Vinyl Cafe

If you didn't have a chance to listen to Stuart MClean's Christmas Concert for this year, it is well worth the listen.  The musical year in review at the end of the show is great.
http://player.fm/series/vinyl-cafe-stories-from-cbc-radio/vinyl-cafe-december-28th-2013-christmas-concert-2013   The first scratchy bit quickly disappears.

Reflect and Reset

Reflection is the theme at this time of year.  Looking back and assessing the trajectory we set for ourselves is complicated.  Now, more than ever for many, a major reset is necessary but whether it will be possible remains the responsibility of a collective determination.

This article from the Smithosian Institute is informative about the need.

2013 was a great year for science. We discovered hundreds of exoplanets, found yet more evidence of ancient water on Mars and learned all about our species’ own evolution.

But it’s important to remember that, in terms of the long-term survival of both our species and all others on the planet, 2013 is remarkable for a much darker reason. It’s a year in which we’ve pushed the climate further than ever away from its natural state, learned more than ever about the dire the consequences of doing so, and done as little as ever to stop it.

As greenhouse gas emissions soar unabated and the ramifications become rapidly apparent, here’s a rundown of what we learned about climate change in 2013:

All six things can be read at:

http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2013/12/six-things-we-learned-about-our-changing-climate-in-2013/

Here are the last two:

5. There’s not nearly enough being done to stop climate change. There have been some bright spots in 2013: Production of renewable energy in the U.S. has continued to increase, now accounting for a little over 14 percent of the country’s net energy generation. Due to this trend—and the continued decline of coal, replaced in part by less carbon-dense natural gas—U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are at the lowest levelsthey’ve been in twenty years.

But this apparent good news simply hides another troubling trend: Instead of burning our coal, we’re simply exporting more and more of it abroad, especially to China. And unfortunately, there are no borders in the atmosphere. The climate’s going to change no matter where fossil fuels are burned.

This further emphasizes the need for an international agreement to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, something negotiators have repeatedly tried and failed to reach before. Climate activists are hopeful that the 2015 round of UN negotiations, to be held in France, will result in a meaningful agreement, but there are a lot of hurdles to be cleared before that can happen.

6. There is one key formula to preventing catastrophic climate change. The amount of data and fine detail involved in calculating climate change projections can seem overwhelming, but a report released this summer by the International Energy Authority articulates the basic math.

Of all existing fossil fuel reserves that are still in the Earth—all of the coal, oil and natural gas—we must ultimately leave two-thirds unburned, in the ground, to avoid warming the climate more than 2° Celsius (3.6° Fahrenheit), a number scientists recognize as a target for avoiding catastrophic climate change.

If we can figure out a way to stay within this carbon budget before it’s too late, we can still avert a climate disaster. If we can’t, then we too might look back at today’s record-breaking temperatures, droughts and floods as a fond memory of milder times.

Christmas 1895

In the issue of December 28th, 1895, the Prospector comments: “Christmas was celebrated in the good old-fashioned way in Fort Steele. What we wanted was turkey and mince pie; what we got was old-time bacon, bread and coffee. And yet we enjoyed it and are contented and happy.” “ The boys at the North Star mine are putting on airs; they had turkey for their Christmas dinner.”

“Last evening several sleigh loads of ladies and gentlemen drove to N. Hanson’s place at Wasa, and arrived in good time to enjoy a sumptuous spread which had been arranged for them. After the banquet the floor was cleared for dancing. H. W. Barnes, who arranged the trip, acted as floor manager. Before leaving, the boys voted Mine Host Hanson many happy returns of the season. Amongst the guests were Mr. and Mrs. Wade, Mr. and Mrs. Durick, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth, Mrs. Levett, Mrs. Broulette, Miss Bailey, Miss Ethel Frizzel, Messrs. Baker, Edwards, Frizzel, Norbury, Olson, Grassick, Dempsey and Willmott.”

The first building on the townsite proper of Cranbrook was the Cranbrook Hotel, erected by James Ryan and Angus Morrison. It was opened for business on December 23rd, 1897, and on the 25th gave the first public Christmas dinner ever served in Cranbrook. There were no people living in town for the simple reason that there was no town at the time, and no buildings except a few shacks used by the C. P. R. construction gangs to store supplies. These shacks were on railway property, not the townsite. A. Leitch had his sawmill running near town, and it was the mill boys that made up the party on that pioneer Christmas Day. At the table were George Leitch, Sam Morrow, H. Parsons, Geo. Wales, Fred Hazen and Arthur Trent.

The Christmas Concert

As with many Elementary Schools, Christmas Concerts were held during the last week of school.  Here Gordon Terrace celebrates Christmas Around the World.

St. Mary Cold

More photos from Stewart taken during the recent very cold snap

Sunrise, Sunset

photos -Stewart Wilson

What's Happening......

Friday December 20th

Charity Recital
Royal Stewart Highland Dancers
 present
'A Highland Christmas'
Royal Alexandra Hall, 7:00pm
Saturday December 21st
Admission by donation - proceeds to Salvation Army

Saturday December 21st

Social Dance
Cranbrook Seniors Hall
250-489-2720

December 19th to 29th

Fort Steele
'Every Christmas Story Ever Told
A Family friendly comedy mashing up every Christmas Story you ever saw.  Frosty, Rudolf, Elves, Scrooge and more.  Starring Brent Gill, Peter Schalk, and Dana Doucette. Tickets $15 for adults. Members$13 Children under 12 $5

Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Friday, December 20, 2013 at 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Sunday, December 22, 2013 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Thursday, December 26, 2013 at 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Friday, December 27, 2013 at 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Sunday, December 29, 2013 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm


December 28th

Cranbrook Christmas Bird Count
December 28th
Greg Ross 250-489-2566

December 29th
Fort Steele in December
Sleigh Rides, Father Christmas in Lambi House to pose for pictures
Pets welcome
Complimentary hot apple cider and cookies.

Shopping with Elves

An elf greets the next shoppers.

Santa's Shop was a busy place recently as P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) members helped younger members of Cranbrook's community do their Christmas shopping.  Santa was on hand to make sure the Elves assisted the young shoppers with their requests.  A background of Christmas music provided a fun atmosphere while these young shoppers received help with the purchasing, wrapping and labelling of their gifts before Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa picked them up from their private shopping spree.

Many Cranbrook businesses donated gifts for this third annual special event put on by the P.A.R.T.Y. program.  Proceeds go towards their programming and literature.

Time to pay

Wrapping corner

Will you write it or shall I help?

Santa kept a watchful eye

Blast from the Past follow-up

Courier November 29th 1945

P.A.R.T.Y.

A chapter of the P.A.R.T.Y.program is busy in Cranbrook under the direction of Mandie Bessie.  P.A.R.T.Y. programs exist all over the world.
http://www.partyprogram.com/
Prevent Alcohol and Risk related Trauma in Youth.

Blast from the Past - Eruption

Cranbrook Courier November 25th 1945

Snowy Elizabeth Lake

photos - Stewart Wilson

What I Learned from Nelson Mandela, Boyd Varty

Michael's Musings

Living "underneath the mountain" at Christmas

By Michael J Morris

As Good  King Wenceslas walks with his page, "a poor man came in sight, Gathering winter fuel." The page tells him that this man lives "underneath the mountain."

Now, the popular Christmas carol 'Good King Wenceslas' addresses a subject that I never thought much about as a child growing up in a small village in Northern Ontario. I had my family, friends and a community where people cared about and helped each other in times of need.

In the first part of the carol King Wenceslas looked out and saw the snow with the moon shining bright in about the year 1000, and he could have been describing the weather on almost any Christmas Eve in any Canadian community.

He suggests it was a beautiful Winter night and it probably was, one with which most of us who have spent our lives in Canada can easily relate.

Music was an important part of our home, and that's how I became acquainted with King Wenceslas as a boy.

It became the carol that to me applied most to the weather at Christmas time. Looking outside before leaving for Christmas Eve service, "the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel..."

Before I go any further with King Wenceslas, I only recently discovered that he was not really a king, but the Duke of Bohemia, and he was looking out on the Feast of St Stephen, the day after Christmas. 

To me it doesn't really matter as the carol brings back fond memories and delivers a message that applies to this day -- in Cranbrook, and across this vast and magnificent land, there are people living "underneath the mountain."

I have spent Christmas in other Canadian communities, and no matter where I have been, it seems Good King Wenceslas was my theme song. The lyrics were published in 1853 by the English hymn writer John Mason Neale.

But I have to admit that it is only in recent years that I have reflected more on the real message.

There they are, the King and his page and "a poor man came in sight, Gathering winter fuel." The page tells him that this man lives "underneath the mountain."

On Christmas Eve those many years ago, as we greeted people on the street who were going to or coming from their respective churches, I never really thought about those who may be homeless and without food--- living underneath the mountain, so to speak.

The good King took immediate action though telling his page to gather food and wine and pine logs that they would take to the peasant and see him dine,"through the rude wind's wild lament, And the bitter weather."

The page was ready to give up as the night grew darker and wind blew stronger, but the King encouraged him and they made it to their destination.

Here is the message in the last words from 'Good King Wenceslas', "Therefore ... be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, Shall yourselves find blessing."

As many of you know, especially my former students, I love metaphor and have been collecting them all my life. I hope I have not mixed them too badly as I have talked about the Good King Wenceslas.

At this Christmas time, I extend my very best wishes to my family and friends who have shared moments of their lives with me during the past year. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas.

My thoughts also turn to all those good people, who have shared some moments of their lives with me, past and present, in so many communities across our country. Joyeux Noel!

I hope all of us will take a moment from our busy schedules of the holiday season to, in some way, bless the poor, and therein, find blessing. 

Your comments, as always, welcome. 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.........

December 11th - 14th

Cranbrook Community Theatre
'Visiting Mr Green'
Studio/Stage Door
8:00pm
Tickets at Lotus Books or at the door.

Saturday December 14th

Affordable Art
Key City Theatre
11:00am - 4:00pm

Origami with Steve Bondy
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
135Tenth Avenue South
Call Helen at 250-426-4223

Sunday December 15th

Fort Steele in December
Skating
Sleigh Rides
Father Christmas in Lambi House
Complimentary hot apple cider and cookies
Live Show

Gordon Terrace School Raising Funds for Nepal

 You may still be lucky if you pop by the school!  Great Gifts.

 HUGE CHRISTMAS SALE

FRIENDS OF NEPAL - GORDON TERRACE SCHOOL

December 9 -12, 2013 front hallway of school 3:00 - 3:30 pm

**** REUSABLE FABRIC CHRISTMAS BAGS - $3.00 each

         Reuse these bags every year for gifts to reduce paper waste - sewn by

 Mrs. Ruoss’ grade one class.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**** FILLED ZIPPERED FABRIC BAGS - $5.00 each

KITCHEN BAGS - made from fruit or vegetable themed fabric with appropriate tool inside to match the fabric to help you in the kitchen.  Band-aids supplied!

TRAVEL BAGS - contains a variety of travel essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, sewing kits, mouthwash, lotion, hand wipes, nail file, tissue, toothpaste, safety pins, etc.  Not all the bags contain the same items.

TEA BAGS - contains individually wrapped herbal tea bags.

COFFEE BAGS - contains instant espresso, iced coffee, coffee spoon

We also have a few MAN BAGS, DENTAL BAGS, SEWING BAGS, LADIES BAGS - filled with appropriate items.  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**** CHRISTMAS PILLOW CASES - $5.00 each - sewn by grade 6

            student Emily Sartorel

**** CHRISTMAS GIFT TAGS - $4.00 box 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**** EMPTY ZIPPERED FABRIC BAGS - $3.00 each

CHRISTMAS BAGS - to be filled with your own small Christmas treasures

COSMETIC BAGS - to be filled with your own cosmetics

PENCIL CASES WITH PENCIL - to be filled with your child’s basic supplies 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

**** FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS - $1.00 - $3.00 each - made by

            girls in Mrs. Levang’s class

We are now raising funds for school supplies, furniture and outdoor playground equipment for the village primary school in Nepal that we have helped to build.           

Cranbrook - A Welcoming Community Part 2

A Message from Mayor Stetski

Click to enlarge

Post Notes for the Council meeting of December 9th 2013

Note: City Budget Discussions TODAY Tuesday December 10 2013 Council Chambers 1:00pm - 5:00pm  Public welcome to observe.

Council Enquiries
Mayor Stetski discussed the poor road conditions and assured residents crews are doing what they can in difficult circumstances.
Councillor Pallesen reported that businesses would like a list of what needs to be done, when and at what cost in order to start a business.  She also asked if DCC's could be paid over a longer period of time. 

Administration Update
This can be read in full at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3511

Shaw rebroadcast of WHL Games, Engineering -2103 Capital Roads Program, Fire and Emergency Services, Library Services

Correspondence
9.1 -9.10
9.1  Call for Nominations for the Order of British Columbia
9.2  Community Works Fund Final payment of $393, 902 to City.
9.3  Correspondence from UBCM concerning the proposed changes to the Federal Policy on Additions to Reserve and Reserve Creation.
Councillor Whetham commented that the letter from UBCM was vague in its response to council.  There appeared to be some misunderstanding of the issue in Councillor Davis's comments that nothing needs to be done as there already is a working relationship with the First Nations and the land they own within the City. He is correct BUT this issue refers to proposed changes which might possibly put Municipal Governance in conflict with First Nations Governance should reserve status be given to land within the City. Municipalities are concerned about how this might work and what needs to be done to mitigate this problem.
9.4 Citizen letter concerning sidewalk clearing and speed zones
9.5  Letter from citizen with concerns about the 2nd St proposed upgrade and the Moir Park project
9.6  Letter from Citizen regarding 2nd St proposed upgrade and Moir Park
Comment
Better understanding of how these projects would be financed might ease concerns.  Mayor Stetski has made this information available on more than one occasion through Council Meetings and the Townsman.
With regards to the comment that came in to this blog;
It is our understanding the city has a roads budget.  Projects requiring extra grant funding must first be planned and cost estimates provided to the government for the grant to be received.  If the grant is not forthcoming the project would not go ahead in that format.  The Anonymous commentator might do well to attend the City Budget meeting to gain further understanding or discuss this further with City staff.  
http://issuu.com/blackpress/docs/i20131125100002391
9.7  Target donation to School Nutrition Program.  $22,000 will be donated to the Cranbrook School Nutrition program. from Target's donation.
9.8  Letter from Shirley Bond re Jobs Program
9.9  Pembina Institute Energy Efficient Buildings
A resolution was put forward by Councillor Cross to support the Pembina Institute's recommendations with regards to building standards.  These standards would ensure that new buildings would meet sustainable standards. 

WHEREAS the City of Cranbrook has signed onto the Climate Action Charter, amended its Building bylaw, completed an Erosion and Sediment Control Bylaw, hired an energy manager in conjunction with BC Hydro, and are currently considering a project to assist our community in becoming more resilient to climate change; and

WHEREAS the City of Cranbrook supports our provincial government in strengthening provincial policies to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT:  the City send a letter to The Honourable Rich Coleman, and The Honourable Bill Bennett, supporting local government leadership on energy efficient buildings to achieve climate targets as per the template provided by the Pembina Institute. 
Councillors Scott and Pallesen stated they were concerned about the potential cost implications which they felt might be involved. The resolution was defeated with Councillors Warner, Scott, Pallesen and Davis opposed.
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3520
9.10  Interior Health Community Support for health care positions.  It was suggested Service groups might like to become involved in this issue.

New Business

12.1  Coffee with the Mayor Report
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3522

12.2  Mayor's Brown Bag Lunch Report
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3523

12.3  Appointments of Council members to City Committees. organisations and regional appointments

12.4  Resolution to Policy
RESOLUTION
Submitted by Councillor S. Cross
WHEREAS the business of the City lays solely with staff, Mayor and Council, volunteers and the CAO and not spouses/partners; and
WHEREAS taxpayer dollars are meant for the betterment of the City, including necessary travel
of the aforementioned;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: Policy No. 40-301 of the Policy & Procedures Manual  titled Travel/Expense Claims be amended to delete paragraph four, such as "Spousal/partner  travel and event costs shall be reimbursed upon approval of the Mayor for members of Council,  Volunteers and the CAO. Spousal/partner travel and event costs shall be reimbursed for City personnel upon approval of the CAO
Councillor Davis defended the policy but in light of the fact that there have been no requests for spousal funding in this term the motion was defeated.

12.5  RESOLUTION
Submitted by Councillor S. Cross
WHEREAS the number one response to the Columbia Basin Trust's Community Engagement (East 1), is to encourage and support local food production, marketing and selling; and
WHEREAS the 2013 UBCM unanimously supported the return of Farm Gate Sales as a key element to our food security and local economy;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: letters be forwarded to Ministers Bill Bennett and Pat Pimm supporting the independence of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) as a Provincial agency responsible for the Province's land use zone in favour of agriculture to fulfill its mandate; and
THAT the City of Cranbrook supports the preservation and protection of farmland in the Province's Agricultural Land Reserve as a fundamental element of a sustainable future in British Columbia and a reduction of the effectiveness of the ALR is not an effective means of saving money for the provincial government; and
THAT the foundation of any economy is the ability to produce food; and speculation in agricultural land for future development is driving up the cost of agricultural land, threatening farming businesses in BC and BC's food sovereignty. Preservation of farmland by removal of speculation and reinforcing the ALC and preservation of the ALR for food production is an important contribution to the BC economy; and
THAT if another review of the ALC and the ALR is deemed important by the Provincial Government, a substantially longer period be afforded to local governments and the public to provide input.
Councillor Scott felt the resolution was "premature."  She felt there were areas where food production was not possible.  It was pointed out that a recent local case concerning family farming and the request for a small portion of land to be removed from the ALR has been resolved.  The resolution did pass with Councillors Scott and Pallesen opposed.


12.6  Approval for Council Meeting Dates 2014
Slight changes to remove Council Meeting dates from School Spring break were made and the amended dates were approved.

12.7  Approval for Schedule for Acting Mayor Appointments for 2014
Approved

12.8  Appointments to City Committees

Committee Appointments

Apologies for any names that may not be correctly spelled.

Advisory Planning: Dave Heite Dave Butler Jason Wheeldon

Board of Variance: Robert Kristik

Cranbrook in Motion:  Pat Whelan, John Derula, Corporal Barry Graham, Ingrid Brakop

Kareen Peters, Don Calgren

Library:   David Clark,  Ann McLachlan, Denny Milner; Jim Conley, James Shepherd, Tazy Trouzas

Economic Development:   Darryl Bethune Joseph Cross ,

Utilities:  no applicants

Family and Community Services:  Jennifer Krotz, Nancy Zier, Constable Nancy Schlatter,  Jen Westcott

Highway 3/95 Revitalisation: Jeremy Youngward; Joey Hoeschman; Iain McLeod, Linda Birch

Chris Nahm

Urban Deer: Brandy Wilson, Irene Teske

Wellness and Heritage: Jenny Humphrey, Axel Chore, Chris Johns, Sandy Zeznik, Yvonne Nelson

Key City Theatre: Russ Stelmack 

12.9  Request for TM Mobile
To seek Council's approval of a request for concurrence by Altus Group Limited on behalf of TM Mobile Inc. (TELUS) for the construction and installation and operation of a wireless telecommunications facility to be located at 1125 Cobham Avenue West, Cranbrook, BC.
Approved

12.10  Parking Variance Hospital for ICU
This request elicited much discussion about the need for extra parking.  It seemed Councillor Scott felt that the extra parking need to be included in this variance request.  However as Councillor Whetham stated, in order for the ICU to go ahead this Variance needed to be approved.  Motion carried with Councillor Scott opposed. 

12.11
PURPOSE:
To consider approval of an application for a Downtown Commercial Development Permit to enable exterior (facade) renovations for an existing commercial building located at 828 Baker Street, zoned C-1 - Community Commercial Zone, and located within the Downtown Commercial Development Permit area.

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3532
Carried

12.12  Cranbrook Urban Governance

PURPOSE: 

To seek a resolution from Council as to whether the City will enter into, or decline participation in, the proposed" Memorandum of Understanding: Cranbrook Urban Governance Collaborative". 

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3533

At Council's Regular meeting of November 25, 2013 a draft document was presented to Council as a late item for Council's consideration. The document entitled "Memorandum of Understanding Cranbrook Urban Governance Collaborative" is an initiative led by the Ktunaxa Nation Council and "Reaching the RiskyPartners", the latter being an entity with which Administration has no familiarity. The purpose of the document is to establish a partnership of social service and health related organizations that will work together to coordinate and improve the delivery of health, mental health and related support services for the urban Aboriginal population and other marginalized persons. The document identifies the MOU's Geographic Area, or geographic scope, as the "Ktunaxa Traditional Territory", however the focus is clearly on the Cranbrook urban populations. As such the City of Cranbrook appears to be the only local government targeted as a potential signatory I partner to the MOU of the seventeen signatories currently proposed. In addition, the roles, obligations and commitments of the individual organizations are not clearly 

defined. Reference to Terms of Reference is made without them being provided. In the absence of such details, no potential partnering organization in this initiative is able to make an informed decision as to whether or not to enter into the MOU.
The resolution to decline was approved.

12.13  Economic Development Committee

To seek a resolution of Council amending the Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Committee by increasing the number of voting members from eight (8) to ten (10) to provide a position on the committee for each of the following business organizations: the Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association.
Carried
It was suggested by Councillor Warner that it might also be appropriate to include a Labour Council representative. This suggestion will be taken back to the Committee.

Advance Council Notes for the Council Meeting of December 9th 2013

Administration Update
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3511

Shaw rebroadcast of WHL Games,Engineering -2103 Capital Roads Program, Fire and Emergency Services, Library Services

Correspondence
9.1 -9.10
9.1  Call for Nominations for the Order of British Columbia
9.2  Community Works Fund Final payment of $393, 902 to City.
9.3  Correspondence from UBCM concerning the proposed changes to the Federal Policy on Additions to Reserve and Reserve Creation.
9.4 Citizen letter concerning sidewalk clearing and speed zones
9.5  Letter from citizen with concerns about the 2nd St proposed upgrade and the Moir Park project
9.6  Letter from Citizen regarding 2nd St proposed upgrade and Moir Park
Comment
Better understanding of how these projects would be financed might ease concerns.  Mayor Stetski has made this information available on more than one occasion through Council Meetings and the Townsman.
http://issuu.com/blackpress/docs/i20131125100002391
9.7  Target donation to School Nutrition Program
9.8  Letter from Shirley Bond re Jobs Program
9.9  Pembina Institute Energy Efficient Buildings
9.10  Interior health Community Support for health care positions

New Business

12.1  Coffee with the Mayor Report
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3522

12.2  Mayor's Brown Bag Lunch Report
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3523

12.3  Appointments of Council members to City Committees. organisations and regional appointments

12.4  Resolution to Policy
RESOLUTION
Submitted by Councillor S. Cross
WHEREAS the business of the City lays solely with staff, Mayor and Council, volunteers and the CAO and not spouses/partners; and
WHEREAS taxpayer dollars are meant for the betterment of the City, including necessary travel
of the aforementioned;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: Policy No. 40-301 of the Policy & Procedures Manual  titled Travel/Expense Claims be amended to delete paragraph four, such as "Spousal/partner  travel and event costs shall be reimbursed upon approval of the Mayor for members of Council,  Volunteers and the CAO. Spousal/partner travel and event costs shall be reimbursed for City personnel upon approval of the CAO

12.5  RESOLUTION
Submitted by Coun.cillor S. Cross
WHEREAS the number one response to the Columbia Basin Trust's Community Engagement (East 1), is to encourage and support local food production, marketing and selling; and
WHEREAS the 2013 UBCM unanimously supported the return of Farm Gate Sales as a key element to our food security and local economy;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: letters be forwarded to Ministers Bill Bennett and Pat Pimm supporting the independence of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) as a Provincial agency responsible for the Province's land use zone in favour of agriculture to fulfill its mandate; and
THAT the City of Cranbrook supports the preservation and protection of farmland in the Province's Agricultural Land Reserve as a fundamental element of a sustainable future in British Columbia and a reduction of the effectiveness of the ALR is not an effective means of saving money for the provincial government; and
THAT the foundation of any economy is the ability to produce food; and speculation in agricultural land for future development is driving up the cost of agricultural land, threatening farming businesses in BC and BC's food sovereignty. Preservation of farmland by removal of speculation and reinforcing the ALC and preservation of the ALR for food production is an important contribution to the BC economy; and
THAT if another review of the ALC and the ALR is deemed important by the Provincial Government, a substantially longer period be afforded to local governments and the public to provide input.

12.6  Approval for Council meeting Dates 2014

12.7  Approval for Schedule for Acting Mayor Appointments for 2014

12.8  Appointments to Committees

12.9  Request for TM Mobile
To seek Council's approval of a request for concurrence by Altus Group Limited on behalf of TM Mobile Inc. (TELUS) for the construction and installation and operation of a wireless telecommunications facility to be located at 1125 Cobham Avenue West, Cranbrook, BC.

12.10  Parking Variance Hospital for ICU

12.11
PURPOSE:
To consider approval of an application for a Downtown Commercial Development Permit to enable exterior (facade) renovations for an existing commercial building located at 828 Baker Street, zoned C-1 - Community Commercial Zone, and located within the Downtown Commercial Development Permit area.

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3532

12.12  Cranbrook Urban Governance

PURPOSE: 

To seek a resolution from Council as to whether the City will enter into, or decline participation in, the proposed" Memorandum of Understanding: Cranbrook Urban Governance Collaborative". 

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3533

At Council's Regular meeting of November 25, 2013 a draft document was presented to Council as a late item for Council's consideration. The document entitled "Memorandum of Understanding Cranbrook Urban Governance Collaborative" is an initiative led by the Ktunaxa Nation Council and "Reaching the RiskyPartners", the latter being an entity with which Administration has no familiarity. The purpose of the document is to establish a partnership of social service and health related organizations that will work together to coordinate and improve the delivery of health, mental health and related support services for the urban Aboriginal population and other marginalized persons. The document identifies the MOU's Geographic Area, or geographic scope, as the "Ktunaxa Traditional Territory", however the focus is clearly on the Cranbrook urban populations. As such the City of Cranbrook appears to be the only local government targeted as a potential signatory I partner to the MOU of the seventeen signatories currently proposed. In addition, the roles, obligations and commitments of the individual organizations are not clearly 

defined. Reference to Terms of Reference is made without them being provided. In the absence of such details, no potential partnering organization in this initiative is able to make an informed decision as to whether or not to enter into the MOU.

12.13  Economic Development Committee

To seek a resolution of Council amending the Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Committee by increasing the number of voting members from eight (8) to ten (10) to provide a position on the committee for each of the following business organizations: the Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association.

Beautifully Cold

photos Stewart Wilson

Michael's Musings

Desmond Tutu on Nelson Mandela: "Only truly great persons apologize easily; they are not insecure."

By Michael J Morris

When I heard the news that Nelson Mandela had died at age 95, my first thoughts were that he, more than any other in my lifetime at least, embodied love, compassion, forgiveness, truth and reconciliation.

Here was a man who, according to Desmond Tutu, the Anglican church Bishop Emeritus of Capetown, South Africa, writing in the Washington Post, "set aside the bitterness of enduring 27 years in apartheid prisons – and the weight of centuries of colonial division, subjugation and repression – to personify the spirit and practice of ubuntu. He perfectly understood that people are dependent on other people in order for individuals and society to prosper."

Mr. Mandela in his own words said" "If people can learn to hate they can be taught to love for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

I went to Twitter for the breaking news on the death of the former president of South Africa, something perhaps I should not have done at the moment for Mr. Mandela, along with Archishop Tutu, Rev. Martin  Luther King Jr and Ghandi top the list of my heroes.

Among the condolences being offered were some from politicians at more than one level of government who are surrounded by scandal, deceit, coverups and lies, who in my view did not belong on the stage with Mr. Mandela.

I immediately thought of the opening of  'The Hollow Men' by T.S. Eliot:

We are the hollow men
We are the stuffed men
Leaning together
Headpiece filled with straw. Alas!
Our dried voices, when
We whisper together
Are quiet and meaningless
As wind in dry grass
Or rats’ feet over broken glass
In our dry cellar.

But, as so often happens, the next item on Twitter was a tribute to Mr. Mandela by Archbishop Tutu from the Washington  Post and put aside my feelings about some Canadian politicians -- at least for the moment.

The archbishop wrote:

"The truth is that the 27 years Madiba spent in the belly of the apartheid beast deepened his compassion and capacity to empathize with others. On top of the lessons about leadership and culture to which he was exposed growing up, and his developing a voice for young people in anti-apartheid politics, prison seemed to add an understanding of the human condition.

"Like a most precious diamond honed deep beneath the surface of the earth, the Madiba who emerged from prison in January 1990 was virtually flawless.

"Instead of calling for his pound of flesh, he proclaimed the message of forgiveness and reconciliation, inspiring others by his example to extraordinary acts of nobility of spirit."

I share some more of the archbishop's column.

And, he added that Mr. Mandela was also "sufficiently comfortable in his own skin, in his own ability to determine right from wrong, that he displayed few of the insecurities associated with many politicians. He was able to accept criticism – and even prepared to apologize when he felt he an apology was due."

"People warmed to him because they knew, they felt in their bones, that he cared genuinely. He was consumed by this passion to serve because he believed that a leader exists for the sake of the led, not for self-aggrandizement or self-promotion."

"Can you imagine what would have happened to us had Nelson Mandela emerged from prison in 1990 bristling with resentment at the gross miscarriage of justice that had occurred in the Rivonia trial? Can you imagine where South Africa would be today had he been consumed by a lust for revenge, to want to pay back for all the humiliations and all the agony that he and his people had suffered at the hands of their white oppressors?"

Let me return to our present crop of politicians for a moment and leave them and us, with one parting comment made by Archbishop Tutu who won the Nobel Peace Prize,  about Mr. Mandela. "Politicians find it almost impossible to apologize. Only truly great persons apologize easily; they are not insecure."

Nelson Mandela was one of those truly  great persons. May he rest in peace. Requiescat in pace.

Your comments, as always, welcome. 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 December 7th

Cranbrook and District Arts Council Family Gingerbread House Contest
Up to 4 family members on a team
everything supplied
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
11:30am
135, Tenth Av S.
One place left call 250 426-4223 to register

'Visiting Mr. Green'

Cranbrook Community Theatre 

Studio/Side Door

8:00pm

Also December 11 to 14

Tickets Lotus Books or at door

Sunday December 8th

Fort Steele in December

Father Christmas in Lambi House

Hot Apple Cider and cookies

Skating and Sleigh Rides

Polar Express Showing at 2:00pm and 6:00pm in the Theatre

Monday December 9th

Wade Davis

Why Ancient Wisdom Matters to the World

Key City Theatre

7-10:pm

Saturday December 14th

A repeat workshop due to popular demand

Cranbrook and District Arts Council

Introduction to Origami

Register now to assure a spot

250-426-4223

Affordable Art

The Key City Theatre will be hosting an Affordable Art Reception and Christmas Craft Fair on December 14th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This event provides local artists with the opportunity to showcase in our gallery 3 pieces of art that are priced under $300.00 each.  26 artists from across the East Kootenays have submitted more than 70 pieces in a wide variety of styles.

This event will include a meet and greet with local artists, live music, 20 local crafters and artisans tables, refreshments and door prizes. Admission is free and provides a great opportunity to purchase some last minute gifts and stocking stuffers from local artisans. For more information contact Nick at 250 426 7006.