Telus has just informed us that they intend to replace the payphone. David Fowler, who manages the payphone business for Telus, contacted the Sterns with the good news. He will be working with their technicians to ensure that this new payphone is installed and operational as soon as possible.

Diane Sterne writes:

Mr. Fowler operates out of the Calgary office. He will be working with their technicians to ensure that this new payphone is installed and operational as soon as possible. We are very grateful to Telus for listening to us and coming to a compromise that should work for everyone. We also wish to thank Alex Atamanenko (Federal MP), Jackie Tegart (BC MLA), Bob Coyne (RDOS Area H Rep.), all of their staff, members of the public and the press who instilled in Telus the importance of this much-needed phone. They were all instrumental in helping us arrive at this workable solution.

Mr. Fowler supplied the following details:

1. The payphone inside the Coalmont Hotel will be removed and replaced by one accessible to the public 24/7 in an outdoor location.
2. They will be installing that new payphone on the Telus building on the north side of Front Street, just east of the Coalmont Road.
3. They will be installing a payphone sign(s) at the original booth location directing people to the nearby, new location.
4. The new payphone will be of a robust design with free calling to 911, credit card calling, collect calls through an operator, but no coin slots.

The Coalmont Food Cart is now open and here to stay. Opening times are noon ’til after dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Prompt service, but if you’re really in a hurry you can call ahead: 250-295-6066.

MENU
Coalmont Burger
    Home made beef paddy with lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, and of course, our smoked onions.

Big Game Bratwurst
    Bison, Venison, and Elk. With smoked onions, Dijon mustard, on a Parisienne bun.

Chicken Sub
    Grilled chicken breast with Tzatziki, cucumber and lettuce.

Good Ol’ Smokie
    The traditional standby with smoked onion and cheese.

Weekend Specials
Watch for smoked meats, pulled pork, smoked brisket, baby back ribs. Menu changes every week.

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Chris Berringer came here with his partner Sylvia to operate the historic Coalmont Hotel about a year and a half ago (see Coalmont Hotel Open). It has been a great success, not the least because Chris knows how to give people what they want. Now he’s going one step further and offering the food service that customers, indeed the Coalmont area, has been asking for. Open 6 days a week. With the Coalmont Food Cart conveniently right outside the door to the Saloon, you can take your food inside and enjoy it with a beer and company, or you can just pick it up like it was a drive-through. Perhaps the best part is that Chris has been cooking since before many people were born and that means that you know it’s going to be good.   §

A car driven by Rolly Giroux has demolished the Coalmont phone booth, destroyed one household’s water well, and sent one person to hospital.

Around noon today Warren Spence had stopped to use the phone booth at the corner of Front and Parrish. Mr. Giroux, driving an uninsured vehicle, came by and drove directly toward the booth with Mr. Spence in it. According to Spence he saw Giroux coming straight toward him but was not able to move away fast enough and was still left bleeding. Reportedly the injuries are not life threatening but still fairly serious. Spence has long been a sworn enemy of Giroux who is well known for his threats. It is unclear whether this was an accident or not.

Giroux, who lives at the other end of the block, went home. Spence apparently had a companion in his truck who was able to drive to the hospital. The police then arrived at the scene, took some pictures, and then went to visit Giroux whom it is assumed was with them when they left there a short time later.

Regardless of intentions, the worldly consequences are not good. Mr Spence says he will be laid up for at least 6 weeks. Furthermore, the loss of Coalmont’s phone booth is no small matter. It was the only emergency phone serving this area and section of the Trans Canada Trail. There is no cell phone coverage. The well behind it is now partly caved in and is exposed to further contamination by surface water and rodent access. This was a source of drinking water for two properties. In addition, the goats and other animals which Giroux was caring for at his residence will need attention while their master is away. It is not known when, or if, he will return.