Council authorized execution of an agreement between the above noted parties for the provision of building and plumbing services on an as required basis for vacation or other temporary relief for the City of Fernie. The term is from August 23, 2010 – August 22, 2015. The RDEK currently has similar agreements with Sparwood, Kimberley, Radium and Elkford.

2. 2010 – 2014 Five Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2139

On April 26, 2010 Council adopted the 2010 – 2014 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2129 which sets out the proposed expenditures, funding sources and transfers to or between each funds for each five year planning period.

Since Bylaw 2129 was adopted Council has directed or staff have requested the following financial plan amendments to accommodate expenditures that were unforeseen or the amounts undetermined at the time the budget was being deliberated:

a) Partnering Agreement – Veneto Affordable Housing Project
The expenditures summarized in year one of the 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw No 2129 include a contribution to Veneto through a partnering agreement. The Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw proposes to modify the funding source of a portion of the contribution from the Land Development Reserve to the Accumulated Surplus.

b) Replacement of the Hot Tub Boiler at the Aquatic Centre
To coincide with ongoing work associated with the aquatic centre energy retrofit project, early replacement of the hot tub boiler is proposed. In addition to reducing the retrofit costs, an added benefit of the early replacement of the boiler is energy savings resulting from the new boiler being 93% efficient as compared to 69% for the existing unit.

c) Purchase and Installation of Window Blinds at City Hall
To replace blinds that were removed when new City Hall windows were installed.

d) Firefighter Wage & Benefit Adjustments
To reflect firefighter wage adjustments agreed to in the recently ratified collective agreement between the City of Fernie and I.A.F.F. Local 2827 covering the period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2011.

Further adjustments to correspond with a change in the way mobile equipment leases are now accounted for and to be consistent with accounting rule changes that require the calculation and recording of depreciation on tangible capital assets are also included in the financial plan bylaw amendment.

Council passed first three readings of Bylaw No. 2139.

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Committee
Ms. Maren Esch was appointed to sit on the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Committee as the Chamber of Commerce representative.

4. Quick Start Integrated Community Sustainability Plan for Fernie

The Whistler Centre for Sustainability (WCS) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) have been working together to create an opportunity for small to medium sized BC communities to meaningfully initiate community sustainability planning efforts. The FCM has agreed, pending official approval of an application, to support 5 BC communities with a 50% grant (up to $25,000 contribution) to undertake a Quick Start Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) process.

Council approved the “Letter of Intent” to participate in the project for the development of sustainability strategy for Fernie. The City has allocated funding for OCP, Zoning, Subdivision and Development Servicing and Development Cost Charge bylaw reviews in its Five Year Financial Plan. The development of a sustainability plan should precede those reviews and serve to inform and integrate their amendments from a broad, holistic sustainability perspective.

5. Modification to an Easement Agreement
Council approved the modification to the Easement Agreement between the City and R.B. & D Holdings to allow for encroachments on 7th Avenue (Fas Gas – 601 Highway #3).

Previous plans to partially demolish the former Esso building were determined to be unsuitable as the load bearing walls were not structurally sound. Therefore the existing building had to be demolished to its foundation, resulting in a necessary amendment to the Easement Agreement.

6. Canadian Avalanche (CAC) Society
Council directed staff to forward a letter to the CAC in support of their grant application to the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. If successful the grant would be used to enhance public avalanche warning services, increase youth education initiatives, deliver more outreach and awareness programs to snowmobilers, and help pay for basic operating of the program.

Further to this, letters will go out to the appropriate government agencies expressing concern that the CAC has to apply for gaming grants to provide this essential public safety service.

7. Small Water Systems Working Group

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Executive has approved a draft terms of reference for the establishment of a UBCM Small Water Systems Working Group. This group was established in response to ongoing local government concerns over the application of Drinking Water Protection Act and associated regulatory water quality standards to small water systems.

Council nominated the Director of Operational Services to participate on the Small Water Systems Working Group, subject to his acceptance.

The City Engineering Department reviewed the Notice of Intent and determined that it would not likely be a detriment to the physical road condition however, they noted that the left turn onto Brenner Road or Cunliffe Road from Highway No. 3 for eastward moving vehicles is a concern from a traffic movement safety perspective. The City will notify the RDEK that they do not object to the issuance but they are concerned about the traffic movement.

For more information contact Michele Bates, Planning Technician at 250 489-2791 or Toll Free1-888-478-7335.

2) Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) – 2011 Canadian Census

The Federal Government announced that it is planning to alter the format of the 2011 Canadian Census and replace the mandatory long-form questionnaire with a voluntary household survey. Municipalities have raised concerns that the change may harm the quality and reliability of census data. The FCM will continue to call on the government to ensure that a reduction in census information does not occur.

Council will forward a letter to the Minister of Industry, Tony Clement indicating their support for the Long-Form Census questionnaire and further, copies of the letter will be forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office, Honorable Jim Abbott, M.P., FCM and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

3) Tourism Incentives Investment Fund Policy
Council approved the draft Tourism Incentives Investment Fund Policy.

This policy was adopted to help inform potential funding applicants of the expected outcomes and projects that will be considered eligible for funding under the Fernie and Area Five Year Resort Development Strategy’s Tourism Incentives Investment Fund. (TIIF)

Projects funded under the TIFF will be generally capital in nature and provide new or enhanced tourism amenities and infrastructure.

Projects or project areas that receive funding under other areas of the Resort Development Strategy will not be considered for funding.

2) Mr. Barry Levin, representing the Crowsnest Pass Coal Mining Company addressed Council noting that they have purchased Rio Tinto’s subsurface mineral tenure (coal explorations licenses and leases east of Fernie – Crowsnest Coal Project. He outlined the Global Raw Materials (GRM) plans for the project and their commitment to local communities.

3. Council approved the 2009 Schedules of Remuneration and Expenses and Payments to Suppliers of Goods or Services. These Schedules will be submitted to the Province as part of the Statements of Financial Information.

4. Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society – Special Occasion Liquor License
Council authorized the Society to operate a beer garden on July 1, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 10:30 pm at Prentice Park (or in the event of inclement weather at the Fernie Memorial Arena as part of the July 1 Canada Day Celebration.

5. Appointment of Civic Bodies
Ms. Colleen Dunn, representative for the Leisure Services Advisory Board and Ms. Sue Bawden Hutchinson, member of the public were appointed by Council to sit on the Decorations Committee.

6. Land Exchange Agreement Amendment
Council approved the Land Exchange Agreement Amendment between the City of Fernie and 0845419 BC Ltd. and Elk River Developments Ltd. to extend completion of the Agreement from June 30, 2010 to July 31, 2010.

The agreement exchanges the ‘Whitetail’ lands and undeveloped road ways (one north and south of Whitetail Drive and a walkway – excluding the area identified as ‘Park’. Comprising1.268 hectares and a Closed Park comprising 0.262 ha for the R4 zoned lands adjacent to Mt. McLean and Cokato Roads, comprising 0.289 hectares, and the ‘Wrangler Ground’ Park to be created by registration of a plan of subdivision comprising 1.87 ha.

7. Bus Stop at Rocky Mountain Village
Management from the Rocky Mountain Village have requested that a bus stop be considered at the Rocky Mountain Village along Cokato Road to serve the residents of Rocky Mountain Village and the community at large that live along this corridor. This request will be forwarded to the Regional District of East Kootenay for their consideration.

8. Fernie Trails Alliance
Council gave direction to staff to investigate the possibility of funding the Fernie Trails Alliance proposal with Resort Municipality Tax Transfer Program money and bring forward a report for Council’s consideration. The two objectives of the Fernie Trails Alliance are:
• To agree to the importance of recreational trails to Fernie’s community and its appeal as an outdoor sports destination; and,
• To organize administration of trail building, funding and user group consultation under one body, with a full-time Trail Administrator.

2 2010-11 Winter Evening Shuttle Service
Council approved modification to the Partnership Agreement between the City of Fernie and DSR Holdings Ltd. for the provision of a winter evening shuttle service between Fernie Alpine Resort, West Fernie and the City of Fernie for the 2010-2011 operating season and further, authorized the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.

3 Elk River Watermain Crossing 2010 – Contract Award
Council awarded the Elk River Watermain Crossing Contract to Directional Mining & Drilling Ltd. for the tendered price of $289,000 exclusive of GST.

4 Bylaw No. 2134, cited as Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1923, Amendment Bylaw No. 19, 2010
Official Community Plans must include targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in an area covered by the plan and further, include policies and actions the local government proposes to achieve those targets.
Council wishes to therefore amend its Official Community Plan to implement aspects of the “City of Fernie GHG Emission Reduction Plan – Milestones 2 and 3” as recommended by the study’s author. To address the mandatory early and ongoing consultation requirements of the Local Government Act, Council authorized staff to initiate a referral process to be undertaken prior to the statutory public hearing for this bylaw.

5 Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
Councillor Macnair was appointed as Council repre-sentative to sit on the Community Literacy Advisory Council chaired by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy.

6 Wilderness Committee – BC Coal Mining Industry
Council will be sending a letter to the Wilderness Committee indicating their support of BC’s coal mining industry.

7 Council offers Congratulations to Honorable Bill Bennett on his appointment as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

8 Nuisance and Hazardous Property Declaration
Council declared 51 Ridgemont Avenue a “Nuisance” and “Hazardous” pursuant to Section 74, and 73 of the Community Charter and imposed remedial action requirements on the owner that must be completed by July 14, 2010. Council can fulfill the requirements at the expense of the person (owner) and recover the cost incurred from the person as debt should the person fails to undertake and complete the required actions by the due date.

9 Hunslet Diesel Locomotives
Council authorized one of the Hunslet Diesel locomotives (that are currently stored at the Public Works yard) to be donated to the Crowsnest Pass EcoMuseum Trust.

2. The Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting a Leadership and Development Seminar in conjunction with the East Kootenay Zone Meeting. Council authorized the Legion to hold a parade to the Cenotaph and use the Courthouse grounds on Saturday, May 15th, 2010.

3. Blackstone Fernie TransRockies Race Start is returning to Fernie. For the last three years, Fernie has hosted the Finish and five previous years we have hosted the Start.

Fernie is the only community to have hosted all nine events and this year Fernie will host two stages:

a. Stage 1 on Sunday, August 8th at 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will be a Time Trail on local trails starting and finishing in downtown Fernie.
b. Stage 1 on Monday, August 9th will be the traditional mass start in downtown Fernie on Victoria Avenue.

4. A letter from Interior Health and Elk Valley Hospital Medical Staff which requested support for the establishment of a Physician Recruitment Committee was reviewed by Council. The Medical Staff indicated the current manpower situation and upcoming anticipated retirements have lead to a need to recruit more physicians.

The recruitment process is essential to maintaining the viability of the maternity program, considered a cornerstone of acute care services. Council authorized its support and nominated Mayor Corrigan to serve as Council’s representative on the Committee.

5. Downtown Task Force
Staff was directed by Council to prepare a Terms of Reference for a Downtown Task Force to consist of representatives from the RCMP, City Council, City Staff, downtown residents, downtown business owners and a representative from the Chamber of Commerce to deal with a growing concern of disturbances, mischief and liquor act offences in the downtown area of Fernie.

6. North/Central/South Regional Mine Rescue Competition will be held in Fernie on June 3rd, 2010 in conjunction with the Provincial Mine Rescue Competition on June 5th, 2010. Council agreed, as co-hosts for these events to make available certain city facilities and provide assistance in the form of staff time towards the events.

7. 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2129, the Financial Plan for the City of Fernie for the Five Year Period from January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2014, and the

2010 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2130, a bylaw for the levying of rates for Municipal, Hospital and Regional District purposes for the year 2010 both received three readings from Council.

The public is encouraged to attend a Special Meeting of Council planned for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19th, 2010 to learn more about and provide comment on the 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan.

Council approved an amendment to the previous agreement between the City and M& P Roofing Ltd. that changed the price from $106,660.00 (inclusive of any Social Services Tax, but exclusive of GST) to $131,710.00 (inclusive of any Social Services Tax, but exclusive of GST).

In 2007 Council approved a budget of $175,000 to replace the roof at City Hall. In April of 2009, the City of Fernie awarded M&P Roofing Ltd. the contract for replacing the roof. Due to a delay on finalizing a contract for the window replacement project and shortcomings with the roofing RFP the City was unable to begin the roofing project in the timeline originally anticipated. This delay, combined with an increase in the work required to complete the project, resulted in increases to material and equipment costs for the project.

2) Fernie Aquatic Centre Energy Retrofit Project – Contract Award

Council awarded the above noted contract to Coral Engineering at a price not to exceed $600,000 exclusive of GST.

The project has a total cost of approximately $600,000.00 and will be 100% funded through grants provided by the Federal Government.

Cost savings resulting from the project will be used to fund a new energy reserve fund in which to fund projects similar in nature. The project predicts upwards of $76,000.00 in annual cost savings and a 293 Tonne (69%) reduction in Green House Gas emissions.

The project retrofits the current Aquatic Centre Heat, Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system with a dehumidification reclamation system that extracts heat from the pool area air stream, dehumidifies the air and then uses the extracted heat to heat the pools. A new exhaust air reclamation system will use air to be exhausted from the facility to pre-heat the outdoor air that is introduced to the pool area as ventilation air. Lastly, the project includes installation of solar panels to heat domestic hot water in the change rooms, meeting area and lobby washrooms.

Work is scheduled to begin during the annual shutdown period for the Aquatic Centre May 25 – July 1, 2010.

3) Summer Parks Shifts (10 Hour)

Council agreed to change the shift schedule for the Summer Parks crew to a 10 hour shift on a trial basis. This new shift will begin around May 1 and run through until the 1st week of August with shift hours being from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. This new shift will provide more coverage for special events as well, provide enhanced weekend cleanup.
A Memorandum of Understanding with CUPE 2093 will have to be reached before implementation of the new shift schedule can begin.

4) Earth Hour – Saturday, March 27, 2010
(8:30 – 9:30 pm)

The City of Fernie’s plans to celebrate Earth Hour include:
• A free acoustic concert will be held on the lawn at City Hall (8:15 pm start time);
• Decorative lighting and streetlights will be turned off downtown; (RCMP patrols will be increased)
• City facilities will be closed and darkened;
• Monitoring of estimated energy savings will take place.

5) Northwest Water Reservoir – Crown Land Tenure Offer and License of Occupation

In October, 2009 the City made application to the Integrated Land Management Bureau for a Licence of Occupation over crown land where the City proposes to construct the NW Water Reservoir.

On March 9, 2010 the City received the Tenure Offer and an agreement for the Licence of Occupation for the proposed lands for execution.

Council authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Tenure Offer and Licence of Occupation Agreement.
6) Pesticide Bylaw Education Budget

Education for citizens and vendors regarding safe alternatives to the use of pesticides is a key element in promoting compliance with the Pesticide Use Control Bylaw.

Council approved the following budget allocations to be included in the draft Financial Plan for a Pesticide Bylaw Education budget:
2010 – $5000 2011 – $5000
2012 – $4000 2013 – $2000

Corus Custom Networks, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. has applied to the Canadian Radio and Television Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) for a licence to operate a new TV channel in 64 markets in western Canada. This proposed new network, tentatively called Local 1, will bring a mix of hyper-local community information to its viewers around the clock.

Council agreed to send a letter of support for this new network and local TV Channel. If you wish to show your support visit their website at: www.mylocal1.ca

2) Cranbrook and Fernie Self Advocates

In a letter to City Council, Members of the Cranbrook / Fernie Self Advocates group requested Council’s support for public transportation for individual citizens in the Elk Valley and surrounding areas.

Council received the letter and will forward a copy to the Regional District of East Kootenay for their consideration as they are currently conducting a transportation survey regarding existing services.

3) Columbia Basin Trust

On March 24, 2010 Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is hosting a Water Smart Initiatives Workshop. The regional workshop will introduce the Water Smart Initiative and includes a signing ceremony in which Basin Communities, committed to water conservation, which includes the City of Fernie, commit to becoming Water Smart.

The CBT is committed to working with Basin communities to address water conservation at a local level. The City of Fernie will be sending up to three members of staff to attend the conference. For more information: www.cbt.org/wsworkshop

4) Bylaws

Bylaw No. 2093, cited as the Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2010 was reconsidered at Third Reading and amended to include a Clause 17 to include an effective date of January 1, 2011.

Bylaw No. 2094, cited as the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw No. 2 was also reconsidered at Third Reading and amended to reflect the effective date as of January 1, 2011.

Council will consider adoption of Bylaws No. 2093 and No. 2094 at it Regular Meeting to be held March 22, 2010.

5) 48^th Canadian Coal Conference

The Coal Association of Canada will be hosting the 48^th Canadian Coal Conference being held September 11-14, 2010 in Whistler, BC.

Theme for the Conference is ‘Coal: Delivering Choice, Diversity and Innovation.’

Council authorized one member of Council to attend the upcoming conference. For more information visit: www.coal.ca

            Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 2093, 2010 and the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw No. 2.

            Council approved first three reading of Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 2093 and the corresponding Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw No. 2.

            These bylaws represent the culmination of efforts by the Integrated Pest Management Task Force which, following research and receipt of information from both advocates and opponents of pesticide use, made recommendations to Council.

            Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 2093 applies within the boundaries of the City of Fernie and prohibits the use of pesticides on residential and City owned lands except for permitted pesticides as listed in Schedule A to the Bylaw or as permitted by approval of an exemption to deal with pest infestations that are urgent and for which there are no effective non-pesticide alternatives available. 

            The Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, Amendment Bylaw No. 2 dictates that a person who violates the Bylaw

2093 commits an offence which is liable to prosecution in accordance with the Offence Act. A $250.00 fine is the suggested penalty for violating Bylaw No 2093.

Council will consider adoption of Bylaws No. 2093 and 2094 on March 8, 2010 at its Regular Meeting.  

2)            Fernie Curling Club

            Council approved the lease agreement between the City of Fernie and the Fernie Curling Club for operation of the Curling Rink from February 22 – March 15, 2010 and from October 15, 2010 and March 15, 2011.

3)            Pilot Sites for Off Leash Dog Parks

            Council, in response to recommendations from the Leisure Services Advisory Board, authorized the use of three “off leash areas” located at the Annex Park near 12^th Avenue and 13^th Street, the field located to south east area of the Aquatic Centre and a newly designated portion of James White Park as ‘pilot off leash areas.’

            The pilot areas will operate from May 1, 2010 to January 30, 2011 at which time the effectiveness of piloted sites will be evaluated and recommendations for permanent establishment brought forward for Council’s consideration.

            The establishment of pilot sites for off-leash areas responds to requests from dog owners for designated off leash space and from residents concerned that dogs off-leash in parks and on trails pose a safety risks to children, the elderly and those generally uncomfortable with dogs. It is hoped that clearly designated off-leash areas will provide dog owners with the space requested and consequently prevent dogs off leash in other areas.

            Public education and signage will be implemented in advance of May 1, 2010 encouraging all residents to become familiar with the new locations and rules.

            Opportunities for the public to share their views regarding the pilot sites will be ongoing throughout the pilot timeline.          

Further, Council authorized the permanent conversion of the small ball diamond located in James White Park from a dog park back to its original use as a ball diamond effective May 1, 2010.                       

4)            Fernie Aquatic Centre Energy Retrofit Project – Letter of intent

            Council approved the letter of intent proposed by Coral Engineering and authorized staff to begin negotiating a draft contract between Coral Engineering and the City of Fernie for the purpose of the Fernie Aquatic Centre Energy Retrofit Project, to be brought back to Council for consideration.       

            The project is 100% funded through grants provided by the Federal Government through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada grant program and the Federal Gas Tax Transfer program. Once complete, it is expected the City could see upwards of a $76,000 savings on its yearly gas bill as well a 293 Tonne 74% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

5)            Civic Committees Appointments

            Council authorized the following appointments to serve on the committees noted below:

Leisure Advisory Board – Colleen Dunn, Leah Bradish, Karen Pepper, Chris Moulton, Rod Geddis and Jocelyn Sombrowski;

Liquid Waste Management Plan Committee – Scott Dressler, Leanne Walker, Megan Walsh and Casey Brennan;

Canada Day Board Committee – Oz Parson, and Pierre Pelletier; and,

Green House Gas Emission Reduction Committee – Karen Gorecki and Megan Walsh.

            Council expressed their support for the Success by Six Program and will be contacting the Honorable Colin Hansen and Premier Gordon Campbell to ask for their assistance in ensuring that this valuable community initiative continues to thrive in our region and across the province.       

2)             Columbia Basin Water Smart Initiative Regional Workshop        

            Columbia Basin Trust will be hosting a regional Water Smart Workshop in Cranbrook on March 23, 2010.  From 1:00 – 5:00 and 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, Royal Alexandra Hall.                       

The workshop will bring together 19 communities to introduce the program, sign the Water Smart Charter and learn more about the Water Smart Initiative. For more information visit: www.cbt.org/wsworkshop          

3)            Bylaws

             Bylaw No. 2119, cited as 2010 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw was given the first three readings.

            A Bylaw adopted under section 177 of the Community Charter allows a municipality to borrow money to fund certain expenditures in advance of the receipt of tax collections if necessary.           

Each year a Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw is adopted to ensure that borrowing is available but it is rarely required.  This Bylaw will go before Council for adoption on February 22, 2010.

4)             Notice of Proposed Property Disposition (Lease)

The City intends to enter into a new lease agreement for a portion of the City of Fernie Curling Club for a term of six (6) non-consecutive months (February 22, 2010 – March 15, 2010 and October 15, 2010 – March 15, 2011) without the option to renew commencing on February 23, 2010. The Fernie Curling Club will pay the City of Fernie $1200.00 dollars per month plus GST for the term of the agreement.

After the requisite advertising (two weeks) is completed, Council will consider approval of the new lease agreement on February 22, 2010.

1)            City of Fernie, R.C.M.P. Report – 4^th Quarter 2009

Cpl. Andy Veltmeyer with the Elk Valley R.C.M.P. Detachment was in attendance and reviewed the above noted report. Cpl. Veltmeyer noted that there is currently a full complement of working members on staff for the valley and further, the draw down of local resources to support Olympic security requirements will be minimal for our area.

2)            Shaw TV – Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

            Council for the City of Fernie will be contacting the CRTC to express their concerns over the erosion of Community Television and the adverse effect this erosion has on community life.

3)            20^th Anniversary of the Fernie and District Arts Station

By way of marking their 20^th Anniversary, the Fernie and District Arts Council (FDAC) is planning to develop and implement a “Public Art Programme’.  The program would enhance the city just as the Banner Project has over the past years and further, a two and three dimensional Public Art Progamme would help establish ‘branding’ the city as a place of art.

The FDAC requested Council’s endorsement of the project. Council for the City of Fernie resolved to provide a letter of support ‘In Principle’ for the program which will be included in grant applications to finance the project.

3)       BC Provincial Mine Rescue Competition – June 5, 2010

          On June 5^th, 2010 the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the City of Fernie will collaborate to host the 2010 Provincial Mine Rescue Competition at the Max Turyk School.

            Competitions have long been a part of mine rescue.  The chance to practice and showcase skills is a valuable part of the competition, more importantly; the teams get to learn from each other.  This knowledge pays dividends when those skills are required in a real rescue situation.