News from June 12 to 18, 2010

Cody Caves faces crunch

This year, the caves are facing a permanent closure as the current operator, Kevin Stanway, lost money last year due to the new fee structure which BC Parks instated last summer.  Stanway also blames the lack of upkeep on the rural road leading up to the caves as a major deterrent for tourists visiting the site.  The Ministry of Environment states that the fee structure is not changeable and that they will be looking into other more price-competitive contracting options.

Work gets underway on CP station renovation

As can be seen from the offices of the Baker Street KCDS location, work on the CP railway station began last week.  The Nelson District Chamber of Commerce recently got the big ok from the federal government’s Heritage Canada office for the 5.6 million dollar project.  So far fence barricades have been put up and roof-striping has begun.  Heritage Canada plans to completely renovate the station over the next few years.  A few kinks still have to be worked out, but the full renovation should start up within two week’s time.  The station will house a tourist information centre and CP Rail offices within half of its structure.

Demolition Day

The Tenth Street Campus residences of Selkirk College are in the demolition stage or reparation.  Wildstone Contracting, based out of Penticton BC hold the construction contract.

Local wildfire danger low after heavy rains

Fortunately for our beautiful forests and wildlife, but unfortunately for seasonal firefighting individuals awaiting warmer and drier weather, the wildfire threat remains at a low level.

Whitewater Master Plan approved

The new ski resort development plan has gone through its initial stage of approval by the province.  The original $90 million real estate plan has been scaled back to $50 million as expensive real estate properties are not selling.  The project intends to instead direct sales at middle-income people.  Two new chair lifts have been approved, with the construction of the first, Backsides One, possibly starting up later this summer.  On the environmental side of things, the approved agreement includes the Qua Basin within the resort’s Controlled Recreation Area.  This region is sensitive due its mountain caribou residents.

Kutenai’s Finest Personal Training

This facility has expanded at is 182 Baker Street location and is currently seeking practitioners, trainers and instructors.

Looking beyond the taxpayer

The Nelson District Community Complex is out of funds and seeking financial support rooted outside of the tax-payer realm.  Since the major upgrades in 2005, the entire financial reserves were spent.  NDCC has contracted ”Goalie Productions”, a national advertising company, to install advertising placements within the recreation centre.  NDCC Manager, Bernie Van Hooft hopes that the advertising program will generate $100 000 for the capital reserves within the first year.  Upon the newly purchased closed-circuit TV system within NDCC, sponsorship will take up 30 percent of the content.  A new electronic events sign will soon decorate the wall of the aquatic centre, promoting local events.

New concept unveiled

The Kootenay Lake Outdoor Skate Park Society recently received an official skateboard park design drawing.  The proposed facility would reside on the currently grassed area on the perimeter of the NDCC parking lot.  The design is for a street skate park, and once approved by the recreation commission, all funds would have to be raised via community involvement.

New restaurant and lounge

As of June 10th, the Prestige Lakeside Resort is home for Ric’s Lounge and Grill, an addition to the chain that has 21 restaurants in BC and Alberta including Kelowna.  Mindy Fair, who was born and raised in Nelson, will be the General Manager.   Jeromie Strom, Corporate Executive Chef, who also has roots in Nelson will be here for the summer from Kelowna to pass on the culinary menu.

Kootenay News is a regular feature of Kootenay Career Development Society.