OPINION Serving the 10,000 people of the Castlegar Area, The Castlegar Sun is published every Wednesday by Sterling Newspapers Ltd. at 465 Columbia Ave. Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1G8, The Castlegar Sun is politi cally independent and a member of the Sterling News Service, Cana- dian C B.C. C Newspapers Assocation, and the B.C, Press Council. Established 28, 1990 Mail 10420. PUBLISHER MARILYN STRONG HARLENE IMHOFF CHRISTINE MOYER corn PRODUCTION MANAGER KAREN KERKHOFF REPORTER JEFF GABERT SPORTS MARGE LALONDE OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER =— ADVERTISING REP. CARI ROHN FRED JACK CLASSIFIED ADS ADVERTISING REP. Direct Department Phones General Office ........... 365-5266 Circulation .... -++-965-5266 Classified Ads ........ ..365-7848 Display Advertising 365-2278 Newsroom ween ++-365-5579 +-965-7762 editorial comment Action, not just words needed to save airport This Thursday, an official signing ceremony will take place at the Castlegar Airport, expressing the federal gov- ernment’s intent to transfer the airport from Ottawa's hands to local control. In attendance at this long-awaited occasion will be Castlegar Mayor Mike O’Connor, Edmonton Liberal MP John Loney (why, we're not sure) and local Reform MP Jim Gouk. During the ceremony, many hands will be shak- €n, positive words will be exchanged, and smiles will be smiled all around. The only question arising from all the hoopla, however, is this: Is there any point? After months of uncertainty, the Castlegar Airport remains in limbo, its future anything but certain. The City of Castlegar and the Regional District of Central Kootenay continue to fight over who will hold the real power in any airport redevelopment plan. The RDCK wants the final say over any property devel- opment on the airport lands, while refusing any responsibil- ity for the airport's $500,000 annual deficit. The city simply wants the region to keep out of the whole affair. And while all of this is going on, the airport and the Castlegar econo- My are the ones that really end up suffering. But now we have an “official” ceremony announcing that the airport's troubles are coming to an end. The time for uncertainty is supposed to be over - but the truth is, this simply isn’t the case. We've seen major government announcements go down in flames before. Does anyone remember the sad case of the Columbia River Downstream Benefits, where big plans and big smiles gave way to turmoil and uncertainty, when a U.S. power authority cancelled its deal to buy the Columbia’s excess power from the provincial government? So let's take Thursday’s airport ceremony with a big grain of salt. If the Castlegar Airport is going to be a success in the long run, and not a money-sucking disaster, the city and the RDCK are going to have to make some fast compro- mises on what to do with this facility, and what responsi- bilities to share. The airport is a substantial economic benefit to the entire region, not only Castlegar. So local taxpayers should not be left taking the entire risk for the airport's huge deficit. Residents cannot afford to handle another major drain on their pocketbooks. If the city and the region can't cooperate and figure out News. TEM’. ChETLE KAR MAYOR O'CONNOR HAD A LiTTLS “Kelp BENDER”... Goodbye says it all You've seen the ‘want ads’ in several newspapers and a few of you have even dared to call up The Castlegar Sun to ask, “What's going on? She just returned from maternity le. a little more than a month ago.” Well. dear readers, the rumor is true. The Castlegar Sun is in fact looking for a new editor. New Opportunities await for my family in central Alberta, and although the decision to leave Castlegar has been made, it certainly wasn’t easy. If newspapering were a drug. then I would be a forgone addict — each week needing a new and more potent fix. Reporting for Castlegar readers has been one exhilarating roller coaster ride. Looking back on the stories I have written in past issues, it occurred to me that I have become part of the community on which I was writing. It was difficult at times not to become emotionally involved in the stories I would write: the tragic death of a local teen; the suicide of a political fig- ure; the changing attitude in Castlegar’s political life; or stories of change, pure and simple. For the past four years I have had to look at every idea, issuc, and controversy from several angles. I’ve learned a lot in Castle- gar — the most important being that there is no such thing as two sides to every story. More likely there are four or five sides, and they can, at times, be exhausting to sort through. But when I look at The Castle- gar Sun, a diary of this communi- ty’s daily lite, I feel a lot of pride IT WAS. JUST A THOUGHT SHARLENE IMHOFF I have worked hard, and I’ve worked honestly, as have all staff members here at the newspaper. Putting out a newspaper each week becomes such a personal thing: maybe it’s because in a small community, you know most of the people you are writing about. Or maybe it’s because there's a little of yourself in every story you write. I couldn't possibly leave here though without first thanking some people who really went out of their way to help me out. Any- one who has read The Sun knows many of my stories centred around the activities of city hall. While the politicians have provided the comments, it’s actually the staff at city hall to whom I turn when fac- tual finer details are needed. Always ready to help were Jackie Hamilton, Dianne Hunter and Phil Marken. City hall is a busy place, but these three have always had time for me and my questions, and Im, nos certain, if J have :ever-propesly, thanked them, before She is retired now, but while she, worked at city hall, Betty Price was always the person I turned to for Castlegar trivia. She could list dates and names faster than I could pen them down. Then there's Gerry Rempel and the volunteers at the Castlegar Fire Department. Some fire chiefs are leery of reporters and photogra- phers, thinking we're only out to ‘burn’ them in the press. This fire department hasn't run away from media coverage. In fact, they wel- comed my attendance at all fire scenes—even showing me what would make a good photo! And, like true gentlemen, they never made fun of ‘bed-head’ hair dur- ing a 2 am. alarm. Then there’s Terry Dalton. This guy is tireless in his research, and has helped me out on a number of stories without question. After the story was written, I knew I could always fall back on Robson resi- dent Fred Marsh, to answer any grammatical question. If I didn’t catch mistakes before press time, you could bet he would afterward. Thanks for your pointers Fred. I couldn't possibly write a good-bye column without men- tioning the staff here at The Sun. I remember attending a conference in Calgary during which The Sun was, closely examined by a num- bes of, bigwigs in the newspaper industry. After looking at the qual- ity of the product, many just assumed we carried a staff of about 25 to 30 people. The ip alone is a to just how hard these 11 people work. Their dedication ensures that The Sun has a bright future. And as I’ve mentioned earlier, readers here expect nothing less then the best. Thank you Castlegar. I have enjoyed this ride: But this is my stop. Now that the melodrama is over ... I know that Mayor Mike O’Connor is saddened by my move to Alberta. It’s okay Mike, you'll get over it. In the meantime, I will send my forwarding address to you as soon as possible. That way, you can still send me a Christmas card. Just place my address next to your safe-driving handbook. Question: | Speaker’s Corner Wednesday, July 12, 1994 The Castlegar Sun Letters to the Editor Experience and knowledge equals quality Dear Editor: Since the 1880s the organized construction indus- try has built the mills, the bridges, the airports, the schools, shopping centres, high rises, hydro-electric projects—the infrastructure which we enjoy today. We provide the highest quality workmanship available with people who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to get the job done from foun- dations to finishes on time and on budget. The use of building trade contractors for the Canadian Tire project construction would have ensured that local residents were employed at fair ing conditions. Working people could then spend their hard- eamed dollars at a Canadian Tire store as part of a scenario that our whole community could bene- wages and respectable fit from. Power Ltd., and B.C. Hydro! and provide If Canadian Tires wishes to continue having con- tractors on their site that do not provide fair wages and conditions, it is the wish of the West Kootenay All Trades Coordinating Committee that not one union dollar cause their cash registers to ring! The, All Trades would like to recognize and com- mend Cominco for hiring Pacific Blasting, Martech Electrical, Fame Construction, Geinger and others. Also commendable is West Kootenay Power hiring Western Industrial and B.C. Hydro contracting to G.E.C. Alsthom who recently signed a project agree- ment with the Millwright’s union. All of these contractors and clients pay fair wages When workin; economy. Why is Canadian Tire building in Castlegar? The only reason is economic studies that say union wages create the stability of disposable income paid by companies like Cominco, Celgar, West Kootenay rf local people are working we can have a healthy local Chuck Chatten West Kootenay All Trades Coordinating Committee Free miners not so free anymore Dear Editor: Attention to the 2,000 plus Pprosp of the West Ki Did you know that Bill 13 Sec- tion 8 is amended so that the Prospector, to obtain a new Free Miners License, must know: the Mineral Tenure Act & Regula- tions; the Criminal Code; Her- itage Conservation Act; Mines Act, Mining Right of Way Act and the Health; Safety and Recla- mation Code for Mines in British Columbia? The Bill has passed second reading and will become law after the third reading which is held up in committee debate (not for thuch longer) by Liberal and Progressive Alliance members. The prospectors that are in the know are buying their Free Min- ers License up to 10 years in advance before Bill 13 becomes law. One could also expect the fees to rise significantly to cover this new bureaucracy. For more information contact Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia in Nelson or better yet, join up with 180 that are already members. The address of the Chamber of Mines of Eastern British Columbia is: 215 Hall St., Nel- son, B.C., VIL 5X4. Phone 604- 352-5242, Fax: 604-352-7227. Chamber hours are | p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday (except holidays). Gerald York Castlegar If it’s so bad why are you here? Dear Editor: Reading your paper is good entertainment, informative, and comical, especially the bickering about the rapid growth of the city and ridiculing one another in the process. What enraged me was the arti- cle in the Wed. June 28 paper by S. Kattler, stating that they have lived in many small towns thay were more organized than Castle- gar, and that Castlegar hasn't got this and Castlegar hasn't’ got that. What on God's green Earth made them move to Castlegar? I think Castlegar was a very nice, and quiet place to live in and many of us wish it was kept that way. The other part was about West Arm Trucking. We are not com- plaining about the noise during working hours, we are complain- ing and have been for the last two years, about them starting at 4 a.m. and West Arm trucks com- ing in at all hours of the night and keeping us awake. The residents of Castlegar have a noise bylaw that they only enforce on certain people. West Arm Trucking is not included. I don’t know why the noise bylaw is not enforced, but it could be that there are more big- Ots’Oh ‘the board ‘of directors ‘than impartial directors. The other rumor is that some- body in the Regional District is on West Arm's payroll, not prob- able but possible. Residents were also told, if you don’t like it, move, this will give them a chance to build more warehouses on our land. Only-God knows why, and God will prevail. S. Kattler, a vagabond of sort, is ignorant to what is h i Castlegar and the surrounding area with roots of 50 plus years. About the $10 garbage can, S. Kattler should try Mexico, and when S. Kattler goes there, he/she should take West Arm Trucking with them, and we will all live happily ever after. Thank you. Peter Kinakin Ootischenia Se (ICE TEA) 946 m. e with any fuel purchase POPSICLES 49° WE ARE OPEN 24 HRS MOHAWK 4 in the area. Yet he/she is criticiz- ing and di ing the resi of | 1415 COLUMBIA AVE., CASTLEGAR 4 365-7831 Great team work! Dear Editor: In light of the ongoing debate regarding the city’s use, mainte- nance and proposed improve- ments to our public parks, the Castlegar Cobras Fastball Club would like to take the opportunity to thank the City of Castlegar and its employees for their help with the sixth annual P.K. Kinakin Memorial Fastball Tournament. For those who criticize the city’s decision to earmark funds towards a new park instead of spending dollars on improving existing ones, one look at the ‘See BALL 6A Only * Rases Restawrant You can find antiques, collectables, wear, 7 rag vy past the junction on the Slocan Valley Highway a Invitation for Public Comment Keenleyside Powerplant Project Columbia Power Corporation has made an application for a Project 100% B.C. OWNED & OPERATED Fresh « Boneless Skinless CHICKEN BREAST 8.80 kg. Portion or fillets Family Pack PORK STEAK BUTTS $706 Thawed for your convenience Canada 'A* Grades BONELESS SIRLOIN TIP STEAKS 6.57 kg. Portion or fillets BAVARIAN MEATLOAF Per 100 g. Old-Fashioned HAM Per 100 g. PURE APPLE JUICE 1 Litre ROASTED COFFEE Reg. * Fine + Extra fine 300 g. Royale BATHROOM TISSUE White « 8 roll U.S. Grown NEW WHITE POTATOES 1.74 kg. B.C. Grown ROMAINE LETTUCE ~ All residents Approval Certificate under the Environmental Assessment Act for the California FRESH Chile KIWI Who do you think how to restore it to profitability, then the airport's whole Keenleyside Powerplant Project. The application is for approval of a future is in serious doubt y orno powerplant at Keenleyside Dam near Castlegar, B.C. and tr LEMONS FRUIT Castlegar student Tamara Terry is pounding the pavement in of British As Reform’s Transport Critic and Priv Critic, and a former air traffic controller to boot, Jim Gouk may be the best person to act as a go-between for the city and search of answers to questions that correspond with news stories that have appeared in The Castlegar Sun. If you see Tamara, it could be your opportunity to appear in Speaker's Corner, which will be published each week should own the land surrounding the airport? Columbia are invited to line to Selkirk substation near Seven Mile dam. The application may be viewed at: Marketed by Sunkist comment on © Nelson Municipal Library, 602 Staniey Street, Nelson, B.C © Castlegar Public Library, 1005 3rd Street, Castlegar, B.C e Trail Public Library, 1051 Victoria Street, Cominco Arena, Trail, B.C. To date, though, Gouk has been Surprisingly silent on Columbia Sen ep Via We the'whole‘aisport inewe: He ee en meee pe . Power e Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C involved in a “local” matter like this. But what else isnse 7 i . e Environmental Assessment Office Project Registry, 1st Floor, MP for, if not to bring his constituents together in a major . Corporation 1810 Blanchard Street, Victoria, B.C. praenpions prevsrdapres Sour should be speaking up on this for the The provincial Environmental Assessment Office invites comments As for the cereus it will Probably make a nice photo Keenleyside from you on the application to ensure that issues and your concerns are Opportunity for our local Politicians. But don’t expect the Powerplant stl whaaledees wie Gre vailebi ir publi ‘hroagh debris “an - : ie ‘don't expect the ' . a ¢ available to the public throu e Project Cams Airport's future to be any more secure because L ; Project. Registry. All comments will be Conisidered as part of the review. Comments on the application for the Keenleyside Powerplant Project will be accepted until September 6, 1995. Please forward comments to Derek Griffin Project Committee Chair Environmental Assessment Office 5th Floor - 3301 Douglas Street Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4 (604) 387-2200 or Fax (604) 387-2208 the RDCK. Perhaps with a little effort, he could bring the two sides together to work out a delegation of authority P the application for airport management, and a viable business plan for 4 . by the the facility “ - Kellogg's FROSTED FLAKES —_,.ac) We now accept Accessible Debit Cards 2717 COLUMBIA AVE., CASTLEGAR 365-5336 — While Quantities Last — Sale dates: July 12 thru July 15 I understand that it belongs to the Natives, and if they were not cheated out of it, it would still This land is a vital ink to the community and there fore should be in the hands of the City of Castlegar. —Bunny Charters From my understand- I feel the Natives have valid views, but the ownership should be one for the area, ERRORS: ing the property was The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for given to the damages arising out of errors in any advertisement beyond the Doukhobors. So with amount paid for the space actually occupied by that portion of the this in mind. the not just a grou advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due Doukh 6 7 hould Diana MeLeod belong to them. This to the of its servants or and there shall be no jobors shawl be the rightful owners. land rightfully liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount —Lorraine Kanigan belongs to them —Alice LeCouffe Paid for such advertisement. All advertising subject to publisher's approval. Contracts must be completed within one year from contract date. No contingent orders accepted