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Crowsnest Pass
Herald
Vol. 94 No. 13 April 3, 2024 $1.25
Serving our communities since 1930
Nick Allen photo
75th Bunny Bonspiel a major draw for everyone NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter The Crowsnest Pass Sports Complex was home to the 75th Bunny Bonspiel curling competition, with the last games taking place on March 31. The event kicked off on March 29 with 54 teams packing into the arena for the opening ceremonies, led by bagpipes played by Alec Chisholm from Pincher Creek, from Get Bagpipe Ready. A ‘Parade of Costumes’ was held for best dressed Men’s and best dressed Ladies teams. DJ Stu from Blue Rock Music entertained on Friday and Saturday night. The entertainment also included games for participants to win locally donated door prizes throughout the evening. Dinner on Saturday was catered by Chris’s Restaurant. Teresa-Jane Snider, the Bunny Bonspiel coordinator, spoke during the final
award ceremony of the 75th Bunny Bonspiel curling event at the Crowsnest Pass Sports Complex. “We made it to Sunday finals. Congratulations to all of you and thank you for being here,” said Snider. She expressed gratitude to everyone involved, including the concession staff, bar volunteers, and organizers. “Mike and Chrissy from Cadillac Kitchen downstairs. Thank you, you’ve done a fantastic job. I’m sure you’re exhausted just as the rest of us are,” said Snider. She announced the winners of the various groups, including the Ladies C, Men’s C, Ladies B, Men’s B, Ladies A, and Men’s A divisions, presenting them with special trophies commemorating the many years of the event. “Each winner of each division will get one of these trophies as a commemoration to the 75th Celebration,” said Snider. Snider also acknowledged the volunteers and participants from various towns and thanked everyone for their support. She highlighted the dedication of the ice crew and emphasized that the event was run entirely by volunteers who are passionate about the sport. Snider concluded by wishing everyone a happy Easter and a safe journey home, congratulating all the winners. Photos on page 8
2 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Petrovic ‘eager to collaborate’ with frontlines through health care appointment GEORGE LEE Local Journalism Initiative - Macloed Gazette
“The voice of every health care worker is critical to understanding what is actually happening on the frontlines and what needs improving. Chelsae will help us incorporate those voices to strengthen the health system for all Albertans.” Health Minister Adriana LaGrange
Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic will use a new government role to continue advocating for
frontline healthcare workers, she said on social media last week. Named by Premier Danielle Smith as the parliamentary secretary for health workforce engagement, Petrovic is “eager to collaborate with heath-care professionals across the province, engaging directly with those on the frontlines to understand their needs and concerns,” she posted on Instagram. “Together, we will work towards building a healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of both patients and providers.” Just before her successful run last year to represent Livingstone-Macleod, the UCP candidate was called out for victim-blaming and made cross-country headlines. She suggested in a podcast that some heart patients could be held accountable for their condition because of health and lifestyle decisions.
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Petrovic, who spent more than 13 years working in Livingstone-Macleod as a licensed practical nurse, admitted then that she could have chosen her words more carefully. But she did not apologize, saying comments pulled from a full-length podcast failed to capture nuance and context. Petrovic’s appointment comes as the UCP government prepares to restructure Alberta Health Services into four specializations: primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction. After attending public engagement sessions on the restructuring in Livingstone-Macleod earlier this year, the former Claresholm mayor said she was continuing to take a deep dive into the local situation before returning to Edmonton for the post-Christmas resumption of the legislative assembly. Petrovic said then that she had confidence in Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. “I was probably her biggest critic when it comes to this,” Petrovic said. But after Petrovic shared problems and scenarios from the frontlines, LaGrange won her over. “She gave me hope for the future of health care,” Petrovic said in February. A provincial news release on Petrovic’s appointment said that consultation with health-care workers is vital. “Alberta’s government has been clear that throughout this refocusing process and as the system changes, health care workers must be empowered in their roles,” the release said, adding that Petrovic will help in that work. “Albertans deserve a better, stronger health care system,” said Premier Smith, the member for Brooks-Medicine Hat, in the release. “Addressing issues that have been allowed to grow for decades is a major job. Chelsae will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we continue to hear from the hard-working men and women who serve on the frontlines of health care. I am confident her work will help lead to a stronger system.” LaGrange said in the release: “I look forward to collaborating with Chelsae in the weeks and months to come. With her health care background, she will bring a very important perspective to our refocusing work. “The voice of every health care worker is critical to understanding what is actually happening on the frontlines and what needs improving. Chelsae will help us incorporate those voices to strengthen the health system for all Albertans.” The opposition NDP were not enthusiastic about the government’s choice. A release quotes NDP health critic Luanne Metz calling the appointment “incredibly poor judgement” from the premier that will “cause more chaos” in health care. Undeterred, Petrovic posted on Instagram: “Our government has emphasized the pivotal role of frontline health-care workers in our health-care system’s refocusing from the onset. In my new capacity, I am committed to ensuring this principle is not only upheld but actively put into practice.”
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Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 3 Frank Slide Template.qxp_Layout 1 2023-01-30 11:44 AM Page 1
POLICE BRIEFS
Between March 25 to April 1, the Crowsnest Pass Police Department responded to 30 calls for service, of which two were unfounded. A total of four charges were made during this period. The calls included three traffic collisions, seven traffic offenses, one operation while impaired, three Mental Health Acts, one Municipal bylaw, one victim services, one harassing communications, one uttering threats, one assault, one mischief, one fraud, four suspicious persons, one false alarm, two assists to the general public and two wellbeing checks. The Crowsnest Pass RCMP has reported several
incidents over the past week, including collisions, impaired driving cases involving alcohol and drugs (specifically marijuana), and roadside suspensions. One such suspension for marijuana occurred on March 30. While there were instances of alcohol consumption and possible impaired driving, they were intercepted before any accidents occurred. Additionally, there were several traffic violations and mental health-related calls, which are expected to increase as summer approaches and more people are out and about. Although there were suspicious persons calls, none escalated into serious incidents. A notable event was a protest on the previous day, April 1, regarding the carbon tax, though details were limited. An ongoing police action regarding uttering threats was noted, which occurred on March 28, along with harassing communications. Another reported incident involved online fraud, where individuals were scammed after investing money online, reported on March 31. Lastly, a bar fight was reported on the same day. It was mentioned that the week had been relatively slow in terms of incidents.
DID YOU KNOW The number 1 reason why people purchase a mobile phone is for safety.
HWY #3, Frank • 562-8043
You can pick up the Pass Herald at: On March 25, Crowsnest Pass RCMP requested the assistance of the public in identifying the owner of the vehicle pictured below. If you have any information please call Crowsnest Pass RCMP at 403562-2867 or submit an anonymous tip and www. crimestoppers.ca
The Simple Raven’s Post BY AVNER PERL
All that I Need is Provided I have food, materials for shelter, someone to keep me warm, safe and all other needs are covered. I am well fed and my diet changes according to my needs. Some years later I became bigger and able to move where I want, take things I want. I developed a taste and make choices. Now I have a family, even a tribe. There are friends, teachers, and all kinds of people offering professional help of all sorts. Where I am, I am protected by my group. We have food and we follow the example of others to survive. If the leader runs, we follow suit. All that I know comes into my awareness by light. When I shut my eyes, I hear but see nothing. I still have the sense of sound. I am not as safe as with light and visual, but much better than with touch alone. Sound travels distance while touch doesn’t. There is light in the day and dark at night. In the spring there are soft new plants while in the winter we need to work harder to get food, but we have what we need. The world we are in provides and we feel someone looking after our needs. The temperatures suit our needs. I and those like me feel safe when we are together. I look around me and feel that I am in a place humans call heaven. Somehow, a safe, comfortable place was created as if designed for me. Recently I was in my mother’s arms, later protected by my father’s strength, and now I am learning to be independent. I wander where I am and why. Am I here as food for someone bigger or I feed on others to keep the chain of life going? I don’t know.
Bellevue - Crockets Trading Company Blairmore - Pharmasave, IDA, IGA, The Pantry and the Circle K Coleman Remedy’s RX and Happy Mart
I am conscious and know that I am alive. Other creatures are smaller than I am, while others are bigger. We are all alive. Using old books, which is all we had in the old days, we built our imaginations. Some of us imagined elephants while others pictured tiny organisms. My mom told us kids about microorganisms that originated in her imagination. I never saw a microscope or a telescope in real life. Yet my mother told us kids about huge scary monsters that you could only see with those instruments of modern science. Most of us kids couldn’t focus on what we saw in the microscope or the tiny telescope. The kid sitting beside me was full of awe exclaiming, wow I am seeing a dinosaur and it just ate another smaller animal. The smaller was a girl by its looks. The years went by. Introduction to science took much imagination and little “real observation”. Over time, students all had a chance to try to use the instruments of science. Now if I need to see a large magnification of something, I just Google it. Over the period of life that I lived up to this day, “life” has changed a lot. Life included “world” “Universe” other nationalities, other religions and any living creatures that had consciousness. Easter is the most important part of the Christian faith which about half of humankind has some religious connection to. It was a woman who discovered it. The God in the story is a male related to the Son of the creator, but a feminine divinity related to the person resurrected. The theological explanation needs much explaining, yet if anyone cares to do the work. Now the idea of what is a treasure on Earth has drastically changed. Collector items are no longer cherished and memories are no longer anything but memories. Bone China and gold plated items don’t adorn expensive furniture that took months to carve. Gifts from God are now valued much more than gifts by humans. Even the gift of life is not as important anymore as it used to be. I thank the Lord for my life and vow to work hard to improve the lives of those around me as much as I can. My goal now is to improve the lives of those around me. They already paid. It is time for me to pay, happily. Enjoy your new life. Here is a link to my blog: https://thesimpleravenspost.blogspot.ca/ Feel free to check other articles and comment
4 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, April 3, 2024
NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMIT LAND USE BYLAW No. 1165-2023 The Development Authority of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass recently approved the following development application(s): •
DP2023-187 – 13037 21 Avenue, Blairmore (Lot 1618 Block 14 Plan 3319I) For a “Multi-Unit Residential Building” (discretionary use) with a 50% variance to the front yard setback, a 17% variance to the height and a variance from two storeys to three storeys, and a 2% variance to the parking stall dimension. • DP2024-009 – 1338 21 Avenue, Blairmore (Lot 11 &12 Block 7 Plan 3319I) For an existing “Single-Detached Dwelling” (permitted use) with a 30% variance to the front yard setback, a 48% variance to the secondary front yard setback and a 17% variance to the minimum floor area; and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Shed ‘A’ – 10.8m2) (permitted use); and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Shed ‘B’ – 7.18m2) (permitted use); and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Garage – 47.6m2) (permitted use) with a 57% variance to the west side yard setback and a 10% variance to the south rear yard setback; and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Greenhouse – 8.75m2) (permitted use) with a 87% variance to the east side yard setback. • DP2024-012 – 7909 28 Avenue, Coleman (Lot 1 Block 2 Plan 1355LK) For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Shed11.59m2) (permitted use) with a 100% variance to the side yard setback; and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Gazebo - 11.15m2) (permitted use) • DP2024-020 – 1805 129 Street, Blairmore (Lot 16 & 17 Block 24 Plan 2933AA) For an existing “Single-Detached Dwelling” (permitted use) DP1983-140 with a 54% variance to the front yard balcony projection; and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Shed – 7.4m2) with a 15% variance to the north side yard setback • DP2024-023 – 13421 21 Avenue, Blairmore (Lot 6-Pt. 7 Block 10 Plan 3319I) For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Shed – 5.76m2) with a 100% variance to the rear yard setback; and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Shed – 8.64m2); and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (leanto – 6.36m2) with an 87% variance to the east side yard setback and a 100% variance to the rear yard setback. • DP2024-026 – 8637 16 Avenue, Coleman (Lot N/A Block B Plan 2820IB) For an existing “Single Detached Dwelling” with an attached raised deck (105m² - constructed 1950) (discretionary use); For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2 secondary to an approved principal building” (71.51m² Barn constructed in 1930) (permitted use) with a 75% variance to the front yard setback and a 69% variance to the east side yard setback; and For a proposed “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2 secondary to an approved principal building”(53m² Garage) (permitted use) with a 74% variance to the front yard setback. •
DP2024-030 – 2814 90 Street, Coleman (Lot 11 Block N/A Plan 9511807) For an “Accessory Building over 95.2m 2 ” (156m² shop discretionary use) with a 41% variance to the height. • DP2024-039 – 2510 210 Street, Bellevue (Lot 5 Block 11 Plan 7134AI) For the demolition of an existing Single Detached Dwelling and for a proposed “Single-Detached Dwelling” with a ground level deck – (permitted use) • DP2024-041 – 7730 29 Avenue, Coleman (Lot 16 Block 3 Plan 1355LK) For an existing “Single Detached Dwelling” with an attached ground level deck (permitted use) with an 80% variance to the rear yard setback; and For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Shed9.3m2) (permitted use)
NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
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DP2024-042 – 7901 18 Avenue, Coleman (Lot 1 Block 17 Plan 820L) For an existing “Accessory Building up to 72.8m2” (Shed2.49m2) (permitted use) with a 48% variance to the east side yard setback. Any persons claiming to be adversely affected by the above discretionary development permits or variances may file an appeal by April 18, 2024, to SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT APPEAL BOARD (SDAB) through our Municipal online form or to the or the Land and PROPERTY RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, as may be applicable. Subdivision and Development Appeal Board: Online Form Submission: https://portal.laserfiche.ca/ o8468/forms/Development_Appeal Fee of $400.00 must be paid with the appeal (will be contacted for payment once the form is sent). Land and Property Rights Tribunal: 1229-91 Street SW, Edmonton AB T6X 1E9 Development Officer Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Phone: 403 562-8833 Email: development@crowsnestpass.com
NEW CONSTRUCTION NOTICE Notice for New Construction Builders and Owners
NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
The Municipality is now offering a Municipal Occupancy and Completion Certificate. This certificate will typically be used for new construction projects, but may also be necessary for additions, relocations, change of occupancy classification and commercial projects on a case-by-case basis. New construction owners or builder/developers can apply for the certificate by going to https://portal.laserfiche.ca/08468/forms/occupancy
BOARD VACANCIES • •
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Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Vacancy We are people who live and play in the CNP. We are the eyes and ears in the community regarding all things regarding the CNP’s Parks, Greenspaces and Recreation Facilities such as MDM Community Center and the Crowsnest Sports Complex. We advise community leaders on the priorities and direction of our parks, green spaces, and facilities. The Committee works to encourage citizen engagement. We listen to ideas on how to make the CNP a better place to live and play, research possibilities and advise CNP Municipal Council. Committee member terms are three years. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month. Pass Powderkeg Ski Society Board Vacancy The Pass Powderkeg Ski Society is a volunteer group dedicated to nurturing community spirit around our beloved ski hill. Our mission is to elevate the winter sports experience at Pass Powderkeg for both residents and visitors, and to increase accessibility of skiing & snowboarding. We champion the interests and needs of the ski community. We actively engage with the community to promote winter sports, increase participation, and gather feedback to improve the ski experience. We spearhead and support events and programs that foster a welcoming ski community, accessible to everyone. We provide strategic guidance on the development and operation of Pass Powderkeg. We’re looking for individuals who have a passion for winter sports and community development, and are willing to commit time and effort to the betterment of the Pass Powderkeg Community. Committee member terms are three years. Meetings are held monthly.
Once our safety codes team have confirmed that the owner or builder has completed: - Development Approval and Development Permit Conditions met - All applicable Safety Codes Permits and Approvals completed (ie: building, electrical, gas, plumbing, psds, solid fuel source) - Municipal utility accounts set up (water/sewer/garbage & taxes) - Correct Civic Address posted clearly The certificate will be issued via email to the applicant and kept on record in our office. Please note: if you apply for a Certificate of Occupancy and Completion before you move into your new property, there is no charge for this service. If you apply after you’ve moved in, there will be a $500.00 fee. We encourage you to do the paperwork before moving in! For more information, please call 403-562-8833 or visit www.crowsnestpass.com/Council/Bylaws/Bylaw 1179, 2024
NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
The Board and Committee Application Form are available at the Municipal Office or online at https://www.crowsnestpass.com/municipal-government/ boards-and-committees
8502 - 19 Avenue, Coleman Box 600, Crowsnest Pass, AB, T0K 0E0 ph: 403-562-8833 e: reception@crowsnestpass.com www.crowsnestpass.com
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 5
CCHS Student accepted into SHAD Program NICHOLAS L.M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter On March 25, 2024, the Livingstone Range School Division announced that Leah Neumeier will be attending the SHAD program. With a dream to one day work as an inpatient pharmacist, Neumeier is beginning her journey with SHAD Canada this summer. Currently in Grade 10 at Crowsnest Consolidated High School (CCHS) in Coleman, Neumeier will travel to a Canadian university for a month-long deep dive into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and entrepreneurship. “I heard about SHAD through a presentation in our CALM class then explored their website that night and found a bunch of videos,” said Neumeier about how she discovered this opportunity. Neumeier’s SHAD experience will be at the University of Manitoba, which was one of her top choices. During the program, she will live in residence with oth-
er students from across Canada, participating in hands-on learning, exploring the post-secondary world, and engaging with academic and entrepreneurial mentors. “We are very excited for Leah in regard to this exciting learning opportunity,” said Paul Pichurski, CCHS Principal, “CCHS students have participated in SHAD programming in each of the last three years; as a school, we are grateful that our students are able to access this programming to support them as they make decisions about their postsecondary and career journeys.” After a competitive application process, Neumeier’s acceptance to the program opens many academic and personal opportunities. “I am most interested in learning more about myself since I will be with completely new people,” said Neumeier, “I look forward to exploring what real-life STEM-oriented studies/jobs look like, and having an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and be across Canada without my family at a university campus for a whole month.”
Get ready for Spring at Copy Magic Despite the pending snow storm the Fashion Show at Copy Magic was a huge success on March 24th. Forty plus ladies enjoyed the newest fashions from Papa, French Dressing, Orange, Jolie, Pappillion and Creations/Variations modelled by six girls who made the event fun. Tea & goodies were served and the ladies had a chance to try on the Spring/Summer clothes. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to the Fall Affair.
Axe the Tax Protest
Protesters gathered on Monday, April 1, at the pull-out near Crowsnest Lakes. The event was organized by a group called the Nationwide Protest Against Carbon Tax. Protesters waved Canadian and Alberta Flags while holding “axe the tax” signs. RCMP officers were on scene to monitor the event. Facebook photo
6 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Herald Editorial LISA SYGUTEK The history of music in the Crowsnest Pass really is something to be celebrated. Last week you saw a list of winners from the Crowsnest Pass Music Festival. What an awesome opportunity for those to showcase their talents. I myself played in festivals throughout my life, both in piano, flute and with the Crowsnest Pass Symphony. I come from a long line of musical people. My grandmother Annie (Kubik) Sygutek sang and played the organ and accordion. My dad was an incredible singer and base player. My brother Ricky was a drummer. I started piano when I was in grade one and played right up until I graduated from high school. Both Madeline Pinkney and Beatrice Costigan were my teachers. If you know anything about music you would know that these two women were iconic in producing some of the best musicians in the world. I really wanted to play in the symphony so when I started Grade six I began flute lessons with Carolyn Habdas. She was from Las Vegas, no lie, and man alive could she teach. When I got to grade eight I showed up to join the symphony only to find that they already had too many flute players. I was devastated until they told me that they were in dire need of French Horn players. I was all in. I have a love-hate relationship with that instrument. I think they wanted me to play it because if you can play piano, you can pretty much pick up any instrument because you can read music. No one told me that the French Horn is the most difficult brass instrument to play. I learned it though and love the sound. It’s majestic and strong. I played in the symphony for five years. When I attended university I majored in English with a minor in music. Because I minored in music I was able to continue piano lessons and through the program was able to continue to play French Horn. I played in a brass quintet throughout my years at U of L. It was a magical time. My story is one of music. When I’m stressed I often end up at the piano playing my favourite songs. I’m a Debussy and Chopin fan and Clare de Lune is my favourite piece. I tried putting all the boys into piano, but they didn’t love it like I did. No one had to force me to practice; I practiced because I loved it. I took theory in my lunch hours with Mrs. Thornton who lived beside ISS because I loved it, not because my mom forced me. I have memories of playing piano at all the festivals, Mrs. Pinkney and Mrs. Costigan in the front row, looking like the two proudest women in the room. Before every festival, Buddy would come to my parent’s house and sit for hours listening to me play, giving me advice on how to interpret the music; how to make it mine. It was a tradition I loved more than I can put into words. The one thing I couldn’t do well is sing. When I sing it’s as if I’m killing cats. No lie, it’s truly horrible. In the summers during university I worked at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and Monica Field was my boss. She had a group called the Coal Dust Singers and she invited me to join. I really tried to explain to her that I couldn’t sing, but she is so sweet she didn’t quite believe me. The first practice I started singing and I’ll never forget how she sweetly said, “oh, Lisa, perhaps you should play the piano for us”. I smiled and said, “I told you so”. So for all you parents who have fostered the love of music with your kids, well done! It’s a beautiful gift to give your children, especially if they love it as much as I did. We have a history of incredible music in the valley, we have accomplished musicians, the likes of Kirk Muspratt, Music Director/Conductor New Philharmonic and Louise Costigan-Kerns who has performed internationally as a concert pianist, accompanist and conductor.
Herald “Letters to the Editor” Policy
Policy: The Pass Herald welcomes Letters to the Editor that examine issues, but reserves the right to edit for length, libel and syntax. Writers must sign letters and include first and last names, address and telephone number. Address and telephone numbers will not be published. Only in exceptional cases will the Pass Herald withhold the name of the writer and in those cases the writer must disclose his/her name, address and telephone number to the Editor. Electronic email will be considered an electronic signature. Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinion of the Pass Herald. Letters cannot exceed 600 words. We have limited space, but we do enjoy printing every article. So please, to allow everyone to express their opinion, keep the letters short and to the point. We do have the right to refuse any letter that in our judgement may contain libel or libelous opinions. Should a litigation result from your letter, you as the writer are responsible but so is this newspaper as the publisher.
of any political party, as I like to A reply to a Letter to keepI aman notopena member mind on the politics of the day. What I remember from his extremely long editorial letter is that he’s not so fond of Canadians being the Editor entitled to social programs such as Child Care, Dental
JOSEPHINE ARISTONE In regard to the letter to the Editor from Mr. Burgman, if I agreed with his Conservative ideology, I would agree with him 100%, as it is I disagree with him 100%.
Keeping Alberta invasive Mussel free REBECCA SCHULZ Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Zebra mussels are one of the world’s most invasive aquatic species. These fingernail-sized, freshwater invertebrates have a hardshell and look a bit like a clam. An infestation of zebra mussels can cause millions of dollars of damage, compromising water intakes, dams, water treatment plants and other infrastructure. Commonly spread by boats travelling across borders, zebra mussels pose a threat to Alberta. For nearly 10 years, Alberta’s inspection program has kept Alberta zebra mussel free by inspecting boats at international and provincial borders. Zebra mussels have been detected in Ontario, Que-
Care and Pharmacare and he likes lumping us in with Cuba and North Korea. No we are not a broken country, people all over the world have a great deal of admiration for Canada, and would very much love to live here and become a Canadian, if the opportunity arose. and the opportunity arose for over 375,000 immigrants last year.
bec, and Manitoba. Alarmingly, there has been an increase in the spread of zebra mussels in Manitoba and neighbouring Idaho. And recently, Parks Canada moved to restrict watercraft in Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park. In order to confront this growing threat, Alberta’s provincial budget increases the number of inspection stations, inspectors and expands the K-9 dog inspection team. Our government is also calling on the federal government to require the Canadian Border Services Agency to conduct mandatory inspections and decontaminations of all boats entering Canada from the United States. Alberta will also launch a new task force to examine further restrictions on transporting boats, increased fines, and other actions that can be taken to build a firewall between this invasive species and our lakes, rivers, and infrastructure. You can act too. Remember to clean, dry, and drain your watercraft, trailer, and gear and always stop at boat inspection stations, which have been mandatory in Alberta since 2015.
Bricks and Bouquets BOUQUETS To the Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill for an end of year celebration. Great way to end a season! Lisa Sygutek Owner/Publisher Tina Pedersen Advertising Nick Allen Community Reporter Devon Brady Community Reporter John Kinnear Feature Reporter Avner Perl Feature Writer
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Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 7
Nick’s Notes Fishing Excitement
As I eagerly await the arrival of warm weather while grappling with the persistent nerve pain from shingles, the mere thought of venturing out into the serene waters of any surrounding lake for a fishing expedition fills me with a profound sense of anticipation and excitement. Despite the discomfort that accompanies me, the prospect of spending time with a rod in my hand offers a glimmer of respite, a temporary escape from my ailment. This summer, I find myself eagerly looking forward to embarking on an adventure with my 10-foot Zodiac inflatable boat, freshly gifted to me by my father as he needed an upgrade. The Crowsnest Pass region holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, renowned for its rugged beauty and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains is Beaver Mines Lake. It beckons with its crystal-clear waters and pristine wilderness surroundings. For me, it represents more than just a fishing destination; it's a sanctuary, a place where I can immerse myself in the embrace of nature. Despite the challenges posed by my nerve pain, the thought of navigating my inflatable boat across the sparkling waters of Beaver Mines Lake ignites a sense of determination within me. I refuse to let my condition dampen my spirit or hinder my sense of adventure. Instead, I choose to embrace every opportunity to connect with the natural world and find peace among its beauty. As I prepare for my upcoming fishing trips, I need to gather all of my gear, including my electric motor from back at my dad’s place in Saskatchewan. It looks as if a trip to Primate is in my near future! With each passing day, my excitement continues to grow, fueled by the prospect of reconnecting with nature while lazily relaxing on the waves with fishing rod in hand. Despite the challenges posed by my condition, I remain steadfast in my determination to seize the moment and embrace the joys of outdoor adventure. For me, fishing isn't just a hobby – it's a way of life, a source of renewal and rejuvenation in the face of adversity. I especially look forward to our planned trip to northern Saskatchewan in August for fishing! I look forward to sharing my fishing adventures with all of you as the waters warm and the sun sits longer in the sky. If you can, I would love to hear any fishing tips, stories or hotspots if you are willing to share! I am still new to the area and trying to figure out where to go and what to use so any help is appreciated. Happy fishing!!
JOHNPUNDYK.COM
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8 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Crowsnest Curling Club’s Bunny Bonspiel ~ 75 years young
Nicholas L.M. Allen photos
Wednesday, April 3, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9
New development to use historical lumber NICHOLAS L.M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter A new five-plex development will be repurposing lumber from the Plunkett building in downtown Blairmore, with work on the property beginning to take place. Jesse Bond, a realtor at Real Estate Centre who will be selling the finished product, finds the historical aspect appealing for potential buyers and plans to complete listing contracts with details like square footage and pricing soon. “I think more, more companies should follow suit with this sort of thing,” said Bond. Jason Clifton, the current owner of the property, recommended speaking with the former owners to learn more about the history behind the building. In an interview on March 25, brothers Denis and Allan Marciel, former owners of the Plunkett & Savage building, shared insights into the history of the property and its transformation over the years. The building, bought by their father Americo around 1967, served various purposes throughout its existence, spanning over five decades until its sale two years ago to Clifton. Originally constructed as a schoolhouse in the late 1920s or early 1930s, the building underwent reconstruction after a fire in the 1930s, keeping its educational function. Denis and Allan recall the structure likely housed four to six classrooms during its time as a school before ceasing operations sometime in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Post-World War II, the building found a new purpose under the ownership of Plunkett & Savage, a fruit company. “It was bought by a company that was called Plunkett & Savage, and that’s why everyone called it the Plunkett Savage Building,” said Denis, the older of the two brothers. Aloysius Goodenough Plunkett was the Plunkett part of Plunkett & Savage according to the Lethbridge Historical Society. It was a wholesale fruit company that operated in southern Alberta during the first half of the 1900s. The company was later purchased by Dominion Fruit Company. It served as a staging area for transporting fruit from Creston to Alberta until the Marciel family got it in 1967, primarily using it for storage. Marciel’s main store was in the building now used by Copy Magic. “I was very young when Dad got it too, but I sort of remember that transition to a warehouse for building supplies and other materials,” said Allan. Reflecting on their experiences, Denis and Allan fondly recall their father’s passion for bird carving, which he pursued in the building’s later years. They also reminisced about youthful gatherings at the warehouse. One notable aspect of the building’s history was its use of reclaimed materials. Their father salvaged timber from a dismantled locomotive roundhouse at Summit Lake used by Canadian Pacific Railway, along with floor joists from a demolished school, repurposing them for construction on the building. They expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing repurposing efforts, particularly for the condominium project that aims to incorporate lumber from the original building. “I think it’s a great idea. I think it’s a great there’s lots of really neat lumber in there,” said Denis. The contractor in charge of gathering the material is Salvage Solutions Limited. They supply reclaimed building materials & décor for residential & commercial projects. Michael Gerrand, owner of Salvage Solutions, shared how he got into the line of work. “I used to travel all around Alberta watching these beautiful buildings, getting burnt and buried and I figured it didn’t seem right. We just started salvaging buildings one at a time and probably in the past 14 years we’ve done hundreds of buildings, reclaimed a lot of wood and diverted it from going to the landfill,” said Gerrand Speaking about the current project which started on March 8, he talked about the building’s sturdiness and the heavy equipment it would have been able to hold
inside. “It was built so sturdily, probably so they could accommodate a forklift or a machine inside. The floor structure is very rigid, with two by 10 joists. We’re ripping off the oak flooring right now and under that is another floor,” explained Gerrand. Gerrand added that if anyone’s interested in a piece of that history, they should contact him, and he will “set them up with some quality reclaim.” According to Gerrand, the salvage process should be completed next week. With the project underway, Denis and Allan said they eagerly await updates on the project’s progress. With the transformation of this historic landmark, residents can look forward to seeing its legacy preserved in the fabric of the community’s ongoing development.
Photo left: Aloysius Goodenough Plunkett of the Plunkett part of Plunkett & Savage. (photo from Glenbow archives) Photo top to bottom, right: Photos of deconstruction and salvage of materials at the Plunkett & Savage building by Salvage Solutions. (Salvage Solutions photos).
10 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, April 3. 2024
Better safety possible if province creates its own police service MDs and counties, however, are disappointed they weren’t consulted GEORGE LEE Local Journalism Initiative - Macloed Gazette Rural municipalities are “cautiously optimistic” that a provincial police service would enhance rural safety, a news item on their association website says. But members of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta are disappointed they weren’t consulted in the lead-up to the government’s first reading of Bill 11 on March 13, the association for 69 counties and municipal districts said. The RMA said loose ends remain about how a provincial police service would jive with the RCMP in Alberta’s countryside. The group singled out a lack of clarity on issues like collaboration, the development of community safety plans, the gathering of community input and the implementation of priorities. “If supported by proper governance and local input, enhanced police capacity is beneficial to rural communities,” says the RMA item, “but there are risks around having two different entities providing similar services within the same community.” Less enthusiastic is Alberta Municipalities, which speaks for municipalities other than MDs and counties – big cities down to summer villages. It says that the way Bill 11 came into being is symptomatic of a non-consultive approach. The province has “a tendency to avoid consultation and engagement,” says an ABmunis new release. “We ask that ABmunis be informed and consulted from this point onwards on this vitally important issue. Much greater collaboration between the two orders of government is needed.” The organization supports efforts to make life safer and more secure for Albertans, the release says. But it needs to know more about things like costs, governance and any new policing agency’s mandate. Opposition Leader Rachel Notley, meanwhile, slammed the UCP government for pursuing what she calls an expensive and unpopular provincial agency. “Another day, another broken promise,” Notley said March 14, reacting to the successful first reading the day before of the Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 “Before the election, the premier promised she would not pursue a provincial police force. During the election, the premier promised she wouldn’t pursue a provincial police force. After the election, the premier promised she would not pursue a provincial police force,” said Notley, the member for Edmonton-Strathcona. “Yet, Mr. Speaker, yesterday the premier’s government tabled legislation to – wait for it – pursue a provincial police force.” Premier Danielle Smith maintained that the opposition has got it all wrong. The bill is about complementing existing police services and giving Alberta’s sheriffs arms-length governance and civilian oversight, she said. “We want to govern and regulate them in exactly the same way as the Calgary Police Service, the Edmonton Police Service, the RCMP, with that kind of oversight,”
said Smith, the member for Brooks-Medicine Hat. “That is going to augment safety. It’s going to augment our services.” The premier maintained that issues addressed in the bill are ones her party ran on, and she accused the NDP of wanting to defund police. “On this side of the chamber we want to give enhanced coverage for the police and enhanced coverage for policing in communities, and that is exactly what we’ve done,” said Smith. Irfan Sabir, the official opposition’s deputy house leader, said municipalities, unions and Albertans don’t want a new police service. “So why has this government broken its promise and introduced an Alberta police force which no one is asking for?” he said. The UCP is “ignoring the will of the people and introducing another pet project of the Premier,” said Sabir, the member for Calgary-Bhullar-McCall. Deputy Premier Mike Ellis said the NDP is out of touch. “I can tell you that policing comes up all the time. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about large cities, mid-size municipalities, RMA: they sit there and say that we need law enforcement. That’s why we have unprecedented support.” Ellis, the member for Calgary-West, added: “I suggest the members opposite try to disconnect themselves in some way from the unions and actually speak to the boots on the ground. When you talk to the actual sheriffs, when you talk to the people in the community, I can tell you that they want police.” Ellis, who is also the minister of public safety and emergency services, continued: “I, quite frankly, don’t care what the uniform is. When somebody calls 9-1-1, we’re going to make sure an officer shows up, regardless of what the members opposite say.” According to the website Keep Alberta RCMP, transitioning to a policing model with no RCMP contracts would cost Alberta $371.5 million. Total ongoing annual costs would rise from $595 million shared by the province, municipalities and Ottawa to $759 million shared by only the province and municipalities, says the site. Keep Alberta RCMP is a campaign run by the National Police Federation, the union for about 20,000 RCMP members. Based on earlier policing ideas floated by the government, the site estimates the total number of actual police officers and staff in Alberta would drop slightly to under 5,000. The Court and Prisoner Service was renamed Alberta Sheriffs in the early 2000s and expanded into a new area of service called Sheriff Traffic Operations, the forerunner of today’s Sheriff Highway Patrol, press secretary Aurthur Green of the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services told the Local Journalism Initiative in an emailed statement. Alberta Sheriffs are responsible for courthouse security and prisoner transport, traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement on provincial highways, and conservation law enforcement for Fish and Wildlife Services. Sheriffs also provide personal protection for senior provincial government officials, as well as security at the legislature and other provincial facilities, Green said. One way rural Albertans benefit is through surveillance of criminal targets provided by the Sheriff Investigative Support Unit. SISU does the work in support of the RCMP and Alberta Law Enforcement Teams, or ALERT. Also under the sheriff umbrella is the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit. SCAN, as it’s called, uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners responsible for illegal activities on their properties. And another function of the sheriffs is the Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team, or FASST, which helps police services find and arrest wanted criminals. About 1,160 positions make up the Alberta Sheriffs, and about 1,000 of those are peace officers, Green said. Alberta’s contract with the RCMP continues until 2032, “so what’s the rush?” Notley asked the premier in the legislature. “Why bring this bill forward if you have no intention of creating the police force, and why create a police force that nobody wants?”
Crowsnest Cruisers Stakeholders Information Day
Nick Allen photos
Crowsnest Cruisers held an assisted transportation project Crowsnest Pass Stakeholders information session on March 27 at Elks Hall in Blairmore.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 11
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Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 13
Nature is Magic Scientifically Speaking Leanne Marie Cameron Wirch
(originally published by the Western Parent April 1998)
Spring into Summer with an A-Z Treasure Hunt ~ Part I Spring is a perfect time to enjoy the beauty of fresh beginnings and to explore the awakenings of nature with your children. The next four articles will be an A-Z TREASURE HUNT which will likely take you and your children into summer and hopefully provide you with some opportunities to enjoy interactions with nature along the way. So take some Spring time to try some of the activities, explore some of the questions, share some of the information, and make your own discoveries. You and your children may want to choose several letters per walk; or you may want to try to complete as many letters as you can in one trip; or you may even decide to create your own A-Z list before you go. Which ever way you decide, the most important thing to remember is that in order to encourage respect for the natural environment, the things listed should be found but NOT collected. However, this activity provides you with a perfect opportunity for you and your child to sketch your favourite natural objects or take photos of your finds. You will need: magnifying glass, sketch book, pencil/pencil crayons or camera
Caterpillars are easy to find if you know what clues to follow. Look for holes in leaves, or half-eaten leaves on trees such as willow, poplar, or birch. Then search the nearby leaves and branches or look on the ground below.
Evidence that moth larvae called aspen leaf miners were here
Anemones (prairie), also known as Prairie Crocuses or Pasqueflowers, are one of the first wildflowers of spring. Look for them on prairie fields, open forests, and south facing slopes. What does the shape of the flower remind you of? How many different colours or shades can you find? Examine the caterpillars to see if you can discover traits that may help them elude their predators. For example, the White Admiral caterpillar looks like a bird turd; the Mourning Cloak caterpillar, a dark purple caterpillar with red spots, has fierce looking spines all over its back; and the inchworm or Geomedrid caterpillar looks like a dead twig as it inches its way along. Other things to discover: like any insect, can you identify its 3 body parts (head, thorax, and abdomen)? Look for a group of 6 tiny eyes on each side of its head. Try to spot the pair of tiny antennae below these eyes. Find its chewing mouthparts or mandibles. How many legs can you count? Can you tell which are true legs and which are false? (Caution: some hairy caterpillars can cause skin irritation and some of the large caterpillars may nip your skin.) Dandelion comes from the French phrase “dent de lion” which means “tooth of a lion.” From which part of the plant did it get its name? Look at the dandelion’s jagged leaves. How does the way they spread across the ground help them survive? Carefully break off the stem and look inside. How does its hollowness protect it from wind and animals?
Bird watching is best done in Spring because not only have many birds returned from migration, the trees are still bare enough to easily spot them. Birds sing to proclaim their territories, attract potential mates, or call to warn each other when they are alarmed. See how many different species you can find by listening. Songs/sounds you may hear include: “cheer-up, cheer-up” - American robin; “o-ka-ree-a” - redwinged blackbird; “caw-caw” - American crow; “gronk” - common raven; “honk, honk” - Canada goose; “awk, awk” - red-breasted nuthatch; “rat-a-tat-tat” - pileated woodpecker and northern flicker; “raaaaa!” - blue jay; “shack!-shack! shack! shack!” - Stellar’s jay or “keeeeer” - red-tailed hawk soaring overhead.
Find a dandelion that has gone to seed. Did you know that a dandelion can produce up to 180 seeds? Examine one seed carefully. Look for the tiny hooks that help it anchor itself to grow. Although many gardeners consider the dandelion a weed, many birds such as pine siskins eat its seeds and many insects drink its nectar. Look around for an insect that does. Dandelion flowers are also an important food source for bears in early spring and summer as they are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
After you’ve heard the song/sound, see if you can identify the singer. Can you tell if it is the male or female of the species? (Why do you suppose that often the brightly coloured birds are the males and the duller coloured ones are the females?) You may want to take note of the bird’s size, colour, song/call, and special features.
A cheerful trill and many “tsicks” alerted us to the March 16th arrival of a huge flock of dark-eyed juncos that were feeding beneath the conifers in our yard.
Examine next month’s issues for the continuation of the A-Z treasure hunt!
Leanne Wirch Bio I have often looked to the natural world as an inspiration and a teacher. From exploring the creek and fields on the farm where I grew up, to my many roles as an educator (naturalist, elementary school teacher, and museum educator), experiencing and sharing the magic of nature has been a vital part of my life. Leanne Wirch is a retired teacher and museum educator who now resides in the awe-inspiring Crowsnest Pass with her wonderful husband and two adventurous cats.
14 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, April 3, 2024
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Darleen Gettman PO Box 355 Coleman, AB T0K 0M0
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
EMPLOYMENT
INVASIVE SPECIES FIELD ASSISTANT - SEASONAL CLOSES APRIL 21ST, 2024 Full-time seasonal work early May thru August. Possibility of additional work, for those available, through to end of November. Ideally (weather permitting) work week is Monday to Friday, 8-10 hrs/day. Applicants must be available to work some weekends and holidays, and to travel outside of the Crowsnest Pass when required. Wages $18$22/hr. determined by qualifications and prior experience. Applicants must be able to work outdoors for extended periods of time, carry a backpack weighing up to 20 lbs. when required; have a strong safety mindset; be self motivated; have a positive attitude; able to work in a team environment without direct supervision; be flexible with changing job conditions/weather; participate in all training as required; possess a valid class 5 license and provide a current driver’s abstract. Applicants must be able to use electronics (laptops, tablets, iPhones). Applicants must provide CSA approved work boots, reflective safety vest and a hardhat. Prior experience is an asset but not a requirement. Some training available. Consider joining us!
To send resumes and cover letter, or to request additional information and the full job description email lonsburyapps@hotmail.com or call 403.582.1141
well as other collaborators, to accelerate the development of key technologies that will ensure Albertans can rely on a clean water supply today and for generations to come,” said Fayek. Alberta Innovates has provided funding for projects in five streams: clean technologies, digital clean energy, environmental technologies, partial upgrading and recovery technology. Visit albertainnovates.ca/funding/water-innovation-program for more information.
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Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 15
Fire Department and RCMP Host Student Field Trip
Nicholas L. M. Allen photos
Elementary students from ISS visited the Fire Department, RCMP Detachment and the Libary on Wednesday, March 27. Pictured here at the RCMP detachment.
Crowsnest Pass Community Spotlight
restaurant is not only a place to savor delicious dishes but also a gathering spot for the community. As warmer weather approaches, Doublemore will be opening its unique patio for guests to enjoy its vibe while sipping on a cocktail or enjoying some great food! When I asked executive chef Drew what his favorite aspect of the Crowsnest Pass was, he fondly reflected on the small-town feel and the willingness for everyone to help each other out. For him, it’s not just about serving delicious food - it’s about fostering connections and being a part of something special. Mark your calendars for a special Canada Day Celebration at Doublemore! This restaurant will be hosting a pancake breakfast as the parade passes by, inviting everyone to come together and enjoy the festivities. Don’t forget to stay tuned for next week’s Community Spotlight. You can find them on my Instagram and Facebook. See you around the community!
Today’s Spotlight - Doublemore Welcome back to another week of the Crowsnest Pass Community Spotlight! This week, we shine the spotlight on Doublemore Restaurant, a new culinary gem nestled in Coleman, Alberta. Since opening its doors in October 2023, Doublemore has been redefining the dining experience in our community. Doublemore sets itself apart by offering “a more than casual dining experience”. Owner and executive chef, Drew Double, saw an opportunity to fill a niche in the Crowsnest Pass dining scene by providing a classy atmosphere and devine food paired with reasonable prices. The restaurant boasts a dynamic menu that is constantly evolving, ensuring that guests are treated to a fresh culinary experience with each visit. Drew Double brings a wealth of culinary expertise to his restaurant Doublemore through years of experience in renowned tourist destinations and restaurants. His journey began at the Kananaskis Delta Lodge before making his mark in Calgary, where he served as a chef at vintage chophouse and imparted his culinary wisdom as an instructor at the Blue Flame Kitchen. Now, Drew has brought his passion for food to the Crowsnest Pass. Fulfilling his dream of owning a restaurant and sharing his creations with the community. With the closing of another dining establishment, Doublemore saw an opportunity to fill the void and provide locals and visitors with a culinary haven. The
Facebook: Tawny Davidson EXP Realty lnstagram: tawnydavidsonexp
Community Events Listing Sponsored by: Event
Date
Time
Place
Cardboard Engineering
April 4
2:00 - 4:00 pm
CNP Library
BRAT Pack
Apri 9
10:00 - 11:30 am
CNP Library
CNP Community Market
April 18
3:00 - 7:00 pm
Elks Hall
Basic Drawing
April 8, 25 & May 2
7:00 - 9:00 pm
CNP Art Gallery
Kananaskis Pro Rodeo
April 26-28
Various Times
Coleman Complex
Contact The Pass Herald if your non-profit organization would like an event listed
passheraldads@gmail.com
16 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, April 3, 2023
Looking Back BY JOHN KINNEAR
When Day Turns to Night “With a finger on your lips, Watch the solar eclipse.” Oh my goodness, there has been quite the hoopla going on, as of late, with regards to the impending concealment of Sol. The time of its occultation by la bella Luna is drawing nigh and there has been much hand wringing and media coverage about it all. Perhaps a glance backwards in time, as I am want to do, is in order here. Sort of put a bit of perspective on things. Before I do that, try and imagine yourself, just for a moment, being way back in time and living in a somewhat primitive culture that takes its celestial bodies pretty seriously. Most civilizations did, by the way, back then. Then, contemplate what it must have been like to watch the sun disappear, the skies go dark mid-day and the birds go quiet. It would have been terrifying. These are the moments that legends and some religious dogma were built around in many early cultures. I searched around in Google and Wikipedia a bit on the subject and came up with some pretty interesting folklore, myths and superstitions. The Chippewa, who are an Anishinaabe people, were driven by fear of the Sun’s disappearance to shoot flaming arrows into the sky to try and rekindle the Sun. Certain tribes in Peru apparently did the same thing but it was, in their case, with the hope that they could scare off the beast attacking the sun. In many cultures the spectre of a consuming beast attacking the sun during an eclipse can be found. In China, Mongolia and Siberia it is beheaded mythical characters that chase and consume the Sun and Moon and thus there is the eclipses. The East Indian belief is similar but somewhat more sophisticated and involves the demon spirit Rahu. Rahu steals and consumes the nectar of immortality but he is beheaded before he can swallow it. It was the Sun and Moon that warned the gods as to his theft so Rahu takes revenge on them. When he swallows an orb it is an eclipse, but because he has no body the orb returns into view. Also in India many believe that a dragon is trying to seize both orbs during an eclipse, so they immerse themselves in rivers up to their necks. There they stand and implore the Sun and the Moon to defend them against the dragon. In Transylvanian folklore, it is believed an eclipse happens because an angry Sun turns away and covers herself with darkness in response to men’s bad behaviour. Well, from what I have read about Transylvania aka. vampires and such, I can understand why. There is a romantic aspect in some cultures with regard to the eclipse. A case in point is the Australian Aborigines. To them the Sun was seen as a woman who carries a torch and the Moon, by contrast, is regarded as male. Because of the association of the lunar cycle with the female menstrual cycle the Moon was linked to fertility. So a solar eclipse is interpreted as the Moon-man uniting with the Sun-woman. In several cultures this female Sun and male Moon identification can be found. The West Africans of Benin (never even knew this country existed) have the gender roles of the Sun and Moon switched around and they suggest that the orbs are very busy, but when they do get together, they turn off the light for privacy! As far as superstitions go, many ancient people worried that an eclipse caused pregnancy issues like blindness, cleft lips and birthmarks. The misconception that the solar eclipse can be a danger to pregnant women and their unborn children still persists in many cultures and young children and pregnant women are asked to stay indoors during an eclipse. Some of these baby superstitions go back as far as the Aztecs who believed that a celestial beast was biting the sun and the same thing could happen to a pregnant mother if she watched the eclipse. People recorded the motions, positions and appearance of the Sun and the Moon
all around the world, long before telescopes. The Aztecs and Babylonians were obsessive enough about it that they could make astoundingly accurate observations. This ultimately gave the priests the power of prediction. Getting back to other cultures, in Inuit folklore, the Sun goddess Malina walked away after a fight with the Moon god Anningan and a solar eclipse happened when Anningan managed to catch up to his sister. I think my favourite legend is how the Batammaliba people, who live in Benin and nearby Togo, use the eclipse as a teaching moment. According to their legends the Sun’s eclipse means the Sun and the Moon were fighting and that the only way to stop them from hurting each other was for people on Earth to resolve all conflicts with each other. A John Lennon wish. “Give Peace a Chance”! Not everything is gloom and doom though. In Italy it is believed that flowers planted during a solar event are brighter and more colourful than those planted at any other time of the year. Of course most of the claims about the eclipse have been debunked by astronomers and scientists around the world. But there is one point that they are all quick to emphasize and that is that anyone watching a solar eclipse MUST protect their eyes properly. It goes like this. The retina may translate light into an electrical impulse that the brain understands, but one thing it can’t translate to your brain is pain. So even if you’re excited about the eclipse and think one brief glimpse at the sun before it completely hides behind the moon is worth it - it’s not. There’s no internal trigger that is going to let you know that you’ve looked at the sun for too long. Any amount of looking at it is too long. Even the smallest amount of exposure can cause blurry vision or temporary blindness. The problem is, you won’t know whether it’s temporary. The narrow path of totality (full covering of the sun) runs through the south half of Newfoundland, just misses Nova Scotia, through the middle of New Brunswick and along the very south east sides of Ontario and Quebec. Here in Alberta the sun is only partially occulted because the further away you get from the path of totality the smaller the occultation is. The website- eclipse2024.org lists just about every community in Alberta and as an example, in Coleman it will start at 11:45:15 MDT. The first bite out of the sun will appear at the 5 o’clock position and at 12:41:03 MDT the maximum amount of the disk will be covered, about 39%. There is so much information out there it boggles the mind. They have pegged the exact start and duration of the eclipse for cities all the way from Gander to Hamilton on one particular website. It has come to my attention that a former resident of the Crowsnest Pass is travelling to Sherbrooke, Quebec to meet with family to experience this rare moment. There the eclipse will start at exactly 3:27 p.m. Eastern Standard and last 3 minutes 26 seconds, the longest eclipse of any of the Canadian cities along the totality route. It is one thing to watch the sun disappear on TV or on your devices on sites like the NASA live on-line coverage but it’s another to stand and safely look up at that moment in time. The time when the Sun hides behind the moon and a shadow rolls across the landscape you are standing on. That has to be magical. The news the last few days has been rife with stories about emergency preparations ahead of the event. The Americans have been planning in earnest for some time now, to be prepared for the huge impact this eclipse has on its roadways. Here in Canada the Niagara Region has proactively declared a state of emergency out of caution ahead of the eclipse. The Niagara Falls mayor says they expect up to a million people for the event. This in a place that has 14 million visits over the course of an entire year. One research site, the Tory Trauma Research Program, has statistics on highway accidents and fatalities during the 2017 eclipse in the US and it was stunning to learn how many there were. In the 2017 event 1,878 individuals were in accidents, 741 of which were in fatal crashes over the three-day eclipse exposure interval. That’s 10 people per hour! Increased traffic, travel on unfamiliar routes, speeding to arrive on time, driver distraction by a celestial event, drug-or-alcohol impairment from related celebrations or eclipse viewing from unsafe road locations. So many ways it can get deadly. So remember to be properly equipped visually if you decide to watch the moment the Moon blocks off the Sun. Even the darkest sunglasses are not sufficient protection. The two planets align for about 3 minutes, about the length of the song of Lennon’s plea. Sing it as it happens.
Photos left to right: What we may see if the weather holds - photo John Kinnear Zone of Totality - photo John Kinnear The magic of their paths crossing - photo credit Port Colborne