Expect SUN STAFF The Castlegar Sun _ Wednesday, December 15, 1993 WKP rate hike in 1994 Utilines Commission (BCUC) WKP will be asking for an inter Like everything else nowa fays, electricity rates will be mereasing un 1994 Effective January 1, West Kootenay Power (WKP) cus tomers will see a 7.6 per cent increase on their utility bill im 7.6 per cent increase for 1994 and a ).6 per cent rate hike in 1995 What the equate to tor a typical residential customer using 1,000 kW.h of electricity a month will be about 11 cents a day or $3.45 a month 1994 increase will hikes on increased taxes and power purchase costs which they claim represents 54 cents of every dollar paid by WKP cus. tomers for power As well, WKP said the need to upgrade the electrical system, an “extraordinary” customer growth, aging of many seg- ments of the system and high necessity of an increase. WKP will also be making a submission to BCUC of its Inte grated Resource Plan which iden. tifies new generation and conservation options. Both submissions are subject to public hearings before BCUC. The rate application is tentative- ly scheduled for the first quarter Wednesday, December 15, 1993 The Castlegar Sun Robson ho Page 3A pes to connect schools and families sooner KAREN KERKHOFF I'm optimistic. I think it will In an application t¢ : 2 pplication to the B.C WAP is blaming the rate electrical loads has added to the of 1994. Name: Katie (6 years old) & T.J. (2 1/2 years old) Where you work: Schoo! & in sand box (Castlegar Primary) What you do there: — Castlegar likes: Playground Best kept Castiegar secret: Pet: — 9 Pool Vehicle: 2 Wheeler & 3 Wheeler | What would you rather be doin ig? New In Castlegar trom the town of Naramata ~ - MAKE IT SAFE Please make sure your sidewalks are shovelled and your front light is on so your Carrier may deliver your Paper safely. Ghrtstrea. Batycki hired to head new office SUN STAFF Long-time environmental activist and Ymir resident, Can dace Batycki has been hired by Phe Greater Ecosystem Alliance (GEA) to head up a branch office in Nelson Batycki will work with com munity groups and government agencies on a wide range of land use issues as well as editing a primer on conservation biology concepts for use by community groups, media and concerned cits zens . The appointment of Batycki was lauded by GEA Executive Director Mitch Friedman “We have been working with environmental groups in south eastern B.C. for over a year now but with the conservation plan ning project almost complete, we really needed a solid B.C. activist on the ground. We see working across the border as vital to long term biodiversity protection; this includes networking groups and agencies on both sides of the line promoting these concepts, Can dace was the obvious choice; we really didn't even consider any one-else Seeing double! As a Castle } gar landmark looks dow i ees, Mark Boolinoff, (left) and Jason Markin were vite ea oe ae ween letter ‘W'_ at West's Department Store. ging a new and improved SUN STAFF PHOTO ‘Karen Kerkhoft Family caregivers on the increase KAREN KERKHOFF Sun staff Each community has unrecog nized valuable resources, and in Bntish Columbia alone there are almost 100,000 of them. By the time the Ministry of Health's New Directions’ mandate to return health care back into the community is in full effect, the De > Gil e Suggestions 5-Piece Quality Kitchen Dinettes: from All Oak ‘n Glass China Cabinets: illuminated, REDUCED FROM $1399. La-Z-Boy Reeliners - Huge selection wall huggers, rocker recliners. $899 wALL SALE PRICED Codar Chests: reg. $589, $689 NOW CLEARING $399 $399 Dishwashers: from $349 Laundry Pairs: $799, $995 to $1099 CHEST FREEZERS UPRIGHT FREEZERS 7 cubic ft... 9 cubic ft. .. 13 cubic ft. 20 cubic ft. .. $359 -$299 12 cubic ft... $329 14 cubic ft... $499 $549 *Freezer deliveries - $499 no charge until Dec. 30 COLOR TELEVISION 26 inch $499 e 28 inch $599 14 inch Color Television and VCR (all-in-one) Selling now $499 TANS FI & ——— oor Cover ; en Ee ring Centre Furniture Warehouse R 20 inch electric from ............ S449 HOMEGOODS = Phone 693-2227 Located halfway between Trail & Castlegar Open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m Tuesday through Saturday number of these resources—fam- ily caregivers, is sure to increase Complaints are already being heard in communities that in keeping with ‘New Directions’, some services are being with drawn from hospitals, and patients are being returned to the family home sooner than they might have been previously. But Patients and family members are charging that needed services aren't yet in place in the commu- nities thereby leaving many -peo- ple stranded without adequate medical care In acknowledgement of family caregivers and the vital role they play in community health care. the Ministry of Health has provided funding to the Caregivers Associ ation of British Columbia (CABC) Book NOW for Spring/Summer savings! from —_—— Seniors save 10%! _ $788 ..2.. _BCAA Tavel AGENCY ery Call for details today! 596 Baker St., Nelson * 352-3535 Travel Hotline 1-800-663-1956 Give the gift of travel. Give a BCAA Travel Gift Certificate! for a study to determine the unique needs of caregivers and to act as a liaison between caregivers and the Ministry of Health. Barb Little, spokesperson for the newly formed Castlegar Care- giver group, knows firsthand what the concerns of family care- givers are—she has cared for her widowed father, Murray Little, 80, for almost three years. She knows of the frustration. and isolation associated with car- ing for a loved one “Thad to dig out every little bit of information.”” Little explained that quite often a patient is sent home in the care of a family member who quickly realizes that they do not have the skills or information available to care for their loved One in the manner they deserve to be cared for. “They receive little coun- selling, training, or education on diets or drugs. Society says ‘You can do that’ and then you find it’s very difficult because you don't have any training. Although Little knows that ser- vices, such as Home Suppor or Mental Health services are invaluable to caregivers, she also knows that those services just aren't enough to help the often bumed-out Caregiver. mene" staffed and Al a recent meetin, Caregivers in Nelson, poe Pe occurring frustrations were voiced, such as inability to access information about health Services; Support services hours aren't flexible enough to address Caregivers needs; more respite care in the home is needed: care- Sivers should be a member of the health team; hospital discharge Planning should involve the farsi. Paee Sooner; more training for 5 ome support workers and Caregivers is needed Over 21 regions across B.C. will be Participating in the research, and every individual response will be submitted to the Minister of Health in early 1994. The local Meeting of CABC will be held December 22 at | p.m. at Castleview Care Centre P . Jolly Ol St. Nick and his charming wife Mrs. Claus, gar and District Community Complex during its annual Penny Carnival, MLA.Conroy unconvinced of water protection SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor Rossland-Trail MLA Ed Con roy says he is unconvinced that water is protected under the North American Free Trade Agreement, despite the federal government's latest assurances: Under NAFTA, Conroy said he fears B.C. is not protected as it should be against thirsty Americans, who, “once have the tapped turned on, will never turn it off “The prospect of massive water diversion to the United es is a frightening possibili ty,” said Conroy, who continued to say that the big fear is in the fact NAFTA is not restricted to bottled water, but includes all water that has entered into com merce and becomes a good or product “The federal Liberal govern ment should have thought twice about this before signing (NAFTA].” As a result, Conroy says the agreement will have a profound effect on the province in the next 50 years. He also states that the true value of water cannot be ured in terms of dollars. 2ven if we look at it as a commodity, there's no way you could charge what it’s truly worth.” took time out of their busy schedule to visit children at the Castle- SUN STAFF PHOTO /John Van Putten held last Saturday. Sun staff Things are different today compared to 40 years ago Nowadays it is often ap eco nomic necessity that both par ents work outside the home—that is if both parents live in the home. Those changes have required support services, such as ade quate daycare, to help make the change smoother. And yet adequate and affordable day care Is still lac king in many communities. However, the recent B.C. 21 Childcare Strategy, which man dates that 7,500 new childcare seats will be created in B.C might make more accessible and affordable. In fact, Robson school officials have sent out a questionnaire to area residents to determine if there is a need for daycare in Robson Robson School Principal Grant Lenarduzzi, said combin ing childcare and a school set ting makes perfect sense daycare ‘Puke extravaganza’ posters sparks concern KAREN KERKHOFF Sun staff A poster advertising the event offers many pasttimes for hard-core partiers Children from Castlegar enjoyed a free matinee parents were busy Christmas shopping. The r Castlegar Sun and Sunshine Radio Castlegar might be in for the party of it life this December 29 through January That's when almost 700-1,000 students will converge upon Castlegar and Ros land for what has been billed as a extravaganza” The event is a New Year's ski tr Red Mountain booked by almost | students from the University of Ca’ Calgary’s Mount Royal College University of Alberta, and the Unive ties of Saskatchewan, British ¢ and Victoria SUN STAFF Travelling to and from Regional District meetings are normally quite uneventful, but last Saturday two area politi cans discovered otherwise Castlegar City Councillor Kirk Duff and Area I Director John Voykin were returning from a day-long meeting ir Nelson when a black bear sud at the atinee Ip lumbia such as again” and extravaganza.” there ip atthe 000» coach/puke slide.” poster on a rary After an uproar from the residents of th Rossland, the posters were removed, and a rst letter of apology forwarded said Rossland Chamber Commerce of President, Doreen Butler Duff and Voykin in MVA after bear crosses highway denly bolted onto the highway Unable to avoid the impact, Voykin’s car hit the bear, then flipped over into the ditch. Police say both men suffered minor whiplash injuries, though Voykin’s car has extensive damage. Both men were taken to hos pital and then released. The accident occurred Saturday afternoon, on Highway 3A near Thrums. The bear was killed in the accident CastleTheatre w wa ponsoret four wild and crazy nights with people you never have to see six-way keg suck/puke And for the partiers who are con- puk cerned about drinking and driving will be rides available, advised “deluxe over the coals fo: and cross when Rossland.” understand their motor _ if they don't “T think you w control. They’ve and sent home.” Castlegar Chai ager, Renee Read, said when she first saw “They have been well and truly pulled not what we want for tourists, thanks very much, We want families to return to Butler is confident the would-be partiers ing Rossland—but she does have a remedy step out of line they will be put on a bus the post cerned, allayed r it. I was very disturbed I saw the poster. That's didn’t m They w: responsibility when visit- official tered at ill find it very much under been forewarned. If they dents mber of Commerce Man booked tre for December 3 . happen. It will bring siblings to school sooner, and will connect schools and families sooner Kids will be in an enriching school environment sooner.” Lenarduzzi said it is hoped by politicians that the initia tive will utilize public areas, such as schools, to put daycare thereby best uti If the questionnaire indicates there is a definite need for childcare s in Robson, Lenar sid that more than like facilities in lizing taxpayer dollars service duzzi s ly a portable classroom would be purchased in which to house the childcare The Kootenay Columbia Child Care Society would then provide the while the school district pro services, vides the space The survey should be com: pleted by the first week of Jan- uary, said Lenarduzzi, at which results and recom- mendations would be put before the school board for consideration time the New Year’s ski trip has Castlegar playing host by locals lers she was understandably con- however, her fears were soon “We requested they change the posters, they said they would and they have. They nean it as being a negative thing anted to grab attention and they certainly did that. We welcome tourists, but not for that purpose.” It has been verified by Sandman Inn s that 446 students have regis- the inn and that other hotels in Castlegar will also play host to the stu- As well the students will have space at the Castlegar Rec Cen- and January | CP records losses of more than $500G STERLING NEWS SERVICE According to documents filed with the National Trans portation Agency of Canada (NTA), CP Rail lost a total of $593,827 through its operation of the Slocan subdivision between South Slocan and Slo can City during the three year period 1990 to 1992 The information is contained in CP’s submission to the NTA asking for permission to abandon the line on the grounds that t not economical In an overview of the abandon ment process under the 198 National Transportation Act, pro- vided by the agency, it states that in the absence of opposing inter ventions, the NTA must order the abandonment of the line within a year of application If there are interventions, how ever, “The agency must then review the traffic, revenue, and cost statements filed with the application, determine the actual Grant disbursement st Area G Direcotr Hans Cun- ningham was retumed to his pos- tion as Regional District of Central Kootenay chairperson during the inaugural meeting of the board's three year term. Also appointed to continue chairing the region's hospital board was Area I Director John Voykin. Both were unopposed. ‘amiliar faces were among the rural directors with only Eric Nygren (Area H) and Al Dawson (Area F) attending for the first time Appointees of municipal councils, on the other hand, injected consid- erable new blood with five new- comers: Kirk Duff (Castlegar), Gerald Rotering (Nelson), Roy Carlson (Silverton), and Anne Barkley (Slocan), joining the six experienced urban directors As the meeting proceeded, the question of BC hydro taxation resurfaced with the receipt of favorable reponses to the RDCK’s proposal that a “Four Chairperson Committee” representing the Kootenay regional districts meet to discuss the strategy At the same, the on-gor over the disbursement of Hydro grant funds heated up again as Josh Smienk (Area E) presented an opinion which he had obtained from the legal firm of Lidstone Anderson and Young It is their view that any use of the grant money except as part of the RDCK general revenues is illegal Smienk, in alliance with Area battle A Director Larry Brierley, fought the board’s decision to award the right of disbursement of the funds to a commission of four directors whose areas contained Hydro property, calling it “undemocratic losses incurred by the railway mpany in operating the line and make the results public In making these determina tions and other, the NTA can hold public hearings on the matter A number of groups and indi viduals including the International Woodworkers of America Union at Slocan Forest Products, the citi- zens’ group Save Our Steel, MLA Corky Evans and the RDCK have all called for such a hearing and served notice of intent to make opposing interventions. l an issue and a slush fund.” Ironically, the pair is now joined in opposition by Nygren who made it an issue in his campaign against former director Bob Barkley, one of the four commissioners. American man barred from visiting children living in Pass Creek area As 1994 is officially marked by the United Nations as Year of The Family, Eugene Reliford will be contemplating how to reach his two young children, the youngest of whom is suffering from asthma. Reliford, a Spokane man, was found guilty under the immigra tion act and was sentenced to three days in jail by Judge Don Sperry, last Monday Reliford, who, as a result of the minor record he has'in the United States, is barred from entering Canada to visit his two children aged five and two. The two chil dren live with their mother in th Pass Creek area Reliford, who has been arrest ed and deported on four previous occasions, will be transported Vancouver for a deportation hear ing after serving the three-da sentence in Castlegar cells Although he had no choice but to levy the jail-term, Judge Sperry did so reluctantly, stating this wa’ asad case. “This is a catch twen ty-two. You want to see your family, but they're on the wrong side of the border.” Judge Sperry also commented on the fact that, as typical of this case, Reliford would be “dumped on the southside of the Peace Arch” with little or no resources. This places a hardship emo tionally, physically and financial ly on this father While listening from within the prisoner's dock, Reliford sudden swearing loudly and claiming yne really under- stands about how he cares for his ly spokeout y that nc umily and just wants to be with hem Judge Sperry forgave Reliford rthe outburst, that had a secur guard quickly on his feet. He sympathized with Reliford's ficament r contact the proper offi yw him to legally enter Reliford, as he was and suggested that the country being led away. answered that he had been attempting to do so but 1 petuing through