Cranbrook has Solar Energy Opportunity

Prior to Cranbrook's Municipal Election, a report was made by administration about the developing potential of a solar energy experimental site being located on the City's Farm.  This would give an enhanced and sustainable use to the already well used spray irrigation fields.  

With much bickering going on amongst world leaders and their contributions to mitigating further effects of climate change, Cranbrook has an opportunity to begin playing a small part.  Let's hope it is successful.

From in Peru:
December 10, 2014 Rachel Cleetus, senior climate economist, Climate and Energy
http://blog.ucsusa.org/at-cop-20-in-lima-the-buzz-about-renewable-energy-756

I’m in the beautiful city of Lima, at the annual United Nations climate talks, or COP 20. Even as negotiators labor over “non-papers” and “elements of draft negotiating text,” the real buzz here is about the incredible opportunity to drive down global emissions by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency. What makes this a particularly exciting time is that the costs of renewable energy are falling dramatically. The clean energy transition has never been more affordable – or, frankly, more urgently needed.

Solar energy, in particular, has experienced tremendous growth.

In 2013, for the first time, global growth in solar photovoltaic (PV) outpaced new wind capacity. Annual growth in global solar PV capacity has averaged almost 55 percent over the past five years.

I

Why the Oil Price is Falling

The Economist explains.
To read the entire article go to:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/12/economist-explains-4

The oil price has fallen by more than 40% since June, when it was $115 a barrel. It is now below $70. This comes after nearly five years of stability. At a meeting in Vienna on November 27th the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which controls nearly 40% of the world market, failed to reach agreement on production curbs, sending the price tumbling. Also hard hit are oil-exporting countries such as Russia (where the rouble has hit record lows), Nigeria, Iran and Venezuela. Why is the price of oil falling?

Four things are now affecting the picture. Demand is low because of weak economic activity, increased efficiency, and a growing switch away from oil to other fuels. Second, turmoil in Iraq and Libya—two big oil producers with nearly 4m barrels a day combined—has not affected their output. The market is more sanguine about geopolitical risk. Thirdly, America has become the world’s largest oil producer. Though it does not export crude oil, it now imports much less, creating a lot of spare supply. Finally, the Saudis and their Gulf allies have decided not to sacrifice their own market share to restore the price. They could curb production sharply, but the main benefits would go to countries they detest such as Iran and Russia. Saudi Arabia can tolerate lower oil prices quite easily. It has $900 billion in reserves. Its own oil costs very little (around $5-6 per barrel) to get out of the ground.

What's Happening...

Friday December 12th

Sponsors and Guests Appreciation Night with
Little Jazz Orchestra at
Alexandra Hall
$20 tickets at Lotus Books or Cranbrook and District Arts Council Gallery
8:00pm

Saturday December 13th

Affordable Art and Gift Show and Sale at Key City Theatre
11:00am - 4:00pm

Sunday December 14th

Light Up Tour
6:15
Eagles Hall
250-426-6726

Japanese Gift Wrapping Technique

One Misty, Moisty Morning

When cloudy was the weather, I met some people walking, almost together.  That is not how the Nursery Rhyme goes but the scene at Elizabeth Lake reminded me of that little ditty, one of many Nursery Rhymes seldom recited these days, more is the pity.

Nursery Rhymes contain so much  political commentary of the times in which they became popular, that the history behind them is often more fascinating for the adult.

There are many versions of this rhyme, all with reference to the valued leather clothing.

One misty moisty morning, when cloudy was the weather,
I met a withered old man a-clothed all in leather,
He was clothed all in leather with a cap beneath his chin, singin':

        "How d' you do and how d' you do and how d' you do again"

It could be argued that today's commentary is not so creative or is it?!

Axis of Carbon

As the snow disappears and the temperatures rise to record temperatures for December,  these excerpts bear relevance.  A Christmas wish might be that our government leaders tackle these problems with the seriousness they deserve.

Canada-Australia 'Axis of Carbon' an Obstacle to Climate Pact

By John H. Cushman Jr., InsideClimate News

Sep 23, 2014

http://insideclimatenews.org/news/20140923/canada-australia-axis-carbon-obstacle-climate-pact

The flags of all its member states flutter outside the United Nations as world leaders gather for a summit meeting on September 23 to help shape a global treaty confronting the climate crisis. But not all of those nations have caught the same wind.

Neither the prime ministers of Canada nor Australia will speak at the summit, and the subordinates they have sent will not be offering the kind of “bold” new steps that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is seeking on the way to a treaty in Paris late next year.

Instead, these two governments, with their energy-rich domains sprawling across opposite ends of the earth, will present strikingly similar defences against what much of the rest of the world is offering. And their stance is earning them opprobrium among advocates of strong and immediate action.

While a consensus is forming around setting a price on carbon and urgently converting to a carbon-free economy, Canada and Australia have turned themselves into an axis of carbon. If they attract others, this axis could become a potent force standing in the way of progress toward a universally binding pact.

Harper Rules out Crackdown on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
'We're clearly not going to do it,' PM tells Commons.
By Jeremy J. Nuttall, Yesterday, TheTyee.ca

http://thetyee.ca/News/2014/12/09/No-GHG-Crackdown-Says-Harper/

Falling oil prices have made the possibility of placing restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions for the oil and gas sector a "crazy" endeavour according to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Harper said Canada would not unilaterally impose restrictions on the industry.

'A new excuse'

But Greenpeace researcher Keith Stewart said the U.S. is already working on emission restrictions for the oil and gas sector, so all Canada needs to do is follow along, despite Harper's insistence it's not a good time.

"They've always had a new excuse as to why they're not doing it," Stewart said.

The New Climate Economy

http://newclimateeconomy.report/overview/

Climate risk, meanwhile, is an increasing concern. The strong growth performance before the financial crisis was accompanied by a surge in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 7 This development model, if carried forward, would generate spiralling emissions and, ultimately, severe climate damage that would undo the very gains in well-being that we seek. 8

Major recent natural disasters have inflicted significant economic and human costs, including Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Hurricane Sandy in the United States, major droughts in China, Brazil and the Horn of Africa, and floods in Europe. Such extreme events are likely to increase in both frequency and magnitude with unchecked climate change. Nor are extreme events the only concern. Existing climate variability is already a major source of poverty and insecurity among the rural poor. For them even small increments to risk in the form of delayed rain, higher temperatures, slightly more intense or protracted drought can mean disaster.

Tackling the challenge of strong, equitable and sustainable growth will require huge new investments and shifts in resource use. Actions today and in the next 15 years will be critical to stabilising and then reducing emissions to try to meet the international target of keeping the average global temperature increase below 2°C. 9 They will either lock in a future with inefficient infrastructure and systems, growing pollution and worsening climate change, or help move the world onto a more sustainable, low-carbon development path that strengthens resilience and begins to slow and reverse the accumulation of climate risk.

Post Notes for the Inaugral Council Meeting of December 8th, 2014

A much abbreviated Council meeting was held last evening with Judge Sheard officiating over the swearing in of the next Cranbrook Council.  No business other than appointments and swearing in was conducted.  The gallery was overflowing with interested residents and a good number had to peek in from the hallway.  

Mayor Pratt takes oath of office

Judge Sheard presides over Councillors reciting oath of office

Signing papers

Out and About with Stewart

On the St. Mary

Advance Notes for the Inaugral Council Meeting December 8th 6:00pm Council Chambers

This first meeting of the new Council is public and open to all, as are all Council meetings.

New Business

8.1 Council meeting Dates for 2015
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4346

8.2 Acting Mayor Appointments for 2015 - should the Mayor be absent.

December 2014 Councillor Tom Shypitka
January, February and March 2015: Councillor Wesly Graham
April, May and June 2015: Councillor Ron Popoff
July and August 2015: Councillor Norma Blissett
September and October 2015: Councillor Isaac Hockley
November and December 2015: Councillor Tom Shypitka

8.3 To consider  Appointments to Committees

That Council approve the following appointments for the statutory,select, and standing City Committees; and appointments to other organizations; and regional appointments; as follows:
Advisory Planning Commission
THAT Council appoint, as non-voting members, Councillor Wes Graham and Councillor Ron Popoff as Council representatives to the Advisory Planning Commission for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook in Motion Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Tom Shypitka and Councillor Isaac Hockley as representatives of Council to the Cranbrook in Motion Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook Public Library Board
THAT Council appoint Councillor Norma Blissett as representative of Council to the Cranbrook
Public Library Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Family and Community Services Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Danielle Cardozo and Councillor Ron Popoff as representatives of Council to the Family and Community Services Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational
meeting in December 2015; and further,
Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Isaac Hockley and Councillor Wes Graham as representatives of Council to the Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Wellness and Heritage Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Danielle Cardozo as representative of Council to the Wellness and Heritage Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Personnel Committee (Committee of the Whole)
THAT Council direct Personnel Committee to be Committee of the Whole and that Mayor. Lee Pratt to be appointed as Chair of the Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook Archives, Museum & Landmark Foundation
THAT Council appoint Councillor Norma Blissett as representative of Council to the Cranbrook Archives, Museum & Landmark Foundation Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt as representative of Council to the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff to the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt to the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee as
alternate for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Regional District of East Kootenav Board and
Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board \
Page 3 of 5
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt and Councillor Tom Shypitka to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board, in accordance with section
784(2)(b) of the Local Government Act for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in
December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Wes Graham as an alternate to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff as an alternate to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
East Kootenay Hospital District Board
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt and Councillor Tom Shypitka as representatives of the City
of Cranbrook Council to the East Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff as an alternate for the City of Cranbrook to the East
Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December
2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Wes Graham as an alternate for the City of Cranbrook to the East
Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December
2015.

8.4  Banking Resolution for new signing officers

 10.1 Administration Update
Official Election Results

 https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4350

Michael's Musings

Sun Valley Song brings great moments in music

By Michael J Morris


For a week now, I have been inspired by a great choir, but this time it did not happen because I was celebrating Social Media Week or was listening to one of the world's famous choirs complete with the passion of great organists on Youtube.

Admittedly, as I type I am listening to the Three Tenors Christmas Concert recorded in Vienna in 1999, with the headphones kindly given me by my friend Joel Vinge.

The great choir that most recently inspired me  was right here in Cranbrook at Knox Presbyterian Church last Sunday where Sun Valley Song performed  "A Rutterly Wonderful Christmas Concert", conducted by Rev. Dr. Yme Woensdregt with accompanist Wendy Guimont.

I have attended Sun Valley Song concerts previously, but I really looked forward to this one for some reason -- and in the interests of full disclosure, some of my good friends are members of the choir. And so, cynical me, there I was, even sitting near the front, something I very seldom do, with my friends Sharon and Jim Roberts and members of their family .

From the very opening numbers, I knew we were in for a great afternoon of Christmas carols and songs, maybe it was the choreography where choir members lined each aisle before taking their their places at the front. This choir was there to bring us some great moments in music.

Each of the four parts of the program included Christmas songs and carols, including one of my favourites (Yme's too) 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" by the Roman Catholic priest Father Jean Brebeuf. I first heard it sung in French at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Chapleau while attending Christmas Eve mass with my good Roman Catholic friends. I ran back and forth to St. John's Anglican Church only a block away!

Many of the arrangements were by John Rutter, the distinguished British composer, conductor, editor,and arranger mostly of choral music, a wonderful choice for the Sun Valley Song concert.

Each number was greeted with sustained applause by the capacity audience, but it was the encore that brought us to our feet, and a week later is still inspiring me and bringing back wonderful memories. Choirs and organs were  not part of  my upbringing: but part of my DNA. My grandfather George Hunt, who played organ in churches and, yes, piano in English pubs, played for family concerts Sunday after church. His daughter, Muriel, my mother, with her incredible soprano voice, was a soloist, choir director and director of musicals, including 'HMS Pinafore' by Gilbert and Sullivan.

The Sun Valley Song rendition of 'O Holy Night' arranged by Dr. Woensdregt was simply superb, likely the best I have heard, and was greeted with sustained applause by the very appreciative audience. In fact, after I got home, I listened to it sung by some of the world's great choirs, and I will go with the one I heard at this concert.

To me, there is nothing more beautiful than voices of a great choir and  for each choir and each song I hear, a story from my own personal experience arose, and I am  connected in a moment to my past, present and future. Also I am Irish on my father's side, and I have a photo of my parents beside my computer, and they are always smiling, but sometimes moreso when I am listening to great music. I know. I know, but just for a moment my parents were there at the Sun Valley Song concert as the choir sang 'O Holy Night'.
However, as I have noted on other occasions, In the interests of full disclosure, I must admit that I neither play nor sing well, but have directed concerts and musicals and studied drama at the University of Toronto.

Sun Valley Song members include: Sopranos -- Lynn Campbell, Jan Gordon Hooker, Janine Grieve, Anne Jones, Tracey Kasner, Elizabeth Ross, Linda Rothero, Betty Wardle; Tenor -- Ian Adams, Peter Davidson, Steve Knowles, Bill Lindell, Roger Mitchell, Leslie Molnar, Joel Vinge, Gretchen Whetham; Alto -- Ellen Bailey, Caroline Gottinger, Katherine Kuczerpa-Zorn, Cynthia Lindell, Judy McFarland, Heather Nish, Carolyn Shepherd, Lynne Zacharias; Bass -- Gordon Ambrose, Bill Bale, Jim Buhler, Dave Grieve, Michael Jones, Dean Nish, Peter Schalk.

Thank you so much for the  great moment! Every blessing for the holiday season and Christmas.


My email is mj.morris@liveca