New Couple on Coalmont Road
Posted on May 11, 2012
Filed Under About Town, Forum | 1 Comment
Ken and Grace Lynn Reeve are very pleased to announce their marriage of May 4th.
Ken and Grace Lynn have set up home at 1385 Coalmont Road, which they call a little piece of paradise. Ken, who is a general contractor specializing in home renovations, has started the process of semi-retiring. Grace Lynn, a human resources professional, will continue to work in Vancouver and spend most weekends and vacations here. “We are already involved in the Vermillion Trail Society and are looking forward to becoming more involved with other community groups and becoming active in church fellowship as well,” says Ken. In the past, Ken has cooked for church groups and also as a chef for the Union Gospel Mission, serving hundreds of meals daily. “I like being able to help others,” he explains. Grace Lynn enjoys writing and is looking forward to the adventures of rural living. Ken has already been teaching her the joys of butchering wild game. “Pretty good with the knife,” says her new husband! §
BC Rockhounding Clubs Coming Here
Posted on May 5, 2012
Filed Under About Town, Local Issues | Leave a Comment
The Princeton Rock and Fossil Club is hosting the 2012 BCLS Interior Zone Campout which will take place here June 22-24.
Campout 2012 will be centered around Coalmont and Granite Creek. Focus for the excursions shall be Gold, Agate and Fossil. There will be gold panning and a tour of an active gold mine along with many other events. All “static” activities, including hosted meals shall take place behind the Coalmont Hotel.
The British Columbia Lapidary Society is a non-profit organization founded to encourage and promote the lapidary hobby in British Columbia. The organization consists of thirty charter member clubs, with a membership of approximately 1,500 people who collect rocks, minerals, crystals and fossils.
For Campout Reservations and information contact Club President Terry Malanchuk at 250-293-6795 or email tmalan@telus.net
Save Our Hospital Coalition
Posted on April 30, 2012
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Medical services can be hard for people in Coalmont to access. For even minor surgery, and anything much more than a blood test or x-ray, a trip to Penticton is required. In many cases this involves a second person to drive. All in all that means a lot of man hours and a lot of gas. Not good. If the service that is required is an actual emergency the situation can be much more serious.
We used to have a functional hospital with appropriate emergency service in Princeton. That is no longer the case. However, there is a petition currently being circulated which asks for public support for bringing the Princeton General Hospital back to the state that is needed in this area.
People are speaking out, and there is now a web site dedicated to this issue. The Interior Health plan of centralizing services and shutting down local hospitals is not going over well here.
In reality, it hurts small rural communities in ways that are far deeper than whether or not the emergency ward is open tonight after midnight. It takes away a service that community growth hinges on.
That is from a Similkameen Newsleader editorial. You can read the rest of that, and more, on a new web site set up to bring awareness to these issues. Visit Save Our Hospital Coalition. §
Coalmont and the KVR
Posted on April 28, 2012
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The main discussion at the April Coalmont Community Association meeting was centered around the currently topical KVR trail usage as it pertains to our part of it. The main issue is the use of motorized vehicles and many people are both directly effected, and concerned. Problems such as generally disrespectful use by some people is recognized by all parties, but many believe those issues should be dealt with separately.
The overall vision of a Trans Canada Trail for exclusive non-motorized use nevertheless seems to cause problems in our local area. This discussion has been going on for several years and people have good reasons for holding whatever point of view they have. Because of the nature of a 22,500 kilometer trail, going through many different communities, there is a tendency for one community to want to decide what happens in another. It was therefore decided to put out a press release making public the fact that most people in our local area would like to see the trail remain multi use. Here is the press release:
Coalmont (April 17, 2012) - The Tulameen to Princeton corridor of the KVR was discussed at the Tuesday meeting of the Coalmont Community Association, and the public vote made it overwhelmingly clear that this community would like this section to remain mixed use.
During the discussion it was obvious that many see problems with the present motorized use, but felt that addressing them was the best way forward. Those with business interests were particularly eager to deal with the issues rather than, as they see it, delving a blow to tourism in this area which is primarily centered on off road quadding. Furthermore, it was thought that since the motorized use of the trail is also non-recreational, there are cultural and environmental reasons for continuing the current policy of mixed use.
The Trans Canada Trail is a grand vision, and one that everyone likes. However, at this time it seems that it cannot be completely implemented without being at the expense of some of the communities which it goes through. Coalmont is one of those places where the residents stand to lose something if motorized use is banned.
The Coalmont Community Association is a not-for-profit organization working to ensure the interests and well-being of all Coalmontians. Membership is free, and open to all residents of Coalmont and area.
Flood Alert Upriver
Posted on April 25, 2012
Filed Under Local Issues, News | Comments Off
This time of year we are all keeping our fingers crossed that the river will not overflow. At present there are no dangerous levels, but the warm weather and forecast rain could possibly turn it into a dangerous situation. So far, so good.
The people in Tulameen have not been so lucky. Otter Lake is higher than usual. Early this evening the Tulameen Community Club sent out a flooding evacuation alert.
Otter Lake is rising at 2 inches per hour and water has already got to 6th street. Environment Canada is forecasing 2 inches of rain tonight and we have warm temperatures melting the snow pack. A number of families have been relocated to Princeton for food and shelter. If you know anyone who may be affected please call them. Jody Woodford, our Fire Chief, is organizing this situation and can be reached at the Tulameen Volunteer Fire Dept. 250-295-6688
From a Coalmont perspective, let’s hope that the flow out of Otter Lake does not increase dramatically in the next little while. §
Coalmont Hotel Moving Forward
Posted on April 14, 2012
Filed Under About Town, History, News | Comments Off
The venerable Coalmont Hotel is now in it’s 100th year and just keeps on going. Michelle Cole and partner Gerry Hampton are now living in the hotel and working hard to ensure that the establishment not only stays open, but that visitors will have the historical experience that this landmark is known for.
Michelle talks about their plans: “My boyfriend and I left Mission, B.C. and moved into this haunted 100 year old Coalmont Hotel in the beautiful Tulameen Valley, B.C. We are attempting to bring the hotel, which is in a terrible state of neglect, back to life and only have until November to accomplish the next to impossible. The Saloon in the hotel is open and thriving 7 days a week, noon until 2 in the morning. At the moment, only 5 hotel rooms are available by donation and are exactly what you would expect in a 100 year old hotel. We are currently searching for an older woman who is an extreme chef to live in the hotel and assist me in the kitchen.”
Michelle and Gerry know that all this is no easy task but continue undaunted. They are hoping that the community will support their goals. Michelle continues: “The hotel has been robbed of almost every piece of its original history, so I am desperately searching for donations of antiques such as bedroom suites, pictures, carpets etc. All donations will be catalogued along with names and photos of donatees in a book written about the rebirth of the Coalmont Hotel. This is the 100th year Anniversary of its birth and I am desperately attempting to save her. To my knowledge, there are only 3 such historical hotels left standing in B.C.”
The Coalmont Hotel is open from noon until 2 am Monday to Saturday, and noon until midnight on Sunday. For more information call Michelle or Jerry at 250-295-6066. §
See the new Coalmont Hotel website: www.coalmonthotel.com
Awards For Coalmont Heroes
Posted on February 24, 2012
Filed Under History, News | Comments Off
Sometimes It Takes a Village to Save a Life
As most know, on December 30 Maurice Chartrand, his sons Mike and Shane, and Ray Michaud all jumped in to save Bob Sterne’s life when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest (his heart stopped). Their quick actions brought him back to life with no lingering effects. Volunteer Firefighter, Jodi Woodford, showed up with much needed oxygen until an ambulance arrived. Two ambulances came and paramedics quickly loaded Bob onboard and took him to the Princeton hospital where Doctor Eva and a great team of nurses rushed to stabilize him for his ambulance ride to Penticton. One of the nurses rode with Bob all the way to Penticton in case he suffered a second cardiac arrest.
On February 24 Princeton Ambulance Personnel presented awards to some of the heroes from December 30. Shane Chartrand received a medal while Maurice Chartrand, Mike Chartrand, Ray Michaud, Jodi Woodford and Diane Sterne received Good Samaritan plaques. There were so many others who also helped in different ways. Sometimes it takes a village to save a life. Coalmont is a great place to live! §
No Law Against Motors On KVR
Posted on January 30, 2012
Filed Under Forum, Local Issues | Comments Off
The very mention of motorized vehicles using the Trans Canada Trail can stir a heated variety of emotions both for and against it. The fact is, at present, there is absolutely no law against the use of motorized vehicles on the Trail. While the Vermilion Trails Society (stewards of the trail from Brookmere to Osprey Lake) does not officially condone such usage, it’s members are committed to supporting the Directions and Laws, as they pertain to the Trail, by the Provincial Government and Trans Canada Trail. As stated, at present, there is no law that bans motorized usage of the trail. Bill Allinott, the Trail Maintenance In Charge and a Director of the society, on Jan. 11, 2012 spoke with Sgt. Clare of the Princeton R.C.M.P. who confirmed the matter had been looked into extensively and that there is no authority to enforce usage by A.T.V.’s or other motorized vehicles - that includes the portion of the Trail in the Town of Princeton. The usage of helmets, proof of insurance, a maximum speed of 20kph, and crossing of roadways (while riding a vehicle) that intersect with the Trail are enforceable.
Trans Canada Trail has eliminated funding in other provinces where the Law is permitting and promoting motorized vehicle usage, but to our knowledge there is no official direction to cut off funding to stewards of the trail that abide by the Laws pertaining to Trail usage in British Columbia, as long as the society is not promoting motorized usage. Until we see an official change of policy from the BC Government and Trans Canada Trail, it is the position of several of our Directors and members that we should maintain our current position with regards to usage, which is neither promoting nor forbidding their use. The recent adoption by the Town of Princeton to designate the urban portion of the trail as non motorized is premature in our opinion. While it’s intention was to ensure funding, and possibly deal with other issues, we agree with statements from the Mayor, Fred Thomas, that the decision was made in haste and more homework should have been done. The request to designate the trail non-motorized did not come from the Vermilion Trails Society, and is not the correct way to proceed in the opinion of several of it’s members.
The society members are stewards of 113 kilometers of trail which they receive funding for. The VTS section of Trail covers various areas – Thompson-Nicola Regional District, Town of Princeton, and Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. The funding that is received from Trans Canada Trail covers all sections of the trail. Until the government of B.C. officially designates the Trans Canada Trail (in B.C.) as non-motorized, the 5 kilometers of trail (approximately) in the Town of Princeton will have no bearing on whether or not the Vermilion Trails Society receives funding.
Indeed, by informing the public of false positions on usage, it can lead to problems such as Mr. Hassell reported about a child being slapped for riding an A.T.V. on the Trail. Current signage present in many locations that show motorized vehicles other than snowmobiles being banned already creates friction. These signs are posted under the direction of Trans Canada Trail who oversees the trail system. Although they are not reflective of the current law, they mandate they be posted on the trail system. Encouraging the public to police the trail with a mistaken understanding of the Law encourages some vigilantism, which will only result in well meaning members of the public being charged for trying to enforce a law that doesn’t exist. This is a position no one wants to find themselves in, and one we personally would hate to see develop.
Education and common sense is the key to ensuring a harmonious usage of the Trail. When walkers, bike riders, or riders on horseback are present, slow down, pull over, or stop and show some courtesy. Hikers should walk single file when bikers approach so there is room for all to pass safely. Noise levels should be kept to a minimum to allow all users to be able to enjoy the natural wonder of the trail. The trail surface should not be damaged by irresponsible actions. Litter should be placed in trash cans or packed out. Dust should be kept to a minimum.
It is hard enough for our police to try to enforce the current laws to control discourteous drivers on our highways, so enforcing the remote and urban areas of the Trail would be a daunting challenge, especially when we are asking them to enforce a law that doesn’t exist. It is even more absurd for us to encourage the general public to police the trail against those who use it within the letter of the law. It is still important for the general public to observe and report anyone they see vandalizing the trail, or endangering others.
It is our hope that the Town will reconsider this issue and abandon their position until the Government of BC officially changes their designation on the remaining (and much larger) section of the trail outside of the Town of Princeton. We feel this will alleviate a lot of the tension that is being felt by the diverse user groups of the trail, as they will not be given confusing information that leads them to believe the rules of usage are different from what the law actually states.
This letter reflects the opinions of the undersigned in response to the recent information and actions that have resulted in the mistaken perception that the request to ban motorized vehicles came from the Vermilion Trail Society.
Sincerely
~ Ken Davidson, VTS Director
~ Faye Davidson, VTS Director
~ Bill Allinott, VTS Maintenance In Charge and Director
Coalmont Community Association
Posted on January 18, 2012
Filed Under About Town, Local Issues, News | Comments Off
The second meeting of what was first called the “Coalmont Ratepayers Association” was held at the Coalmont Hotel tonight. One of the first things on the agenda was choosing a name and, since inclusivity was on the top of everybody’s list, it was decided that the organization should be called the Coalmont Community Association.
From this meeting it was obvious that there is a desire for people to be in touch regarding things that effect us which are happening in the regional district and beyond. There was no talk of local contentious issues. In fact the discussion was quite lively and upbeat.
When the meeting started, there was a cheer for Bob Sterne who has, amazingly, just come back from a sudden death experience. (See previous article.) That set a nice caring tone for the evening.
Most of the agenda was necessarily administrative because of the newness of the association. There is now a basic mission statement and constitution. Becoming a registered society will be the next step.
Present at the meeting were about 25 people, including Ole Juul (chair), Ernie Rice (vice chair), and Penny Goodfellow (secretary/treasurer). Our local Area ‘H’ representative, Brad Hope, was also there to answer questions and, as it turns out, get some input from those present which he can take back to the RDOS board. This specifically regarding the Princeton Landfill which we pay (probably more than) our share of. A number of people reported being charged extra fees. This was surprising news to Hope and it is now looking like the cost of the landfill is not being distributed fairly - neither between Area ‘H’ and Princeton, nor between individual users. This obviously warrants looking into.
There was also a lively discussion about Trans Canada Trail usage and recent events. Bill Allinott, Faye and Ken Davidson, the Sternes, and Brad Hope, had much to report on this subject. It appears that there are a lot of complications, as well as diverse points of view. Almost everyone has a stake in this so we can expect to see the subject on future agendas.
The meeting ended with refreshments and friendly discussion. Michelle, who runs the Coalmont Hotel, was very kind to provide the use of the facility and the evening was indeed a great success.
For detailed information, such as minutes and mission statement, there is a web site. It is hoped that www.coalmont.net/cca will become a handy place to keep in touch with CCA events and notices. However, for those without internet who would like paper notices, the Sternes have donated a metal mail box which is located by the town bulletin board.
The next meeting will be on April 17 and anybody would owns property, lives here, or would otherwise call themselves a Coalmontian, is welcome to attend. §
Miracle on Main Street
Posted on January 17, 2012
Filed Under About Town, News, Uncategorized | Comments Off
On December 30, 2011 my husband Bob’s, heart stopped while he was shovelling snow in Coalmont. As I was phoning 9-1-1, our neighbour Maurice rushed to the scene with his two adult sons, Mike and Shane. They immediately began CPR. I heard them say there was no pulse or breathing and grabbed our home defibrillator. We had purchased the defibrillator when we first moved to Coalmont because I was always worried about how long it would take an ambulance to reach us if one was needed in a heart emergency (even though neither of us had a previous history of heart problems). I pulled out the pads and froze as one of Maurice’s sons took them from me and placed them on Bob. The defibrillator immediately took over and began evaluating the situation and “talking” to us. A shock was needed, so I pushed the button on the machine as instructed. Mike performed mouth-to-mouth and Shane administered compressions as indicated by the defibrillator. A second shock was needed and upon administering this shock, Bob breathed and a pulse was detected by Shane. Jodi (of the Tulameen Volunteer Fire Department) came to administer oxygen just before the ambulance arrived.
The roads were treacherous that day and it took the ambulance 45 minutes to arrive. Without the intervention of Maurice, Shane and Mike, and the use of the home defibrillator, Bob would be dead. Saying “thank you” seems a pretty insignificant way to truly thank the heroes who saved his life. While Bob was being loaded into the ambulance, other neighbours stepped in to help. Ray took the keys to our motel and said he’d get our guests checked in for me and look after things until I got back. Michelle of the Coalmont Hotel took our puppy and cared for her while I was in Penticton with Bob. Jan gave me comfort, wrote down phone numbers I would need, and helped me gather what I needed for my trip to Penticton. Shane (a man who I had never met before and who had just saved Bob’s life) drove me all the way to Penticton hospital so I could be with Bob. Maurice phoned my children to tell them what was happening. It seemed the locals of Coalmont became one united front to help us in our darkest time. You hear so many stories about incidents in big cities where people in need are just passed by. Not in Coalmont. When help is needed, the locals jump right in. Shane, Mike and Maurice are truly heroes who brought my husband back to life and have given us a second chance. The rest of the neighbours who helped are my Coalmont angels. Bob and I want to thank you all for being there for us.
Normally in a situation such as this, the patient suffers sudden death. The quick actions of Maurice, Shane and Mike meant that Bob not only lived, but he didn’t suffer any brain damage. The doctors are amazed because this just doesn’t happen. Our defibrillator has made the rounds of numerous hospitals because the medical personnel wanted to see the miracle machine. Home defibrillators can be purchased online from Philips. They are expensive, but with an outcome like this I would spend that money over and over again if it was needed. I would highly recommend this life-saving machine to everyone who lives any distance from emergency response. Minutes count in a heart emergency! A ten minute delay is usually fatal. Bob came home after the doctors implanted a pacemaker/defibrillator in his chest. After numerous tests, they said he actually has a perfectly healthy heart, but for some reason on December 30, the wiring in his heart short-circuited. The implant will prevent this from happening again and Bob can continue living a normal life. To our heroes - Mike, Shane and Maurice; to our numerous neighbours for their help and prayers; to the ambulance attendants, hospital doctors and nurses who got Bob stabilized; and to God for orchestrating this entire rescue I send you my deepest and most sincere thanks. We will NEVER forget you and we will never be able to thank you enough.
Regards,
Diane and Bob Sterne
A Community Association
Posted on November 24, 2011
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Coalmont has had several attempts at a community organization in the past, but there is none now. Lately there has been talk of setting up a ratepayers association so that we can speak with one voice when needed or wanted. A meeting was called and, although an official name has yet to be chosen, the results were very encouraging.
Following is a report on the proceedings at the inaugural meeting 7pm November 22, 2011 Coalmont Hotel. Chris Goodfellow chaired the meeting and our Area ‘H’ director, Brad Hope was on hand. There were 26 people present.
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Brad Hope Starts Second Term
Posted on November 21, 2011
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The official results for the November 19 Municipal Elections are now in, and Brad Hope is elected for a second term as our Area ‘H’ director. The numbers were 315 for Hope and 245 for Weber.
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