10 years ago (2003): Ross Goodwin of Edgewater was among 11 British Columbians to receive a Year of the Miner award from B.C.’s mining industry in recognition of “his exemplary service to his community and to those he works with,” stated an industry press release. Goodwin was presented his award by Premier Gordon Campbell during a gala event in Vancouver attended by 200 mining executives. Goodwin was hired at the BPB Windermere Mining Operation in 1979.
20 years ago (1993): Dog owners travelling outside the East Kootenay were advised to take precautionary measures against heartworm, a malaria-like disease present in dogs in the U.S. that was spreading north. “There have been four cases reported in Calgary, and some in the West Kootenay, but to date none in the East Kootenay,” said Windermere veterinarian Ian Thane. Prevention consisted of a monthly pill until the end of the mosquito season.
30 years ago (1983): Bugaboo Heli-Skiing Ltd. based out of Banff and Radium Hot Springs Glacier Skiing Ltd. were vying for tenure for some 1,900 square miles in the Purcell Mountains, but the Regional District of East Kootenay was recommending development of a detailed recreation plan for the area prior to granting tenure. “The RDEK are just afraid we’re going to rape the country,” said Roger Madson with Radium Hot Springs Glacier Skiing Ltd. “We want to protect the country; that’s why we want tenure.”
40 years ago (1973): The Canal Flats May Day celebrations were postponed a week due to rainy weather, but were still a success with excellent attendance. Over 30 floats took part in the parade, and the crowning of the May Queen was a feature event, with retiring queen Tana Johnson placing the crown on her successor Roxanna Hascarl.
50 years ago (1963): The acquisition of the Panorama Ski Hill Co. Ltd. by Family Life Assurance Company was completed on June 2nd at a closing ceremony held at the Radium Lodge. The company’s intention was to develop a year-round resort, responsive to the environment and to the local people. An all-season recreational resort village was to be established at the foot of the existing ski runs.
