SD 10 superintendent Terry Taylor announces her retirement
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December 17, 2020 The Valley Voice 1
Volume 29, Number 25 December 17, 2020 Delivered to every home between Edgewood, Kaslo & South Slocan. Published bi-weekly.
Your independently owned regional community newspaper serving the Arrow Lakes, Slocan & North Kootenay Lake Valleys.
SD 10 superintendent Terry Taylor announces her retirement
by John Boivin, Local Journalism “I’ve had a really amazing career Most recently she guided the district enrolment is increasing – so we’re in a career as an educator.
Initiative reporter here, where I feel I have been able through the COVID-19 pandemic, really good place,” she says. “The hard “I’m really excited about the future,
After nearly four decades helping to contribute what I can to make a shepherding the set-up of remote work of everyone in this entire community not only for the district but for some of the
students in the Arrow Lakes area learn, difference to kids and the community, learning and other alternative teaching of learning has got us in a place where it’s opportunities that are coming my way,”
Terry Taylor is calling it quits. which has always been my foremost arrangements for the region’s roughly okay for me to step away now.” she said. “There’s still seven months of
The School District 10 driving mission and desire.” 520 students. She also spearheaded the Still, she says she’s now coming to work to do to make the district the best it
superintendent announced her retirement She says there was no specific event successful campaigns to get the Province terms with her decision. can be, and I remain committed to that to
at the board of education meeting on or decision that made her pull the plug and the Columbia Basin Trust to fund “I have never been actually ready to the very last day.
December 8. Her last day of work will – just a feeling the work was becoming child care centres at Lucerne School in retire before this moment,” she says. “I “It’s also exciting to think about
be July 31, 2021. too much. New Denver and at Nakusp Elementary never really planned it. I kind of knew having another chapter in my life.”
“It has been the most incredible “The job is an incredibly rewarding School. The New Denver project is it was going to be in the next few years. Taylor will be supporting the board in
learning journey and privilege to work position, but it’s also a position that completed, and the Nakusp project It just kind of came together, a couple of its hunt for her replacement in the coming
alongside such inspiring students, teacher involves long hours. My slow days might should be completed by 2022. opportunities presented themselves for months.
and support staff colleagues, district be a 12-hour day; 18-hour days are not She says she feels she’s leaving the the next piece in my life, so I just kind of She has been superintendent/
leadership teams, the board of education, uncommon,” she said, adding that her district in good form. thought ‘this is the right time.’” secretary-treasurer of SD 10 since July
parents and community members in the friends and family are looking forward to “We have amazing teams in the But just because she’s leaving the 2013, and has been working for the school
most amazing little school district ever!” seeing more of her. “So it’s about being district; we have fantastic teachers; district doesn’t means she’s ending her district since 1983.
she said at the meeting. able to have weekends. To have a more
PHOTO CREDIT: BARBARA CURRY MULCAHY
The news came as a surprise to many balanced kind of life. That’s tempting at
people, as Taylor has been a mainstay this stage in my life.”
in the organization since the 1980s. But Taylor has served as teacher,
speaking with the Valley Voice a few counsellor, principal, district principal,
days later, Taylor said she just felt it was and superintendent/ secretary-treasurer
time to go. of the district in her decades of service.
Santa made an appearance in Slocan and Brandon on December 6! The Slocan Fire Department was only too happy to chauffeur him around
SD 10 Arrow Lakes superintendent Terry Taylor will retire at the end of this school year. and help spread some holiday cheer.
2 NEWS The Valley Voice December 17, 2020
Zincton proponent reaches out to Kaslo council
by John Boivin, Local Journalism speaking as a local person trying to except becoming increasingly recently released its report on public close to 90 years before cleanup was
Initiative reporter create economic and recreational commercialized,” he said. “Our feedback to the preliminary proposal, ever considered.”
The developer behind the Zincton opportunities for the area and its philosophy is to try to turn to a much made last spring. It received more Even after mining closed, the
ski resort proposal between New youth. quieter, much more rural and much than 3,000 comments from the public site that will contain the main village
Denver and Kaslo met with Kaslo His message throughout the less urban experience, and try to step (see story elsewhere in this issue). In operated as a sawing station for
Village council last week to talk about 15-minute presentation at the away from the impact, congestion, his presentation, Harley addressed local loggers. And he also noted that
the project. December 8 council meeting was exclusion and carbon that comes with some of the concerns raised in that logging continues near the property,
David Harley said he was making consistent: Zincton will not be a intensive development.” report, including environmental and would “impact this area far more
a ‘good neighbour’ visit to talk about business-as-usual ski resort. Instead, Harley says, Zincton impact, safety, and freedom of access. than backcountry skiers ever could.”
Zincton, now in the earliest stages “The ski industry is an old is from its bones built with the Besides green power generation, Instead, the resort plans to actually
of the approval process. He said industry, from the 1950s and 1960s, environment in mind. “The Zincton he noted that sewage waste was going keep people away from what remains
his visit was informal, and he was and it hasn’t changed very much village footprint is about 70 acres – to be treated in high tech “modular of the best wildlife habitat in the area.
1/5 the size of New Denver, 1/10 the bio-reactors,” claiming Zincton will “Our summer exclusion
Sending you all warm wishes of health size of Kaslo,” he said. “It’s tiny, and have “vastly lower waste impact than zone removes all Zincton-related
the brand new infrastructure means all anywhere in BC.” commercial activity from huckleberry
and happiness through the holidays impacts will be exceptionally low.” For those concerned about montane zones, alpine meadows, and
and into the New Year! In terms of energy use, Harley humans impacting the ecosystem with the wildlife corridors area,” he said.
Thanks for all your support. told council Zincton will be ‘climate their presence, he noted that Zincton “Our bike trails will be low-elevation
neutral.’ He noted they have access was, unlike the doomed Jumbo rail trail or wagon road links to the
Closed Dec 25 & 26 and Jan 1 to ‘green energy’ in the form of the project to the east, hardly untouched villages and surrounding valleys.”
run-of-river hydro plant in Sandon, wilderness. As for economic impact, he
Rutabaga’s Whole Foods
and they plan to install solar panels “Much of this tenure near reiterated the resort would create
on some buildings. Retallack is best described as an up to 150 jobs for locals during
“Zincton will be powered by “unremediated mining district” with construction and many high-paying
Main Street, New Denver sunshine and gravity, climate neutral toxic water, open mining shafts, and ones for skilled operators after it’s
from opening day forward,” he said. lead/ arsenic contamination,” his built. Other low-paying jobs would
The provincial government presentation said. “It was mined for provide entry-level experience for
youth.
Thank You! “Roughly half the on-hill jobs
will be high-value jobs including
to all my customers for marketing, mountain safety and guides,
another great season. product design, millwright, heavy
equipment operators, maintenance,”
he said in the presentation.
Wishing you and As for people concerned
about losing access to the popular
your families a Merry backcountry areas that are now free
Christmas and a Happy, to use, Harley said Zincton will
allow local walk-in users in the area
Healthy New Year! to continue to access the backcountry
zone for free. He noted they have even
offered ski passes for frequent users.
Your local support He countered concerns about
keeps me here! increased safety pressures on local
emergency crews and health facilities.
“Zincton will initiate safety
Rob, Charlotte huts and heli-evac pads, avalanche
mitigation, and safety protocols,”
& Drew his presentation noted. “This area
will become a much safer place to
backcountry than it ever was before.”
Ultimately, it’s about the skiing,
and Harley pointed out locals who
love the slopes will benefit greatly
from Zincton’s presence.
“We want to provide opportunities
for young local families to enjoy a
lifetime of skiing without the four-
hour return drive in the dark on winter
roads to other regional ski areas,” he
told council.
“It’s a deliberate attempt to be
a departure from the status quo,
and it’s something we hope West
Kootenayites can be proud of.”
Harley didn’t ask council for
a letter of support for the project –
something the Village declined to
do last spring when the project was
first unveiled. Council received his
materials for information.
May you have peace
in your heart
this holiday season!
- Chris and Brian
Karibu Park Cottages & Campground, Winlaw
www.karibupark.com • 1-888-452-7428
December 17, 2020 The Valley Voice NEWS 3
Feedback shows wide range of concerns about Zincton ski resort proposal
by John Boivin, Local Journalism non-motorized recreational activities. should be a part of the planning and communities and stakeholders to the peak of Whitewater, with terrain of
Initiative reporter Some people were in favour of permitting process and considered in understand their interests and how varying difficulty. The area gets up to
A proposal to build a ski resort in more accessibility to the area, noting decision making,” MRB says in the they may be impacted by this proposal. 60 feet of snow in winter.
the backcountry between New Denver that the lift access proposed at Zincton report. The proponents say they hope The project would produce more
and Kaslo has generated more than would allow more people to enjoy Next steps to have the project started by 2022, than 200 local jobs and a $20 million
3,000 comments from the public, a new backcountry recreation. The final decision on Zincton may building the ski village and associated annual payroll in the region, according
government report says. However, the MRB says “many” not come for quite some time. MRB structures over the following eight to the EOI. Resort users would take a
The provincial government’s respondents expressed concern with will now determine the feasibility of years. gondola to a mountain village designed
Mountain Resorts Branch (MRB) the possibility of “losing” access the project based on all comments Project summary to be walkable and eco-friendly. The
has released its ‘What We Heard’ to land that is currently regarded as received and through the identification Built on a bench with 12,000 village will have private cabins, B&Bs
document, summarizing the comments, an area with easy and free public of any land use conflicts. acres of skiable area, the project is and bunkhouses – but no hotels or
concerns, questions and suggestions access to backcountry recreation If the Expression of Interest is bigger than Whistler and Blackcomb condos. It won’t have a day lodge, but
received on the Zincton Ski Resort (skiing, mountain biking, hiking, found to be feasible, the proponent will combined, the company’s Expression rather a developed commercial area
project, first announced last spring. snowmobiling); specifically, for be invited to submit a formal proposal. of Interest (EOI) says. It notes a 7,000- with restaurants, bars, spas, general
The comments were made during London and Whitewater Ridge. If accepted, the ministry would initiate foot difference from the parking lot to store, and other resort-related business.
the month-long public feedback period Impacts on local a more intensive and detailed review
on the ski resort project, and compiled community and economy and planning process.
by the Zincton Project Review Team in
the MRB, a department of the Ministry
The report says MRB heard from
some people that the area and region
MRB says it will continue to
engage with Indigenous peoples, Merry
of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource
Operations and Rural Development.
is going through a period of economic
Christmas
The Valley Voice
and social transition which will see the
“The input received will ensure tourism sector play a much larger role
is on holiday.
that all values and expressed interests in diversifying the region’s economy. from all of us
are considered in project planning, Some people felt the Zincton
process review steps and decision- project could play a beneficial role in in Three Forks
making,” says a summary from the this transition, bringing employment Our next edition comes
MRB. opportunities, new businesses, and out January 14
The department says it received more visitors to the region.
3,392 letters, emails, and phone calls However, others felt that only a
during the comment period last May- few people would benefit financially
Deadline for submissions
June. from the project, while the general is January 8
The comments are wide ranging, public would get low-wage jobs, and
covering issues such as economic have to put up with greater strains on The office will reopen
development, wildlife, water, public resources.
access to lands, and the dangers
January 4
“The proposed development will
presented by abandoned mines in the put additional pressure on already
area. scarce resources and services (e.g. it
The MRB does not indicate how will create housing crisis, grocery and
many letters received were for, against, gas shortages due to influx of visitors),”
or neutral on the project. was one comment.
Some respondents said they regard Commenters also raised issues
the proposal as balanced, and feel like the probable increase of human-
the project takes into consideration wildlife encounters, an increase in
sustainability of the area and traffic accidents, more work for search
environment while providing the 122 SILVER ST | THREE FORKS | 250.358.2121 | rich@krazykustoms.ca
and rescue and other emergency
opportunity to enhance or improve services, and protection of drinking
social and economic conditions locally
and in the region.
However, the MRB said others felt
water.
More study called for On behalf of the Board of Directors
The MRB says people wanted
that the “proposed project development
area is too large,” “will result in
environmental concerns addressed
through an environmental assessment,
and all Staff at Arrow and Slocan Lakes
environmental degradation” and asked
questions on the need for the project
and market saturation. “The area should
detailed species surveys, and a wildlife
management plan. Community Services, we would like to
There were also a wide variety of
be left for locals and free of motorized
public access to backcountry,” says one
safety concerns, including the area’s
frequent avalanches, abandoned mine
wish you a very Merry Christmas and a
of the comments in the report.
Public access concerns
shafts, and increased possibility of
human-caused wildfires. Happy New Year!!
MRB notes in the report that “We also heard, due to heightened
the area surrounding Highway 31A tourism sector interests expressed We would also like to thank those folks who supported us
between New Denver and Kaslo has through multiple applications for land throughout this past year. Your love and kindness will never be
been experiencing steady growth in use in the Highway 31A corridor, that
public and commercial, motorized and cumulative effects/ land use planning forgotten. Thank you for teaching us the true meaning of Christmas!
Holiday Schedule:
ASLCS Main Office and the WorkBC office will be open regular
hours Wed. Dec 23rd , and closed Thurs, Dec 24th and Fri, Dec
25th ; re-opening with regular hours Mon, Dec 28th • Also, both
offices will be closed Fri, Jan 01/21.
Merry Christmas! We wish you
a Happy, Healthy New Year Christmas Hampers:
Can be picked up from the Nakusp Arena on Friday, December 18th
From all of us at Kaslo & New Denver between 10 am and 12 noon. Christmas Hampers will be delivered
Community Pharmacy to the Burton, Fauquier and Edgewood areas by request.
We close at 3 pm on Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Eve both locations
We are closed Christmas day and Boxing Day both locations
We are closed New Year’s Day both locations HAPPY HOLIDAYS
We are open regular hours all other times
403 Front Street, Kaslo: 250-353-2224 • 309 6th Ave, New Denver: 250-359-2500 TO ALL!!
4 NEWS The Valley Voice December 17, 2020
20 good things that happened in 2020
by John Boivin, Local Journalism Library is getting its own home, after 4. Village green
Initiative reporter a century of operations in borrowed The West Kootenay took a few
Yes, there was a global pandemic space. This fall the library’s board steps down the path to making a
and sadly, many people got sick and announced it was working towards greener human world in 2020.
many people died. And yes, it caused a new $3 million library downtown, A plan to cut fossil fuel use in
an economic and social shutdown, with the help of a big grant from the the West Kootenay to zero by 2050
the ramifications of which we’re just Columbia Basin Trust. was signed, sealed and delivered this
beginning to understand. The news came on the eve of the year. It’s the first of its kind in Canada
But even in the darkest of times, library’s 100th birthday. The new – a renewable energy transition
there’s light. library building will be on the corner plan that includes a regional district
And that’s true here in the Slocan/ of 5th Avenue and Front Street, and small towns, cities, villages
Arrow/ Kootenay Lakes region. Here across from Front Street Park. and rural communities. The West
at the Valley Voice, we’ve gone The site purchase was made Kootenay EcoSociety spearheaded
through our files and have asked you possible with a grant from the the effort, which saw nine villages
for ideas, and collected 20 of the best Columbia Basin Trust. If a federal and local governments agree to
things – big and small – that made funding application is successful, explore how the three-decade-long
2020 at least a little brighter. two-thirds of the building costs will effort might work. Kaslo became
So, between the meth alligators, be covered. The Village has set up the first community to adopt the plan
toilet paper shortages and murder a reserve fund for donations from in December. More are expected to
hornets, here’s some good news that community members and can issue follow.
might have gotten lost in the general tax receipts. Our regional government was
uproar that was 2020. 3. New future for Slocan also recognized for its work to
And here’s wishing you a much When Springer Creek Forest reduce its impact on the environment.
happier 2021. Products in Slocan closed down in The Regional District of Central
1. The Rx for better 2013, it left behind an environmental Kootenay was selected as a winner
emergency services mess, a damaging economic wound of a 2020 Sustainable Communities
After more than a year and and an empty 8-hectare lot in the Award for the Accelerate Kootenays
We would like to say thank nearly $2.1 million in upgrades, middle of town. But that’s all going project. The Accelerate Kootenays
you to all of our customers the ribbon was cut on the new to change. project was the first community-
emergency room in Nakusp’s Arrow The Village took a dramatic step driven project in Canada to build
for your support this first Lakes Hospital. The ER area has in September, buying the 20-acre a clean transportation network by
year in our new business. more space for doctors and nurses property outright for $1.5 million. installing public EV charging stations
to do their work – new exam bays, It was a huge step, but only the first throughout the region.
We wish you all the a triage area, and a multipurpose one in what will be a massive effort 5. Public housing makes
best and look forward to room. The $2.1-million project was to remediate the land and develop a comeback
funded by the Ministry of Health, plans for it. What happens to the For decades, senior levels of
working with you again in regional hospital district, and the property will unfold over the coming government ignored the looming
the new year. hospital auxiliary. years. The first step is community housing crisis, as more and more
2. Birthday gift for consultation. But citizens will likely Canadians found it harder to keep
bookworms look back at 2020 as the year when a roof over their heads. That finally
The Kaslo and District Public the town’s fortunes changed. changed this year, with projects
to provide affordable housing
Thank you for your support! getting underway or finding funding
from more favourable federal and
Joyeux Noël provincial funding agencies.
In Nakusp, two major housing
& projects were constructed. The
Arrow and Slocan Lakes Community
Bonne Année Services Society built ‘Arrow
2021 Heights,’ as the 10-unit project came
to be known, while the Arrowtarians
Nakusp Water Worx By appointment only • 203 Fifth Avenue NW, Nakusp built a three-storey, 19-unit senior’s
250-916-WORX (9679) 250-265-8888 housing complex.
nakuspyardandwaterworx@gmail.com In Slocan, the Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation provided
funding for the Village to begin
planning an affordable, 6- to 10-unit
housing project.
In New Denver, the local housing
Best Wishes
Wishes you the Best of the
society has had preliminary plans
done for a 10-unit building and is
for a Wonderful preparing an application for BC
Holiday Season Holiday and a Housing funding as we speak.
Progress is being made in Kaslo,
very Happy New too. The Kaslo Housing Society has
received the go-ahead and land from
Our offices will be closed December 25 - 26 and January 1
Year! the Village for an 8- to 10-studio
apartment block on A Avenue. Their
www.heritagecu.ca
proposal goes to funders in January.
Traditional Service In person and Online
6. Welcome the Koots
Walking trails in the Koots got
Ken & Darcy Wanstall a little more whimsical this year. A
Slocan Valley Branch: Pacific Inland Pole & trio of artists from the Argenta area,
3014 Hwy 6, Slocan Park Piling Co. 2004 Ltd. the Koots Artist Collective, have
spent the last few years creating
‘Koots,’ oversized forest ‘elementals’
– creatures that peer out of holes in
the ground, knots in wood, or hide
among groves of trees. Two big
Locally-made leather belts
installations in 2020 included a series
on the Kaslo River Trail, and along
continued on page 5
December 17, 2020 The Valley Voice NEWS 5
20 good things that happened in 2020
continued from page 4 promise to solve it for another. In 11. Ninja Fairies
the Slocan Valley Rail Trail near New Denver, the Goat Mountain Here’s one of those small stories
Slocan. The artists’ goal is to create Kids Child Care Centre opened at that made us smile in 2020.
a world-class outdoor sculpture the end of November. It will provide Worried about the impact of
circuit in the Kootenays. Their work 16 full-time spaces for 0- to 5-year pandemic-mandated isolation on
is getting recognized, too; they won olds, and 24 additional childcare her neighbours during the height
the People’s Choice Award for their spaces for its before- and after-school of the spring lockdown, a Nakusp
installation ‘Steppin’ Out’ at the 2020 program. In Nakusp, a project to woman started a kind of Secret Santa
Castlegar Sculpturewalk. build a $3-million, 95-space day and campaign to bring some joy to the
7. Caribou maternity after-and-before school program was village.
ward approved in September. It should be “It’s basically somebody
People worried about the future of open in May 2022. continued on page 6
the tiny, endangered Selkirk caribou
herd were given a chance to help save Smokey Creek Salvage
the herd this year. The Arrow Lakes 24 HR TOWING
Caribou Society’s Caribou Maternity
New & Used Auto Parts, Back Hoe Work,
Pen Project was given the go-ahead Certified Welding & Repairs, Vehicle Removal
in September. About a dozen females Closed Dec 18 - Jan 5
will be captured and housed in the Still available for Snow Plowing and Towing
pen in the new year, being built on a WE BUY CARS &
TRUCKS
bench above the Nakusp Hot Springs.
The cows and calves will be cared 359-7815
for and monitored over the spring
1-877-376-6539
by one or two shepherds under the 3453 YEATMAN RD,
direction of vets, and released back SOUTH SLOCAN
into their natural habitat in July. The
society will work with biologists,
researchers, Indigenous groups and
others to try to improve the animals’
survival and reproduction rates.
8. Future for Winlaw
School
Parents in Winlaw shed tears
when the board voted in favour of
the installation of a modular building
on the community’s school property
to house the kindergarten students,
provide space for services such as
speech pathology, and, in time, for
before- and after-school childcare.
There had been talk of reconfiguring
Winlaw down to a K-3 or K-4
school to deal with its ongoing desk
crunch. Stay tuned for news about the
installation in the new year.
9. Paperback writers
(and hardcover too)
Here are some locals
who published books this year:
Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal
Robert co-wrote Illuminations: Art
Embracing Awareness, Streams of
Consciousness. Dana Rothkop wrote
his first novel, A Village Between, a
work of fiction with elements drawn
from life. Shelley Rollier wrote
Follow Your Heart, a collection of
personal reflection and inspiring
Happy Holidays and
thoughts. Revelstoke author Laura
Stovel released Swift River, a history
Season’s Greetings from the
of the Columbia River and its people.
Tom Wayman released a new book
of poems, Watching a Man Break a
DeVito Family and Team.
Dog’s Back: Poems for a Dark Time.
Elizabeth von Ah released her first
Thank you for your support
book, The Park of Gods, a natural
and social examination of Valhalla
Provincial Park. Peter J. Smith
in 2020.
released an encyclopedic Silver Rush:
British Columbia’s Silvery Slocan
1891-1900. Art Joyce published
his eighth book, Dead Crow & the
Spirit Engine, a hybrid of lyric and
epic poetry to tell an apocalyptic
yet deeply personal story. Lucia
Mann’s seventh work, The Little Holiday Hours
Breadwinner, was published. Dec 24th 10-2PM
10. Daycare for New
Denver and Nakusp
Closed Dec 25-27
schools New Years Eve 9-5PM
2020 saw an easing of the daycare
crunch in one community and the Closed New Years Day.
6 NEWS The Valley Voice December 17, 2020
20 good things that happened in 2020
continued from page 5 Some well-timed renovations didn’t cost taxpayers a thing – the sprinkler and fire alarm systems, 13. Locals honoured
who leaves a surprise gift,” says brought several communities pride $290,000 project was paid for by the installation of a new cedar Several West Kootenay residents
Koda O’Hara of the Ninja Fairies this year. the community-owned NACFOR ceiling, upgrades to the heating were recognized this year for their
movement. Nearly 120 people signed In Nakusp, the main street Legacy Fund, the CBT and federal system and electrical fixtures, community work locally, regionally,
up to give or receive small gifts from revitalization project replaced gas tax funds. the resurfacing of the concrete and beyond.
one another, to show they still care sidewalks, created seating space, Also in Nakusp, Mayor Tom stairs and wall, the installation of Two Nakusp residents received
about their friends and neighbours improved accessibility and lighting. Zeleznik began working on Wi-Fi, and the completion of the honours for their years of caring
during the pandemic. The work was finished in late saving the marina breakwater restoration and painting of the for their community. Janis Dahlen
12. Community October. The work came in on – and succeeded. Using some exterior of the building. More than received the Lifetime Achievement
revitalization time, on budget, and best of all, well-timed grants and community a quarter million dollars was spent Award for her years of service to
reserves, he managed to secure the on the necessary upgrades. the community as a foster parent,
$320,000 needed for the project. Residents of Winlaw have a Village councillor and RDCK rep.
The marina’s restoration means one brand-spanking new boardwalk Ernie Knecht was the Citizen of
of the community’s most important system along the Slocan River, the Year, in recognition of his work
tourism assets is protected for at thanks to an $800,000 project with the Nakusp Secondary School’s
least 20 years, quite possibly longer. to replace and restore the aging scholarship committee, the Arrow
2020 also saw St. Andrew’s infrastructure. The Kootenay Lakes ATV Club, the Arrow Lakes
United Church in Kaslo initiate Adaptive Sport Association oversaw Caribou Society and more. These
an ambitious and much-needed the project, which provided about awards are sponsored by the Nakusp
restoration project. The goal was 10 jobs and training for a dozen Rotary Club.
to bring the grand, century-old local workers over the summer. Carol Koenig was named Kaslo’s
building up to modern fire and And the first phase of a 2020 Citizen of the Year. When
safety standards. waterfront project to transform presenting Koenig with the award,
In November, the church Slocan’s breakwater and former Mayor Suzan Hewat noted her many
celebrated the installation of beach parking lot was completed years of contribution to seniors’
in May. groups, the Legion, Red Cross, the
MOUNTAIN GOAT MATING “I’m overjoyed with the hospital auxiliary thrift shop, and
’Tis the season of mountain goat outcome of this project,” said many other community organizations
mating (late Nov./early Dec.), when Mayor Jessica Lunn, “and filled and activities.
billies and nannies do the dance with joy to see the community Slocan Valley artists Barbara
of pre-mating behaviours: ritual lip able to enjoy and take pride in this
curling, nuzzling, low stretches and Brown and Frantisek Strouhal were
kicks. Come late May or early June,
beautiful public space.” juried into the Healing Power of Arts
nannies retreat to isolated, steep The project cost a little over and Artists (HPAA) exhibition from
ledges to give birth to a single 3-kg $400,000, with support from the Manhattan Arts International and
kid (rarely twins). Within a few hours, Columbia Basin Trust. received Awards of Excellence.
kids start to climb. Knox Hall and the Silvery Kyle Kusch of Nakusp won
Slocan Museum building in New a $500 Lieutenant Governor’s
Denver saw substantial renovations, Historical Writing Award in the
as did Silverton Memorial Hall. continued on page 7
December 17, 2020 The Valley Voice COMMUNITY 7
20 good things that happened in 2020
continued from page 6 individuals but we know that spring. reported revenues greater than launch; Viva Cacao! based local businesses, including those
Community History category level of support probably can’t Skateboarders in Slocan expected when the pandemic’s in Lemon Creek rebranded online. Use it or lose it,” adds
for Our Coloured Past: The be sustained.” also got some good news this spring wave passed and and expanded online; Tim LeBlanc. “Tourism-related
Arrow Lakes in the Age of 15. Blowing the year when Village council restrictions eased. Garton launched Timewarp Tie businesses and performing
Colour Photography. whistle supported the WE Graham “We initially thought Dye online; Morgen Bardati’s artists were probably hit hardest,
And Kaslo’s Dr. Don Hunt Another human story that Community Service Society’s tourism would be decimated, but Handmade Heart online market while hardware, farm and, I
was selected as one of six reminded us the world was good application to build an extension it came on strong, even without launched in December to help hear, alcohol sales were up.
recipients of the 2020 provincial was when a piece of Nakusp’s to the park and pledged a Jazz Fest, and that really helped local artisans market their work. “But the best thing about
Public Safety Lifeline volunteer history came out of hiding contribution of $2,800. local businesses until recently,” “I can’t stress enough the 2020,” says Leblanc, “is that it’s
awards. “I was just amazed and this fall. The son of an old- And residents of the says Kaslo CAO Ian Dunlop. notion that we need to support almost over.”
shocked,” says Hunt. “It was time memorabilia collector south Slocan Valley began a That’s good news for local
very nice to be recognized.” returned the whistle from the consultation process on what to taxpayers, as these facilities
The awards, which are granted do with the large Campbell Field generate income for local Christmas
SS Bonnington, a paddlewheeler
annually, recognize people that plied the Arrow Lakes in the at the junction that was donated governments to fund their shopping?
who have made “exceptional first half of the last century, to to the RDCK. operations. Check out our
contributions to emergency the local Rail Society. 18. Tires to Trees 20. Brave new many gift ideas!!
and disaster response” in the “My dad was a picker A stretch of the Slocan entrepreneurs
province. Animal feed for • Fence posts
before there were pickers,” says River got a little cleaner this Even in the midst of a chickens, horses, • Corral panels
14. Municipal Shawn Pollard, the collector’s summer. The Slocan River pandemic, some Slocan Valley • Fencing
pigs, sheep, dogs,
finances fixed son. “He was one of those guys, Streamkeepers completed a residents took the leap to start cats & more
It was a rollercoaster year if he’d see an old shed he’d go massive cleanup along the banks or expand their businesses.
for the people who manage in and see what was in there.” of the old river with the help Faced with social distancing, Flannel mens &
the finances of the villages and The whistle was found of Wildsight’s Youth Climate cancelled markets, and other Ladies shirts starting
towns of the West Kootenay. in Galena Bay a half-century Corps. A large pile of tires left COVID-related restrictions, at $39.99-$69.99 Straw bales
Local governments, although ago, and remained in the man’s near the river by a previous many went online to sell their Mens reflective $13.00
feeling the crunch caused by collection for the rest of his life. landowner was finally disposed wares globally. safety jackets $99.99
COVID, froze taxes or kept But as the end drew near, he of, and trees were planted in “The year 2020 was
them low for their residents. asked his son to bring it back their place. challenging in many ways,
Peat Moss - $19.99
“We adjusted the budget The landowner passed away Kuradori Christmas sale now on
home, to Nakusp. “It was one of and local businesses certainly
and council approved a his last wishes,” recalls Pollard. before completing his riverbank felt the pinch,” concedes Ron Wishing You Happy Holidays from all
zero-net-tax change for the 16. NACFOR stabilization project, leaving the Leblanc, the Slocan’s economic of us @ HOME
Village portion of taxes by dividend used tires in the floodplain. For development officer. “Many We are limiting people to 4 customers in the store at any one time
eliminating travel, reducing A decision by Nakusp years it seemed that nobody businesses weathered the
reserve transfers, deferring municipal leaders nearly a would take responsibility and storm through the support of Fir pellets by the pallet or in 1 tonne bulk bags (no delivery of bulk pellets)
some expenses and reducing decade ago paid off in spades dispose of the tires properly, local residents and an influx Be winter prepared: snow shovels, safety salt, sandbags, insulation, heat tapes
the revenue outlook,” says for the Village of Nakusp when until the Streamkeepers of regional visitors during the — Bird food & suet —
Ian Dunlop, Kaslo’s chief times got tough this year. In stepped in. With funding from summer.” Face masks are mandatory
a d m i n i s t r a t i v e o ff i c e r. November, Nakusp and Area the RDCK, the slightly-toxic Here are eight Slocan Valley
“Overall, revenues were Community Forest officials eyesore is now rehabilitated businesses that took a leap in Open 10-4 daily, including Sunday
around $70,000 less than we brought a cheque for $400,000 riparian zone, with planted trees, 2020: I’m Addicted to Craft in
were planning at the beginning to the Village council. The shrubs and bird nesting boxes in Slocan Village; Ice Creek Lodge Season’s Greetings and Warm
of the year.” their place. built new accommodation in
But things were looking a
Village is the sole shareholder
in the corporation, and has 19. Campgrounds Slocan Village; a processing co- Holiday Wishes
lot different by the year’s end. received more than $1.5 million boom op for Slocan Valley cannabis from Matt,
Senior levels of in dividends from its operations Travel restrictions over the growers is in the works; Raven Fred & Pearl
government have offered since 2014. The dividends are summer could have spelled Roast did an online product
local governments millions put into the NACFOR Legacy doom for local businesses, as
for infrastructure projects, Fund and used to benefit the usual transborder flow of
‘shovel-ready’ as they say, that local projects in the Village tourists turned into a trickle.
can begin next year. of Nakusp, rural Nakusp and And by June it was ugly… the
But civic administrators RDCK Area K. Village of Nakusp reported
got a little more sugar at the 17. Sports it was more than $100,000
end of the year – in the form behind in revenues from its
of a ‘use-as-you-will’ grant
improvements
While many sports and Village-owned facilities. But
from the Province. Councils restrictions eased in the summer,
tournaments were cancelled
can use the money to pay for and the mostly BC residents
this year, it was a rebuilding
everything from plexiglas who visited the area ended
year, as sports coaches like to
dividers in public spaces to up salvaging the season for
say. Several communities took
training staff in case of an many communities. Nakusp’s
the opportunity to improve their
outbreak. campground had a $28,000
facilities.
And the numbers were surplus, and Slocan Village’s
In Nakusp, the Jackie
significant, at least for these Springer Creek Campground,
James Memorial Park started
tiny municipalities, where a despite starting six weeks late,
out as a homage to a local
1% property tax hike only ended the season $5,000 over
sports hero, but over the years
raises a few thousand dollars. last year. The New Denver
the diamonds had become a
New Denver is getting and Kaslo campgrounds also
bit of a derelict eyesore. That
$262,000; Silverton $231,000;
ended this summer when
the RDCK, $761,000, among
volunteers from the Nakusp
others.
Recreation Society collected
All that money will, if not
nearly $100,000 to restore the
solve the long-term impact of
ball park to its former glory.
the pandemic, at least allow
With help from the Columbia
some flexibility few CAOs
Basin Trust, NACFOR, and
thought they would have at
other sources, the volunteers
the outset of the crisis.
set to work rebuilding fences,
“Overall, [Kaslo] fared
the irrigation system, the infield,
fairly well in 2020, but the
dugouts, and other parts of
long-term impact of what
the old diamonds. Work went
we’re going through is yet to
quickly with all the financial
be realized. Upper levels of
support, and organizers hope
government were generous
‘Play Ball!’ will be shouted on
with their support to local
the renovated fields by next
governments, businesses and
8 OPINION The Valley Voice December 17, 2020
Words of program to promote – you lose, but you
win, choose a loser – ‘CHUZALUZA’
wisdom from as it’s to be known. Simply assemble a
dream team of loser lawyers prepared to
local 10-year-old shred the rule of law, throw the FBI and
Life is like a ball. Three quarters the CIA (as well as the entire electoral
of the ball is red. The other quarter is system) under the bus, get run out of
blue. You roll the ball. If you see a bit court and call in the NRA to save the day.
of blue, it basically means that you just Even better, Trump’s about to
got a job. When you see red, it’s not too announce that not only is he giving it
good. Even when the worst is coming, try a run in 2024, but he’s placing his child
and hope for the best. When something prodigies selected from the very shallow
bad’s coming, think of it as something end of his moronic gene pool to get onto
good coming. his swim team of bottom feeders.
Carmie Restrick Truly a wonder to behold, this self-
Winlaw proclaimed American Genius, golfing
Kaslo cookbook his people through a pandemic, leading
from behind.
recommended Ken Wyllie
I’ve just read A Seasonal Plant- Robson
Based Diet, Grown Locally, Sustainably
in the Kootenays, a self-published cook
Response to Catherine
book by Kaslo resident Harue Kanemitsu McGrath (Spitting
– for sale at Sunnyside Naturals in Kaslo,
and Ellison’s, Pack Rat Annie’s, and caused heart attack?
Otter Books in Nelson, for about $20.
According to the introduction,
VV Dec. 3)
I take issue with Catherine Our Special “Fall Getaway” deal is on now until Dec 25. Stay in any of our
its purpose is: “...to help the reader
McGrath’s letter. Yes, studies have Luxurious rooms for $159 + tax & receive a $40 voucher to use in our Pub.
select which path to take in helping the
shown the effects of wearing masks, such Rooms are first call first choice.
world by eating healthy, seasonably,
as headaches, and hypoxia. However,
sustainably, with a conscience, and with Call us today 250-353-7714 or book online kaslohotel.com
they were conducted on surgeons who
pleasure.”
were wearing N95 masks for extended The Pub is open 7 days a week serving food from 11:30 am - 9 pm
Healthy ingredients, attainable
periods. The studies were inconclusive
The Ingrid Rice cartoon is a satirical look at current events in politics and is sponsored by the Kaslo Hotel. The Hotel does not necessarily share the political views of the artist.
locally, are listed according to seasons euthanasia.” Dr. Blaylock has also been at what I saw: the massive industrial According to a recent BBC report, as
as to the actual harm the surgeons
when they are available, and the recipes promoting the chemtrail conspiracies, clearcuts. These terrible practices are now many as 129 billion face masks and 65 billion
encountered. None of the studies could
by: liquids, grains, vegetables, sauces and claiming that there are cancer-causing lauded as more selective. The truth though plastic gloves are used per month with many
come to any conclusions claiming that
spreads, desserts and snacks. nano particles in airplane exhaust. is that industrial logging continues, in fact ending up in our oceans. Multiply that amount
there were health risks. I could not
I like the alphabetical organization I think that using Dr. Blaylock to is accelerating in the race to cut. of toxic garbage with all the months we’ve
find any studies done on surgical and
of the recipes, and the author’s simple back up your belief on the health of mask Just because we have the abilities already participated in the so-called COVID
cloth masks. We are not told to wear
and useful illustrations. I recommend wearing doesn’t instill any confidence to build roads into pristine mountainous battle and add in all the usage in the upcoming
N95 masks, so there is no danger to
this book and plan to try recipes like in me. Let’s see some legitimate science country to extract the last pockets of months. How gross.
the general public. Let’s all try and use
Rose Hip Drink, Daal and Winter Salad. and much more common sense too. original giant trees doesn’t mean we Lockdown was a social and economic
some common sense. If you go into a
Gail Bauman Peter Martyn should. And what happens when all these disaster and the unnecessary closing of
coffee shop, wearing a mask, you will
Kaslo Nelson remaining pockets are gone and all we’re schools caused untold harm to single mothers
be able to remove it when your beverage
Truly a wonder is delivered, to your socially-distanced
Industrial logging left with are sad pathetic micro remnants and low-income families, not to mention the
Who could have ever imagined table, in 5 or 10 minutes. Where is the such as the Sumallo Grove just west of harm to the children.
that ‘Donny the Dumpster Diver,’ risk? continues Manning Park? Why is industrial logging We have weak-kneed, frightened
when successful with his MAGA myth, McGrath quotes Dr. Russell The outrage continues. Week in and such as it is being practiced allowed to politicians making one bad call after another.
would be having the Republican elite Blaylock, an American neurosurgeon, week out, fully loaded logging trucks continue like this? Where is the provincial Our combined federal and provincial deficit
swimming in the sludge and the slime who claims masks are a health risk. rumble past, driving through Kaslo, leadership on this file? It is beyond an will push a half a trillion dollars this year.
in the bottom of the swamp that he’d Wikipedia says about Blaylock: “He from the west and from the north, in outrage. Our prime minister is acting like a child in a
drained. claims that Obama’s health-care the continuing race to cut down the last Harel Challmie candy store. With all the money we’ve wasted
But wait, confronting his election reforms were masterminded by extra- pockets of old growth left in the area, Kaslo on fighting this so-called war, we could have
governmental groups that wish to impose had free college and free dental for children
loss, Trump now has an even greater
EDITORIAL / LETTERS POLICY
and in the province. Our extraordinary
temperate inland rainforest here in the COVID sheep well into the future.
Kootenay is being rapidly decimated. And On November 18, Bonnie Henry, BC Why has Sweden kept their borders
The Valley Voice welcomes letters to the editor and community news
this certainly isn’t the only area where provincial health officer, declared: “Ordering open? Why did Sweden choose not to lock
articles from our readers.
rapine logging is happening in BC. Does universal mask use in all situations creates down or close schools? Why has Sweden
Letters and articles should be no longer than 500 words and may be
edited. We reserve the right to reject any submitted material. anyone care that over 90% of the original unnecessary challenges with enforcement refrained from wearing masks? Why is
Please mark your letter “LETTER TO THE EDITOR.” Include your forests are gone, replaced by denuded and and stigmatization.” Two days later, she flip Sweden so intent on protecting the freedom
address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. monoculture zones prone to terrible fires flops and mandates masks. Consequently, over of choice? Bonnie Henry, take note. Why have
We will not knowingly publish any letter that is defamatory or libelous. and bug infestation? the next few days, chaos prevailed. What did more people died in Quebec than Sweden?
We will not publish anonymous letters or letters signed with pseudonyms, I remember as a young child, the you expect? Interestingly, as we follow each Quebec mandated masks back in July and has
except in extraordinary circumstances. first time my family and I drove through province, weeks after mandating masks, we a smaller population.
Opinions expressed in published letters are those of the author and not Vancouver Island on the road to Long see one thing in common: a skyrocketing I would be willing to bet a dollar to a
necessarily those of the Valley Voice. Beach, being amazed and horrified infection rate. doughnut, if we had just practiced social
distancing of one metre, covered when
The Valley Voice Box 70, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0
coughing or sneezing and stayed home when
not feeling well, we would be in the same boat
Phone: 250-358-7218 Fax: 250-358-7793 E-Mail: valleyvoice@valleyvoice.ca Website: www.valleyvoice.ca we are in now except a half a trillion dollars
richer... and a lot happier.
Publisher - Dan Nicholson • Editor - Jan McMurray • Food Editor Emeritus - Andrew Rhodes • Arts & Culture Editor - Art Joyce COVID-19 will go down as the greatest
Reporters - Art Joyce, Katrine Campbell, Claire Paradis, Barbara Curry Mulcahy, Moe Lyons overreaction in the history of the world.
Published and printed in British Columbia, Canada “You measure a democracy by the
The Valley Voice is distributed throughout the Slocan and Arrow Lake Valleys from South Slocan/Playmor Junction to Edgewood and Kaslo on Kootenay Lake. freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom
Circulation is 7,600 papers, providing the most complete news and advertising coverage of any single newspaper serving this area. it gives its assimilated conformists.” (Abbie
Hoffman)
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December 17, 2020 The Valley Voice LETTERS 9
Conroy’s challenge: pandemic to hit humans, and those experts
who study these things have learned from Offended by was apprehensive to go home and be alone.
So I agreed to spend a couple of weeks in the
on society, would prevent large numbers of
deaths. They chose not to examine options
stand up to the past as well as current science. It is a
nasty respiratory virus, so right now you
Catherine Pavilion respite bed.
Because of COVID, I had to be
based on less destructive policies nor consider
whether the harms would be greater than the
corporate control wearing a mask and keeping your distance McGrath’s letter quarantined in the room for 14 days. I was benefits.
One notes with a certain irony the helps keep you from spreading it to me if I am very offended by the thoughtless, not allowed any visitors from outside or from Instead of anticipating extensive
juxtaposition of two articles in the most you have the virus without knowing it. unfeeling letter of December 3 to the VV from any of the people living in the Pavilion. The lockdown harms, alternatives were ignored,
recent Valley Voice. On the same page Get vaccinated when you are able as that Catherine McGrath. She gives lip service to room was so cold that they may as well have resulting in the “cure being worse than
are ‘Time to return public forests to will protect both you and me. And check the fact that the woman in Nelson, while booked me into the morgue. I think the service the disease”: deaths from delayed medical
communities, says Herb Hammond’ your sources for information – believe the politely doing her job enforcing provincially would have been better there. No one checked treatment, deaths from delayed diagnosis,
above ‘Conroy appointed to ministry key doctors, not your cousin Moe. mandated mask wearing in her workplace, on me other than to bring meds and meals. I deaths from suicide, deaths from drug
to local economy: FLNRORD.’ Ursula Lowrey was verbally abused and then spit on by a could have been dead! There was one day overdoses and increased poverty. As of
In the latter it states that Conroy’s Nelson belligerent customer. when the day shift nurse brought me meds October 29, of BC’s 259 COVID-19 deaths,
mandate is to update and modernize forest
policy and legislation to ensure a future for We need to learn to The unwarranted verbal abuse is one
thing, but did you give one second to even
that were meant to be taken in the evening and
when I told her this, she argued with me and
two occurred in the Interior Health region
early in the pandemic. At the same time, 1,068
forest communities, Indigenous peoples,
workers (and companies). The Herb
live within our means think about what it would feel like if someone
spit on you, no matter the reason, Catherine?
then left the room. When I asked for water to
take with my pills, she said she was too busy
people died from drug overdoses. Where in
God’s name are our priorities?
When I was a young man, I took
Hammond article lays out how forestry up the bad habit of smoking tobacco. I Shock would be a natural reaction because and walked out of the room. No one offered Nine months and counting into
company profits have been subsidized by wasn’t an outlier; pretty much everyone I spitting on each other is not something we do to help me have a shower or bath during my COVID-19 lockdown hysteria, the abrogation
the people of BC for decades (e.g. $365 knew smoked. There were no restrictions to each other. We don’t live in a society where six-day stay. of our basic civil rights is ripping our lives
million a year for the last 10 years) while on where you could smoke... inside, this is an accepted recourse to use when we I never had my bed changed or made apart. The virus poses no danger to 90% of
thousands of jobs have been lost as these outside, driving, flying, in your hospital have a disagreement. That is one reason that and no housekeeper came in except to empty Canadians. Children and younger people are
same companies close mills, mechanize, bed. It was seen as a human right. I am horrified by your shallow representation the trash on two occasions. The bathroom at almost ZERO risk from COVID-19 with the
consolidate and export raw logs. Gradually, things changed as people of the situation. Another reason is that his wasn’t cleaned. No one mopped the floor vast majority of ‘cases’ being asymptomatic or
The job loss created by giving control came to realize how detrimental smoking spit, filled with whatever viruses and bacteria or wiped any surfaces during my entire stay. mild while recovery is 99%. With even more
to the forestry giants has been the loss of was, and a lot of people, including me, he is harbouring, including potentially, the As someone who cleaned the rooms in the lockdowns threatened into next spring, we
45,000 jobs since 2000! As Dr. Phil would decided to try to quit smoking. Having coronavirus, could be as fatal a weapon as Pavilion for many years, this is not acceptable. must ask: What is really going on?
say: and how’s that working out for you, quit many times and then being lured a gun in another circumstance. This to me is I had two good nurses who treated me Last March, just prior to declaring a
forestry communities? back to the addiction, I came to realize unconscionable. with dignity and respect, but the rest of the global pandemic, the WHO said that SARS-
Conroy’s remit includes “create new that every time I started up again, I would You then introduce a subject switch staff were invisible. A couple of times I stood Cov-2, a respiratory virus, is primarily “age
jobs for workers in BC” and she hauls out have to smoke just a little more to make to make a mask the villain in this situation. with the door ajar waiting for someone to selective,” affecting “older people with
the tired old NDP tropes of supporting up for lost time. Eventually, I did quit by Your argument against masks, that they come by so I could ask for help. My legs chronic medical conditions such as diabetes
people, jobs, and families. Yet when in being deathly afraid to have the first one. deprive one of oxygen and could therefore got too tired while I waited. For more than and heart disease [who] appear to be more at
power, NDP governments have done As a human being, I am very grateful be grounds for the heart attack which this 20 minutes, I never saw a body. I felt like risk of developing severe symptoms.” This
anything but! to COVID-19. Before this pandemic woman went on to have, is also absurd, a prisoner. is always the group most severely affected
How about it, Katrine Conroy? came along, the governments had the unfounded, and cruel. People in certain As a prisoner, I would have been fed by seasonal respiratory viruses and are the
Do you have the jam to stand up to people convinced that keeping the fields like medicine have worn masks in the better. I have been a diabetic for 30 years first to die.
the corporate old boy’s club? As far as economy steaming along was the most line of their work for a very long time. If with blood sugars always well controlled. The implications were clear: protect
achieving your mandate, as Hammond important thing, and that we had to keep they were dangerous for the person wearing The food in the Pavilion is not intended for the frail elderly, but allow those least likely
says: “It would just take a government it growing, at all costs. No scientific the mask, don’t you think this would have someone with diabetes. I had to have a friend to suffer serious harm from COVID-19 to
with a little bit of backbone to stand up evidence, no matter how dire, was been observed? The last people we want bring food from home so that I didn’t starve work, go to school, to university, engage in
to corporate control.” important enough to halt the harm we to have their judgement impaired by a lack to death. I was never offered any of the snack select social activities. To do otherwise was
Lorna Visser were imposing on the environment or of oxygen are our surgeons and physicians food that gets offered in the afternoon and to invite catastrophic social and economic
Hills stop us from looking after the ‘number who look after us. They perform among the evening. I spent much of my time worried and hardship on the majority while affecting the
Open letter to one’ thing: the Economy. most delicate, skilled procedures known to
us that we are the grateful beneficiaries of
concerned about this poor diet. They couldn’t
even provide me with a bowl to make my own
poor and marginalized the worst.
By early summer, deaths dropped off;
In the year 2020, humankind’s
science deniers and carbon emissions went down by a WEARING A MASK! They do this based breakfast, and the fridge in the room was set the virus had made its way through society to
on millions of collective hours of experience so that my food from home started to freeze. a large extent. Tragically, the frail and elderly
conspiracy theorists record amount. Governments listened to
scientists in regards to the pandemic, and of mask wearing which has been proven to be Because no one ever came into the room, I were not protected. Many were abandoned
Just to let you know that your so- in the best interest of all to keep us as safe as had to fix the fridge myself. in gulag-style care homes, suffering grim
proudly boasted that they were making
called ‘rights and freedoms’ end where possible from germs that can cause us harm. Because of all this and the lack of care, I deaths from abject neglect and isolation from
decisions based on science. They put the
they impact my right to health and life. This man knew of the mask regulations decided to ‘escape’ early and I will never go loved ones.
brakes on the precious economy. If they
To live as a society, we need certain rules before he even stepped into the coffee shop back again. I have made a formal complaint to The Justice Centre reports that as of
can pay attention to scientists to protect
that everyone must follow. For instance, and he had to know that there would be Interior Health and am still waiting for some November 20, “…71 per cent of Canada’s
human health, they can pay attention to
you do not have the freedom to drive on consequences for defying the regulation. form of reply. 11,344 deaths are over the age of 80. A further
scientists to protect our environment, and
the left side of the road in this country; it Going into a coffee shop isn’t a necessity, it’s The nurses and doctors who work out of 18.4 per cent are between 70 and 79, and a
now, everybody knows it.
could cause a head-on collision. You are a choice. Anyone who thinks it’s dangerous the ER are very kind, caring people. I feel well further 7.3 per cent are between 60 and 69
Problem is, they have now gone
not allowed to shout “Fire!” in a crowded to their health or their freedom to wear a looked after by these professionals. They had years of age. Only 3.3 per cent of deaths are
into so much debt that they plan to go
theatre when there is no fire; people could mask should avoid situations where they are no impact on this horrible stay. amongst those under 60… “which is 374
into even more debt to get the economy
get injured stampeding to the exits. When required. That’s how they can defend their Elsie Reder people in a population of 37.5 million.
steaming along again. Like my smoking,
you wear a mask, you are showing that you freedom and respect the freedom of others. New Denver A nightmare has unfolded precipitated
the economy will have to grow to even
respect my right not to get sick.
We live in a society built on the
greater heights to make up for lost time. Lastly, I want to thank the woman
employee who suffered a heart attack while
Flying blind by willful blindness and failure to protect
Canadians from government overreach
The environment and its trusty scientists Flying Blind: Governments’ hasty
discoveries of science. If you don’t still at work following a very upsetting while unaccountable public health entities
will be told to sit in the back seat again, decisions to lock down Canadians while
believe in science, then don’t go to encounter with an abusive customer, for doing issue decrees with little basis in science or
and the Chamber of Commerce will damaging public health and the economy is an
a medical doctor next time you get her part to keep us all safe. May you have a ‘evidence-based medicine,’ yet are given
prevail. Governments won’t, or perhaps informative analysis of Canada’s COVID-19
sick or injured. Don’t use a computer speedy recovery and know that many besides unlimited powers such as BC’s Bill-19.
can’t, do anything to change the equation response measures, recently published by the
or phone. Heck, don’t even read this me are thankful to you for your responsible Why are we submitting to government
– unless the people vote to force them to. Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms
paper, since the technology to create it action and wish you well. policies that endanger our lives in ways
We need to stop exploiting our (https://tinyurl.com/y5bm5qc7). It is a MUST
was developed by science. For those Carolyn Parker grossly magnified beyond any reasonable
beautiful planet and learn to live within read for all Canadians. “The risks posed
of you who slept through grade school New Denver risks we make choices about? At age 77,
our means. No more willy-nilly flying, by COVID-19 have been overestimated
science, the ‘scientific method’ means
that conclusions may change as more
no more cruise ships, no more ridiculous
over production and over consumption.
Bad experience and mischaracterized; speculation and
I don’t fear COVID-19! But I do fear the
impact of this madness on the children and
exaggerated estimates have been used to
knowledge is gained and built on by more
investigation and experiments. We take
It is the only way we survive in the long at the Pavilion justify the lockdown policy that unjustifiably
their future. “As of November 30, 2020,
governments still lack sufficient reliable
run. Most importantly, we need to find a While I was in the ER in August this year, infringe the Charter rights and freedoms of
advice from experts because we don’t have information to justify ongoing violations of the
way to humanely reduce our population, my doctor and the home care nurse suggested all Canadians.”
the time or education to figure everything Charter rights and freedoms of Canadians.”
before Mother Nature does it for us. that I should stay in the Pavilion for a few Based on speculation and fatally flawed
out on our own. This terrible disease they Edda West
Rod Retzlaff days. Before going into the ER, I had a fall at statistical modelling, governments assumed
have named COVID-19 is not the first Winlaw
Glade home, which was quite upsetting to me and I that extreme measures, never before imposed
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