Well municipal elections across Alberta are done for another 3 years (let us hope the province doesn't succumb to the big cities desire move to 4 year terms for municipal councils) and the voters of Crowsnest Pass behaved a tad differently than normal. Until last year, when the voters returned 3 incumbents (Ward, Irwin, myself) and one returning after a leave (Cole) Crowsnest voters usually returned 2 incumbents, one returnee, and elected 4 new councillors. This year's results then can be considered quite surprising with only one incumbent being returned to the uncomfortable council seats and I will remind Larry once again that it is not the chairs that are uncomfortable. It is what you are required to do while sitting that makes them uncomfortable.
With the surprise vote Crowsnest citizens put in what appears to be the right council at the right time. Clearly voters wanted to see councillors that can bring to the table a "sense of place" and put long time (if not life long) residents of the Pass, Jerry Lonsbury (I still remember the strap he gave me in grade 8) and Siegbert Gail into those unnerving chairs. Once again the electorate wanted new fresh faces and with them, fresh direction and decided to allow Brian Gallant, Andrew Saje, and Emile Saindon a chance to feel those, at times, painful seats. Still the people wanted some experience and told Larry Mitchell he would have to endure his bumpy perch for another 3 years. Crowsnest constituents, not surprisingly, also elected a relatively unknown, Bruce Decoux, to keep order while having to endure the most prickly seat of all. Congratulations to our newly elected council. You will learn to feel comfortable in those old leather chairs. Good luck!
Of course I would be remiss if I did not offer the new council some advice. I will give them the same advice one time councillor, Howard Bennet of Bellevue, gave me at the start of my first term, "remember, do that which is politic".
Tuesday, 19 October, 2010
Tuesday, 10 November, 2009
Remembering
People in Crowsnest Pass and across our nation will be silent for a few moments tomorrow remembering the sacrifices selflessly given by our soldiers, past and present, in order that we might live our lives in a peaceful and just society. Speeches will be made and stories will be told in remembrance and respect. Here is one story. A story that was never told to me. A story I only became aware of just a year or so ago.
Copied from the website of the Saskatoon Light Infantry
On August 3rd, 1943, the Edmonton Regiment, with under command 1 Platoon M.M.G. (2 Cdn. Inf. Sp. Gp.) (Sask.L.I.) was given the task of capturing a hill feature north of REGALBUTO.
The country to be crossed precluded the use of mechanical transport and supplies, ammunition, and heavy weapons had to be carried on mules.
At daylight, 4 Aug., the mules carrying the weapons and ammunition for the Platoon of M.M.G.'s came under enemy Mortar and M/M.G. fire; many of the mules were killed and most of the remainder dispersed.
While the platoon was being with drawn to cover to reorganize Cpl. Taje, in the face of heavy enemy fire, made his way to the guns and removed the locks, thus rendering them valueless.
Cpl. Taje was then unable to find his own Platoon and so reported to the Edmn. R. On arrival there he was informed that two enemy M.G. emplacements were holding up the advance.
Cpl. Taje returned to the location where the mules had been killed, despite the enemy fire which was being brought down, collected the two guns and some ammunition which he placed in position to engage the enemy. This undertaking required about four hours.
Cpl. Taje then engaged both enemy M.G. emplacements preventing the enemy from firing and enabling the Edmonton Regiment to advance and silence the posts.
Cpl. Taje. accomplished this feat single-handed and with complete disregard for his personal safety. His courage and determination under fire were an inspiration to all ranks taking part in this action.
Copied from the website of the Saskatoon Light Infantry
On August 3rd, 1943, the Edmonton Regiment, with under command 1 Platoon M.M.G. (2 Cdn. Inf. Sp. Gp.) (Sask.L.I.) was given the task of capturing a hill feature north of REGALBUTO.
The country to be crossed precluded the use of mechanical transport and supplies, ammunition, and heavy weapons had to be carried on mules.
At daylight, 4 Aug., the mules carrying the weapons and ammunition for the Platoon of M.M.G.'s came under enemy Mortar and M/M.G. fire; many of the mules were killed and most of the remainder dispersed.
While the platoon was being with drawn to cover to reorganize Cpl. Taje, in the face of heavy enemy fire, made his way to the guns and removed the locks, thus rendering them valueless.
Cpl. Taje was then unable to find his own Platoon and so reported to the Edmn. R. On arrival there he was informed that two enemy M.G. emplacements were holding up the advance.
Cpl. Taje returned to the location where the mules had been killed, despite the enemy fire which was being brought down, collected the two guns and some ammunition which he placed in position to engage the enemy. This undertaking required about four hours.
Cpl. Taje then engaged both enemy M.G. emplacements preventing the enemy from firing and enabling the Edmonton Regiment to advance and silence the posts.
Cpl. Taje. accomplished this feat single-handed and with complete disregard for his personal safety. His courage and determination under fire were an inspiration to all ranks taking part in this action.
Dad never talked about the war nor his role in it. Like other baby boomers, I grew up watching Audie Murphy, John Wayne and others take on the Nazis in guts and glory movies about World War II and found it strange that Dad didn't revel in the glory of all he had to have experienced. When talk turned to the latest war movie Dad would only say "don't believe that American s***t. It's not true."
Over the years I began to get a sense of why Dad wouldn't speak of the war, mostly through little snippets of events blurted out after he sampled some of the finest red wines sold by the ALCB. Tiny bits of the horrors eating at his conscience would show themselves in his wine induced, uncontrolled speech. Anything Dad could have been proud of was destroyed by what circumstance forced him to do and witness.
Over the years I began to get a sense of why Dad wouldn't speak of the war, mostly through little snippets of events blurted out after he sampled some of the finest red wines sold by the ALCB. Tiny bits of the horrors eating at his conscience would show themselves in his wine induced, uncontrolled speech. Anything Dad could have been proud of was destroyed by what circumstance forced him to do and witness.
Well Dad and the thousands like him that sacrificed their youth and piece of mind deserve to be honoured. They are heroes. They fought and survived. They came back to raise a new generation with a standard of living they could not have dreamed possible. With all those that gave their lives for us they deserve our undying respect.
Thursday, 10 September, 2009
Summer is Over
Just a little better than a week ago I was looking forward to the end of the summer season. Work in the fly shop was good (of course I had an excellent boss) but it did limit time spent on my favourite Crownsest Pass and area streams. Susan was just openly contemplating a reduced work week after the long weekend in September which meant more fishing time for me. Probably made me one of the few people looking for summer to finally end. Before I could realize my hopes to spend more time on the water, though, the United Mine Workers of America called me up and offered me a job administrating a new local. A job I eagerly accepted.
The offer was conditional on the UMWA being certified as the bargaining agent for the miners employed by Grande Cache Coal. Monday August 31st the Labour Board granted the Mine Workers certification based on a 140 to 96 vote margin in the certification election. Tuesday September 1st I received the call and was told to be in Grande Cache prior to Wednesday afternoon to begin meetings with the new membership.
So here I am in Grande Cache, setting up the structure for a new local, tending to the needs of the brothers and sisters employed by Grande Cache Coal, and preparing for collective bargaining with the coal company. I am still (and will remain) resident in Crowsnest Pass but most of my weekdays for the next six to eight months will be spent in the beautiful surroundings of Grande Cache. Forrest Gump was right. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you will get.
The offer was conditional on the UMWA being certified as the bargaining agent for the miners employed by Grande Cache Coal. Monday August 31st the Labour Board granted the Mine Workers certification based on a 140 to 96 vote margin in the certification election. Tuesday September 1st I received the call and was told to be in Grande Cache prior to Wednesday afternoon to begin meetings with the new membership.
So here I am in Grande Cache, setting up the structure for a new local, tending to the needs of the brothers and sisters employed by Grande Cache Coal, and preparing for collective bargaining with the coal company. I am still (and will remain) resident in Crowsnest Pass but most of my weekdays for the next six to eight months will be spent in the beautiful surroundings of Grande Cache. Forrest Gump was right. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you will get.
Sunday, 10 May, 2009
Ernie Patterson
Once involved in politics you get to meet some of the most interesting people. One such person I have had the opportunity to meet was the past mayor of Claresholm, Ernie Patterson. Ernie served his town as a councilor and mayor for at least 40 years. Quite an accomplishment. Ernie was a Liberal. He was heard quite often to say . "Yes I am a Liberal but, I'm a right wing Liberal."
I met the good mayor of Claresholm during the 1989 federal election. The free trade election. That election saw Ernie bringing the Liberal message, Ken Copithorne introducing Reform, myself (thrown to the wolves) carrying the NDP banner, and Ken Hughes who won the last federal PC seat in our riding. Ernie is very articulate and made some interesting and entertaining speeches at the many forums held around Southern Alberta.
In one forum, with a wry smile on his lips, he teased "Gary says it's lonely to be a NDP'er in Southern Alberta. Well he is lucky because us Liberals are hated. I even had an individual run me off with a water hose!" In Pincher Creek he brought down the house with the following. "You know every one in Southern Alberta votes PC, and always votes PC. You guys never change. Maybe its time to show the country that you can. Gary over there is a good honest young man. He deserves your vote. Ken is bringing a new conservative message and is worthy of your support. And if you can find it in your hearts vote for me, Ernie Patterson. But don't, don't vote for the PC candidate because in Alberta you can grab that mop handle over there, stick a cabbage on it for a head, call it a Conservative...and you people will send it to Ottawa."
I ran into Ernie at the 2004 convention of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association. Ernie was the out going president of that large lobby organization as he was defeated in the municipal election. I can hardly imagine what that defeat, after 40 years, felt like for him and asked how he handled the defeat. He responded with a canned reply to the effect that, that is how democracy works and obviously the people decided it was time for a change. I pressed him further "after 40 years as councillor and mayor that is all you can say?" He looked at me. His ever present little smile gone. "Well, I can go away knowing I got the library built."
I met the good mayor of Claresholm during the 1989 federal election. The free trade election. That election saw Ernie bringing the Liberal message, Ken Copithorne introducing Reform, myself (thrown to the wolves) carrying the NDP banner, and Ken Hughes who won the last federal PC seat in our riding. Ernie is very articulate and made some interesting and entertaining speeches at the many forums held around Southern Alberta.
In one forum, with a wry smile on his lips, he teased "Gary says it's lonely to be a NDP'er in Southern Alberta. Well he is lucky because us Liberals are hated. I even had an individual run me off with a water hose!" In Pincher Creek he brought down the house with the following. "You know every one in Southern Alberta votes PC, and always votes PC. You guys never change. Maybe its time to show the country that you can. Gary over there is a good honest young man. He deserves your vote. Ken is bringing a new conservative message and is worthy of your support. And if you can find it in your hearts vote for me, Ernie Patterson. But don't, don't vote for the PC candidate because in Alberta you can grab that mop handle over there, stick a cabbage on it for a head, call it a Conservative...and you people will send it to Ottawa."
I ran into Ernie at the 2004 convention of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association. Ernie was the out going president of that large lobby organization as he was defeated in the municipal election. I can hardly imagine what that defeat, after 40 years, felt like for him and asked how he handled the defeat. He responded with a canned reply to the effect that, that is how democracy works and obviously the people decided it was time for a change. I pressed him further "after 40 years as councillor and mayor that is all you can say?" He looked at me. His ever present little smile gone. "Well, I can go away knowing I got the library built."
Thursday, 7 May, 2009
Rebuilding
People come to Crowsnest Pass simply because it is beautiful and opportunities for recreation and relaxation in a wilderness setting are endless.
Our communities are backdropped by some of the most dramatic views in Alberta.
Crowsnest Pass is not a "cookie cutter" town. It is a real place with real character and, of course, real characters. It has a soul.
This is what we have to capitalize on. We start with what we have and what we build on. Quite a few have recognized what and who we are and have started that process of rebuilding our community. People such as Crowsnest Pass Dreamer, who is renovating a commercial building in Bellevue. Dr. Maritz who has renovated the historic Alberta Hotel downtown Blairmore.
The Centremore Corp. that has restored another commercial building in Blairmore.
Adaptive reuse as the Crowsnest Pass Dreamer and others have suggested is a vital component of rebuilding. Many of our older buildings could be used for purposes other than what they were created or zoned for. It is very important though to at least recognize the importance of the facade and restore that mining town look. We can achieve what Canmore failed at. Growth with out losing our soul.
Our communities are backdropped by some of the most dramatic views in Alberta.
Crowsnest Pass is not a "cookie cutter" town. It is a real place with real character and, of course, real characters. It has a soul.
This is what we have to capitalize on. We start with what we have and what we build on. Quite a few have recognized what and who we are and have started that process of rebuilding our community. People such as Crowsnest Pass Dreamer, who is renovating a commercial building in Bellevue. Dr. Maritz who has renovated the historic Alberta Hotel downtown Blairmore.
The Centremore Corp. that has restored another commercial building in Blairmore.
Adaptive reuse as the Crowsnest Pass Dreamer and others have suggested is a vital component of rebuilding. Many of our older buildings could be used for purposes other than what they were created or zoned for. It is very important though to at least recognize the importance of the facade and restore that mining town look. We can achieve what Canmore failed at. Growth with out losing our soul.Monday, 27 April, 2009
Land Use
Looking west from the Brocket hill towards Crowsnest Pass you can see Turtle Mountain just left of centre in this photo (click the pic to see a larger image).
One can guess from this picture that there would not be an overabundance of land available for development in this pass through the Rockies and one would not be far from wrong. Crowsnest Pass is about 33 kilometres long and up to 16 km wide and currently houses approximately 5800 full time and ove 20% more weekend or part time residents, most of whom live in the current urban areas of the pass in single family residences. Our land base is constricted with, steep slopes, important wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors, and property owned by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. If the Pass is to grow in a sustainable fashion responsible land use planning is critical.
Drive out of Calgary in any direction and once you leave the urban sprawl you will see the obscene spread of country residential development on land that was once used for growing grain or raising cattle. Those acreages are located with the Municipal District of Rocky View which surrounds the city of Calgary. That MD does not have the restraints on developable land our Pass does. If they wished, and landowners desired more subdivisions, they could develop in this fashion, taking away agricultural land and open spaces, for a very long time. The people and council of Rocky View recognized the waste and just recently their municipal council adopted a new Municipal Development Plan stopping country residential development in favour of higher density development within the existing villages located in the MD. They chose to decide how they should grow.
Here at home council, in the past month, approved extending the reach of country residential development into one of the few remaining areas of the Pass not already zoned Grouped Country Residential with the rezoning and subsequent approval of an area structure plan for country residential development at the north east end of our municipality along Gold Creek. Council subsequently cut funding for a new municipal development plan from the budget and went on to approve that budget.
The Regional Advisory Council of the Land Use Framework will be considering MDPs as part of their local consultation process. The adoption of a new MDP, here, developed with full public consultation would have given our municipality the statutory documentation needed to show the RAC what the people of Crowsnest Pass want to see in terms of responsible land use. Our collective voice would not be ignored in Land Use Framework deliberations.
Fortunately, the Province is taking land use seriously. The Land Use Framework appears to be based on strong conservation values and much of what many (including myself) have been advocating will likely be achieved through the Land Use Framework process. Sadly, though, we have to wait for the Province to pick up were we failed.
A press release and background information on the Alberta Land Stewardship Act can be found here http://www3.telus.net/garytaje/Landuse/ In the folder you will find a number of pdf files. They are arranged in proper order for reading
Wednesday, 15 April, 2009
A real surprise
Not a post about Crowsnest Pass, fishing, or politics. Instead a link to some amazing entertainment. If you have a few minutes check out this youtube link (no embedding) you will be glad you did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
As a young guy I had the opportunity to attend a number of broadway shows in London's theatre district. The first was Gypsy and I went only because a young lady from Israel suggested we would enjoy it. It was enthralling from the opening song and I could not get enough. This video recreates that incredible rush I felt when I first heard a live musical.
As a young guy I had the opportunity to attend a number of broadway shows in London's theatre district. The first was Gypsy and I went only because a young lady from Israel suggested we would enjoy it. It was enthralling from the opening song and I could not get enough. This video recreates that incredible rush I felt when I first heard a live musical.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
