The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, November 18, 1992 my diapers Pet: bird - Chico Name: Sophie Anna-Marle (6 mos.) Where you work: In my crib What you do there: sleep/play Castlegar likes: grandma & grandpa's house Best kept Castlegar secret: my daddy changes Vehicle: stroller & car seat What would you rather be doing? Getting Into Side Pocket racks up new image KAREN KERKHOFF Sun staff A new name, a new image and new rules is the name of the game at The Side Pocket Family Bil- liard Lounge and Snack Bar. For more than three weeks, Tom Larsen, manager of The Side Pocket, has been trying to verbally enforce codes of conduct upon his customers which he believes are common socially accepted rules. “There has been great success with enforcing the rules,” said Larsen. “Everybody has to live by rules. I want people to understand that they need to respect other peoples’ property, and other peo- ples’ moral values, and that includes The Side Pocket, which used to be known as The Wizard's Palace had a serious image prob- lem in Castlegar, which has been slowly changing since Larsen that whether true or not, caused citizens. to avoid walking by the 1 pelling any of the youths who fre- ‘Everybody has to live by rules. | want people to understand that they need to respect other peoples' property, and other peoples’ moral values, and that includes swearing.’ — TOM LARSEN Side Pocket manager took over management. The image projected was one of roughness, drug dealing, and out of control youths, an image quent the Side Pocket. “We're trying to create an environment where they can come and feel safe, a place for Some of the members from the recent line dancing class, which was held at the Recreation complex, used their new found stepping-knowledge to entertain the residents of Castleview Care Centre. The groups’ fine stepping moves impressed both the residents.and the staff who works there, __SUN STAFF PHOTO / Shartene Imhoff = Forestry Continued from 1A tices from the 1970s. Social pressures by environ- nental organizations have also played a role..Rowe says the industry has been trying hard to prevent logging in domestic watersheds or visually sensitive areas (those in plain view of a populated place). However, there S a growing difficulty in pre- venting these areas from becom. ng logged. Lowering the AAC night be the answer to some of he social pressures which the ndustry is facing. Economic pressures might be heightened however. Lowering the AAC increases the competi- tion for a timber supply that has been lessened. Prices will increase, and the smaller operator is affected the most. Eventually, the economy of a community is affected, especially if it is highly dependent on the timber industry. Castlegar is a good example Statistics released by the Arrow Forest District Office in Castle- gar state that 54 per cent of jobs in this community are directly related to the forest industry. “We are also trying to raise public awareness of how depen- dent this area is on forestry,” Rowe said. “I think the numbers might surprise a few people.” New policy caps B.C. Hydro rates SUN STAFF The Provincial Government with the Pacific Northwest “B.C. will be the only province in Canada where con- sumers are protected by a cap on has given British C an early Christmas present in the form of new policy which will cap electricity rate increases, and provide a stable basis for utility regulation. Ministers Moe Sihota, respon- sible for B.C. Hydro, and Anne Edwards, responsible for British Columbia Utilities Commission, (BCUC), announced the new directions November 13, which will include new ground rules to use when considering Hydro’s Tate increase ions. “To protect consumers, the directions establish a rate cap of one percentage point above the rate of inflation this fiscal year, and two points in future years,” said Edwards. BCUC is also directed to use financial criteria similar to those it applies to private utilities to determine future B-C. Hydro electricity rates. These measures will ensure B.C. Hydro is as effi- ciently managed as private sector companies. Edwards said the new policy t British Columbians from excessive rate increases, while maintaining British Columbia's competitive rates y rate Communications Director for the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Prodycts, Irwin Henderson was also pleased with the new policy. “This will give British Columbians comfort that the hikes will be restrained to the limits the government has set, especially after the increases that have been seen out East.” them to go. We're not trying to dump them.” Larsen wants to provide an environment where whole fami- lies can come to have an evening out, while at the same time still provide an alternative to the youngsters of Castlegar, and it is- starting to catch on. “The whole environment has changed, it’s a lot more pleasant. Some college students are now starting to come in and do home- work, and families are also start- ing to come in.” Larsen is. quick to let people know that his establishment is not a ‘hall’, or a ‘hang out’. “You could call us more of a social club, we are not a hang- out, or an arcade. That is the stig- ma we want to get away from.” Council favours new standards for development SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor Castlegar City Council voted in favour of a recommendation which it hopes will result in con- sistency and clarity for contrac- tors and deve! The vote was taken during Tuesday night's council meeting, after city councillors were given an opportunity beforehand to review a new set of specifications and guidelines for future develop- ment practices. In the past, the city did not have a set of guidelines to follow when dealing with potential developers and contractors. Some city councillors feel this has resulted in claims that the city has been discouraging develop- ment in Castlegar as well as showing an inconsistency in poli- standards. City council received the infor- mation package and recommen- dations from Barry Comin, superintendent of public works. Member from Slocan Valley CCF upset with chairman's recent comments SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor The position of Municipal Affairs Minister, held by Robin Blencoe, is not a rubber-stamp position. At least not in the eyes of Zak Ackerman, chairperson of the Slocan Valley Concemed Cit- izens Forum. Ackerman was responding to an earlier news story in which Cady, chairperson for the Regional District of Central Kootenay, said Minister Blencoe was taking too much time to pass Bylaw 923, the controversial order to clean-up unsightly premises in Area H. The Unsightly Premises Bylaw, which the RDCK hoped would make Slocan Valley resi- dents clean up their properties, has been a pretentious issue for both the RDCK and Slocan Val- ley residents since last Spring The bylaw has already received three readings, and it must be reviewed and approved by the minister before it is given a final reading and is approved for adoption. Cady was quoted saying “If he wants to review every bylaw that we pass through his office, he may as well run the district.” Ackerman, who owns property in Area H, disagrees with what Cady is saying. “Robin Blencoe is part of the due process, he’s not just a rub- ber-stamp.” Ackerman was also dismayed with the fact that Cady referred to the Concerned Citizens Forum (CCF) as a “small, vocal group raising hell." Ackerman admits that while the group might be vocal, it isn’t exactly that small, though they have never claimed to be the maj “The CCF got 570 the CCF have provided an infor- i to Bh and against the bylaw three days after it was brought up, and more than he signatures in one week,” said who also that more than 165 people attend- ed.a meeting to discuss the RDCK's bylaw plan, and that Cady had attended it. “All we're asking for is a little bit of grass roots democracy. We've even offered to pay for the costs of holding a referendum to let voters decide ae RDCK wouldn't even i are anxiously awaiting his deci- sion—not unlike the RDCK. Both Ackerman and Brian Bai- ley, also a member of the CCF and a legal researcher for the group, attended the Union of. Municipalities Annual General Meeting in Vernon, held last October. Ackerman said that it was at this.meeting his eyes were opened. : “TI found that the paternalistic, close- minded attitude of our ional District is the excep- Cady also accused che. CCF of manipulating the provincial gov- emment and thereby delaying his approval of the bylaw. “I can’t believe he thinks we are actually manipulating the government. I didn’t realize he gave us that much credit,” Acker- man said, including the fact that tion, not the norm. I talked to many different representatives during the four days I was there, and most of them were very sym pathetic to our cause.” The next RDCK meeting is Nov. 28, both sides are hoping for some word from the provincial government by this time. Sunfest committee says city should be more responsible for annual festival SHARLENE IMHOFF _ Sun Editor Members from the Castlegar Festivals Society say the city should be taking more responsi- bility for running the annual Sunfest event, a family-orientated weekend which also serves to report to Castlegar City Coungil during its meeting Tuesday night The report contained several recommendations which the soci- ety is adamant that city council seriously consider. Two of these recommendations ask: that the city include the Castlegar Festivals Society in its annual budget, the y and the surrounding area. President of the Festivals soci- ety, Derm Jackman, and Member Craig Burton, presented a written Volunteers lend a hand to Tender Care Variety Centre “SUN STAFF Volunteerism is alive and well in Castlegar—at least it was last Saturday. Approximately 20 people showed up at the Tender Care Variety Centre to help com- plete various odd jobs such as painting and siding Some of the volunteers were members of Castlegar’s media, as well as employees from the Kootenay Columbia Childcare Society. “It shows a definite commit- ment to the community when volunteers make an effort like this,” said Katrine Conroy executive director of the Kootenay Columbia Childcare Society (KCCCS) The Tender Care Variety Centre building, which at one time was a Pentecostal church is in the final stages of a com plete renovation process The centre offers programs for children under three, as well as a program for young mothers who want to obtain their high school education bling the society to prepare for the coming year, and that the city set aside $15,000 each year as seed money to cover operating costs and to secure showcase events. Jackman said that the city should realize its support is des- Pperately needed, and he was criti- cal of its past performance "The majority of our time this year was taken up trying to raise funds to put the festival on a sound footing so we could plan events. We've basically been grovelling for money to put on an evént which benefits the commu- nity.” The cities of Nelson and Trail, according to the report, include their festival societies in their annual budgets. This year, when the Castlegar Festival Society approached the city for money, they requested $10,000. The city allowed $6,000. Members from the festi- val Society feel this was not enough. There were other obsta- cles as well. According to the report handed over to the city, the biggest stumbling block for the society was a $6,000 deficit and a zero bank account. Despite this, Vandals wreak havoc on SUN STAFF Friday the 13th was definitely an unlucky day for Shaw Cable and its subscribers in the Castle gar and Trail area, when vandals caused more than $5,000 in dam- age to cable lines and a lengthy interruption in service to thou sands of homes. Replacement equipment was brought in from other areas, howev- er technical crews were unable to restore service until late Saturday. “It's really too bad when this type of thing happens. Not only do the vandals cause a significant inconvenience for a lot of fami- lies, but they also put themselves at risk,” said Steve Lakes, Shaw Cable Regional Manager. Main line cable TV lines carry enough AC voltage to seriously harm someone who doesn't know the society, through raising money and receiving donations, was still able to put on a decent festival, manage to pay off all past bills, and come out ahead by $4,335. But Burton said that it was tough going—especially when a group of 15 people made up the entire Festival Society Executive. “When you have to beg people to help out, that's a sure recipe for burnout for those who are work- img every year.” The Festival Society, which is having its Annual General Meet- ing Nov. 25, is hopeful that more people will become involved in planning 1993 Sunfest activities. Council members are currently reviewing the information given to them by the Festivals Commit Wednesday, November 18, 1992 The Castlegar Sun Recreation programs threatened if no new instructors found SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor From word processing, to line dancing, to modelling: the Castle- gar and District Recreation Cen- tre has offered it all. But a current lack of individuals who ate will- ing to share their knowledge and talent for future programs could Soon create an unwelcome void at the rec centre. Susan Campbell, recreation Campbell Stresses that none of this is needed. What is needed however, is an interest and skill and the desire to share your knowledge with other people. “Take model airplanes as an example. We had a man approach us about letting him put on a pro- gram on how to build model air- planes. We let him do it, and he had a lot of people attend his would be the perfect candidates for this type of programing,” said Campbell Although everyone who applies to work with children must go through a screening, instructors are not required to have early childhood develop- ment diplomas or certificates to work in these programs, which are offered three days each week. Programs can focus around at the lex, said that a number of factors have contributed to this lack in pro- gram leaders; people move, they Specialize or their interests change. “We've come full circle. We need to have more people involved so that more progr ‘There Is a misconception out there that in order to teach a program you need to have coaching certificates, degrees or diplomas. — SUSAN CAMPBELL Centre C which are interesting to y the com. munity, can be started,” Campbell said. Sometimes, it is difficult to find individuals who are willing to teach a class, whether it be an artistic, mechanical or athletic nature. Campbell thinks she knows why. “There is a misconception out there that in order to teach a pro- gram you need to have coaching certificates, degrees or diplo- classes.” Programs are taught one night each week, for six consecutive weeks. But without instructors, there will be no programs to offer. Campbell is especially con- cerned with the pre-school pro- grams, which are very successful, though are in definite need of instructors. “T think a lot of in-home moms crafts, play-time, or imaginative- type. “All the programs help devel- op the social skills of these chil- dren,” said Campbell. The bottom line however, is always to have fun. The need for instructors in the pre-school programs is now being felt, and Campbell is hoping that candidates are found before Jan- uary. If not, some of the programs will have to be cancelled “We need to have applications in by December.” Almost any type of recreation can be offered through the com- plex since recreation is all those things that a person or group chooses to do in order to make leisure time more interesting, more enjoyable and more person- ally satisfying. Recreation is not confined solely to sport and phys- ical recreation programs, but includes artistic, creative, cultural, social and intellectual activities. Instructors can receive renu- meration for their work, depend- ing on the number of people who sign up for their program. “A lot of people who have been instructors have been donat- ing their time. If you are enjoying what you are doing, and other people are leaming from you, the rewards are really great.” The complex is also searching for more public input so they may better understand what it can fur- ther be offering to satisfy the needs of the community. “We like to hear from the pub- lic on what more we could be doing to enhance recreation in Castlegar—it has to be a commu- nity effort all the way.” Environmental concerns means clean-up procedures monitored KAREN KERKHOFF Sun staff Turbo is cleaning up, and on November 9, a technician from Seacor, Environmental Engineer- ing was on hand at the site of the old Turbo gas station to test the soil for any contaminants that might be present. Don McKellar, Vice-President and General Manager of Retail Operations for Canadian Turbo said, “We are negotiating with sev- eral parties to sell the property.” McKellar also said the proper- ty for sale is now environmental- ly safe. “We have removed the tanks, remediated the soil, and any con- taminants have been moved to a landfill. The property can now be used for any type of business.” In ordér to environmentally prepare the property for future use, five underground gas tanks had to be removed, cut up and disposed of, and the soil then needed to be tested for any possi- ble remaining contaminants, in this case gasoline If it is found that the ground does contain contaminants, then depending on the degree or sever- ity of contamination, several remedial options may be neces- Ministry of Envir al What used to be the Turbo gasoline station site has since been completely cleared. Part of this process included testing the soil for contaminants that might be present. “If the soil is not too heavily contaminated then we would ‘land farm’. With land farming the pollutant is spread over a large area, then we would turn the soil over a few times.” This tech di the Protection rep ive, Barry Wood, said that there are many ways to dispose of this type of pollutant. 1 over a large “area, and would eventually reduce contami- nant levels. If it is determined that the con- taminant is found in heavy quan- tities, then the next possible option would be to incinerate the offending pollutant. Currently remedial soil prepa- ration, an expensive procedure, may become the responsibility of the purchaser. “It's buyer beware, if the buyer inherits the problem, then he inherits the responsibility.” said Wood. However, Woods said there is new legislation being considered that will deal specifically with this problem. “This new legislation will for- malize land transactions and contaminated sites. The owner would be obliged to test and scrutinize samples before selling the property.” National Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week Nov. 15-21 Local students get the low-down on dope KAREN KERKHOFF Sun staff Kinnaird Elementary students will be getting the low-down on drugs and alcohol, when David O’Brien, a counsellor at Castle- gar Community Services speaks to them this week. O'Brien's visit to Kinnaird students has been scheduled to fit National Alco- and substance abuse is really entrenched in our adult communi- ty. But it does affect the youth, because the substance abuse by the parents affects the children in the end,” said O’Brien. Although alcohol is the most commonly abused drug, there is a high rate of cocaine use in Castle- gar. “There is a lot of economic activity in this town, and there is a lot of money hol and Drug Awareness Week, which is set for Novem- ber 15-21. O’Brien knows that drug and alcohol abuse is clearly evident in this commu- nity, but he also feels that Castle- gar has an edge. “We have — DAVE O'BRIEN associated with this drug. Cocaine costs a lot of money, and generally the young people don’t have the financial means to support the use of cocaine.” In descending order, the drugs that are most Counsellor « ommontly. gths in this Shaw Cable this senseless act,” Lakes said. Shaw Cable apoplogizes for any inconvenience caused by this vandalism. Any person who might have seen anything in the community that are great. We have positive role models, and we have a great, recreational cen- tre. People have alternatives.” O’Brien said that Drug Aware- ness Week has a dual purpose “It’s not just a week to cast light on drug abuse, but it’s also a week to emphasize healthy choices.” Contrary to popular belief, alcohol and drug abuse is not prevalent just in youth, but in fact crosses all age, economic, and gender barriers. “The concem is not just with the youth community. Alcohol abused in Castle- gar are: alcohol; cocaine; mari- huana; prescription drugs; and a small degree of heroin. O'Brien believes that drug and alcohol abuse affects all of us, to an extent. “Drug abuse affects a person's health, self-esteem, well being, finances, and family. This in tum impacts on the community.” O'Brien has a heavy case load, as he is the only drug and alcohol counsellor Castlegar has. Most individuals are “wait listed”, which means that unless in crisis, a three week wait can be expect- ed. Each situation however, is assessed on an individual basis. There has been a slight decline on substance abuse in B.C., and O'Brien said this might be due in part to the available information on healthier life style alternatives. “People are becoming more health conscious, and are seeking alternate choices to drugs.” said O'Brien. In an ongoing effort to educate the children of Castlegar, a school based prevention worker has been hired. Gay MacDonald has been hired to provide alcohol and drug information to students, staff and parents of the school community. MacDonald will help identify look: A series of Pacific 7.8/15 Precipitation: Rain Number of Hours TA WEATHER _ OUTLOOK: The forecast for Wednesday; Cloudy with morning fog patches. 60% chance of show- ers. High temperature near 6. Out- disturbances should provide further clouds and occa sional showers for Thursday and Friday. A LooK BACK J art THE ‘PAST WEEK: Temperature: Max/Date Min/Date 4.1/10 3.2 Snow 6.2 Lo 72 Mean Total Normal Number of Hours 14.4 A typical dull week in November. Where we had rain in the valleys, snow fell over the higher levels. Cross country skiers were out over the weekend. Forecast provided by The South - East interior Weather Office at Castlegar, B.C. = School Board Continued from 1A Ministry was met with anger. Trustee Mickey Kinakin had strong words for the Ministry. “This is chicken shit from the . The actual is in dire straights. To renovate would be a waste of the dollars. The school needs to be completely rebuilt. Now the Min- istry is saying ‘oh no, you didn’t put in the right papers. You can have $1.5 million for renovation, but none for rebuilding.’ I'm really frustrated with this. If this is the kind of future the government wants to build for us, then this is a bad policy.” Evelyn Voykin, another trustee, also had words for the Ministry. “This has been going on for six years, I suggest we contact the Minister and vigorously edu- cate Hagen why we need this @ Avalanche school rebuilt. We've already waited six years, if we have to wait another six that will make 12 years. We don’t want to be left standing at the back of the bus Kinakin also said, “We're tired of playing this word game with the After considerable discussion a motion was passed that the School District cancel the approval for the funding for ren- ovation, and seek new funding to rebuild Twin Rivers School. Voykin suggested that a letter to the Ministry request that the District be able to keep the money that was earmarked for renovation, and use it towards rebuilding. Kinakin said, “It should state in our letter to the Ministry our great frustration in this whole matter.” Continued from 1A This information is then cou- pled with on site observations of the current conditions, his- torical records, and the experi- ence of technical staff to help assess the current avalanche hazard. If it is determined that an avalanche is imminent, the avalanche crew will close the road, clear the area of all traffic, and would then deliberately trigger an avalanche using explosive charges which are placed at the appropriate site by or any substance probl , Or issues within the school commu- nity, and will make referrals when necessary. MacDonald began working with the staff and students of Stanley Humphries Secondary School at the begin- ning of October. Trail students given the TRAIL TIMES With only one dissenting vote, a motion for students to ride pub- lic transit buses was passed by the school board last night, much to the chagrin of parents and bus drivers in the audience. School District chair Jean Cor- mack had to bang her gavel sev- eral times and remind those present they had their chance to speak on the proposal at a public meeting on Nov. 3. "It is now the trustees turn,” said Cormack. “This is not a public debate.” Only trustee Greg Mallette opposed the motion, saying he is not convinced there has been enough study on the matter. "IT have some concerns that just to save $48,000 students will be put on public buses,” he said Mallette suggested the transit system “should be looking for new money workers, pen- sioners, those Selkirk students who fill up the highway, “I would like to see the regional district do a further study on how to increase Services.” Trustee Joe Biagioni said he is fully satisfied the move is a posi- tive one, except for concerns over students standing when the seats are full. "We are still attempting to solve the standee situation. It seems to be a big bugbear,” said Biagioni. Trail Transit manager Dennis Stach has indicated bigger buses could be brought in from B.C Transit if too many students are forced to stand Biagioni said it's difficult to get an accurate count of all chil- dren who ride the buses because it is such a variable. Sometimes they're picked up by parents or remain for after-school activities. “It's very seldom all the chil- dren go on the buses every day, and crowding is most likely . occur on the moming rides,” said. “In “Kootenay Pass the min- istry has an active avalanche control program. When our assessments indicate that an avalanche could affect the high- way, we will close the road, and do a sweep to ensure that the area is cleared of all traffic,” said District Avalanche Techni- cian, John Tweedy. Tweedy said that avalanche control is not just a safety tool, but an effective method to help keep road closures at a mini- mum. “This not only ensures public safety, but keeps closures to a minimum since we have some measure of control over the amount of snow reaching the road, and we can have the maintenance crews Standing by to quickly clear the highway.” Two thirds of all provincial highway closures due to avalanche occur in the Koote- nays. The Salmo-Creston is one of the highest all weather high- ways in Canada and has a total of 44 known avalanche points. OK to ride public buses Biagioni and trustee Sharon Berriault both said a number of people had indicated they'd been pressured into adding their names to a petition signed by opponents of the motion. Trustee Libby Nelson said she favored the motion, with some directives concerning safety. Transit buses unload passengers in a different manner than school buses and the students will need to be educated in those differ- ences, she said. "In any case, the amalgama- tion of children onto public tran- Sit is not an irreversible decision” and could be studied over its first year of operation, added Nelson. Trustee Gordon Titsworth said he's convinced of B.C. Transits safety. He said the company received a 50 per cent reduction in its insurance premiums because of its safety record, while school buses have a 45 per cent discount. John Marko also had concerns specifically about students stand- ing, although he voted in favor of the motion. Marko asked for an amend- ment which would ensure each student have a seat on the bus, but it was not seconded. Robert Cacchioni said that in his many years as a school trustee there have been a number of deci- sions the board had to make which were with the general public, such as closing the Tadanac school and the old junior high (now the Trail Com- munity Centre). “But expectations will have to drop, because there is no way we can continue to run the system as it is now,” Cacchioni warned. Tom Bruce said that while the decision will make it tough on school bus drivers who will be laid off, “I am a supporter of the motion because I feel confident the students are safe. But I'm sorry that some people will lose their jobs.”