SPORTS LOCAL BUSINESS Castlegar athletes bring home the brass Locals do well in Vernon at B.C Winte Games/ 9A ca Castleview Care Centre searching for support bid for funding/ 3A Waking up tothe harsh © realities of provincial debt DP finds situation worse than first believ 1/78 WEDNESDAY March 4, 1992 The Castlegar Su MIXED Weather 3A Vol. 2 - No. 14 ‘Leading the way in supporting local business’ 75 Cents + G.S.T. Castlegar Primary School Principal John Eggleton had the whole world in his hands while teaching geography to his primary grade three class. The students were learning continents, countries and Canadian provinces. For a profile story on Education Week, March 2-7, see page B1. SUN STAFF PHOTO / Brendan Halper Hospital workers favour job action HEU members vote yes to strike SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor Hospital workers in Castlegar and across the province, who have been without a contract since March 1991, could take strike action as early as next week. Chris Gainor, communications officer for the Hospital Employ- ees Union, says that negotiations through mediator Vince Ready, who was called in almost two weeks ago, are proving to be fruitless thus far. “We've had two sessions with Mr. Ready so far and there has been very little movement by the employers,” said Gainor when reached at his Vancouver office. The union, which includes all hospital workers throughout the Province, except for Registered Nurses and doctors, voted 78 per cent in favour of taking strike action. In Castlegar, 120 hospital Budget meeting sets precedent SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor City council released its provi- sional budget and capital project plans for 1992 to Castlegar resi- dents Monday evening, during the first public budget address in Castlegar’s political history. Residents were first informed that a public meeting would be taking place last December by city council, who was feeling the pres- decreased over the next few years. Although the grassroots approach to civic spending was a welcome though long-overdo addition to Castlegar’s politics, the low attendance and lack of input by local citizens was a disappoint- ment to many of the councillors. Held at the Community Com- plex due to the anticipated atten- dance, the room remained one-third empty, with approxi- mately 70 people attending. “I would sures of a questioning “I'm. glad council made the decision on December 17 to hold this meeting. I See budget highlights page 3A have liked to see more peo- ple participate throughout the evening,” Moore said. Echoing those remarks think it’s a good process and I would like to think it will become an annual ” said Castlegar Mayor Audrey Moore. Through it’s budget address, council stated it is expecting total revenues and expenditures to reach more than $10 million for 1992. As for taxes, council has set a goal which will see residential tax rates remain level or was Councillor Lawrence Chernoff, who stated he was left with a general feeling of disappointment after the meet- ing. : re was so much hype and expectation surrounding this ing since it was d in December. Frankly I’m disap- pointed.” The process, which was chaired as an open forum by Councillor Kirk Duff, allowed By Leigh Rubin thing was for sure.. The police weren't quite sure which dwarf they had arrested for indecent exposure. But one . he certainly wasn't Bashful residents to reccive full explana- tions into the makeup and possi- ble implementation of this year’s budget, after which, the floor was open for questions at various intervals. All but two of the questions which were asked of council were voiced by three members of the Coalition Unaccepting Rash Bureaucracy (CURB). “We had an awful lot of people who, when sending in their mem- berships to us, would ask ques- tions which they wanted to be taken to council. Many people are very intimidated of getting up and speaking into a mike in front of everyone. So many of the ques- tions (CURB) asked tonight were asked on behalf of our members,” said Walter Flux, vice-president See BUDGET 3A Revitalization decision to be made this week Officials uncertain of downtown project BRENDAN HALPER Sun staff With the sudden uncertainty regarding the Castlegar-Robson bridge, city officials and down- town revitalization committee members must reach a decision on the status of the revitalization project this week. On February 24 B.C.'s Minis- ter of Transportation Art Char- bonneau announced that a link would be built between the two Chairperson Jack Parkins said property/business owners will be consulted before a decision is made. The loan for revitalization was approved early in the new year and according to Parkins, con- struction must start within six months of loan approval—other- wise the loan will be revoked. Parkins also said that without the bridge the entire revitalization project could not be completed— particularly the third and last but he was it would begin this year, due to budget constraints. A meeting had been called for early this morning between coun- cillors and committee members, who feel the bridge would pro- vide easier access to the down- town area and therefore help justify revitalization costs. Revitalization Committee phase, ig imp: to Columbia Avenue. “We're not giving up yet,” said Councillor Marilyn Mathieson. “I'm still hoping that we'll get another chance—when the announcement is made at the end of March after the budget comes down.” Mathieson hopes citizens will write and protest the delay of the bridge “This is a resource rich area— more money goes out than ever comes back. That project (the bridge) should very much be top priority.” Mathieson finished, saying she would hope to see phase one of re go ahead even without the bridge “The values in the long run would off-set the cost of it Revitalization committee member Peter Vatkin would also like to see the first phase of the revitalization under way, and feels that a decision must be made this week. a ployees, including part time and casual workers, voted 85 per cent in favour of taking strike action, “We don’t wish to strike, but we have to|show that we're seri- -Spring ous about supporting our demands,” Gainor said. The HEU is requesting, among other things, a seven per cent increase in wages, a pay equity program and language in the con- tract to deal with excessive work- loads. The average starting wage for a hospital employee is $13.50 per hour. In a recent news release, the Health Labour Relations Associa- tion (HLRA) President, Gordon Austin, called the union's demands “unacceptable” and “ignoring all economic realities.” “It is unreasonable for HEU to be demanding such massive increases when economic growth for the year is forecast at three per cent and inflation is around two per cent. The HEU should be aware that their demands could result in bed closures and staff cutbacks.” The HLRA is offering the HEU a pay increase of four and a half per cent over the first two years of a three-year contract leaving the third year open for future negotiations See STRIKE Castlegar resident Chery! Batchelor was busy gath- ering up those pesky walnuts last Thursday, taking full advantage of a beautiful sunny afternoon. ‘SUN STAFF PHOTO / Brendan Halper Education Week is March 2nd to March 7th. Support your local schools 5 ‘