Interviews

Spray Lakes Road safer says Alberta Transportation

Following a safety review conducted last year, Alberta Transportation is confident the appropriate measures are now in place to reduce the risk of accidents and collisions on Spray Lakes Road.

On Dec. 30, 2010, three people died when the driver of an SUV lost control of a vehicle that rolled into Goat Pond, which is on the “unimproved” section of Spray Lakes Road.

The tragic accident triggered a full review of the road to address concerns regarding its safety and suggested improvements to reduce collisions. Since then, signage improvements and barriers along some sections of the road have been installed. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

Mount Assiniboine Lodge restoration project part of Rockies history

The Naiset Huts at Mount Assiniboine Lodge in British Columbia

A ride in a helicopter is an occasion for celebration, but a ride in a helicopter flying to Mount Assiniboine Lodge is one that soars into the history of the Canadian Rockies.

A 20-minute chopper ride from Canmore casually floats you over endless mountaintops akin to waves gently approaching the surf. Mount Assiniboine is an easily recognizable place. It’s picturesque landscape, with clear blue waters from Lake Magog and Matterhorn-resembling peak, make it one of the jewels of the area known as the Great Divide along the Alberta/British Columbia border.

Escaping the grasp of the closely-knit pack of mountains, travellers circle a valley adjacent to Canada’s “Matterhorn” where little red rooftop cabins are scattered throughout the area leading up to Mount Assiniboine Lodge. The light brown-coloured logs that make up the building’s exterior shine with newness in the morning light. However, it’s not the building, the scenery, nor the fresh mountain air you can see your breath in after exiting the helicopter that makes this place so special. Read the full piece at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

MLA Ron Casey backs Premier Redford on re-engaging Albertans

Less than four months has elapsed since the Alison Redford-led provincial Conservatives regained a majority government in Albert’s legislature, but Banff-Cochrane MLA Ron Casey is confident the party’s leader is moving the province in the right direction.

The former Canmore mayor and rookie MLA said he has adapted to his new role as chair of the rural caucus within the party and his experiences as both mayor and town councillor provided the necessary experience. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

35th annual Canmore folk fest a success

For three days last week, the Town of Canmore was transformed into a hub of artistic creativity.

Musicians performed numbers ranging in styles from old Hawaiian cowboy songs to modern folk and blues. Vendors sold handcrafted merchandise and spread awareness about volunteering in impoverished countries. Food trucks supplied a wide variety of taste for any palette from Greek to Mexican, and thousands of people enjoyed every minute of it.

The 35th annual Canmore Folk Festival officially ended Monday evening (Aug. 6) at Centennial Park, but it wasn’t before both residents and visitors soaked up the perfect amount of sunshine, folk tunes and organic bug spray in what can only be described as another successful year for the festival. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

Victims of climbing accident east of Canmore identified

The two victims of last Sunday’s (July 29) tragic climbing accident in the Heart Creek area have been identified, but police and Alberta Parks are still unsure about what caused the pair to fall almost 100 metres to their deaths.

Calgarians Ranjit Sidhu, 31, and Jane Vuong, 25, were rappelling down the sport climbing route called Sciatica, which is a 5.10d six-pitch route in the Heart Creek area about 15 kilometers east of Canmore.

According to emergency crews and public safety, the climbers were using a simultaneous rappelling, or “simul-rappelling,” technique when something went wrong, resulting in both of them falling. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

Lisa de Soto named new CAO for Town of Canmore

Canmore council revealed the last piece of its municipal government puzzle at a special meeting, Thursday (July 26) when it appointed Lisa de Soto as the new permanent chief administrative officer following a rigorous search that involved about 57 applicants.

De Soto accepted the role after eight months’ experience as interim CAO, which proved to be one of her assets when reviewed by both council and Legacy Executive Search, the consulting company hired to assist the town. Don Kochan left the position last November. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

Wounded soldiers to climb mountain near Everest in the fall

For wounded Canadian soldier Dave Macdonald, events over the next four months may be the proudest of his life.

Having arrived in Canmore on July 15, Macdonald is part of a 14-person team of retired and reserve Canadian Forces members participating in a training program that will eventually see them tackle the 6,189-metre summit of Island Peak near Mount Everest in Nepal.

“I wanted the opportunity to be part of this team and be able to tell my story,” Macdonald said at a press conference for the training mission held at Silvertip Golf Course last Wednesday (July 18). Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

New Canmore mayor set to tackle local issues, improve communication with residents

Since being elected last month, new Canmore mayor John Borrowman has met with Premier Redford, presided over two town council meetings and insists hearing concerns from individual constituents will be a priority throughout his term.

In the June 19 byelection, Borrowman defeated candidates Pam Hilstad and Ed Russell with 1,461 of the 3,024 votes cast. With nearly 40 years of combined experience as a volunteer, local business owner and town councillor, the new mayor is prepared for the role he’s expected to fill. Read the full story at the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

Forward Mark Letestu looks back on season with Pens, Blue Jackets

photo by Jason Mowry/Columbus Wired

Despite sitting last in the National Hockey League with only 25 wins, Elk Point product and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mark Letestu can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Playing in the central division among heavyweights St. Louis, Detroit, Nashville and Chicago, the Jackets struggled throughout the year, but have managed a few wins here and there, like last week against the Red Wings. Read the full story at the St. Paul Journal.