Page 2A

It’s minimal, but still bad news

“We've got good news, and we've got bad news.” That's the

31.7 per cent When announcing the increase

message from ICBC

The bad news is that effective January 1, 1994, insurance rates will increase once more But ICBC officials say the good news is the increase won't dent our pocketbooks as previous increases did. Drivers throughout B.C. can expect a rate hike of 3.2 per cent when they renew their insurance in the new year, but ICBC officials defend the increase noting that it 1s considerably less than the 19 per cent hike in 1992 and the 9.5 per cent hike for this year.

However, simple arithmetic shows the total rate increased in just over two year is a whopping

3rd Street. Info: 365-2477

CHRISTIAN WOMENS CLUB Dinner evening, Fireside Inn, December 9, 7:00 p.m: Feature: Tulips Florists. Speaker: Jean Yule. Reservations 365-8025 or 365-3886

CASTLEGAR ARCHERY CLUB holds weekly meetings Tuesday and Thursday at Kootenay High Country, 1106 -

at a news conference in North Vancouver on November 30 ICBC President Bill McCourt attributed the increase to continued nsing accident statistics.

From the many Saturdays I've spent in brokers offices hs tening to our customers.. to the phone calls and letters I's received, I have come to under stand the burden that rising auto insurance premiums have. placed on British Columbians McCourt said the rate increase is to ensure that there is enough money in the insurance fund to pay for the 800,000 claims reported each year.

CAKE AND CRAFT Fam School December 10, 1993. Do Starts 7:00 p.m

CASTLEGAR SENIORS ASSOCIATION Last open December 14, 10;00 a.m.; Social! December p.m.; New Years Dance December 31, 8:00 Seniors welcome

CHRISTMAS BANQUET for Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 16 at Fireside inn. Special Guest country singer Abe Zacharias. Children welcome. Reserve tickets by phone 365-5180, 367-6147 or 359-7913

Coming events organizations ma and additio must be

for Wednesday's paper. Please t

ly The Saou }gar Sun

465 Columbia Avenue

astiegar, BC 1N 1G8 f

KAREN KERKHOFF Sun staff

The Castlegar Sun

A new chair and vice-chair were nominated to head the School District No. 9 board, December 6.

Joanne Baker, who has served as a school trustee for the last three years was nominated by trustee Evelyn Voykin. With ne opposition voiced, and no other nominations tendered for the position, Baker secured the posi- tion through acclamation.

Baker then performed her first duty as chair by calling for nomi- nations for vice-chair. Trustee Bev Maloff, who is new to the board this year, nominated Mick- ey Kinakin while Evelyn Voykin nominated Bill Hadikin.

With Hadikin declining the nomination, Kinakin won by acclamation.

Baker has lived in Castlegar since 1965 and has been active in many community functions. While sitting on the board previ-

__ Wednesday, December 8, 1993

Baker assumes school board chair

New Chair for School District No. 9, Joanne Baker, (center), began her official duties by calling for nominations from trustees for vice-chair. Present at the inaugural meeting were (clockwise from left), Assistant Superintendent Lach Farrell, Tony Guglielmi, Ron Norman, Evelyn Voykin, Joanne Baker, Mickey Kinakin, Bill Hadikin and Bev Maloff

ously as a trustee she has strongly supported programs designed to keep kids in school. She has also been a vocal advocate of the

Young Moms Program

Besides the nomination, the meeting was the first for new trustees Ron Norman and Bev

Maloff, Other returning trustees serving on the board are Tony Guglielmi, Bill Hadikin, and Eve lyn Voykin.

Unrestrained dog leaves unhappy owner without mail delivery

KAREN KERKHOFF

Sun staff

Has Canada Post gone to the dogs?

For four years Canada Post has delivered mail uninterrupted to Gordon Lamont’s home—but that has changed thanks to one little dog and a pair of bum knees.

Gordon Lamont of Castlegar, and his dog Sparky, have been friends for almost 13 years, and for the last four years they have lived at the same address on Ferry Street in North Castlegar.

The Lamonts have received their mail come rain or shine, until about one and a half months ago when Canada Post refused to deliver it

Lamont clams that mstead of the mail, he received a phone call trom Canada Post stating that unless Sparky was restrained they would have to pick their mail up at the post office

When Lamont questioned Canada Post's decision he was told that Sparky was a hazard Upon further questioning Lamont was told that the letter carner had his knees surgically fixed and it was feared the carrier might trip over Sparky and injure his knees

This reasoning leaves Lamont both puzzied and frustrated.

“For four years he delivered

= Centre

the mail uninterrupted with bad knees. My dog greeted him every day, and the carrier would greet Sparky. He would even call him by name. Now that his knees are fixed he's worried?”

Lamont readily admits that Sparky, a 13-year-old Terrier Poodle cross, barks—especially when he feels his territory is threatened. But Lamont insists that Sparky has never bitten any- one—and-certainly never the

postman.

The bottom line from Canada Post, said Lamont, was that mail would be delivered only if Sparky was restrained—a feat which he claims is almost impos- sible. “His neck is bigger than his head, so it's impossible to keep his collar on and leash him.

Lamont explained that over the years he has tried several restraining methods to keep him from roaming the neighborhood. but the 15 pound, 13 inch high Sparky has consistently outwitted him. “With a choke chain he fig- ured out how to hold it with his paw and slip out, and he chews leather restraints. We've tried everything.”

It was finally agreed that Lam ont’s wife, Jeanne, would try to have the dog in the house when the carrier would arrive. “She told them ‘just tell me when and | will try to have him in™™.

nont, was

time for

mail delivery and once again told

them their mail would only be

delivered if Sparky. were restrained

After several false starts and failed agreements between the two sides Lamont claims that two Canada post officials came to their home to look over the situa tion. “The Superintendent then

Said to me that my ddg wasn’t vicious and so they would deliver to me regardless, but to try and keep the dog in.”

All was well for a while, until the day Jeanne wasn't home and was unable to restrain Sparky Once again the carrier refused to deliver the mail g

Last Friday the Lamonts received a hand-delivered written notice from Canada Post. and what they read both inturrated and frustrated them

It said ‘a neighbor contirms your dog is a yappy littl nui sance that frequently roams th neighborhood.” I rely’on the mail

I never r d how much I rely

onw I t my travel allowance manpower check and family allowance in the mail

Lamont said he feels like he's going in circles. Everywhere he has turned he has met a blank wall “When I complained to the head office of Canada Post they told me

to put it in writing and they would forward it to the Castlegar post office! There's nowhere in Cana da Post that someone can register a complaint.”

The worst part, Lamont claims, is that there is essentially no recourse for someone facing a dispute with Canada Post. But he said he won't stop until the prob- lem is resolved

“Sparky's part of the family I'd defend him the same way I'd defend one of my kids. This little problem has gotten bigger and bigger and bigger.”

Until it’s resolved Lamont will be picking his mail up at the post office and Sparky will still be looking for his favorite postman.

Sparky's only comment is that lite as “ruth

Castlegar Canada Post Super intendent Roy McNeil issued a written statement to The Castle gar Sun Tt reads. “Canada Post belicses that the health and safety of ity employees is of the utmost importance. A satety concern was identified at Ferry Avenue and Canada Post Corporation repre

entatives consulted with the addressee in effort to correct this safety concern. The concern being a Joose (unrestrained) dog Canada Post Corporation has informed the addressee that their mail would not be delivered when their dog is unrestrained.”

Wednesday, December 8, 1993

The Castlegar Sun

Page 3A

Mayor, councillors take seats

Continued from 1A programs and community services in one facility—one-stop shop- ping of sorts. Ramsey said the new facility will exemplify the true nature of ‘New Directions’

“This facility will be a visible sign of the initiative in this area.” It is hoped the facility, which

Ramsey estimated could cost between $2-$3 million, will bring community health groups and services together under one roof, as well as function as a public meeting place. About 20 commu- nity representatives, including Rossland-Trail MLA Ed Conroy; Castlegar and District Develop.

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ment Board Present Dave Gairns, Castlegar Hospital Administrator Ken Talarico and City of Castlegar Administrator Jim Gustafson, were on hand for the welcome announcement

= Conroy

Continued from 1A

Conroy also said that heavy chip truck traffic is not only a con: cem in the Slocan Valley, but in his own Rossland-Trail con stituency as well

“I can sympathize with what these people are saying. The last thing we want is to have someone hurt or killed. But in the long term, the chip truck scenario is going to change.”

IMAGES

BEAUTY SALON

4G Call be ne dlls for ” *

, Watch We Gre psi oan Specials

An advisory planning group composed of local health service providers will give recommenda- tions for the facility such as site selection and the services which it will house

@ COUN Ci mn

Continued from 1A improvements to the system.

The city is now considering a number of increases in specific classes. Although there could be increases mght across the board, facing the biggest increase in rates would be mobile home’ owners, who in the past, have paid sub stantially less than apartment dwellers. Council will be consid- ering that the two should be made equal. As well, the rate structure for restaurants would be revised to reflect equity in the number of Seats, and that the rate per seat in a beer parlor equal that of a restau- rant. A new class would also be added for residential and commer- cial swimming pools creating more funds from the charges

The city is also planning to install a metering program, at a cost of installation approximately $250 per meter

CANADIAN CONNECTIONS.

Daily service to Calgary.

Canadian Regional

Mayor elect Mike O’Connor is sworn into office by Judge Don Sperry, during a spe-

cial council meeting, Monday evening.

Brenda Binnie

Kirk Duff

Petro-Can pulls out of Castlegar

Columbia Auto Service has been left high and dry by Petro-Can.

On November 30, after several long months of protracted negoti ations, Petro-Can, in a move to streamline and economize, packed up its sign and pumps at Columbia Auto Service

Co-owner, Larry Webster, said the departure of Petro-Can has left him at odds. “It’s a pretty empty feeling after pumping gas for 25 years. The first night it was sort of a funny feeling to just have to close and lock the door.”

Webster explained that although the profit margin in gasoline sales is minimal, a prof- it is made when customers buy “front end items”, such as oil additives and oil. It’s that profit Webster said will be missed.

Both Webster and his partner, Phil Zaystoff, will continue to keep the shop open for automo- bile repairs.

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SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor

They each held the bible and were sworn to truth, then each took their respective seat at the council table, where name plates haye already been engraved, and the big, black chairs are feeling mighty comfortable

It was the swearing-in ceremo- ny of Castlegar City Council, and the first to step up and swear his oath was Castlegar’s new mayor. Mike O'Connor. In his first offi cial opening remarks as mayor, O'Connor proclaimed the start of a new era in this city’s politics He stated his readiness and that of the new councillors, but also requested patience on behalf of the people he now serves. “I'm asking the people of Castlegar, the experienced councillors and the city staff to have patience with us.” He continued to stress that this council will show a new openness, and in his short speech, he invited the citizens of Castle gar to witness it firsthand. “For those. who want to be park of the change, come and see us. The door is always open.”

Councillor Appointments

After taking their respective seats at the council table, Castle- gar Mayor Mike O'Connor released the appointments of standing committee members. As last year, the mayor will act as ex-officio for all committees O'Connor's first big change as mayor has been to install only one councillor per portfolio, rather than two, as in the past While city councillors seem split on whether the idea is a good one, particularly when there are four new, faces on council, each said they would be willing to work with the idea on a trial basis. “Nothing has been set in stone. This is some thing we want to try,” said O*Connor, who says the new system will allow coun cillors to spend more time and concentration on the portfolio they have been assigned. “I think this really opens council up for more involvement. And as well, councillors will have to do a little more work than in the past

Administration and Finance

Ron Armbruster, who has a strong background in business, is the councillor now responsible

for the portfolio of Administr tion and Finance please with this portfolio. It's the one I have the most interest in and can be the most effective in Armbruster worked on the Strate gic Financial Planning Commit tee for the city in 1993, and feels the experience he gained from this, as well as past experience in business, will help him. He will be working with City Treasurer Jacquie Hamilton. Works and Services Councillor Doug Green is now responsible for the portfolio of Works and Services. Although his first preference was the Planning and Development portfolio Green said he is satisfied and fully prepared to take oyer public works. “It's going to be a lot of work, I can see that already There's going to be a lot of changes taking place.” Green wouldn't elaborate on what those changes might mean, but he did say one Of his first priorities would be to improve the working relationship between city employ ees and council itself. Green will be working with Public Works Superintendent Barry Comin. Planning and Development City Councillor Bob Pakula is bringing past experience to this portfolio. Although there was some speculation that Pakula would be taking the Regional District seat, he stated that due to the time commitment, he knew he had to choose one over the other. “I'm happy about the Planning and, Development portfolio because I'm quite familiar with it.” Pakula will be working with Planning Officer Phil Markin Health and Recreation Councillor Brenda Binnie has been assigned the Health and Recreation portfolio, and she couldn’t be more happy about it This portfolio is exactly what I wanted. It’s right up my alley Binnie. a competing athlete in her own right, says she 1s excited

I'm quit

’bout the possibilities in this are bidding for the B.C. Summer Games. “This is not going to be a low portfolio for me. I'm pretty certain things are going to be quite busy.” Binnie will be work ing with Municipal Clerk Dianne Kunz. Binnie has also been appointed as the city’s representa tive to the Central Kootenay

{ Board of Health Pratective Services City Councillor Jim Makortoff iys he is looking forward to han. dling the Protective Services portfolio, although his interest was in the Works and Services portfolio. “It was my second choice, that’s true but I'm not disappointed. Because I'm new to this and inexperienced, a smaller portfolio is probably the best thing for me at this time.” Mako- rtoff said he is looking forward to working with Fire Chief Gerry Rempel on the Protective Ser- vices Committee RDCK Councillor Kirk Duff has been appointed Castlegar’s director to the Regional District of Central Kootenay board, a portfolio that has the potential to be both time consuming and, at this time for RDCK directors, quite controver- sial. Duff said the RDCK portfo- lio was his first choice and that he fully recognizes the impor- tance and function of his new portfolio. “It's going to take a lot of commitment and I'm prepared to give that.” Taking the position of Alternate Director is Mayor Mike O'Connor. Other appointments Advisory Planning Appointed by O'Connor to the Advisory Planning Commission are Ray Bystrom, Ray Bartlett, Harry Thind, Mark Zurek and Bob Archambault. They will hold that position until December 31, 1995. Abilities Awareness Appointed by the mayor to the Abilities Awareness Advisory Committee are Mike Balahura, Chris Halarewich, Dennis Hutchinson, Catherine Lafortune, Kris Stanbra, Dan Bush, Susan Zahara and Christine Leman. Emergency Program Appointed to the Emergency Executive are Mayor Mike O'Con- nor, Councillor Ron Armbruster and Councillor Jim Makonioff Airport Advisory Group Appointed to the Airport Advi- ory Group as the city’s represen tative is Dr. John Hall Court of Revision Appointed to the Court of Revision, Frontage Assessments are Mayor Mike O'Connor, Councillor Doug Green and Councillor Ron Armbruster.

Accident at bridge approach

The Castlegar-Robson Bridge approach had its first accident December 5. The driver, 23-year- wasn't at the vehicle ing the accident

old Scott Lerch’ of Winlaw,

when RCMP arrived, however, he was later locat

ed at Castlegar and District Hospital

RCMP investigation indicates that Lerch was driving too fast to safely negotiate a corner and struck a cement guard rail at the bridge construc-

tion zone

FIELDS

FIELOS FIELDS FIELOS FIELDS FIELDS FIELD

RCMP.

Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $2,000. Lerch was treated for minor injuries he received dur-

eee

Police are advising that a ladies watch was found in downtown Castlegar December |. The owner of the watch can claim it by identification at the local

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