Guide 2016
Your Guide to Sparwood What To Do - What To See - Where To Go
What’s Inside the Guide Welcome to Sparwood Sparwood at a Glance Calendar of Events History of Sparwood Mine Tours 5 Day Trips to Explore Camp Sparwood
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Coal Miner Days Sparwood Trails Fishing Spots Sparwood Chamber/ Sparwood Rec Centre What’s New in Sparwood Sparwood Map
The Free Press The Sparwood Guide is published once a year by: The Free Press, 342 2nd Ave, A Division of Black Press Box 2350, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 Phone: 250-423-4666 All content is Copyright 2015/16 and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.
Sales Representative: Sophie Howden Photography: Nicole Obré, Pat Allardyce, Free Press file photos Writer: Nicole Obré Publisher: Andrea Horton Front page photo by Nicole Obré
WE REPAIR ANYTHING THAT ROLLS,
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Home of the Elk CRAWLS OR JUST SITS AND SWINGS. Valleys Most Experienced Mechanics Free pickup and delivery in the Elk Valley
PERSONAL AUTOMOTIVE, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL REPAIR SERVICES
Sparwood 743 Douglas Fir Road 250-425-6535, Elkford 1 Front Street 250-865-4622 or Cranbrook 701 Industrial Road 1 250-426-7247
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Photo by Nicole Obré
Welcome to Sparwood On behalf of Council and the staff from the District of Sparwood I would like to welcome you to town. As the first community into British Columbia from the south east, and the middle of the Elk Valley we are proud to be the “Gateway” to B.C. from our neighbors to the east and the “Heart of the Elk Valley”. The first thing you will see is the Titan truck, the largest dump truck in the world. It brings to your attention the enormous affect mining has on this area. We are surrounded by five coal mines that provide high quality steal making coal to the world and good paying jobs for Sparwood residents. The mines enable Sparwood to provide the great infrastructure and amenities
we all enjoy and are happy to share with you. A wonderful campground, leisure center, world class fishing in our rivers and lakes, hunting, biking, hiking, a competitive 9 hole golf course, snowmobiling and skiing to mention a few. The Rockies are right outside our doors, “and we love it”. During the summer you can take a tour of a mine so you can experience the magnitude of their operation or simply explore the outdoors. Visit our tourist information center beside the Titan truck for more information. The people are friendly and it is truly a beautiful place to live, do business or visit. Stay, have a great time and come back soon. Cal McDougall
113 Red Cedar Dr Sparwood, BC - (250) 425-6489 Sparwood Guide Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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SPARWOOD Population: 3,615 Elevation: 1,140m Incorporated: 1966 Schools: Frank J Mitchell Elementary School (K-6) and Sparwood Secondary School (7-12) Mayor: Cal McDougall
Claim To Fame: The Big Green Truck Behind The Name: Tree’s selected for harvest in the area were used for spar’s on ships. A railway stop to collect the logs onto railway cars was known as Sparwood, before even a dream of the town was born.
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Primary Economy: Coal Extraction Forestry Who's Nearby: Elkford, BC a 30 minute drive north Fernie, BC a 20 minute drive west, Cranbrook, BC a 1.5 hr. drive west, Pincher Creek, AB a 1.0 hr. drive east, Lethbridge, AB a 2.0 hr. drive east and Calgary, AB 2.5 hr. drive northeast.
Calendar of Events November..................... December...................... February....................... March........................... April............................. May.............................. June............................. July............................... July/August.................. August.......................... September..................... October.........................
Remembrance Day Ceremony Arts & Heritage Council Craft Fair Christmas Tree Lighting in Centennial Square Community Christmas Party Sparwood Curling Club Sweetheart Bonspiel International Women’s Day Market Arts and Culture Week B.C. Mining Week Events Sparwood Chamber Golf Tournament Coal Miner Days Relay for Life Sparwood Secondary High School Commencement Canada Day Celebrations Farmer’s Market Sparwood Golf Club Championship Terry Fox Run Parkinson’s Walk Community Registration and Information Night Business Week Events Fire Prevention Week Events Sparwood Golf Club Iron Man Sparwood Curling Club Clinic
THE PRESCRIPTION Store Hours For What Ails You
Mon - Sat 9 am - 5:30 pm Sun & Stat 9 am - 1 pm
Free Home Delivery in Sparwood & Elkford Monday to Saturday
107 Centennial Sq, Sparwood ph 250-425-2015 fax 250-425-0294
Our pharmacy staff are able to compound prescriptions. • Wide variety of herbal and natural supplements and a variety of compression stockings and support wear. • New and changing seasonal and promotional items. Peoples Drug Mart has a loyalty program. We are proud of our knowledgeable staff. This location is easily accessible in Centennial Square
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History of Sparwood A town built by coal Prior to 1900, Sparwood was only a railroad stop - named for the trees being shipped from the area to the coast, which were used to manufacture spars for ocean vessels. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the coal boom began, resulting in the creation of five small communities: Michel, Natal, Sparwood, a rural settlement northward along the Elk River Valley, and a small Canadian Pacific Rail settlement at the Alberta/B.C. border known as the Crowsnest. Throughout the years, the area experienced many ups and downs, highly dependant on its primary industry, coal mining. While the local coal mines were what kept the community going, they also had negative effects. By 1966, the Village of Natal and the settlement of Michel had become devastated by coal dust pollution. With help from the provincial and federal governments, the Village of Natal entered into an Urban Renewal and Land Assembly program, leading to the elimination of Natal and Michel and the expansion of Sparwood. Located far enough from the mines not to be affected by the coal dust,
Sparwood became a district municipality in 1966, taking in the communities of Michel, Natal, the Elk River Valley, and the Crowsnest. Sparwood’s mining history is illustrated in murals that adorn the slab concrete sides of buildings, as well as antique mining equipment placed in key locations in the downtown core. Today, Sparwood continues to thrive with a population of approximately 3,600 residents, most of whom still rely heavily on the five area coal mines.
New Patients Welcome
Dr. A.M. Kahane
Health. Beauty. Happiness. Confidence Dr. Karl Peach
Sparwood Heritage Museum Open Monday – Thursday 11am – 3pm 120 Spruce Ave.
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Providing Orthodontics 292 – 2nd Ave, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 dentist@kahane.ca www.kahane.ca
Mine Tours Discover Sparwood’s Elkview Mine Here in Sparwood, we live and breathe coal. Coal mining is truly the foundation of our town, with the majority of residents employed directly by the mines, or indirectly by a service company that works on mining equipment. It’s without a doubt the largest industry in the Elk Valley. Operating since 1898, Elkview is the oldest coal mine in B.C. Originally opened as an underground mine, it is now an open pit mine, producing over four million tonnes of steelmaking coal every year. Hosted by Teck and the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, tours run every summer and give visitors and locals a
real behind the scenes look at the daily operations of a mine. The guided bus tour takes you right onto the mining grounds, with a chance to see the central warehouse, welding and repair shops, sediment ponds, and plenty of gigantic machinery at work. There are also plenty of chances to see haul trucks, graders, and water trucks as they go about their daily jobs. As you watch them at work down in the pit, shovels with a whopping bucket capacity of 43 cubic metres look just like toys in a sandbox. Tours take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the months of July and August.
Steelmaking Coal Builds Communities Teck is the largest producer of steelmaking coal in North America, with five operations in the Elk Valley. Every tonne of steel requires about 700 kilograms of steelmaking coal to create, making steelmaking coal a critical resource for a modern society. For a mine tour, contact Sparwood Chamber of Commerce at 250.425.2423.
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5 Day Trips to Explore
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Grave Lake
A true local hangout, Grave Lake is hugely popular with residents of both Sparwood and Elkford. Featuring cool, clear water and a beautiful mountain view, this family friendly spot is one we’re happy to share with visitors. Take a dip, bring the canoe, or enjoy a relaxing float on the peaceful lake. Bring along your rod if you’re into fishing, or lace up your hiking boots and explore the surrounding wilderness. And if you feel like staying the night, the campground offers serviced sites for tents and RVs.
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Fernie Alpine Resort
Just 25 minutes down Highway 3 is one of the most popular destinations on the Powder Highway; Fernie Alpine Resort. With 37 feet of annual snow, stunning scenery, five huge alpine bowls, and endless downhill thigh burning runs, it’s paradise for skiers and boarders alike. And it doesn’t have to be winter to enjoy the mountain. The resort is open in the summer for mountain biking, hiking, scenic chair lift rides, ziplining, and adventuring in the aerial tree park.
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Frank Slide
Take a drive through the scenic Crowsnest Pass and find yourself at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. Experience what it was like to live in the coal mining town of Frank before, during, and after the infamous Frank Rockslide of 1903 - Canada’s deadliest rockslide. Learn why Turtle Mountain fell and if another rockslide may happen in the future. Two award winning audio-visual presentations are shown throughout the day in the Centre’s theatre and a 1.5 kilometre trail winds through the rocks of the Slide, giving visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the power of nature.
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Downtown Fernie
Although most famous for its ski resort, downtown Fernie is certainly a stop worth making. After the Great Fire of 1908, the town was rebuilt from locally produced golden and rose coloured brick, as well as sandstone. Many of these buildings remain today, giving the town its unique and historic charm. Centred around Second Avenue, Fernie offers boutique shopping, dining, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you spend a summer day soaking in the sun on a patio, or bundle up on a winter evening for a snowy stroll, a day in this vibrant community is one well spent.
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Hosmer Ruins The first town to be settled in the area, back in 1906, Hosmer is located halfway between Sparwood and Fernie. Hosmer enjoyed a brief rise to fame when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) established a coal mining site there in 1908, including over 200 massive beehive coke ovens. Sadly, it was a bustling and busy town for less than two decades before CPR shut down the mine. Today, most of the old town is gone, but nestled in the nearby mountainside, deep in the brush, lie the magnificent and ghostly ruins of the mine site. Head into the trails, located just off the highway, and explore the eerie but beautiful ruins of Hosmer. Original mining buildings, an overgrown cemetery, and 46 of the remaining coke ovens are an amazing site to see tucked into the woods. Photos by Nicole ObrĂŠ
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Camp Sparwood Mountain Shadows Forested Paradise Nestled in the forest just off Highway 3 is Mountain Shadows Campground. The cozy spot boasts 63 serviced sites with all the amenities you could ask for; including water, power, firewood, hot showers, hiking trails, free wi-fi, and handicapped access. The kids will have a blast on the playground and the adults will love direct access to the neighbouring golf course. Located just minutes from town, Mountains Shadows books up every summer, so make sure to reserve your spot in this forested paradise. For reservations and more information, call 250-425-7815.
AIN SHADO NT
WS.ca
MOU
Full service tent/RV site in Sparwood, BC 606 Sparwood Drive - East side of Hwy 3 near Kal Tire stay@mountainshadows.ca 250-425-7815 www.mountainshadows.ca
Campground
Come visit us nestled in the embrace of the Rocky Mountains and create memories to last a lifetime . 10 www.thefreepress.ca - Sparwood Guide
Photo by Nicole ObrĂŠ
Coal Miner Days Family Fun with a Variety of Events If you happen to be visiting Sparwood in the month of June, you’re in for a special treat. Every year, the whole community comes together to celebrate its coal mining heritage with a weekend long festival. Coal Miner Days is held annually during the second weekend of June and you don’t want to miss it! Centred around family fun, Coal Miner Days offers a variety of events and activities for all ages. The festival kicks off with breathtaking fireworks Friday night, features a parade Saturday morning, and wraps up with a children’s duathlon on Sunday. There’s a cabaret and poker tournament for the adults, bouncy castles and facepainting for the
kids, and bocce and golf tournaments for everyone. Of course there’s no shortage of food. The Lions Club hosts a pancake breakfast, Teck Coal fires up one heck of a barbeque, and food trucks and vendors are set up at the Rec Centre all weekend long. And if you’re over 19, stop in to the refreshment gardens for some cold drinks. The festival is also important for raising funds for local organizations such as the Sparwood Food Bank, Search and Rescue, and the new Sparwood Skate Park. For more information and this year’s schedule, visit www.coalminerdays. com.
Sparwood Dental Clinic We can help you with all your dental needs. TAKE THIS TEST: Do you have... Yellow Teeth? Sensitive Teeth? Crooked Teeth? Broken Teeth? Bad Breath? Unwanted Space? Fear of Dentistry? Call: 250-425-7081 Toll Free 1-877-325-7081 New Patients Welcome 139 Centennial Square, Spawood www.sparwooddental.com
CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY! 110 Pine Ave, Sparwood www.sparwood.bclibrary.ca (250) 425-2299
We are more than books WiFi Internet Copier Scanner Fax and much more! Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Sparwood Trails Getting outside and enjoying nature is not hard with the many trail systems Sparwood has to offer. Whether you like to walk, run or bike these trails offer views second to none.
• Cypress Park Loop – A peaceful walk through parks and glades. • Pine Forest – Walk the woodchip trail on this half forested, half sidewalk route. • Historical Tour – A trip through time featuring historical mining displays in downtown Sparwood. • Central Park Loop – This sidewalk and park loop is paved and all within residential Sparwood Heights. • Michel Trail – A beautiful forested trail walk in the Michel Creek Valley, returning along Pine Avenue sidewalk. • Deer Run – A flat loop in the quiet solitude of the Sparwood Cross Country Ski area. • Ponderosa – A popular roadside walk with the option of taking the
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woodchip trail through the secluded forest of Sparwood Heights. View Trail – A longer walk with a bit of elevation and an excellent view of the Elk Valley. Lower Sparwood Perimeter – Enjoy a social walk around the perimeter on the friendly streets of lower Sparwood. Mountain Shadows Trail – One of Sparwood’s real gems, this well established trail winds through the woods around the Golf Course. Sparwood Heights Perimeter – A challenging route crossing the Elk River twice and touring the trails of Sparwood Heights. Sparwood Classic – Almost entirely on wooded trails, this route is considered by some to be one of the best running routes in the Elk Valley. Photo by Nicole Obré
Fishing Spots For Experienced and Freshmen
The Elk Valley is famous for more than just snow. Once summertime hits, locals and visitors flock to the area for worldclass fishing. Whether you’ve travelled to the valley an experienced angler, or you’re looking to cast a line REASONABLE RATES IN CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE ROOMS • Best burger in Sparwood • Try our famous seafood chowder • New entrée menu • Massage facilities (info at front desk)
Full banquet and meeting facilities also available
102 Red Cedar Drive, Sparwood • 250 425 2003 Photo by Pat Allardyce
for the first time, there are plenty of places to try. Cast from the bank of peaceful Michel Creek, or drift in a boat down the Elk River - both offer a bounty of cutthroat trout, whitefish, and bull trout. The Elk River is well known for dry fly fishing. With large, easy to see flies in the area, it allows an amazing visual experience for both the experienced angler and the fishing freshmen. There are also several pedestrian accessible bridges right in town that offer an easy and relaxed fishing atmosphere. Visit nearby Grave Lake and enjoy the clear and pristine mountain waters that are home to kokanee and rainbow trout. Or head to Summit Lake for a chance to catch Gerrard rainbow trout - the largest trout species in the world! Whatever your destination may be, don’t forget to get your provincial fishing license, as well as a classified waters license specific to the Kootenays. They can both be purchased online at www. fishing.gov.bc.ca. For details on fishing regulations in the area, visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/ fish.regulations. ELK VALLEY THRIFT SHOP SOCIETY
Thrifting at its finest! Donate your gently used items and help your community! Volunteers welcome 250-425-0853 127 Town Centre Sparwood, BC
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm Saturday: 10am - 2pm Sunday: Closed
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Sparwood Chamber The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce is an important link between visitors, residents, and local businesses. Working together with its members, the Chamber is all about connections. Whether it’s guiding tourists towards exciting events and attractions, helping a visitor pick a hotel or restaurant, introducing a new resident to the community, or helping small and large businesses market themselves, the Chamber does a little bit of everything. The Sparwood Chamber’s goal is to sustain existing business, enhance business opportunities and improve the economic, social, ecological, and cultural well-being of the community through demonstrated leadership in the
promotion of economic development and diversification and support for community events. The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce works out of the Sparwood Visitor Centre located at 141 Aspen Drive. Their friendly staff are always happy to give suggestions on all that Sparwood has to offer. They also have brochures and information on just about everything there is to do in town, including mine tours, world class fly fishing on the Elk River, Grave Lake, and a full range of community recreational amenities. Stop into the Visitor Centre for more information, or contact the Chamber of Commerce at 250-425-2423.
Sparwood Rec Centre
Home of the Sparwood Titan Please stop at our visitor center for souvenirs, clothing and info on Sparwood and the Elk Valley
141 Aspen Drive ~ 250-425-2423
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Fall, winter, spring, or summer, the Sparwood Recreation Centre is a bustling centre of activity. Head inside on a rainy day and enjoy a dip in the pool or a soak in the whirlpool hottub. Check out the gym, climbing wall, raquet ball, squash, and wallyball courts. Stop into the arena next door for hockey, skating, and curling. When the sun is shining, take advantage of the outdoor fun found just outside the Rec Centre: tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a bike jump park, plus a play and water spray park to keep the kids cool and happy. The Sparwood Recreation Department also offers an endless variety of classes throughout the year. For a full list of programs offered and an up-to-date schedule, visit www.sparwood.ca/recreation.
What’s New in Sparwood From doughnuts to skate parks and new development Tim Hortons: Get your double double in Sparwood! It’s been a long time coming, but Tim Horton’s is officially coming to Sparwood. Set to open November 2015, the Canadian doughnut giant is something locals are eager to embrace. The restaurant is located on the corner of Highway 3 and 43, ready to serve up timbits to people driving through from Elkford, Fernie, Alberta, and of course, Sparwood residents and visitors. The franchise will be open 24 hours a day, so you can get your doughnut craving whenever it hits.
Skate Park:
A brand new skate park is in the works for Sparwood. The District of Sparwood is in the process of building a community concrete skate park, with plenty of help from the Sparwood Futures Society. Whether you prefer a skateboard, BMX bike, scooter, or rollerblades, the proposed new park will have plenty of ramps, jumps, and places to turn tricks for all! The park will replace the aging
wood and metal frame one located in an old tennis court on the Leisure Centre grounds. The updated park is set to be built in the northeast corner of the Arena and Leisure Centre parking lot, between the ball diamond and Pine Avenue.
Middletown Crossing:
One of Sparwood’s most exciting new developments is Middletown Crossing. Still a work in progress, Middletown Crossing is a large mixed use development located directly across from the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 43. Once complete, it will be home to the facilities of industrial supplier Joy Global, mining company Teck Coal, and hotel and real estate developer Schickedanz Properties. Middletown also contains several parcels of property slated for future commercial and industrial development. The name of this ongoing project honours the history of Middletown, one of the earliest setttlements in the area. It also references Sparwood’s geographical location in the middle of this coal mining region. Sparwood Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 15
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Advertiser’s Index Sparwood Public Library The Sparwood Public Library is a non-profit society run by an elected board of directors. It is open Tuesday to Saturday and located, at 110 Pine Avenue in Sparwood, B.C. 250-425-2299 sparwood.bclibrary.ca. Elkford Chamber of Commerce Whether via advocacy, networking provision, marketing or personal support, the Chamber strives to encourage the sustainability and prosperity of all business within the community and surrounding area. District of Elkford Elkford is a picturesque Rocky Mountain town. It remains a place where nature prevails – and humanity borrows a bit of space. Walk out our backdoor into a world untamed and get cozy with the locals. Explore the wildlife…visit Elkford, British Columbia. Mountain Mechanical The Elk Valley’s most experienced mechanics. For all your personal automotive, commercial and industrial repair needs. Overwaitea Sparwood Overwaitea Foods has been serving and supporting B.C. communities for over 95 years. They are B.C.’s very own food people – your very own food people, since 1915. Mountain Shadows Campground A tenting and RV/trailer site situated near Highway #3 and nestled in a cozy forested setting just minutes from downtown Sparwood. Elk Valley Thrift Shop The Elk Valley Thrift Shop is a volunteer operated second hand store located in the Sparwood Town Centre. They are a non- profit society that aims to tie back to our communities and have raised over $100,000 in the last 19 months. They have a large variety of items including clothing, kitchenwares, and home décor. Their hours of operation are: Mon:Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 10am-2pm, closed Sunday Ph: 250-425-0853 Cash, debit, Visa and Mastercard accepted. All volunteers welcome. Dr Kahane Drs. Kahane, Dr, Jensen, Dr. Peach and their team of professionals are committed to providing superior dental and orthodontic care to their patients in a comfortable and friendly environment.
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Teck Teck is the largest employer in the Elk Valley with five mines including Coal Mountain, Elkview, Fording River, Greenhills and Line Creek. Causeway Bay Hotel The Causeway Bay Hotel and Conference Centre in Sparwood offers 83 deluxe rooms and over 5,400 square feet of meeting space. All rooms have hair dryers and in-room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, and high speed internet. They have a selection of king, queen and double beds, and some rooms with Jacuzzi tubs. Most rooms are non smoking, and they are pet friendly.102A Red Cedar Drive Sparwood, British Columbia V0B 2G0 www.causewaybayhotels. ca/sparwood 1-250-425-2003. Sparwood Dental A dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles, minutes from downtown Sparwood. Peoples Drug Mart As a member of a group of locally owned and operated pharmacies across B.C., the Sparwood Peoples Drug Mart is dedicated to contributing to the health and wellness of the community. Conveniently located in Centennial Square, their accessible store makes shopping a breeze. In addition to prescription medication and a wide variety of natural supplements, be sure to see their selection of new and changing seasonal and promotional items. 107 Centennial Square, Sparwood. 250-425-2015 Sparwood Chamber of Commerce The Sparwood Chamber is the heart of the business community, here to assist and help the business community. They run the visitor center and assist with tourism and promotion of the District of Sparwood. Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Society The Michel-Natal-Sparwood Heritage Society was formed as a community public trust organization to provide leadership to establish a permanent facility for the purpose of preserving, recording and exhibiting for public education and enjoyment on material of historical significance. The Society has a small museum located at 120 Spruce Avenue; Open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 3pm. Help our history stay alive and visit the museum.
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The Legend Camping Rest Area Aquatic Centre Library Chamber of ? Commerce Golf Course
Elkford Map Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 15
Skiing in Elkford
An amazing skiing or snowboarding experience awaits you at Wapiti Ski Hill. Only minutes from town, experience the Elk Valley’s famous snow with 14 runs and 1,000 vertical feet of elevation change. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, including an impressive fully trained volunteer ski patrol, Wapiti has a community feel but boasts big mountain powder. At 1,300 metres above sea level, Elkford receives a whopping 350 cm of snow every year. With a terrain park, day lodge and concession, lessons, and rentals, Wapiti is an undiscovered paradise for skiers and boarders alike - plus, it couldn’t be more family friendly. Avoid the long lineups, pricey lift passes, and overwhelming crowds at mainstream resorts and spend more time riding epic powder with the locals at Wapiti Ski Hill this winter. For directions, rates, and up to date weather reports, visit www.wapitiskiclub.com.
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Elkford Recreation Looking for some indoor fun? Downtown Elkford is truly a recreational hub, within just one block is the Elkford Aquatic Centre, Public Library, as well as the skating and curling rink. Head towards the pool for swimming lanes, diving boards, a slide, sauna, and ‘beach front’ access. Work up a sweat in the gym, and don’t forget to check out the racquet ball, wally, and squash courts. During the winter, lace up your skates and take a lap around the indoor or outdoor skating rinks, drop in on a curling match, or join in a game of pick up hockey. And as long as there is snow on the ground, you can bundle up and hit the toboggan hills! Visit www.elkford.ca. Photo Jody Christopherson
What’s New in Elkford Healthy additions to the community Trans Canada Trail: The Trans Canada Trail will soon be running through Elkford! The 24,000 kilometre trail network stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and on to the Arctic oceans. Elkford, along with neighbouring towns Sparwood and Fernie, is ready to join the 1,000 communities already mapped by the trail. Primarily used by long distance cyclists and hikers, the Trans Canada Trail’s biggest advantage is its ability to connect communities. The proposed new Elk Valley section of the trail will link Elkford with Sparwood and Fernie, making it the first B.C. stop as trail goers cross over from Alberta. The trail is expected to be complete by 2017.
Pharmacy: It’s something bigger towns take for granted, but believe it or not, Elkford went many years without a pharmacy. Luckily, just last year, locals welcomed the Elkford Drug Store with open arms. Suppyling over the counter and prescription medicine, the store is equipped with all of your healthcare Photos by Nicole Obré
needs. Elkford Drug Store also carries vitamins, first aid supplies, and dental products. So if you run out of a prescription drug while you’re in town, forgot your toothbrush at home, or need to stock up on bandaids, the Elkford Drug Store has got you covered.
Relay for Life 2016: Every year, Canadian residents come together to take part in the cancer fundraiser, Relay for Life. Here in the Elk Valley, the location of each year’s relay rotates between Elkford, Sparwood, and Fernie; and in 2016, Elkford is the lucky winner! Relay participants walk or run together around a track or path, passing a baton to their fellow relayers and working toward one common goal: the fight against cancer. Relay for Life takes place in June and it’s an Elkford community event you don’t want to miss. Sign youself up to relay if you’re feeling ambitious, or stop by to watch the action and enjoy the festivities, food, and entertainment.
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Wildcat Days Celebrating “Wildcat Charlie” Weigert Every year, in the last week of June, Elkford goes wild. Wild for Wildcat Days that is! Celebrating one of the town’s first pioneers, “Wildcat Charlie” Weigert, this family-friendly festival is Elkford’s biggest and best event of the year. Things kick off Friday evening with fireworks, and the party continues Saturday morning with a parade running right through downtown Elkford. Saturday and Sunday are jam packed with anything and everything the kids could dream of; including bouncy houses, facepainting and glitter tattoos, laser tag, a climbing wall, photo booth, and a petting zoo. And for the adults there’s the Grass Smash Volleyball, SloPitch, Disc Golf, and SMS Charity Poker Tournaments. Of course no festival is complete without food and refreshments, and Wildcat Days certainly delivers. Everyone over 19 is welcome in the refreshment gardens, and plenty of food trucks stop by, ready to serve up sushi, poutine, crepes, hot dogs, ice cream, and more. Visit www.elkford.ca.
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Photos courtesy of the District of Elkford
Elkford Chamber The Elkford Chamber of Commerce primarily focuses on supporting local business. Whether via advocacy, networking provision, marketing or personal support, the Chamber strives to encourage the sustainability and prosperity of all business within the community and surrounding area. Elkford Chamber has a diversity of members, many of whom are home based or not for profit organizations. Membership therefore not only encompasses local business, it encompasses many community members and advocates for all affected by or connected to business. Use your membership to its full potential. Forward your views on workshops, presenters, luncheons,
meetings etc. You are the voice. Need advice? They may not know the answer but they have a substantial catalogue of connections and contacts ready and equipped to help. They will supply and coordinate to exceed your needs where possible. Please don’t think they are only an administrative function. There is a hardworking team of Board of Directors who are all either business owners or of high professional ranking in local business. They are the direction of your questions and they will convey answers. If they don’t have the answer they will advocate for the answer. Looking for investment opportunities? Make the call and take a look for yourself – 250-4255725.
Has anyone ever told you that business and pleasure can’t run in tandem? Think again. Live, work and play from your very own doorstep.
elkford chamber 1/4 page Get intimate with nature.
info@elkfordchamberofcommerce.com www.elkfordchamberofcommerce.com www.elkford.ca www.theelkvalley.ca
Walk out our backdoor into a world untamed and get cozy with the locals. Explore the wildlife… Visit Elkford, British Columbia www.elkford.ca 1.855.877.WILD (9453) Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca 11
Camp Elkford Elkford Lions Municipal Campground Nothing says summer like spending a night sleeping under the stars - in the comfort of a tent or RV of course. Pack up your camping gear and head to Elkford! Located just minutes from town, and surrounded by 40 km of pure wilderness, Elkford Lions Municipal Campground has 77 serviced sites waiting to be filled. Enjoy hot showers, a sani dump, free firewood, plus a gigantic family sized fire pit and cookhouse for group gatherings. To reserve your spot, or for more information, call 250-865-4470. If you’re looking to get a little more off the beaten path, you’ve come to the right place. There are several forest recreation sites located just outside of Elkford, each of which includes fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Take the Elk Valley Highway north and stop at cozy Blue Lake, just a short drive past town, go all the way to Elk Lakes Park at the end of the road, or stop at any of the picturesque spots in between. For a full listing of sites, and up to date information on campfire bans, visit www. bcparks.ca.
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Photos Sue Huisman
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Josephine Falls/ Lost and Lily Lakes
Take a walk through Elkford’s well maintained trail system and find yourself at Josephine Falls. A moderately rated 2.5 kilometre hike through the forest leads up to the spectacular falls, dropping 25 metres down a rugged canyon carved out by the Fording River. Take a break, enjoy the beauty of the falls, and if you’re up for a challenge, carry on to Lily Lake and Lost Lake. These trails are recommended for more experienced hikers and mountain bikers, but their remote locations give you a chance to observe untouched nature, big game, and wetland birds.
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Crowsnest Pass
Located less than an hour from Elkford is the peaceful and historic Crowsnest Pass. Drive the beautiful Crowsnest Pass Highway into Alberta and make sure to enjoy the majestic mountain views and clear, glacial lakes along the way. Once you’ve reached the quiet community, made up of Blairmore, Coleman, and Bellevue, there’s no shortage of things to do. Stroll through downtown Blairmore and do a little shopping, take a tour of the ancient underground mine in Bellevue, or stop in for one of Cinnamon Bear’s famous cinnamon buns in Coleman.
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Elk Valley Regional Park
A quiet and picturesque landscape, located right off of Highway 43, Elk Valley Regional Park is the perfect place for a ball game, family picnic, or company event. This day-use park is packed with features and amenities, including six picnic areas and one picnic shelter, four barbecue pits, one activity field and two ball diamonds, plus horseshoe and bocce pits. Although this somewhat undiscovered gem is usually quiet, reservations for larger groups are recommended. Call 250-425-2187 for bookings.
Photo Jody Christopherson
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5 Day Trips to Explore
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Elk Lake
It’s a bit of a bumpy road to get to this provincial park, but the trip is well worth it. Travelling north from Elkford, follow Highway 43 and continue on when you reach the Kananaskis Power Line Road. After you reach the Elk Lakes trailhead, it’s an easy one kilometre walk to a secluded campsite overlooking the lake. Surrounded by sky high mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and cliffs, it’s an amazing setting to camp, hike, or sit back and enjoy a picnic. Summer fishing is plentiful, but come winter, it’s a treasured spot for a local favourite - ice fishing.
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Elk River and Fording River
Looking to drop a line, take a leisurely float, or just dip your feet? The Elk and Fording Rivers, both located north of Elkford, are the perfect places to cool off. Anglers will find themselves in paradise, wading or walking along the edges of the river waiting for the perfect catch. Although the water is a little chilly, the Elk River has a mellow flow in the height of summer, making it ideal to cruise in a canoe or inner tube. And no matter what you like to do by the river, both the Elk and Fording offer beautiful views and breathtaking scenery.
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Photos Jody Christopherson
Mine Tours Discover Greenhills and Fording Mines Elkford is a community built on coal. Coal mining is truly the foundation of our town and it’s without a doubt the largest industry in the Elk Valley. Although the coal deposits in the Elkford area have been known for at least a hundred years, the remoteness of the upper part of the Elk Valley made it too expensive to mine coal there. It wasn’t until 1969, with high demand for coal pushing up world prices, that the first open pit mine was developed in the mountains around Elkford. Fast forward to today, and Teck Coal’s five area mines are responsible for supplying 80 per cent of Canada’s steelmaking coal. Located closest to
Elkford are the Fording River, Greenhills, and Line Creek operations - together producing over 17 million tonnes of coal every year. Hosted by Teck and the Elkford Chamber of Commerce, tours run every summer and give visitors and locals a real behind the scenes look at the daily operations of a mine. The guided bus tour takes you right onto the mining grounds, with a chance to see the central warehouse, welding and repair shops, sediment ponds, and plenty of gigantic machinery at work. Tours take place at 10:30 a.m., every Saturday, during the months of June, July, and August, and visit either Greenhills or Fording River.
Safety is at Our Core For your safety and ours, please observe the No Unauthorized Access, No Hunting and No Shooting boundaries that are indicated by signs on Teck property in the Elk Valley. New for 2015—Please be aware of boundary changes in the Kilmarnock and Upper Fording River areas of Fording River Operations. Field signs have been updated. Find electronic maps and GPS coordinates at: www.teck.com/elkvalleymaps
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History of Elkford One of B.C.’s Newest Communities The town of Elkford was formed in the early 1970s to house mine employees and their families. Coal mining had been thriving in nearby Spawood since the early 20th century, but mining further north in the Elk Valley was thought to be cost prohibitive. However, with the high demand for coal pushing up prices, in 1971, Fording Coal Ltd. (now the Elk Valley Coal Corporation) opened its open-pit mine in the area and Elkford was born. The name for the district municipality
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was derived from the Elk River and the original coal company’s name. As the area began to populate, several more coal mines developed in the area, creating an economic boom for Elkford. Today, there are five open-pit coal mines within an hour’s drive of Elkford, all owned and operated by Teck Resources. The secluded and peaceful mountain community is home to nearly 3,000 people, many of whom work for the mines or in service industries connected to the mines.
Photo Sue Huisman
Calendar of Events November..................... December...................... February....................... May.............................. June............................. July/August.................. July............................... August.......................... September.....................
Photo Jody Christopherson
Remembrance Day Ceremony Moonlight Madness Craft Fair Christmas House Decorating Contest Community Christmas Party Winter in the Wild Weekend Winter Snow Ball Family Fun Day – Wapiti Ski Club Wildkat Combo Curling Bonspiel Elkford Figure Skating Club – Ice Show Mining Week Events Tee Off For Tots Charity Golf Tournament Mine Tours at Greenhills & Fording River Operations Wildcat Days Chamber Craft and Trade Fair Canada Day Celebrations He/She Golf Tournament at Mountain Meadows Men’s Open at Mountain Meadows Ladies Open at Mountain Meadows Seniors Open at Mountain Meadows Wapiti Fun Run Club Championship at Mountain Meadows
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ELKFORD Population: 2,253 Elevation: 1,300m Incorporated: 1966 Schools: Rocky Mountain Elementary School (K-6) and Elkford Secondary School (7-12)
Claim To Fame: Wild at Heart Behind The Name: Elk are many in the town of Elkford and the coal mine known as Fording was influential in the creation of the town.
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Welcome to Elkford Welcome to Elkford, where we are ‘Wild at heart’. On behalf of the District of Elkford Council and staff, I would like to extend our warmest welcome and invite you to spend some time exploring and enjoying our community. I am confident that you will see firsthand why Elkford is so popular for visitors. Although geographically small in size, Elkford is big on multi-season recreational opportunities, kindness and mountain views! Founded in 1971, Elkford is a picturesque Rocky Mountain town with a strong economic connection to the surrounding mining industry. The District continues to look forward to economic growth, and prides itself on being a leader; from our award winning Wild
Photos Jody Christopherson
at heart branding, to the innovative wood design of the Elkford Community Conference Centre and our United Nations recognized Official Community Plan and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, we are very proud of our town. Pristine natural wilderness is highlighted by our proximity to the Elk Lakes Provincial Park and the Height of the Rockies Wilderness Area along the Rocky Mountain Continental Divide. Whether you’re a visiting outdoor enthusiast who is escaping the pressures of a larger centre, or are looking to relocate, one thing is for sure: your experience will be a memorable one! While you’re here, we invite to ‘get intimate with nature’. See you around. Mayor Dean McKerracher.
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What’s Inside the Guide 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8./9. 10.
Welcome to Elkford Elkford at a Glance Calendar of Events History of Sparwood Mine Tours 5 Day Trips to Explore Camp Elkford
11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Elkford Chamber Wildcat Days What’s New in Elkford Skiing in Elkford/ Sparwood Rec Centre Elkford Map
The Free Press The Elkford Guide is published once a year by: The Free Press, 342 2nd Ave, A Division of Black Press Box 2350, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 Phone: 250-423-4666
All content is Copyright 2015/16 and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.
Sales Representative: Sophie Howden Photography: Courtesy of the District of Elkford Writer: Nicole Obré Publisher: Andrea Horton Front page photo by Scott Beeching
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Guide 2016 Your Guide to Elkford What To Do - What To See - Where To Go