To view ALL of our listings, visit us online at greatertrailrealestate.com

Thea Mario250.231.1661 250.368.1027

RE/MAXAll Pro Realty Ltd.

250.231.1661 250.368.1027

RE/MAXRE/MAXRE/MAXAll Pro Realty Ltd.All Pro Realty Ltd.

$ 159,000$ 275,000

SOLDSOLD

2257 Rockland Avenue1598 Bay Ave 1131 Mariana Crescent 1170 Davis St, Rossland

WE GET RESULTS! NEW LISTINGS

FineLine TechnologiesJN 62937 Index 980% 1.5 BWR NU

Contact the Times: Phone: 250-368-8551

Fax: 250-368-8550Newsroom:

250-364-1242Canada Post, Contract number 42068012

PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL,

MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO

S I N C E 1 8 9 5 Best

in Trail!Readers Poll & Bestimonial Contest

Win an iPad mini! See trailtimes.ca/contests for details

S I N C E 1 8 9 5

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21, 2015Vol. 120, Issue 11

$105INCLUDING G.S.T.

THE

TRAI

L C

RE

EK N

EW

S

T

HE TRAIL NEWS TRAIL D

AILY TIM

ES T

RAIL T

IMES

HEHEHAIAIA LILI DD

AD

AD

1895 - 2015

B Y S H E R I R E G N I E RTimes Staff

A peek of blue sky over moun-tains shrouded in cloud was all it took for the Pacific Coastal flight to soar into the West Kootenay and land at Trail's airport Tuesday morning.

The roar of the plane's engine was a welcome sound for Blake Richards after his earlier flight out of Castlegar had been can-celled.

It was also a kismet moment because the predominant chal-lenge the chairman of the Parlimentary Tourism Caucus heard from local stakeholders – is the lack of consistent flights into both of the region's airports.

“Today I am experiencing it myself,” said Richards, who had a full roster of meetings scheduled in Vancouver before heading back to Ottawa.

“You can never be completely sure on flights coming in so obvi-ously that is a challenge that exists,” he said. “I know people here are working very hard on trying to address that so we are willing to help with that in any-way we can.”

The Conservative MP from Alberta, accompanied Marshall Neufeld, Tory candidate for the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding, for roundtable discus-sions with chamber representa-

tives and industry leaders about opportunities and obstacles in tourism from the Okanagan through to Trail, Rossland and Castlegar.

Talks in Oliver and Naramata honed in on problems related to transporting wine across both provincial and American borders. But the focus locally was airports – and that was unexpected for Neufeld, a Penticton native.

“We spent a lot of our time dis-cussing airports in both Castlegar and Trail,” he explained.

“This is something I have been aware of before now, but it was a surprise that it was the dominant point of conversation.”

The airline industry is market driven, Neufeld continued, which means there isn't a lot he can do politically, but he can advocate for larger planes that can land at lower ceilings, in both airports.

“I understand there is a fair amount of hold-up from Air Canada's point of view for not bringing in the Q400 (larger air-craft),” he said. “There’s not a lot a politician can do with that, but we can help in discussions with them.”

Airport matters aside, Richards said he heard a resounding mes-sage of optimism from the local tourism industry.

“With all the natural beau-ty that's here, there is a real opportunity to grow tourism,” he noted.

See FINDINGS, Page 3

Parliamentary tourism chairman joins local discussion

B Y L I Z B E V A NTimes Staff

High snow banks and plowing priorities took up a big piece of the Montrose council meeting on Monday night.

Councillor Rory Steep received phone calls complaining about the state of the snow removal around the village.

The piles of snow at street corners leading onto the highway were getting higher and obstruct-

ing the view of turning vehicles.“One of the concerns I heard

about was about some of the banks along the turnoffs onto the highways,” he said.

“Some of the older ladies drive smaller cars and they can't see. The banks are getting a bit high for them.”

It wasn't clear, at first, who was responsible for the piles of plowed snow along the side of the highway. There were questions

around Emcon and whether it was the one who needed to take care of it, but Chief Administrative Officer, Kevin Chartres, informed council that it was the village's public works department that needed to fix the issue.

Steep had gotten another phone call from a resident con-cerned about plowing priorities after a snow event.

“Apparently, the public works guys were doing the alleyways

when one of the main corners wasn't done yet,” he said. “The concern was that one of the most used corners in Montrose wasn't done, but the alleys were being done.”

CAO Chartres requested that when councillors get a complaint, especially about snow removal, get a look at it for themselves.

“It helps if you are able to go out and look at the spot they are talking about and then we can

go to public works about it,” he explained.

“The policy is pretty black and white, but you wouldn't believe the calls we get about snow removal.”

Councillor Mary Gay remind-ed Steep that many residents in Montrose use the alleys behind their homes as the main access point to their properties and needed to be plowed as well.

See COUNCIL, Page 3

MONTROSE

Council responds to concerns over plowing and snow banks

SHERI REGNIER PHOTO

Conservative MP Blake Richards (left) and Marshall Neufeld, party candidate for the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding, made stops in the region this week to talk tourism with chamber of commerce representatives and industry leaders.

Airports become hot topic during MP’s visit

A2 www.trailtimes.ca Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Trail Times

LOCAL

Town & CountryTRAIL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

AGM Wednesday, January 21, 2015

6:00pm Colombo Lodge Games Room

Refreshments and light supper served Guest Speaker:

Richie Mann discussing historic Dewdney Trail

250-364-0829COLOMBO LODGE

Curling Supper Meeting Sunday, Jan.25th, 5:00pm

Bring a Friend Tickets $15.00

@Star Grocery, City Bakery Other Contacts Tony Morelli Menu: Colombo Style Pasta, Chicken, JoJos, Salad, Buns

Coffee Please purchase tickets

prior to Saturday Jan.24th There will only be limited

tickets at door.

Today’s WeaTher

Low: -2°C High: 2°C POP: 40% Wind: S 5 km/h

THURSday

Low 1°C High: 3°C POP: 60% Wind: S 5 km/h

Low: 2°C High: 8°C POP: 30%

Wind: S 5 km/h

Low: -2°C High: 1°C POP: 40%

Wind: S 5 km/h

FRIday

SaTURday SUNday

Low: -4°C • High: 1°CPOP: 20% • Wind: NE 5 km/h

Morning Afternoon

Mainly Sunny Mainly Sunny

Plan ahead and make regular automatic

contributions to your Retirement Savings

Plan or Tax Free Savings Account.

Financial ServicesSalsman

1577 Bay Avenue, Trail (250) 364-1515

Call or drop by for more information

This is the last col-umn in my slam ser-

ies and the start of a series on com-petitive bidding. Right after that, I will start a series on lying and then the Two-Over-One Bidding System.

The bidding: South opens One Spade. West has nothing to say with all of his high card points outside of his long suit, so he passes. North, knowing the partner-ship will make game, bids

Jacoby Two No Trump. He hand is too strong for a jump to four of the major, and he is too strong for a splinter bid. All he needs, from part-ner, to make game is 10 points. For example, if North

were in first seat, he would open One Spade and go to game after a limit raise. An equivalence of 15 points is too strong for a splinter.

Over Jacoby Two No Trump, East jams the auction with a bid of five diamonds.

Assuming hearts distribute around the table evenly, he has five losers, three of which are in hearts. At favourable vulnerability, Five Diamonds is the correct bid.

If South has slam interest and Diamond shortness, he would pass Five Diamonds and pull partner’s obliga-tory penalty double. The pass is a forcing pass because when North and South have enough for game, the oppon-ents cannot play, if they play at all, undoubled. 

However, if South has slam interest but has two or more losers in the opponent’s suit, he bids the Last Train, Five Hearts. It asks partner to go to slam with a singleton in opponent’s suit and possibly a grand with a void or single-ton Ace. North goes to Six.

The Lead: The Ace of Diamonds then a Club for partner to hopefully ruff. From the bidding, East is unlikely to have the Ace of Clubs but may have a void. It is unlikely in the absence of a Lightner double.

The play:  Declarer holds his breath as East follows to the Club lead, draws trump and claims.

Result: Six Spades mak-ing for +1430.

Note: A heart or diamond sacrifice would be foolhardy with the obvious diamond misfit. A pre-empt jams the auction but also warns part-ner to stay out of the auc-tion with shortness in the pre-empt suit. In a previous column, I stated that one cer-tainly would not want to be at the three-level with a double misfit, so one would certainly avoid the five-level in a simi-lar situation.

Jan. 151. Dave Thiel and Warren Watson2. Lloyd Girardo and Bert Pengelly3. Bill Gorkoff and Hubert Hunchak4.  Mary Forrest and Mollie PalmasonJan. 141. Joan Field and Hubert Hunchak2. Bonnie Scott and Hugh Auld3. Eleanor Harper and Bert Pengelly4/5. Doreen Campbell and Holly Gordon / Maggie and Peter Lui

ContraCt Bridge

Final column for slam series

warren watson

Play Bridge

B y L i z B e v a nTimes Staff

Ever wanted to ski Mount Everest?

Well now, skiers and snow-boarders can enjoy the next best thing: skiing 29,029 vertical feet (8,850 metres)in one day, and all for a good cause.

The Canadian Cancer Society is hosting the third annual Slopes For Hope at Red Mountain on Feb. 22, raising money for cancer research and getting win-ter sports enthusiasts to ski the equivalent of the highest mountain in the world.

The distance works out to just over 12 runs from the top of Granite Mountain to the base lodge at the ski resort.

“It seems like a lot of big fundraising events happen in the warmer weather and liv-ing in the Kootenays, we are in the perfect location for a skiing and snowboarding event,” said Allison McCarthy, annual giving coordinator with the Trail branch of the

Canadian Cancer Society.For those that aren't par-

tial to a downhill run, Slopes for Hope organizers have now opened up registration to cross-country skiers as

well. For the first time, Black Jack Cross-Country Ski Club is participating in the event.

“The goal (at Black Jack) is a 10-kilometre loop, which comes pretty close to

the equivalent of the height of Mount Everest,” said McCarthy.

“Every year, we try to add a new element of the love of

See ORGANIZERS, Page 3

Cancer fight hits the snow in Slopes for Hope

Liz Bevan Photo

Skiers and snowboarders are invited to hit the ski trails on Feb. 22 to ski the equivalent of the height of Mount Everest – 29,029 vertical feet. Slopes for Hope organizers pose with the prizes from the raffle that goes along with the fundraising event. Tickets for the raffle will be avail-able on Jan. 26 at the Canadian Cancer Society office in Trail and at Gerick Sports.

Help fundraise by skiing Red Mountain

or Black Jack

LocaLTrail Times Wednesday, January 21, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A3

Now Is the Perfect Time for A New You!Start off the New Year with an amazing new colour & cutCall today to book an appointment

250.364.23771198 Cedar Ave

Hidden Bargain!920 Glover Road, Trail4 Bedroom main dwelling with additional upper suite. Don’t miss out, this property has revenue written all over it!

$79,000

B y A l i c i A W A l l A c eRossland News

Louis McBride from Rossland’s McBride Design and Construction Inc., has purchased and installed an eight station wireless Back Country Access Avalanche Beacon Training Park at Red Mountain Resort (RMR).

McBride had been visiting the area for a number of years before making Rossland his permanent home. As a visitor to the region he enjoyed training in the old avalanche beacon training facility on RMR. The facility had been removed and so last winter, McBride approached the ski hill to re-open this import-ant community asset.

McBride, an avid back country enthusiast saw the need for this training park in the com-munity. A lot of people travelling in the back country do not practice a rescue near as often as they should in order to be efficient in a real life situation.

“For me it’s important and we need one here in the community,” McBride said of the new avalanche training park. This was motiva-tion enough for McBride to fund the training park from his own pocket.

The park can be accessed by taking RMR’s Silverlode chair. The training park is visible from the chair ride on your way to the top. The park does not cost anything to use. As McBride

explains he wanted everyone travelling into the backcountry to be well prepared and acclimatized to searching and using a probe. “I think it is important, also for the sledders and shoeshoers, for all those who travel into the backcountry,” he said.

McBride imparts the snow pack conditions in the Rossland Range are particularly touchy this year. “In the Rossland Range because of the rain we got a month or so ago it is not so safe here. There has been a lot of ava-lanche activity locally. A number of slides have occurred, some on the northern side of Mt. Kirkup, this was just before the ski hill opened (for the winter season)”, he said.

To use the system there is a control panel. There are eight switches, one for each of the transceivers buried in the snow. Once you flip the switch on the control panel it will send a signal from the transceiver to your avalanche beacon. If you locate the buried plywood sur-rounding the transceiver it will send a signal back to the control panel and the red light turns green. “You can also feel it”, explains McBride.

McBride has placed a notebook in the con-trol panel and asks the public to sign it as you use park. He also advises to “be a good back-country partner and get out there and hone your searching skills!”

AliciA WAllAce/RosslAnd neWs

Christophe Decktiss and David Andrighetto practice backcountry skills in the new avalanche training park on Red Mountain Resort.

Avalanche training park at Red

FROM PAGE 1winter and the love of snow. We are happy to be able to include everybody who likes to be out there doing winter sports.”

The team or individual that raises the most money and skis the farthest distance will be awarded the coveted Golden Boot trophy and have bragging rights until next year.

“It is an actual kid’s ski boot that Rossland Collision painted

gold for us and we put it on a trophy base,” said McCarthy. “It is super cool. (The winner) can keep it for the year.”

To be eligible to take home the Golden Boot, register online at www.slopesforhope.ca. McCarthy says the event is open to teams and individuals of all ages.

“Last year, we had three peo-ple who skied over 40,000 verti-cal feet by themselves,” she said. “It is very doable. They were

pretty intense on their skiing, but we had a lot of families too. My son did it last year, and was five years old at the time and he skied 11,000 vertical feet on his own. It sounds like a huge goal, but it is also attainable.”

Slopes for Hope 2015 is hop-ing to build on the success of the previous event, which raised just under $11,000. This year, the society hopes to double that number.

“Last year, we had a $5,000 event goal and ended up raising $10,898 with over 50 people,” she said. “This year, we are going to up the ante and are shooting for that $20,000 goal.”

Want to support the cause, but aren’t exactly graceful on a set of skis or a snowboard? The society is also hosting a raffle with some big prizes.

“We have some amazing priz-es in the raffle,” said McCarthy.

“First prize is a Pelican Elite Horizon Series fishing kayak worth $1,200 donated by Canadian Tire. Second prize is a pair of K2 women’s skis with bindings from Gerick’s and K2, worth $480, and third prize is a one-day Big Red Cat ski package, valued at $299.”

Tickets for the raffle will go on sale at the Canadian Cancer Society office in Trail and Gerick Sports starting Jan. 26.

Organizers of ski event set fundraising goal of $20,000

FROM PAGE 1On the topic of public works,

the department submitted a report to the council for review, out-lining the work it completed in December.

The report covered the water system, the sewer system, storm drains, road maintenance, environ-mental services, equipment and more. It ended with a request to improve the current snow removal equipment and purchase a snow blade for the service truck.

“Council should definitely be looking at it for the spring 2015 budgeting,” said Chartres.

“Public Works is just letting us know that they are having issues with the snow removal equipment.”

Council agreed to table the equipment discussion until budget talks begin.

“We need to stop putting a band-aid on the problem,” she said. “We end up spending more money in

the long run.”Deferred from a previous meet-

ing, council had received a letter from School District 20, request-ing a donation to allow for the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for schools in the district.

Councillor Steep didn’t see a need for the emergency medical equipment.

“All of our emergency services have AEDS,” he said on Monday evening. “I don’t necessarily see a need for an AED in a school.”

Councillor and acting mayor, Mark Reid agreed with Steep.

“As long as someone in the school knows CPR and starts chest compressions right away (they shouldn’t need it),” he said.

It was decided to put the issue over to the next council meeting to allow Mayor Joe Danchuk time to chat with other municipalities and see if they were planning to donate.

FROM PAGE 1“Through my work on the tour-

ism caucus, we really find when international visitors come to Canada from the States or overseas, what they want to experience in Canada is our beautiful scenery and everything that has to offer, like fishing, mountain biking and skiing.

“Frankly, I can think of very few places that offers that in such abun-dance as this area.”

Once Richards completes his tour of British Columbia com-munities, he plans to incorporate what he has heard from the tour-ism industry to help shape federal guidelines especially around the country’s 150-anniversary in 2017.

“We are just in the information

stage,” said Richards. “ Although no policy has been set on how travel is going to be incorporated into the 2017 celebrations,” he added. “People’s suggestions and ideas for how a travel and tourism compo-nent could work will be taken into those discussions.”

Specifically, the caucus is con-sidering ways to increase Canada’s profile for leisure travel in the mar-ket south of the border.

“This area in particular is uniquely positioned to be able to take advantage of marketing to the States from any level of govern-ment,” he said. “With what there is to offer in terms of proximity and great media there has already been about this area in the US market – this area really stands to benefit.”

Findings will help increase Canada’s travel profile

Council ponders donation for defibrillators in schools

A4 www.trailtimes.ca Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Trail Times

Provincial

Part-time or Full-time Taxi Drivers

needed for Trail, and Castlegar and Rossland Retired or looking to help out people in the

community? This is a great opportunity to do that and make some money. Must have a Valid BC driver’s

license with Class 1,2, or 4. Driver’s abstract must have less than 3 demerit points. Must be interested in working with all types of people and be physically capable of helping people in and out of the vehicle if they need it. Interested parties should send their

resume to crestoncabs@yahoo.ca. We operate taxis in Creston, Castlegar, Rossland and

Trail. In your email please specify which areas you are interested in working.

www.huntnaturopathicclinics.com

Dr. Jeffrey Hunt, ND

250-368-6999

For Vibrant Health, digestive support and

increased energy,Revitalize Yourself

by using the7 Day Reduce XS

Total Body Cleansing Program

You & The LawTYLEEN UNDERWOOD LAW OFFICE presents

WHO GETS WHAT WHEN YOU SPLIT UP?

Say you own a house. You meet your future spouse and both of you move into that house. You marry her and a few years later you sell that house and buy a new house with the money, which you put into both your names. If you later break up, does your spouse get a share of the value of the property you brought into the relationship?

New B.C. family law rules for splitting up property and debts came into effect on March 18, 2013, which apply in lawsuits about this started after that date. They cover married and unmarried spouses (such as couples who’ve lived together as if married for two years), including same-sex spouses. Even if you try and sort things out by agreement, the new rules are a useful yard stick for � guring out a fair split.

The basic outline is this: all family debts and property you own together or separately at the time of separation – except “excluded property” (such as gifts, inheritances or property either of you owned before the relationship) – are to be divided equally. The court can order a different split, but only if an

equal division would be signi� cantly unfair.

So far, so good. But the devil is in the details. A recent court case dealt with some of the tricky questions left open by the new rules.

Peter (all names changed) started to live with Sandra in the fall of 1990. They got married in 1991, had two children and separated in 2012. When they started their relationship, Peter owned a property which he and Sandra moved into together and lived in for some years. It was worth $65,000 at the start of their relationship. That property was later sold, and the money was used to buy a new home and

some other land that was put in Peter and Sandra’s names jointly.

In court, Peter argued that the $65,000 value of the property he brought into the relationship should be “excluded property,” not family property to be divvied up. Sandra said “no” – since

the sale money was used afterwards to buy real estate in their joint names, he’d given her one-half of it, she argued, based on some case law that’s still in effect.

The new rules don’t speci� cally deal with the earlier case law. But the B.C. Supreme Court decided the new family law rules are meant to be complete and comprehensive. It pointed out some problems if the earlier case law were allowed to come into play. For example, married and unmarried spouses would be treated differently when property is split (since the earlier case law only bene� tted married spouses).

So the court decided that all of the $65,000 value of the property that Peter had brought into the relationship was “excluded property” and not shared by Sandra.

And, after dealing with other issues in the case, the court also decided that an equal split of the family property (worth some $1.8 million dollars now) was appropriate and would not be signi� cantly unfair.

The new family law rules dealing with the division of family property and debts are complex, and quite different than what they used to be. Consult your lawyer if you’re breaking up with your partner.

TYLEEN UNDERWOOD LAW OFFICEFamily Law • Criminal Law

Suite 200-507 Baker St., Nelson, BC V1L 4J2

(250) 352-6638Written by Janice Mucalov, LL.B. with contribution by TYLEEN UNDERWOOD LAW OFFICE. This column provides information only and must not be relied on for legal advice. Please contact TYLEEN UNDERWOOD for legal advice concerning your particular case.

Lawyer Janice Mucalov is an award-winning legal writer. “You and the Law” is a registered trade-mark. © Janice Mucalov

T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S STORONTO -

Vancouver is the second most unafford-able housing market in the world after Hong Kong, according to a new study of major property markets.

That could spell trouble for home-owners if mortgage rates rise, economists say.

“Given how high house prices are rela-tive to household incomes, you’d only have to see a moderate

increase in mortgage rates to have a really huge hit to affordabil-ity,” said David Madani, Canada economist at Capital Economics.

The annual D e m o g r a p h i a International Housing Affordability Survey ranks real estate markets in Canada, the United States, Australia, China, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

The survey calcu-lates affordability by

comparing median house prices with median incomes - the higher home prices relative to incomes, the more unaffordable the market.

Cities l ike Vancouver and Toronto, where house prices are significantly higher than incomes, would be hit hardest by a spike in mortgage interest rates, Madani said. Many home-owners could find themselves struggling to make monthly pay-

ments.In Vancouver, medi-

an home prices were 10.6 times higher than median incomes in 2014. That’s the worst affordability ranking Vancouver has ever received in the sur-vey’s 11-year history, and an increase from 2013 when prices were about the 10.3 times higher than incomes.

In Toronto, medi-an home prices were about 6.5 times higher than median incomes last year.

A report released Monday by TD Economics said even a mortgage increase of two percentage points could cause finan-cial hardship among Greater Toronto Area homeowners, push-ing up the number of residents who devote 30 per cent of their income to mortgage payments to 20 per cent from 16 per cent.

Although Vancouver was the only Canadian city that made it to the Top 10 list, housing markets in Toronto, as well as in Victoria, Kelowna and the Fraser Valley in B.C., were also ranked as unaffordable by the Demographia study.

The report blames Ontario’s urban con-tainment policy, a development plan that strives to pre-vent urban sprawl,

for Toronto’s swelling home prices.

M e a n w h i l e , Moncton, N.B., was ranked Canada’s most affordable market.

Fredericton and Saint John, N.B., Windsor, Ont., and Charlottetown were also ranked as afford-able places to buy homes.

Overall, the study ranks Canada as “ser-iously unaffordable,” with home prices in major urban mar-kets about 4.3 times higher than incomes, while for Canadian real estate markets overall, median home prices are 3.9 times median incomes.

The Bank of Canada had been expected to raise its trend-setting interest rate, which has been at one per cent for more than four years, this fall.

Economists now say that’s unlikely, given that the collapse in the price of oil is likely to stunt economic growth.

However, Madani says even if the cen-tral bank remains in a “holding pattern,” Canadian mortgage rates could rise in response to econom-ic recovery south of the border and policy actions from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

“We can expect the U.S. Federal Reserve to soon begin to raise interest rates, and with that we expect to see rising U.S. Treasury yields,” Madani said. “On that basis, we have been expecting long-term interest rates in Canada to go up, and those rates are what really, in some sense, determine or influence mortgage rates.

Vancouver’s housing market second most unaffordable in the world

B y T o m F l E T C H E RBC Local News

B.C.’s mining industry heads into 2015 with slumping commodity prices, closures and layoffs at coal operations and efforts to continue recovery from B.C.’s worst mine-related structural failure.

Imperial Metals applied last week to restart the Mount Polley copper-gold mine near Williams Lake, to produce about half the ore it did before its tailings

dam abruptly failed in August 2014. The company’s Red Chris copper-gold mine in northwestern B.C. is up and running, but facing a six-year low in the world price of copper.

Coal mines in the Kootenays, a mainstay of the B.C. industry, remain in production, but slower growth in Asia and a low metal-lurgical coal price forced Anglo American Coal and Walter Energy to shut down mines at the northeast

coal hub of Tumbler Ridge last fall.

Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett heads for the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C. con-ference in Vancouver Jan. 26-29. He said in an interview last week the price of copper has dipped to a level where there is concern about layoffs at metal mines, but the current “bear market” is less of a concern for mineral exploration, with min-eral discoveries taking years to develop.

Taseko Mines con-firmed Monday it is reducing its workforce at the Gibraltar Mine near Williams Lake by nearly 50 positions due to the price of copper.

Premier Christy Clark’s jobs plan set a target of eight new mines and nine expan-sions by the end of 2015. Since 2011, startups include Copper Mountain near Princeton, New Afton near Kamloops, Mount Milligan west of Prince George, Bonanza Ledge near Quesnel and Yellow Giant on Banks Island near Prince Rupert.

Last week Environment Minister Mary Polak issued two five-year mine certificate extensions to keep alive projects facing opposition from local aboriginal com-munities.

Rocky year ahead for B.C. mining

Trail Times Wednesday, January 21, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A5

NatioNal

While shopping at Waneta Plaza try the Colander Express Pasta & More!

250.364.18161475 Cedar Ave., Trail

Lunch Hours11:30 - 2pm Weekdays

Dinner Hours4:30 - 8:30pm daily

Come Twirl With Us Wednesday, Thursday,

Friday & Saturday nights with our

Ribs SpecialA full rack of Italian style dry rub broasted ribs including spaghetti, salad, and bun.

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday

Striploin Florentine Special

Italian style seared striploin including spaghetti, salad

and bun

dine in only

$1652$1495

to book your Appointment:Lisa Kramer-HuntRegistered Acupuncturist

250-368-3325 www.trailacupuncture.com

An effective treatment for

stress, headaches, insomnia,

menopause and pain

ACUPUNCTURE

Star Grocery• Fine Italian Foods •

328 Rossland Avenue, Trail, BC 250-364-1824

Espresso Coffee ........... 3 for $700

Dececco Pasta ......................$149

San Marzano Tomatoes ......$199

Basso Olive Oil 1l ................$595

Gnocchi .................... 2 for $300

La Molisana Olive Oil 3l ..$1995

SeafoodMussel .................................$449

Scallops ............................$1295

Alaskan Salmon wild ................................ 4 for $1095

Lemon Dill Salmon ... 2 for $600

CheeseMozzarellissima ............... $495ea

Montasio & Friulano G&G ..........................................$849lb

Gouda mild ........................$799lb

Stilton ............................$1695lb

Parmigiano Reggiano ....$1395lb

Romano ............................$995lb

MeatItalian Sausages

Pork Butt Roast boneless ....$299lb

Pork Steaks .......................$299lb

Sirloin Tip Roast ...............$499lb

Short Ribs .........................$649lb

Beef Stew ..........................$495lb

Sirloin Steaks ....................$595lb

Prime Rib Steaks ..............$799lb

Baseball Steaks .................$649lb

Wine & Beer Kits

Wine & Beer Kits

T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S STORONTO - Three spectators are facing

fines and one-year bans from Air Canada Centre after throwing Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys on the ice in a 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night.

It was yet another low point for a team that has lost five games in a row and appears to be a long-shot to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Other fans showed their dis-pleasure with the lacklustre performance by wearing paper bags over their heads.

Jerseys have been tossed on the ice on occasion throughout the regular season but the fans’ frustration appears to be mounting as the Maple Leafs have lost 13 of their last 16 games.

There were three jersey-throwing inci-dents on Monday night, including one that occurred while play was underway.

Toronto Police confirmed Tuesday that three spectators were charged under the province’s Trespass to Property Act. The offence, specifically called “engage in pro-hibited activity,” is not a criminal charge but it carries a fine of about $125.

“If you’re doing something that interrupts the game, you’ll be investigated and charged but the charges can vary depending upon how serious the infraction is,” said police spokes-man David Hopkinson.

OntariO

Tossing jerseys can get fans tossed from rink

Tiny owls draw a crowdT H E C A N A D I A N P R E S S

CALGARY - The Alberta birding com-munity is all a-flutter over the appearance of two tiny owls in Calgary’s Fish Creek Provincial Park.

But the attention is raising concerns the birds could be loved to death.

Two northern pygmy owls who have take up winter residence on the west side of the park are drawing dozens with cameras and binoculars from as far away as Edmonton and Lethbridge.

Colin Weir, manager of the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale, says too much attention could make the tiny, plump birds feel harassed.

He says that could disrupt their feeding habits and the availability of food and the birds could end up starving to death or fly-ing elsewhere and getting injured.

The two owls in Fish Creek Provincial Park appear to be hunting well, despite being surrounded by wildlife paparazzi.

Northern pygmy owls, which are roughly the size of a soda can, are not threatened but are classified as a “sensitive” species by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.

T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S SOTTAWA - The sharp col-

lapse of world oil prices will cut the Canadian govern-ment’s income by $4.3 bil-lion this year and deliver a nearly $10-billion blow to the provinces, says a new report Tuesday by the Conference Board of Canada.

The study predicts the slide in crude prices to chop $4.5 billion from provincial royal-ties in 2015, with the bulk of the losses expected to strike the oil-producing regions Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Due to cheaper oil, the board also predicts provincial tax revenues to drop another $5.2 billion this year.

“The dramatic decline in the world crude oil prices since last June will have a major impact on Canada - one of the largest oil pro-ducers in the world,” says the report, titled, “Regional Shakeup: The Impact of

Lower Oil Prices on Canada’s Economy.”

The report was released as the federal and provincial governments try to grapple with the impact of falling oil prices and how it affects their bottom lines.

The extent of the number-crunching challenge faced by Ottawa, which indirectly amasses cash from oil pro-duction, was recently pushed into the spotlight.

Last week, federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver announced the government would take the unusual step of postponing the budget until at least April, so it could assess the fallout of tumbling crude and the sudden reduc-tion in capital expenditures in the Alberta oilpatch.

Oliver warned in November dropping oil prices could trim federal revenues by $2.5 billion a year between 2015 and 2019. Since that time, crude has plunged even

further, from about US$80 per barrel to under US$50.

“The federal government will share in the pain,” said the Conference Board report.

Canada’s central bank has also been studying the poten-tial damage.

On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada is expected to pro-duce its forecast on what the oil slump could mean for the Canadian and world econ-omies when it releases its latest monetary policy report.

The central bank will also will make its interest-rate announcement. It’s expected to stand pat on Canada’s trend-setting rate, which has been cemented at one per cent since September 2010.

Last month, Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz said lower oil prices could slice 0.3 percentage points off the country’s pace of economic growth.

World oil prices have sunk below US$50 per barrel since

tumbling from their perch above US$100 last summer.

The Conference Board report predicted crude prices to start rising again and reach US$60 per barrel by the end of 2015. It projected prices to average about US$56 for the year.

Provincially, the oil-price decline is expected to hit hardest in Alberta, which the Conference Board said accounts for 77 per cent of Canada’s oil production.

On the positive side, the report also said low oil prices will produce winners in Canada.

“Ontario and Quebec - Canada’s two largest prov-inces - will benefit the most from weaker oil prices,” it said. “A combination of stronger U.S. economic growth and the weaker loon-ie, which is currently trad-ing in the US$0.84 range, will boost demand for exports from these provinces.”

T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S SWINNIPEG - A

judge will have to decide whether a mother who left her six-year-old son alone in a locked bungalow with food and water while she ran errands is guilty of child aban-donment.

The woman’s trial in Winnipeg heard on Monday that the boy was left alone for about 90 minutes, had a tele-vision to entertain him and suffered no ill effects.

She admits she left her son alone, but has pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution argued that the child was endangered - even though he wasn’t phys-

ically hurt.But the defence said

at least some evidence of potential harm would be necessary to convict the woman.

The judge will deliv-er a verdict Feb. 20.

Under the Criminal Code, the charge of child abandonment is met when a youngster under the age of 10 is left alone and has his or her “life or health endangered.”

That’s where the Crown and defence dif-fer in opinion.

“Even in a home environment, that child was endan-gered,” prosecutor Nancy Fazenda argued. “There doesn’t neces-sarily have to be a nega-

tive consequence.”She presented

a long list of poten-tial tragic scenarios, including turning on a stove element, choking on food, falling down stairs, tumbling out a window, accidentally being electrocuted, burning the house down or falling victim to a burglar.

She also submitted a list of other cases, to show what she said was a real risk, in which children did get harmed while they were at home alone.

“Just because noth-ing bad happened, that’s not the test,” said Fazenda. “This is enough to satisfy the test.”

Defence lawyer Michael Law countered by outlining cases that have attracted convic-tions in which chil-dren were left in cold vehicles, hot vehicles or with weapons, can-dles and matches.

None of those fac-tors was involved in this case, he pointed

out.The woman has lost

care of her child, who is now being raised by his father. The parents are separated, court was told. Child and Family Services is also involved. The mother hasn’t seen the boy since her arrest more than 18 months ago.

Judge to determine guilt of woman who left son, 6, home aloneManitOba

alberta

CanadaBriefs

Oil collapse cuts billions from federal funds

A6 www.trailtimes.ca Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Trail Times

OPINION

TransLink: loathe them or loathe themDepending upon

your point of view, TransLink is either a waste-

ful, marginally competent transit authority or it’s a wasteful, marginally com-petent transit authority.

At least both sides in Metro Vancouver’s upcom-ing transit referendum seem to agree on that one point, even though they may express it differently.

In the weeks ahead, expect the No side to talk TransLink ad nauseum, while the Yes side will try and talk about anything but. “TransLink? Sorry, doesn’t ring a bell.”

Well – as the Yes side may learn to its chagrin – in politics it’s not he who laughs last, who laughs longest, it’s he who defines first, who defines best.

And hate to be a party pooper, but the ele-phant in the living room – TransLink – can’t be ignored.

With assets operat-ing on the sea, the roads, under the roads and in the air (well, at least elevat-ed), TransLink is unique.

It boasts that it’s “the

first North American transportation author-ity to be responsible for the planning, financing and managing of all pub-lic transit in addition to major regional roads and bridges.”

Good reason for that. The two mandates don’t go well together. It’s kind of like Steve Nash Fitness World operating a chain of burger joints.

TransLink has three subsidiaries, not includ-ing its own police force. All told there are 22 mem-bers on the four boards of directors, only one of whom is elected to local government.

But then TransLink has that other layer of governance: the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation.

In 2013, it had 232.5 million passengers. It’s much vaunted Compass card will be deployed. Sometime. Really.

Montreal’s transit authority – the Société de transport de Montréal – has no operating sub-sidiaries. It’s one board of directors has 10 members, seven of whom are elected

to local governments. No Mayors’ Council.

In 2013, it had 416.5 million passengers. Its equivalent to the Compass card was introduced in 2008 and fully deployed by 2010.

But the real problem with half-baked campaign promises such as the tran-sit funding referendum is that any one of a host of unforeseen factors can lead to a doozy of a polit-ical hangover. TransLink is one.

Another? A No vote won’t make the problems go away.

As Metro Vancouver chair Greg Moore told Pitt Meadows council last month: “If this plan fails,

there’s no plan B,” adding that the “Mayor’s Council would then go back to the province and ask for leadership.” Goody. Something you can always count on from Victoria.

If the anticipation of having your say on transit has left you on the edge of your seat anxiously await-ing the campaign festiv-ities, have no fear.

This past week, char-ges and counter-charges picked up a bit when the No side unveiling its web-site and alternative transit plan. The Yes war room was fast out with this gem from Greg Moore: “If you don’t have good, quality content, then you come out with something shiny to distract the conversa-tion.”

Undoubtedly – if the Yes side comes out with a website before the vote – it won’t be shiny.

In fact, they’re even making grumblings about engaging in battle later this month. According to the Vancouver’s Board of Trade president Iain Black, the Yes side hopes to launch its campaign at the end of January.

Which won’t come a moment too soon for Globe and Mail colum-nist Gary Mason who, in a column on January 15th, noted that if the transit vote is to succeed, the “campaign must start now.” One thing though, Mason reached that view on January 15th, 2014. Last year.

The Yes side may have great intellectual argu-ments, but the No side has one big emotional one. It’s spelled T-r-a-n-s-L-i-n-k. And at the end of the day it may be the only one that counts.

If the Yes forces do prevail, at least the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. stand a good chance at getting their money’s worth from all those polit-ical donations to the B.C. Liberal party.

B.C. finance ministry officials are already busy at work identifying what goods will be exempt from that 0.5 per cent increase in the PST. Bet new cars will be at or near the top of that list.

Dermod Travis is the executive director of IntegrityBC.

Published by Black PressTuesday to Friday, except

statutory holidays

SECOND CLASS MAIL REGISTRATION #0011

1163 Cedar Avenue Trail, B.C. • V1R 4B8

OFFICEPh: 250-368-8551Fax: 250-368-8550

NEWSROOM 250-364-1242

SALES250-364-1416CIRCULATION250-364-1413

Barbara BlatchfordPUBLISHER, ext. 200

publisher@trailtimes.ca

Guy Bertrand EDITOR, ext. 211

editor@trailtimes.ca

Michelle BedfordCIRCULATION MANAGER, ext. 206

circulation@trailtimes.ca

Jim Bailey SPORTS EDITOR, ext. 210

sports@trailtimes.ca

Sheri Regnier REPORTER, ext. 208

newsroom@trailtimes.ca

Liz Bevan REPORTER, ext. 212

reporter@trailtimes.ca

Dave Dykstra SALES ASSOCIATE, ext. 203

d.dykstra@trailtimes.ca

Lonnie HartSALES ASSOCIATE, ext. 201

l.hart@trailtimes.ca

Jeanine MargoreethCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CLERK, ext. 204

nationals@trailtimes.ca

Kevin MacintyrePRODUCTION MANAGER, ext 209

ads@trailtimes.ca

Shannon McIlmoylePRODUCTION, ext 209

production@trailtimes.ca

All rights reserved. Contents copyright by the Trail Times. Any reproduction of material contained in this publication in whole or in part is forbidden without the

expressed written consent of the publisher. It is agreed that the Trail Times will not be responsible for errors or omissions and is not liable for any amount exceeding the

cost of the space used and then only such portion where the errors actually appeared.

We reserve the right to edit or reject any submission or advertisement that is con-

trary to our publishing guidelines.

DERMOD TRAVIS

Integrity BC

Trail Times Wednesday, January 21, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A7

LETTERS & OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICYThe Trail Times welcomes letters to the editor from our readers on topics of interest to the com-

munity. Include a legible first and last name, a mailing address and a telephone number where the author can be reached. Only the author’s name and district will be published. Letters lacking names and a verifiable phone number will not be published. A guideline of 500 words is suggested for letter length. We do not publish “open” letters, letters directed to a third party, or poetry. We reserve the right to edit or refuse to publish letters. You may also e-mail your letters to editor@trailtimes.ca We look forward to receiving your opinions.

M����� Q���������

VNP-T 5N Plus ............................. 2.25BCE-T BCE Inc. .......................... 57.41BMO-T Bank of Montreal ............. 75.62BNS-T Bank of Nova Scotia ......... 61.64CM-T CIBC .............................. 90.99CU-T Canadian Utilities ............ 44.04CFP-T Canfor Corporation ......... 25.97ECA-T EnCana Corp. ................. 15.74ENB-T Enbridge Inc. ................... 57.25FTT-T Finning International.......... 21.09FTS-T Fortis Inc. ........................ 40.00HSE-T Husky Energy .................. 26.04

MBT-T Manitoba Telecom ........... 27.52MERC-Q Mercer International ......... 12.23NA-T National Bank of Canada . 45.08OCX-T Onex Corporation ............ 67.58RY-T Royal Bank of Canada ...... 75.41S-T Sherritt International ............ 2.12TD-T TD Bank .......................... 50.43T-T TELUS Corp. ..................... 42.83TCK.B-T Teck Resources ................. 14.64TRP-T TransCanada Corp ........... 52.96VXX-N iPath S&P 500 VIX ............ 35.12

S����� � ETF�

CIG Portfolio Series Balanced ... 28.85CIG Portfolio Series Conservative 15.93

CIG Signature Dividend ........... 14.60MMF Manulife Monthly High ... 14.573

M����� F����

CADUSD Canadian / US Dollar ...... 0.826GC-FT Gold ............................ 1295.00

CL-FT Light Sweet Crude Oil ....... 46.63SI-FT Silver ............................... 18.01

C����������, I������ � C���������

The information contained herein has been obtained from sources which we believe to be reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This report is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. This report is furnished on the basis and understanding that Qtrade Asset Management Inc. and Kootenay Savings MoneyWorks are to be under no responsibility or liability whatsoever in respect thereof.

What you do with your money today can make a world of difference to your future. Let’s have a coffee and talk about it.

Maria Kruchen, CFPJohn Merlo, CFP

101 – 1199 Cedar Avenue Trail, BC250.368.2692 1.877.691.5769

Taste a richer future.

Mutual funds and securities related financial planning services are offered through Qtrade Asset Management Inc., Member MFDA.

Stock quotes as of closing01/20/15

We can deliver your � yerright to the door!

contact the today for more information

contact the today for

250.368.8551250.368.8551250.368.8551Lonnie ext.201 • l.hart@trailtimes.ca • Dave ext.203 • dave@trailtimes.ca

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: www.trailtimes.ca

WEBSITE POLL RESULTS:

Cast your vote online at www.trailtimes.ca

YOU SAID...

Have low gas prices changed your driving habits?

YES 3% NO97%

Do you think it’s important for municipalities to have social

media guidelines for councillors?

As a retired demographer, I do indeed tire of the end-

less articles in the Canadian press that either just quote U.S.-based stories about the baby boom or make the incorrect assump-tion that the Canadian baby boom mirrored that south of the bor-der.

Defining the Canadian baby boom as being parallel to that in the United States is both wrong and dangerous.

While it is fairly accurate to define the U.S. baby boom as having taken place in the period between 1946 and 1964, that is definitely not true for Canada. When one graphs the num-ber of live births in Canada, it is quite clear that the “boom” years went from 1952 to 1965 (inclusive). Those are also the only years in Canadian his-tory when live births in Canada exceeded

400,000. Interestingly, the number of live births in Canada has not exceeded 400,000 since 1965 despite our rapidly growing base population.

Our baby boom births peaked in 1959 versus 1957 for the U.S. The number of live births in Canada in 1946 was 343,504 – well below our 400,000 criterion.

Why does this mat-ter?

I was born in Canada in 1949, which means I am not a member of the baby boom. I did not experience over-crowding when I went to school. Getting into university (in 1967)

was pretty easy and getting a job in 1971 was not a problem at all.

I bought my first house in 1975 just before prices sky rock-eted and before mort-gage rates exploded. And I started to receive my Old Age Security cheque when I turned 65, exactly as prom-ised.

But those born sev-eral years later (1952-65 – Canada’s actual baby boom) did face a lot of problems because of their birth year. They went to school in shifts or in portables. The marks required to get into university rose rapid-ly. When they gradu-ated from university, youth unemployment rates exceeded 25 per cent. By the time they bought their first homes, prices were already up and mort-gage rates were 18 per cent or more. And, if you were born in 1958 or later, you will have to wait as much

as two more years for your Old Age Security benefits.

So assuming Canada’s baby boom years mirrored the U.S. in this important statistical demograph-ic is wrong. But why is it dangerous?

First, assuming that the baby boom is a post-war phenom-enon means we jump to the wrong conclu-sion when guessing the cause. The baby boom was not the result of frisky soldiers returning to Canada. It was, instead, the result of the very good economic times in the period 1952 to 1965 allowing for at-home moms and large fam-ilies.

Second, it leads to other erroneous con-clusions. If you use as a single age the birth cohort of 1946 to define the baby boom, you will picture this demographic as turn-ing 69 in 2015. That is, ‘old.’ But if you correctly anchor the

baby boom around its peak and mid-point in 1959, then the baby boom will, in fact, turn 56 in 2015. That means the bulk of the baby boom is still in the labour force and the explosion in our dependency ratio will not peak until 2024 – a decade from now. Further, the average age of exit from the labour force has been steadily increasing

since 2001 and many Canadians now retire after age 65, which means this major shift in our labour market may actually happen post-2024.

So, the tidal wave is not upon us – yet. We still have time to plan for its impact on the economy in terms of both lower GDP growth and in terms of rapidly rising costs for healthcare and social

security.And the ski hills can

still look forward to a few more good years before heading down-hill.

Robert Brown is an expert advisor with EvidenceNetwork.ca, a Retired Professor of Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo and Immediate Past President of the International Actuarial Association.

Canadian baby boom years different from the U.S.

ROBERT BROWN

Troy Media

T H E C A N A D I A N P R E S SOTTAWA - A new internal

government poll suggests a majority of Canadians believe the economic benefit of expand-ing the country’s energy infra-structure trumps the potential environmental impact.

But at the same time, the poll suggests, those same people are also concerned about the safety of that infrastructure - whether it be the government’s ability to respond to oil spills or the equipment that delivers the oil in the first place.

Energy issues are top of mind for the Conservative gov-ernment these days, from the potential economic fallout of plunging oil prices to the wait-

ing game surrounding the con-troversial Keystone XL pipeline.

Earlier this year, Natural Resources Canada conducted a $174,000 study involving 16 focus groups, which was fol-lowed up by a telephone survey to gather and assess Canadian opinions on energy.

In the survey, 46 per cent of respondents said they con-sidered building energy infra-structure to be important to the economy, even if there was environmental impact.

Forty-one per cent of respondents had a different opinion. They agreed with the statement: “The environmental impact of building ports, roads, pipelines, and rail infrastruc-

ture is too high and ... the pos-sibility of an accident means that it should not be developed even if it means lost jobs and economic growth.”

The focus groups provided more insight into the concerns expressed in the poll.

“A number of participants expressed safety or environ-mental concerns, based on a sense that pipelines are sus-ceptible to leaks,” the report on focus groups said.

“Similarly, there was con-cern over spills occurring in coastal waters, especially if tankers needed to navigate what were perceived to be very narrow and challenging pass-es.”

Poll suggests energy trumps environment

PEOPLEA8 www.trailtimes.ca Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Trail Times

www.MyAlternatives.ca1298 Pine Ave, Trail

Campaigns that work. Our clients get results!

Inglehart & Dykstra- a d v e r t i s i n g c o n s u l t a n t s -

Our clients get results!

Dykstra- a d v e r t i s i n g c o n s u l t a n t s -

250.368.8551 ext 201 and 203

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of

Iolanda Maria Rosaria Piscitelli

who passed away peacefully on January

16, 2015 with her family by her side. She was born

in Cerisano, Cosenza, Italy on September 27, 1925.Iolanda and family sailed across the ocean from Italy to Canada in 1949 alongside the Piscitelli family who lived in a small town nearby. It was then that she met the love of her life, Michelangelo Annunziato Piscitelli, and they were wed in Trail, BC in 1953.Iolanda is survived by her children Maria (George) Peck, Diana (Murray) Duclos and Frankie Piscitelli as well as her grandchildren Jessica (Brenden), Michael and Angela. Le� to mourn her loss are sisters Rosina DeSimone and Ida Mandarino in Italy and sister-in-law Ernestina Ripoli in Coquitlam as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy. � ere are many who will remember Iolanda for her generous heart, baking and cooking, her warm smile, and her love of family and friends. Iolanda’s kind spirit and accepting nature further expanded her family of the heart to include many friends and neighbours who thought of her as their mother or nonna.Iolanda was a long-time member of the Colombo Lodge and the Italo Canadese. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 1:00 pm at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Bart van Roijen, Celebrant. Entombment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Iolanda’s name to the Trail Association for

Community Living, 1565 Bay Ave. Trail, BC, V1R 4B2.You are invited to leave a personal message of

condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca

Joe (Giuseppe) Amantea

Amantea, Joe (Giuseppe) of Trail,

born January 8, 1930 in Grimaldi, Prov. Of

Cosenza, Italy passed away on January 14, 2015 in Trail, BC.Joe will be remembered in the Trail area for his Cleaning/Janitorial Business, Joe’s Janitorial, which he operated for many years until his retirement.He is survived by his wife Eileen, son Mario (Teri) and daughter Lorre� a (Bruce); his brother’s: Tony, Frank and Lello; his sister Maria as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents Pasquale and Rosina and brothers: Michael, Emilio and Maurizio.A memorial service was held at 4:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Beaver Valley on Sunday January 18, 2015. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ is entrusted with the cremation arrangements. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca� e family would like to extend a � ecial thanks to the sta� at Columbia View Lodge Special Care Unit for taking such good care of Joe for the past three years.

Rosemary D’Hondtpassed away at Poplar Ridge on Tuesday,

January 13, 2015. She was born in Trail, BC on April 23, 1946 and was raised by her adoptive

parents, Mary and Andrew D’Hondt.Rosemary is survived by her loving daughter

Michelle and grandson Isaiah, the lights of her life; niece Elvira and other family members. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Loretta (Mike)

and close nephew Michael.A celebration of Rosemary’s life will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 11:00am at Gateway

Christian Life Centre, 8320 Highway 3B, Trail, with Associate Pastor Susan Taylor presiding.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Poplar Ridge, Trail Hospital Foundation,

1200 Hospital Bench, Trail BC V1R 4M1 or to the Trail Mental Health Clubhouse,

1454 Second Ave, Trail BC V1R 1M2

Putting their money where the mouth is

Submitted photo

More smiles will be seen in the area with Fran Larsen accepting a cheque on behalf of the Trail Family and Individual Resource (FAIR) centre’s dental program. Presenting the cheque to Larsen are Beaver Valley Lions Club members- Helen Underwood, Nikolas Mikalishen, Danielle Beattie and Sean Peet. Hoping you will help to bring smiles to the Lions members by coming to bingo on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Fruitvale Hall.

T H E A S S O C I A T E D P R E S SLONDON - Actress Anne

Kirkbride, a star of British soap opera “Coronation Street” for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 60.

Network ITV says Kirkbride, who played the long-suffering, much-married Deirdre Barlow, died Monday in a hospital in Manchester, northwest England, after a short illness.

Set in the fictional working-class community of Weatherfield, “Coronation Street” has been chron-icling its characters’ lives since 1960, with an enduringly popular mix of social realism, melodrama and humour. Kirkbride’s character - renowned for her oversized spec-tacles and romantic travails - was at the heart of some of the soap’s most dramatic story lines for decades.

The show is so popular that when Deirdre was wrongly imprisoned

for fraud in 1998, newspapers cam-paigned for her release and Prime Minister Tony Blair was among those who proclaimed her inno-cence.

“Coronation Street” executive producer Kieran Roberts said the program makers “know only too acutely how much Anne meant to the millions of people who watched her create the legendary character of Deirdre Barlow.”

William Roache, who played her onscreen husband Ken Barlow - the characters married, divorced then remarried years later - said the show had lost “one of its iconic characters.”

He said Kirkbride “was an impec-cable performer with superb com-edy timing and an immense gift for really heightened drama. We had some rows over the years as Ken and Deirdre and it was wonderful to play those scenes opposite her.”

Anne KirKbride

Actress starred on ‘Coronation Street’ for over 40 years

Family gets birthday no-show billT H E A S S O C I A T E D P R E S S

LONDON - It was not what Derek Nash expected to find in his 5-year-old’s school bag: A bill demanding a “no-show fee” for another child’s birthday party.

Nash said the bill from another parent sought 15.95 pounds ($24.00) because his son Alex had not attended the party at a ski centre in Plymouth, southwest England.

Nash told the BBC on Monday

he had initially accepted the party invitation, but later realized Alex was supposed to visit his grandpar-ents that day. He said he did not have contact details to let the other family know.

The birthday boy’s mother, Julie Lawrence, told the BBC that her contact details were on the party invitation.

Nash says Lawrence has threat-ened him with small claims court but he has no plans so far to pay.

1995 Columbia AveTrail

1507 Columbia Ave,Castlegar

See us for

ATV Tireswww.integratire.com SportS

Trail Times Wednesday, January 21, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A9

STEWARTS COLLISION CENTERICBC & Private Insurance Claims

250.364.99912865A Highway Drive

B y T i m e s s T a f fA Re/Max win on Sunday coupled with an

Allstar loss thrust the realtors into a tie for first place in the Trail Commercial Hockey League standings on Sunday.

Re/Max skated to a 7-5 victory over Arlington while Allstar succumbed to a revitalized cycle and sports attack falling 10-6 to Gericks.

Jason Vecchio netted the winning goal and Graham Proulx had a four-point night as Re/Max handed Arlington its third consecutive loss.

Vecchio scored the winner on a great individ-ual effort three minutes into the second period to give Re/Max a 6-2 lead, after jumping out to a 5-2 first-period advantage on goals from Kieran Hill, Devyn Hill, Dallas Stanton, Proulx, and Justin Bedin.

Derek Harkema and Jeremy Robinson would get the Big A on the board in the first, and after going down by four goals, the Arlington mustered a second-period comeback, trimming the lead to one on a goal from Nathan Ehman and two tallies from the unlikely blade of d-man Al McMartin who netted his fifth and sixth of the season.

However, that was as close as the ‘A’ would get, as Proulx iced it making it 7-5 with two minutes remaining in the third on a set up from Luke Russell. Dyne Parker kicked in with three assists for Re/Max while Robinson had a three-point night for Arlington with a goal and two assists.

In the afternoon tilt, Gericks’ forward Craig Clare and Allstar’s Scott Davis put on a bit of a scoring clinic as Clare netted a hat trick and an assist in the 10-6 victory and Davis scored four times in a losing effort.

All Star jumped out to a 4-0 first-period lead on two tallies from Davis and markers from Brady Glover and Evan MacKay, but Gericks would chip away at the lead.

Gord Aiken scored at the 17 minute mark, and Clare would make it 4-2 two minutes later. Travis Drake would cut the lead to one, and would complete the comeback tying it four minutes into the middle frame. Incredibly, Eric Hill would give Gericks a 5-4 lead, and Clare would score their sixth unanswered goal at the 8:00 minute mark to put Gericks up 6-4. Davis would finally reply for Allstar cutting the lead to one, but Aiken would take a feed from Steve Walker and snipe the win-ning goal 16 minutes into the middle frame.

Davis again would draw Allstar within one, but Clare would complete his hat trick, and Walker added a pair of his own in the third period for the 10-6 victory. Drake was his usual generous self, scoring twice and adding four assists for a six-point night, while Walker also pitched in with two goals and four helpers.

The win also puts Gericks within striking dis-tance of the Big A for the fourth and final playoff spot. The 7-13-4 Gericks trails Arlington, 8-11-5, by three points in the standings.

In Thursday’s action OK Tire defeated Allstar 4-1 on the strength of four first-period goals from Darrin Williams, Justin Adrian, Derek Chartres, and Troy Palmer. In the other match, Gericks skated to a 5-5 tie with Re/Max. Eric Hill scored twice and added an assist and Curtis Wabelin had three assists while Adam NcNeil, Mike Boisvert, and Trevor Fennell rounded out the scoring for Gericks. Parker had a pair, and Devyn Hill, Kieran Hill, and Bedin replied for Re/Max.

The TCHL resumes Thursday night with Gericks facing OK Tire at 7:15 p.m. and Allstar playing Arlington at 8:30 p.m. Action continues on Saturday with top seeds Allstar facing Re/Max at 6:45 p.m. and Arlington taking on OK Tire at 8 p.m. On Sunday, Gericks and Arlington play at 2:15 p.m. and Re/Max versus OK Tire at 3:30 p.m.

B y a l i c i a W a l l a c e Rossland News

Some of North America’s best junior freeskiers will des-cend upon Red Mountain this week for the Canadian Open Freeskiing Championship.

Link’s Line and Papoose Bowl will be the main venue for this week’s competition. The course provides athletes with some great black dia-mond terrain to cliff drop and rock hop, and mouth flop spectators, who will have optimal visibility of competi-tors from these lines.

“Links Line at Red is in the upper echelon of free-ride venues,” said RMR’s events and marketing manager, Nicole Briggs. “Links has

a sustained fall line riddled with technical features and a solid vertical drop. Links is an ideal venue located dir-ectly under the lift, making access easy for competitor, infrastructure, and awesome viewing for spectators.”

The event is popular on the free-skiing competition cir-cuit with only 20 registration places available as of late last week. Registration is expected to reach capacity prior to the commencement of the event however if any space is avail-able walk up registration is accepted.

The competition at Red is an International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA) national

tour stop. Competitors in the age categories of under 12, 12-14 and 15-18 will battle it out for great prizes, including skis, helmets and ski apparel.

Qualifying events com-mence Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and continue through Friday. All three age categories have their finals on Saturday.

Athletes will collect points throughout the winter season at the IFSA events. Highly ranked athletes will have an opportunity to compete in the Junior World Championships in Grandvalira, Andorra in February.

The Canadian open Freeskiing Championships at Red is the longest stand-ing junior Canadian event in

North America. “Red has supported jun-

ior free-riding from the beginning, taking the event seriously, treating the ath-letes well and it shows,” said Briggs. “Everybody knows this event is special.”

Spectators should watch for Rossland’s Mackenzie Flood, Simon Hillis, and Samantha Kuhn who won their age category in last year’s national event at Red. Flood won the female 15-18 year-old category while Hillis fended off fellow Rosslander Bohdi Ellis-Kusy to win the male 7-11-year-old category. Kuhn took the top spot in the female 7-11-year-old cat-egory.

B y T i m e s s T a f fThe Greater Trail Minor

Hockey Association (GTMHA) hosted it’s Pee Wee Tier 2 and Tier 3 tournament on the weekend that saw 10 teams play over 20 games at local arenas in Greater Trail.

In the Tier 2 division, Greater Trail beat Kimberley in its opening game 8-4 Friday before dropping a close 7-6 match to Salmon

Arm on Saturday.But the Tier 2 Pee Wee

Smokies would bounce back with a 2-0 shutout win over Castlegar to finish the round robin with two wins and one loss.

The team then faced the undefeated Penticton Pee Wee Tier 2 Vees in the semi-final. The game ended up deadlocked 2-2 in regulation, and after a scoreless overtime

period, Penticton would win it in a shootout and advance to the final match against the Boise Junior Steelheads out of Eagle, Idaho.

Penticton had beaten Boise 3-2 in the round robin but the Steelheads, who dis-patched Salmon Arm 3-2 in the other semifinal, proved too much for a tired Vees team, winning 4-2 in the final.

The GTMHA Tier 3 team had a tough start going win-less in the round robin, but the Pee Wee Smokies would turn it around and beat Creston 5-2 in the consola-tion final to take home a bronze medal.

Cranbrook, after squeak-ing by Trail 2-1, would go on to beat Elk Valley in the final in a shootout to win the Tier 3 tournament.

Liz Bevin photo

The Greater Trail Pee Wee Tier 3 Smoke Eaters goalie Kai Tichauer gets some help from defenceman Megan Caron to keep the puck out, as the Smokies bounced back from a close 2-1 loss to the Cranbrook Kings on Saturday to beat the Creston Chiefs in the consolation final and win third place at the Greater Trail Pee Wee Tier 2 and Tier 3 tournament on the weekend.

Pee Wee Tier 2 and 3 tournament wrap up

Free Skiing

Canadian Open hits the slopes on Red

Re/Max claims share of lead

tchl

SportS

ScoreboardHockey

BCHL Interior Division G W L T OL PtPenticton 43 33 7 2 1 69Vernon 42 28 11 1 2 59Merritt 41 24 15 0 2 50WKelowna 43 22 16 0 5 49Salm Arm 42 18 16 3 5 44Trail 41 14 25 0 2 30

Island Division G W L T OL PtNanaimo 43 29 12 0 2 60Powell R 45 21 16 0 8 50Victoria 43 19 14 1 9 48Alberni 40 19 16 2 3 43Cowichan 45 17 25 2 1 37 Mainland Division G W L T OL PtChilliwack 41 25 14 1 1 52Langley 44 23 16 1 4 51P.G. 43 20 19 0 4 44Coquitlam 45 16 24 1 4 37Surrey 43 7 33 0 3 17

Tuesday’s Games N/ATrail at Merritt 7 p.m.

Penticton at West Kelowna 7 p.m.

Thursday’s gamesSurrey at Prince George, 7

p.m.Friday’s games

Vernon at Coquitlam, 7 p.m.Cowichan Valley at Nanaimo,

7 p.m.Surrey at Prince George, 7

p.m.Trail at Chilliwack, 7 p.m.Merritt at Penticton, 7 p.m.

Salmon Arm at Victoria, 7 p.m.West Kelowna at Alberni

Valley, 7 p.m.Saturday, January 24

Trail at Langley, 7 p.m.Salmon Arm at Alberni Valley,

7 p.m.Chilliwack at Victoria, 7 p.m.

West Kelowna at Powell River, 7:15 p.m.

Vernon at Merritt, 7:30 p.m.Sunday, January 25

Trail at Coquitlam, 2 p.m.Chilliwack at Cowichan Valley,

2 p.m.Salmon Arm at Nanaimo,

2 p.m.West Kelowna at Surrey,

4 p.m.

National Hockey LeagueAll Times EST

EASTERN CONFERENCEAtlantic Division

G W L OT PtTampa 47 29 14 4 62Detroit 46 26 11 9 61Montreal 44 28 13 3 59Boston 46 24 16 6 54Florida 44 20 14 10 50Toronto 47 22 22 3 47Ottawa 44 18 18 8 44Buffalo 47 14 30 3 31

Metropolitan Division G W L OT PtIslanders 46 31 14 1 63Pittsburgh 44 26 12 6 58Rangers 43 26 13 4 56Wash 45 24 13 8 56Columbus 44 20 21 3 43Phila 47 18 22 7 43New Jersey 47 17 22 8 42Carolina 46 16 25 5 37

WESTERN CONFERENCECentral Division

G W L OT PtNashville 44 30 10 4 64St. Louis 46 29 13 4 62Chicago 45 28 15 2 58Winnipeg 47 25 14 8 58Dallas 45 21 17 7 49Colorado 47 19 18 10 48Minnesota 45 20 20 5 45 Pacific Division GP W L OT PtAnaheim 46 30 10 6 66Vancouver 44 26 15 3 55San Jose 47 24 17 6 54Calgary 46 25 18 3 53L. A. 46 20 14 12 52Arizona 45 16 24 5 37Edmonton 46 11 26 9 31

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss

Wednesday’s GamesToronto at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Chicago at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.Columbus at Winnipeg, 9 p.m.Boston at Colorado, 10 p.m.Calgary at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Los Angeles at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday’s GamesNo games scheduled

A10 www.trailtimes.ca Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Trail Times

Christine Esovoloff,

Advertising Sales

Email: sales@castlegarnews.comWebsite: castlegarnews.com

250.365.6397

AShort answer: By

advertising here in our Ask � e Pros feature that runs bi weekly.

QHow do I let people know of my services

and answer frequently asked questions?

Your column includes a profile photo of yourself or staff, contact information, website, logo and a question and answer that you provide! This is a great, interactive way to advertise! This is what your ad could look like.

Ask � e Pros

$75/week

Call today to reserve your space (250)368-8551

Dave ext 203 dave@trailtimes.caLonnie ext 201 l.hart@trailtimes.ca

Call today to reserve your space

How do I let people know of my services and answer frequently asked questions?

Short answer:By advertising here in our Ask the Pros feature that will run every Tuesday.

How do I let people know of my services and answer frequently asked questions?

Short answer:

QShort answer:By advertising here in our feature that will run every Tuesday.

Short answer:

AYour column includes a pro� le photo of yourself or sta� , contact information, website, logo and a

question and answer that you provide!

WANTED:Veneer (peeler) Logs

Species: Douglas Fir Western Larch Spruce Grand Fir Hemlock

Competitive prices. We can offer development and logging expertise to get the job done as well.

Contact us for prices and specifications.

Located in Fruitvale, BC

Contact: Gus Young, Woodlands Manager 250-367-2518 gus.young@atcowoodproducts.com

the

in

Grab your sweetheart and capture a kiss at an area landmark, then enter our contest at trailtimes.ca/contests

Amore’s RistoranteAuthentic Italian Food

876 Rossland Ave 250.364.1100

A randomly selected picture will win a

gift certi� cate for

Tier 2 BanTams golden

SuBMITTED PhOTO

The Greater Trail Bantam Rep team captured gold at the Nelson Tier 2 Bantam Hockey Tournament on the weekend. The GTMHA Tier 2 Bantam Smoke Eaters beat Cranbrook 3-2 in overtime to go undefeated throughout the event. The Trail Bantams tied Cranbrook 2-2 in the round robin then went on to defeat Campbell River and Sherwood Park, before shutting out Nelson 5-0 in the semi-final.

Cranbrook Daily Townsman

It’s no secret Sam Reinhart had every intention of remaining with the Buffalo Sabres through the 2014-15 NHL season after the team made him the second-overall selec-tion in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

After nine NHL games, the Sabres sent Reinhart back to the Kootenay Ice. Since landing back in Cranbrook, the native of North Vancouver has made the most of his time.

A few weeks ago, he was instrumen-tal in Team Canada’s march to gold at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship. Saturday night in Saskatoon, his 10th goal of the season vault-ed him past Kootenay Ice alumni Jarret Stoll, establishing Reinhart as the all-time fran-chise leader in points with 287 through 223 games.

Stoll previously established the mark at 286 points in 245 games.

“Obviously he’s an exceptional player in the National Hockey League. To be able to have my name up there with his is pretty

special,” Reinhart said Monday afternoon.

Trailing 2-1 with less than three min-utes to play in regula-tion Saturday against the Saskatoon Blades, Reinhart took a perfect pass in open space from Jaedon Descheneau before finding twine to tie the game 2-2 and establish the new fran-chise scoring mark.

“The franchise is very proud of the accomplishments of those elite players and they should be rec-ognized for it,” said Kootenay Ice head coach Ryan McGill. “We’ve been very for-tunate to have really good players come through here.

“To be here and see the maturity and improvement in [Reinhart’s] game since I got here three years ago, I’m not sure I know a word to describe it other than ‘awesome.’”

Though Reinhart’s NHL hopes were tem-porarily dashed upon being returned to the Kootenay Ice from the Sabres Oct. 31, McGill doesn’t necessarily see it as a bad thing.

“His mind will take him a long ways because of how he thinks the game,”

McGill said of Reinhart. “You go through your career and you gain from every experience.”

As a 16-year-old, Reinhart tallied 62 points in 67 games dur-ing the 2011-12 cam-paign. The next season, he boosted his totals to 85 points in 72 games. Last season in his NHL draft year, Reinhart made his mark with 105 points in 60 games. With 33 points through 20 games this season, he continues to prove he is one of the most promising young pros-pects outside the NHL.

Like Stoll, Reinhart has participated in two World Junior Championships, help-ing his country to a 5-4 victory over Russia Jan. 5.

“One thing I was looking forward to was getting the opportunity to win a gold medal,” Reinhart said. “To be able to do that on home ice and in the fashion we did it was pretty spe-cial to be a part of.”

As an alternate cap-tain, Reinhart was a key cog in Canada’s return to gold medal glory, scoring the game-winning goal in the championship game and totalling five goals and 11 points through the seven-game tourna-ment.

For now, Reinhart’s focus is back in Cranbrook with the Kootenay Ice and the pursuit of a Memorial

Cup championship. Even though his focus is on getting his team into the WHL dance, it doesn’t mean Reinhart has stopped taking steps towards his NHL aspirations.

“We have some work to do to make the play-offs and set ourselves up nicely for the post-season,” Reinhart said. “We have to get back on track and I think doing the little things well will enable me to be in the NHL as soon as possible again.

“[The Sabres] are always keeping a close eye. So that’s always nice.”

Reinhart breaks Ice record

Leisure

Dear Annie: A year ago, I bought a house for my niece Alice, her boyfriend and their two daughters, so they could have a better life and become home-owners. The house is still in my name, and our agreement was that Alice could live there for five years so she could build up her credit and save enough for a down payment on a home of her own.

The problem is Alice’s sister, “Tonya,” who is fond of partying. Alice allowed Tonya to hold parties for under-age kids, with alcohol, in the house. Tonya is now in college but still comes home on vacations and expects to host parties for her friends, including high school kids. I found out that Tonya gets so drunk at these parties that she has thrown up in the kitchen sink.

I am livid and hurt that Alice would allow her children to wit-ness such irresponsible behavior. Alice’s moth-

er, my sister, also per-mits this. I told Alice’s boyfriend that I would sell the house if Tonya has another party there. I am afraid to talk to Alice, Tonya or my sister because I’m sure to let slip what I really think of this and then it will cause major family issues.

Why can’t my sister see the liabilities for everyone involved? -- Disappointed Uncle

Dear Uncle: Your sister chooses to ignore this behavior because she doesn’t want to alienate her daughters and prefers to abdicate her parental respon-sibilities. You have been inordinately kind to your niece, and it

seems unappreciated. But do not approach this in anger. Simply inform Alice that you, as the homeowner, will be held liable for any illegal activities taking place there, includ-ing serving alcohol to underage kids. Say that, regretfully, should you discover she has allowed Tonya to hold another such party, you will be forced to sell the house, as you are unable to afford the potential legal costs. Then do it.

Dear Annie: I have two grown daughters who have not spoken to me since their mother and I divorced 12 years ago when they were teenagers. I assume they were pressured not to have anything to do with me.

Over the years, I have sent them cards, letters and gifts, but they have never acknowledged them. I always hoped that when they were grown and less influ-enced by their mother, we might be able to

reestablish some kind of a relationship.

My oldest daugh-ter recently became engaged, and I sent her a gift. I received a letter in return, telling me that I am not invited to the wedding, and asking whether I want my gift back. I never expected to be invited to her wedding, and frankly, was thrilled that she even acknow-ledged the gift. I don’t want it back.

After all these years, I have started to lose hope that things will ever improve. So my question is, should I continue to send cards or gifts to my daugh-ters? I don’t want to be a nuisance. I used to cry when I would think of them, and the sad thing is now I don’t. -- Estranged Dad

Dear Dad: You don’t have to send gifts, but please continue to send cards. Your daughters need the reassurance that you still care about them. And you never know; they may some-

day decide to reconcile. Please leave the door open.

Dear Annie: You printed a letter from “Florida Lady,” who suggested giving all types of gift cards. I get a lot of gift cards from people on special occa-sions, which is nice. I

also purchase and give gift cards to others.

I had no problem until this year, when I had purchased gift cards to a very popu-lar restaurant. Without notice, the restaurant closed its doors and we were stuck with the gift cards.

I’ve decided that cash is a better alterna-tive. It’s the right color, right size, has no expiration date and is accepted everywhere. -- Eileen

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar.

Today’s Crossword

132697548

467528139

589413276

375246891

914875623

826139754

693782415

751964382

248351967 20

15 C

once

ptis

Puz

zles

, Dis

t. by

Kin

g Fe

atur

es S

yndi

cate

, Inc

.

Difficulty Level 1/20

58

8

3

57

2

98

6

78

1

3

9

4

62

5

39

4

16

4

8

97

2015

Con

cept

is P

uzzl

es,

Dis

t. by

Kin

g Fe

atur

es S

yndi

cate

, In

c.

By Dave Green

Difficulty Level 1/21

Solution for previouS SuDoKu

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with sev-eral given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box con-tains the same number only once.

Today’s PUZZLEs

Annie’s MAilbox

Marcy sugar & Kathy Mitchell

Trail Times Wednesday, January 21, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A11

Homeowner is liable for illegal activities in house

Leisure

For Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Someone older or more experienced might give you excellent advice today. In fact, this person could be from another country or a different culture. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) This is a good day to look at your life direction in gen-eral. Are you headed where you want to go? Where do you want to be five years from now? GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) This is a good day to study something or make long-range plans regard-ing publishing, the media, medicine and the law. You also might look into future travel plans. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You’re in a practical frame of mind today, which is why this is a good day to look into issues regard-

ing inheritances and shared property. You can set things right for a long time in the future. LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) A serious discussion with a partner, or ex-part-ner, might settle matters for the long-term future. Someone older could give you valuable input and advice. VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Because you’re in a prac-tical frame of mind today, tackle routine, boring tasks that you might normally avoid. Roll up your sleeves and get to work, because you will get things done! LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Discussions about the care and education of children will be productive today. You might consult someone older for advice or help. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) An older family relative might have good advice

for you today. Family dis-cussions will deal with long-term decisions for the future. (This is a good day for these dis-cussions.) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) You’re in a practical frame of mind today and willing to do dull, routine duties, which is why you should take advantage of this energy. Get as much done as possible!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Today is a good day to look for cost-cutting mea-sures and ways to avoid waste. Ultimately, you want to improve your finances and how you handle your assets and possessions. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) You will be productive today, especially if you listen to the advice of someone who is more experienced or

older. And you will do this because you want things done in record time. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Research projects will go well. However, slow down, because if you rush you might miss something. YOU BORN TODAY You are very passionate about whatever you do. You have a lot of emotion-ally charged energy, which attracts some people but

intimidates others. This is a testing year of growth and building. This growth will occur beneath the sur-face. Do not make major changes yet; wait until next year. Strengthen your financial position by reducing your overhead. Birthdate of: Olivia d’Abo, actress; Sam Cooke, singer/songwriter; John Hurt, actor. (c) 2015 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Your horoscopeBy Francis Drake

A12 www.trailtimes.ca Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Trail Times

TuNDrA

MoTher Goose & GrIMM

ANIMAL crAcKers

hAGAr

BrooMhILDA

sALLY ForTh

BLoNDIe

Drive Safeon our roadsPlease

Remember to use your turn signal.Give the drivers behind and ahead of you

a heads up. Turn on your indicator before initiating your turn or lane change.

Trail Times Wednesday, January 21, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A13

Let’s be socialLike us on Facebook for career articles, contests, job inspiration & more. /LocalWork-BC

It’s a Boy!

A Keepsake for a LifetimeReceive a 2x3 birth

announcement for only $3000 GST included

Deadline: 2 days priorto publication by 11am.

The Trail Times will continue to publish straight birth announcements free of charge - as always

Drop in to 1163 Cedar Ave or email your photo, information and Mastercard or Visa number to nationals@trailtimes.ca 250-368-8551 ext 204

Call Today! 250-364-1413 ext 206

FruitvaleRoute 362 20 papers 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Evergreen AveRoute 366 18 papers Beaver St, Maple AveRoute 369 15 papers Birch Ave, Johnson Rd, Red-wood Dr, Rosewood DrRoute 375 12 papers Green Rd & Lodden RdRoute 379 18 papers Cole St, Nelson AveRoute 380 23 papers Galloway Rd, Mill RdRoute 381 7 papers Coughlin RdRoute 382 7 papers Debruin Rd & Staats RdRoute 384 19 papers Cedar Ave, Kootenay

GenelleRoute 303 15 papers 12th Ave, 2nd St, GrandviewRoute 304 13 papers 12th & 14th Ave

West TrailRoute 149 7 papers Binns St, McAnally St, Kitchener Ave

WarfieldRoute 195 12 papers Blake Crt, Whitman Way

SunningdaleRoute 211 26 papers Hazelwood Dr, Olivia Cres, Viola Cres.Route 219 15 papers Hazelwood Drive

MontroseRoute 341 24 papers 10th Ave, 8th Ave, 9th AveRoute 344 17 papers 10th Ave, 9th AveRoute 345 12 papers 10th Ave, 9th AveRoute 347 16 papers 10th Ave, 9th Ave, 9th StRoute 348 19 papers 12th Ave, Christie RdRoute 346 27 papers 8th, 9th & 10th AveRoute 340 24 papers 10th Ave, 7th St, 8th St

PAPER CARRIERS WANTED

Excellent exercise, fun for all ages.

Rossland CARRIERS NEEDED FOR ROUTES IN ALL AREAS

Information

The Trail Times is a member of the British

Columbia Press Council. The Press Council serves as a forum for unsatisfied reader complaints against

member newspapers.

Complaints must be filed within a 45 day time limit.

For information please go to the Press Council website at www.bcpresscouncil.org,

write to PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9

or telephone (toll free) 1-888-687-2213.

Disability Benefi tsFree Seminar

Speakers: Dr. Alison Bested, on

ME/FM, CFS, other

Julie Fisher, Lawyer, Long-Term Disability

and CPP

Annamarie Kersop, Lawyer,

Injury & No-Fault Benefi ts

Date: Mon. Feb.9, 2015

at 7 pmWhere: Hyatt Regency

VancouverRSVP: 604-554-0078 oroffi ce@lawyerswest.cawww.LawyersWest.ca

Personals Help Wanted

Happy 75th BirthdayBill, Dad, Papa!

Much love from your family

Celebrations

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS250-368-5651

FOR INFORMATION,education, accommodation

and supportfor battered womenand their children

call WINS Transition House 250-364-1543

Employment

Help Wanted**WANTED**

NEWSPAPER CARRIERSTRAIL TIMES

Excellent ExerciseFun for All Ages

Call Today -Start Earning Money

TomorrowCirculation Department250-364-1413 Ext. 206For more Information

Hiring Professional Truck Drivers for local long term po-sitions in Trail. Quad tractor & Super B bottom dump trailers. 24/7 operation requires shift work. Seeking experienced, even tempered, safety con-scious applicants, with (or eli-gible for) a Fast Card. Above average remuneration, benefi t plan and attractive safety bo-nus. Full or part time may be considered. Contact Nels Ven-tures for more information at professionaldriver12@gmail.com

WARFIELD FAS GAS has an opening for an energetic indi-vidual. Must be able to multi-task and work days & nights. Foodsafe would be an asset. Apply to:warfi eldfasgas@shawbiz.ca

Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted

250.368.8551

fax 250.368.8550 email nationals@trailtimes.ca

Your classifieds. Your community

PHONE:250.368.8551 OR: 1.800.665.2382

FAX: 250.368.8550

EMAIL CLASSIFIEDS TO: nationals@

trailtimes.ca

DEADLINES 11am 1 day prior to publication.

RATES Lost & Found and Free Give Away ads are no charge. Classified rates vary. Ask us about rates. Combos and packages available - over 90 newspapers in BC.

AGREEMENT It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona i de requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form what-soever, particularly by a photographic or of set process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

A14 www.trailtimes.ca Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Trail Times

“It’s YOUR move. You want it handled with care”

Dawn Rosin realtor®250.231.1765dawnrosin@shaw.cawww.westkootenayhomes.com

#14 -1790 Barrett Drive, Fruitvale

$19,900 Located in Fruitvale Senior’s Park. Must be over 55. One small dog permitted. MLS#2400828

1585 Green Road, Fruitvale$326,500

Country living close to all amenities. This 4 bedroom family home is

located on 1 acre with breathtaking views. MLS#2401164

735 Kipling Street, Warfi eld$196,000

This 3 bedroom 1 1/2 storey home is perfect for the fi rst time buyer.

MLS#2402067

3354 Laurel Crescent, Trail$198,500

This 3 bedroom townhouse is turn key! Features a beautiful new kitchen, updated bathrooms, new fl ooring throughout, and freshly

painted. MLS#2402056

1st Trail Real Estate

1252 Bay Avenue, Trail 250.368.5222 1993 Columbia Ave, Rossland 250.362.5200WWW.COLDWELLBANKERTRAIL.COM

Nathan Kotyk

250-231-9484

RobBurrus

250-231-4420

Marie-Claude Germain

250-512-1153

Jack McConnachie250-368-5222

Trail $149,000Nathan 250.231.9484

Trail Nathan 250.231.9484

Trail $98,000Nathan 250.231.9484

Trail $169,000Nathan 250.231.9484

Rossland $279,900Marie-Claude 250.512.1153

Rossland $49,900Marie-Claude 250.512.1153

Fruitvale Rob 250.231.4420

Fruitvale $319,000Rob 250.231.4420

Rossland $299,900Marie-Claude 250.512.1153

House & Acreage

Fruitvale $219,500Rob 250.231.4420

Fruitvale $149,000Rob 250.231.4420

SOLD

Rossland $59,900Marie-Claude 250.512.1153

Close to Ski Hill Choose one

of 3 lots

Minutes to downtown

SOLD

Sales ConsultantTrail new and pre-owned auto

dealership is seeking applications for their expanding sales team.

• Applicants should have strong communication skills including a background in customer service and/or sales.

• Automotive sales experience and computer skills would be preferred.

• Applicants should be motivated, mature, and willing to work in a fast-paced environment.

• On-the-job training provided for the right individuals.E-mail resumes to lee@amford.com

AMFord.com

1-800-961-0202

#1SELLING AUTOMOTIVE

COMPANYIN CANADA5 YEARS RUNNING

OFFICE ADMINISTRATORMaglio Installations (MI) is seeking an Offi ce Adminis-trator for its Castlegar Offi ce.MI is an active construction company with diverse con-tracts for Municipal and Industrial infrastructure and Commercial Construction.Duties: Administrative sup-port and reception. Assist with Scheduling, Accounting, WorksafeBC, Bid Tender preparation, and Dispatch notices. Interaction with superintendents, employees, and clients. Employee sup-port, hiring packages and HR documents. Filing sys-tems and Records.Computer skills: MS Offi ce - Word and Excel, Project Management software - Sage 300, Email, computer network and fi ling.This is a high functioning po-sition that requires motiva-tion, integrity, a mature pro-cess, and a variety of skills.

Please send your resume and references to

info@maglioinstallations.com

Administration

Help Wanted

Services

Help Wanted

Services

Financial ServicesGET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reas-sessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 1-250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gal-len@shaw.ca C- 250-938-1944

LARGE FUNDBorrowers Wanted

Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime1-800-639-2274 or

604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Merchandise for Sale

Heavy Duty Machinery

A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS

Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all

sizes in stock. Trades are welcome.

40’Containers under $2500!DMG 40’ containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift.

Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator.

Ph Toll free 1-866-528-71081-778-298-3192 8am-5pm

Delivery BC and ABwww.rtccontainer.com

Misc. WantedPrivate Collector Looking toBuy Coin Collections, Silver,Antiques, Native Art, Estates +Chad: 250-499-0251 Local

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent1/2 MONTH FREE RENT

WANETA MANORSuites

Avail NowPlease call

250-368-8423

Rentals

Apt/Condo for RentBella Vista, Shavers Bench Townhomes. N/S, N/P. 2-3 bdrms. Phone 250-364-1822Ermalinda Estates, Glenmer-ry, spacious 1-2bdrms. Adults only. Secure building w/eleva-tor. N/S, N/P. Ongoing im-provements. Ph.250-364-1922E.TRAIL 2-BDRM.. $700./mo. plus utilities. N/S, N/P. F/S. Laundry. 250-367-7919E.TRAIL, 2bdrm. apts. F/S, W/D. Yard. 250-368-3239Francesco Estates, Glenmer-ry,spacious 1-3bdrms. Adults only (45+). Secure building w/elevator. N/S, N/P. Ongoing improvements. Ph. 250-368-6761Glenmerry 1bdrm. apt. F/S Heat included. N/S. $595./mo. 250-368-5908Glenmerry 2bdrm. apt. F/S Heat included. N/S. $695./mo. 250-368-5908WARFIELD APARTMENTS. 2-bdrm, N/S, N/P. Long term tenants. 250-368-5888W.TRAIL, 1bd. plus, semi-en-closed balcony. 1Blk. to Down-town, $595./mo. 250-368-6076W.TRAIL, 2Bdrm. in 4-plex., enclosed parking. $580./mo. 250-368-6212W.TRAIL 2-bdrm. main fl oor. f/s,w/d,d/w. $700./mo. plus utilities. 250-368-1015

Houses For Sale

FIND EVERYTHING YOUNEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Place a classifi ed word ad and...

IT WILL GO ON LINE!

SHOP ONLINE...

bcclassified.comAnytime!

Classifieds

Kelowna

Vernon

Penticton

Kamloops

Castlegar/Cranbrook/Nelson

PrinceGeorge

AndresCar Audio

PENTICTON101-2601 Skaha Lake Rd.

493-3800(250)

VERNON200-3107 - 48th Ave.

542-3000(250)

ANDRES WIRELESSCherry Lane Mall

(250) 493-4566

KELOWNA2153 Springfield Road

860-2600(250)

WEST KELOWNA#200 - 2180 Elk Rd.

707-2600(250)

CASTLEGAR200-1965 Columbia Ave.

365-6455(250)

NELSONChahko Mika Mall

352-7258(250)

CRANBROOK101 Kootenay St. North

426-8927(250)

TELUS KIOSK

KELOWNA2153 Springfield Road

860-2600(250)

WEST KELOWNA#200 - 2180 Elk Rd.

707-2600(250)

100 MileHouse

KELOWNA2153 Springfield Road

860-2600(250)

PENTICTON101-2601 Skaha Lake Rd.

493-3800(250)

VERNON200-3107 - 48th Ave.

542-3000(250)

WEST KELOWNA#200 - 2180 Elk Rd.

707-2600(250)

ANDRES CAR AUDIO1881 Harvey Avenue

(250) 860-1975

KELOWNA CAR AUDIO1881 Harvey Avenue

(250) 860-1975

KAMLOOPS CAR AUDIO154 Victoria Str

(250) 314-9944

WEST KELOWNA#200 - 2180 Elk Rd.

707-2600(250)

PENTICTON101-2601 Skaha Lake Rd.

493-3800(250)

VERNON200-3107 - 48th Ave.

542-3000(250)

WilliamsLake KELOWNA

2153 Springfield Road860-2600(250)

KAMLOOPS745 Notre Dame Drive

851-8700(250)

PRINCE GEORGE2591A Vance Rd.

563-4447(250)

WILLIAMS AKE299 Oliver Str.

398-8522(250)

L 100 MILE OUSE916 Alpine Ave.

395-4015(250)

H

KAMLOOPS745 Notre Dame Drive

851-8700(250)

ANDRES WIRELESSAberdeen Mall(250) 377-8880

ANDRES WIRELESS215 - 450 Lansdowne Mall

(250) 377-8007

ANDRES CAR AUDIO154 Victoria Str

(250) 314-9944

ANDRES BUSINESS300 St. Paul Str.

(250) 377-3773

PRINCE GEORGE2591A Vance Rd.

563-4447(250)

KAMLOOPS745 Notre Dame Drive

851-8700(250)

VERNON200-3107 - 48th Ave.

542-3000(250)

WILLIAMS AKE299 Oliver Str.

398-8522(250)

L 100 MILE OUSE916 Alpine Ave.

395-4015(250)

H

KAMLOOPS745 Notre Dame Drive

851-8700(250)

PRINCE GEORGE2591A Vance Rd.

563-4447(250)

100 MILE OUSE916 Alpine Ave.

395-4015(250)

H WILLIAMS AKE299 Oliver Str.

398-8522(250)

L

VERNON200-3107 - 48th Ave.

542-3000(250)

ANDRES WIRELESSVilliage Green Mall

(250) 542-1496

KELOWNA2153 Springfield Road

860-2600(250)

WEST KELOWNA#200 - 2180 Elk Rd.

707-2600(250)

KAMLOOPS745 Notre Dame Drive

851-8700(250)

VERNON200-3107 - 48th Ave.

542-3000(250)

WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!

COM

MUNIT

Y

EXPE

RTISE

BUYING POWER

PRICE

COM

MUNIT

Y

Trail Times Wednesday, January 21, 2015 www.trailtimes.ca A15

A16 www.trailtimes.ca Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Trail Times

For additional information and photos

on all of our listings, please visit

www.kootenayhomes.com

Terry Alton250-231-1101terryalton@shaw.ca

Mark Wilson250-231-5591mark.wilson@century21.ca

Tonnie Stewart250-365-9665tonniestewart@shaw.ca

Jodi Beamish250-231-2331jodi.beamish@century21.ca

Mary Martin250-231-0264mary.martin@century21.ca

Richard Daoust250-368-7897richard.daoust@century21.ca

Mary Amantea250-521-0525mamantea@telus.net

Bill Craig250-231-2710bill.craig@century21.ca

Deanne Lockhart250-231-0153deannelockhart@shaw.ca

Art Forrest250-368-8818c21art@telus.net

Christine Albo250-512-7653christine.albo@century21.ca

Dave Thoss250-231-4522dave.thoss@century21.ca

Dan PowellChristina Lake250-442-6413powelldanielk@gmail.com

KOOTENAY HOMES INC.1358 Cedar Avenue, Trail • 250.368.8818

www.kootenayhomes.com www.century21.caThe Local Experts™

WE CAN SELL YOUR HOME.

NOBODY HAS THE RESOURCES WE DO!

Looking for that perfect home? I can help!

Call me today for a FREE

market evaluation

Mark Wilson ext 30250-231-5591mark.wilson@century21.cawww.kootenayhomes.com

3621 Rosewood Drive, Trail$285,000

Immaculate 4 bdrm, 2 bath family home with a large rec room, 2 fi replaces, fi sh pond, tons of perennials, underground

sprinklers, outside deck and a very private back yard. Ideal starter or family home with

plenty of room to grow.Call Christine (250) 512-7653

430 Wellington Avenue, Warfi eld$199,000

ON the water! This beautiful property is on Trail Creek. Owner built and

owned, this home is warm and cozy. 3 bdrms, gleaming hardwood fl oors, and curved doorways. Basement has large workshop area. There is good parking

with carport and garage. Call or text for your personal viewing.

Call Mary M (250) 231-0264

#305 - 1510 Nickleplate Road, Rossland

$99,000Bright south facing 1 bdrm condo

with new fl ooring, amazing southern views and great sun exposure.

The building has shared laundry, fi tness room, games room and sauna.

Call your REALTOR® today!Call Christine (250) 512-7653

1463 Bay Ave, Downtown TrailFor Lease

Updated and very clean space in downtown core. Security system, air

conditioned, and great access to bring in large items. In an area of long standing

businesses with good foot traffi c.Call Art (250) 368-8818

Trail 2 bedroom upper suite $850/month 1 bedroom lower suite $550/month 3 bedroom house $750/month 2 bedroom upper suite $750/month

Montrose 2 bedroom upper suite $800/month 4 bedroom house $1000/monthCastlegar 1 bedroom condo $750/month

414 2nd Avenue, Rivervale$159,000

This bright cheery home features upgraded, kitchen, bathrooms, fl ooring, roof, wiring, plumbing, most windows,

tastefully decorated, beautiful decks and low maintenance landscaping, and garage. Such a fabulous little package! Call now!!

Call Deanne (250) 231-0153

804 Redstone Drive, Rossland$369,000

This near new home is built in a contemporary style with 3 bdrms,

2 baths and an open fl oor plan. The exterior is tastefully fi nished with low maintenance in mind and has 8 years

left on the 10 year new home warranty.Call Richard (250) 368-7897

83 Perdue Street, Trail$159,000

Immaculate 3 bedroom 2 bath home close to all amenities. Located near the bocce pits.

Call Deanne (250) 231-0153

1762 First Street, Fruitvale$179,900

Beautiful views, well landscaped yard and 5 bdrm on a quiet cul-d-sac. Attention all Buyers - Take advantage of the Sellers VTB program. Call your

REALTOR® for details.. Call Mary M (250) 231-0264

FABULOUS STARTER

HOME

4206 Ross Spur Road, Ross Spur$1,200,000

PRIVATE RETREAT! This spectacular home is located 25 acres of healthy treed property with Beaver Creek running through. The home has over 4200

square feet of fi nished space, with high ceilings, hardwood fl oors, deluxe kitchen and views galore! You have to see it to believe it!

Call Mary M (250) 231-0264

Call Terry for more details! 250-231-1101

FOR RENT

OPEN HOUSESaturday Jan. 24 11am-1pm

OPEN HOUSESaturday Jan. 24 1:30-3:30pm

T4 preparation is soon underway. What about those gifts and awards lavished upon

an employee, the bountiful business related air miles accumulated? How are these reported to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), or are they?

If the collective value of non-cash items in a year is less than $500 for an employ-ee, CRA doesn’t need to know about them. If over that amount, only the overage has to be reported on the T4 as taxable.

Separately, CRA also allows service awards for five or more years of $500 non-cash value, with any overage taxable.

CRA does not permit the two $500

amounts to be pooled for a $1,000 value. Each $500 is treated separately so unused room in one cannot offset over-age in the other.

The story is different for cash gifts and awards, includ-ing near-cash items such as gift certificates. These are 100 per cent taxable so perhaps it is better to give or get an actual turkey rather than a grocery

store gift card.Loyalty points, such as air miles, are

well in the sights of CRA. Accumulated points on a business loyalty card and given to an employee are considered a near-cash gift and the full amount is sub-ject tax.

If however an employee earns loyalty points on a personal card for the purchase of employment expenses, this value needs not be reported to CRA, unless cash is taken in lieu of a non-cash gift.

If an employer wishes to perk an employee, rather than having the employ-ee use a business card, encourage them to use their own personal card so they can earn the loyalty points tax free. Then reimburse them for their employment expenses.

There is a limit to this though, loyalty points earned on a personal card for pur-chases made by an employee directly for an employer, say a shredder for the office, are not tax exempt.

Then there is the situation with non-arms length employees – family members.

All gifts and awards are fully taxable. This includes the full value of non-cash gifts and personal loyalty points.

What about swag? ... those ubiqui-tous promotional items given away by businesses – the company logoed mugs, shirts, hats, flashlights, posters, pens and the like. If given to an employee – even a family member – CRA allows these to be tax free benefits, although the item must be of nominal value. Of course then, the gifted pick-up truck with magnetic com-pany logos on the doors has to be reported to CRA.

Ron Clarke has his MBA and is a busi-ness owner in Trail, providing account-ing and tax services. Email him at ron.clarke@JBSbiz.ca. To read previous Tax Tips & Pits columns visit www.JBSbiz.net.

How to report all those perks and gifts at tax time

Ron ClaRke

Tax Tips & Pits