Standing behind your decisions.

Crowsnest Pass Defers Thunder In The Valley But May Have Other Fire Works To Deal With


Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Posted at 1:58:04 PM

Source: Tristan Tuckett - Dori Modney -- Country 95 News

CROWSNEST PASS: There will be a lot less thunder at Thunder in the Valley this summer.

A spokesman with the Crowsnest Pass Municipality confirms that while Rum Runner Days will still go on, there will be no fireworks. Country 95 News spoke with Municipal Councillor Emile Saindon, who initially stated he had nothing to do with the event and didn't know anything about it. However, staff at the Municipal office stated Saindon was the only person who could comment on the issue and Saindon's own blog site states he is the Chairperson for this year's Rum Runner events.

Saidon eventually, and reluctantly, admitted the fireworks are being deleted for this year because of traffic and emergency response but he would not elaborate.

As of noon Wednesday, the Thunder In The Valley website posted it as the 19th annual event which would take place on July 19th. There was also a clock counting down to the date. http://thunderinthevalley.ca/

A news release from the Municipality was issued at 1:30 Wednesday and the text follows:

After extensive deliberation with respect to public safety and finances, the Council of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has resolved to defer the Thunder in the Valley component of Rum Runner Days festival. The suspension will be in effect for this current year and remain in place until such time that an appropriate emergency operational plan, traffic plan as well as the requirements and changes identified by the Rum Runners Event Committee are accomplished.

The CAO for the Crowsnest Pass refused comment on what changes the Rum Runner Event Committee were hoping to put in place. Country 95 News was also told Mayor Bruce Decoux was not available to respond to questions about how the decision would impact economic and advertising elements of the summer event.

Various blog posts from the Crowsnest Pass indicate safety is the main concern, coupled with the requirement for expensive liability insurance and the illegal sale of fireworks by local stores. The Municipality is working on a bylaw to deal with the issues.

This was posted at the following address    http://www.country95.fm/news/news-detail.asp?ID=5037#comments


Motion from March 6 Council Meeting Minutes available on Municipal Web site




M#6443-12: Councillor Gail moved that Council defer the Thunder in the Valley event from the
Rum Runners celebration until such time that Council determines and approves an
appropriate traffic emergency measures and financial plan to reincorporate this
event.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councillor Saindon abstained from voting due to conflict of interest as
Chairperson of the Rum Runner Days Committee