Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society provides grassroots leadership and an inclusive process, with a voice for all community members, to ensure that our community grows and develops in a way that incorporates an environmental ethic, offers a range of housing and transportation choices, encourages a vibrant and cultural life and supports sustainable, meaningful employment and business opportunities.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

What's Happening......

Bazaar Season begins;

Friday November 1st

Sweet Soul Burlesque
rescheduled from last week's cancelled performance
Key City Theatre
8:00pm $25

Curl for Kids
Big Brothers Big Sisters 250-489-3111

Saturday November 2nd

University Women's Bazaar
Cranbrook Curling Club
10:00am - 4:00pm

Sunday November 3rd

Piano at the Key
The Bergmann Piano Duo
3:00pm $25

Monday November 4th

Travelogue
COR
with the Pfeiffers
Goblins and Pumpkins
Hiking Canyons in Utah and Arizona

Tuesday November 5th

Downtown City Hall Block Workshop

7:00 - 9:00pm

The purpose of the workshop is to provide the public with a hands-on opportunity to identify interests and provide input on the future use of buildings and lands on the City Hall block in downtown. There will be a short presentation at 7:00 pm followed by the workshop. The buildings include City Hall, RCMP building, the little brick electrical building, the Firehall and empty lots.
Manual Training School Cranbrook Public Library 1212 2nd Street North, Cranbrook
If you are interested in participating please pre-register no later than Monday, November 4, 2013 by sending an email to cityspace@cranbrook.ca or by calling Rob Veg, Senior Planner at (250) 489-0241.

Wednesday November 6th
Judy Collins
Key City Theatre
$45




A Hidden Expression of Dark Art: Incognito

'Push us Back'


Just one of the several installations by Mt Baker Art students at the home of their teacher Cheryl Wilkinson. 

 "The exhibit above by India Sherret and Rosalie Dureski symbolises emotions tugging and pulling, people telling us how to act and feel. Struggling constantly between what we are and what others want us to be. Who are we? Are we ever really ourselves? Is it real or is it an act? Feel the conflict between acting and being, as fake emotions push you deeper into the pool and leave you drowning in an effort to reach reality"

These exhibits were open for one night only courtesy of a very generous teacher who permitted her home to be the backdrop for students' artwork.









Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Hallowe'en in the Gallery

Cranbrook and District Arts Council likes to get into the spirit of things, so there are no lack of treats at 135 Tenth Ave. South.  The new portraiture exhibit is hung and there are chocolate pumpkins which might get the attention of those inquisitive enough to venture in.  There is even colouring for the children.


Waste on Waist

Whitehorse aims for zero garbage!

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/North/ID/2414363638/?cmp=rss

Sunny Statistics

Following several days of fog (or mist) this article from the Huffington Post provides some clarity.
 

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/10/26/sunniest-cities-in-canada_n_4165107.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008

In Alberta, as is the case in most of the prairies, fog is a rarity, as are overcast, cloudy or generally gloomy days.
Parts of the province are so sunny that Canada's sunniest major city is in Alberta. The country's sunniest town is in Alberta. Heck, the sunniest piece of dirt in all of confederation is a chunk of prairie in the southeast corner of the province.
That little piece of sun-kissed turf is called Manyberries.

Manyberries, located approximately 300 km southeast of Calgary, gets 2,567 hours of glorious sunshine annually. Furthermore, the tiny hamlet sees sunshine 332 days each year. Yep, that's almost every day.

What about Cranbrook?  We are proud of being the sunniest City in BC but how do we rank in all of Canada?  Not only will you find out by reading this article, you will see some wonderful images.

Monday, October 28, 2013

One World Garden Series, Composting

The final workshop in the One World Garden Series, Can-Do Composting, is coming up this Saturday, November 2, 10-noon in Kimberley and 3-5pm in Cranbrook.  
In Can-Do Composting, we’ll be learning what kinds of things we can do to get our composts ready for winter and how to keep composting despite the cold weather.  A compost in your backyard is an incredibly beneficial nutrient source for your garden – and it’s a great way to reuse ‘waste’ from your kitchen and yard.  The best part about it is that it’s free!  This is a great place to bring troubleshooting questions about your own compost and review what can be done to help make your compost more efficient. 

The Kimberley workshop will be held from 10-noon at the Kimberley Community Allotment Garden, located on Wallinger Ave. beside Coronation Park and in Cranbrook from 3-5pm at the Public Produce Garden in Eric McKinnon Park

As usual, we'll have some fabulous local garden mentors to help us out, and we look forward to celebrating the last stages of the garden before winter cloaks us in her magic.
The workshops are free but require registration.  To register, in Cranbrook: cranbrookfood@gmail.com or call (250)427-7981, in Kimberley: shannon@wildsight.ca or call (250)427-2535 ext 223.


Cranbrook's North Sector Planning

If you are interested in how the City develops the North Sector, you may wish to attend this Open House.
North Sector Area Plan

This concerns the area between Wildstone and Shadow Mountain.  An Open House is scheduled in the Manual Training Centre for Tuesday October 29th for those interested. 7:00- 9:00pm

Cranbrook Curl for Kids, November 1st

 The deadline to register is Tuesday, October 29. 

You can also register or donate online at  www.cranbrook.kintera.org/curl

There will be a number of cool auction items including a home gym and a flight for two anywhere West Jet flies – they are the catalyst for getting your pledges in to support the more than 100 matches we currently have & to help us get the kids off of our waiting list!

Some other important details:
Date:               November 1, 2013 (Friday)
Time:               7:00 p.m. (til 11:00 p.m.)
Location:        Cranbrook Curling Centre. 1812 2nd Street South, Cranbrook BC
Theme:            It’s our 100th Anniversary so come dressed in your favourite decade – roaring twenties, swinging sixties, bad hair eighties! There will be prizes for best dressed.
SHOES:            Bring/wear appropriate clean shoes for when you’re on the ice.
Equipment:    You’re welcome to bring your own curling equipment, however we’ll hook you up if you don’t have any!

** Please bring your pledges with you on the evening **

We want to thank you for supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cranbrook and the youth and children we serve.

If you have any questions feel free to call us!

Description: Description: Description: signature logo  Dana Osiowy
Executive Director I Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cranbrook
Mail/ Box 207 Cranbrook, BC V1C 4H7
In Person/ 100 Cranbrook Street Suite 250 (Access Centre) Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 489-3111 I Fax: (250) 489-4216

http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/cranbrook

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Fort Steele Spooktacular











and then there was this macabre and clever young fellow .......one wonders if he knows of the story of Ann Boleyn.  Video follows with Stanley Holloway, of course!



Saturday, October 26, 2013

Pure Gold

 photos Jenny Humphrey and Stewart Wilson

dropped one
Those animals, including squirrels who hoard their winter food supplies are having a bonanza year for mushrooms.



Somebody's larder?


larch in fog

larch needles

8th Avenue

From Kimberley Ski Hill


Idlewild Poplar

Nuthatch

Friday, October 25, 2013

Michael's Musings

"Vengeance first,  justice later", not the Canadian way

By Michael J Morris

"What a mess", my friend said to me the other day as we were waiting in line to get coffee. He didn't have to explain the nature of the mess as Canadians on all sides of the political fence have been tweeting, commenting, liking, following and chatting over coffee about the Senate scandal that has been dominating the news.

Embattled Senator Mike Duffy raised the decibel level when he dropped bombshells in a speech directly implicating the prime minister in the mess. There is also a motion before the Senate to suspend Duffy and Senators Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau. 

Margaret Wente, a columnist with The Globe and Mail with whom I very seldom agree, wrote an excellent piece which I think summed it all up. In part Ms Wente wrote, "...his motto (Stephen Harper) is vengeance first, justice later. That’s why a two-bit scandal over dubious expense claims has morphed into a hideous embarrassment and profoundly shaken his government. The more the Conservatives have tried to rub their problem away, the bigger it’s gotten. And with an RCMP investigation in the works, anything is possible."

During the past week, the prime minister did appear in the House of Commons, and did give answers to questions, but as I tried to digest it all, it was Thomas Mulcair, the leader of the NDP and the Official Opposition who summed it up best by referring to the mess as a "culture of corruption."

I also thought of the line in Marmion by Sir Walter Scott, (often incorrectly attributed to William Shakespeare) "Oh. what a tangled web we weave/when first we practise to deceive".

It remains to be seen who Canadians will ultimately believe -- Duffy or the prime minister. It seems to me the time has come for all the players to testify under oath with full disclosure of all material related to the matter in an open forum, whether that be at an official judicial inquiry or in a courtroom should charges be laid.

My comment to my friend after he made his remark about the mess was, "If Duffy goes down, he will try to take others with him, including the PM" and that's exactly what he set out to do in his Senate speech.

I am really impressed with Senator Hugh Segal, a long time power in the Progressive Conservative Party who says he will not vote for the motion to suspend the three senators. 

Also  Senator Don Plett, a former president of the Conservative party appointed to the Senate by Harper in 2009, is not prepared to vote for the motion as it has been presented. 

Mr. Plett is quoted by Maclean's magazine: “My father introduced me to the world of politics at the young age of 15,” he said. “He counselled and mentored me. He was a Conservative all his life. But first and foremost, he was a man of ethics and integrity. He taught me not to let politics get in the way of doing the right thing. He taught me to vote my conscience.”

He added: “The problem here, is that we are trying to oversimplify a complex issue with a quick fix at the expense of three individuals, before giving them the opportunity to defend themselves and before we have had the opportunity to examine all of the facts of the respective cases.”

I think Mr. Plett's comments reflect the view of the vast majority of Canadians of all political persuasions. By and large Canadians are decent folks with a great sense of fair play who want to do the right thing.

We do not seek vengeance before justice as Ms Wente implies in her comments about the prime minister.

Let me share some comments I have received from Canadians in the past week and I really have no idea how they vote..

"I hope your comments will be taken to heart by conservatives and Harper and his government. Your have summarized very well what is wrong with our federal government of today.  Imagine former prime ministers not taking or answering questions.  I was really bothered in the last election when Tory candidates ... didn't even show up for all candidates meetings. What have we come to ?"

"We absolutely not re-elect that bunch we have in Ottawa. When I heard some of the highlites of the throne speech, I could not believe what I was hearing. The fact that unbundled television cable is worthy of Government attention to this extent. Let's also do something about those horrendous roaming charges for cell phones. I have to admit that I have not studied the whole thing yet. I will.
"If we do not start to do something about the egomaniac that is in Ottawa, we will have the same crap. Stevie started his federal career with a lie ( Reform Party will not make a deal ). He has only got much better at re-inventing the truth. There is much work that has to be done."

"Justin Trudeau and the Liberals better come up with a logical platform that is based on more than marijuana.
"The native situation has to be addressed. Stop the lying!! Imagine the United Nations investigating the way we treat native people."

Finally: "Can you believe all this. It is amazing how the cover-up (or is it the cover-up of the cover-up?) is almost always a bigger issue than the original issue!  Do politicians never learn?  I hope this is the start of the end for the Harper Conservatives.  They do not practice Canadian values."

What a mess, eh? 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.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

What's Happening......

Thursday October 24th

Art 21 Documentary
Theme this month "Identity"
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
135, Tenth Avenue S.
Free Entry and complimentary popcorn.
Discussion after.
6:00pm - 7:30pm

Saturday October 26th


Fort Steele
Hallowe'en Spooktakular
A Frightfully Fun Night For All Ages!

Tickets available at Fort Steele, in person or over the phone. In Cranbrook at the Chamber of Commerce, Safeway,  and Save-On-Foods. And in Kimberley at the Snow Drift Cafe.


4:00pm to 9:00pm
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Members receive a discount. Children 2 & under are free! Please call us at 250-417-6000 for more information.

Sweet Soul Burlesque

Key City Theatre
8:00pm $25

Sunday October 27th

Sunday October 27th, Monday 28th, and Tuesday 29th
Haunted Trains
Canadian Museum of Rail Travel
5-9:00pm
$5 per person, Children under 2,  free

Monday October 28th


Travelogue with Gerry Warner

7:00pm
College of the Rockies
"Helping the Blind to See in Rural Ethiopia"
Entrance by donation



November 1st and 2nd


Curl for Kids

A fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters
to register call 250-489-3111 or visit
www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/cranbrook

Saturday November 2nd

University Womens' Bazaar
Cranbrook Golf Course


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Post Notes for the Council Meeting of October 21st 2013

Councillor Scott absent.

Delegations

ICBC - Road Safety
David Dean an ICBC road safety engineer gave an overview of ICBC's initiatives and programs available to enhance road safety. He also relayed some statistics, which form part of the basis for these programs and initiatives.  ICBC' s figures for 2012 in BC show 357 fatalities.  In Cranbrook alone in 2012 there were 1200 crashes resulting in 250 injured, including 10 pedestrian collisions.  Road safety is focused on three areas, safer vehicles, safer drivers and safer roads.  ICBC contributes 8 million dollars annually to road improvements and in Cranbrook has contributed to a better standard (diamond grade)of reflective stop signs.  programs have to see a return of results.  ICBC is seriously pursuing the use of roundabouts as the statistics for road safety improvement are impressive, showing a 76% reduction of accidents where they are put in place. The average contribution per roundabout from ICBC when a project is accepted is about $58,000.  Europeans are no strangers to roundabouts but instructional booklets on their use have been produced by ICBC.

Council Inquiries
Councillor Davis spoke at length about the Baker Hill Association.  Councillor Davis now supports the restoration of the Electrical Building.
Councillor Davis also requested that the City of Cranbrook consult with the City of Nelson with regard to both the Artist Coop and the Food Coops which have been so successful in that city.

Councillor Pallesen relayed the concern of a resident about a supposed  $250,000 cost for an electrical charging station planned for the West Entrance and the potential for downloading charges to the City.  Mayor Stetski made it clear the cost would be between $5000 and $10000 and that there was no such hefty line item in the 5 year Financial Plan.  $5,000 is the amount suggested.  Charges cost typically 30cents per charge and take much less time than a home charge.  (one presumes a meter would be installed?)

Councillor Warner enquired about the potential for the Wellness and Heritage Committee to take on a survey of those receiving the new frozen meal replacement for Meals on Wheels.  Councillor Warner was advised by CAO Staudt that this must be endorsed and the main responsibility of Council and only if Council requested it.  The committee cannot create its own agenda.


Administration Update
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3402

North Sector Area Plan
This concerns the area between Wildstone and Shadow Mountain.  An Open House is scheduled in the Manual Training Centre for Tuesday October 29th for those interested. 7:00- 9:00pm

Downtown City Lands Planning Workshop Tuesday November 5th 7-9:00pm

New City Website

2nd St. South redevelopment (This project carries a price tag of $800,000 per block) and Moir Gravel Pit redevelopment Open House, TBA
Scheduled for Wednesday November 6th

Library Washrooms.  Work will commence in mid November.  An extra $28,000 in funds is required from the City for a total cost of $210,000. RDEK will also contribute an extra $20,000 over their original committment.

Correspondence 9.1 -9.6
beginning: https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3403

9.1 Community Achievement Awards
9.2 Federal Reserve Policy
Councillor Warner moved that a letter be sent endorsing the Delta letter which addresses concern over the proposed Federal Policy.  "ln particular, the changes will allow First Nations to add lands to their Reserve that are outside of their traditional territory.This means, for example, that a First Nation in the Caribou could acquire land in Delta and include it in their Reserve thereby removing it from municipal jurisdiction."
The letter can be read at: https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3405
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3405
The motion carried with Councillor Pallesen opposed.  Councillor Pallesen moved that a letter be sent to ask opinion of UBCM. Carried.

9.3 Proposed Election Reform
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3406

9.5 RDEK Highlights

9.6 Urban Wildlife Management
A task force on Urban Wildlife Management has been announced by Premier Clark
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3408

Proclamations
Veterans Week
National Philanthropy Awareness
Restorative Justice
Proclaimed


Committee Recommendations

Cranbrook in Motion  The Committee recommends that the purchase of an electronic speed measuring device be made priority and that the signage at the junction just north of the COR facility and Victoria be also made priority.
Carried

New Business

Year of Reconciliation
RESOLUTION
Whereas the City of Cranbrook - ?akisiaq*i?it (ah-kis-kak-t i-it) - has activity engaged with the Ktunaxa First Nations on many aspects of our work; and Whereas continuing and strengthening this commitment is important in furthering our relationship based on mutual respect and honesty; and whereas reconciliation is an opportunity to advance new relationships between Cranbrook residents and our Aboriginal neighbours to build on a foundation of openness, dignity, understanding and hope; and Whereas through the process of reconciliation we have the opportunity for going and growing forward together as friends and neighbours to build a more positive future for all of our citizens; and
BE lT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT:  Cranbrook City Council proclaim October 21, 2013 to
October 21, 2014 as a Year of Reconciliation.
Carried


$10 Early Care and Learning Plan
RESOLUTION 
WHEREAS the lack of child care in the Cranbrook area, means that people are turning away local jobs and not moving here, or they are having to leave the area, which is an economic barrier for businesses and services in our community; and WHEREAS the $10 A Day Child Care Plan offers a concrete solution to the child care crises facing BC families; 
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: The City of Cranbrook endorse the Community Plan for a Public System of Integrated Early Care and Learning (the $10/day Plan) proposed by the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC and the Early Childhood Educators of BC. Because this Plan has the potential to make a real difference for BC children, families and communities, the City of Cranbrook urges the provincial government to commit to the Plan's vision and work with communities to immediately begin its implementatio
Councillor Cross outlined the success of this plan in other provinces including Quebec.
Carried

Coffee with the Mayor
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3415

Bylaws

13.1 3725, Building Bylaw , https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3423
The amended bylaw confirms a 3 year term rather than the 5 year term which was in error on the first reading.
Carried

13.2 3766, OCP Amendment, Elko Station, second reading
 Carried

13.3 3777, Elko Station, Zoning Amendment, first and second reading
Carried. Public Hearing scheduled for November 4th Zoning Change from P2 to C1 Commercial.


13.4 3778, Annual Taxation Exemption
Carried
13.5 3779, Special Taxation Exemption. Cranbrook Golf Course
on 75% of the land for 5years. Carried 
Councillor Cross noted as the Golf Course has been assessed at 1.6million up from its original $250,000 this exemption results in a substantial savings for the Golf Course.  

13.6 3780 Heritage Amendment, Elko Station https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3421
1st and 2nd readings Carried

13.7 3781 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing.  This is a regular precaution to assist with cash flow only if required.
1st, 2nd, 3rd, readings carried.


Monday, October 21, 2013

Advance Notes for the Council Meeting of October 21st, 6:00pm

Delegations

ICBC - Road Safety

Administration Update
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3402

North Sector Area Plan
DowntownCity Lands Planning Workshop Tuesday November 5th 7-9:00pm
New City Website
2nd St. South redevelopment and Moir Gravel Pit redevelopment Open House, TBA
Library Washrooms

Correspondence 9.1 -9.6
beginning: https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3403

9.1 Community Achievement Awards
9.2 Federal Reserve Policy
9.3 Proposed Election Reform
9.5 RDEK Highlights
9.6 Urban Wildlife Management

Proclamations
Veterans Week
National Philanthropy Awareness


Committee Recommendations

Cranbrook in Motion

New Business

Year of Reconciliation
$10 Early Care and Learning Plan
Coffee with the Mayor

Bylaws

13.1 3725, Building Bylaw , https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3423
13.2 3766, OCP Amendment, Elko Station, second reading
13.3 3777, Elko Station, Zoning Amendment, first and second reading
13.4 3778, Annual Taxation Exemption
13.5 3779, Special Taxation Exemption
13.6 3780 Heritage Amendment, Elko Station https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=3421
13.7 3781 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing


Friday, October 18, 2013

Michaels's Musings

Seizing Canada's Moment Requires a Vision

By Michael J Morris

When I first saw the title of the Conservative government's Speech from the Throne, I chuckled and thought to myself, they gotta be kidding.

But sure enough, they had entitled it, 'Seizing Canada's Moment: Security and Prosperity in an Uncertain World'.

Seizing Canada's Moment? Come now. Canada has had many great moments since confederation in 1867, and to even suggest that this is "the moment" in our nation's history is ludicrous and the height of arrogance by the Harper government. And for good measure, somehow this government wants us to believe it is going to provide "security and prosperity in an uncertain world." Talk about mixing metaphors. 

The world is always an uncertain place, and Canadians have met the challenges in the past -- for example, in two world wars in the 20th century, the Great Depression and the potential breakup of the country when separatist forces grew strong in the province of Quebec.

The country has also produced Great Canadians who have proven equal to the challenges at home and abroad.

It struck me that perhaps the Throne Speech writers in the Prime Minister's Office really wanted to encourage Canadians to trust them to carpe diem on their behalf. 

I looked up carpe diem on Google and as most know it comes from Latin, meaning "seize the day". 

It added that the phrase is used to as a motivation for people to just seize the day, to stop messing around, and to live life on the edge.

Maybe as the Harperites seize Canada's moment they will live life on the edge and come clean on the Senate scandals, and maybe they will let Members of Parliament speak without talking points from the PMO. Maybe they will even stop messing around with our parliamentary democracy, and even have the prime minister show up in the House of Commons on a regular basis. He might even be persuaded to give straight and honest answers to questions.

I have been a student of Canadian politics for more than half a century now, and just in case anyone thinks I am into Tory bashing, not so, but I am concerned that we are at least on the edge of witnessing the truth of the dictum attributed to Lord Acton that "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely".

In 1958, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, a Progressive Conservative, with very little resemblance in my view to the Harper brand, said during the election campaign in a nationwide speech said his program was for a united Canada, for one Canada, for Canada first, in every aspect of our political and public life, for the welfare of the average man and woman. That is my approach to public affairs and has been throughout my life ... A Canada, united from Coast to Coast, wherein there will be freedom for the individual, freedom of enterprise and where there will be a Government which, in all its actions, will remain the servant and not the master of the people."  

Indeed, that is my idea of seizing Canada's moment -- where there will be a government, which, in all its actions, will remain the servant and not the master of the people.

I was a young newspaper reporter in Toronto for part of the Diefenbaker years and covered a press conference he gave in the Royal York Hotel. He strode into the room and immediately the hard bitten reporters of the day rose in unison as "The Chief" strode to the front and took his place at the podium. For the next hour he answered questions without notes, and certainly none of them were vetted beforehand. It is difficult today to get the present prime minister to answer even one question.

Mr. Diefenbaker also presented a vision for Canada with a focus on the north calling for "A new vision. A new hope. A new soul for Canada." That's seizing Canada's moment.

Perhaps the present prime minister truly believes that part of seizing Canada's moment includes bashing the United Nations, other nations, and telling the president of the United States, Barack Obama, that he won't take no for an answer on the Keystone pipeline project. Methinks his comments have been strictly to try and gain political points with certain voting blocs in Canada, and appeal to the "Tea Party" branch of his party in Canada by showing he is a tough guy who can handle the U.S. President. 

In reading the international press recently, it seems like Canada has become a bit of a joke over the rants from the prime minister and his foreign minister. 

Another Canadian prime minister, Lester B. Pearson, when he was secretary of state for external affairs, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the work he did in resolving the Suez Crisis of 1957 through the United Nations. The Nobel committee in its presentation said that Mr.. Pearson had "saved the world."  

Seizing Canada's moment and giving Canadians security and prosperity in an uncertain world is the promise of the Harper government. Looking at the Throne Speech it seemed more like a hodge podge of talking points more designed to launch the 2015 federal election campaign than provide a vision for a Canada all of us deserve in which government once again is the servant.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Note: For more on John Diefenbaker and Lester Pearson see Wikipedia.

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.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

What's Happening......

ongoing
Cranbrook Public Library Display
The paintings of Marg Skoberg

Friday October 18th

Fernie author and explorer
Jon Turk presents
Crocodiles and Ice
Key City Theatre
7:30pm

Saturday October 19th

Cranbrook and District Arts Council
Fall Harvest Tea
$7 at the Gallery
11:30am - 1:30pm

Dora the Explorer
Key City Theatre
1:00pm and 4:00pm
tickets $29

Dance to the music of Chapparal
7:00pm
Cranbrook Seniors Centre
250-426-2720

Sunday October 20th

The Symphony of the Kootenays 
performs the first concert of the season
Key City Theatre
2:00pm
Tickets available at the box office
www.sotk.ca

Tuesday October 22nd

Connie Kaldor at
The Key City Theatre
7:30pm
Tickets $35 at box office
or charge by phone









Invermere, Deer Cull and Supreme Court

From CBC News Oct 9th
Animal rights activists are battling a Kootenay community in B.C. Supreme Court over a decision to cull deer.
The Invermere Deer Protection Society is arguing the district of Invermere didn't consult the community before going ahead with plans to destroy 19 animals two years ago.
"We formed the group because we have such a strong feeling about deer. We don't feel that brutality is the answer," said Devin Kazakoff, spokesman for the Invermere Deer Protection Society.
Other B.C. communities use the same public process to obtain permits from the provincial government to cull deer, and the district of Invermere says rules were followed.
"We feel that we had an extensive process involving public committees, surveys of members of the public," said Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft, adding that some people in the community have expressed concern about aggressive deer that could harm their children.
Later this month, the district of Invermere will hold public referendum to ask residents whether they support the culling of deer.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Global Adventurer, Storyteller and Author Jon Turk Tours the Kootenays


Sit down, buckle your seat belt and get ready - legendary Fernie explorer, author, and storyteller extraordinaire Jon Turn is on a Kootenay tour, sharing stories and images from his many adventures in the world's wildest places. 
One of National Geographic’s 2012 Top 10 Adventurers of the Year, Jon has led human-powered expeditions all over the world, from the Canadian Arctic to Siberia and Kamchatka, and from the Himalayas to Cape Horn.
   
In storytelling fashion, backed by stunning imagery, Jon Turk will take you on a trans-global journey: sea kayaking in the Solomon Islands, the circumnavigation of Ellesmere Island in the polar Arctic, a bicycle ride across the Tibetan plateau to the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, and into our own backyards. 

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear Jon live. 
Crocodiles and Ice
Cranbrook: Oct. 18, 7:30pm at the Key City Theatre