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Skiers and snowboarders of all ages took advantage of the mild temperatures and great snow offered at the Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill over the Christmas holidays. The municipal ski hill’s regular hours are Wednesdays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photo by J. MacFarlane
Land use plan threatens coal development, mining company says By Joni MacFarlane Editor As one of the last potential coal mining areas in Canada, development of the south-eastern flanks of the Rocky Mountains is threatened by the province’s proposed land use plan, council was told. President and CEO of Altitude Resources Inc., Gene Wusaty, appeared before council on Dec. 17 and said his company was set to begin exploration activities in the area but are concerned about the South Saskatchewan Regional Land Use Plan (SSRP) that proposes to protect areas adjacent to coalfield sites. Altitude Resources was started about three years ago and recently listed on the Vancouver Stock Exchange, said Wusaty. Last summer, Altitude signed an exploration and option
agreement with Elan Coal Ltd. that gave them the option to acquire a 51 per cent working interest in 23,000 hectares north of Crowsnest Pass. Under the agreement, Wusaty said, Altitude is committed to spend $15 million by the end of 2016 on drilling and exploration activities to identify coal reserves that would support a new export metallurgical coal project. The property extends in a north-south direction for about 50 km north of Riversdale Resources’ Grassy Mountain project. The coal deposits are similar to Teck’s in the Elk Valley, said Wusaty. He added that there are several other companies with property in the area and emphasized the potential opportunity that exists. “This opportunity in the Pass here is one of the few remaining coal development po-
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Thursday, January 2, 2014 Crowsnest Pass Free Press
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Students at Horace Allen School participated in the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ by bringing in donations to the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank. Along with some of the students, School Secretary Maryanna Misseghers (back right) presented 660 pounds of food to Food Bank President Bruce Street (back left). Submitted photo
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Students from Isabelle Sellon School made a donation of 319 pounds of food and $382 in cash to the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank shortly before Christmas. Left to right: Kristian, Libbey, Paige, Dellan and Lyndon. Submitted photo
Mining company sees land use plan at odds with economic future of Crowsnest Pass
From Page 1... “We’re targeting those properties because they hold the best opportunity for a large reserve,” he said. “And really they’re the closest to rail which is very important.” Wusaty also told council how important it was for coal development to have the support of the local community and said he hoped to have the community behind them when they approach the Alberta government about the SSRP. “All the coal in Alberta that’s coking coal is found in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains on the eastern slopes. So this is the last bastion for coking coal development in the south part of the province,” he said. “Right now what’s happening is the SSRP is going to impede that if we don’t get some of it reversed.” The draft SSRP includes all of the land containing Alberta’s remaining coking coal and proposes new protected zones and parklands within this land, said Wusaty. He added that 58 per cent of Alberta’s Rocky Mountain region was contained within parks and other protected areas and now another large piece of land is being proposed for protection. “The coal lands that could be impacted are significant from a coal development potential basis but represent a small component of the overall package of lands proposed for protection by the RRSP,” he said. “For us that really impacts our business because a lot of the extension of the Livingstone Park and other protected areas are in the area where we’re trying to do our coal development.” Of particular interest, said Wusaty, was that the “draft SSRP fail[ed] to examine... the Crowsnest Pass, to determine if these areas are fully participating in regional economic growth and the need for alternative strategies”.
“If you take a look at the SSRP document... Although it says that it deals with economic issues, it doesn’t deal with any economic issues and the creation of additional parkland and more protected areas will not change your economic situation in the Pass,” said Wusaty. “The real big opportunity... is the development of these coal resources that we have.” Proposed extensions of parkland, even if not directly on coal companies’ land, will impact mining develop-
“Alberta has a window of opportunity to develop coal mines that would bring significant economic opportunities to the Crowsnest Pass and province.” Gene Wusaty, President & CEO, Altitude Resources
ment activities because eventually there will be requests for buffers between the properties and “another piece of land will be neutralized, coal-bearing land that will be asked to be a buffer”, said Wusaty. Along with other coal and exploration companies, Wusaty said they were working with the Coal Association of Canada and have been meeting with provincial ministers to get protected areas pushed away from coal-bearing lands.
Wusaty asked council for their support and said that the SSRP, in its current form, provides no alternatives or actions to reverse the municipality’s economic decline. “The Crowsnest Pass is critical in addressing this element of the draft SSRP and potentially has the most to lose from implementation in its current state,” he said. Wusaty added that the SSRP doesn’t kill coal development but it takes away significant opportunities. He emphasized that a window of opportunity exists with rail and port capacity and strong Asian interest in Canadian trade opportunities. The province has imposed a deadline for public input of Jan. 15 with an expected implementation date for the plan of April. Several council members weighed in with their support. “The South Saskatchewan Regional Plan just leaves the Crowsnest Pass out totally,” said Councillor Bill Kovach. “I for one, think when you start to bury non-renewable resources, you’re not looking down the road... for generations to come.” Dermot Lane, a consultant working with Altitude Resources, said council needs to let the province know about the municipality’s situation. “...what really matters the most is what communities want and what community interests are,” he said. “The community will have a long lengthy process to go through whether to make that decision [to allow mining development]. The critical issue here is protecting your options for the future and you don’t have a lot of time to act on this.” Later in the evening, council agreed to draft a letter to Alberta’s Premier, and the Ministers of Energy, Municipal Affairs, and AESRD. It was also agreed to solicit support from the Committee of Mayors and Reeves of Southern Alberta.
Crowsnest Pass Free Press Thursday, January 2, 2014
Planning continues for mining disaster centennial By Joni MacFarlane Editor
The traditional Bellecrest Days will be moved to the ball diamond on SaturNext June marks the day and will feature 100th anniversary of the HillMaria Dunn at the crest Mine Disaster, a tragic day Hillcrest Miners that indelibly scarred the CrowsClub and a live munest Pass and mining commusic event co-hosted nity across the country. with the museum. Committee representaJessop said tive Lynnette Jessop presented invitations to diga review to council on Dec. 10 nitaries and special with an overview of plans and guests have been requirements. sent out, a comOne hundred years ago memorative broon that day in June, 235 miners chure and a book went underground and only 46 will be available, survived, leaving 130 widows and a media camand 400 orphans, said Jessop. paign will be conMost of those killed were buried ducted across the in a mass grave in Hillcrest while country to attract others were buried at various people to the event. Crowsnest Pass cemeteries or Commitments returned to their hometowns for and promises were burial. made by the previIn 1985, the Hillcrest ous council said JesCemetery was declared a Prosop, and included vincial Historic Resource that hosting of VIPs on has since attracted thousands of June 19, waiving of visitors on the Crowsnest Heriequipment and fatage Route, Jessop said. Restoracility rental fees, retion projects have been ongoing surfacing of the Old at the site for years and largeFrank Road, and scale plans have been developed a matching capital for its commemoration next fund of $150,000 if year. needed. These include a new Formal supentrance feature with archway port still required that will appropriately identify from the municipaland honour the significance of Canada’s largest mining disaster, Canada’s largest mining disaster took place at the Hillcrest Mine on June ity includes an extra landscaping, highway signage, 19, 1914 and community volunteers are busy planning a commemora- $20,000 for events, new parking area, interpreta- tive weekend that is expected to attract visitors from across the country. insurance, loam and tive panels, and a new gate that Photo by J. MacFarlane grass seed or sod for Hillcrest Main drives down to the cemetery. Street, further landJessop said the budget scaping around the has been estimated at $385,000 with the visitors from across Canada. The actual anniversary on cemetery site, and potable water to the ball majority funded through grants and sponThursday, June 19 will be a somber day diamond. sorships. Councillor Dave Filipuzzi ofAs well as cemetery restorations, of remembrance with a funeral procession one of the legacies of the project is to fin- re-enactment and graveside service, Jessop fered congratulations to the committee. ish the ball diamond nearby, said Jessop. said. The mayor and council are asked to “I’m really appreciative of where you are A large temporary tent will be installed host a dignitary event that evening and going with this and I think it’s of great for the event as well as completion of the although it’s not yet confirmed, the com- benefit to the community,” said Councillor mittee is working to get Paul Brandt for a Filipuzzi. “I think what you’ve done there snack shack and washrooms. already is really nice. It’s really an asset to The Hillcrest Memorial Committee has concert at the Coleman Sports Complex. Friday will celebrate the Spirit the community.” been working with the Crowsnest Heritage Administration was asked to put Initiative and Community Futures, said of the Miner with historic facilities showJessop, and a commemorative weekend is cased, a miners’ picnic, beer gardens, and together the municipality’s costs for the planned for June 19 to 21 that will attract an outdoor dance with the Coal Creek project and bring back to council for reBoys. view.
Borrowing bylaw approved By Joni MacFarlane Editor
Final reading of a bylaw to borrow funds to provide cash flow for the first half of 2014 was approved by a vote of 6-1 on Dec. 17. The bylaw allows the municipality to borrow up to $1 million if necessary and is used to cover expenses before taxes and grants are received. Myron Thompson, chief administrative officer, presented the annual borrowing bylaw and told council its purpose was to pay mandatory funds to the province that are due before pro-
COMMUNITY CALENDAR JANUARY 11 – Crowsnest Consolidated High School will holds its 2014 bottle drive on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. If you are not home and would like
jected property taxes are paid. The Alberta School Foundation Fund (ASFF) requires a payment of about $675,000 each quarter. The payment is withdrawn from the municipality at the end of March, June, September and December. In addition, the Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing Requisition of $22,515 per month is also withdrawn. The property tax levy is not due until June 30th with 88 per cent of residential and commercial taxes being paid on the due date. Only 12 per cent prefer monthly preauthorized payments, said Thompson.
“...the cash flow required to operate the municipality on a monthly basis is directly impacted by the legislated payment of requisitions,” wrote Thompson. Councillor Dean Ward moved to defer the bylaw until further information was received on whether the funds had ever been used before. “We would only utilize it if it’s required. It’s just there as a fail-safe and it is a normal process for this community,” said Thompson. The motion was defeated and the bylaw passed second and final readings by a vote of 6-1 with Councillor Ward opposed.
your bottles picked up, please leave them outside and clearly marked. If you would like to donate your bottles before or after Jan. 11, please call CCHS at 403-563-5651 and we will gladly arrange a time for pick up.
JANUARY 13 - Metis Nation monthly meeting to take place Monday, Jan. 13 at the Provincial building in Pincher Creek at 7 p.m. Please use east side entrance.
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Thursday, January 2, 2014 Crowsnest Pass Free Press
Public Works looks at Coleman shops By Joni MacFarlane Editor
In response to a request for information, Director of Planning, Engineering & Operations Frank Besinger presented council with an update of the consolidation of Public Works Operations facilities. In a report prepared by Russell Farmer & Associates as part of its municipal inspection report, three key areas were identified that the municipality could improve upon in this area, said Besinger. E s s e n t i a l ly, they were to continue rationalizing operations, particularly equipment, to create efficiencies in operations and administration, reduce duplicated equipment and supplies, and better communicate plans. Besinger said
the municipalequipment. Some ity owns 33 are old, in poor buildings used state of repair by the puband beyond their lic, utilities or serviceable life operational expectancy, he functions with said. most being old, “In most inadequately if not all cases, maintained and major costs have under-utilized. been expended for O p on-going repairs erations in the out weighing the east are conresidual value of ducted out of the units,” said the Hillcrest Besinger. “The facility and in intent is not to the west out of recommend disthe Blairmore posal of select facility. Staff pieces of equipreport to either ment but to rethe Hillcrest or duce the fleet by Blairmore faattrition annually cility and the that in turn lends Coleman and the opportunity Empire shops to right size our are used for Municipal council and administration is examining the feasibility of consolidation of building facilities.” storing equip- its Public Works Shops. Two Coleman shops are currently used to store equipment Council diswhile staff work out of either the Blairmore or Hillcrest facilities. ment only. cussed whether it Photo by J. MacFarlane made more sense “It has been deterto keep one shop Although no at $14,372 and the there have also been mined that only in Coleman open one facility is re- current appraisal has Empire shop’s cur- areas of improve- for staff rather than quired allowing one been done, the Cole- rent assessed value is ment identified re- have them drive to municipal Blairmore and then to be disposed of as man shop’s assessed $168,050 with annual garding vehicles and heavy back again. Some a surplus asset,” said value is $213,120 utilities at $10,971. with annual utilities Besinger said Besinger.
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In a few short months a very important centennial is going to take place in Crowsnest Pass. On June 19, we will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Hillcrest Mine Disaster, an event that has left an indelible mark on our community. On June 19, 1914, 235 men went underground at the Hillcrest Mine; only 46 came back out of the mine that day. One hundred and eighty-nine men lost their lives in what is Canada’s worst underground mine disaster. Since Dec. 12 the Crowsnest Museum has been paying homage to the men who died 100 years
ago, by featuring each of them on our social media streams and sharing a glimpse of who they were and their unique lives. On Facebook you can like the “Crowsnest Museum, Gift Shop & Archives” and on twitter follow “@CrowsnestMuseum”. You may also search #hillcrest100, for all the Hillcrest Mine Disaster centennial postings and updates. Please feel free to comment and post, especially if you have any information about the person we are highlighting that day. We hope that by featuring all 189 men for 189 days we will all get a deeper appreciation for the importance of the centennial we are about to commemorate.
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members of council also questioned the Farmer report’s assertion that the municipality rationalize operations “to a level that is more in line with comparable municipalities”. “Our community isn’t a square or a circle, we live in a long line which is really hard to get comparisons of other communities, said Mayor Blair Painter. “I think we have to relook at this and see if this is really an efficient way to do things.” Administration reiterated that the intention was to keep one shop in Coleman to store equipment and better utilize Blairmore facilities. It was agreed that these issues would be discussed with department heads during budget meetings.
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Crowsnest Pass Free Press Thursday, January 2, 2014
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Bohemian Waxwings: welcome visitors to the Pass By Susan Douglas-Murray Submitted
My specialty is trout. So I am out on a limb here discussing birds. Why birds? Well after the magnificent show of Bohemian Waxwings before Christmas I was again besotted by the incredible variety of winged wonders we see in the Crowsnest Pass…even in winter. Fo r those of you fortunate to have mountain ash trees nearby, chances are you will have witnessed the Waxwings swarm to the berries of these trees. A nervous feeding frenzy ensues, then, as one, they take flight to a safe zone. Then back again, back again, until the berries are demolished. The Waxwing have a high tolerance for fermented berries as they can metabo-
lize the sugar efficiently. However, just like their two legged friends, too many berries can lead to intoxication and possibly death. The Waxwings I observed looked to be in perfect harmony with the odd tipsy bird engaged in a drunkard’s lean on a twig.
The large flock of perhaps 80 birds is common during winter migration. They begin moving south in September as they search for fruits and insects. They usually reach our area mid-to-late November and as is the norm
for migratory species, will stay or leave depending on food availability. The Bohemian is distinguished by the vibrant yellow band on the end of their tail feathers, a wiggly streak of yellow on the wing and the smidge of red on their wing tips. It is this red tip resembling a wax mark which gives the birds their name. Their body colour is a soft downy brown to grey and they’re just shy of the size of a robin. Their eyes are decorated with a streak of black, much like Lady Gaga might apply. A distinctive ruddy red crest tops the males head. The Bohemian Waxwing is common to our area, breeding in open coniferous and mixed forests. Our proximity to water is another welcome mat to a comfortable housing arrangement for this monogamous bird. And speaking of trout...
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Thursday, January 2, 2014 Crowsnest Pass Free Press
Opinion
Phone: 250-509-0177 Email: publisher@cnpfreepress.ca For news tips, community, sporting and other events, please contact Joni MacFarlane at 403-563-7725 or email: joni.macfar@gmail.com
Regional land use plan demands more thought
As the gate quickly closes on the deadline for input into the government’s South Saskatchewan Regional Land Use Plan, many are now scrambling to protect their interests. The plan encompasses an area of 83,765 kilometres from just north of Calgary to the U.S. border and from the Rocky Mountains to the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. It’s home to more than 1.6 million people (45 per cent of Albertans) and dozens of interest groups and individuals. Conservationists believe the plan does not offer enough protection for the numerous animal and plant species that inhabit the region. Many feel that the watershed has not received adequate protection, particularly in floodprone areas, and that the plan falls short of offering a clear long-term vision. Motorized off-road vehicle users believe their needs have not been met and that restricted access to the backcountry will jeopardize future tourism. Mining companies interested in developing the coal industry in southwest Alberta believe their efforts will be hampered by protected land butting up against theirs. They say this threatens the future economic growth of the region. Municipal leaders believe the Crowsnest Pass was excluded from the process to develop the land use plan and their concerns have not been heard. Clearly, this plan will not – and cannot - be all things to all people. There are far too many competing interests and few will be satisfied with the outcome. However, it’s also clear that the majority believe their input has not been considered. The deadline for input should be extended and another public session needs to be held in the Pass so all voices can be heard. The plan is too important to the future of too many to be set in stone without it. JLM The Crowsnest Pass Free Press welcomes letters to the editor that are of interest to our community. Whatever the subject, there are a few basic guidelines to follow before Crowsnest Pass Free Press will publish your comment. • Letters must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s paper. • One letter per person per month. • Letters should be typed or neatly written and present the issues as clearly as possible in 350 words or less. • All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. • Anonymous letters will not be published and pen names may not be used, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the editor. • The editor reserves the right to edit for length, clarity or reject letters over matters of libel, legality, taste or style. Letters published do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or belief of this newspaper.
Letters Re: “BC Employment receives complaint against Fernie’s Tim Hortons” December 12, 2013
Dear Editor, Please accept this as an open letter to the people of the Elk Valley, Crowsnest Pass, and especially Fernie. We have a long-standing, personal relationship with the town of Fernie and its residents, including our employees. Kristine was born, raised, and went to school in Fernie and Pierre has lived here for over 34 years and also went to school here. We’ve both worked for local restaurants, small businesses, and the coal mines for 15+ years, earning honest wages to build a life and family and, eventually, invest in and own our own small business. We have many close friends and family here and affiliations with different local groups, charities, and volunteer organizations. We are actively involved in many community events and our children’s schools. At this time, we would like to express how extremely saddened and shocked we are at this recent turn of events and want to set the record straight with our local community. As you know, we employ Temporary Foreign Workers as part of our restaurant team because of the signifi-
cant shortage of food service workers in the area. Fernie, along with many other communities, has been in a critical labour shortage for many years. Having the Temporary Foreign Worker program available to us has not only allowed us to keep our doors open, serve our community, and maintain our hours of operation and therefore, jobs for our other employees, but also to protect our family’s future. We are real people, local Fernieites who like everyone work hard to make a living. Our Temporary Foreign Workers are valued members of our business and community. Some have moved on to other jobs and cities, and some have brought families to our area with our assistance. And we as employers have been proud to get to know and trust them on a personal and professional level, attending weddings, births, birthdays, parties, and just about anything else you do with someone you call a friend. We feel it’s very important to set the record straight on our support of Temporary Foreign Workers and mention that not only have we provided jobs for these team members, but have also given assistance by providing vehicles, bikes, furniture, laptops, groceries and clothing to help get them started. We’ve also written letters of confidence to the government so they could return after they
went home to visit families. ALL of our team members are important to us and we help out whomever we can, however we can. At this time, we want to assure everyone that we are dealing with these allegations as they unfold, and are fully cooperating and complying with the BC Employment Standards Board. We intend to respect the process and are not in a position to comment publicly on employment issues or matters relating to the investigation. We want people to know that we have always sought to maintain and run our business with integrity. We have always worked hard to maintain high standards in our business practices, as we have in our community. You all know the many local charities, children’s events, sports teams and community events that we take part in and support. And many of you know us on a personal level and know our character. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of support: the calls, texts, emails and words of encouragement. We will do our best to get through this with courage and dignity. At this time, we respectfully request your patience while we try to deal with this through the proper channels. Thank you for your continued support, Pierre & Kristine Pelletier
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Published weekly each Thursday by The Crowsnest Pass Free Press, a division of Black Press Group Ltd. and distributed throughout the Crowsnest Pass. Free circulation, 1,700.
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Crowsnest Pass Free Press Thursday, January 2, 2014
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CROWSNEST READS Crowsnest Reads is a new section in the Free Press that talks about what we’re reading and why. We will feature a few selections every week and hope many, many people in the community participate. If you would like to be included, please send a brief paragraph or two telling us what you’re reading and why you chose it, what you liked (or didn’t). Any and every genre goes – children’s books, nonfiction, biography, business, historical, how-to’s, self-help, graphic novels, romance, humour, whatever you’re into. Let’s talk about what we’re reading. Send your submissions to joni.macfar@ gmail.com. Darsey Milford Over the last six months I’ve made a real effort to read what my kids are reading, both for enjoyment and to keep in tune with what they have going on. It has been a pleasant surprise for me as I’ve quite enjoyed myself. The first series was a 10-book series called “The Rangers Apprentice”. A great mix of action, adventure, world travels and strong friendships, the series follows a group of orphans that are given an opportunity to train as apprentices in their medieval society. As they grow up and gain expertise, they develop strong bonds while defending their kingdom. A great series for both kids and adults The second series is “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”. Popular enough that movies have been made about two of the books. The series follows a young “halfblood” (half human, half Greek God) as he discovers his heritage, fights battles
against monsters and Titans that the humans are unable to see. This series is full of action, fun, and Greek mythology as strong friendships are formed. Cory Schultz I am currently reading “House of God” by Samuel Shem M.D., which is a fictional story about the trials and tribulations of medical interns who are starting their careers during the early 1970s. The tone of the book ranges from light-hearted absurdity to the desperate and depressing aspects of their chosen careers. Common themes in the book deal with the care of the chronically ill, frustrating interactions with hospital administration and the toll the demands of their jobs take on their personal lives. The book could be subtitled ‘Dilbert for Medical Students’ based on some of the ridiculous and amusing stories that are covered. I have found the book quite entertaining, but think it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Lorraine Halton I have been fascinated by the fact that a brilliant freelance writer who I have a lot of respect for reads murder mysteries. So, once again, I have attempted to understand the addiction to the “who dunnits,” and have been reading Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. She is a Canadian author and the setting is a secluded village in Quebec. She writes well with bits of unexpected humor and lovely descriptions. The characters are charming, but the plot, hmm, a bit far-fetched at times. Still, I am waiting
with bated breath for the library to inform me when the next book will be available. Aggie Mitchell I read lots -usually murder and detective stories. Right now is a John Grisham novel called “Sycamore Row”. It’s about a man prior to committing suicide (he was dying of lung cancer), writing his will and leaving his children (greedy and never seen) not a cent of his $22 million assets and leaving it mostly to his black housekeeper. He was white. This man had everything written and directions for funeral-etc etc and this young struggling honest lawyer received these directions in the mail. It is difficult for me to stop reading and do my housework! Joni MacFarlane Right now I’m reading a novel called “The Luminaries” written by Canadian author Eleanor Catton and winner of The Man Booker Prize for 2013. I try to read fairly current books and am always excited when a new voice shows up on the scene, especially Canadian. The Luminaries is set in 1866 in the backwoods of New Zealand during the heady days of that country’s gold rush. A mystery that gets more and more intricate, the story is richly peopled with a colourful set of characters. The setting is so well described, you can practically feel the never-ending rain soaking into your bones and the cold wet mud sticking to your boots. A fascinating story about a time and place I know nothing about, and a gripping page-turner I don’t want to end.
An open house held at the Pass Powderkeg Ski Resort on Dec. 12 gave Board members a chance to talk to the community about the ski hill’s future plans including a fundraising campaign for the installation of a chairlift. Photo by J. MacFarlane
Boys & Girls Club receives after-school program funding Submitted Teck Coal recently announced their continued support of the Boys & Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass through a $25,000 donation. The funding was directed towards the 2013/2014 After School program which is now underway. “This level of support is critical to our continued operations in the Crowsnest Pass,” Club President Scott Warris explained. “Teck has certainly made a serious committment to the kids of the community through this funding. This is their second year specifically supporting the After School Program and is in
addition to many other areas of support to the Club such as radio advertising, fundraising campaign sponsorship and mine site tours for the kids. We are very grateful to Tammy Ogden and her department for considering us again this year.” The funds will be used towards operating costs of the program such as staff, wages, rent and transportation. The majority of the program budget is financed through private and corporate donations, Federal, Provincial and Municipal grants, the United Way, various southern Alberta Foundations, the Boys & Girls Club of Canada and many local volunteers.
Changes - getting back on track after holiday festivities As I sit reflecting over 2013 and looking ahead deciding what changes I can make to better myself and my business, I wonder how many others make “New Years Resolutions” only to promptly forget or break that resolution in a few days or weeks. Many years ago I chose to work on myself not once a year, but daily, weekly and monthly and then reflect at the end of the year to see how I’ve done and where I need to continue, add to, and “add new changes” to continue to create myself into a healthier person, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. To continue building relationships, with family and friends and to continue growing my business. Four years ago, as I said in my earlier column, I began looking after my health. I had forgotten about this aspect of me. The problem with forgetting about this part of me (and you) is that if it’s lost, everything else is lost too. If you do not look after your health, you are not looking after your life! After losing 60 pounds, life sure did look a lot different! Walking, running, exercise, sleeping (yes sleeping), shopping for clothes (became fun again), hiking, going to the Zoo, visiting, going out for
dinner, going to work, everything became easier, and enjoyable... even housework, and I loved doing my yard again! I had begun to detest my day-to-day life. Losing 60 lbs and getting my health back, gave me my life back! Reflecting back over 2013, I was thinking about all the wonderful people I have met through my Clinic, how many hundreds of pounds have melted away, and how many people bounce out of my office thanking me for helping them get their lives back again. I know I will never go back to that unhappy girl, because I will never sabotage myself by eating unhealthy or in my case not eating enough foods or drinking unhealthy drinks, and forgetting about me again. We have to give ourselves the pleasure at holiday times to enjoy festive foods and drinks, but then we must pull ourselves up quickly and get right back into doing the right thing. But how do you know what to do and when to do the right thing? Alcohol is one of the pleasures that has empty calories and turns directly to fat. Beer is probably the worst alcohol for weight gain for two reasons: 1) The main sugar in beer is maltose. Maltose is a
disaccharide composed of two molecules of glucose, this means it’s very high on the glycemic index and will trigger twice the amount of insulin. 2) It is a diuretic, the more you drink, the more you pee! It is not uncommon at a football game for people to down 3/6 pack of beer during a 3-4 hour period... try to do the same thing with water, you couldn’t! The same idea is used in soft drinks; caffeine is added, which is also a diuretic. You can consume more as it never quenches the thirst but actually makes you more thirsty... just like beer... it just tastes like more! Wine is another sugar which likes to adhere to our waist and not let us waste away, but keeps our middle growing. Just like the chocolates, cakes, cookies, chips, pastas, white breads and many other carbohydrates that like to stick to our midsections and sit heavy on the thighs. They are foods that need to be eaten with caution, and that we need to be taught when to eat. There are so many amazing foods out there that we have not been taught about that are so good and tasty. Learn it, Live it, and Love it! Losing weight is not about giving up everything you love to eat forever. It’s
about learning how your body works, how food works for your body, what the minimum amount of protein your body needs to work at is best, how many carbs your body needs, and how your body burns fat. Exercise is a part of this too. Losing weight is about understanding your body... because your body is specialized. Wishing you a very Happy New Year as you reflect what changes you may want to make in 2014, if any! Coming in my next column will be more tips and the start to 2014 with a new recipe each month. Here’s a quick easy lunch for those on the run; 1 cup Kale 1 cup Cucumber 1 cup Spinach 3 oz Water 1 pkg Fruit Protein Drink (25-30g of protein powder) Liquify in blender and drink as a smoothy. This is filling and healthy. You have all your lunch veggies and required amount of protein serving for meal (approx18g) Changes Weight Loss & Wellness is owned and operated by Linda Germo and is located at 12319-20th Ave., Blairmore. Call 403-562-2111 for more information.
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Thursday, January 2, 2014 Crowsnest Pass Free Press
Popiel’s Crowsnest Pass Eat & Drink
Enough is enough!
Crowsnest Cafe and Fly Shop We wish you good health and big smiles thru 2014 Dine In or Take Away
Breakfasts, Lunches and Sweets from scratch. Gluten Free Options. Bold Flavours from around the World. Fine Rooibos Teas; Oso Negro and Crowsnestcoffeeco.coffees Winter Hours: Wed-Sun 8-5 Gift certificates available Healthy food on Highway #3
403-563-8510
www.crowsnestcafeandflyshop.ca
Here to make you happy 1130 Table Mountain Street, Pincher Creek, AB • 403-627-2787
Stone’s Throw Café All Day Breakfast
Open every day 7am-5pm Sunday 10-4pm 13019-20th Avenue, Crowsnest Pass, AB
Ph/Fax 403-562-2230
www.stonesthrowcafe.ca
Salt. Such a small word to cause so much harm. It has been proven to be one of the risk factors in high blood pressure, with good cause: most people’s salt intake is at least double what it should be. It is up to us to track it down, sometimes in the most surprising places. Firstly, it has to be understood that consuming 1,500 mg of salt — or sodium — per day is sufficient, and that 2,300 mg per day is considered to be the absolute maximum. Nevertheless, men consume about 4,000 mg per day on average, and women, 2,800 mg! When people think of salt, the picture of a salt shaker on the kitchen table immediately leaps to mind. However, salting food on the plate only accounts for about 5 percent of consumption. The real culprits are fast food and processed and packaged foods, which contain phenomenal quantities. For example, two slices of a commercial thin-crust vegetarian pizza contain 1,360 mg of salt; a large portion of fries, 1,080 mg. Snacks and crackers are overflowing with salt as well. Even more surprising is that a lot of prepared sweet foods contain appreciable quantities, particularly breakfast cereals and flavored oatmeal. What to do about all this salt? First of all, try to do more home cooking, which will help you avoid all the salt in packaged foods and restaurant dishes. Check nutrition labels for sodium levels at the grocery store and leave the high-sodium products on the shelves. Choose foods that contain a maximum of 140 mg of sodium per portion.
What you need to know about fibre in your diet Do you know everything you should about fibre, that essential element in a healthy diet? You may not realize it, but your life wouldn’t be much fun without it. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and it keeps bowel movements regular. Test your knowledge with the help of this quiz. 1. Which of the following foods contain fibre? a. Wholegrain products b. Legumes c. Nuts d. Fruits and vegetables e. All of the above 2. When fibre content in the diet is increased, it is important to consume more: a. Liquids (water, juice, hot drinks) b. Sugar c. Snacks d. Dairy products 3. What is the recommended intake of fibre for men and women aged 19 to 50? a. 5 to 8 g b. 15 to 18 g c. 25 to 38 g d. 35 to 48 g 4. A portion of 250 ml of cooked white spaghetti is equivalent to 2.4 g of fibre. How much is contained in the same quantity of whole-wheat spaghetti?
R E S TAU R A N T
Now open Mondays! Visit our Facebook page daily specials
The Best Western Fusion Restaurant in the Pass. 8329 20th Ave Coleman, AB 403 563 5555
Better Pizza!
Quality Ingredients,
...now that’s good food!
Pizza by thee slice availabl for lunch
FIVE R I V E R S PIZZA
(403)564-4545
11001-20th Ave., Blairmore, AB (next to the Bargain Shop) Hours: Sun. 11am-9pm, Mon. Closed, Tues. & Wed. 3-10pm, Thurs.-Sat. 11am-11pm
Specials 11-8pm
Wednesday-Steak Day 7 oz NEW YORK Thursday-Pasta (including Spaghetti or Baked Lasagna) Friday - Homemade Fish and Chips Saturday - BBQ RIB Night
Pick Up Orders 403-564-4522
a. 2.4 g b. 3.0 g c. 4.0 g d. 4.8 g 5. Which of these fruits contain the most fibre? a. Pears b. Dates c. Apples d. Bananas AnsWers 1.e) Sometimes fibre is added to certain packaged foods such as juices and yogurts. 2. a) Ideally, eight glasses of water should be drunk every day. 3. c) Although after 50, the recommended fibre intake is 21 g for women and 30 g for men. 4. d) Likewise, a slice of white bread contains 0.6 g of fibre and a whole wheat slice, 2 g. 5. b) Ten dried dates contain 7.1 g; 1 pear, 5.1 g; 1 apple with skin, 2.6 g; and 1 banana, 1.9 g.
Peking & Cantonese Cuisine Western Food - Fully Licensed
free DeLiVerY on orders over $65 (before tax) within Blairmore
10% Off
on cash pick up over $65 (before tax)
Lunch buffet
tuesday - friday 11am-2pm
Dinner buffet
friday & Saturday 5pm-8:30pm hours: Sun. 11am-9pm, Tues.-Sat. 11am-9:30pm, Mon. closed
Ben Wong Restaurant and Grill Ben
13249 20th Ave., Blairmore, AB
(403)562-8388
Dine in - tAKe Out - DeLiVerY
Call Chris to reserve your spot on our Eat and Drink Page (250)509-0177