Michael's Musings

Celebrating National Health and Fitness Day at Cranbrook Aquatic Centre

By Michael J Morris

This year I am celebrating National Health and Fitness Day on June 1 with real meaning as it marks two years since I started going to the Cranbrook swimming pool, now called an aquatic centre, on a regular basis.

In fact, although I have not kept an exact count, I think I have missed  no more than 20 days in the two years of spending an hour at the pool, plus when it was closed or I was away.

Going to the pool has become an important part of my daily life, and along with doing my 10,000 steps a day program walking about the city, that's my fitness routine.

It really all started when I was in Orlando, Florida, visiting my friend Michael Pelzer, and going to the pool every day after an absence of at many years -- I learned to swim in the cold waters of Lake Windermere and the Chapleau River in Northern Ontario as a kid, but when I got all growed up, as so often happens, swimming wasn't really part of my life.

As I was leaving Orlando, Michael asked me if there was a swimming pool in Cranbrook, and when I said there was, he suggested I start using it.

So, immediately  upon my return, I threw my swim trunks and towel in a bag and off I went. After proving I lived in Cranbrook, I paid for a month, and as I headed to the pool entrance, the lady at the leisure desk asked, "Are you going to start right now?"

"Yes."

"Okay but I should tell you there are 175 elementary school children in there>"

I hesitated for only a moment knowing that if I had not paid for a month and did not start then, I would not return.

There I was in the wave pool, never been in one of those before, and for an hour, I managed to dodge and avoid crashing into the kids. 

In due course, I graduated to the big pool, and by this time I was chatting with some of the lifeguards, who, by the way, are exceptional people, all of them. I had the feeling from day one that they were watching me, and made me feel quite safe. One suggested that maybe I should use a "noodle" which I still use, but now I also am a "lane swimmer" and proudly do at least 250 meters a day, then putter around, enjoying the hour and watching all that's happening.

Recently, after chatting with the lifeguards, I have been participating in some "shallow aquatic" classes, and love ring around a rosy in the water which adds to the fun. Some have also been giving me swimming tips, and maybe the day will come when I no longer need the noodle. Actually, it is also my security blanket.

But going to the pool now is also a social experience. I particularly enjoy seeing parents and children there, and sometimes grandparents too. Last summer it was most gratifying to see a young chap come every day with his grandfather, and see his progress over the weeks his grandfather was visiting.

One night I watched two young fellows about 12 on the diving board. One was a pretty good diver, but his buddy not so. The better diver spent an hour patiently working with his friend -- and at the end, high fives!  I also really enjoy watching good divers. I never was one.

Perhaps my favourite activity to watch, and way down deep I would like to try it, is the rope swing into the pool. It brings back memories of swinging out over the Humber River in Toronto on a rope tied to a tree and dropping into the muddy water, as a kid, a la Tom Sawyer!. At the pool when they are rope swinging, I hold contests, picking the male and female winner -- of course nobody knows until now that I do it.

Back to the lifeguards. Let me share just one example of how alert they are. One day a young fellow, maybe seven, was swimming from the deep end to the shallow end of the big pool. His mother was ahead of him, but it looked like the boy may have some trouble, and he was not wearing a life jacket. Suddenly, the lifeguard appeared on the scene very casually, not saying a word but prepared to act if need be. Happily the boy made it OK.

On Family Day in February, there was a free community swim and the lifeguards told me that more than 700 people attended over the afternoon. I was there for the first hour, and watching the lifeguards on duty was like seeing a security detail for an important person in action. They were spread out around the pools, rotating positions regularly like clockwork. constantly on the alert. 

It is really amazing what one sees from my vantage point in the pool with my noodle.

On June 1 to celebrate National Health and Fitness day, there will be a free community swim at the pool -- aquatic centre -- in Western Financial Place, from two p.m. to five p.m. I will be there for a bit celebrating. Thanks to the lifeguards for looking after me these past two years, and to my friend Michael for suggesting I go to the pool.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Full disclosure: I am not now and never have been a member of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society; however, I did conduct a workshop for its members for which I was paid.

The Portraits of Adolphus(Duffy) Burton

On Wednesday May 29th the Green Home was the scene of many reunions of family portraiture and relatives.  Adolphus Burton was a prolific painter and he was a resident of the Green Home in the early 1990's when he painted many of the residents.  After many years of lining the hallway walls, it was decided these portraits should be reunited with their families.  After initial advertising there were many portraits left unclaimed and so with the help of Dave Humphrey, genealogist and local historian many more families have been tracked down through the use of obituaries, death certificates and many phone calls.  At just 2:30pm on the day of the reunion, one more relative from Blaine, Washington was discovered.  There are still several portraits to be matched with living relatives and several of these will be displayed along with some better known Cranbrook characters as part of Cranbrook and District Arts Council's June Exhibit 'Bygone Days.'

Anyone who had a relative in the Green home on the early nineties and thinks one of the portraits might be of a family member should contact Mari Thomas, Coordinator at 250-919-1194.

Maude Goodwin with her granddaughter, Carol Canning and granddaughter-in- law Gail Hellman

Viola Barr with her daughter Darleen Mennie and Jeff Betker Regional Crae Manager for Cranbrook and Kimberley

just a few of the the as yet unclaimed portraits

just a few of the already claimed portraits ready to be reunited with family

What's Happening.......

Friday May 31st - June 1st

Mini Book Sale
Manual Training Building
Cranbrook Public library
6:00 - 8:00pm Friday
9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday

Cranbrook Quilt Guild Biannual Quilt Show

 Friday from 12 noon to 7:00 and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Alliance Church.

 

May 31st - June 2nd

Pastel Workshop
with Susan Woolgar
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
Still a few spaces available
426- 4223

June 1st

East Kootenay Outdoor Club
Hike
Mary Anne Falls Gary Lawrence
250-426-8704

Sunday June 2nd

Sonatina Sunday
East Kootenay Music Teachers Association
Knox Church
2:00pm Reception to follow
Tickets Lotus Books

The Epworth Chorale and Cathedral Handbell Ringers
7:00pm
United Church

Google Glass

Post Notes for the Council Meeting of May 27th

                                       

Mayor Stetski shows off his 'Goats' T shirt

Prior to the Council meeting, the Good 'ol Goats were acknowledged by Council for their fabulous achievements 

 Public Hearing

OCP Amendment Bylaw 3755
"City of Cranbrook Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3755, 2013"
The purpose of the proposed amendment of Official Community Plan (OCP) is to:
• add new sections referencing the City's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
(ICSP) and Growth Management Study (GMS), and including two new map schedules;
• provide new and updated policies with respect to the vision, regional context,
sustainable land use, municipal boundary extensions, parks and recreation, and social,
institutional and community considerations;
• modify a number of provisions and guidelines for the City's Development Permit
Areas which will help clarify and streamline the application process.

There were no presentations.

Delegations

1. MADD, Katryna Sigurdson Campaign 911 Program
Katryna outlined the benefits of the RID program, (Report Impaired Drivers) by using the 911 call.  She requested that Cranbrook display posters to advertise this RCMP sanctioned campaign.
Council voted to refer this to Cranbrook in Motion.

2. Randy Tapp Cranbrook Dance Connection re 'Dancing in the Park'
Randy outlined his Dancing in the Park summer program which has been successful in the last few summers.  He also asked for some financial assistance for promoting and providing live music this public event.  He explained the economic benefits to the city and the sense of community this event provides.   A multiplier effect will be achieved this summer with the proposed weekly Saturday afternoon concerts and the August 24th Art in the Park big event, all being coordinated in conjunction with CAMAL and the Cranbrook and District Arts Council.
Council moved forward to agenda item 9.1 and agreed to provide $430 in assistance. 

Council Inquiries
Councillor Davis enquired about the handicap parking signage at the library.  A directive to staff will be made to attend to this.
Councillor Warner enquired about the reason for only one new cross walk in the vicinity of Mt Baker School and not two.  Referred back to Cranbrook in Motion.
Councillor Whetham enquired about what might be done at the Victoria Ave. 17th St intersection to make it safer.  Referred to Cranbrook in Motion.
Councillor Cross enquired about alternatives to the use of salt on city sidewalks and the corrosion it causes and the pollution it causes in our creeks.  Referred to Public Works.
Councillor Scott enquired as to the status of doggy bag dispensers at Moir Park especially in light of the fact that this a favourite place for people to walk their dogs.


Administration Update
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3057

Public Produce Garden
Leisure Services - Summer use of Western Financial Place
Party Program
Library Services

Correspondence
can be read beginning:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3058
9.1 to 9.12
9.3 Mayor Stetski commented on the RDEK Highlights to notify residents that $9000 was approved to restore the Wasa Lake Trail, that planning permission for an abatoir has been approved for Invermere - this will be a huge asset to ranchers.  He also commented that the book is now closed on Lot 48, the east side of Columbia Lake and that it is now preserved as an intact valley bottom lake edge habitat for its entire length.

9.6 $300 was approved to assist three students from Mt. Baker attend a Skills Canada Competition in June.  These students have already received several awards for their robotics

9.8 Signage bylaw
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3065
As the draft sign bylaw is still undergoing modifications with much input from the Chamber of Commerce, it is not too late to send a letter to Council if you have views about Cranbrook's signage issues.
A letter from Sue Renney was read.  Councillor Cross asked if this would become part of the public record and staff said yes because the Sign Bylaw is still in draft form.

9.9
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3066
Solar Corp Planning
Received for review and reporting back to Council.

Items 9.1 to 9.8 were received for information.  Items 9.9 to 9.15 all carried.

9.13- 9.14 Proclamations
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3070
Rotary Way
Access Awareness day
Brain Injury Day

Committee Recommendations
To consider the recommendations made by the Cranbrook in Motion Committee.
That Council approve the following recommendations from the Cranbrook in Motion Committee:
1. That the RCMP be requested to monitor the vicinity of Victoria Avenue South and 1st Street
South for excessive driving speeds, and that the writer of the correspondence to Council be
advised of the decision.
2. That a crosswalk be installed at the corner of 3rd Street North and Kootenay Street near the
Cranbrook Public Library and the Ktunaxa Nation Council building.
3. That the RCMP be requested to monitor the area around 31 st Avenue South and 3rd Street South for excessive driving speeds, and that the writer of the correspondence to Council be advised of the decision.
4. That a handicap parking stall be installed on 8th Avenue South in the vicinity of the Cranbrook
Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Shop.
5. That "high impact area" signage be installed at the intersection of 11th Avenue South and 2nd Street South.
Carried


New Business

12.1
Draft Notice of Motion - Deer management
Whereas: current regulations do not address a growing issue with wildlife conflict in urban
areas;
And whereas: there is a need for flexibility to facilitate the development of appropriate
management techniques for this purpose:
Now therefore: the province be requested to amend the current regulations to authorize a person to use other wildlife management techniques during the open or closed season for scientific purposes if the regional manager considers it necessary for the proper management of the wildlife resource.
Submitted by Councillor B. Whetham
Carried

12.2
To seek Council's approval to waive the park rental fee for a series of 13 free music concerts to be
held in Rotary Park throughout the summer of 2013.
Carried - (an exciting summer in Rotary Park)

12.3
To receive Council's approval to submit a bid for the 2015 or 2016 BC Senior Games
Discussed with some hesitation from several Councillors.  A motion to proceed will be taken after input and commitment from the tourism sector.

12.4
To present to Council for approval the draft audited 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements.
Carried

Bylaws
13.1
That Council now consider third reading and adoption of a comprehensive amendment to the City's
Official Community Plan (OCP), as amended.
Carried with Councillor Davis opposing.  Councillor Davis made it clear he does not support the policy on boundary expansion.  Expansion, one or a few lots at a time is not supported in the OCP.

13.2
Shipping Containers

 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3078

To rescind second reading of proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3769, 201 3 (Resolution #169-
13) and reconsider second reading of the proposed bylaw to add definitions and zoning regulations with respect to the use of shipping containers within commercial, industrial and public utility zones into the City's Zoning Bylaw.
RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff
1. THAT Resolution #169-13 be rescinded;
2. THAT Council give second reading to of Cranbrook Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3769, 2013-, as amended, to include revision to the separation distance requirement and allowable number of containers as presented, and further:
THAT Council refer Bylaw No. 3769, 2013 to the Advisory Planning Commission for recommendation, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval, and submit to a Public Hearing to be scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on June 10, 2013.
Carried.
Staff were praised for their work with the business owners.

13.3

 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3079

To present the Five Year Financial Plan (2013 to 2017) Amendment Bylaw to Council for three
readings to address the emergency pipeline repairs at the Spray Irrigation Facility. As reported to Council in the April 8, 2013 Administration Update, over the course of the past several years a number of leaks in the header pipeline which provides irrigation water to the irrigation pivots have been discovered and repaired by the site operator. Consistently, the leaks have been within several inches of a weld joining steel pipe sections. The leaks occur when small pits form within the inside of pipe coating and these eventually oxidize the pipe steel to form small holes in the pipe itself. As the header pipe is under pressure when carrying irrigation water, these holes, although generally quite small, allow considerable leakage from the header pipe into
surrounding soils to the extent that the leaks become visible through the presence of wet surface ground spots and sometimes small standing puddles in otherwise dry areas of the spray lands. The situation has escalated to a serious failure in the header pipe within the Spray Irrigation lands.
The site operator has been monitoring the leak in a section of the header for some time. Several weeks ago the site operator observed a geyser of water erupting in an unnamed lake in the H field area of the property which has now been traced to a pipe rupture under the lake area. An emergency repair of the rupture was arranged including repair of a leak in the Pond 1 suction pipe between Pond 1 and the irrigation pumps in the pump station. The urgency of repair and short time frame to carry out repairs (prior to May irrigation start up) necessitated that these repairs be made on an emergency basis. The work described is unrelated
to the current WWIP program and is not included in the Five Year Financial Plan (2013 to 2017).
Carried.  Councillor Cross enquired as to whether the pump house building itself will need to be moved or rebuilt in the future in light of this very serious repair.  Staff indicated this might be a possibility.  There was no way of predicting this unwelcome emergency, the repair of which is now well on its way to being completed.

13.4
Zoning
To consider first reading for a proposed text amendment to the M-2 - Light Industrial Zone of the
Zoning Bylaw to enable a family fun-park use to be established on property located at 1000 Industrial
Road No. 2 only.
The status of this item cannot progress past first reading until reports are received from various authorities including the Ministry of Environment.

Grizzly Tastes the Camera

Advance Notes for the Council Meeting of May 27th 2013, 6:00pm

Public Hearing
OCP Amendment Bylaw 3755
"City of Cranbrook Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3755, 2013"
The purpose of the proposed amendment of Official Community Plan (OCP) is to:
• add new sections referencing the City's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
(ICSP) and Growth Management Study (GMS), and including two new map schedules;
• provide new and updated policies with respect to the vision, regional context,
sustainable land use, municipal boundary extensions, parks and recreation, and social,
institutional and community considerations;
• modify a number of provisions and guidelines for the City's Development Permit
Areas which will help clarify and streamline the application process.

Delegations

1. MADD, Katryna Sigurdson Campaign 911 Program
2. Randy Tapp Cranbrook Dance Connection re 'Dancing in the Park'

Administration Update
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3057

Public Produce Garden
Leisure Services - Summer use of Western Financial Place
Party Program
Library Services

Correspondence
9.1 to 9.12
9.8 Signage bylaw
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3065
As the draft sign bylaw is still undergoing modifications with much input from the Chamber of Commerce, it is not too late to send a letter to Council if you have views about Cranbrook's signage issues.
9.9
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3066
Solar Corp Planning

9.13- 9.14 Proclamations
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3070
Rotary Way
Access Awareness day
Brain Injury Day

Committee Recommendations
To consider the recommendations made by the Cranbrook in Motion Committee.
That Council approve the following recommendations from the Cranbrook in Motion Committee:
1. That the RCMP be requested to monitor the vicinity of Victoria Avenue South and 1st Street
South for excessive driving speeds, and that the writer of the correspondence to Council be
advised of the decision.
2. That a crosswalk be installed at the corner of 3rd Street North and Kootenay Street near the
Cranbrook Public Library and the Ktunaxa Nation Council building.
3. That the RCMP be requested to monitor the area around 31 st Avenue South and 3rd Street South for excessive driving speeds, and that the writer of the correspondence to Council be advised of the decision.
4. That a handicap parking stall be installed on 8th Avenue South in the vicinity of the Cranbrook
Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Shop.
5. That "high impact area" signage be installed at the intersection of 11th Avenue South and 2nd Street South.

New Business

12.1
Draft Notice of Motion - Deer management
Whereas: current regulations do not address a growing issue with wildlife conflict in urban
areas;
And whereas: there is a need for flexibility to facilitate the development of appropriate
management techniques for this purpose:
Now therefore: the province be requested to amend the current regulations to authorize a person to use other wildlife management techniques during the open or closed season for scientific purposes if the regional manager considers it necessary for the proper management of the wildlife resource.
Submitted by Councillor B. Whetham

12.2
To seek Council's approval to waive the park rental fee for a series of 13 free music concerts to be
held in Rotary Park throughout the summer of 2013.

12.3
To receive Council's approval to submit a bid for the 2015 or 2016 BC Senior Games

12.4
To present to Council for approval the draft audited 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements.

Bylaws
13.1
That Council now consider third reading and adoption of a comprehensive amendment to the City's
Official Community Plan (OCP), as amended.

13.2
Shipping Containers

 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3078

To rescind second reading of proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3769, 201 3 (Resolution #169-
13) and reconsider second reading of the proposed bylaw to add definitions and zoning regulations with respect to the use of shipping containers within commercial, industrial and public utility zones into the City's Zoning Bylaw.
RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff
1. THAT Resolution #169-13 be rescinded;
2. THAT Council give second reading to of Cranbrook Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3769, 2013-, as amended, to include revision to the separation distance requirement and allowable number of containers as presented, and further:
THAT Council refer Bylaw No. 3769, 2013 to the Advisory Planning Commission for recommendation, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval, and submit to a Public Hearing to be scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on June 10, 2013.

13.3

 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3079

To present the Five Year Financial Plan (2013 to 2017) Amendment Bylaw to Council for three
readings to address the emergency pipeline repairs at the Spray Irrigation Facility. As reported to Council in the April 8, 2013 Administration Update, over the course of the past several years a number of leaks in the header pipeline which provides irrigation water to the irrigation pivots have been discovered and repaired by the site operator. Consistently, the leaks have been within several inches of a weld joining steel pipe sections. The leaks occur when small pits form within the inside of pipe coating and these eventually oxidize the pipe steel to form small holes in the pipe itself. As the header pipe is under pressure when carrying irrigation water, these holes, although generally quite small, allow considerable leakage from the header pipe into
surrounding soils to the extent that the leaks become visible through the presence of wet surface ground spots and sometimes small standing puddles in otherwise dry areas of the spray lands. The situation has escalated to a serious failure in the header pipe within the Spray Irrigation lands.
The site operator has been monitoring the leak in a section of the header for some time. Several weeks ago the site operator observed a geyser of water erupting in an unnamed lake in the H field area of the property which has now been traced to a pipe rupture under the lake area. An emergency repair of the rupture was arranged including repair of a leak in the Pond 1 suction pipe between Pond 1 and the irrigation pumps in the pump station. The urgency of repair and short time frame to carry out repairs (prior to May irrigation start up) necessitated that these repairs be made on an emergency basis. The work described is unrelated
to the current WWIP program and is not included in the Five Year Financial Plan (2013 to 2017).

13.4
Zoning
To consider first reading for a proposed text amendment to the M-2 - Light Industrial Zone of the
Zoning Bylaw to enable a family fun-park use to be established on property located at 1000 Industrial
Road No. 2 only.

Kootenay-Columbia Tory MP David Wilks speaks out with 'tough words' on Senate expense scandal

By Michael J Morris

David Wilks, the Conservative MP for Kootenay-Columbia in British Columbia, a riding visited by Mike Duffy, the senator now involved in a scandal over expense claims, says he does not condone or tolerate any form of illegal activity whether criminal or civil in nature.

Although Wilks does not directly address the allegation that Duffy "double billed" his expense claims to the Conservative Party and the Senate, while on a visit to speak to the Kootenay-Columbia Riding Association, Robert Fife says in a comment on Twitter and Facebook in which he posts Wilks' letter, "Tough words on Senate expense scandal from BC Tory MP David Wilks." Duffy visited the riding on April 5, 2011 during the last federal election campaign. 

Fife, the Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV News broke the scandal wide open when he reported that the Nigel Wright, the chief of staff to Stephen Harper, had given Duffy, who represents Prince Edward Island but lives in Ottawa a personal cheque for over $90,000 to pay back housing expense claims to which he was not entitled. Wright has since resigned.

Wilks wrote in his letter that appeared on May 25: "Over the past week I have heard from constituents voicing disgust and displeasure with recent events that have occurred in Ottawa, specifically, the issues revolving around Senators Duffy, Wallin, Brazeau and Harb.

"I can tell you unequivocally that I am equally upset over the entire set of events. I do not condone nor tolerate any form of illegal activity whether criminal or civil in nature."

Wilks, a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer added: "I am frustrated by a set of legislative rules that do not allow us to remove someone from public office for a breach of trust. Furthermore, if a criminal act has been committed and enough evidence is gathered then it should be brought before the courts for judgement."

After discussing constitutional challenges, Wilks returned to the main issue.

He wrote: "There is no room for ignorance of law or procedure when you sit at the highest level of government.  We have at our disposal countless legal authorities to give us advice and guidance.  If you choose not to accept that advice or guidance then, in my opinion, you live with the consequences.

"Any person who holds a public office position, either elected or appointed, should not only withstand public scrutiny, but stand before the public to explain any shortcomings.

"If you can do neither, you should do the honourable thing and quit the position."

In my Cranbrook Guardian column about "Duffygate" reaching Kootenay-Columbia riding, I wrote that I did not expect Wilks to speak out on this matter in his own words, but as a former police officer he knows "Not only must Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done."

After showing some independence from the Tory party line with public comments he made about budget provisions with which he disagreed, Wilks backed off and supported the budget in its entirety.

However, as Bob Fife noted, these are "tough words" from Wilks that makes his position clear. Now it is time for other members of the House of Commons and most especially the Senate and the prime minister himself to heed what Wilks writes about comments from his constituents who are voicing "disgust and displeasure" over the entire matter.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Out and About with Stewart

Perry Creek Falls, High Water, Caution Required

We are so fortunate to live amongst much spectacular scenery and the sight of any of our local waterfalls at high water is impressive.  Thank you to Stewart Wilson for the pictures of Perry Creek Falls last weekend.

Vancouver Aquarium creates backup population of endangered frogs.

This article is from Kevin Drews, The Canadian Press

 Last Updated Friday, May 24, 2013 10:23AM PDT

Northern Leopard Frogs, Vancouver Aquarium photo

VANCOUVER -- Scientists at the Vancouver Aquarium have sprung into action, as part of an effort to prevent an endangered frog population from becoming extinct in eastern British Columbia.
The Rocky Mountain population of northern leopard frogs plummeted by the millions in the 1970s, and only two populations are now known to exist near Creston, in B.C.'s West Kootenay region.
The aquarium announced Thursday its scientists have, for the first time in Canada, bred the species in an aquarium setting and created an assurance -- or backup -- population.

Dennis Thoney, the aquarium's director of animal operations, said officials plan to release about 2,000 tadpoles Monday in the Columbia Marshes near the east Kootenay city of Cranbrook, while maintaining a population at the aquarium.

He said the frogs are expected to become the third Rocky Mountain population of northern leopard frogs in the province.
"Frogs, in general, are facing probably the largest extinction since the dinosaurs right now," said Thoney. "Of the 6,000 species, a third to more are threatened or endangered now."

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity to reintroduce the northern leopard frog into the Columbia Marshes," said David Hillary of the Kootenay Conservation Program.
His organization worked with the regional district and the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund to generate seed money for the project, said Hillary who noted a contractor from Kimberley, B.C., will release the tadpoles.
The Columbia Marshes are the best-possible site to reintroduce the frogs and will give the amphibians the best opportunity for a viable population, he added.
Meantime, the aquarium will keep adults and tadpoles at the aquarium and will try to acquire a few more to maintain genetic diversity, said Thoney, adding the program is expected to last at least about 10 years.
"It's not inexpensive," he said, noting the program costs thousands of dollars. "Well, it's hard to put a price on a species, right?"

Read more: http://bc.ctvnews.ca/vancouver-aquarium-creates-backup-population-of-endangered-frogs-1.1295408#ixzz2UKSKIIEu

Michael's Musings

All politics is local as 'Duffygate' reaches Kootenay-Columbia federal riding

by Michael J Morris

When Tip O'Neill, a former speaker of the United States House of Representatives coined the phrase, "all politics is local" he obviously was not referring to the Kootenay-Columbia federal riding here in British Columbia. Mr. O'Neill was from Massachusetts.

However, as "Duffygate", the scandal involving Mike Duffy, a member of the Canadian Senate, who represents Prince Edward island but lives in Ontario, continued, Jennifer Ditchburn of the Canadian Press, wrote that one of  Duffy's disputed expense claims included a visit to Kootenay-Columbia riding on April 5, 2011 during the federal election campaign.

"Duffy spoke to Kootenay-Columbia Conservative Association," she wrote, adding that his travel claims suggested he was on Senate business. It is alleged  that he was "double billing" his expense claims, charging the same ones to the Conservative Party and the Senate.

Kootenay-Columbia was not the only riding Duffy visited during the 2011 election campaign, and the Conservative Party claims it paid his expenses, according to the Ditchburn story. So did the Senate.

It's been quite a week in Canadian politics, as Nigel Wright, the chief of staff to Stephen Harper, resigned after Robert Fife, Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV News, broke the story that Wright had given Duffy a personal cheque for just over $90,000 to repay some illegitimate housing expenses. 

Harper's response was a retake of speech he made eight years or so ago, which really did not address the serious questions being raised about activities in the office of the prime minister and some senators he appointed.

Then he left for South America on some kind of trade mission, leaving his subordinates to field questions.

Meanwhile, in a letter dated May 13, 2013, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) sent a letter to the Senate.

It reads in part, from a PDF File of the letter, published in The Globe and Mail,

"Royal Canadian Mounted Police's National Division is conducting a review of the examination conducted by Deloitte respecting Senators Brazeau, Harb and Duffy. These three reports dealt specifically with living allowances and expense claims including assignment assesssment of the aforesaid senators' primary and secondary residency status."

Apparently the Senate was complying with the RCMP requests, according to new reports late on May 23. It must be noted in fairness though that the RCMP had not yet launched a criminal investigation and no charges have been laid against anyone allegedly involved in the entire matter.

Now, back to all politics is local and Kootenay-Columbia. There was a time that reporters in every riding Duffy visited during the 2011 election campaign would be in touch with the Member of Parliament or Conservative candidate, and riding association officials for interviews. Now, of course, all would be issued talking points from the office of the prime minister, or wherever,and the same answers would be given across Canada.

In Kootenay-Columbia that would be David Wilks, who was elected as the Conservative member in the 2011 election. Wilks showed some spunk by speaking out on a Tory budget, and made national headlines, but seems to have lost his voice for anything that may deviate from the party line.

However, Wilks is a retired RCMP officer which he proudly proudly proclaimed in the House of Commons on February 13, 2013 while speaking on Bill C-42 an act to make certain amendments to the RCMP Act.

"Mr. David Wilks (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC):  

    Mr. Speaker, being a retired member of the RCMP, I am very proud to wear the red serge whenever I can."

I really do not expect Wilks to speak out on this matter in his own words, but as a former police officer he knows "Not only must Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done."  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Full disclosure: I am not now and never have been a member of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society; however, I did conduct a workshop for its members for which I was paid.

Rain Drops

Thank you Stewart

Amazing what water repellent leaf hairs can create! 

What's Happening.....

Friday May 24th

Ongoing
Vis Arts Exhibit
Cranbrook and District Arts Council Gallery

Wooden Deer for the ARTSY DEER QUEST AND COMPETITION
now available at:
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
135 Tenth Ave. S.
Cranbrook
11:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday and Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00pm

Saturday May 25th

Spring Farmer's Market
Curling Rink
Cranbrook
10:00am - 3:00pm

East Kootenay Outdoor Club
Hike
Mother's Day Hill
phone Ron Janisch 250-426-2669

Monday May 27th

Cranbrook Council Meeting
6:00pm, Council Chambers

Tuesday May 28th

Let's Go Birding
meet Eizabeth Lake Visitor Centre
7:00am


Friday May 31st

Mini Book Sale for members only
Manual Training Centre Cranbrook Library
6:00 - 8:00pm

No Matter What You Step In

Public Invitation to the Public Produce Garden, MacKinnon Park

POSTPONED

The decision has been made to postpone today's Work Bee at the Public Produce Garden until Tuesday, May 28.

Usually we'd go rain or shine, but the forecast is showing LARGE amounts of rain for today and pretty cold temperatures, so let's try for a bit more comfort and plan a day when lots can be accomplished (and a lot more people will be motivated to come out!).

Hi everyone,

This Thursday, May 23, anytime between 3-7pm we'll be busy like bees and humming happy planting tunes down at the Public Produce Garden. It would be great to see you there!

On the list so far is:

- PLANTING POTATOES (in preparation for our second annual 'Potato Pickin' Party' this September!)

- FILLING AND SEEDING OUR NEW RAISED BEDS (very cool conversion of old fridges and freezers to insulated raised beds - come and check 'em out - and help us make them look pretty to keep the City happy :)!)

- CREATING A SQUASH & PUMPKIN MOUND (we've got rolls of old sod to use as a base, and will go from there to create a 'ready for Halloween' piece of the garden)

- MOW THE VERY HAPPY GRASS (with our snazzy new push 'reel' mower)

AND WHATEVER ELSE COMES UP WHILE WE'RE ALL THERE TOGETHER. (please bring any extra seeds or transplants you have at home that you'd like to see growing at the Garden)

Things are looking great, thanks to lots of great collaboration so far. 

It'll be fun to be together at the same time with many of you Thursday!

See you there,

Shannon

(250)427-7981

MacKinnon Park is adjacent to the creek, 18th Ave. North (between 6th and 8th Street North), one block over between Hot Shots and Save On

The Cranbrook Spring Farmer's Market is back this Saturday May 25th, 2013

Spring Market 2012

Spring is in the air, and at the Market!

The Cranbrook Farmer’s Market Society is pleased to kick off their 5^th year of operation with a Spring Market on Saturday, May 25^th from 10 am until 3 pm at the Cranbrook Curling Club.   The Spring Market proved popular last year for those eager to get fresh locally grown greens , along with baked goods, honey, body products,  items for the home and garden, and so much more…

Market patrons can expect over 50 local area vendors – many of their favourites from the Summer Markets offering a wide array of locally made, baked and grown products -everything from borscht and hot sauce to handmade soaps,  Jewellery and handcrafted wooden toys and household items.  Many vendors will be inside the Arena, with hot food vendors and a few others welcoming market patrons outside the north entrance to the building. 

For those who have ever considered vending at the market, but may not be sure of how to start, the Cranbrook Farmer’s Market will also be offering an ‘Interested in vending at the market session’ on site at the Spring Market from 1 – 2 pm. 

To find out more about the Spring or Summer Markets, see www.cranbrookfarmersmarket.com  and  ‘like us on facebook’ for the latest updates. 

Launching Cranbrook's Urban Artsy Deer Project

Cranbrook and District Arts Council launched their Urban Artsy Deer Project at their 40th Anniversary Gala Concert on Friday May 17th.  They invite businesses, individuals, families and groups to drop by the CDAC office, 135 10th Avenue South to register and purchase a deer for the fun summer long competition.  The quest for deer hidden within Cranbrook businesses will begin July 1st.  All other deer will be herded into Rotary Park for Art in the Park Day August 24th.  There, they will be judged and prizes awarded.

This is a great opportunity to get the creative juices flowing both for business owners to advertise their business and for everyone to just to have fun and to be proud of our deer.

Does  $35

Bucks $40

Business Deer must be registered by June 20th in order for the Quest Tally Sheets to be made up.

Click to enlarge

Proceeds to the Cranbrook and District Arts Council Building Fund.

A May Long Weekend Ride

Joseph, Emmy and I headed out at just after 10AM this morning for an absolutely fabulous ride from our house to the St. Mary's Bridge on the Rails to Trails.  The air temperature was perfect, and the scenery was grand. Lots of people were out cycling, walking and roller blading.  We stopped at the bridge for 15 minutes to enjoy the river, and reminisce about our many canoe trips on the St. Mary's River, checking out a couple of eddy points to Emmy.

On the way back I spotted a beautiful blue clematis growing on the shoulder of the pathway. 

A little further along, I spotted a little morel mushroom.  Had to record the little treasures left along the path by Ma Nature.

Home by noon for some fresh, made in the morning, Creston creamy asparagus soup, and Joseph's whole grain cinnamon buns accompanied by some fair trade organic french roast coffee in the sun on our deck.  Mmmm, mmm, doesn't get much better than this.

Happy May Long Weekend Everyone!

Sharon Cross

Arts Council Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

Cranbrook and District Arts Council celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Friday May 17th with a Gala Variety Show in the Ktunaxa Gym.  A very varied program including just some of our many talented local performing and visual artists was emceed by Jim Cameron. For more photos go to : https://www.facebook.com/CranbrookArtsCouncil?ref=hl

Work from the College of the Rockies Fine Arts Courses

Helen Duckworth Arts Council Administrator and husband Mark 

Lorraine Butler chats with Mayor Stetski

Councillor Cross was prepared with a china plate as part of the 'Clean Bin' Challenge' 

Leather Britches

Scott Buxton

Buttercups and Larkspur

May Blossom Fest

This is the weekend of Creston's Annual Blossom Festival but we have our own less celebrated blossom festival going on all around us.  Crabapples, Horse Chestnuts, Forsythia, Caraganas, Apple Trees and Spireas are all in full bloom. 

The MayDay Tree in full glory, is surrounding many homes with its sweet scent.

Michael's Musings

Robert Fife Brings Duffy Scandal to the Office of the Prime Minister

by Michael J Morris

When I saw the tweet that once again Robert Fife had proven why he is simply the best, it immediately captured my attention.

Kevin Newman, the host of CTV's Question Period was retweeting a comment by Rosa Hwang, senior broadcast producer with CTV National News. "Once again Robert Fife proves why he's simply the best."

"What had Fife done now?", I wondered, and soon learned that the Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV News had broken the story that Nigel Wright, the chief of staff to Stephen Harper, the prime minister, had written a personal cheque to Mike Duffy, the senator appointed by Harper,  for $90,172 to pay back expenses to which the senator was not entitled. 

The Duffy scandal was now placed squarely in the office of the prime minister by Bob Fife, who was in Grade Nine when I arrived  to teach at Chapleau High School in 1969, and once he learned I had been a daily newspaper reporter, he never stopped asking me questions throughout his high school years. And when he was attending the University of Toronto, he challenged me on every issue when he came home on vacation or to spend the summers.

In the interests of full disclosure, Bob's father, the late Clyde Fife was one of my father's best friends, and my grandmother and his grandmother were also great friends.

Careful readers will note that I have referred to him in the above paragraphs as Robert, when referring to the quote about him, then Fife, then Bob. That's the way it's been for 44 years now. I call him by one and all depending on the situation -- I just did a rough calculation. How time flies, and how proud I am that from the very beginning of his career as a reporter, Robert 'Bob' Fife has been among the best of his generation.

In November 2008, Deborah Howell, the ombudsperson at the Washington Post wrote that "good reporters are the heart of news gathering. If it's news, they have to know it. Without them, the prublic wouldn't have the news and information essential to running a democracy -- or our lives. Whether the story is local, national or foreign, it has to be gathered on the ground by a reporter." 

That sums Bob up as he simply did his job and revealed another twist in the continuing saga of Duffy, the senator appointed to represent Prince Edward Island but really lives in Ottawa. 

Just recently Bob won the Canadian Association of Journalists Award for his work on uncovering the XL Foods scandal in 2012. In the 1980s when he was still a "young" reporter, Maclean's magazine called him the best investigative reporter in Canada for his coverage of the Ocean Ranger disaster.

He has written two books, A Capital Scandal with John Warren, about the Brian Mulroney years as prime minister and the other Kim Campbell: The Making of a Politician.

Ms Powell added in answering the question about what makes a good reporter, "Endless curiosity and a deep need to know what is happening. Then, the ability to hear a small clue and follow it."

Once Bob broke the Duffy-Wright story, social media has been swamped with tweets, the pundits have been pontificating, talking heads have been talking, and speculating and doing their usual, not really adding much new to the story.

Meanwhile, as I started to work on this column, Bob posted on Twitter and Facebook that Duffy has now resigned from the Conservative caucus, and will sit as an independent senator but he has not resigned from the Senate. So far, Wright and Harper have provided no acceptable explanation. More to come!

Bob is one of those reporters who certainly fits the comment by former Washington Post Post executive editor Ben Bradlee who thought that a reporter's most important quality is energy: "They've got to love what they're doing; they've got to be serious about turning over rocks, opening doors. The story drives you. It's part of your soul."

Mr. Bradlee should know. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein reported to him as they covered the Watergate scandal in the United States.

Ironically perhaps, the last chat I had with Bob was at the 90th anniversary reunion of Chapleau High School in 2012 where we were participants in an ecumenical service. It fell to me to read from the Old Testament, (perhaps because of my age) from the book of Ecclesiates, the part about, "For every thing there is a season".

Being a product of the 1960s, I listened to Turn Turn Turn (to Every thing there is a season) made popular by the folk rock band The Byrds, with music written by Pete Seeger in 1959.

For sure it is a season for something in Canadian politics and Robert 'Bob' Fife, "simply the best" is part of it from Bruce Hutchison's far side of the street. How's that for mixing metaphors in one sentence!

After I mentioned Bruce Hutchison in an earlier column, I received the following email from Jim Cameron:

"I am enjoying reading your articles in the Guardian. I noticed you referred to well-known journalist Bruce Hutchison as ‘from Ontario’ which is, of course, correct. On the other hand, and forgive me if you already know this, his father John “Hutch” Hutchison was an early pioneer in the city of Cranbrook. He was a local real estate, insurance man, a theatre operator, a newspaperman and very active in school affairs including taking a major role in the creation of our first public school as a member of the School Board Trustees. He moved away for a few years, during which time Bruce was born, and then returned to Cranbrook where Bruce spent many of his formative years. Thus, we can, at least in some small part, claim that Bruce Hutchison is a “Cranbrook Boy.”"

Thanks Jim. Bruce Hutchison, the "Cranbrook boy" was also simply the best too. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Full disclosure: I am not now and never have been a member of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society; however, I did conduct a workshop for its members for which I was paid.

What's Happening...............

Friday May 17th

Cranbrook and District Arts Council 40th Anniversary Variety Show
featuring: Leather Britches, Days of Grace and many other varied acts
Ktunaxa Gym
7:00pm
Tickets Lotus Books or Cranbrook and District Arts Council office at 135 10th Av. South
$10 Adults $8 Students Seniors
Children under 12 free
Birthday cake

Key City Theatre
Corb Lund
7:30

Saturday May 18th

East Kootenay Outdoor Club Hike
Sheep Mountain with Fern Sweeting
250-489-3213

Key City Theatre
Ben Heppner
7:30pm

Senior's Social Dance
Cranbrook Senior' Hall
to the music of
Tucker's Troubadours and Brian Wright
250-489-2720


Sunday May 19th
Paul Brandt
Cranbrook Alliance Church
tickets at The Nails Christian Bookstore or online at www.uniteproductions.com

Tuesday May 21st

Rocky Mountain Naturalists
Go birding
Elizabeth Lake Visitor Centre
Meet 7:00am
250-489-1601