Directors Corner
Jan 13/23
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and was able to spend some time relaxing with family and friends. Mealtimes are always a good time to talk about the day’s events and the holidays are certainly no exception. It’s a great time for reflection and a chance to share how grateful we are for the things we often take for granted.
Unfortunately, January has brought news of the mill in Midway shutting down. Market conditions have dictated this, and the management and owners don’t take this lightly. The management at Vaagan has been working diligently with all levels of government to find a solution. Several other mills have closed as well and these lay-offs not only affect the employees but also any investors, contractors, and local businesses. Community Futures in Grand Forks has come forward to help with employment insurance claims and offer programs on skills and training. Everyone is coping in their own way, and please contact me if you have any questions.
Being newly elected, I’m facing quite a learning curve. There are committees and decisions to be made on so many different issues; waste management, fire protection, conservation, tourism, health, food production, and forestry to name a few. Next week I’m looking forward to meeting with the Boundary Invasive Species Society along with the Director from Area D, Rural Grand Forks. Many of our services are shared such as noxious weed control and solid waste management.
Regarding tourism and recreation, I’m extremely proud that we have two ski areas in Area E. Big White has high-speed quads, various events, a skating rink, and a village with a myriad of restaurants, accommodations, and licensed premises. Christmas at Big White is really something to see, they really go all-out to make the experience memorable. Mt. Baldy has a unique feature that all lifts funnel into one area so it’s always easy to meet up with a friend for a run or two. There’s a circular outdoor area, a central “hub” if you will, where you can enjoy lunch at the picnic tables just outside the lodge. The tubing area has been relocated recently near the magic carpet beginners area. Ladies day snow-shoeing is always popular and the ladies enjoy a luncheon upstairs in the lounge afterward. Phoenix Mountain is right next door on the Boundary of Area E and falls within the district of Area D. It’s a friendly mountain with a T-Bar that looks so steep when you first drive into the parking lot! It has varying degrees of difficulty on the runs and is a small community run ski hill. I have enjoyed bar-b-que and a beverage a time or two on the deck there. All three offer lessons and rentals and we are very lucky to have such varied skiing experiences within such a short distance. So get outdoors if you can, and enjoy the snow at one of our absolutely beautiful ski hills!