Fairmont Airport competing for WestJet services
By Kate Irwin
Pioneer Staff
Fairmont Hot Springs Airport is competing to be put on the aviation map, with a bid to become one of WestJet’s new destinations for their upcoming regional airline. Should the attempt be successful, the valley could find itself with an aerial link to larger Canadian communities, providing easy access for out-of-town visitors.
With more than 30 communities across the country lobbying for services, the new short-haul flights have caught the attention of many rural areas, said Robert Palmer, manager of public relations for WestJet Airlines Ltd.
“Over 30 communities …
Province moves on Resort Municipality rules
By Kelsey Verboom
Pioneer Staff
A slight tweak to a piece of provincial legislation could affect how Mountain Resort Municipalities are governed.
On May 1st, the provincial government tabled proposed amendments to the Local Government Act that highlight government’s authority to incorporate a Mountain Resort Municipality, whether or not there are residents in the area at the time of incorporation.
No Mountain Resort Municipalities currently exist locally, but in 2009, the Regional District of East Kootenay passed a motion to support the creation of one at the Jumbo Glacier Resort development.
If Bill 41, …
Emerging ski star returns home for Panorama video shoot
By Kristian Rasmussen
Pioneer Staff
He spins in a storm of powdered snow like an iced spiral on a cake. Michael Brush [this week’s Pioneer cover star] grew up skiing at Panorama Mountain Village and returned to fly through the air off the biggest jump on the mountain on Saturday, May 5th.
The 19-year-old was here to film for a new ski movie coming out this fall from Inflik Media, a small production company based in Revelstoke. The Columbia Valley local plays out his passion for skiing by participating in events like …
Bundle of joy due for Mother’s Day
By Kristian Rasmussen
Pioneer Staff
A David Thompson Secondary School teacher is set to receive the ultimate Mother’s Day gift. Lainey Wilson is due to give birth to her second child on May 13th.
“I think it is pretty neat with the possibility that it could happen on Mother’s Day,” Lainey said. “I am anxious and a little bit nervous because, yet again, life is about to change.”
Lainey and her husband, builder Steve Wilson of Nipika Mountain Resort, have decided to raise their 22-month-old son, Theo, and their newest child in the …
Hideout singing the blues
By Kristian Rasmussen
Pioneer Staff
Piercing guitar solos will soon ricochet off the pine trees and into the night at a brand new valley music event. The Backwood Blues Music Festival, coming up on the May long weekend, is a family-friendly celebration of blues music to kick off the summer months.
The three-day festival, which includes camping and a stage filled with blues greats, will be held at the Horsethief Hideout, just north of Wilmer. The event’s creation has been a long-standing ambition for Hideout owner, Gary Oja.
“I have always wanted to …