By Mayor Ute Juras

Village of Canal Flats 

This month I would start my report out with a positive story of triumph and celebration.

I am, of course talking about the EKC Zamboni Challenge. The East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKC) partnered with the Kootenay ICE and the City of Cranbrook to find the most skilled Zamboni driver in the East Kootenay. This challenge was a combination of speed and accuracy having the drivers go through an obstacle course at the fastest time possible.

Our own arena manager, Mathieu Fournier (pictured above and below), who had consistently posted the fastest time throughout the competition qualified as one of the finalists. He would compete against Cranbrook’s driver Roy Sargent during the Kootenay ICE game on March 13.

It was a spectacular event! Mathieu was supported by almost 100 residents from Canal Flats who cheered him on loudly and proudly. In addition, Mathieu’s son’s hockey team made posters for him, which they waved throughout the entire competition.

After a nail-biting race during the first intermission, Mathieu was victorious! He posted the fastest time without any penalties. In addition, he raised over $1,200 for the Canal Flats Youth Group to build a pump track.

On a personal note, thanks to Mathieu I will not have to march in the Sam Steele Parade wearing the Kootenay ICE jersey, but instead, Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt will be joining us at the Canal Days Parade wearing the Canal Flats Canadiens jersey.

WAY TO GO, MATHIEU! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

In other news, council recently adopted the Road Frontage Tax Bylaw. This bylaw will allow the village to calculate transportation expenses (i.e. snow removal) based on foot frontage rather than assessment. There will be no impact on the average assessed home; however, some of the vacant lots will see an increase while some of the higher assessed homes will see a decrease in their taxes.

Speaking of taxes; council has been working very hard on the budget. The announcement by Canfor was always in the back of our minds as we looked at the numbers. As a result we were able to come up with a budget that saw NO increase from last year! The Bylaw for the five-year financial plan will be adopted prior to May 15.

April is shaping up to be a busy month. Council was in Invermere on April 2 for the CBT Community Initiatives Grants.

We are also planning an Open House for the Branding on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. There is still time to complete the survey online by going to our website and follow the link. There will also be a Planning Open House set for this month. Keep an eye on the Newsletter for that date.

Lastly, I will be attending the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Government (AKBLG) Annual Conference in Nakusp the week of April 20.

That’s it for this month. Enjoy the warming temperatures and stay safe J

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions/concerns (Phone: 250-489-9070, E-mail: [email protected])

Photos by East Kootenay Community Credit Union – EKC

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