2007: ‘Green Machine

2007: ‘Green Machine

Remember When? (February 6)

A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 50 years.

5 years ago (2008): Two men took an unpaid dip in the Radium Hot Springs. After being repeatedly asked to leave, the men were informed that the RCMP had been contacted, at which point the swimmers directed obscenities towards Parks employees and sped off in a truck. While the RCMP had a description of the vehicle, it wasn’t necessary as the swimmers were pulled over for driving erratically. Police pieced the crimes together and charged the suspects with Assault by Tresspass and released them under conditions banning them from Radium Hot Springs until court. The driver was charged with Refusal to Provide a Breath Demand.

10 years ago (2003): The DOI finalized a deal with the province to purchase a courthouse building. The purchase “Pave[s] the way for us to lease it back to the Ministry of Attorney General for circuit court,” Chief Administrative Office Robert Earl said.

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After 13 years, the Jumbo Glacier Resort had been given a deadline of December 31, 2003 to complete the application for its massive project.

20 years ago (1993): During the Regional Directors monthly meeting, representatives from Canal Flats asked the province for free Crown land north of Crestbrook’s sawmill.Canal Flats hoped to use the land for a cemetery.

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It was announced that Windermere residents would be taken to referendum to approve or disapprove a $430,000 upgrade to the community’s volunteer fire department. The BC Fire Commissioners Office in Cranbrook reported the year prior that improvements were essential to maintain adequate service. The proposal would see $200,000 spent on upgrading the hall and $180,000 on a quick response vehicle and a new water tanker.

25 years ago (1988): It was announced that accident-free drivers would be paying 22 per cent more in car insurance that year; 1988 was expected to be the costliest year ever for the Autoplan.

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Eight Olympic teams from around the world practised at Panorama prior to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

35 years ago (1978): A message to those cheating Unemployment Insurance: What a shame. He thought it was some sort of a game to claim a little more Unemployment Insurance than the law allowed. Now he’s in trouble. He didn’t report earning and work while getting UI. “I mean, it was only  a few bucks. You’ve got millions,” the perpetrator said. We don’t have any money. It all belongs to the people of Canada. And when you deliberately claim more than you’re allowed by law, you’re stealing from your neighbours, fellow employees, employers and the Government of Canada. We don’t like to prosecute. We’d rather avoid that painful process by telling people that if they cheat, they’ll probably be caught.

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Pierre Elliot Trudeau met with the Kootenay riding’s Liberal candidate Joe Conroy. Trudeau said provinces should be consulted before being “bandied about in international energy deals.” He said he would also like to see Parks Administration relocate from Calgary closer to the parks themselves.

40 years ago (1973): There was a large turnout at the Barrel Stave Races at Fairmont Mountain the previous weekend. Skiers travelled from as far as Edmonton to participate. Points were accumulated for speed, costumes and tricks. Olin skis were awarded to Dave Hay for claiming top spot and winning the Baby Duck Cup.

45 years ago (1968): The valley’s oldest resident, William Walter Taynton, died at the age of 98. Taynton moved to Canada at the age of 13 in 1883 and relocated to the valley in 1887. He worked as a surveyor for the Canadian Pacific Railway and owned a ranch in the late 1800s; he sold it shortly after for $250 and two ponies. Before making his way to British Columbia, Taynton resided in Saskatchewan, where he fled to during the 1885 Riel Rebellion.

50 years ago (1963): A young man and woman were both charged and fined $10 for being intoxicated in a public place.

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The Brisco Group, an acting club, performed their first production, a comical play titled If Men Played Cards as Women Do.

 

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