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.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Opening Statements from the Election Forum

These are the recorded opening statements from Cranbrook Council candidates for the JCI 2014 election, held October 29th in the Key City Theatre.  We must apologise to the first candidate, Danielle Cardarzo whose statement was slightly clipped at the beginning.

For Council Candidate opening Statements click here:
In response to the question,  "Help us understand what type of leader you will be for our community. Describe your two highest priorities for change in our municipality and what you will do to address them."

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/39034343/Candidate%20statements_01%202014.MP3

The Mayoral candidates are responding to the concern about roads and where they might find the money to improve the situation:

For Mayoral Candidates Opening Statements click here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/39034343/Mayoral%20candidates%20statements%2014.MP3

Summer Sun Captured in a Carpet of Yellow




What's Happening.......

Friday October 31st and November 1st
Fort Steele Ghost Train
 Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1 at Fort Steele Heritage Town. The train runs between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. each evening, weather permitting.
Come and take a ride on the darker side of Fort Steele and enjoy some cookies and hot apple cider to follow.
The rides are by reservations only and it is not recommended for children 12 and under. Please keep your pets at home for this evening.
Call 250-417-6000 for more information.

Halloween Dance
428 6th Ave S.
Cranbrook Dance Connection
250-421-9930

Saturday November 1st
Anglican Church Christmas Bazaar
1:00pm - 3:30pm



Thursday, October 30, 2014

Blast from the Past

It's not just the faces that get changed every few years.  Now we might look back and wish some of these changes had not been made.
Cranbrook Courier February 1951
click to enlarge

Election Forum Packs Key City Theatre

Key City Theatre was  packed at the election JCI forum last evening, October 29th as candidates presented themselves to the public.  We hope to make sound files accessible soon.
James Elliot takes to the microphone for his opening speech

Lee Pratt makes his opening statements

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Mayor Stetski Makes a Bid for a Second Term

   
I have enjoyed working with you for the last three years! Together, we have made Cranbrook a better place for business, for the arts and multi-culturalism, for youth and seniors, for recreation and infrastructure, and for people with disabilities. City hall and the Mayor’s office are recognized as being open, transparent, respectful and responsive.
City Council is recognized as a place for respectful debate and open discussion.

As a community we have benefitted from a number of firsts: initiating a cooperative project between the Chamber and the City to Reduce Barriers for Business; holding a very successful Multi-cultural Festival; creating a position of Youth Mayor for a Day; bringing 70 Mayors from across BC to Cranbrook; implementing Excellence in Public Service Training for 100 staff; holding a workshop for local businesses on How To Bid On City Contracts; ensuring that a Welcome and Thank you letter goes to all new businesses from the Mayor.

In order to ensure you had access to me I brought in monthly Coffee with the Mayor sessions, reinstated monthly Brown Bag meetings, brought in an open door policy (“sure you can see the Mayor”) and attended over 300 community events. I will continue these over the next four years.

Potholes and the long-standing poor condition of many of our streets remain a challenge. This is a problem Council inherited, as keeping up with old and failing infrastructure has not always been a priority in the past. This Council committed to the principle that the first 1.75% of any annual increase in property taxes would be dedicated to improving roads and replacing aging infrastructure. We now have a 15 year Capital Plan that lays out what infrastructure will be replaced and when. The challenge remains that every 1% increase in property taxes only results in $219,000 in new revenue, and replacing sewer, water, storm drains and road surfaces can cost $500,000 or more per block.

Our economy is on the upswing. Comparing January to September 2014 with the same period in 2013 the indicators are up in every category. Airport passenger numbers are up 10%. Building permits are up in every category with construction totaling $27.9 million in 2014 compared to $8.6 million in 2013. 132 single family homes sold in Cranbrook between January and September, up 34% over 2013. There are almost 1400 businesses licensed in Cranbrook with 98 new licenses issued up to September, an almost 30% increase over 2013.

Much has been accomplished but there is more to do! We must continue to invest a minimum of $3,000,000 annually into fixing potholes and improving roads. We need to: grow our tourism economy and ensure that serviced lots are available for new industries; leverage “Sunniest City in BC” into new solar energy and greenhouse economies; find a permanent home for the arts and continue to improve the appearance of Highway 3/95 through Cranbrook; protect Joseph Creek and expand our walking/cycling networks; help in the recruitment of new family doctors and continue the upgrades to our sidewalks and buildings to improve access for those with disabilities; promote non-lethal management of our urban deer while harvesting them as required for public safety; ensure that Cranbrook is an Age Friendly and Youth Friendly community.


This is just part of my Vision for Cranbrook - please go to www.stetski.com to see more. With a collaborative Leadership style, the Heart I have for All of our citizens, and with Your Vote  for Wayne Stetski for Mayor our great little city will be an even better place to call Home over the next four years!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Blast from the Past

Cranbrook Courier January 1951


Water Fluoridation

This is taken from the City website:
http://www.cranbrook.ca/our-city/city-departments/corporate-services/elections/fluoride/

Water Fluoridation

Water Fluoridation: Be informed -- then vote!

The City of Cranbrook is seeking electoral assent on whether or not to continue adding fluoride to the City’s water system will be held as part of Cranbrook’s November 15, 2014 Municipal Election.  All eligible voters are encouraged to participate.
The question will ask: "Are you in favour of Council adopting City of Cranbrook Cease Fluoridation Bylaw No. 3799, 2014, which authorizes stopping the addition of fluoride to the municipal water supply effective January 1, 2015?"
The question will part of the official ballot providing you an opportunity to choose either “yes” or “no”. A yes vote means you want to eliminate fluoride from our water, while a no vote means continuing to add it.
Have questions? Please email us at  fluoride@cranbrook.ca
Municipal election questions? Click here.

Every effort has been made to ensure all externally linked websites and pdf files associated with the 2014 Municipal Election and Fluoride Referendum are available. If you notice a broken link, please notify our webmaster.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Friday, October 24, 2014

Arts Council holds informational evening for Municipal Candidates


In the weeks prior to any upcoming civic election it is normal to see forums and gatherings such as the one put on by the Cranbrook and District Arts Council on Wednesday, October 22nd.

Candidates and local arts organisation board representatives were invited to hear information presented by BC Arts Council Director Joseph Cross, CDAC Chair, Sioban Staplin and CDAC Building Committee Chair Bill McColl.  Those present for the presentations were Mayor Wayne Stetski, Mayoral candidate John York,  Councillor candidates, Councillors Sharon Cross, and Diana Scott, Council candidates Norma Blissett, Tom Shypitka, Lynn McIntosh, James Elliott, Bob Faiers and Wesley Graham.  Regrets were sent by Councillor Warner, Alan Macbean, Ron Popoff, Isaac Hockley and Brad Scriver.



Information included statistics for the economic impacts of culture, the arts, heritage and sport. 2009 statistics showed the cultural industries sector contributed $49.9 billion to the GDP. Total sport contribution for 2009  $4.9 billion.  2010 figures can be viewed at:


The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for its members in November.

The public is invited by JCI to Key City Theatre on Wednesday, October 29th, 6:00pm to a public forum when the public will have an opportunity to hear the candidates.


  





Why does Cranbrook need an Art Gallery?

I was asked the other day why people think we need an professional Art Gallery in Cranbrook. This is why. Reg Parsons is just one of the many internationally known artists who live here in Cranbrook but show elsewhere.  Being able to sometimes showcase these works of art, here in Cranbrook in an appropriate setting would bring art enthusiasts to Cranbrook instead of to the other communities they must now go to, in order to view and purchase them.  The cumulative effect of Cranbrook being known as the home of these artists would only serve to boost the vibrancy and attractiveness of our community. 

Don't miss Reg Parsons at the International Artist Day Festival!
October 24-26th, 2014.

Join me this weekend at the International Artist Day Festival

Hello Friends,

This weekend, I will be showcasing my sculptures in White Rock, B.C., at a Festival which celebrates artists for their contributions to Society. I am honoured to be participating in this years festival and exhibiting both new and classic pieces including work from my western, birds, figurative and whimsical collections.

A special piece in this exhibit is my large-as-life 'Above the Salmon River', a sculpture of an open winged bald eagle. It's a piece which must be seen in person!

Allow me to extend a warm welcome to come and visit me at the festival if you are in the White Rock area.

With Kind Regards,

Reg Parsons
Artist



Michael's Musings

Fleeing to little towns for moments of fellowship
 By Michael J Morris

 For such a time as these past few days, Canadians surely did not ask or seek.
 I just returned to Cranbrook from Toronto, where one of my oldest and dearest friends hosted a marvellous party attended by some folks I had not seen since high school days, more than 50 years ago. What a joyous occasion it was.
 As I flew across this vast and magnificent land, over the mountains, across the prairies to the forests of Ontario, into Toronto, which has been so much the central place in my life, I once again recalled the words of Bruce Hutchison in The Unknown Country.  Little did I think during my travels that I would be putting Mr. Hutchison's words into the context of tragedy in my country.
 Mr. Hutchison, who has Cranbrook roots, wrote in 1942, that "No one knows my country ...Who can know our loneliness on the immensity of prairie, in the dark forest and on the windy sea rock? A few lights, a faint glow in our largest city on the vast breast of the night and all around blackness and emptiness and silence. We flee to little towns for moments of fellowship."
 He also posed the question: "Who but us can feel our fears and hopes and passions?"
 Indeed, who but us? And given the tragedies of the past week with the attacks in Ottawa and Quebec, Canadians from coast to coast to coast vented their fears and hopes and passions as they tried to understand, to make sense of it all.
 I won't pretend to have the answers, but I do know one thing for sure: Be not afraid.
 As Canadians, let us focus on the positive aspects of living in this still largely unknown country and strive to fulfill our hopes and passions.
 I often think of my mother's family who arrived in Canada in 1913 to make a new life for themselves. Not here long before my grandfather was badly burned in a fire but he survived. Then it was World War I, then the Great Depression, then World War II, and my father was killed on active service in the RCAF in 1943.
 Through it all, my family and I know that yours faced its challenges too, and, never, ever let fear rule their lives.
 Let me leave you with two quotes to think about:
 "Fear is the only true enemy, born of ignorance and the parent of anger and hate."  Edward Albert
 "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear." Gandhi
 As difficult as it may be, let us focus on those things bringing us together rather than dividing us. Let us certainly not be intimidated, but lead the way to the "promised land" where our greatest hopes and passions will be fulfilled -- Canada!
 We are all children of the village in Canada and if need be, it is OK, even today to "flee" for a moment to the little towns for fellowship as Mr. Hutchison suggested in 1942.  I just did, even though the small town was a home in Toronto, and not Chapleau, the town where we were raised. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

 

  

Thursday, October 23, 2014

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

Thursday October 23rd

Fluoride Open House
Speakers for both sides
Manual Training Building
7:00pm

Art Reception 
Key City Theatre

Saturday October 25th

Key City Theatre
Symphony of the Kootenays
7:30pm

Oct 25th and 26th
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
Gelli it Up
Workshop
with Creston artist  Winn Dinn
$175 for 2 days
250-426-4223

October 23, 24th 25th 
Cranbrook Community Theatre
 presents the last weekend of the play
'Halo'
Tickets Lotus Books

Symphony of the kootenays
'From Old Worlds to New'
Key City Theatre
7:30

Fort Steele
Hallowe'en Spooktacular
4:00pm - 9:00pm
Tickets $15
250-417-6000.


Goblin Gallop for Blue Lake
Date: Sunday, October 26

Time: Registration 12pm-1pm, run/walk begins at 1:15pm

Location: College of the Rockies Cranbrook or join our virtual walk/run.

Cost: $15 adults, $10 youth (6-17), 0-5 yrs free. Family/Team rate is $40. 

More Info: Call 250-426-3676 or email info@bluelakecentre.com



Tuesday October 28th


Cranbrook and District Arts Council presents the Launch of 
Earth, Fire, Wind and Water,
A fascinating narrated exploration of photos by Janice Strong
College of the Rockies lecture Theatre
Entry by donation
Door donations to Cranbrook and District Arts Council Building Fund
Doors open 7:00pm for 7:30 showing






Public Produce Garden Cleanup

It's time to clean up the Garden before the winter temperatures hit! This Friday afternoon (Oct. 24), 2-4pm, is your first chance for a group effort! The next (and probably last organized effort) will be Sunday, November 2, 1-3pm.
We'll get our hands dirty getting all dead plants in the compost, pruning the raspberry canes, mulching garlic and perennials, transplanting herb and climbing perennials, and enjoying the fresh air together. It's a nice opportunity to chat about what next year's priorities will be as well.
As always, if you have any feedback or ideas for the Garden, they are always welcomed! Be in touch at any time.

I hope to see you there,
Shannon
Cranbrook Food Action
(250)427-7981

Remaining Pre-Election Council Meetings To Be Rebroadcast

Cranbrook, BC (October 21, 2014) -- The City of Cranbrook has been advised today that SHAW Cable has reversed its earlier decision to stop broadcasting City Council meetings across its network in BC, ahead of the municipal elections on November 15, 2014.  
In discussions with SHAW programming staff in the corporate SHAW offices in Calgary, City staff has been advised that in Alberta, once the election writ is dropped, all municipalities’ Council meetings are no longer broadcast on SHAW until after the election.  When SHAW made its decision it included all BC municipalities too.   SHAW staff indicated that last week when it came to their attention that there were no requirements in BC to stop broadcasting City Council meetings, they reversed their decision.
So, as a means to remain open, transparent and consistent with all other municipalities and with SHAW, the City of Cranbrook will again continue to make all of the remaining regular meetings of this current Council available to the public on the City website.  Please click on the 'Council Meeting Video' link.

The City of Cranbrook apologizes for any confusion this change may have created.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Post Notes for the Council Meeting of October 20th

Two candidates for Council in the upcoming election were present in the gallery, Norma Blissett and Ron Popoff.

The full agenda can be found at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4271

Bylaws

6.1  3811 Annual Tax Exemption
The value of municipal property taxes exempted in 2014 was $219,419. If Council's decision is to continue with the exemptions in place, including the additions, eliminations and amendments referenced in the background information below, the value of the municipal property taxes exempted in 2015 is estimated to be $205,297.
One of the parties refused for this exemption was advised to apply to the City for a Grant.
Adopted

6.2 3813 Sewer Rates
To increase monthly Sewer User Rates for 2014 from $18.00 to $21.00 per month.
Adopted

6.3 3815 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing

The revenue anticipation borrowing bylaw will authorize borrowing up to $6,000,000 to cover Corporate cash flow requirements, including any cash flow issues that could arise due to major capital or special projects, pending receipt of the 2015 tax revenues.
This procedure is normal practice and ensures that in the case of an emergency the City would be prepared.
Three readings carried.

New Business

8.1 PURPOSE:

To consider approval of a Development Variance Permit for the relaxation of "City of Cranbrook Zoning Bylaw No. 3737, 2012" and the "Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 3633, 2008" to permit the replacement of a septic system rather than the requirement for properties under 2 ha to
connect to the City sewer system.
RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff
That Council not approve the application for a Development Variance Permit for a property located at 1404 - 12th Avenue S., legally described as Lot 33, District Lot 3912, Kootenay District, Plan 869 Except Plan NEP 88112 (PIO 016-021-941), by:
1. Varying Section 5.01.4 of the City of Cranbrook Zoning Bylaw No. 3737, 2012", to permit the replacement of an on-site sewage disposal system for a property less than 2 ha; and,
2. Varying Section 8.1 of the "Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 3633, 2008", to permit installation of an on-site sewage disposal system and not connect to the Municipal sewage system.
Furthermore, that Council permit a private sanitary sewer service connection to 15th Street South for the existing dwelling, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer, until further development and/or subdivision occurs on the property.
The property owner has agreed to hook up to the municipal sewer service as in this instance, the cost will be similar to installing a new septic system.  However this item resulted in considerable discussion around what constitutes new development.  If the owner of this property were not to be so conveniently located to the City system the problem would be more complicated.  If a home previously serviced by a septic system, were to request hook up to the City system it would normally qualify as new development which must be paid for by the home owner.  In this case the cost is no more than a new septic system but in another case the costs might be considerably more.  There are apparently approximately 23 (an unconfirmed number) homes on septic systems within city limits.  The question of how septic tank replacement might be dealt with in these circumstances was then discussed.  CAO Staudt pointed out that this would really be no different than replacing a roof and discretion might be used with bylaw interpretation.

10.1 Administration Update

The full document can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4277

Urban Deer
On October 7, 2014 staff received a general wildlife permit from the Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations, which permits the City of Cranbrook to move forward with an additional population reduction of 50 animals from the urban deer herd.
The permit is valid from December 1, 2014 to March 15, 2015.
Staff made the permit application to the Province following the unanimous approval of
Council to make the application at their regular meeting of Monday July 14, 2014.
Part of this process includes the Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee conducting another deer population count this fall. Staff is working with the Committee to coordinate the count. No date has been set yet.

Fluoride Open House
When: Thursday October 23, 2014-7:00pm to 9:00pm MT 
Where: Manual Training School, 1212 2nd Street North, next to the Cranbrook 
Public Library 

Also included are items on scooters on sidewalks and economic development

Correspondence
12.1 Correspondence begins:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4278

Louis Riel day was proclaimed for November 16th with the week from November 16th to 23rd to be proclaimed "Metis Week"

12 6.  A request to use Firehall No 1 for assembling Christmas hampers was denied as the building has just undergone asbestos removal.  The building is also undergoing a structural analysis paid for by the Cranbrook and District Arts Council as part of their Memorandum of Understanding with the City.





Councillor Warner puts his name forward for re-election

Warner runs again on an independent path

Local journalist and first-term City Council member Gerry Warner says he’d like to serve another term as an independent on Cranbrook City Council.
“My constituency on Council is the people of Cranbrook, who I believe deserve an independent representative who puts their needs first and is not afraid to be contrary representing their concerns.”

Warner says he demonstrated his independence the past term by publicly criticizing Council, including himself, for making an in-camera decision to cull deer prior to it being revealed to the public. “I don’t think people on either side of the urban deer debate liked that decision being in-camera and it’s a mistake I’m not going to repeat.”

The one-term Council member also opposed Council’s initial decision to demolish the former Water and Electrical Building behind City Hall on the basis it had heritage value. “I realize some disagree with me on this, but when a citizens’ group came forward with a plan to save the building, I supported them because if they succeed this could be part of a move towards downtown revitalization.”

As a member of the City’s Cranbrook in Motion Committee, Warner moved a motion which resulted in Council lowering the posted speed limit to 30 kph in all school zones in the City. He also moved motions in opposition to Canada Post ending door-to-door mail delivery, privatization of provincial liquor stores, cancellation of the Meals on Wheels program and in favour of stronger legal measures to protect workers on the job.
Near the end of his term, Warner introduced a notice of motion calling for a City bylaw to regulate the dumping of harmful substances in the City’s storm sewer system with penalties for polluters. “It only makes sense to protect it from harmful substances being dumped into the storm sewers which may be responsible for recent fish kills in Joseph Creek.”

Warner promises the same kind of representation if he’s elected again. “I believe we’ve got to do more to upgrade our basic infrastructure and provide the services our residents need, especially seniors, while marketing Cranbrook to the rest of the world to boost business. It won’t be easy but we must try.”

To do this, Warner says he’d like to see a boost in the roads maintenance budget with the funds coming from other City spending and not by raising taxes. “It will be a tough decision but that’s what we’re elected to do.”

The City should also take a tougher stand with Victoria on funding to deal with urban deer. Warner says. “The deer are owned by the Province and it’s time Victoria stepped up to the plate and provided the funding we need to make our streets safe again.”


Warner was a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman for 15 years before retiring and being elected to Council. He served on the board of the Railway Museum for three years, was President of the East Kootenay Outdoor Club for five years, is a member of the Joseph Creek Streamkeepers and an active Rotarian. He has been married to wife Sandra for 29 years and the couple have two grown children.  

Monday, October 20, 2014

Advance Notes for the Council Meeting of October 20th 2014

The full agenda can be found at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4271

Bylaws

6.1  3811 Annual Tax Exemption
The value of municipal property taxes exempted in 2014 was $219,419. If Council's decision is to continue with the exemptions in place, including the additions, eliminations and amendments referenced in the background information below, the value of the municipal property taxes exempted in 2015 is estimated to be $205,297.

6.2 3813 Sewer Rates
To increase monthly Sewer User Rates for 2014 from $18.00 to $21.00 per month.

6.3 3815 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing

The revenue anticipation borrowing bylaw will authorize borrowing up to $6,000,000 to cover Corporate cash flow requirements, including any cash flow issues that could arise due to major capital or special projects, pending receipt of the 2015 tax revenues.

New Business

8.1 PURPOSE:

To consider approval of a Development Variance Permit for the relaxation of "City of Cranbrook Zoning Bylaw No. 3737, 2012" and the "Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 3633, 2008" to permit the replacement of a septic system rather than the requirement for properties under 2 ha to
connect to the City sewer system.
RECOMMENDATION BY: Staff
That Council not approve the application for a Development Variance Permit for a property located at 1404 - 12th Avenue S., legally described as Lot 33, District Lot 3912, Kootenay District, Plan 869 Except Plan NEP 88112 (PIO 016-021-941), by:
1. Varying Section 5.01.4 of the City of Cranbrook Zoning Bylaw No. 3737, 2012", to permit the replacement of an on-site sewage disposal system for a property less than 2 ha; and,
2. Varying Section 8.1 of the "Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 3633, 2008", to permit installation of an on-site sewage disposal system and not connect to the Municipal sewage system.
Furthermore, that Council permit a private sanitary sewer service connection to 15th Street South for the existing dwelling, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer, until further development and/or subdivision occurs on the property.

10.1 Administration Update

The full document can be read at:
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4277

Urban Deer
On October 7, 2014 staff received a general wildlife permit from the Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations, which permits the City of Cranbrook to move forward with an additional population reduction of 50 animals from the urban deer herd.
The permit is valid from December 1, 2014 to March 15, 2015.
Staff made the permit application to the Province following the unanimous approval of
Council to make the application at their regular meeting of Monday July 14, 2014.
Part of this process includes the Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee conducting another deer population count this fall. Staff is working with the Committee to coordinate the count. No date has been set yet.

Fluoride Open House
When: Thursday October 23, 2014-7:00pm to 9:00pm MT 
Where: Manual Training School, 1212 2nd Street North, next to the Cranbrook 
Public Library 

Also included are items on scooters on sidewalks and economic development

Correspondence
10.1 Correspondence begins

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Outdoor Education in Cranbrook this last week

It used to be that 'the outdoors' was a child's playground for a good part of their day.   That is not the norm for many children any more and so, where once children went indoors to get educated, it is now important for them to get outdoors to learn about the world we are dependent upon.

The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat will only be sustained if we have a good understanding of how to look after those life sustaining elements and that means using all our senses to do it.

Elizabeth Lake and Kinsmen Park have been humming with school children recently exploring their local environment. Dave Quinn and Patty Kolesnichenko worked with two classes from TM Roberts on Creek Science in and around Joseph Creek, while Leigh Cormier's Grade 12s from Mount Baker High School worked with Grade 3s from Gordon Terrace on a variety of activities - Canoe Race, Explore the Riparian Zone, Water Cycle Game (Project WET), Macroinvertebrate Hunt and Water In Africa.

Thank you to Stewart Wilson for the photos
Life in water is healthy water

Water is delivered to our homes: many have to get the water for themselves

Tiny creatures are important in the web of life

Dave Quinn engages great conversation about the creek

Looking at the real world close up

Touch it, smell it ,admire its beauty

We are reflections of what we breathe, drink and eat

Friday, October 17, 2014

What's Happening.......

Saturday October 18th

John Reischman and the Jaybirds
Key City Theatre
7:30pm $30 and $35
250-426-7006

Intermediate Inverted Zentangle
 with Cindy Hagen
Cranbrook and District Arts Council
135, tenth Avenue South
250-426-4223

Fall Tea and Bake Sale
1:00pm - 3;00pm
Cranbrook Senior's Hall

Community Social Dance
Cranbrook Seniors Hall
7:00pm

Saturday and Sunday October 17th and 18th

Magic of Autumn
Bootleg Gap

Sunday October 19th

Golden Larch Hike in Kimberley Nature Park
with Struan Robertson
Meet Nordic Trail head 9:00am or junction St Mary Lake Rd and Matthew Creek Road 9:30am
250-427-5048



Councillor Cross responds to Mr Matheson

This is a response to a letter appearing in the Townsman.

Thanks to Mr. Matheson for his October 6th letter  regarding my article, which clearly stated that I was addressing one of the Four Pillars (Social Wellbeing) of the community’s Cranbrook Connected document, as experienced through my volunteerism.  

Here’s a brief comment on my work on another Pillar - the Economy:  

  • Active recruitment of physicians creating an environment for people to relocate here 
  • Attend Downtown Business Association, and Chamber meetings to stay informed on issues and ideas; attended webinar on economic recovery after a storm event
  • Actively pursuing a greenhouse industry for a secure, local food source, and employment opportunities
  • Supported the downtown business revitalization tax exemption bylaw
  • Support local Arts & Cultural events, which contributed $50B to the Canadian GDP in 2009 
  • Support Rails to Trails/Gran Fondo/Orienteering events, and Trans Canada Trails, which boost our local economy.  Sports contributed $4.8B to the Canadian GDP in 2009. 

This Council has created an ‘open for business’ climate demonstrated through:
  •   Business licenses issued in 2013 = 69; 2014 = 98 
  •   Building permits.  Total new construction in 2013 = $8,569,207; in 2014 = $27,941,888
  •   Single family dwellings real estate sales in 2013 = 132; in 2014 = 177 (increase of 34%).

I was a past member of Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook. “CLC 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.” 

It’s important to deal with facts.  People are welcome to phone me at 250-489-4412 for clarification on any matter.

Regards,

Sharon Cross, Councillor
City of Cranbrook

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Message from Shannon - Public Produce Garden

The last of the Local Food in the Kitchen workshop series, Meat Preservation, is coming up next week. I thought I'd send out a reminder, in case you're interested in coming out to learn more about pressure canning meat, homemade jerky, and other tantalizing aspects involved in the art of meat preservation. It's a fitting time, right in the middle of hunting season! The details:
Tuesday Oct. 21 in Kimberley & Wednesday Oct. 22 in Cranbrook
6-8pm
$20
Registration is easy online at:
or feel free to give me a call:
(250)427-7981

On another note, we'll be planting some perennials in the Garden soon, climbing up the pergola and filling in the herb spiral, as the focus of the last of this season's organized work bees. Stay tuned for date and time, and if you have any perennials in need of division from your own garden, please keep the Garden in mind :) Also, leaves are much appreciated there! If you're cleaning up the falling leaves in your own yard and not in need of them yourself, drop them off at the Garden instead of the landfill :)

Hope to see you soon,
Shannon
Cranbrook Food Action

(250)427-7981

Blue Lake News


Blue Lake Centre is hosting the first Annual Goblin Gallop Walk/Run for Camp on October 26! This FUN, family friendly 4km or 8km walk/run event is for all ages and abilities! Start/finish line at the College of the Rockies Cranbrook and through the Cranbrook Community Forest. Can't make it to the event? Join our virtual run to participate in your community! Dress up in your wildest, funniest, or scariest costume for your chance to win prizes.100% of the proceeds will go to Blue Lake Centre to help support youth camp programs. Pledge forms are available. Raise 100+ dollars to win incredible prizes such as a Blue Lake tee shirt, 2 nights stay at Blue Lake Lodge, or 1 regular week at Summer Camp. Check out our website for registration forms and join ourFacebook eventDon't miss this fun event - register today!

Also
With fresh new facilities and affordable rate packages, Blue Lake Centre is the perfect location for school groups, youth groups, family reunions, corporate retreats, weddings, and vacation getaways! We are open year-round for private rentals from 1 - 117 people and can offer cozy accommodation, delicious meals, certified first aid staff, experienced program staff, and incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. Plus when you rent Blue Lake, you are helping to support camp programs for youth!

Check out our new rental packages:
School/Youth Groups
Family Groups
Adult Groups
Weddings