Blast from the Past - Road Tax

Maybe this is when the problem started.

What's Happening...

Friday, April 6

The last day of the Youth Art 2012
Youth Grade 7 and up displayed
at the Artrageous Gallery


Sunday, April 8th -  10:00 am - 2:00 pmAnnual Easter Egg Hunt
Fort Steele
Easter Egg Hunt, Petting Zoo, Easter Themed Crafts, Easter Parade, Easter Egg Contest, Fun Family Games

Cupcake Decorating, Wagon Rides, Heritage Trades , Demonstrations, 1:30pm Church Service, International Hotel Restaurant, Johnny-On-The-Spot, Live Theatre Shows

admission $5.50 (incl. tax 2 and under free)  per person ~members free~

Bring your favorite decorated egg and enter it into our Best Decorated Easter Egg Contest!

Bring your decorated bicycle or wagon to ride in the Easter Parade!

The Wildhorse Theatre Presents, The Three Munschketeers
by Debbie Patterson enjoy this live family theatre production based on the stories of Robert Munsch Shows at 12:00pm and 2:30pm

Tickets for the theater are
$15 adult
$12 seniors and youth
$10 child
+tax
Family rate $40.00 (2 adults and two children) with each additional child $5.00

Call for more information!
250-417-6000

Tuesday, April 10
Cranbrook and District Arts Council present "What a Day for a Daydream"

Exhibition starts today and runs to May 4

Open Mic at DD Magee's
Attend Open Mic night hosted by David Prinn
Tonight and every Tuesday night from 7pm -10:30pm

Tuesday Night Fun League, Cranbrook Curling Club
All welcome, All equipment is supplied
Drop in Fee $5.00, 7pm
Call 250-426-4415 for more information

Wednesday, April 11

Clarinet, Cello and Piano Concert
The Selkirk Trio will perform a concert tonight
Begins at 7:30pm at the Presbyterian Church on 3rd St. S.
The program will include classics such as Beethoven, Bruch, and Cole Porter
Tickets are $15 adults and $12 students.
Tickets available at Lotus books or call 250-505-2508

Friday, April 13

Work with Lucas Myers
Work, a comedy, written and performed by Lucas Myers
7:30pm at Studio Stage Door
Tickets are $10 at Lotus Books

Saturday, April 14

Kootenay Trout Hatchery Open House
Trout and Sturgeon displays, children's fishing pond will be open so bring your rod.
There will be a hot dog concession stand.
Admission is Free
Ft. Steel-Wardenr Rd. 10am-3pm
Call 250-429-3214 for more information
10am-3pm

Rusty and Rotary Park

Pictured is Rusty Benson who beginning to put the finishing touches to the Dedication Wall/Circle in Rotary Park.  Rusty was the carpenter who made the forms for this somewhat complicated planter which will be used for the placement of plaques awarded in recognition of contributions to the community.  A colour finish will be applied to the walls and the whole appearance softened with central planting.  

Rusty and his father have been and are long time employees of the City.  It is thanks to Rusty that we now know the small drinking fountain with seventy years of history once located in Rotary Park has been safely stored in the City Works yard.  This will be good news to those who have been wondering about its whereabouts.

Thank You for all your caring work Rusty!  

Columbia River Treaty: Learn about our past and think about our future.

Columbia River Treaty: Learn about our past and think about our future. from Columbia Basin Trust on Vimeo.

Queen of the Sun, Wednesday April 4th, College of the Rockies Lecture Theatre 7:30pm

Lance Cuthill, Cranbrook based Ministry of Agriculture Bee Inspector will introduce the Cranbrook screening of Queen of The Sun. "We have had dramatic bee losses here in BC and in the Kootenays and my hope is that as our community becomes aware of the situation with our pollinators more people will take up beekeeping." said Cuthill. "I am convinced a major part of the solution is biodiversity through smaller beekeeping operations where we can engage in selective breeding to build a stronger honey bee."

Bee on Rudbeckia in Jenny's Garden

Post Notes for the Council Meeting of April 2nd

Delegations

Chief Cheryl Casimer St Mary’s Band re Canadian Native Fastball Championships, August 2nd-5^th  2012

50 to 60 teams expected with $10,000.00 being offered for the winning team. Chief Casimer requested an extension on lights for the duration of the tournament.  She also spoke of Aboriginal Day in June.  The Arts are being featured prominently in this year’s celebrations with an outdoor evening performance with the Symphony of the Kootenays being scheduled.

Ron Miles and Shelly Hollister appeared as a delegation at Council’s request to answer more questions about their Lacrosse Box proposal.  After considerable clarification it appears the lacrosse box, if constructed, will not just be used for lacrosse.  Mr Miles also stated he was working with a service group who might potentially take on ongoing costs of maintenance.

Administration Update

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2167

The update contained items concerning:

Signs – looking at  June date for the policy around electronic signs to come before Council

Dates for the Brown Bag Lunch beginning April 24^th 12 noon to 1:00pm Council Chambers with Mayor and Councillors who chose to attend

Coffee with the Mayor at Hot Shots April 14^th 1:00 -4:00pm

Shaw Council Meeting Rebroadcast Dates changed to accommodate hockey.  This Monday’s meeting will be broadcast on Sunday April 8^th at 11:00am and Sunday 15^th at 11:00am

Yellow Recycling Bins

DCC Round Table Workshop for stakeholders Thursday April 26^th 4:00 – 7:00pm

Aspen Firebreak - completed

Salt Water for Pool Investigation - not recommended

Pitch In – week following Earth Day

North Star Trail – washout reported

Council Enquiries

Councillor Whetham asked that a simple sketch map be made available at the Chamber buildings describing access to the North Star Trail head.  Chris new responded that this could be done.

Councillor Warner asked about removal of flowers from a grave at the Cranbrook Cemetery.  Mr Pearce acknowledged that sometimes flowers are removed rather quickly but will post reminders about the time length for such placements.

Councillor Scott requested that Chamber information be made available on first contact with potential new business.

Councillors Pallesen and Davis made comment about the Armond Restoration Project Proposal and commented that members of the public had spoken to them of their concern that taxpayers money should not be used for this. 

Comment

As Chair of this committee I must point out that it is not anticipated at this time that city taxpayers money be used for this project. 

Correspondence

23 items beginning at:

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2168

We note item 9.9, a letter from Public health Veterinarian, Livestock Health Management and Regulation, March 19, 2012, concerning Cattle Consumption of water at spray irrigation Site.

The entire letter can be read at

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2176

Of note is the paragraph which states;

“My recommendation is to continue to monitor the drinking water samples.  I would not recommend using drinking water that consistently (2 consecutive samples) fails to meet the guidelines or if an individual sample greatly exceeds the guidelines (for example if the total coliform count is 20,000/100ml, or if the fecal coliform is 4,000/100ml).  The G1 ponds sample results for 2009 and 2010 do not meet these criteria. In 2010 B Lake and Luke’s Lake each had a single sample with fecal coliforms above 4.000/100ml.”

This letter was discussed and the recommendation was to meet with the ranchers to discuss cattle watering and to continue monitoring the ponds once the ultra violet treatment commences.

9.18 concerned funding for The Symphony of the Kootenays and once again it was commented on that the Symphony did not apply for the maximum amount through the Community Initiatives program.

9.19 Trash to Treasure will be advertised by the City and will be held in conjunction with Pitch In (April 23^rd  – 30^th) and Earth Day week.  Saturday April 21^st will be Trash to Treasure Day.

All other correspondence and the responses can be read at the link above.

Committee Recommendations

11.1 Family and Community Services Committee recommend that at this time The City is not in a position to amend bylaws to allow livestock within municipal boundaries and that Sven Heyde be thanked for his interest. Carried with Councillor Warner opposing.

11.2 That council endorse the recommendation for a roof over the Fitness Centre and that more research be carried out. Carried.

 New Business

12.1     That Council approve the 2012 Corporate Business Plan. Carried.

12.2     That Mr Jay Savage has failed to file his Campaign Disclosure Statement and that he has until April 18^th to file papers and is fined a $500.00 penalty. Carried

12.3     That Council appoint Kareen Peters to the Cranbrook in Motion Committee. Carried.

12.4     That Council approve the new Cranbrook Transit System Master Operation Agreement.  Carried.

12.5     To consider approval of Industrial Development permit Kodiak Homes.  Carried.

12.6          To consider approval of a Steep Slopes Development permit at 325 Industrial Road F.  Carried.

12.7          To consider approval for a development permit for 325 Industrial Road F.  Carried.

12.8          Report Recommendation regarding Roads Capital Program.  City Engineer Hodge had informed Council that the Road infrastructure deficit currently stands at $19,000,000.00.  The cost of those roads scheduled for repair this year will be $2,000,000.00.  The list of those roads to receive attention this year will be available soon.

12.9          That the City renew the Strategic Community Investment Funds Agreement. Carried.

12.10      That the City support in principle the use of lands in Balment Park for an Outdoor Lacrosse Box but that administration work with the committee and that the public be consulted and a report be brought forward at a future date.  Carried.

12.11      To consider allowing the placement by the RDEK of 7 recycle bins on the parking lot at the Memorial Arena Site. Carried.

Bylaws

13.1          Recommendation to adopt the Five Year Financial Plan.  Carried.

13.2          Third Reading and adoption of the Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 3742 (134, 5^th Av S.) Carried.

13.3          Third Reading and adoption of the Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 3743 (134, 5^th Av S.).  Carried.

Around Town and Looking Good

The Kootenay Child Development Centre opened its doors last Thursday, March 29th for interested citizens to take a look.  Those who will be working out of this space start moving in on Monday April 2nd.  Sunshine yellow, rosy red, sky blue and spring leaf green make this building welcoming, bright and child friendly. Gwen Noble, Executive Director, addressed the crowd thanking sponsors and all the volunteers who had worked so hard to make this project happen.  The East Kooteanay Supported Child Development Program housed in the adjacent building also opened its doors on the same evening.
For more information and donation details:
http://www.kootenaycdc.ca/

Advance Notes for the Council Meeting of April 2nd 6:00pm

Delegation

Chief Cheryl Casimer St Mary’s Band re Canadian Native Fastball Championships, August 3-6^th 2012

Administration Update

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2167

The update contains items concerning:

Signs

Dates for the Brown Bag Lunch with Mayor and Councillors who chose to attend

Coffee with the Mayor at Hot Shots

Shaw Council Meeting Rebroadcast Dates

Yellow Recycling Bins

DCC Round Table Workshop for stakeholders

Aspen Firebreak

Salt Water for Pool Investigation

Pitch In

North Star Trail

Correspondence

23 items beginning at:

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2168

We note item 9.9, a letter from Public health Veterinarian, Livestock Health Management and Regulation, March 19, 2012, concerning Cattle Consumption of water at spray irrigation Site.

The entire letter can be read at

https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2176

Of note is the paragraph which states;

“My recommendation is to continue to monitor the drinking water samples.  I would not recommend using drinking water that consistently (2 consecutive samples) fails to meet the guidelines or if an individual sample greatly exceeds the guidelines (for example if the total coliform count is 20,000/100ml, or if the fecal coliform is 4,000/100ml).  The G1 ponds sample results for 2009 and 2010 do not meet these criteria. In 2010 B Lake and Luke’s Lake each had a single sample with fecal coliforms above 4.000/100ml.”

Committee Recommendations

 11.1 Family and Community Services Committee recommend that at this time The City is not in a position to amend bylaws to allow livestock within municipal boundaries and that Sven Heyde be thanked for his interest.

11.2 That council endorse the recommendation for a roof over the Fitness Centre and that more research be carried out.

New Business
12.1     That Council approve the 2012 Corporate Business Plan

12.2     That Mr Jay Savage has failed to file his Campaign Disclosure Statement and that he has until April 18^th to file papers and is fined a $500.00 penalty.

12.3     That Council appoint Kareen peters to the Cranbrook in Motion Committee.

12.4     That Council approve the new Cranbrook Transit System Master Operation Agreement

12.5     To consider approval of Industrial Development permit Kodiak Homes

12.6     To consider approval of a Steep Slopes Development permit at 325 Industrial Road F.

12.7     To consider approval for a development permit for 325 Industrial Road F

12.8     Report Recommendation regarding Roads Capital Program.

12.9    That the City renew the Strategic Community Investment Funds Agreement

12.10  That the City support in principle the use of lands in Balment Park for an Outdoor Lacrosse Box but that administration work with the committee and that the public be consulted and a report be brought forward at a future date.

12.11  To consider allowing the placement by the RDEK of 7 recycle bins on the parking lot at the Memorial Arena Site

Bylaws

13.1          Recommendation to adopt the Five Year Financial Plan

13.2          Third Reading and adoption of the Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 3742 (134, 5^th Av S.)

13.3          Third Reading and adoption of the Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 3743 (134, 5^th Av S.)

Soggy Saturday at Elizabeth Lake

Thanks Stewart.

Ambitious Plan to Convert Elizabeth Lake

Thanks to those who played along with our April Fool posting.  This is an actual article originally printed in the Cranbrook Herald, July 25th, 1907. Not surprisingly this story still can be heard being rumoured around  occasionally.  This is the original version.

Submitted by A.E. Simpson

There is a big scheme being talked of at the present time that has in­terested a lot of people who have always regretted that a city so magnificently located as Cranbrook is has no close facilities for boating and bathing.

Just west of the city there is Elizabeth Lake which is a large swampy slough that is surrounded by hills in such a manner that it makes as natur­al reservoir, providing that a little work is done on a few of the out­lets. Many people have looked at this flat and remarked on the geo­graphical conditions, saying that it should be turned into a beautiful lake for the benefit of the people of Cranbrook.  Presently this wasted area is only benefiting several ducks and a few turtles. The great difficulty has been the lack of sufficient water to give the lake a respectable start. There is a small creek flowing in from Jim Smith Lake that would keep the water in splendid condition after the lake was once formed, but not large enough to create the original lake.

Building areas around the lake can be purchased at prices worth considering, and a proposition has been made to furnish the water by drawing on the waters of Upper Moyie Lake. The distance from the swamp to the head of Moyie Lake is about 17.71 km and the altitude of the lake is 913.49 m, while the altitude of Cranbrook is 903.43 m, just 10.06 m lower. The plan is to lay a 15 cm pipe from the head of Moyie Lake to Elizabeth Lake just west of Cranbrook, and thus form a siphon, larger than any that has been built in the world. Just east of the apex, which would be near Rhoda Siding, a connecting standpipe would he erected, and the end of the long pipe at Cranbrook be plugged. The pipe running from the apex to Cranbrook would be filled with water, and this could be secured from the pipe that used to furnish the East Kootenay Mill. It is a scientific fact that with the lower portion of the pipe filled with water and then the top of the stand pipe plugged, and the Cranbrook end of the long pipe opened, the flow of water would draw the water from the Moyie end of the pipe and start in action a natural siphon that would continue to flow until the marshy slough at Cranbrook would be filled, and Cran­brook would finally have a decent lake. 

There could be no serious objections on the Part of the people of Moyie, as the taking of the water from the upper Moyie Lake would only lower the southern portion for a short time. Then the water in the upper lake is not the property of any individual or corporation, and can be taken by Cranbrook as well as not. The cost of the pipe at $5.76 cents per metre for 17,710 metres would be $102,009.60 and the cost of laying not over $100,000 more. The pipe-could be left position, and whenever the new Elizabeth Lake got low, as it might in July and August, the reserve in the upper Moyie Lake could be drawn on at will.

This scheme will give to Cranbrook a fine summer resort, and could mean the formation of boat clubs with handsome clubhouses and summer homes along the lake shore, the buying of boats and canoes, and giving an opportun­ity for a grand annual aquatic car­nival in this city. Furthermore, the new Elizabeth Lake could be stocked with fish and within a year or two be transformed into a regular piscatorial paradise. We trust that the proposi­tion will have the full support of the citizens of Cranbrook and a syndi­cate formed to handle the matter in a business like manner.