IWA- Canada ready to get logs rolling Scott David Harrison EDITOR Tony Ferreira is breathing easier these days. The spokesperson for [WA- Canada Local 1-405 says he is “satisfied” that Pope and Tal- -bot will finally takeover the Castlegar sawmill and logging operations. “We're glad it’s all over,” he said. “I can tell you, that there are a lot of people walking around with smiles on their faces.” ~**: : Ferreira said Forest Minis- ter Dan Miller’s approval of the deal allows his 280 mem- bers to get on with their lives. : The IWA members have _ been left-in limbo since No* - vember when troubled-Westar shutdown its operation to look - for a buyer. Pope and Talbot entered the scene, ready to purchase Westar’s assets for $22 million U.S. That deal, though, was contingent on a series of pub- lic hearings in Castlegar, Nakusp, Revelstoke and Sica- mous and a review by Miller. Some ten weeks and a pos- itive decision later, Ferreira says IWA members are still ‘dissatisfied with the govern- ment’s efforts. “We still figure that this whole process could have been” done much quicker,” he said, “if the government had put its mind to it.” Ferreira did compliment Miller, though, saying he and IWA members are delighted the minister endorse neir demand to have all No. 23 timber processed in Castle- gar- That is- one of 20-condi- tions applied to the takeover. “As far as we are concerned, that is a victory,” he said. Ferreira also took the time to retrack previous criticism of -Rossland-Trail MLA Ed Con- roy. “We were absolutely wrong about Ed,” he said, saying the TWA checked into,Conroy’s ac- tivities. “Ed did one hell of a job for us and he protected our jobs. We thank him.” Revelstoke OK’s deal Scott David Harrison EDITOR Revelstoke says it will have to live with Forests Minister Dan Miller’s decision. “We would have liked to see bd split at Pingston Creek, clstakes Economic Develop. ment Commissioner. Doug Weir said Tuesday. “I guess it’s called compromise and that’s what the government did.” Revelstoke had wanted ‘Miller to approve a split at Pingston Creek, giving it more attractive timber lands. In- stead, Miller requested that Pope and Talbot turn over tim- ber lands at Pingston Creek so that a new Small Business Forest Enterprise Program Castlegar Aquanauts License No. 770019 JACKPOT $6600 Bg ee EARLY BIRDS LAST BINGO Early Bird 6 p.m., Regular Bingo 7 p.m. could be established for inde- pendent contractors. “That’s important to our lo- cal contractors to have access to Pingston Creek,” Weir said. “At least that’s one way the — fow can be towards v us ‘Outside ‘of ces Ciaek Weir said Miller's decision did little to help Revelstoke’s trou- bled forest industry. He said a deal which would see Evans Forest Products take over the old northern block of Tree Farm Licence No. 23 (now known as TFL 55) is on shaky Revelstoke is protesting that deal because Evans in- tends to process timber in Golden. Wednesday, April 1, 1992 m ‘oné that cuts Pope ‘ Pope and Talbot relieved Jonathan Green NEWS REPORTER Although his sleep patterns weren " affected, Abe Friesen says he’s glad the _ deal is done. “It’s a relief that this is finally over,” the Pope and Talbot Ltd. ‘president said from Grand Forks Tuesday. Monday, Forests Minister Dan Miller approved the company’s American parent approved. “I guess their thoughts are my thoughts,” he said. “They’re satisfied with the condition: nf of the transfer.” With the transfer, the mill’s 280 workers now have a job to return to. Friesen said some particulars of the sale, like the actual purchase and some legal matters, still have to be worked out but for the time transfer of the Castlegar sawmill and Tree Farm Licence No. 23 to ‘It’s a relief that this is finally over.’ being, it’s all systems go. “We still have to the Portland, Ore.-based company. Miller’s decision in: 20 conditions, ot’s share o the TFL off at P. Creek, 50 kilometres sopth of r Revelstoke. Friesen said that, | initially, 1 the company — would not be interested in the deal if their portion of the TFL didn’t extend all the way to Revelstoke. . “The mill just wouldn’t have been viable,” he said. “You can only reduce it so much.” But on Tuesday, Friesen changed his tune, saying “we’re pleased with the minister’s decision. It’s basically what we had requested.” Although Miller’s decision cut the TFL off at the creek, Friesen said the — Pope and Talbot’s Abe.Friesen finalize a few details with Westar,” he baid. “We'll do it as quickly as we can. All the f wheels are in motion.” Friesen said the. delay in Miller’s decision was frustrating, especially when -the—two consummated the deal five months ago. “The decision was essentially what we had agreed to then,” he said. “I suppose that is part of the process for having democratic decisions.” Westar plant manager Roy Helmkay said the mood at the sawmill is a good one. “I think everybody here is pretty anxious to get the mill running and get back.to work,” he said. “I think this is very positive.” Friesen said he hopes the mill will be up and running by the end of the month. companies had—all—but }* We're Inviting Jina Importeret As an important first step toward formulating new Occupational Safety & Health Regulations, the Governors of the Workers’ Compen- sation Board of British Columbia are holding a series of public forums throughout the province. _ Their sole purpose is is to! listen to fessional organization, the Governors ‘want to hear your views and con- cerns about the existing regulations. They would aiso like to hear your suggestions for changes to the regulations and ay ideas you may have for making th safer and healthier for ftlpet ora Come to the Occupational Safety & Health Forum at the WCB Office in Cranbrook on April 29th and at Selkirk College in Castlegar on April 30th. Both start at 7:00 p.m. ‘To book your presentation time and get more information, e B.C. workplace call the Secretariat for Regula- PAID OUT what you have t speaking for yourself, a company, union or any other worker or pro- Regulations. new Occupational Safety rs Health : _ 1-800-972-9972, Oo ts bby. I rans yy @ Wednesday, Kiri 1, {992 sa Scott David Harrison EDITOR Castlegar parks are about to get something they’ve nev- er had —a plan. Monday, the city hosted the third of three public meetings regarding the fu- ture of area parks. The final session allowed some 20 res- idents to have their say re- garding the shape of city parks ... and say, they did. Residents rejected a pro- posal tabled by the Profes- ‘sional-Environment Recre- ational Consultants which would see the elimination of the 9th Avenue park. In ad- dition, residents called for improve playground equip- ment at Cone Hill park. “Based on the reaction we received, I would think that those two proposals would be modified before the docu- Castlegar planning park improvements ment appeared before coun- cil,” Ald Marilyn Mathieson said. Citizens also expressed the need for a fourth baseball diamiond to be built near Kin- naird Junior Secondary. Residents also took the time to ask Castlegar to clean up its act regarding park maintenance. Citizens said the city must invest time and money to ensure area parks are safe and attractive. According to planning —ecommittee —member —Pat~ Metge, a parks plan is over- due. He said once the plan is finalized at the end of April, the city will be able to priori- tize its spending. Metge added that the parks plan will outline capi- tal costs, maintenance re- quirements and establish a strategy for future growth. Ambulance fees climb Glen Freeman NEWS REPORTER Castlegar residents will be paying more for ambulance ser- vices starting today. Health Minister 1 Elizabeth Cull announced Friday that fees for ambulance users and vital statistics services would be in- creased. B.C. residents will now pay a user fee of $44 for ambulance use under 40 kilometres, up from $42. To hire an ambulance to stand by at a specific location in case of emergency, fees will increase from $132 to $142. When the B.C. Ambulance Service first started in 1974,” said Ambulance Service Director of: Quality Del Collin “the user fee was $5. It has been raised yearly since then.” However, Collin says even higher fees will not cover the cost of the service. “On average, every time an ambulance takes a patient to ie pital it costs $400,” Collin said. “Users pay about 17 per cent of the bill and the B.C. govern- ment picks up the rest.” Cull also announced that the cost of changing your name will increase from $80 to $100, while marriage licenses will now cost $60, up from $55. Durand’s Narsery & Greenhouse Christina Lake, B.C. Sizes 3'-4' local 7586. in) Crambeoedt On Rent AOU a Comtoper Oe neetl 30th. COMPENSATION BOARD Siam 6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, B.C. V7C 1C6 Box 437, Christina Lake 447-6697 or 447-6299 Now Open Special: Locally Grown Potted Pyramid Cedars Highway #3 & Johnson Road 1991 = PONTIAC - — SUNBIRD Over - 3 to choose from 50 sistem Safeiy a Certified Cars in Stock. PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Only 25,000 km's. 1989 ISUZU I MARK Very quick car! 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