PUBLISHER MARILYN STRONG SHARI IMHOFF CATHERINE ROSS EDITOR ADVERTISING REP. MARGE LALONDE NICOLE BEETSTRA CIRCULATION MANAGER, PRODUC TION/OFFICE LINDA ANDERSON PRODUC TION MANAGER: CHRISTINE MOYER ART DIRECTOR MELODY SEMENOFF ADVERTISING REP. KAREN KERKHOFF REPORTER Direct Department Phones General Office 365-5266 Circulation . 365-5266 Classified Ads 365-7848 Display Advertising 365-2278 Newsroom 365-5579 Fax 365-7762 editorial comment Rebuilding trust . t would be difficult for anyone to argue [o= the opening of BC Hydro's regional office in Castlegar is not a good sign. After all, the very fact it is here and wanting to be counted as a respected corporate citizen, employing people and maintaining a presence, shows an amount of faith and promise in not only our economy, but our resources. ' Not surprisingly, the grand opening of the new office was considered a major event in Castlegar, and attracted a number of high pro- file people: Labor Minister Moe Sihota, Ener- gy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Anne Edwards, our local MLAs and high ranking officials from BC Hydro itself. Every- one was well-prepared and ready to provide, at the drop of a hat, welcoming congratula- tions to BC Hydro. And there's no doubt about it—BC Hydro is welcome in Castlegar. - But.jt was the opening remarks of Castlegar Mayof Audrey Moore which truly represents what many residents of this area, especially those who have called the Kootenays home for some time, feel—a cautious and guarded optimism towards BC Hydro and its future Commotion over condoms John... ondoms! By bringing up that topic these days, especially when it concerns sélling condoms at our local Secondary School, you unearth a proverbial hot , know morally we agree about the issue of pre marital sex and how it has become an up-front issue and out-in-the-open part of society. Recently thé board of trustees of School District No. 9 found themselves with this, hot potato in their laps. They ‘were faced with the question of giving their OK to two Stanley Humphries Secondary School students, who, for one of their class projects, proposed to sell condoms for one week at the school One thing is for sure, the entrepreneurial spirit is ‘alive and well in the Career Prep class. Isn't the course designed to teach the students to spot a possible market and fill the need with a product if the need is there? It's one big. step into the realm of reality in the 1990's and the school system should be given a pat on its back for developing such a pro- gram for the students. One thing is for sure, these two stu- dents should receive an A+ for coming up with the idea—one that has been a long time in coming to this particular school It will only be a matter of time before soméone realizes that the need is there for perma nent availability of condoms. Students are not going to increase their sexual activity merely because of increased accessibility of condoms. Sexu al activity in the teenage years is not something new—and any- one who thinks it is has their to head under a rock. As well, by saying that putting condoms in high schools promotes sexual activity among teens is like say- mg provocative dressing is an invitation to rape The spread of sexually trans- mitted diseases, including AIDS ts rampant and this is a major factor in reducing the risk The only sure fire method to avoid STD’s is abstinence, but lets face it, do the parents, teachers and other members of the area think that every student at the high school age are enter- ing into purely platonic relation- ships? Well if you do, wake up and smell the coffee Now that the one week sale Stanley Humphries is over, I pose the question: Isn't it just about time that condoms .became more readily available in our local high schools for the safety of the students? of condoms at ecently a Pandora's box was opened when he School District No. 9 board agreed to allow two career prep students to sell con- doms on a short term basis as part of the program. As you often point out John, I am older than you (but wiser!), and I clearly remember the 60's. Those were the days of love and peace, and on and on. Sexuality was no longer hidden behind closed doors, so I want you to kniow that sex outside the con- fines of marriage is not a ques- tion of morality for me. I have my own private philosophy of pre-manital sex Coming from a medical back; ground, indiscriminate sex, or sex which is purely for sport is A moment of plea sure may literally mean the dif ference between life and death How can we ignore the dire wamungs of sexually transmitted diseases? If condoms don't always work for birth control it dangerous Karen then stands to reason that they don't always work as prote from diseases. And if the. specter of acquiring 1a sexually transmit ted disease does not frighten you, how does the prospect of a slow and painful death from AIDS grab you? We can’t sweep the subject of STD's or AIDS under the rug, they’re happening—and in greater Proportions than despite the warnings, and increasing sex education——and despite the availability of condoms. No longer does sex education mean that responsible parents educate their children about sex, and follow it up by educating them about birth contro! should they decide to engage in sex Instead, sex education today needs to include the glaring and sad’fact that other than absti neice, no form of birth control is safe, and therefore, no form of birth control can guarantee that a person will be free from STD's. If the school should ever decide that there is a need to sell condoms. from a_ vending machine in the school setting, they need to understand there will be consequences. To every action there is a reaction. Those condoms will then become avail- able to children as young as 12 and 13 years old Tt is true that we can't legis- late morality, for someone to try to do so would be pure folly. But we CAN stop the spread of AIDS, and we CAN educate peo- ple that BOTH unprotected and Protected sexual activities are gambles. So John, if you insist that con- Place in schools, and eally think that condoms are safe, maybe you had bettet teach me how to write sports. Because if you play with a loaded gun, eventu- ally you are sure to die. If you have any or i about this week's Cheek to Cheek, feel free to Wednesday, April 14, 1993 ee Letters to The Castlegar Sun the Editor NAFTA...do you really understand what it's all about? Dear Editor: It's my perception from recent letters to the Editor and from media reports about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that many people don't understand what it is all about People see the word “free" (and who's going to be against free dom?) and they see the word “trade” (and everyone knows Canada's a trading nation) so NAFTA must be Okay... why shouldn't we support “free trade”? Well, if that is what NAFTA is all about, there isn't much of a problem, however, what we are really facing is a total Te-writing of Canada’s economic constitution, In fact, in my opinion, NAFTA will make far more of a fundamen- tal change in Canada than anything the Charlottetown Accord pro- posed. And yet there is little serious discussion and very little under standing of the consequences of NAFTA becoming law. Thanks to the original Canada U.S. Free Trade Agreement, our Society is already in crisis. Tax revolts and protests are growing as people are being told to shoulder larger and larger tax burdens to pay for our social services. Even, 80, governments are having to shut down valued services to people because of reduced tax income High wage jobs; which create tax revenue for governments, and the tax-paying corporations which create these jobs are all heading south to the U.S., Mexico, Central America and elsewhere where the wages and standards are much lower. Our provincial govern- ments have the double burden of lowered revenues and higher sup- port costs for people without jobs. And under “Free Trade” the Scouts planting future forests Dear Editor: Trees for Canada is a Canada- wide environmental program designed to give all members of Scouts Canada the Opportunity to be involved in Canada's future “hands on." In the future, the 45 million trees thus far planted by Scouts Canada will help beautify Canada and provide a renewable resource. At the same time we are teaching our young people the value of a responsible out- look for the future Trees for Canada is also a fundraising project. The funds raised not only help our local Scouting projects, but also work on an international level: Some Brian Mulroney was the best... .Not! Dear Editor: My first reaction on hearing a “puffed up" Brian Mulroney claiming to be a "Statesman was nausea... .but on delivering deeper. into my true feelings for our infamous P.M., I realized that I have considered Brian as a of the money is used to support international Scout programs designed to help Scouting in Third World countries. This year, Scouts Canada will plant another three million trees On Saturday, May 15, the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of the Castlegar District will be planting 1,000 trees. These young men will be canvassing local neighbor hoods for pledges. When a Boy Scouts member calls at your door, Please support this worthwhile cause and help provide a future environment for our youths. Scout volunteer Provinces have lost any ability to control or regulate corporate investment or activity. It's a no-win situation deliber ately created by the federal gov ermment And now the Conservatives are about to approve NAFTA, thus” handing over to unelected transna tional corporations even more of the power now held by the federal government to determine ‘the eco: nomic, socjal and cultural future of Canadian people That is, at a fundamental level, what NAFTA is all about ... The transnational corporations will now have the power to determine our future and the future of our country. Instead of having elected gov- emment responding to the citizens of a country re-creating the struc- tures of society, we will be forced into-a “race to the bottom” regard. Ing wages, jobs, environmental standards, working conditions, the social safety net, education and so on. Instead of a “fair trade” agreé- ment as has been developed in the European Common Market where counirics are encouraged to raise their standards of living for their People and government retains control over thé activities of the transnationals, NAFTA does pre cisely the opposite NAFTA will not benefit the ordinary peasant or worker in Mexico as has sometimes been argued. Instead NAFTA will dis rupt communities, degrade the environment and bring more Poverty to the majority of Mexi cans. More and more United States citizens are also questioning the Impacts of NAFTA on their Society. In fact, in all three countries, it is clear that only a few wealthy people will benefit from this transnational dictator. ship. Interested in learning more about NAFTA? Come out to a rally being organized by a coali tion of community and labour groups who oppose this threat to our quality of life. It will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 20 in Castlegar at Stanley Humphries Secondary School. Speakers from thevenvironmental, peace social justice, health and other sectors will talk about the effects of NAFTA on the West Dear Editor: Support for Red Cross cruise pays off Thanks to everyone who supported the Canadian Red Cross Soci- ety's Caribbean Cruise fundraiser in the Kootenay area. Vera Ryck- man of Creston won the cruise and Linda Payne (Field) and Erica Gregory (Castlegar) won cash prizes. To all our friends, thanks for helping us continue to help others Kootenays. The rally will be outdoors if the weather's fine, inside if it's raining See you there, Ann Godderis Sincerely Cindy Corrigan We’re out to meet you! A Federal Business. Develop- ment Bank representative will be paying your com- munity a visit in the next few days. Call today and at Castlegar on April 14, 77| arrange an appointment ¥Y, to discuss financing and Management services. (counselling, planning and training) 1993 Telenhone 1-800-667-7579 COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS @ Federat Business Banque fédérale Bank de More letters page 6A THE MEETING PLACE FULL CIRCLE BIRTH SUPPORT GROUP - meet monthly. Phone Catherine 365-5347 CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S CLUB honours 1993 Grads. Dinner 7-9:30 p.m. Fireside, Thurs., April 2. Features Ghitta Lejeune, fashion model. Singer Shana Kavaloft Reservations. 365- 8025 or 365-3886 mail your notices to Ooming events of Castlegar and District non-profit Organizations may be listed here. The first 12 words are $4 and additional words ‘are 15¢ each. Boldfaced words (which must be used for headings) count as two words. Each consecutive insertion is half-price. Minimum charge is $4. Deadlines are 3 p.m. Wednesdays for the Saturday Shopper and 11:30 Monday for Wednesday's paper Please bring in or 465 Columbia Avenu All Our Best From astlegar Foods PRICES EFFECTIVE MON. APR. 12 TO SAT. APR.17, 1993 Castlegar Foods - 635 Columbia Ave., Castlegar * 365-5755 Castlegar Foods HAMBURGER or Van's ALL BEEF Made Fresh LEAN GROUND WEINERS BEEF send us your comments In a letter to the editor c/o The Castlegar Sun. if you have a subject that you would like to see debated in the Cheek to Cheek column, Karen and John would love to hear your suggestions. plans. No doubt the people in Castlegar and the surrounding area are hopeful that the cor- poration will truly listen to the people who are "Statesman" for a long time—a "United States Man." As a matter of fact, I am even getting slightly nostalgic iabout HOT DOG BUNS affected most by the issues BC Hydro deals with on an everyday basis. . It's not the first time BC Hydro‘has set up shop in this area, and rallied residents to become involved in an initiative that eventual- ly fell flat. As much as its presence is appreci- ated, Hydro officials should not be surprised if local residents take a while to get cozy with its newest corporate citizen. For many years now, BC Hydro has been considered an absentee landlord; an exporter of this area's resources and values who traditionally does not employ a large number of people nor Pay its share of taxes, even though it has been a major indus- trial component of the Kootenays since the early 1960s. As Castlegar's mayor said earlier, those resources and those values have never been returned to Castlegar and the surrounding area. The Columbia River has been referred to as a liquid transmission line: a line which has allowed BC Hydro to export to both West and South for a very long time. Perhaps, the corporation's new presence in the area will enable it to recognize the local bleeding first-hand. 1S POLITICALLY INDEPENDENT AND A MEMBER OF THE STERLING NEWS SERVICE Established November 28, 1990 Published by The Castlegar Sun Weekly on Wednesdays Member of Canadian Community Newspapers Assocation B.C. Community Newspapers Association and B.C. Press Council 465 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C. V1N 1G8 a ERRORS: The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in any advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise .. and there shall be no for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. All advertising subject to publisher's approval Contracts must be completed within one year from contract date. No contingent orders Call the newsroom at 365-5579 or fax us your ‘Ss and s at 365-7762 Wood waste and c With the approach of 1996, the year by which most wood waste burning systems now in use will have to be shut down, we must face up to developing a more envi- ronmentally beginning way of han- dling wood waste: In connection with this looming problem we hear and read much about the role of the co-generation plant, so much that to many of us wood waste fueled and co-generation have come to mean the same thing, to be synony- mous. They are not the same, and while the distinction may be seen by some as nothing more than a niggling point, the confusion between the two terms works to distort the way we look at the wood waste problem. First, the definition of co-genera- tion. You will not find in many dic- Uonaries, certainly not in those that I most frequently use. It is a term, almost a piece of jargon, of those in the electrical industry, and is defined in B.C. Hydro’s 1992 Elec- tricity Plan as “Cogeneration: [no hyphen] The simultaneous produc- tion of mechanical or electrical energy and useful thermal energy in the form of steam or hot water from a single fuel source.” In the B.C. Hydro Electric Load Forecast 1992/93 - 2012/13 the def- inition of congeneration [again, no hyphen] is defined to “the sequen tial production of electricity and useful thermal or shaft power from the same fuel source.” The term came into common use in the late ‘fifties arid the ‘sixties when the Operators of industrial and commer cial plants that required large amounts of process heat or space heating found that they could save money by designing their boilers to produce high pressure ‘steam to drive turbine coupled generators and then use the low pressure exhaust steam for heat: the electri- cal output was used to reduce peak- ing power and energy taken from the utilities from whom they pur- chased what was usually the greater part of their electricity require- ments. The electric utilities saw this as an invasion of their turf, and firmly opposed the practice When we look at the cogenera- tion plant with this perspective, the economics of the wood waste fueled plant changes. In most parts of B.C. we have, at present, good supplies of cheap electricity and even cheaper natural gas: we have no economic incentive to build a new facility both expensive to construct and to operate when we can buy at such low prices the electricity and the gas that we need for.our homes and our indus- try and commerce What we do not have is an inex pensive way to dispose of the great quantity of wood waste that is unavoidably created by the forestry industries on which our high stan dard of living depends. What we really have is a garbage problem which, like all garbage problems must be resolved in one way or another. One effective way to dispose of this waste is to burn it, not in the old polluting bee hive burner nor in an open pit, but in a modern high temperature incinerator. Once the necessity of this facility is accepted it becomes attractive to an engineer to do as the cogenera tion pioneers of thirty years ago did - put in a high pressure boiler and a generator. When we do this we have something that is close to being a cogeneration plant in that it does do two things. It destroys the waste that has created the need for the plant and it does produce electricity, a useful commodity. In a suitable location where large quantities of low grade heat are needed - e.g. district heating or greenhouse horticulture, the incin erator with a generator can readily become a true cogeneration plant, albeit at a higher cost In'most of the discussions I have heard on the wood waste fueled generating station there is tacit, sometimes explicit assump tion that in order to make the plant economically viable our govern ment must allow the export of the electrical output of the plant. This 1s not so. The amount of electrical energy that can become available from wood waste fired generation 1s not large, likely not more than 100 - 200 megawatts at most in o-generation our area. This amount can be easi- ly handled through the Provincial grid and can just as easily be exported when conditions are right, under existing arrangements The real problem is cost. Wood waste is not a good fuel. The Btus are simply not there. The low qual- ity of hog fuel is a Particularly severe problem where large quanti- ties of decaded hemlock must be handled. Even though the fuel may be thought of as being “free”, when transportation, financing and Operating are factored in, the cost of electrical energy from the plant may well be in the order of 8 cents per KWh, while the price it brings on the export market will almost never be as high as 4 cents and will at times be as low as 1.5 cents These low prices will exist as long as Canada persists in selling off Our proven reserves of easily obtained gas at distress sale pri Clearly we have a problem when we look upon a wood waste fueled plant as a generating sta- tion. Can we.expect West Koote- nay Power or B.C. Hydro to buy energy at 8 cents and sell it from 3 to 5 cents, or even less on the export market? All of this is not to Say that a waed waste plant, or a true cogen eration plant cannot or should not be built. It can be built, it should be built and we may even say that must be built. But someone is going to have to put a lot of money into a plant whose Output of energy gan be expected to do no more than partially meet its annual financing and operating cost.Have we any volunteers? Fred Marsh is a Robson resident his tenure as P.M.. I am now willing to publicly agree that Brian was the best Prime Minis- ter the United States ever had. Rod Retzlaff Letters Policy Letters to thé: Editor are wel- come on any topic of local or general interest. Letters should be double-spaced, typewritten, or legibly handwritten, and no more than two pages if possible. Let- ters will be edited in the interests of brevity or taste if necessary All letters must be signed, with address and telephone number, although names may be witheld from publication for valid reason by the approval of the editor. Send letters to: The Castlegar Sun, 465 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C.,"VIN 1G8, or drop them off at the offi visible difference Halr Care by Linda Popplewell See Linda or Carol for your family hair care. 10* Off Next Service with this coupon only ‘ti end of April Monday-Saturday 9-5 364-1919 fi ir care 3160 Highway Dr. (Glenmerry) Trail, B.C. V1R 2T3 BMS Consulting Financial Counselling and Goal Setting Brenda 365-3487 99 | * 454g . 14 kg. ¢ 5-8 lb. package 188 Minute Maid PINK GRAPEFRUIT = FIVE ALIVE litre tetra while stocks last 99: Golden Ripe Fg a Ibs. s ut F SLICED BREAD White @ whole whe Silverline PINK SPRING SALMON 99° ALL GARDEN SUPPLIES NOW AVAILABLE This week's featured items B.C. 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