theNorth Central LocalGovernment Associationearlier this month.Ruta was appointed to

the position in November2012 and began her workin January. Ruta previ-ously worked as a deputyminister withEnvironment Canada – ajob she has taken a two-year professional leavefrom to serve as the firstAuditor General for LocalGovernment (AGLG).The BC Chamber of

Commerce is being cred-ited with championingthe idea of having awatchdog for spending atthe municipal level.The North Central Local

Government Association(NCLGA) is the largestlocal government areaassociation in BC, and rep-resented elected officialsfrom Chetwynd, TumblerRidge and Fort Nelson to100 Mile House,Valemount and HaidaGwaii. Many local government

representatives havequestioned the need andvalue in creating the newAGLG office. Most feelthat current legislationrequiring all local gov-ernments on BC to pub-lish an annual report andproduce annual auditedfinancial statements pro-vides sufficient accounta-bility and transparencyfor local taxpayers.Ruta, the new AGLG

has an extensive career invarious auditing posi-tions in federal govern-ment departments. Shebegan her meeting with

the NCLGA Executive bystating that she will use a‘no surprises’ approach inthe work of her newoffice.Ruta emphasized the

focus will be on non-binding recommenda-tions based on perform-ance audits, and bestpractices that will beidentified and shared forall local governments tobenefit from. Ruta addedthat her office is currently

working to develop aservice plan for 2013-2014, which will includemore information onwhat themes the initialaudits will focus on. “It’s not a gotcha kind

of approach,” Minister ofCommunity, Sport andCultural DevelopmentBill Bennett said in aninterview with the Globeand Mail last November.“There is no desire on thepart of the province to

embarrass our partners inlocal government. Therewill still be local govern-ments that see this is anintrusion and unneces-sary. However, we allwork for the same tax-payer and they will seethis as a positive oppor-tunity for improvement.”The AGLG website will

be the principle commu-nications tool used by theoffice and all auditreports and recommenda-tions will be availablethere, at www.aglg.ca.NCLGA President, 100

Mile House Mayor MitchCampsall said, “Ourexecutive members reallyappreciated Ms. Rutamaking time to meet withus. Our executive made itclear to Ms. Ruta thatmany of us representsmaller communities andrural areas with fewerthan 5000 people, andthat performance auditswould require a lot ofstaff time which wouldmean other work would-n’t get completed. Thereare still many questionsto be answered such as,how the new AGLG willchoose which local gov-ernments to audit and onwhat basis.”

NCLGA Vice Presidentand Fort St. JohnCouncillor BruceChristensen added tothese comments by say-ing, “we were pleasedwhen Ms. Ruta explainedthat her office isn’t theOmbudsman, and whileit would respond toenquiries from individu-als who may have com-plaints about their localgovernment, her officewould not be conductinginvestigations into thesecomplaints. Overall, wefelt the meeting was pro-ductive and we’re verypleased that she willspeak during our AGM &Convention in Quesnel sothat all NCLGA membershave the opportunity tohear Ms. Ruta’s plans forthe new office and to askquestions.”Ruta expects the first

audit to begin in late May,and says that each localgovernment will knowexactly what will beaudited and how theaudit will proceed. For more information

on the NCLGA AGM &Convention in Quesnellheld May 1-3, visit theNCLGA website at:www.nclga.ca

First Auditor General for local government meetswith North Central Government Association

BENNETT

There is nodesire ... to

embarass ourpartners in local

government.

Program has beenquestioned by localgovernment representatives

BY TRENT ERNSTTumbler Ridge News

–––––––––––––– PEACE REGION –

Makers of a controversialvideo game that hits closeto home say that the game“does not advocate eco-terrorism.”The game, called Pipe

Trouble, is based on theclassic puzzle game whereyou have to figure out howto connect two pointswhile traversing a screenfilled with a variety ofobstacles. In this case, it isbuilding a natural gaspipeline from one place toanother. At one side ofyour screen stands yourboss, a money-grubbing,get-er-done sort who yellsat you if you go over budg-et. And his budget is basedon the shortest possiblerun between the two

points. Between the two points,

however, are trees, lakes,and other natural obsta-cles. Lakes and rivers mustbe built around. Trees canbe built over, but if you do,the beardedfarmer/landowner/activist who stands on the otherside of the screen getsmad, and protestors comeout to block your path. Ifyou get the protestors toomad, one of them willsneak out and damage oreven bomb your pipeline.While a damaged piece ofpipe can be replaced, abombed pipeline spells theend of the game. Adding to the pressure is

the fact that the gas startsflowing after thirty sec-onds, whether you are fin-ished building or not.Fortunately, it doesn’t flow

very fast, but if you’reblocked by a protestgroup, and the gas is get-ting close to the opening,things tense. Will the pro-testors leave? Should Ireplace this piece of pipewith a joint that allows meto bypass them, but willadd to the cost of the proj-ect? And a gas leak spellsthe end of the project, too. While you play the con-

tractor who builds thepipeline, the game seemsto come down on the sideof the environmentalists.At the completion of eachlevel, an audio clip from anews report describessome of the issues facingnatural gas development. The game has been

roundly drubbed in thelocal press, with Fort StJohn mayor LoriAckerman calling for an

apology and demandingthe game be pulled, andeven BC Premier ChristieClark chiming in on theissue. If it seems like the game

is pulled from the head-lines of the Peace region ofAlberta and BC, whereconflicts over natural gasdevelopment saw a halfdozen pipeline bombingsabout five years ago and-where folks like WeiboLudwig are rememberedas folk heroes and/or eco-terrorists, depending on

who you ask, you’d be cor-rect. The game was createdto drive awareness aboutthe Six Island Productionsdocumentary film Troublein the Peace, and wasdesigned to promote alarger discussion sur-rounding natural gas pro-duction.The game was created

for Ontario’s public broad-caster TVO, to accompanya TV series on the issue ofgas development in thePeace. The game’s maker,Pop Sandbox, says the

game “is clearly intendedas over-the-top satire —and an engagement tool —that promotes a balancedapproach to natural gasdevelopment.”According to the makers,

players are tasked withsuccessfully building thepipeline “while balancingenvironmental and finan-cial considerations inovertly cartoonish situa-tions anchored in real


featured Job Opportunities

see what’sbrewing on thejob market.

The Chetwynd Echo News Jobs Sectionchetwyndecho.netPage 24 & 25

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYSummer Student PositionsTourism CounsellorsSummer 2013

Are you a college or university student needing summeremployment? We will train you to become a TourismCounsellor in your own home town.Duties:• promote local tourism products, services and events• plan travel itineraries in response to visitor enquiries• encourage longer stays in the community, region and province• encourage return visitsPlease drop off resumes at the:

Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre5217 N. Access RdAttention Tonia Richter, ManagerFax to 250-788-3655 or email [email protected].

Deadline: April 19, 2013We thank everyone for their interest but only those short-listedfor interview will be contacted.

Please see "GAME," page28

Fort St John mayor demanding game be pulled Makers of pipeline bomb game under attack


ADVERTISING REGULATIONSThe Chetwynd Echo reserves the right to classify ads under appropriate headlines and to set ratestherefore and to determine page location. The Chetwynd Echo reserves the right to revise, editclassify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Chetwynd Echo. TheChetwynd Echo cannot be responsible for errors after the first publication of any advertisement.Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the appropriateadvertising department to be corrected in the next available edition. It is agreed by the advertiserrequesting space that the liability of the Chetwynd Echo in the event of failure to publish an adver-tisement or in the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published, shall be limitedto the amount paid by the advertiser for only one incorrect insertion for the portion of the adver-tising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted item only, and that there shall be no liability toan event greater than the amount paid for such advertising. Advertisements must comply with theBritish Columbia Human Rights Act which prohibits any advertising that discriminates againstany person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place or origin or becauseage is between 44 and 65 years unless the condition is justified by a bondable requirement for thework involved.

CLASSIFIEDS

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250-788-2246OFFICE HOURSMonday to Thurs9 a.m to 5 p.m

TELEPHONE HOURSMonday to Thurs9 a.m to 5 p.m

MAILING ADDRESSBox 750

Chetwynd BCV0C 1J0

FAX250-788-9988

Attn: Classifieds

EMAILADDRESS: [email protected]

CLASSIFIED RATES

CLASSIFIEDPOLICY

ONE WEEK: 10 words, $6.50/week + HSTAdditional words 11¢ each + HSTTWO WEEKS: third week freeTHREE WEEKS: two extra weeks free

PICTURES WITH YOUR ADSYou can email your digitalpictures (JPEG) to the

Chetwynd Echo or bring themto us to scan. Pictures are an

additional $5.

We make every effort to avoid errors. Please check your ad the first day itappears. Allowances can only be made for one incorrect insertion. If you findan error contact us immediately at 250-788-2246. An adjustment will be madeand your ad extended another week. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse,revise, clarify or reject an advertisement. All classifieds must be prepaid.

Thursday, March 28, 2013 27

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CLASSIFIEDSEstablished utilities services company is seeking part time and full time METER READERS for Chetwynd and surrounding area.

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WANT TO WORK OUTDOORS?


world events that are alsofeatured in the film,” saysPop Sandbox. “Successfulbalance and meeting bothinterests is the only way togain a top score or ulti-mately ‘win.’ Fines,injunctions, protests andbombings are all veryclearly obstacles to suc-cess. At no point does aplayer assume the role ofan "eco-terrorist" orengage in any act of van-

dalism or bombing as hasbeen reported.”Ackerman, however, is

not convinced. She saysshe’s played the game,and the game is “clearlyslanted” to a narrative thatsupports eco-terrorism. “Ido not support terrorismof any kind,” saysAckerman. “I stand up formy community and theindustries we work in. Idon't know of anyCanadian who wouldn't.”


Game supportseco-terrorism

operation at Brule. Theload-out will continue toserve the Brule mine.”

Nichols said the closureof Willow Creek will notaffect the recent efforts of

the District to expandDistrict boundaries toinclude the Willow Creek

properties . “We will continue with

our discussions withWalter Energy and theMinistry to pursue ourgoals,” he said. “And final-ly, we hope that this clo-sure is only temporary.”In 2010, Western Coal

(now Walter Energy)announced the early re-opening of the WillowCreek metallurgical andPCI coal mine that hadbeen lying dormant since2007.At the time the end result

was expected to be theannual production of 1.7million tonnes of coal overa 13-year mine life.Willow Creek is the fifth

mine Walter Energy hasannounced plans to curtailor idle as part of its initia-tives to address underper-forming assets. Last weekthe Company said it wasaccelerating the closure ofits North River under-ground mine in Alabama.In addition, the Companyhas also idled theAberpergwm mine inSouth Wales and theGauley Eagle undergroundand surface mines in WestVirginia, and has curtailed

production at its Mapleunderground mine, also inWest Virginia.As previously disclosed,

the Company expects torecord a one-time cashcharge of approximately$7.5 million in severancecosts in connection with itscurtailing production ofthe Willow Creek opera-tions. The Company cur-rently expects that full year2013 metallurgical coalproduction will be in linewith production levels in2012. Willow Creek’sGeneral Manager Jeff Lowedid not return ChetwyndEcho phone calls.

AT A GLANCEIn an interview with

Bloomberg News, WalterEnergy also said thatBritish Columbia’sEnvironmental CrownCounsel is seeking aC$100,000 ($98,000) penal-ty for alleged violationsassociated with the releaseof sediment and debris intoWillow Creek from thenearby mine in 2011.Walter said it intends tonegotiate a settlement withthe authorities.


Willow Creek fifth mine Walter Energy plans to curtail

Documents

Chetwynd Echo March 28 2013