Sparwood showing how a community grows.

The story below appears at the following address in the East Kootenay News On line Weekly, very interesting publication that is well worth checking out.  e-know.ca   

The Link to the story below is available at http://www.e-know.ca/news/investment-announcement-biggest-sparwoods-history/ Ian Cobb of /e-KNOW did a great job on this article.

Investment announcement biggest in Sparwood’s history

Posted: September 10, 2013

The District of Sparwood’s commercial tax base will soon be in line for the largest singular injection of growth in the town’s 47-year history.

A group of investors and dignitaries gathered at Sparwood’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC), before a freshly painted Titan Truck, at noon today (Sept. 10) to celebrate the announcement of $85 million in development investment and potential coming the town’s way.

“What a wonderful day for Sparwood,” District of Sparwood Mayor Lois Halko stated while welcoming about 60 special guests.

On hand for the announcement was Minister of Energy and Mines, Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett, who hailed the announcement as “the biggest thing that has happened here since the creation of the town. I think the size of the truck behind me is actually a pretty good metaphor for the size of the opportunity that has come along as a result of the work of the mayor and council and business community.”

The crux of what is going to occur in the development project, which will encompass the strip of land between the VIC and the junction of Highway 3/43, including aspects on the east side of the junction and across the highway in the old pit area.

Development participants include Schickedanz West, which is building an 82-room hotel at the junction, including a 3,500-4,500 square foot restaurant and lounge and they are in negotiations to bring in a fast food outlet. The project will also present retail and similar opportunities.

Teck has purchased eight acres that it intends to add to the potential of the project, while Joy Global is constructing an office and operations building on the south side of the highway, which will be accessed by an underpass. Additionally, BC Hydro is providing the district with a beautification grant to bury power lines in the area and Greenwood Mall ownership is spending about $500,000 in upgrades to the inside and outside of the mall – all part of Sparwood’s ongoing efforts to beautify the downtown area, Halko said, adding the plans are “another great step forward for our community. This will take us further in our journey to develop our community by adding more valuable assets that will create jobs, services and further economic opportunity.

“We have arrived at this point thanks to a huge amount of hard work from councilors, district staff and commercial partners.

“Our staff has worked tirelessly to accomplish this goal. Under the dynamic leadership of CAO (chief administrative officer) Terry Melcer, District of Sparwood have worked hard towards making today’s announcement possible,” Halko said, adding she thanks the investors on behalf of the community and council.

“Today’s announcement of a multi-faceted investment program is the largest and most significant business development initiative since our municipality was incorporated in 1966,” he said.

Noting that Highway 3 is the second busiest in B.C., Bennett said Sparwood will find more of that traffic stopping in town thanks to the proposed project, expected to take three to five years to complete.

“That represents a huge commercial opportunity for the small businesses here, and the big businesses and it also represents an opportunity for the community to grow their tax base and improve the already high standard of lifestyle and living that you have here.”

Kootenay-Columbia MP and former Sparwood Mayor David Wilks said the investment launch will help propel the town forward toward a bright future.

“It’s the old adage – if you build it they will come and that is what is going to happen here. We’re looking forward to a very bright future and I believe that if you look at what will happen in the next 10 or 15 years with Sparwood, you’ll find some amazing things are going to happen. I truly believe this is what the community was meant for and I think in the years to come you’ll find that it is a phenomenal place to live. It is a great day for Sparwood.”

Joy Global representative Steven Droste stated, “We are really excited to be a part of this community’s future. The future that we are investing in is better facilities for our employees, to enable us to provide better service to our customers and to really improve the mining industry in this particular area.”

Droste noted to the audience that Sparwood “is really quite influential” in the coal mining industry, explaining he’s met people around the world who have lived and worked in the town.

“There is always someone who has worked here and it had a real impact on their lives and career,” he said.

Schickedanze West representative Roland Kraemer said his company, which has extensive projects in Radium Hot Springs and Fernie, is proposing a “comprehensive development.”

Phase one will be the 82-room hotel will be “a branded hotel,” he said, adding they are not yet certain what brand it will be. When the hotel was first announced for that location, is what supposed to be a Best Western but that is now no longer the case.

The facility “will include all the modern amenities which you see in a modern hotel,” including meeting spaces.

“For Sparwood this will be a very modern business centre,” Kraimer said.

While negotiations are ongoing to lure a fast food chain, he pitched to those gathered an opportunity for businesspeople to consider taking on the restaurant/lounge feature.

“We welcome your great ideas. We’ve got a great opportunity for you right there,” he said.

Phase two of the development “is fairly conceptual at this time and it is based on enquiries we’ve had to date from various people. We see great opportunities for potentially a gas station/convenience store, another fast food, various retail activities on that site,” he said, noting that property is located on the east side of Highway 43 at the junction.

He explained the site visibility and large traffic volumes on the highway “makes it a great location for any type of investment, for retail or commercial activities. We look forward to great times in Sparwood.”

Teck’s Nic Milligan said the company, which owns five coal operations in the Elk Valley, is “very supportive of Sparwood’s efforts to enhance the community, to enhance its economic development and to enhance this beautiful gateway to the province of British Columbia.”

The property Teck has purchased is potentially for an office complex but no firm plans have yet been developed.

“But let me emphasize, we are so grateful for the relationship we have with Sparwood; our shared past and our shared future,” he said.

Some of the highway frontage property included in today’s announcement. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photos

Mayor's Interview with the Calgary CBC, Eye Opener show

The following link is to a radio interview done by the Calgary Eye opener August 16 with our Mayor Bruce Decoux..


http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?clipid=2401401234


The only things I would disagree with are timing, he talks about four years to the mine operating that is certainly not consistent with any where else in Alberta the regulatory process is lengthy. This week the press release from Elan mining stated the regulatory process in Alberta takes about seven years.

The employment numbers the Mayor states that for every job at the mine there will be seven jobs else where in the community. That would mean in the Elk Valley, where Teck employees roughly 3000 people there should be 21,000 other jobs in the community?

Let's not forget that both these proposed mines are located in the MD of Ranchlands. So even if they move forward we will see the benefits of jobs, new people moving to the community and spending their pay cheques here. What we will not see for a considerable amount of time (if ever) is the tax revenues from these two proposed operations.

Irregardless still very good news for the Crowsnest Pass.

Flood news and Teck update

For all those people in the Pass that work at Teck it appears that Fording River and Coal Mountain operations are down. Line Creek, Greenhills and Elkview operations are running.

Read more at http://www.thefreepress.ca/news/212565281.html

More amazing pictures http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/incredible-videos-and-photos-of-calgary-flooding-shared-on-social-media/article12760119/

Southern Alberta braces for rain amid flood warning. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2013/06/22/alberta-floods-evacuations.html


Pictures sent to CBC from people all over Southern Alberta: http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2013/06/your-photos-of-southern-alberta-floods.html#mid=&offset=&page=&s=

Update from the Municipality on the power situation.

Press Release – June 22, 2013 at 1200 hrs
The AltaLink Transmission line was inspected this morning and it is determined that the
risk of power disruption has been alleviated. Discussion with Fortis also indicates their
distributions systems are not in jeopardy at this time. In summary, electrical systems
providing power to the Municipality are not compromised and disruption in power is
not anticipated.
Members of the Municipality’s Emergency Operation Centre and Mayor Decoux were
included in a helicopter reconnaissance of the Municipality and surrounding area. The
flight provided insight into the scope of damage and in preparation for recovery
planning processes.
Residents that have sustained damage during the June 20th flood event are encouraged
to call the Municipal Office starting Monday, June 24th and register with their personal
information in preparation for the Disaster Relief Program.

State of Emergency in the Crowsnest Pass

What a mess, hopefully everybody is safe. Really feel for the people along Drum Creek in Hillcrest the banks are being gobbled up by the water. Lyons creek in Blairmore is a mess three hoes working on it. Highway 3 (12:30) is down to one lane, water every where I suspect it will be closing soon.

Was sent the following video taken at the lakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlm8Jaoepqc

Pictures from the Government of Alberta Web site:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/governmentofalberta/sets/72157634230900809/

There are also regular updates available on the municipal web site at: http://www.crowsnestpass.com/

From the Pincher Creek Voice: http://www.pinchercreekvoice.com/2013/06/cpr-bridge-washes-out-in-blairmore.html


Check out what's happening in the Elk Valley and with Teck: http://www.thefreepress.ca/

NEW VIDEO from Thursday morning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F7VM14u_j4&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkTS1PU9IwE


Weather outlook for Crowsnest Pass: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/alberta/crowsnest-pass

Town Hall Meeting……..We Might, We Might N….

Thursday night June 23, 2012 at the Elks Hall, Free Beef on a Bun big crowd.

Throngs of people wait in anticipation of the big announcements!!!! The Mayor garnishes a few boos has the meeting is set to begin, with a quick motion of waving his arms and a bit of a chuckle he say’s “bring it on”.

He gives a little speech laying out the agenda for the night. CAO Myron Thompson begins refreshing everybody’s memory with an update on the four pillars.

Then like a carefully choreographed dance recital each of the councilors gets up to address rumors, issues etc.

Councilor Gallant talks about municipal hiring states they have only increased the workforce by four people.

Councilor Saindon explains why we have spent so much on consultants. Apparently, we have had vacant administration positions for a total of 31 months combined since this council took over, why? Administrators getting married, moving back to California, Fernie who knows.

Then we hear from the public on such issues as the following, excuse me if I miss anything:

Security for Rum Runner Days Weekend

Resident paying for sewer that did not have it

Money spent on consultants

Accessibility for the handicapped

Bullying in the schools

Mayor’s letter condemning the public that disagrees with him

Collecting of back taxes

Requests for information not be acknowledged

Spring/Fall Cleanups

Blairmore/Coleman shops consolidation

Rebranding of the community

Non-Residential taxation

Bellcrest Seniors Hall

Communications on Bylaws etc

In the first half of the meeting there was three things that stood out to me, first of all watching the Mayor with his pompous attitude, this is the way it is if you don’t like it too bad attitude, too many wise cracks at the wrong times. Second in some cases people got really angry (leading to RCMP escort them out of the building) I wonder how much of that was related to the first point that stood out to me. Thirdly Councilor Londsbury’s comments I have a completely different appreciation for the man, he came across has very sincere, obviously with very much passion for this community. I may disagree with him on every issue but it became very clear to me that his heart is very much in the right place.

Then Part II, after a short break and about 25% of the crowd leaving (It did get to be too long of a meeting)

The Mayor came back with the good news section, well I really hope this council can achieve these things but it makes me nervous when I hear our leader say repeatedly “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”

These were the announcements, the Mayor is going to strike up a committee of around eight (8) people to look at the issue of Economic Development this committee will make recommendations to Council; there will also be an economic development officer in place by Christmas.

Next, the Mayor has stated that some of the River Run properties have been purchased from mortgage companies and he states that the River is “beginning to thaw” that there might be something happening there. Then he says  “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”

Next, he talks about the MD of Ranchland a municipality just to the north of us that has only eighty residents but lots of money and lots of tax base. The municipality is going to approach them and the province about moving some of that tax base into the Crowsnest Pass, which would help with our financial woes. Again, he states, “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”

Then we reached the climax of the evening the Crowsnest Centre Site, with much glee the municipality has entered into discussions with a prospective developer that is looking at bringing a seventy five-room hotel (Best Western) to that site. However, it does not end there a smaller convention type area, a truck stop, a fast food restaurant, a big name sit down type restaurant, a dog run park area, and a secure area for RV’s etc. Then came the all familiar   “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”.

Then came a question about the demolition of the building the Mayor stated that this company is so keen they are prepared to negotiate the cost of taking care of that into the purchase price. Then he when on to say by the time the first snow flies I expect to see that building gone, with the building process beginning next spring. Then he stated  “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”.

With the interest of the crowd now at it’s peak he asked Myron to present some rendering of what the area could look like, then a picture of a beautiful three floor hotel was put up on the screen, with the comment made that we hope to see something like this but we may not. Again the Mayor made the statement several times “take what I’m saying with a grain of salt”

Lastly came the final goodie of the Night the Mayor is attempting to build dialogue with Teck.

My comments on Part II;

Economic Development Officer- obviously we need help in this area I hope several things, that they have a clear plan to pay for this without placing more burden on the taxpayers. That they hire somebody on a contractual basis that either performs or is gone (not a life time position) and lastly they have a method of showing clear results.

River Run-I hope something happens here, the issues only begin with back taxes, infrastructure, piles of dirt, big holes in the ground and many Investors who properly don’t have a whole lot to show for their investments.

MD of Ranchland-Every thing they said about Ranchland is true lots of money, lots of tax base, and very few people. I would assume that administration has provided council with all of the information from 2007-2010 when the previous council attempted to go down this same path, and councilors from previous councils told me that they also approached this issue. I hope that they look at what the City of Cold Lake when through in their “many” years of attempting to tap into the revenue of wealthy surrounding municipalities.

The Crowsnest Centre, the enlightened people that have spent the better part of shouting out for the last twenty years that if you are going to attract any kind of commercial development to this community that is the spot. Must be very thrilled and I am, imagine how much common sense it makes to take 6+ acres of flat property, that is fully serviced and right next to a major highway that has 12,000 vehicles a day traveling past and using it has the centre of commercial activity in the Crowsnest Pass. What a brain wave.

I am assuming that there was no tender for less than $600,000 to get rid of the building, but never the less I cannot wait for those first snowflakes to fall.     

In conclusion, I hope all of the “Announcements” happen, but it is not going to be easy or fast. 


Note: The Mayor and the CAO stated a number of times during the meeting that if anybody wants information to contact administration and it will get answered. I will be doing this and everybody else that has concerns should take advantage of this offer.