On the North Star Trail

Chokecherries

Mullein

Silky Phacelia

Michael's Musings

Martin Luther King Jr, Barack Obama, the Lincoln Memorial and Me

By Michael J Morris

I first visited the Lincoln Memorial in 1961, after taking off from university with some of my buddies to enjoy the Florida sun. I wish I could tell you that we left university to join the civil rights movement, but our reason for leaving was that it was a rainy miserable Fall day in Waterloo. Somebody said, as we sat drinking beer in the local pub, `Let`s go to Florida,`and without much more thought we piled into my mother`s car (a Corvair), and off we went. At the time I was attending Waterloo Lutheran University, now Wilfrid Laurier University.

I was so impressed with the Lincoln Memorial and all the sites of Washington, and as I reflect on it today, we wandered about freely everywhere we went in the United States capital city. My trip took place of course before the assassinations of President John F Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy and Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr,  and 9/11.

As we travelled into the deep south of the United States, for the first time I saw the reality of the segregated society of the times. I vividly recall the signs on everything from restaurant doors, to water fountains, to restrooms clearly stating No Coloureds Allowed or For Whites Only and words to that effect. And `coloureds`of course were to sit at the back of the bus.

Along one highway we stopped and picked up a hitchhiker who was African American and made room for him in the front seat. I was so shocked when he told us he could not sit there, only in the back. We insisted he sit in the front and we transported this very, very nervous young man to his destination. It never really struck me the danger we placed this person and ourselves in by this seemingly simple act until I saw that great movie Mississippi Burning starring Gene Hackman, and to this day I say, `But for the grace of God...`

Coming from a small village in northern Ontario, even though I had spent many summers in the United States visiting family friends with my Mom, I was shocked that all people could not drink from the same water fountain, use the same washrooms and eat in the same restaurants.

What started out as simply a booze trip with my buddies has had the most profound effect on me ever since, and, on January 18, 2009, I had a rush of memories as I watched Barack Obama, the president-elect of the United States, the first African American to be elected to that office, some 47 years plus after I first visited the Lincoln Memorial, speak to the American people. For such a time, in my lifetime, I never expected. Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day was celebrated one day later.

Those memories came back to me when Barack Obama was inaugurated for his second term in January, and again this week when the United States marked the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963.

When John F Kennedy was assassinated I was editor of the university newspaper (having returned home safely to Canada), and was home for the summer in 1963 when Dr  King  led the March on Washington and delivered his famous 'I Have A Dream' Speech.

In 1968 I was the news editor at the Chatham Daily News when Dr King and Senator Kennedy were murdered. I visited nearby Detroit and saw the effect of the race riots there, and the protests that were on the rampage in American society. In fact, as an aside, I covered the World Series games in Detroit between Detroit and St Louis with the greatest sportswriter of my generation, the late Reyn Davis.

It was a great time to be in the news business as we were almost assured a 120 point type front page headline daily, but by the end of that year I left the daily newspaper business that I loved, and never returned to it on a full time basis. I had become far too cynical, so far removed from the village life in which I was raised -- although I guess a touch remains with me to this day.

At the end of his famous 'I Have A Dream' speech delivered from that same Lincoln Memorial in August, 1963, Dr King said in part, `And when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and hamlet, from every state and city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God`s children --- will be able to join hands and to sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual. ``Free at last, free at last; thank God Almighty, we are free at last.``

As the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington was celebrated on August 28, yes, freedom has rung among Americans of good will to bring their nation perhaps closer to that perfect union to which they aspire. Much has changed since 1961 when I took my college break into the American south. But much remains to be done before all join hands and sing the old Negro spiritual together.

To have been a minor witness these past 50 years has been a great privilege. 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.

Micahel's writings have a large following so if you have not read his own blog you might like to check out:
http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.ca/2013/08/robert-fife-adds-exclamation-point-to.html 

What's Happening.....

Saturday August 31st

Farmer's Market
Tenth Av S.
9:00am -1:00pm
Fall Hours for the market will commence next week.
See poster.

East Kootenay Outdoor Club
Hike
Mayo Lake
Phone Lorne
250-426-8864

Monday September 2nd

Labour Day Picnic

Location: Rotary Park, 10th Ave

Time: 12-4pm

Wednesday September 4th

Thursday September 5th

Discussions on Sustainable living with
author Carolyn Herriot
Cranbrook Public Libray
7:00pm

Who needs to be millionaire ..........

Get Ready for September

As we move in to September, still wearing our summer gear can there be any doubt about Climate Change!

Cranbrook Courier , Sept 19 1942

Art in the Park , August 24th 2013

Artsy Urban Deer Winners

Adult Class 1^st Donna Bannenberg 2^nd Eilis Miller 3^rd Mary Anne Atkins

Family Class 1^st Sally Ruoss and sisters 2^nd The Peebles Boys 3^rd Lori Malone family

  

Business Class 1^st Pat Ridler Pages  2^nd  Anna Langenbach Columbia Theatre 3^rd Laurie Goodlad and Margie, Muriel and Jane’s

Group Class 1^st Christ Church Anglican 2^nd The Green Home 3rd The Green Home

Child 1^st Selby Boys from Coquitlam 2^nd Sharron Schornagel Bahai Faith 3^rd Susan Archibald, Grandaughter

People’s Choice   Columbia Theatre

Winner of the Neighbourhood Supply of Bobbex  Mariah Whitlock

photos Jenny Humphrey and Sally Passey

lined up in the Gallery and ready to go

judging time

Deer by Eils Miller 

Deer by Mary Anne Aitkins

Deer by Columbia Theatre, Community Theatre Harlequin Deer behind

 Deer By The Bedroom

Deer by the residents of the Green Home

The Library Deer

Don Davies Trio

Marissa

Twice Loved Art

In Stewart's Back Garden

The Elephant and the flea..... now the Kestral and the wasp.  It would appear we humans are not the only ones to be pestered by the wasps this year.

The Kestral eventually left

Michael's Musings

 "Demographic Tsunamai"  Looming in Canada's Health Care System

By Michael J Morris

Just over four years ago I was standing in the security line at the Greyhound station in Calgary waiting to be cleared to board the bus to Cranbrook after a quick trip to Foothills Medical Centre a few days earlier by air ambulance. I had just been discharged from Foothills  and was anxious to get home where my cat Buckwheat had been looked after by friends for the previous 10 days.

I struck up a conversation with the lady behind me in the line, and after telling her where I had been, the conversation turned to the challenges facing the health care system. It turned out that she was a retired registered nurse who had also sat on health councils designed to provide input to the government from the people. Anyway, we chatted for a bit, and agreed that a national conversation by Canadians was needed on the health care system.

My experience at Foothills and at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital  brought into clear focus that while I received excellent care in both hospitals, that may not always be the case as they are stretched to capacity, and packed with patients whose average age would be at least 60 by my unofficial survey. I wandered about the units I was in as soon as I was mobile and did an anecdotal survey on people's ages -- nothing scientific. And, the baby boomers are just now starting to hit 65..

Let me be real clear on one thing. At Foothills which is a huge high level medical centre and at EKRH which is a regional hospital in a small community, I was so fantastically impressed by the professionalism and dedication to provide excellent patient care from doctors, nurses and all other staff despite how busy they were. Nobody ever lost his/her friendly attitude in either place.

To me, the looming health care crisis is the fault of successive federal and provincial governments who have failed us as Canadian citizens by looking at our health care as a cost item in a budget rather than an investment in our well being. They knew the population was aging. They knew that health care professionals would be retiring. They simply failed to invest over the years and make necessary changes to ensure the viability of the health care system with a focus on patient care.

On August 19, Angela Mulholland of CTV News reported that "Most Canadians think this country needs a national strategy for seniors health care, believing such a plan would help keep seniors in their homes as long as possible, according to a new poll released by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA)."

According to an Ipsos Reid poll that was released along with the CMA's annual report card on health issues. It found that nine out of 10 Canadians feel that the entire health care system could be improved by keeping seniors at home as long as possible, to help lighten the load on hospitals and nursing homes. Mullholland reported.

It also revealed that only 37 per cent of Canadians have confidence in the ability of the current system to care for our aging population. 

As well, three-quarters of respondents said they were concerned for themselves about whether they would have access to high-quality health care in their retirement years.

Almost 80 per cent said they were concerned about having access to an acute care system, such as good quality hospital care, while almost an equal number worried about finding home care and long-term care, her report noted.

CMA President Dr. Anna Reid told CTV News that  all levels of government need to act to address “the demographic tsunami” that is heading toward the health care system as aging baby boomers hit their most vulnerable years.

“The anxiety Canadians have about health care in their so-called golden years is both real and well-founded,” Reid said in a statement. “Let there be no doubt that a national strategy for seniors health care should be a federal priority.”

I was most fortunate to receive the care I did but four years later, here is a major report out where none other than the president of the CMA  predicts that a "demographic tsunamai" is looming in our health care system. The next time I may not be so lucky, and it will not be the fault of the dedicated professionals who do their best in a health care system unprepared to meet the challenges.

For example, when the paramedics, who by the way were super, wheeled me in to the Emergency entrance at Foothills, I thought I was on the set of the television drama "ER". How they ever manage on a daily basis to get everyone where they are supposed to go for treatment is really beyond me.

Without being melodramatic, I had this vision of being left alone in a hallway and become one of those horror stories we read about -- but the paramedics stayed right with me until I was in a bed in the emergency ward.

When I suggested a national conversation on the future of heath care in Canada, I did not mean another Romanow type commission or something run by the politicians. I am suggesting a grass roots chat among Canadians where they share their ideas, experiences and concerns about health care and let the politicians hear our voices. Perhaps it could all be done online with sites established where people could leave their comments.

Sadly, I have concluded that if we leave it to the provincial and federal governments, it will be more of the same. For starters in a small way I invite you to leave comments here or email me at 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 August 23rd,  August 24th through Sunday August 25th

Cranbrook Annual Dog Show
Moir Park
http://www.dogshow.ca/389?club=Cranbrook-and-District-Kennel-ClubSaturday August 24th

Saturday August 24th

Farmer's Market
9:00am - 1:00pm
Tenth Avenue S.

Art in the Park and the Urban Artsy Deer Round Up
All afternoon entertainment; artists in action
Deer judging and prizes, 3:00pm
Deer Quest winner Announcement
Artsy Deer Auction
Food Vendors
Noon 'tl &:00pm
7:00pm - 10:00pm Dancing in the Park

East Kootenay Outdoor Club Hike
Jumbo Pass
call Gary
250-426-8704

Tuesday August 27th

Key City Theatre
The Proclaimers
250-426-7006

Deer Round Up, Art in the Park, Saturday August 24th

Art in the Park Saturday August 24^th

     

The Cranbrook Urban Artsy Deer Round Up, judging and auction, Lions Twice Loved Art Sale, bands East West Connection, Don Davies Quartet and Black Diamond, art demonstrations, Creative Monkeys Drama, gallery readings, food vendors and much more – it all happens this Saturday from 12 noon until dusk in Rotary Park and in The Gallery, Cranbrook, as part of Cranbrook and District Arts Council Fortieth Anniversary Celebration.

If you didn’t get a chance to locate all the artsy deer over the summer, this will be your chance to see the whole herd.  If you didn’t decorate a deer and have a yen for a Rudolph and or reindeer team for Christmas lawn decorating, this will be your chance to bid on some very original characters.  The auction will take place after the decorating competition announcements around 3:00pm.  The very first deer cut – protodoe will be there, as will the first deer to enter the competition, the Townsman’s newsprint clad buck.

As well as the action in Rotary Park, Cranbrook and District Arts Council are pleased to present an afternoon of readings in the Gallery at 135, Tenth Avenue South, beginning at 2:00pm with Howie Mason and his Cowboy Poetry followed by Joyce Beeks and Janet Penner both Cranbrook authors, who will read from their books and answer questions.  Spoken word will wrap up at approximately 4:00pm.

Ongoing throughout the afternoon in Rotary Park, artists will demonstrate their skills while the almost sixty urban artsy deer will be on view for the public to also choose their favourite.  The Lions Club will be holding their Twice Loved Art Sale in the large tent adjacent to the cenotaph and there are some wonderful bargains to be had including watercolours from local well-known artists, acrylics, prints and unusual decorations for home or office.

Activities continue into the evening when the band Black Diamond will play for the public to dance to.  Randy Tapp will emcee the evening activities.  There is also the chance of a Zumba lesson prior to the evening’s dancing.

For a schedule of events please go to Cranbrook and District’s new and evolving web page at:

http://www.cranbrookanddistrictartscouncil.com/ or visit events at their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/CranbrookArtsCouncil

All proceeds from this day’s events will be going towards an Arts and Culture Building for Cranbrook.

This celebration of Cranbrook and District’s Fortieth Anniversary has been made possible by Columbia Basin Trust, Honda, Cranbrook Interior Woodwork and Rona as well as numerous local businesses, which generously donated prizes.

East Kootenay Senior Caregiver's Network

click to enlarge

Controversial GMOs

Genetically modified foods have always been controversial but how much do we know and understand when we go shopping for food.  This short video presents one view.  It is up to us the consumer to evaluate all the information and that is not easy.

Shigeru Ban: Emergency shelters made from paper

How much water do bottled water companies export?

From The Province

by Dan Fumano

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Transparency+sought+water+exports/8790110/story.html

Bottled water companies taking B.C.’s groundwater and selling it overseas have declined to disclose the amount they draw every year. They are not currently required by law to report this information, but some water companies, including Nestlé, have chosen to do so when asked.

Natural Glacial Waters takes groundwater from a well on Vancouver Island, bottles it, and sells it under the brand names Névé and Canada Icefield. Natural Glacial Waters management said 95 per cent of their product is exported overseas, mostly to Asian markets including China, Japan and Korea. When asked, management declined to say how much water they withdraw each year.

Whistler Water, officially known as Polaris Water Company, draws groundwater from a source north of Pemberton. According to Industry Canada, Whistler Water exports to 11 countries, including destinations in Asia and Europe.

They also refused to release information about the volume of water they withdraw.

About Town this Week

Busker/Open Mic Night at the Market sponsored by the Cranbrook and District Arts Council

A new 4H generation of farmers

at the Evening Market

Columbia Basin Culture Tour in the Cranbrook Gallery

Michael's Musings

"Town and gown" coming together offers potential for Cranbrook

By Michael J Morris

As Jake McInnis was stepping down after 11 years as president of East Kootenay Community College, now College of the Rockies in 1993, I chatted with him about the possibility of Cranbrook becoming a college town.

At the time I was a faculty member at the college and editor of Insider, a faculty magazine. In the interests of full disclosure in writing about the college, I became the first elected faculty member of the college board of governors, and took early retirement in 2000.

The college was first established in Cranbrook in 1975 but in the beginning classes were held in various buildings mostly in the downtown area. the college web site says it operated from 17 different locations but by 1982 the Cranbrook campus was opened. It also had a presence in other communities.

He arrived from Vancouver Community College as the present campus was being completed.

During our conversation, Jake, as we all called him, referring to it as an "incredible benefit" to the entire region, and that the potential was "incredible" not only for the benefit it provided to students but as an industry, providing jobs.

As one who went to university in Waterloo, Ontario just as the two universities there, University of Waterloo and Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University) were in their formative stages, I was able to witness the beginnings of a Canadian college town. Over the years beginning about 1960, it's been most beneficial to Kitchener-Waterloo to become a college (university) town. 

In my four years in Waterloo businesses sprung up simply to serve the university community. It has continued.

Over the years, just as I generally love downtowns, I have added campuses and college towns to my list and at the risk of angering all my British Columbia readers, my favourite campus is the University of Toronto where one can wander about, ending up at Queens Park, University Avenue and  into the heart of downtown Toronto. I spent hours exploring the "neighbourhood" when I attended U of T -- and yes I have roamed about the University of British Columbia campus too.

So I welcomed the opportunity to ask Jake about the possibility of Cranbrook as a college town.

His reply: "I actually think of the concept of Cranbrook as a college town. It is quite conceivable that it will become one - a Canadian college town." He was making the point that college towns are much more common in the United States.

"The college could eventually become the principal employer in Cranbrook. It is an ecologically, socially and economically sound industry."

Well, Jake retired, 20 years have now passed, and Cranbrook is no closer in the "college town" sense of the word to becoming one than when we had our chat for the Insider article. A college town becomes the centre - socially, economically, culturally -  with spin offs into all aspects of community life.

But, another comment Jake made has come true. "The college is an important and valuable resource throughout the region. We've won. We're on track. We look like a college. We act and behave like a college. We are known and understood as a college."

A look at the College of the Rockies web site tells part of the story, at least in terms of its economic importance. It says; "From 543 students at five campuses in 1975, the 2011/12 academic year saw the enrolment of 2,282 full-time equivalent students at seven campuses. These included: 1,769 in University Studies, Business, Career/Technical and Vocational programs; and 513 in Trades and Apprenticeships. There are approximately 8,000 part-time Continuing Education registrants as well. International Education student enrolment has also grown to include 137 international students from 30 countries. From 24 employees and a $1.2 million annual budget in 1975, in 2011 COTR had 247 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees and 626 non-regular employees and a $33 million annual budget.  It serves a regional population of 85,000 over a 45,000 square kilometre area ..."

And that may be just fine as far as Cranbrook goes. In large measure, the college sits on the outskirts in town, known best to those who have some direct connection to it as students, employees or those who may periodically visit for some function being held there.

That's important of course. But Jake saw so much more potential, and sadly 20 years have passed, and in many ways, COTR is still a stranger in a strange land, of, but not really an integrated part of the community in which its main campus is located.

Let me share one interesting deleopment on college towns from an article on college towns from Wikipedia:  "...notable development since the 1990s is the surge in popularity of retirees relocating to college towns. Retirees are attracted to these locations because of cultural and educational opportunities, college athletic events, good medical facilities (often at teaching hospitals affiliated with medical schools), a low cost of living, and often a pedestrian- or public transit-friendly development pattern. Several development companies now specialize in constructing retirement communities in college towns. In some cases the communities have developed formal relationships with the local institution."

Maybe, just maybe, it is time for "town and gown" to come together to maximize the potential of each to make Cranbrook a more vibrant place for everyone. 

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.......

Saturday August 17th

East Kootenay Outdoor Club 
Hike Mount Neglaski
Call Lorne 250-426-8864

Farmer's Market
Tenth Av.
9:00am - 1:00pm

Gallery Strawberry Tea
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
11:30am - 1:30pm
134 Tenth Av S
$5
Sample strawberry shortcake, scones, lavender shortbread
tea, coffee or lemonade.
Tickets at the door.

Summer Sounds
1:00 - 3:00pm
Rotary Park
Dave Prinn and Friends

Geocach Fun for all
1:00 - 3:00pm
Rotary Park
$50 to be won.

Sunday August 18th

East Kootenay Outdoor Club
Hike Hourglass/Upper Lake
Jan 250-426-7923

Bowness Soda Bottle Sold, $1000

The Bowness Mansion is a well-known Cranbrook landmark,  currently a Bed and Breakfast and on the market.  The mansion, one of Cranbrook's oldest and finest buildings was built by a Cranbrook pioneer and businessman.
Last week this little treasure from that Cranbrook business was auctioned and sold for $1000.

Farmer's Market, Strawberry Teas, Geocach Fun and Summer Sounds

Rotary Park Cranbrook will be hopping for the next two Saturdays.  Art in the Park and the Great Deer Round Up will happen August 24th but this Saturday August 17th there is also plenty going on to keep everyone occupied in the vicinity of Rotary Park.

Win $50 for 15 minutes fun with a GPS?
... Someone will!

On Saturday August 17^th from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm in Rotary Park, Cranbrook, you have the opportunity to take part in a fun GPS activity.  You are encouraged to come down to the park at some point during the afternoon, with a pencil and your GPS. There is a simple ‘scavenger-type’ hunt setup that will lead you to a cache container to complete the challenge.  This will not count as a regular geocache find.

The activity should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.  The whole route is suitable for youngsters and is baby buggy and handicap accessible.  You are encouraged to bring children and first-time cachers so as to introduce them to the use of a GPS in searching down locations.

A draw will be made from the names of the successful cachers and someone will end up with a $50 voucher to spend in downtown stores.  Remember to bring your GPS, a pencil, and an enthusiastic child/newbie if possible.  The table will be set up somewhere in the vicinity of the cenotaph.

Cranbrook and District Arts Council Strawberry Tea runs from 11: 30am 'til 1:30 pm.  Pop into the gallery and for $5 receive tea, coffee or lemonade and a strawberry dessert.

After all the activity you can settle back and enjoy the live sounds of Dave Prinn and Friends in the bandstand.

National Bronze Medal Winners for School Robotics Teams at Council

Prior to Monday's Council Meeting,  Mount Baker students, Landon Harvey, Derek Johnson and Edmond Yoo, National Bronze Medal Winners in the school robotics team competition, demonstrated their skills. Landon Harvey commentated on their robot's antics while Derek Johnson and Edmond Yoo controlled their project finally presenting Councillor Warner with a block placed on to the Council table by the robotic lift. Council had last year partially helped to sponsor these students in their trek to Toronto to take part in the competition.

Mayor Stetski congratulated the students and each was presented with a gift from the City.

Councillors Davis, Cross, students Landon Harvey, Derek Johnson and Edmund Yoo , Mayor Stetski, Councillors Scott Whetham and Warner.  Councllor Pallesen was also present. 

Post Notes for the Council Meeting of August 12th 2013

Delegations

1. Quarterly RCMP Report to the Mayor. The report can be read at:https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3277  This report was presented by Cpl. Pat Prefontaine.   After the presentation which can be read at the link provided, Councillor Whetham asked about the media reported cases of large party gatherings at Lake Koocanusa and how they affect the current policing resources.  Although Cpl. Prefontaine  did not elaborate on the incidents he did say the policing is a combined effort of both the Elk Valley and Cranbrook detachments.  He did also say these summer parties do require extra policing and that attendees are frequently from out of province.

1. Priorities for the Cranbrook Archives Museum and Landmark Foundation, Damon Colgan.  Jeanette Sissons, Chair of  CAMAL introduced the museum's new Executive Director, Damon Colgan.  Mr. Colgan proceeded to outline his two focus points in the coming months - to make the museum more financially sustainable and to develop the Cranbrook Museum aspect of the complex.  These comments were welcomed by Council and later in the meeting Council approved the release of the grant hold back monies of $20000, which will be used to develop the Alexexandra Hall kitchen and to begin work on the Cranbrook Museum display cabinets.

Inquiries
Councillor Pallesen enquired about unsightly premises enforcement for part of Hycrest Trailer Court and further enquired about some back alley flooding on private property and why the city would be dealing with that.
Councillor Whetham enquired about the possibility of bike racks for use at the Farmer's Market location as it appears to be a need.
Councillor Whetham also enquired again about progress on measures being taken to ensure safety at the Victoria/13th St intersection.

Administration Update
Can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3301
Reports on Bylaw Enforcement around the old Tudor House, Economic Development and a road condition report.

Correspondence
Beginning: https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3279

9.1       ICBC Road Improvement Program ............through to

9.11     Letter from CAMAL
Most were received for information only. 
9. 2 - a request for a Cranbrook flag to be placed in the Settlers Rails and Trails Flag Museum at a cost of $50 was approved with Councillor Davis opposed.

Proclamations

9.12      Proclamation Breast Feeding

9.12            Proclamation Prostate Awareness

So proclaimed.

Committee Recommendations

Cranbrook in Motion

That Council approve the following recommendations from the Cranbrook in Motion Committee:

1. That Public Works install a 4-Way Stop traffic control at the intersection of 1st Street South and 9th Avenue South.

2. That Public Works check the timing of the pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and 2nd Street North and adjust as necessary to ensure adequate time for pedestrians to safely cross.

3. That the City approves the installation of RID911 (Reduce Impaired Drivers) signs within the City; and further, that staff and the RCMP work with MADD Cranbrook Kimberley regarding suitable key locations.

4. That the RCMP be requested to review the issue of vehicle speeds on 2nd Street South and Baker Mountain Road and report back to the Committee.
Councillor Cross commented on item 4 and asked if the City could not be more creative in reducing speed by installing traffic calmers of some type.  Speeding issues always seem to fall under the jurisdiction of the RCMP who have plenty of other duties.  Council discussed this briefly and need to establish the city boundary and where jurisdictions change.

Highway 3 Committee

That Council approve the recommendation from the Highway 3/95 Revitalization Committee:

"That Council gives the go ahead to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) regarding the development of the proposed East Entrance pullout with the proviso that the City contributes funds towards information, signage, and landscaping of the proposed location."

ALTERNATIVE:

Do not approve the Committee recommendation, and request a deferral to 2014 from MOTI and include in the City's 2014 Budget discussions.
Not approved due to budget restraints and suitability of location.

New Business

12.1 Brick Building

Whereas Council has unanimously passed a motion to demolish the Brick

Building, formerly known as the Works and Electrical Building, behind City Hall.

And Whereas this demolition could be carried out any time.

And Whereas a civic-minded community group has voluntarily come forward

with a plan to secure the building for possible future uses.

And Whereas this group intends to fund-raise and solicit grants from government

and the private sector to carry out its plan, but can't reasonably do this unless the

City guarantees the demolition order will not be acted on for a reasonable length of

time.

And whereas this group has building and construction expertise as well as

promises of donations in-kind and voluntary labour to secure the building.

And whereas an archivist has unearthed many historical facts about the building's

80-year history and its unique architectural features.

And whereas there has been much public comment in favour of saving the

building in the media and through emails to City Hall.

And whereas the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History and the East

Kootenay Historical Society have both called for the building to be saved.

And whereas a number of possible uses have been suggested for the building if

it's preserved.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City's demolition order be suspended

for one year after passage of this motion to give the community group an

opportunity to secure the Brick Building and redevelop it into a structure that

would serve the City and preserve Cranbrook's brick heritage.

Moved by Councillor Gerry Warner

A lively discussion followed Councillor Warner's motion.  Mayor Stetski opened the discussion by saying he was in favour of the motion for three reasons:

He felt consultation was important and that in other major decisions, groups had been offered consultation; knowledgeable people needed to listened to. (the City does not employ an historical expert)
He felt the depth of community passion should be respected. 
He felt architectural creativity would be able to take care of any future integration of the building as is done in all major cities and towns.

Councillor Davis felt the building had outlived its usefulness and needed to be demolished.  Councillor Scott felt a decision had been made and wanted to follow through with demolition and to reuse the bricks in a different location.  She also questioned the legitimacy of a 'delay motion'  She felt there was urgency as the building according to the city's report, is unsafe.  She felt questions such as whether the space was needed for parking should be asked.
Councillor Warner defended his motion and read part of a letter printed in the Townman a few weeks prior from Councillor Davis, defending heritage.

The motion carried with Councillors Davis, Scott and Pallesen opposed.

12.2    Development Variance

To consider approval of an application for a Development Variance Permit for the relaxation of Section 7.09 (3) (c) Regulations of the "Rural Residential (Country) RR-8 Zone" (Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw) to decrease the minimum required front, rear and interior parcel line setbacks for the development of a property located at 3113 - 2nd Street S. 
Not approved

12.3 Referral from RDEK

PURPOSE:

 To consider a referral from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) for a proposed amendment to the Rockyview Official Community Plan (OCP) and Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaws to accommodate an 11 lot residential subdivision with a proposed vacant remainder lot for park use in the Jim Smith Lake Area.

RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff

That Council not recommend approval of proposed Bylaw No. 2486 and Bylaw No. 2487
Carried
It was pointed out by Councillor Cross that this subdivision has been opposed from the beginning and that more residential impact on such a small lake is not a good thing.  Councillor Whetham felt a public hearing would be in order and voiced his surprise at the time that the precedent setting approval for a previous subdivision at water's edge had been approved.

Bylaws

13.1 Sign Bylaw

 Adoption
Adopted to to obvious relief of administration by the outburst of cheers and applause! 

13.2

Zoning Amendment for

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3299

In an attached cover letter, the applicant indicates that the proposed amendment is in support of a new, mobile recreational vehicle (RV) repair service, which satisfies a growing need for mobile RV repairs. While primarily a mobile business, the existing building and repair bay on the property would also serve as a location for RV repairs and the storage of parts. The applicant indicates the location is convenient to the growing RV travel along the highway.
First and Second readings carried.

Brown Bag Lunch with the Mayor Wednesday August 14th Council Chambers Noon