By Shawn Logan
The Eagle
Work to clean up and repair the town’s pathway system along Jumping Pound Creek on the western edge of Bow Meadows was halted by federal fisheries officials July 25 over concerns the fish habitat may be impacted.
M.D. Landscaping Construction, which was contracted by the town, last week began clearing debris left over from last month’s floods as well as repairing the red shale pathway that winds along the creek.
But after being contacted by a concerned Bow Meadows resident, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) sent a fishery officer to investigate.
Michelle Koch arrived on the scene at around 10 a.m., July 25, but after consulting with workers and assessing the situation, the officer called for a complete halt to the operations by noon.
The heavy machinery that had been clearing debris earlier in the day was removed from the site following the order.
Dave Fraser, the DFO’s acting chief of enforcement for the prairies area, said it is normal for the federal department to want to inspect a riparian area before any work is conducted.
“We don’t want people just going out there and doing whatever they want,” Fraser said July 26, noting any further work won’t be allowed “until we have experts go down there and look at the habitat.”
The DFO has jurisdiction over all Canadian waterways up to the water line. With the heavy floods of June 17 and 18, the water line was high enough to threaten creek-side homes. Residents, town citizens and emergency workers hustled to throw down a row of sandbags June 18 as the swollen creek rushed to the Bow River. The sandbags were still there as of July 25.
Fraser said the DFO works to ensure any work along a waterway does not disrupt ecosystems and generally finds common ground with most “proponents.” In this case, while the creek has subsided to its normal course, an assessment of the habitat needs to be made before any more work can go ahead, he said.
“What’s dry land today, during the months of April, May and June may be a free-flowing system,” he said. “There are very few projects that we say a flat ‘No’ to.”
He added the removal of deadfall (fallen timber and tangled brush) must also be reviewed before the cleanup is approved. A large pile of debris and deadfall remained at the site awaiting removal after the DFO ordered the work halted.
“There are several issues in the area of debris removal,” Fraser said. “We’ll finish our investigation and have a biologist talk to the (town). We won’t make any determinations until we’ve seen the seriousness of it.”
Town spokesperson Maggie Armstrong said the DFO’s main concern appears to be the status of a dry tributary branching from the Jumping Pound.
“There’s some question if that is actual fish habitat and (DFO) wants to make that determination,” she said July 26. “The town has agreed not to do any construction work until they let us know.”
Chief among the concerns relayed by the DFO was an artificial culvert built over the rocky stream bed that had been used by vehicles to access the construction site, said Armstrong, adding the town was concerned the timber and brush might be a fire hazard.
She said the federal department was contacted following last month’s floods and the town has been awaiting a visit to assess bank stabilization.
However, she admitted the DFO wasn’t contacted prior to the pathway project.
“We did phone DFO right after the flood but not prior to commencing (the pathway) construction,” Armstrong said. “It’s something we’ll have to wait and see what they come back with.”
Coun. Andy Marshall was contacted by the Bow Meadows resident and toured the site before the DFO stepped in.
He said many questions remain about how the work plan was approved and whether it is consistent with the town’s new Land Use Bylaw that went through second reading July 11.
“There are lots of questions at this point,” Marshall said July 25. “Does the town have jurisdiction to do that work? Why are they clearing so much?”
He noted section 11.11.2 of the new Land Use Bylaw doesn’t permit “grading, placing, or removal of fill of any kind, whether originating on the site or from elsewhere” on riparian lands.
While he acknowledged the bylaw hasn’t been formally passed by council yet, “there’s a clear intention to pass it.”
Former Cochrane mayor Judy Stewart, a member of the Bow River Basin Council and a staunch advocate of protecting watersheds, said the town should have listened earlier to residents’ concerns.
“You can’t just do what you want on a river bed. You can’t disturb fish habitats,” Stewart said July 25. “They should just leave it. Someone’s going to get in big trouble over this.”
She said the deadfall should be left alone because it creates stronger water recharge systems in watersheds.
As for possible penalties, Fraser said he doubted any fines would be likely and noted, “In most of the cases we like to work with the proponent and the court system is always a last resort.”

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By Shawn Logan
The Eagle
Fish and Wildlife officials remain on the trail of a young black bear who for the last few weeks has been wandering through some of Cochrane’s residential areas.
Kyle Juneau, a fish and wildlife officer from the local office, said because the bear has so far managed to elude capture, a bear trap was set up just south of Bow Meadows on July 25.
“It’s been around about two or three weeks,” Juneau said July 26. “It’s just a young bear trying to find a place to call home. So far he’s done nothing wrong — he’s just acting like a bear.”
Juneau said the bear, which he believes to be about two years old and recently abandoned by its mother, has been moving through a range that takes it through Riverview, West Valley and the Bow Meadows and Bow Ridge areas.
While he notes, “Every year we have young bears coming through Cochrane,” this bruin appears to be lingering thanks to a healthy gooseberry and Saskatoon berry crop.
“He’s just kind of taken up residency here,” Juneau said. “If (bears) find a good food source, they’ll come into Cochrane but usually they just move on through.”
But it appears this bear may be planning to stick around, likely making its home somewhere along the Jumping Pound Creek.
After a July 22 sighting, RCMP and Fish and Wildlife officers, armed with shotguns, pursued the black bear through the wooded area south of Crawford Ranch before it escaped by climbing a steep cliff overlooking Jumping Pound Creek.
Juneau said it was spotted again wandering through Bow Meadows at around 10 a.m., July 25, forcing officers to look at having to move him out of the area permanently.
“This is basically a proactive approach,” Juneau said. “We want to catch him before he becomes habituated to people and garbage and dog food.” (more…)

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By Shawn Logan
The Eagle
An update on plans to provide a permanent water and waste water solution for Bragg Creek raised the hackles of some area residents July 20.
About 100 people were on hand at the Bragg Creek Centre, eager to hear the status and look for answers about the proposed $22.5 million facility in a meeting that often became heated.
One of the more vocal opponents was Dean Winter, a former quality control manager for Phillips Petroleum.
He said the current plan to bury both the water and waste water lines together, four to five feet deep in insulated polyethylene pipes, could pose problems.
“The water (line) being in the same place as the sewer trench is not acceptable,” Winter said, suggesting the Municipal District of Rocky View was trying to stifle debate.
Winter’s interruption during a formal presentation prior to a scheduled question and answer period earned a rebuke from area Coun. Bob Everett, who said the process has been open and will continue to seek public input.
“If you sit down, you’ll get all that information,” Everett said testily. “Nobody’s here to try to push anything down anyone’s throat. Don’t be angry, don’t get mad and just help us get through this.”
Everett’s appeal sated the majority of the audience but elicited some small pockets of grumbling.
The M.D. has been trying to find a permanent water and sewer solution for Bragg Creek since 1999 after a University of Calgary study raised red flags about water contamination throughout the small hamlet.
The study suggested that as of 1999, 40 per cent of tested wells didn’t meet Canadian drinking water standards due to high levels of fecal coliform. The problem was identified as far back as the 1970s.
Because much of the hamlet sits on gravel and sand, effluent from septic fields is believed to have contaminated groundwater, affecting residential wells and the Elbow River.
Everett said the M.D. has already pledged $7.5 million, a third of the project’s price tag, from its expected $30 million in provincial infrastructure grants. The remaining funds will be sought from the provincial and federal governments and residents.
The residents’ share would be between $100 and $250 per month to cover operations and debt servicing, but Everett noted the M.D. will try to minimize the financial impact on home and business owners.
But some still raised doubts about the plan, including Winter who renewed his concerns about aligning both water and sewer pipes.
He said that the lines are susceptible to ruptures and may be threatened by cold weather due to their relatively shallow depth.
“Polyethylene pipes do fail. And if you put the (water) pipe next to the sewer line, there is a good chance of contamination,” Winter said, noting the M.D. appears to be looking for an inexpensive answer over the safest choice. “I don’t think you should designing a system on how much money you have.”
Officials at the meeting acknowledged that a pipeline break is possible but having both the water and sewer lines break at the same spot and creating a contamination problem is unlikely.
Residents heard the suggested depth was chosen to have less impact on the community and with styrofoam insulation will have the equivalent depth of eight to nine feet. Deeper lines would likely require the removal of more area flora and cause more disruption.
Shelly Wilson, an area resident and former provincial Green Party candidate, questioned the immediacy of committing to a pricey solution based on a six-year-old study.
Wilson said she has heard concerns that the monthly operating costs may force some long-time residents of the hamlet to move.
“I think $22 million is a lot of money and I personally would like to see another study,” Wilson said. “I feel we’re a little bit ahead of ourselves.”
Everett noted the current reality of paying for bottled water, electricity on wells and extra insurance will likely off-set costs for the new system.
Residents heard the M.D. is aiming to “be in the ground by 2006,” however time lines can’t be narrowed down until the province agrees to its share.

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By Jack Tennant
Yes Virginia, there will be a Cochrane Labour Day parade.
And — surprise, surprise — it will go Monday, Sept. 5, which is Labour Day.
The parade has long been a tradition in town but this year there was some doubt when the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce bailed and decided parades were not under its mandate.
A group of citizens thought Labour Day would not be complete without a parade so they organized this one.
It’s part of a great weekend with the Lions Rodeo Sept. 3, 4 and 5; Outhouse Races Sept. 3, Canadian Fast Draw Championship Sept. 3 and 4; and the Activettes’ annual Pancake Breakfast Sept. 5.
This year Bill Collins, a legend in the quarter-horse industry, will be the parade marshall and what a great choice that is. He’s the first Canadian ever elected to the American Quarter Horse hall of fame and a natural for a parade recognizing pioneer families.
Peter Wiebe and Gerry Miller are co-chairs of this carnivalistic extravaganza and if you’re interested in getting involved, call Perry Wilks at 542-7355.
Even if you’re not interested give Perry a call because he’s a really nice guy.
You could be a cattle baron for only $500, just give Perry a call.
ß ß ß
Time for another book review.
This one is called Century of Service, the history of the South Alberta Light Horse regiment.
It’s more than just cowboys going to war from the 1880s to the 21st century. It’s about young men, mostly cowboys from southern Alberta, who fought for their country so tenaciously in so many theatres of conflict.
I don’t have a great track record with regimental history books.
All too often they’re little but dry statistics and written about and for the benefit of senior officers.
Thankfully this one is different.
The South Albertas have a great story to tell and author Donald E. Graves tells it with enthusiasm and ease which makes the book not only history but a great read.
It’s a great table book, particularly in our centennial year and if you need more info call George Milne at 780-429-1016, director of development with the South Alberta Light Horse Regiment Foundation.
ß ß ß
There’s another pow-wow on the horizon.
The western horizon.
The Nakoda Wesley First Nation Golden Leaf Classic goes Labour Day weekend Sept. 2, 3 and 4 at the Goodstoney Rodeo Centre at Morley. The theme is Honouring Our People.
If you’ve never attended a pow-wow you should make this a part of your Labour Day holiday agenda — if only for the traditional regalia. It’s beads by the thousands with intricate leather works. So much tradition and history and all so very colourful.
It’s an amazing spectacle only 20 minutes away and if you’re going make sure you attend a grand entry.
This is where the colour party of chiefs and elders lead hundreds of dancers into the arena and it’s an incredible sea of movement and colour. All to the beat of traditional drums and songs.

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By Amie Kay
Special to the Eagle
Times are changing and with that the ideas and opinions of our youth are also becoming more varied.
One of the most controversial topics floating around is the issue of same-sex marriage. As a teenager, I have noticed a drastic rift in parents’ and kids’ views.
To get a better feel for the opinions of the young generation, I asked around 10 of my friends for their thoughts on the issue.
“So guys, how do you feel about same-sex marriages?” I would casually ask.
Apart from strange looks, I received a wide array of answers. From the replies I was able to divide people and their thoughts into three distinct groups.
The first group, I noticed, was a little more “old school.” They were completely against a gay relationship, not to mention a marriage!
Group two was where most of the youth fell. Although they were entirely unperturbed by same-sex relationships, they were somewhat against the idea of a marriage on the basis that it should be a union between a man and a woman.
The last group was, indeed, on the other side of the spectrum. They were completely comfortable and supportive of all aspects of same-sex relationships.
I’m sure that I would have to do an awful lot of research to find a group of 40-something parents that would be as at ease with the issue. But in my experience in the Water Valley area, I’ve found most parents are strongly opposed to same-sex marriage.
Now isn’t that interesting? Why is there such a difference in opinion between age groups?
Is it that teenagers are more open minded, more accepting of our diversity?
Is it because television programs like Will and Grace, which is dense with comedy related to homosexuality, is embraced with glee? Our youth view, accept, and portray such messages in everyday life.
Is it time to move on from our old fashioned ways? Or grip onto them for dear life?
Amie Kay is a Grade 11 student at Cochrane High school and a summer student at the Cochrane Eagle.

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By Shawn Logan
The Eagle
A Calgary man suffered non-life threatening injuries after his plane crashed into an earth berm after losing power during a training exercise at the Springbank Airport on July 24.
According to Cochrane RCMP Cpl. Roger Waidson, the pilot had been attempting a “touch and go” manoeuvre, touching down on the runway and taking off again.
But the single engine plane lost power and touched down in a field north of the airport before running into the berm at around 9:30 p.m.
“He powered up to take off again and he couldn’t get any power,” Waidson said. “The engine wasn’t generating enough power.”
Eric Borial, 39, was able to walk away from the crash and met emergency crews on the tarmac, said Cochrane EMS Chief Grant Brilz.
“He had a fairly large laceration to his head and a fair amount of blood loss,” Brilz said.
Borial was taken to Foothills Hospital by Cochrane EMS.
Waidson said the pilot had been practising manoeuvres and had flown as high as 5,400 feet before the plane crashed. He was only about five or 10 feet above the ground when the engine failed.
Federal Transportation Safety Board officials are investigating the crash and will be responsible for laying any charges if they’re warranted, Waidson said.

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By Warren Harbeck
The bright, billowy cloud rose ominously in the northeast beyond the Big Hill an hour-and-a-half before sunset July 20. The roiling mass of mayhem mesmerized me as I exited my car, camera in hand, in the safety of the Cochrane Towne Square parking lot.
But others in neighbouring towns and farms were running for shelter, their crops and property under bombardment from golf-ball-sized hail, and radio and TV stations broadcasting warnings of possible tornadoes.
The next day over coffee with Phil Jones, of Canmore, I brought out a photo of the cloud. This led into a discussion of refuge during the storms of life.
Phil and his wife Steph operate a bed and breakfast in the mountain resort town west of Cochrane. Originally from Harlow, England, the pair moved to Alberta two years ago.
He spoke of one houseguest who told them, “Your home is a safe house in a dangerous world.” (more…)

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By Sarah Junkin
It’s nearly August and the chances are strong that you’re either having a birthday during this month, or at least helping someone else celebrate their’s.
According to Hallmark, the greetings card experts, more people are born in August than any other month (9.06 per cent) with July ranking second (8.8 per cent).
That said, the most common birthday of all is Oct. 5 — not, coincidentally, exactly nine months after New Year’s Eve.
Fewest birthdays take place in February (7.55 per cent), but the least common birthday is May 22. I have no idea why, but that’s been consistently at the bottom of the birthday heap for decades.
Anyway, amongst all ages and genders, there are more birthday parties held during July, August and September than any other months, despite rising opposition to a tradition some say encourages greed, consumerism and harm to the environment.
I read recently that in celebrating the day someone became alive, excessive gift packaging and environmentally harsh celebratory customs are ironically helping cause the demise of the entire planet.
Birthday party gift-giving accounts for about 12 per cent of all sales in the toy industry. But in an environment where kids routinely invite scores of kids to their parties, it’s hard to see who benefits when the birthday child receives a dozen plastic toys.
Still, those who oppose the giftless party say eliminating gifts simply makes life easier for the parents, and they’re not the ones going to, or having, the party.
I have to admit that when I received a wedding invitation last month from a couple that have both been married before, I felt a twinge of disappointment to read on the bottom of the card that in lieu of gifts we were to give a donation to Oxfam.
“There’s nothing anyone could buy for us that we could possibly need,” the bride-to-be told me on the phone later.
Sigh. I really quite enjoy the challenge of buying a successful wedding gift.
Still, it’s nice to see so many Cochrane kids take the lead in gift-free party hosting where they’ve asked guests to contribute cash or other donations to some important cause instead.
Ashley McCool, 6, recently used her birthday party as a way to raise cash to help the Cochrane Humane Society.
She asked her friends to donate money instead of bringing gifts, and the pint-sized tyke raised a whopping $300 for the new animal shelter.
At the end of last summer Rikki Snow invited her friends to an end-of-summer party, encouraging them to bring sundry school supplies which she later donated to a family struggling with the financial cost of buying pens, crayons and stationery for the start of the school year.
Snow and McCool are indicative of a growing Canadian trend, according to Gordon Floyd, vice-president of public affairs for the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy. Though it’s hard to quantify, anecdotally he believes donations in lieu of gifts may be on the rise.
Katie Loftus, development manager at Evergreen, a non-profit organization that aims to bring healthier green space to Canadian cities, told the Globe and Mail she had noticed a similar trend.
“People, in general, seem more interested in giving gifts that make a difference in other people’s lives,” she said.
Rikki Snow’s mom Sylvia said though her daughter came up with the idea of collecting school supplies for needy families all on her own, she sees her family constantly trying to give as much as they can on a daily basis.
“I think the most important thing is to show kids by example,” she said, adding Rikki is now working on another project.
“This year she’s having a garage sale,” she said. “I told her she could run it on her own because I thought she could learn how to handle money.”
But Rikki’s learning experience will likely be more profound than simply gaining some fiscal knowledge.
“She’s saving up for a trampoline, and I told her she could keep the money from the garage sale if she did all the work,” Sylvia said. “But instead she’s decided to donate all the money to the humane society.”
Now that’s an excuse to throw a party.
sarah@cochraneeagle.com.

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By Shawn Logan
The Eagle
A Dodge Ram truck is missing and a car was recovered after a thief or thieves broke into Cochrane Dodge and made off with some keys.
Cochrane RCMP Cpl. Roger Waidson said the first vehicle was reported stolen July 23 after an alarm went off at the dealership at around 4 a.m.
“It looks like they broke into the dealership and took some keys,” Waidson said July 25. “They took one car at that time.”
A Grand Marquis was found on Horse Creek Road on the north side of West Terrace on July 25.
But the same day the first vehicle was found, another vehicle was discovered to be no longer on the lot.
A dark green 2001 Dodge Ram truck was reported missing, likely due to some of the keys stolen over the weekend, Waidson said.
“They probably just came back Saturday night and used another set of keys,” he said.
Waidson couldn’t say how many keys were missing, noting, “They’re still trying to do the count over there. We know they’re not missing any more vehicles.”
If you have any information, contact Cochrane RCMP at 932-2213 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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