It has been a whirlwind of a month filled with information and events about a myriad of topics of which some have to be mentioned.
Council attended a training session in Rossland that proved to be an overwhelming session of municipal information that hopefully no one will test me on too quickly. All kidding aside experts George Cuff and Eli Mina provided amazing material for newcomers to councillor and mayor positions.
Regional District training was interesting as well as the strategic planning. One hundred eleven requests were put forward and then condensed to ten, of which none of mine were considered. I had hoped to place the proposed trail linking Fernie to the ski hill on their radar again, as Mike Sosnowski had already done previously, but with a price tag of over one million dollars other directors felt that this could wait. I must say I was very impressed with the way the five directors from the Columbia Valley stuck together to get their projects on stream. This is something that I think could be done by Elk Valley directors as well so that united we can get more achieved for our valley collectively and for our individual communities.
Council received six well written letters from students of IDES. These were placed on the agenda as I felt their requests were very important and showed much initiative on their part.
Rylee Whitson wrote requesting that council promote “Every first day of the month a community litter pick up day.” Rylee has been noticing much litter and thinks “It would be spectacular if we could have a first class community” without litter. I agree Rylee and councillor Joni Krats has generously offered to work on this. Neve Richards believes that here in Fernie we could do just as good a job of recycling as they do on Prince Edward Island. Neve recommended recycling stations at different points in town that “Could accept compost, plastic, paper, glass and tin can. It would encourage more people to recycle and in turn much less waste would go to the dump. It would also set an example for our visitors and show that we care for our environment.” Liam Smith, age 10, asked if Christmas lights could be put up in the Airport Subdivision, something I have been asking for in past years. Liam says that “it would light up the darker roads. It would look amazing for visitors who come to ski or who come to visit family”. Emily Dykhuizen and Jillian Folvik asked about soccer fields. “There are three reasons why we want the soccer fields fixed. The first reason is there are lots of holes and bumps, fixed it will be safer, second if they are fixed it will be more fun, finally if there are more fields more people can play soccer at the same time, doing this will make our community healthier.” Cole Zimmerman and Dryden Gris asked about an outdoor skating rink. “We have such beautiful weather in Fernie in winter; it would be magnificent if the citizens of Fernie could have an outdoor rink”. An outdoor rink has been in place by the Aquatic Centre for several years, thank you Cole and Dryden for making the suggestion so as to make sure it happens again this year. Abbi Vernier and Chrisma Vandergrift also wrote regarding streetlights on Park Avenue. “More streetlights on Park Avenue are in your and Fernie’s best interests because it would make Fernie a safer place to be. Park Avenue is a road where people drive fast. In the night the cars can’t see you and you can’t see the cars. It’s a safety hazard.” I truly appreciate these letters from the students and want to reassure them that Council is taking their requests seriously and thanks them for their interest in wanting their town improved.
This past Sunday Fernie Heritage Library held its annual Community Christmas Celebrations. Over 350 adults and children came to enjoy crafts, stories, photos, musical entertainment and a huge array of international desserts, Congratulations to Library director Emma Dressler, Marilyn Razzo, Tina Hayes, Haley Feller, Sandra Summerfield, board members and volunteers who worked to make this wonderful event such a success.
Fernie Beta Sigma Phi Sororities held their annual dinner at the Blue Touque Restaurant, where long-time member Rosa Rocca was bestowed the Laurate degree and crowned with a circle of laurel leaves, this group also decorated the Senior’s Drop In Centre for Christmas, something they do each year for the Senior’s Club as well on December 3 they delivered several boxes of toiletries and sang Christmas carols to the residents of Rocky Mountain Village.
The Fernie Academy held two evenings of performances for Baboushka. I attended the one where grades one to three performed and was completely delighted. These small children are extraordinarily talented. They acted and sang and looked fabulous in amazing costumes.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone. Best Wishes to all for a Happy New Year filled with many Blessings, good friends, much love and most of all good health.
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