Page 2A

The Castlegar Sun

Wednesday, January 29, 1992

ue THE ty

Road condition casualty

= Future

Continued from 14
century,” Coyle said. “People
don't want their town to: be
thought of as something ready to
have a bullet put in it,”

Cdyle said that money for civic
projects is available from govern-
ment sources. However he admit-
ted he doesn't have a lot of
experience at dancing through the

station into a museum.

“The Island's potential has
almost peaked,” Coyle said.
“However, the station has not
realized near its poténtial.”

He referred to the museum as
the nucleus of heritage develop-
ment in Castlegar. He said the
railroad station has not received
the it

red tape which often
grant money.

By meeting with members rep-
resenting everyone from local
ethnic groups to area businesses,
Coyle hopes Community Pride
will reveal a vision for which
Castlegar can aim.

He thinks heritage is one of the
strongest links between the
groups. But don’t expect a clone
of Nelson said local historian and
author John Charters.

“We can't do a Nelson,” he
said of the city which has turned
its history into a major industry.
“We have to approach it from a
different angle.”

Charters said Castlegar has a
strong transportation heritage
because of its location along
waterways and rail lines.

He pointed out that mytholo-
gized explorer David Thompson
stood on what is now the city's
river shores. Later, it was the
CPR snakipg its way through the
valley and the paddle-wheeler
S.S. Minto carrying passengers
from Robson and Castlegar along
the Columbia River. Before that,
aboriginal people of the area used
the waters as highways to get

“You're looking at many ¢ Cana-
dian cities in microcosm,” said
Charters, who was among the ini-
tiators of the Heritage Society 10-
years ago. At that time the society
concentrated on developing
Zuckerberg Island into a park and
turning the Castlegar Railroad

This bus accident, which occurred around 8:12 a.m. January 24 on Broadwater
and Raspberry road in Robson, sent two people to hospital and resulted in a total
of $15,000 damage to both vehicles. The Toyota pick-up, heading west, was cor-
recting itself on an icy road and shot into the oncoming bus, travelling east. Three
adults and one student were riding the bus but were unharmed. The bus driver
suffered whiplash and was taken to hospital while the driver of the truck was also
transported to hospital for observation.

SUN STAFF PHOTO / Shariene Imhoff

Selkirk Lions continue gunning for bus

° Sun Staff

The Selkirk Lions are still
“working toward obtaining the
_funds needed for purchasing a
bus for the Castlegar Hospital's
,Extended Care Wing
“ Celgar recently gave $5,000
toward the Lion’s Bus Fund
after paying for all the advertis.
ing needed to launch the project
as well as providing $1,500

The Lions have received
funds from many other sources
in the community and presently
shave $33,000 put away, about
half the total amount needed—
$65,000.

A GO BC. Grant is reported-
ly in the works and the Lions
are, “Hoping to hear something
‘around April,” said Lions Club
Member Hugh Wilson, who
claims the grant would provide
around $20 to 25 thousand.

Unfortunately, a federal grant
application for around $20,000
‘was turned down.

understand it

was

refused,” said Wilson

appointing.”
Wilson assures those who

“It's dis-

have donated to the cause, will
see results from their efforts.
eee

Auxiliary accepting goods for Thrift shop

The monthly meeting of the
Auxiliary to the Castlegar &
District Hospital was held on
January 20 in the hospital board
room. There were 23 members
present and three quests, Anne
Praud, Louise and Irene Kate

President Nettie Stupnikoff
called the meeting to order with
the Auxiliary prayer.

Committee heads read their
yearly reports. the results were
very commendable and prosper
ous.

Muriel Wilson, W.K.A. Rep
reported that the BC A.H.A. Con-
ference is on April 26 - 29 in
Vancouver. The theme this year is
“Lighting up Lives”. We will be
sending two members to repre-
sent our Auxilia

Helen Clay received a plaque,
flowers and dinner for two for
being a community volunteer.

Our great news for 1992 is
the opening of a Thrift Shop. It
will be located in the basement
of Pharmasave. The entrance to
the Thrift Shop will be at the
back of the Building. Look for
our Grand Opening date in the
newspaper & radios. For any
donations. clean clothes, work-
ing electrical items, books etc
the drop off time is Saturday 10
a.m. - 12 p.m. It will be greatly
appreciated. For now informa-
tion, the contact phone numbers
are

Blueberry - 365-6587

S. Castlegar - 365-8302 or
365-8117

N. Castlegar -
365-5147

Ootischenia & Brilliant - 365-
6475

365-8148 oF

eee

“Every year we have some
kind of project in the air,” Coyle
said. “This year we'll be advertis-
ing the station a bit more.”

Beside the new president, the
other executives include vice-
president Ray Gattinger, secretary
Carolee Fitz-Gerald, and past-
president Sherrel Koreen.

Coyle said he hopes that
together the group can help
Castlegar become more attractive
for both tourists and the people
who live here.

“We want people to care about

where they live and be proud of
what you have for people to come
to,” Coyle said.

One town which has cleaned
up its appearance is Kimberley.
Once an obvious industrial town,
Kimberley adopted a Bavarian
theme and has experienced an
increase in both tourism revenue
and civic pride.

Coyle said he has seen the
transformation of that East
Kootenay town first hand. He
worked there before the city
adopted its theme and has since
visited.

“The difference between then
and now is night and day,” he
said. “There wasn't much of a
town there before but the people
of Kimberley have done so much
since.”

A theme such as Kimberley's
might not be in the future for
Castlegar but it is an idea. One
that goes back to Coyle’s idea of

a vision.

“In the community everybody
seems to be going in their own
direction,” said Coyle. “I see the
Heritage Society as being a spear-
head which brings the community
together through this Community
Pride project.”

Coyle met with table officers
and advisory council from the
society last night. Among the
advisors are Bunny Charters,
Debbie McIntosh, Loyd
Groutage, Pete Oglow, and Doris
Sweeney.

At the meeting Coyle planned
to push for an involvement with
Community Pride as soon as pos-
sible.

“I think we need this—not now
but Right Now,” Coyle said.
“Within four to six weeks we
should have the first phase of
Community Pride here in Castle-
gar.”

Government grant brings revitalization closer

JIM ZEEBEN
Sun staff

The city of Castlegar received
a boost last week when Ross-
land-Trail MLA Ed Conroy

d the B.C. gi
will provide the city with a $3.3
million loan for Downtown
Revitalization.

The loan has been approved in
principal only. A vote is still
neccessary to make the project a
reality.

Downtown has been defined
as the area roughly bordered by
7th St. to the north, the movie
theatre to the south and 13th
Ave. and the 11th Ave. Rail
bridge to the west and east
respectively.

Different zones within that
core will be worked on during
separate stages.

The city’s goal has been a
complete revitalization within
five years. Everything from side-
walks to street lights will be
cleaned up,in the process. The
most noticeable improvement
will be the addition of greenery
such as trees and plants. As well,
power cables which currently
snake across the skies of down-
town streets will be moved
underground.

There will be three phases of
the revitalization. The first will
total cost $1.8 million and be
completed this year. It will take
place between 3rd and 4th St.
The government loan will cover
$1.27 million of the cost.

Beside the loan money, capital
from other sources, such as utili-
ties and grants, will make up the
difference.

Of the $3.3 million, the city

and downtown merchants will
split the price tag. Each party
paying off their share of the loan
over 15 years at an interest level
of six per cent.

The Downtown Revitalization
committee rejected any theme
for Castlegar. The idea of either
a heritage motif or an ethnic
theme—for example Kimber-
ley’s Bavarian theme—was dis-
cussed but dismissed by the
committee.

“None were really true or nat-
ural for our city,” councilor Mar-
ilyn Mathieson said.

There was no discussion of
playing on Castlegar’s varied
transportation heritage.

However, Mathieson did say,
“it would be a very logical pro-

motion to attract tourists.”
ee

College treatment plant latest in technology

Selkirk College's new sewage
treatment plant, which came on
line at the beginning of Septem-
ber, is the way of the future in
waste water treatment facilities
according to Dale Schatz, vice-
president, administration. The
system installed at the Castlegar
Campus in known in the industry
as a Rotating Biological Contrac-
tor, and is the latest in waste
water treatment technology.

Last summer, a $650,000 capi-
tal funding grant from the Min-
istry of Advanced Education,
Training and _ Technology,
allowed the college to undertake
improvements to a dated sewage
treatment plant that was unable to
consistently meet Ministry of
Environment standards for efflu-
ent discharge into the Columbia
River.

“We would get surges of efflu-
ent coming through the old sys-
tem at peak-use times of the day
that would cause the release of
inadequately treated sewage into
the river,” said Mickey Kinakin,
operator of the new treatment
plant. “This new plan incorpo-
rates a holding tank that allows
for flow equalization to eliminate
peak loading during day opera-
tions. Currently the sewage treat-
ment system is processing
approximately 50 cubic meters of
effluent a day. This volume is
expected to double once the stu-
dents residences are occupied
—— the beginning of March.

treatment facili-
ty ine was installed over five
months last summer is designed
to address the various forms of
pollution found in the college
sewage: Kinakin explained that
there are three types of pollutants
requiring removal from the col-
lege’s waste water.

First there are chemical wastes
that are removed in special hold-
ing tanks which received waste
water from all college labs and
darkrooms. The new bio-digester
than removes both anaerobic and
aerobic bacteria from the biologi-
cal waste, and finally,t he prob-
lem of heat pollution is addressed
by allowing the waste water time
to cool to the ambient river water
temperature. It takes approxi-
mately three days for waste water
to work through the purification
process. What's more, we
dispense with the chemical
ments such as chlorine or sul-
phates that are traditionally used
to purify water.

“This state-of-the-art sewage
treatment system mimics the nat-
ural water purification process by
providing the ri

action of a pond, the super oxy-
genating action of a waterfall,

and natural filteration,” Kinakin

said.

News Glance

become more and more

Community talk - On January 29, Castlegar residents will have
a unique opportunity to discuss what they aa will phrate Canada

to Minister Michael Wilson.

to participate in the grass roots

Public

be co-sponsoring a “Community Talk” with = Federal govern-
ment's prosperity initiative. The event will be an evening of small

have a facilitator to help them draft

Caclegh i ous of 13 commie
BC where “Community Talks” are being held in January and Febro-
ary. In all, 150 communities across Canada will have the

more information or to pre-register contact 365-1208. The event
starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Castlegar

~ “The Knife in My Hands” (1981) is the title of
Keith Millard’s amobiogrephy. To find out why, ask your local
i seading,

explores the relationship :
reading is open to all and there is no charge. Millard’s appearance. is
Council and the Selkirk College Depart-

ty 365-6587, Kinnaird‘
and 365-5147, Ootischenin 365-6475. Drop-off's are accepted Saur-
day mornings from 10 a.m. until noon.

Searching for HOPE - World Wide Pictures, the audiovisual

kirk College will

. There is no fee to attend. For

Complex.

y of the Billy Grah

ment. Pastor Mi

begin at 6:30 p.m. sharp.
Guest

and Sally Sctats 305-9896.

ng proudly pre-

sents a new dramatic four-part series on HOPE. HOPE for the family,
HOPE for the tonely, ee ee ae re i comme
icGougan and the members of the New Life Assembly

are inviting the public to attend this
it will open a door of HOPE for you. All films will be shown at
602-7th Street in Castlegar, starting with HOPE for the family on
Feb. 2. Hope for the lonely shows Feb. 9, HOPE for forgiveness
shows Feb. 16 and HOPE for commitment shows

Banquet - The Castlegar Christian Women’s Club

this evening is $7. For reservations contac dy Runion st 363-7607

outstanding new film series and

Feb. 23. All shows

Wednesday, January 29, 1992

The Castlegar Sun

@ Safe

Continued from 1A

and her children who are in dis-
tress and drive them to a safe
home—the home of another vol-
unteer. Here, the woman has up
to three days to ponder her situa-
tion, and be able to make a deci-
sion regarding her next option
while in a secure environment.

Volunteers will be required to
take a certain amount of training.
Simms_is in the preliminary
stages of planning the outline for
training, which will likely
involve three hours one night a
week for six to eight weeks.

According to Simms, all vol-
unteers are welcome to undergo
training, although it is more nec-
essary for safe home providers
than the drivers.

“I would not be willing to
endorse someone as a safe home
provider unless they did the train-

Program.

Training involves; personal
development, the politics of fami-
ly and the of

“It is absqlutely imperative
that safe home providers remain
anonymous. All volunteers must
agree to absolute confidentiality.
Otherwise, the safety of both the
woman and the safe home
provider could be in jeopardy,”

involved in the safe home pro-
gram. Before Simms’ contract is
up April 24, she says she would
like to see a minimum of five
established safe homes in the
community and at least as many
drivers whd would be available to

they were called upon.” +

When the system is in place,
women will be able to connect
with the safe home system
through the Transition House in
Trail, which accepts collect calls
at 364-1718

Spreading the message
throughout Castlegar that a safe
home system will soon be in
place will not be an easy task.
System coordinator Leigh

Message must be received by women from various cultures

taught her that women in these
cultures find it especially diffi~
cult to seck help in their situar
tions.

“These people. are very closer
knit within their cultures, which
is a good thing. But sometimes

around that a safe home system
is available.

“The Portuguese and Russian,
or any other ethnic women, are
part of this and they
have every right to access this
service. They must realize that

let people know that a p
a very serious problem, truly
exists in this

this or even
ages some women, without

In order to get the message
out, Simms believes she must
contact various groups and cul-
tures ‘in Castlegar, including
Russian and Portuguese resi-
dents.

Her past experience has

100, from seeking help
from outside sources within the
community-—such as a safe
home system,” Simms said.

The coordinator says she
plans to speak at schools, church
groups, service clubs—almost
anywhere to spread the word

help is for them.”
Simms finished by stating

cultures, asking for
Dur sscinancs ta peg ooo
, safe home proj
“I'm looking for all the nasis-
tance I can get, Even if it's just
to translate a poster.”

delivering the safe home service.

According to Simms, the most
important part of the safe home
program is its secrecy.

she continued.

Already there have been peo-
ple throughout Castlegar who say
they would like to become

pick up a woman in danger.

“I'd like to have many drivers
available. But the Castlegar
RCMP would act as a back up if

The next meeting for the
Castlegar Women’s Association
will take place February 17 in the
Castlegar Library at 7 p.m..

= CURB

Continued from 1A

Castlegar city council says the
plans are feasible due to the pro-
jected revenue it will receive
from Celgar’s taxes.

CURB says it has been submit-
ting questions to city hall and are
awaiting answers on many of
these. One answer the group has
recently received involves a ques-
tion regarding the city's total
debt

The answer from city hall
total debt is approximately $6.39
million, and 13.13 per cent of
each taxpayer dollar goes to pay-
ing off this sum.

Walter Flux, a business man
who has been elected vice-presi-
dent of CURB, says it is impor-
tant that city council realize
exactly what CURB is all about.

“We're not about council-bash-
ing, we'd like to work with coun-
cil,” Flux said.

John Moorlag, an engineer
who is@ ‘or. for CURB, reit-
erated this fact saving the inten=
tions of the group are purely
positive and that city council
should not look upon the group as
an enemy.

“I don't think anyone has a
problem with the honesty and
integrity of council. We just feel
they get clustered in their own
group and feel they are doing the
right thing on behalf of the citi-

Perepelkin

Sun Staff

The family of missing Dennis
Perepelkin has established an
area near the Chevron station in

| Castlegar as an info-centre, hop-

ing that commuters will relin-
quish any information involving

zens—without letting the citizens
know.”

Moorlag and Flux say they
have a rough estimate of mem-
bership which is currently at
more than 50 people. This mem-
bership list however, will remain

anonymous.

“There are some citizens who
want to join but they fear they
will be intimidated by council,”
said Flux.

A general meeting will be held
soon for all members and poten-

tial new members with the loca-
tion, time and date to be
announced. Membership fees and
comments or concerns can be
mailed to CURB, Box 3044,
Castlegar, VIN 3H4.

oe

City officials question motive behind CURB

| IMHOFF

Castlegar Mayor Audrey
Moore says she hopes the citi-
zen’s group calling itself CURB
(Coalition Unaccepting Rash
Bureaucracy), will be one with a
positive nature. She has her
doubts however, starting with the
group's name.

“Rash bureaucracy” That's
hardly a positive statement,”
Moore said after being asked to
comment

Officials from CURB say the
group, once referred'to as the
Concerned Citizens Coalition,
has an elected executive and a
membership of 50 plus. The offi-
cials also state they do not want
to be seen as city council's
enemy. Instead, they say their
intentions are positive.

Moore, and at least one coun-
cillor, Kirk Duff, both say they
are skeptical

“I don’t see anything wrong
with having a group to question

the actions of city council and I
am happy to see that people want
to become involved, but I
wouldn't mind seeing a little
more constructive criticism,”
Duff said when contacted at his
home.

If CURB follows a positive
direction, Moore says the group
can enhance the city’s efforts in
future developments such as
securing a bridge which would
link Castlegar and Robson, lob-
bying for more jobs at Westar and
other local issues.

“Cenainly, any council necds
the support of its citizens in order
to become effective lobbyists.”
Moore continued.

Duff reiterated this comment
by stating a positive outlook is
going to be a necessity for the
future

“City council is attempting to
improve the quality of life of its
citizens. How can anyone be
against so much positive develop-
ment.”

Both Moore and Duff question

the interests and credibility of
CURB. Especially when the
group states it has a growing
membership but will not release a
list stating such on the basis that
some members fear intimidation
by city council.

“They certainly won't be intim-
idated by me. Unfortunately, if
they expect to be considered a
legitimate group they should pub-
lish the list.” Duff said. “Speaking
of intimidation, it’s unfair when a
few people say they are speaking
on behalf of a large group and
then refuse to say who that
involves. It's only fair that we
know with whom we are dealing.

When asked whether she was
concerned about the number of
people on the list, Moore says she
really has no reason to be.

“If they never have to publish
their membership list I guess
we'll never know will we?”

“I hope in 1993 a lot of these
people have their papers in for
the position of aldermen and
mayor,” she finished.

OUTLOOK:

range from 3 to 6.

WEATHER _

The forecast for
Wednesday; Morning cloud with a
few showers and the possibility of
a few afternoon sunny breaks.
Chance of precipitation 80%.
Highs near 4. The extended outlook calls for the moist,
mild weather to continue through to Saturday. Highs will

oo

Precipitation: Rain

6.2 mm.

Number of
Hours

Sunshine:

REMARKS:

depth.

A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST WEEK:
Temperature: Max/Date — Min/Date

6.9/24 96/20

Snow

22.8cm. 25.6mm. 118mm.

A series of Pacific disturbances provided plenty of pre-
cipitation and mild temperatures. The snowpack over
some local mountains is now approaching normal

Forecast provided by The South - East Interior Weather Office
at Castlegar, B.C.

ARROW LAKE RESERVOIR I

Mean

02

Total Normal

Total

Normal Number
of Hours

10.4

Greater interest
than ever in Miss
Castlegar pageant

The cancellation of Miss Cana-
da has not deterred any young
girls in Castlegar from vying for
the local title, as 33 pageant
hopefuls showed up for the first
meeting, expressing interest to
run for Miss Castlegar.

Joanne Baker, pageant coordi-
nator, says that number has been
decreased to 17, after the strin-
gent rules and regulations were
discussed

“We went over all the rules,
which are quite strict. But I think
the commitment is the big con-
cern. We're looking for someone
who can take on the part-time job
of being Castlegar’s ambas-
sador,” Joanne said.

The Miss Castlegar pageant,
scheduled to take place the first
weekend in June, is limited to 10
positions. Which means, said

family sets up info-centre to attract commuters

up any clues.

Police have used a tracking
dog along side the river, as well
as a police helicopter, which
combed the area all the way to
the U.S.-Canada border but to no
avail.

Castlegar RCMP are baffled

the Nelson man’s disapp

“A lot of people commute
between Nelson and Castlegar
during early morning hours.
We're hoping that someone
might have seen something and
just hasn't come forward because
they think it’s not important.
Every bit of information we can
receive is important,”said Walter
Perepelkin, a nephew to the
missing man.

by the disappearance of Pere-
pelkin, and say any information
from the public, no matter how
trivial, would be appreciated.

Cpl. Al Hudema of the local
RCMP station say divers have
been contacted to search the
Columbia river.

“That's our next step in the
search,” he said.

RCMP still have not ruled out
foul | play.

bers of the

The 42-y Id d
on January 16 while driving his
Esso truck to Castlegar. The
truck was found in working con-
dition on the east side of the Kin-
naird bridge with the keys still in
the ignition.

A search party, consisting of
friends and relatives, combed the
area along the Columbia river

near the bridge but failed to tum

BRENDAN HALPER _
Sun staff

Castlegar city council is
counting on support in acquiring
a set of traffic signals for the
intersection of 24 Street and
Columbia Avenue (Highway 22)

The intersection is the main
egress for three schools, two
mae recreation complex's (one

gional, one local), four major
residential neighborhoods and a
light industrial park.
According to Comin, the inter-

Perepelkin family will be spend-
ing Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday manning the info-cen-
tre they have established from 6
a.m. to 6 p.m.. If anyone has
information, regarding the disap-
pearance of Dennis Perepelkin
they are asked to provide it
immediately.

section, in its present alignment,
is unsafe for both vehicular and
pedestrian traffic. He confirmed
that many school children must
cross Columbia Ave. every
school day.

“There is more involved than
traffic lights,” Comin said. “Re-
alignment of 24 St. is impor-
tant—the links don’t line up.”

Costs for the project would be
equally shared between the city
and the province, as Columbia
Ave. is a ministerial highway.

Comin said the Ministry of

Baker, that a mini pageant will be
held prior to the Miss Castlegar
pageant in June in order to pick
the final 10 participants.

‘We're looking for
someone who can
take on the part-time
job of being
Castiegar's
ambassador.'

— JOANNE BAKER
Pageant coordinator

The Perepetkin family will be manning their info-centre everyday until Thursday, from
6 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Chevron station. They are hoping that commuters who were
travelling to work on January 16 will come forth with new information regarding Den-
nis Perepelkin, who has been missing since that time.

City searching for signals in intersection dilemma

Transportation and Highways
will make the ultimate decision
on whether or not the project can

process of traffic warrant—they
study traffic flow, patterns and
decide whether the changes are

‘It's a dangerous area. Our kindergarten kids
have to cross there to get to school.’

— CHARLES CRAM
Parents Advisory Council

proceed.
“They have to go through a

needed.”
The Ministry of Transportation

SUN STAFF PHOTO / Sharlene Imhott

and Highways is responsible for
providing a cost estimate, then
the city can decide whether or not
to go ahead

Comin explained that the pro-
cess is quite lengthly, making it
unlikely that the project would be
undertaken in 1992

Cost of the entire project is
unknown although the typical
traffic signal light system can run
anywhere between $60 and $80
thousand

Secretary Treasurer of School
District Number Nine John

Cindy Stoopnikoff, a coordina-
tor assistant, says she is not sure
when the mini pageant will be
held, although it is likely this con-
test will be closed to the ic.

“The girls will work and be
judged on resumes, modeling, a
speech and impromptu ques-
tions,” Stoopnikoff said. “The 10
girls which will be chosen to run
for the title of Miss Castlegar will
continue with more indepth train-
ing before the pageant in June.

The seven girls who do not
qualify for the Miss Castlegar
pageant will be eligible to run for
the title next year.

Both Stoopnik:
say they are pl
with the amount of interest
expressed in the pageant this year.

“This year there are 160 girls in
grade 11 and 12 who are eligible
to run for Miss Castlegar. I sent
out 67 invitations and almost half
of these attended our first meeting.
It’s good to see so much interest in
Miss Castlegar,” Baker said.

The coordinator says she has
received a phone call from Miss
Interior officials, who state the
B.C. pageant will be on schedule.

“The officials from Miss Inte-
rior say they are certain that
someone will be restarting Miss
Canada, if not this year, then next
year,” Baker finished.

ff and Baker

Dascher, said a letter supporting
the intersection changes has
already been sent to the Ministry
of Highways.

“This has been 2 long out-
standing concem.” Dascher said.
“Hopefully something will come
about, with support—we're all
for it.

Concerns of heavy traffic
where busses must drop off stu-
dents and where students must
cross Columbia Ave. on foot,

See SAFETY 4A