“I love firefighting,” says Carlene Pires who has become the first-ever female Captain within the Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue Service (KBRFR).  “I just so happen to be a woman too,” she adds.

Carlene is proud of her paid-on-call (POC) job as well as the determination and accomplishments that have engineered her rise to the top.  She hopes that any publicity generated will encourage more aspiring firefighters, regardless of age or gender, to join the service during the KBRFR’s annual spring recruitment drive.

Her promotion to the rank of Captain, an historic milestone for the KBRFR, was based solely on merit.  The accolade was also awarded to fellow crew member David Flanagan.  Together, the pair will ensure a seamless succession at Station 372 Warfield is secured and a strong chain of command is already entrenched when Captain Ron Gattafoni retires in a couple of years.

“Carlene embraces the work ethic, values, passion and critical thinking that the role demands and her appointment will sustain our fire service’s continuity long term.  Her remarkable leadership qualities, curiosity for continual growth and commitment to training, all gained whilst balancing a full-time job has been impressive,” says Deputy Chief Gallamore.    “Having each developed a unique skill set, all our captains are up to the task, provide a source of inspiration for new recruits and have the ability to strengthen an already tight-knit crew and community,” he adds. 

Firefighting is in Carlene’s DNA.  Her grandfather was a career firefighter with Nanaimo Fire Rescue and she spent much of her youth, and his retirement, with his firehall family - attending events, visiting former crew members as well as the Saturday night dinners, card games and camaraderie which she remembers the most.

Carlene’s journey into firefighting began as a new recruit in the fall of 2015 as a POC Firefighter and was underlined by “wanting to be part of something bigger than myself, to serve others and help people in my community in their greatest time of need”.  In 2019 she was promoted to a POC Lieutenant and her sheer hard work, dedication, perseverance and love of the job has been the cornerstone to her success. 

During the last seven years as a POC Firefighter, she has gained Provincial wildfire deployment experience and a rack of certifications including Full-Service Firefighter Operations (NFPA 1001) and Fire Officer 1. The demands of the role have also been balanced with careers in the Financial industry and within the Emergency Management Department of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary where she has been its Emergency Program Coordinator since March 2021.  

“I love my job and am thankful for all the strong, trailblazing women who have come before me as well as the fantastic peer support and mentorship I continue to benefit from.  If my appointment encourages more girls and ladies to consider the fire service as a Career, Paid-On-Call or Volunteer firefighter that would be amazing.  It’s such a rewarding move to make,” says Carlene who is a member of Fire Service Women BC  (fswbc.ca)  and sits on the planning committee for Camp Ignite – Kootenay Division, a youth firefighting mentorship program for grade 11 & 12 girls living in Southeast BC.  The four day overnight summer camp  (campignite.com), will be coming to our region for the first time in July 2023 to empower local young women to follow their dreams and introduce them to the exciting world of firefighting. 

Even though the KBRFR is a progressive and inclusive organisation committed to gender diversity, the lack of women amongst the ranks is representative of firefighting at large.  Less than 5% of Canada’s firefighters are women.  Many think they lack the strength, height or fitness credentials to make it but that’s simply not the reality.  Recruits are trained to use technique, equipment and teamwork to overcome any lack of physical stature and size.

“Positive change within the fire service is a constant.  We all work so hard to leave the profession a better place than when we first started. We’re breaking down barriers, talking about trauma, removing stigmas, focusing on fire prevention and receiving robust mental health support and training.  It’s a great time to join such a unique, challenging and fulfilling career!” adds Carlene.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has temporarily suspended a 21-year old member of staff, following an alleged act of voyeurism which took place in a Beaver Valley Arena change room on Wednesday, 16 November 2022.  The incident, which is the first of its kind for the RDKB, is currently in the hands of Trail RCMP.  Victim Services is providing support to any members of the public or staff affected and the suspected employee will not be permitted further access to the arena, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Public welfare and safety is at the heart of everything we do here at the RDKB and we are taking these disturbing allegations extremely seriously,” says RDKB’s Chief Administrative Officer Mark Andison.  “RDKB management and staff are working very closely with the RCMP as they carry out their investigation and as a precaution, will be checking all arena restrooms and locker rooms to ensure the ongoing safety of patrons and facility users.  We’re shocked, angry and saddened that this troubling incident has taken place in our community and that trust has been breached but we will do everything in our power to support the investigation, help bring it to a swift conclusion and act on any lessons learnt,” he adds.

The RDKB has a rigorous criminal check policy: All RDKB employees who work with children and vulnerable individuals, or who have access to RDKB financial resources, undergo a criminal records check before being hired.

Trail and Greater District RCMP Incident Link File # 2022-5304   

November 16, 2022
For immediate release

Trail, BC—The possible closure of the emergency room at Boundary Regional Hospital in Grand Forks has local elected officials calling for urgent action from the Provincial government.

“The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s Boundary Services Committee met today to discuss the possible closure of the emergency room at the Boundary Hospital,” said Grace McGregor, Chair of the Committee and Director for Electoral Area C/Christina Lake. “We are extremely concerned over the possibility of patients being forced to travel over the Paulson Pass to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail or the 2 ½ hours to Kelowna to receive urgent care. We are putting immediate pressure on the Province of BC to address this threat to our facility and the impacts it could have on residents.”

The Boundary Hospital serves over 9,000+ residents in its catchment area. Since March 2022, the facility’s inpatient beds have been closed due to a lack of nursing staff.

“The Committee thanks Everett Baker, Mayor of Grand Forks, for his tremendous ongoing efforts to advocate for his community’s health care needs,” added McGregor. “The whole Boundary region joins him in this fight to keep our ER [open].”

Media inquiries:

Grace McGregor
Chair, Boundary Services Committee
250.442.7118

The decals are on, charging stations are at the ready, and the shift to ‘clean’ is fully underway as staff at the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) welcome the fifth electric vehicle to their fleet.

Following the arrival of RDKB’s latest Hyundai Kona, four out of its five building inspectors now drive electric vehicles as the organization charts new territory in its drive to reach net zero emissions, create environmental efficiencies and decarbonize its transportation. 

Brian Champlin, RDKB’s Manager of Building Inspection has been credited as the driving force behind his department’s swift transition. “He has championed the EV cause, spearheaded EV adoption, fast-tracked his team’s acceptance of the technology and as a result, it would be hard to find an organization as committed to low carbon technology as we are here in the Kootenay Boundary.  We’re pioneering the way forward,” says Goran Denkovski, RDKB’s Manager of Infrastructure and Sustainability. 

“Breaking through barriers to EV adoption and preparing for an all-electric future is far harder in rural and small communities.  Mountainous highways often present adverse driving conditions and range anxiety among drivers is high so, what we’re achieving here is even more remarkable. At the forefront of local rural government, we’re really leading by example, and showing that EVs make sense outside of urban areas,” says Freya Phillips, RDKB’s Senior Energy Specialist.

The RDKB ordered its first Hyundai Kona electric vehicle (EV) and installed its first EV charging station in 2019 following the Board of Directors’ declaration of a climate action imperative.  With the aim of reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the short to long term it now has 10 charging stations at its RDKB offices with plans and capacity for a further 12.

“Electric Vehicles make economic sense and are the perfect commuting companion.  They are the ultimate solution for us and with a full charge are great at negotiating the mountain pass on either side of our Trail and Grand Forks offices,” says Brian Champlin, RDKB’s Manager of Building Inspection, whose department, typified by its regular, short-haul trips, is the most suited to electrification. “Staff have completely embraced the change.  As a department, we haven’t looked back and would all like to bring the technology into our lives and homes,” he adds.

“The EVs are very easy to charge, very efficient cost wise and once you appreciate how they differ from a regular vehicle you realise just how amazing they are.  They provide a very smooth, relaxing, quiet and clean drive,” explains RDKB Building & Plumbing Official Brian Zanussi. 

RDKB Building & Plumbing Official Dan Siminoff is the main user of the newest EV to join the fleet and says: “The transition to electric has been pretty good so far.  You have to pay attention to distance and understand how the charge changes over our region’s terrain but it’s perfect for city driving and all its stops and starts.”

“Not having to go to the gas station is a huge plus, the EV warms up instantly which is great in winter and in downhill rejuvenation mode it slows down, recharges the battery and hardly uses the brakes which helps keep maintenance costs low too,” says RDKB Building & Plumbing Official Kevin Santori.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our sustainability and this vehicle is another example of the achievements of our hardworking staff who are ever striving toward the goal of becoming a carbon neutral Local Government,” said RDKB Board Chair Linda Worley. “Over the last three years, staff have fully shifted to the benefits of electric vehicles as a practical, low-carbon way to get around the Kootenay Boundary.  As charging infrastructures are included in all new facility plans, the upgrade to the Columbia Pollution Control Centre in Trail will include EV charging stations,” she adds.

The total combined number of kilometers traveled in the RDKB electric vehicles is over 75,000 km. Using the Province’s Fleet Procurement Analysis Tool, the organization saved 5,850 litres of gasoline and around 14 tC02 in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD previously purchased.

Editor’s Notes:  The RDKB’s Climate Action journey

• The RDKB’s climate action journey began when it signed on to the BC Climate Action Charter in 2008.
• Just under 30 per cent of the RDKB’s greenhouse gas emissions come from its fleet vehicles.
• Reducing emissions from fleet vehicles is a straightforward way we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lead by example so more people switch to electric vehicles.
• Our first step in 2014 was to join our neighbouring regional districts in the Kootenays to build a network of EV charging stations across southeastern B.C.
• That project, Accelerate Kootenays, continues today and the network of charging stations along the Highway 3 corridor continues to grow.
• Then came 2016, 2017 and 2018 when our region experienced wildfire and flood emergencies tied to climate change.
• In 2019, the RDKB declared a Climate Action Imperative.
• In 2019, The RDKB launched a pilot project to demystify EVs for its own board and staff. It bought its first electric vehicle and installed its first EV charging station at its Trail headquarters.
• For the next year everyone at the RDKB was encouraged to drive the electric vehicle and find out if it met their needs.
• The pilot project showed that electric vehicles are up to the task of transporting RDKB staff in all seasons to wherever they need to go.
• In 2020, the RDKB bought two more EVs for its fleet and a fourth EV followed in 2021.
• The RDKB has completed an EV infrastructure study and a low carbon fleet plan. These provide a clear roadmap to full electrification of its light duty vehicle fleet and installation of the infrastructure and equipment to support it.
• Charging infrastructure will be included in all new facility plans. The RDKB’s upgrade to the Columbia Pollution Control Centre will include EV charging stations.
• In 2021 the RDKB pledged to commit that at least 10% of all new light duty fleet vehicles procured by 2025 will be zero emissions vehicles (ZEV).
• The RDKB has taken advance of the CleanBC’s Go Electric Fleets Program to support implementation of RDKB fleet infrastructure.
• The Government of British Columbia continues to support the RDKB in its journey to address climate change. 

Local residents living in the areas served by the Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue (KBRFR) can pick up a FREE replacement carbon monoxide detector at the Trail Fire Station on Rossland Avenue, while supplies last.

The initiative, which coincides with Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in BC (Nov 1 – 7) extends to smoke alarms and provides the option for the public to drop off their broken or expired detectors at the fire department during the replacement process too.

Designed to educate the public on what carbon monoxide is, the symptoms and sources as well as how to avoid becoming ill, the awareness week provides the KBRFR with the opportunity to share their top tips to keep safe.

So far this year, the KBRFR has responded to a dozen calls related to carbon monoxide alarms.  As the mercury drops and winter approaches, local Firefighters want to keep the public safe and prevent those statistics from rising needlessly.

“The effects of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be devasting but they’re totally preventable,” says Deputy Fire Chief Glen Gallamore.  His number one tip is to install a carbon monoxide alarm that signals an alert when the gas is present and if you already have one, to make sure it works. The recommendation is to have at least one carbon monoxide detector for every floor in the home and to regularly test them.  If you have fuel-burning appliances, to also have them inspected by a licensed contractor every year.

“If your alarm is going off and you are unsure why, get to a safe location and call the fire department. If in doubt, call us. We have gas detectors on all our fire engines, and we'd be happy to come and check it out for you. Just please, never ignore the alarm, it is going off for a reason,” adds Gallamore.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is odorless, tasteless, and invisible and can be deadly following exposure. Symptoms of CO poisoning can be similar to the flu including headaches, nausea, and dizziness.   

“As part of your annual winterizing process, make sure heating appliances are inspected and cleaned, furnaces are serviced, the filters are clean, and that all vents are clear and not blocked by any obstructions. 

Don’t leave electric space heaters on unattended and NEVER use portable propane and gas heaters inside the home.  Check CO alarms and smoke detectors as part of a monthly routine and remember that they don’t last forever. They should be replaced every 10 years, and the batteries every year, or according to the manufacturers' recommendations,” adds Glen.

The Province has increased the drought levels for all regions in the RDKB: Lower Columbia (level 3), Kettle River (level 5) and Okanagan (level 2). For more information please see the BC Drought Information Portal. The areas that appear to be of highest concern are located in the northern half of the Boundary and portions of the West Boundary. Thank you everyone for sending in your comments, observations and/or concerns in your region. Having this on-the-ground information has been helpful as we move forward. If you have any concerns regarding groundwater levels or if you know of any shallow groundwater well issues, please contact Kristina Anderson via email.

With this changing climate, it is best to be prepared to start seeing these types of anomalies more often. The RDKB is encouraging people to think about how they can reduce their water needs and strengthen their private distribution system to minimize water waste. If you have any ideas on education or tools that the RDKB Watershed Program should explore or consider incorporating to help support efficient water use, please contact the RDKB’s Watershed planner Kristina Anderson on the email address above.

Forecasts for the upcoming week

GRAND FORKS WEATHER

ROCK CREEK WEATHER

BEAVERDELL WEATHER

Click here for more information on the drought

Following its approval at Board level, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has published its Climate Action Plan.  It outlines the low carbon, bold and streamlined approach that it will take to secure a resilient and net-zero future in the RDKB by 2050.

It includes six guiding principles, six climate action goals, 19 pathways for corporate action, and 53 pathways for community action that spell out the framework needed to realise the transformative change required and accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy. 

RDKB’s Climate Action Plan was developed through a combination of research and engagement with RDKB staff, stakeholders and the public that began last Fall.  The RDKB will play a mix of direct, partnership and advocacy roles within it to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from RDKB’s corporate operations and community activities across the RDKB electoral areas.  It will also help prepare local people for climate change, increase their resiliency towards it and boost their ability to adapt.

“Read the plan and help us achieve our climate vision!  Whether you’re an RDKB resident or a business operating in the region, you’ll have felt the impact of climate change.  It’s all around us in the form of record-setting wildfires, flooding and extreme heat waves, drought and storm events but there are areas we can collectively focus our efforts on, for maximum benefit,” says Freya Phillips, RDKB’s Senior Energy Specialist who led the plan development.  “Our plan maps the way forward and incorporates all the valuable, insightful feedback we received from the public who took the time to share their concerns about the changing climate.  There were many inspiring stories describing what local people are doing to positively manage climate change in their lives too.  It is possible and there are so many ways that the RDKB can help them to reduce emissions and increase resiliency even further,” she adds.  

Incorporating climate adaptation, preparedness and mitigation, RDKB’s Climate Action Plan is guided by six principles that recognize the importance of Leadership, Practical actions,  Affordability as well as Collaboration, Co-benefits, and Health. Together they serve to realise its Climate Vision:  “To create a region that provides opportunities and access for everyone to live, work and play in a low carbon manner. To work together to create a resilient and sustainable community that enables residents and businesses to adapt to our changing climate, while protecting and enhancing our natural environment.” 

“The more we reduce total GHG emissions in the short term, the less extreme the changes to our climate will be over time,” explains Phillips. “As a community we’ve started taking a proactive approach through our low carbon action for buildings, changing the way we heat and cool houses, how we transport ourselves around the region and how we dispose of organic waste in landfill.  Climate action is a shared responsibility that reduces the negative impact on property, insurance premiums, stress & anxiety, water availability, tourism, extreme weather and the emergency services,” she adds. 

Linda Worley, RDKB’s Board Chair and Director of Area B/Lower Columbia-Old Glory says:  “This plan is an example of collaboration and resourcefulness at its finest.  A real team effort.  Multiple departments have contributed their expertise and have built upon existing work to maintain momentum.  It shows what is already being actioned, the important role that rural and small communities can play in addressing climate change and how the RDKB can support them.”

RDKB’s Climate Action Plan can be accessed here

Picture Caption:  The Technical Advisory Group (LtoR) Mark Stephens (Manager of Emergency Management), Goran Denkovski (Manager of Infrastructure & Sustainability), Freya Phillips (Senior Energy Specialist), Donna Dean (Manager of Planning & Development).

Election campaign signs have been vanishing across Areas D and E according to candidates running for office in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB).

“It’s dangerous for democracy to tamper with election signs because of a political or personal disagreement, so these events are taken very seriously.  If you’re not happy about someone who is running for office, don’t take it out on the signs – go and vote,”  says RDKB’s Chief Election Officer Anitra Winje. “To steal or damage an election sign is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canada Elections Act, and anyone caught doing so can face charges, including mischief to property or theft under $5000 – which has a maximum penalty of two years in prison.  We urge anyone who has information about these signs being swiped to come forward or notify the RCMP.  People need to know about all the candidates who are running in these general local elections and make their choice accordingly – that’s the democratic process,” adds Winje.

General voting day to elect RDKB Directors for a four-year term commencing November 2022 will take place in Electoral Areas C/Christina Lake, D/Rural Grand Forks and E/West Boundary on Saturday, 15 October from 8 am to 8pm. To view the persons nominated as candidates and to find out where your nearest polling station is, please visit RDKB Elections and Other Voting

Adoption of the Rural Bridesville Official Community Plan (Bylaw 1800)

The Rural Bridesville Official Community plan (OCP) (Bylaw 1800) has been adopted by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s Board of Directors.  Based on community input since 2015, it’s a visionary document that outlines how local people want to see their area evolve. 

“The OCP is a policy document, not regulatory (not enforceable), so its overarching goals and objectives paint a picture of what the community wants their area to look like in the future – based on what they want to protect, where they want to see development take place, and what they envision in terms of agriculture,” explains Donna Dean, Manager of Planning & Development.

Further public consultation for Draft Zoning Bylaw

Third reading of the Draft Zoning Bylaw has been delayed pending further public consultation. A zoning bylaw regulates uses, density, setback distances and height of structures.  The RDKB is expanding the steering committee to review the input from the public hearing and incorporate it into the bylaw before it goes back for more public consultation.  

“There has been a lot of misunderstanding around the planning process and we’ve faced some strong opposition from some people who live within the plan area.  They don’t want zoning but do want their land use concerns addressed,” says Director of Area E/West Boundary, Vicki Gee.

“The community came to us to do something about a number of land use concerns back in 2015, including general water availability. Unless there is a regulatory zoning bylaw in place to address worries such as these as they arise, the RDKB can’t do anything about them,” says Donna Dean, Manager of Planning and Development.

The OCP and Draft Zoning Bylaw ONLY applies to Rural Bridesville – there are no plans to extend the planning into other areas of Area E/West Boundary.

Residents outside the Rural Bridesville Official Community Plan area will not be affected by any of the planning documents. The plan area applies to an area that lies between the US border to the south; the boundary with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen to the west; the Mt. Baldy land use area to the north and Canyon Bridge to the east.

There are no plans to expand to other portions of Electoral Area E/West Boundary as there are 10 other bylaw reviews in the work plan for the Planning and Development Department. Each bylaw review can take two or more years to complete.

For anyone who is interested in finding out more or wants to Join the Conversation online:  Rural Bridesville Land Use Plan | Regional District of Kootenay Boundary - Join the Conversation (rdkb.com)

To clarify, the Bridesville Townsite has had a zoning bylaw since 2012. Additionally, the RDKB’s building bylaw has been in effect since 1966 when the regional district was first incorporated. It has no direct correlation to the zoning bylaw.

Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 9-15, 2022. This year's campaign, "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape", works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

"Today's homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out during a fire depends on early warning from working smoke alarms and advanced planning," said Fire Chief Dan Derby.

Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home. Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathrooms.

"It's important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different. Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them." said Fire Prevention Captain Jason Milne.

"It's important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in
advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different,
every home fire escape plan will also be different. Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older
adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone
will help them." said Fire Prevention Captain Jason Milne.

For the best protection, we recommend using combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are
interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician, so that when one
sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm
originates.

Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue wants to share these key home fire escape planning tips:

• Make sure your home fire escape plan meets the needs of all your household members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

When checking your smoke alarms, the fire department recommends also checking your Carbon Monoxide alarms if they are separate. Picking one day each month is a great way for getting into a routine.

Reminder: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms don't last forever. They should be replaced every 10 years, and the batteries every year, or according to the manufacturers' recommendations. If you have a broken or expired smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, replace it, or drop your old one off at the Trail Fire Station and we can replace it for free.

Glen Gallamore
Deputy Fire Chief
Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue
201-843 Rossland Avenue
Trail, B.C. Canada V1R 4S8
tel:(250) 364-1737 fax:(250) 364-1760
email: ggallamore@rdkb.com

Josh Foster is the new Fire Chief at Big White Fire Department.  The internal promotion, which follows the retirement of Chris Cormack, is a step up for Josh who has been its Deputy Fire Chief (DFC), Operations & Training, for the last three years.

“Working with Chief Cormack has been a great experience. He has been a truly inspirational leader and his remarkable work ethic, integrity and compassion will have a lasting impact on all of us here,” says Josh.

After living and skiing on mountains round the world, the opportunity to join the fire department as a volunteer and combine it with his passion for the sport were the initial factors that first brought Josh to Big White in 2004, when he was offered a skiing job that lured him away from the slopes of Banff. 

“I chose Big White because it offered the best of both worlds for me – skiing and serving my community in a positive way,” explains Josh. 

A well- known community figure, on and off the slopes, Josh was Director of Snow Sports at Big White Ski for 13 years, as well as the Ski tips presenter for Ski TV and Writer for S Magazine.  Having been a volunteer firefighter for 15 years, it was only when Chief Svendsen retired and Chief Cormack filled those boots to leave an opening as DFC Operations & Training, that Josh’s actual career in firefighting at Big White began. During that time, he was responsible for training the work experience program crew, organising the ongoing training of the Paid-On-Call crew, running the day-to-day operations of the fire hall and becoming the expert on the community’s first ladder truck following its arrival in January 2020.

When asked what he’s most looking forward to in his new role, Josh says: “Continuing the success and accomplishments of all the Fire Chiefs who have come before me.  We live in a beautiful place but that also comes with a wildfire risk.  We’ve done a significant amount of work in mitigation of the forests but moving forwards, we’ll be looking to develop that community awareness and preparedness further.  We’re also fortunate to have an incredible core of volunteers, so I’ll enjoy supporting and growing our crew and increasing our community engagement all year round.”   

When asked why Josh was the best choice to step into his boots, Chris Cormack says: “He’s been a resident of Big White for 18 years and part of the fire department for 17 years and has proven himself to be an exceptional fire fighter, instructor and leader.”

The search is now on for a new Deputy Fire Chief!

“We’re looking for a community minded team player.  An innovative individual who can adapt to Big White’s environment.  They will need to be on the leading edge of fire science so that they can train our crew to the highest level while ensuring the safety of the team and those we assist,” adds Josh.

After steering the Big White Fire Department through ten years of change, its Fire Chief Chris Cormack has taken retirement to focus on family.  Josh Foster has been appointed as his replacement.

“It has been an incredible privilege and honour to serve here at the Big White Fire Department and to be part of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. These have been some of the most rewarding and fulfilling years of my life,” says Chris.  “I want to take the opportunity to thank Chief Svendsen and all those in the fire service who I have had the privilege of working with, including those who have trained, encouraged and mentored me along the way,” he adds.

The Cormacks have been part of Big White’s community life for the last decade, as it’s doubled in size and transitioned to a two-season resort, but they have no plans to cut their ties with it despite their move to Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.  After Chris drops in to see if his local fire department needs any volunteers, it will be a return to their Big White condo for the Winter season.

When asked what he will miss most about the job, Chris says: “I’ll miss the fire hall family the most: the training, the camaraderie, responding to emergencies and making a difference in people's lives.  It goes without saying that I’ll also miss friends, early morning coffee meetings with staff at the Big White Ski Resort and those calls from a Work Experience Program or Paid-On-Call member saying that they’ve received a job offer and are about to make their dream of becoming a career firefighter become a reality.”

Chris’ own firefighting career started in his fifties when he was looking to make a change in his life.  He had served as a pastor both in Victoria and on Salt Spring Island for 32 years previously and it was his 10 year’s experience as a volunteer firefighter during that time which secured his position as Deputy Chief at the Big White Fire Department in 2012. He then spent seven years serving as the Deputy Chief of Operations and Training before moving into the role of Fire Chief in 2019.

Despite having to navigate through the COVID pandemic, there have been many highlights under his tenure at the top.  These include the overall growth and professionalism of Big White’s firefighters; a Work Experience Program (WEP) which develops well-trained, experienced graduates with an 85% conversion rate to career positions within the fire service across Canada; and receiving and putting into service Big White’s first Aerial Apparatus.

James Chandler, RDKB’s General Manager of Operations and its Deputy CAO says: “Chris has accomplished so much at Big White and has 10 years to be very proud of.  It’s been great to work with him.  We’re going to miss his friendship and support but will enjoy reuniting on the ski hill when the mountain calls.”

All RDKB's facilities, offices, landfills and transfer stations across the Kootenay & Boundary areas will be closed for next week's National Day of Mourning.

The Grand Forks & Area D Community Centre Open House will still be going ahead as planned on Monday, 19 September, 2022 (4pm - 7pm) once Queen Elizabeth II has been put to rest.

We will keep the information boards up in the foyer of the Grand Forks Aquatic Centre throughout next week for those members of the public who want to drop in and view them.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) will be holding a Community Open House for residents in Grand Forks and Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks to attend on Monday, September 19 from 4 – 7pm.

The aim of the event, which will be held at the Grand Forks & District Aquatic Centre, is to discuss this October’s Referendum on the proposed construction, operation, maintenance and funding of a community centre in the city.

To be cost effective, the Assent Vote (commonly referred to as a Referendum) will be held in conjunction with this year’s General Local Election on Saturday, 15 October.

“We’re so excited about this project!  A gathering place where people can come together for social, cultural, business and life events yet have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, indoor performances, additional fitness and recreation programming too.  In short, it will take us to another level,” says Paul Keys, Manager of RDKB’s Facilities and Recreation based in Grand Forks.

“The people of Grand Forks and area have wanted a community space like this for a very long time. There’s nothing like it locally.  The want and need for it is clearly there and many stakeholders have been involved in the process so that the proposed build will be fit for purpose to fill that gap.  We need to be clear though:  Even if voters approve the referendum - the project, and its final costs, will still have to be approved at the RDKB board level to make it a reality.  We are almost there!” Says Danna O’ Donnell, RDKB Director, Electoral Area D/Rural Grand Forks.

“At the open house, residents will be able to get everything they need to make an informed decision when it comes to the referendum.  Staff who have been involved with the proposals from the outset will be on hand to answer questions, explain how it will impact taxes and talk about project specifics.  It’s an exciting time for Grand Forks,” says James Chandler, GM of Operations at the RDKB.

It is hoped that grants, which will be actively pursued in 2023, will significantly bring down the $16.3 million anticipated build costs.  Cathy Korolek RDKB Director for Grand Forks explains:  “If the loan authorization bylaw is approved in the referendum, the project will have the capacity in its budget to move forwards and we’ll be one step closer to securing a local community space.  We want to bring these ceiling costs down in any way we can by taking advantage of all grant opportunities. If successful, taxpayers contributions will be lessened accordingly. Shifting timelines risk rising costs elsewhere so we’ll need to ensure financial gains are worth any delays.

Located adjacent to the current aquatic centre and arena near the intersection of Hwy 3 and 19^th Street, the one-storey, 13000 sq foot facility will feature a community hall for 250 people,  a commercial kitchen, washrooms, and a café.  It will also house a conference room designed to meet the demands of a modern Emergency Operations Centre when there is an activation.   The design incorporates a variety of spaces suitable for fitness, recreation, youth, maker activities, meetings, weddings, events, markets, fairs, family and special events. 

To find out more about the referendum and Community Centre project to include timelines, the impact on taxes and the 1802 and 1806 proposed bylaws which eligible electors will be asked to vote on, please visit https://jointheconversation.rdkb.com/ and look out for the mail shot in the post. 

Residents, businesses and visitors in the West Boundary are set to benefit from a major change in the ownership and management of the Riverside Centre that promises to boost local services and promote wider community development.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) completed the purchase of the Centre this July with Federal Gas Tax funding and a short-term 5-year loan out of Area E Economic Development service.  This purchase was included in 2022 property taxes.  Trails to the Boundary Society (TTTBS) will manage it with existing staff and volunteers, making the not-for profit stewards a magnet for external grants and future development opportunities.  It’s projected that over $30K in annual rental revenue will be returned to Area E as a result.

 “A large number of services currently run out of the centre. Our competent and forward-looking staff, coupled with a host of valuable community volunteers, ensures continued growth. Promotion of the West Boundary, its opportunities, and economic development, are foremost in our minds,” says Patricia Henley, the president of the Trails to the Boundary Society. “The partnership with the regional district opens a variety of components for increased services, grants and exciting opportunities moving forward,” she adds.

“This is an exciting milestone for the West Boundary. I’m grateful to the Rock Creek Farmers’ Institute and Osoyoos Credit Union for taking the bold step to purchase the land back in 2018 and finance the construction,” says Director Vicki Gee, Area E/West Boundary who spearheaded the move for the RDKB board to purchase it from its joint owners, which had formed a co-operative with The Trails to the Boundary Society and Boundary Family Service to lease the land and build it. “We had a vision for a community space that would be accessible daily to deliver free core services.  Due to the intensive service focus of the Centre, it made sense that local government own it,” she adds.

“The Riverside Centre is in good hands as it enters its next stage and we’re pleased to have kickstarted the legacy it will ultimately create,“ says Alan Bajkov, Board Chair, Osoyoos Credit Union.  “Its new stewards will continue to ensure it remains driven by community need and will steer it forwards to stimulate growth, improve lives and strengthen the prosperity of our local economy to the benefit of the region,” he adds. 

“So much more than just a building, the Centre’s new owners understand the bigger picture we envisaged for it and will continue to uphold our values.  They’ll ensure it remains a central part of our rural life to enhance food security, bolster local business, support the agricultural community and entrust our heritage to the next generation,” says Ed Fossen, secretary of the Rock Creek Farmers’ Institute. 

History buffs will know that Riverside was formerly a town site with 14 buildings which was initially developed in the late 1850s during the Gold Rush. 

With free WiFi, EV charging stations, printing & scanning services, a drop in venue, Board Room and ‘hot office’ rentals, the centre is now home to a full service Visitor Information Centre, local artisan products, art and history books, Osoyoos Credit Union Office and ATM, Boundary Invasive Species office, WorkBC outreach through Community Futures, Boundary Family Services outreach, the Ministry of Children & Family Development, Boundary Women’s Coalition, a Community Integration Specialist (Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction) and offers Tech Learning through the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy.

Under a New Horizons for Seniors grant, weekly educational sessions will be held through March 2023.  Hugely popular and of interest to all ages, a schedule of topics is promoted in the Kettle River Echo and West Boundary Connect for anyone who is interested in attending.

Anouschka Riverin, finance manager with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, will be swapping her calculator for cycling when she takes on the ‘Tour de Cure’ 100km fundraising bike ride in Chilliwack later this month.

Her team, ‘Just Beat it’, hopes to complete the epic, in-person cycling challenge in under 5 hours and has raised nearly $2000 to help the BC Cancer Foundation break down the disease through lifesaving research and enhancements to care.

Three of the Rosslander’s closest outdoor adventure buddies will join her on BC’s biggest cycling fundraiser when she saddles up on Saturday, 27 August.  Together they will be fuelled and motivated by the ‘generosity of colleagues at the RDKB’ who have been donating to it throughout her event training.

“Helping to change the stigma around cancer has been a learning experience filled with constant personal growth,” says Anouschka, who is a cancer survivor and openly shares her story when prompted by colleagues and friends.  Diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 colon cancer metastasized to her liver in November 2020, the BC Cancer Foundation played a major role in her recovery.  It takes a whole team to break away from cancer and the players in Anouschka’s have been vast:  The oncology team, Dr. Scotland and Dr. Schumacher at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital; her nurses and Dr. Eeason at Kelowna General; the radiation team and Dr. Liu at Vancouver’s BC Cancer Agency and her family doctor Dr.Jonas Sandstrom.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me over the last couple of years as well as the kindness and generosity of my colleagues at the RDKB. This cause is very personal to me but it affects everyone - nearly 1 in 2 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer, and 1 in 4 will die from the disease,” adds Anouschka.

Looking the picture of health, you wouldn’t expect Anouschka’s journey to have involved 12 rounds of chemotherapy, short-course radiation therapy and three surgeries in 2021 alone. Apart from a small bump just below her right clavicle, beneath which lies a power port tube to her heart, there is little evidence on the outside of her scuffle with cancer.   Her chemo tube is flushed monthly, and it remains in place as a constant reminder that remission is unlikely to last.  She is very upbeat about it all and the team will be celebrating the fundraising event at the Waterpark afterwards.

“My biggest concern is for my butt!  I’m going to be on that saddle for a long stretch,” adds Anouschka who has been clocking over 100km every week as part of her training regime and regularly commutes up and down the hill from Rossland to RDKB’s headquarters in Trail. 

Help bring hope to cancer patients in British Columbia, power research and find new cures by donating online: tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/justbeatit  Your generosity will also help ‘Just Beat It’ reach their $7500 fundraising goal and motivate them throughout the Tour De Cure: (Link: Anouschka Riverin – The Tour de Cure | BC Cancer Foundation)

A buzz and sense of excitement is in the air within the RDKB’s Grand Forks Recreation Department as it works on developing, promoting and hosting brand new local programs following the appointment of its first ever community programmer.

Raised in the West Kootenays, Amy Shields will bring 10 years’ experience accrued in the sports & leisure industry to her new role.  She will kick off her tenure with the launch of a fresh and exciting Fall schedule, soon to be announced, that will encompass a physical literacy-based multi-sport program on Fridays designed to appeal to children out of school.

With a shared vision to build social capital for the people of Grand Forks, the ‘new team in town’ is brimming with ideas to keep everyone, from toddlers to elders, entertained, happy, energised and motivated. 

From their base within the Jack Goddard Memorial Arena, they have plans to shake up the local recreation offering, create more fit-for-life opportunities, identify existing recreational gaps, fill them and make the pursuit of healthy lifestyles more accessible and affordable to all.

In response to demand and high on the agenda is the roll out of more cultural activities as well as those aimed at girls/women-only groups.  Embracing the bigger picture, collaboration with other community groups will bring some new and exciting events to Grand Forks and beyond in 2023.

“We are thrilled that Amy has chosen to join and expand our team.  We can’t wait to see what the future holds!” says Melina Van Hoogevest, recreation supervisor at RDKB’s Grand Forks recreation department. “Her qualifications, previous work and volunteer experience as well as her passion for introducing exceptional programs for our community make her the perfect fit,” she adds.

“There is so much scope to boost our fabulous arena and aquatics programs.  Having a fresh slate to add more quality and growth to them, for more local people to enjoy, is an awesome opportunity and will be a lot of fun,” says Amy whose vast experience encompasses work with seniors as well as children in the FUNdamental stage of the Long Term Athlete Development model.  “The provision of robust, high quality, low cost and accessible recreation activities are so important.  They help build stronger, active, healthier communities, bring opportunity to those who need it most and improve overall wellbeing across all ages and groups,” she adds.

Leading by example, Amy is very active: she has competed in Masters track and field championships; loves to ski and hike; and has completed an impressive nine long distance running events comprising Marathons and an 50K Ultra.  She also has NCCP coaching certificates in cross country skiing, gymnastics and track and field.  

Former staff member and Christina Laker James Dergousoff (pictured second from left) is coming home from the Commonwealth Games with a silver medal!

James swam the breast stroke leg for the Canadian entry in the 4 x 100m mixed medley relay that finished in second place.  You can watch the replay here: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2057999427743

We're so incredibly proud!

25 year old James, whose hometown is Christina Lake, now lives in Quebec City but has a deep connection with the pool at the Grand Forks Aquatic Centre as well as the people who use it and run it. 

“As a toddler, I would take him to the aquatics centre to burn off all that excess energy.  He was diving off the deep end before his 3^rd birthday and had enrolled himself in the local Piranhas speed swim club by Kindergarten,” says mom Theresa whose family still use their place at Christina Lake despite having to leave the Boundary area in James’ teenage years due to work.

In the years since, the former RDKB fitness instructor and lifeguard has also used the vast expanse of water at Christina Lake, as well as his ‘local’ pool at Grand Forks, for training.  During the pandemic (May 2020), when public pools across the world closed, James moved back to the lake, bought a wetsuit and swam there to continue his preparations for that year’s Olympic trials.

The Grand Forks Recreation team recently commissioned renowned mural artist Paul Archer to paint a giant image of the Olympic hopeful swimming on the north end interior wall of the Aquatic Centre after the RDKB match funded the sponsorship received from local supporter, Dr. Mark Szynkaruk.
Photo credit: Swimming Canada/Ian MacNicol
 

Join a free session to learn about running for local government office.

With local government elections this October 15, people are starting to give serious consideration to who could be representing communities for the next four-year term. Everyone wants to elect people who care.

Democracy starts in our own communities. Local government is designed to be representative of the greater community. It plays a critical role in shaping the reality of our day-to-day lives. It provides core services and responds to local needs, but it is often overlooked as a way to enact change. Everyone who runs in a local government election wants to make their community a better place. Ideas differ and priorities are not always shared - this is a good thing. It means our communities get robust representation.

We can begin to build the changes we want to see. We can improve infrastructure and services that we all use and enjoy, while promoting the long-term success for future generations.

Whether you are thinking of running for office or you care about electing the best candidates that will shape the future of your community, this free candidates-readiness workshop is for you. Ready to learn more? We’ve got you covered.

Workshop details

August 24, 2022
6 p.m. | snacks provided
In-person | 445 – 13th Avenue, Castlegar
Online via Zoom | castlegar.ca/workshop

The workshop is offered by City of Castlegar, City of Rossland, City of Nelson, Regional District of Central Kootenay, and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and led by Christina Benty, former Mayor for the Town of Golden, from Strategic Leadership Solutions. For more information, visit: castlegar.ca/workshop

Renowned mural artist Paul Archer has completed the incredible transformation of the north-end interior wall of the Aquatic Centre in Grand Forks for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB).   The large-scale painting of former colleague and local swimming legend James Dergousoff is a fitting tribute to the athleticism and determination of the Olympic hopeful as he competes on the world stage.

With this latest addition, Archer is now responsible for over 80 murals in Grand Forks alone - more than Chemainus, the mural capital of BC.  His latest portraiture depicts James in action during the trial heats that led him to this year’s FINA World Championships in Budapest, on Canada’s senior national swim team. 

Achieving the motion and movement of the water splash was “the hardest, challenging and most enjoyable aspect of the process,” says Archer, who used four colours of latex paint and high flow acrylics just to master its white cap, cascades, fountains, bubbles and splashes.

James is currently preparing to represent Canada at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK (July 28^th – August 8^th).  He grew up training in the Aquatic Centre as part of the Grand Forks Piranhas swim club, has a close affinity with RDKB staff as a former fitness instructor and lifeguard, and will provide years of inspiration for the youngsters who swim there in his wake. 

Working through the night and beyond, Archer created the giant swimming action shot over a five-day period with his service dog Lannah who is always close to the artist when he has his airbrush gun in-hand.  The pair, who are used to forming an attentive crowd and even popcorn eating line-ups around their workspace, captivated a young audience that watched the artist’s magic unfold poolside after practising  their own kind of strokes in the water.

“Archer has the most incredible life story, the coolest career, and is so talented.  He was the perfect choice for our mural project and we’re so fortunate that he took it on,” says Melina Van Hoogevest, recreation supervisor at RDKB’s Grand Forks recreation department.  “We’ll be closely following James in the Commonwealth Games to see if he can break that minute on the 100 Breast.  Whatever the outcome, we can’t wait until he visits us in early August to see what’s popped up at the pool where his aquatic dreams first began!” she adds.

Despite Archer’s father having concerns that he would never make a living being an artist, “everyday is an adventure” for the self-acclaimed “Anglo Saxon freak & his dog”, who has worked for some of the biggest brands and names in biz to create Instagram-worthy content worldwide.  Wherever he goes, people love to watch and as “the Universe always provides”, one job has always effortlessly led to the next.  

During his colourful career, Archer has turned down Disney (twice), drawn the dead (he still uses a funeral car to transport his materials in); Britney Spears has taken his Burmese Python on stage and after being stabbed, the mugshot he drew of his attacker led to an arrest.   He has created outdoor concert stage backdrops for Black Sabbath, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Alice Cooper and most recently, Snoop Dog.  As the only large-scale brush artist in the Caribbean, a six-week project there turned into a 6 ½-year stint where he became a tourist attraction in himself as he burnt images of music icons into Hard Rock Café bar tops.   “I’m always in that place,” says Archer as he describes the time he was asked to look after Tony Hawke and the Jackass crew when they arrived on a job at a 50,000 sq ft skate park he was working on in the Cayman Islands.  Unfortunately, on that occasion, he missed the chance to do a private commission for Bam Margera when the shorts he’d written his number on got lost in a hurricane.

Locally, Archer’s expanse of work includes the Davis building and Cannafest.  He hopes to make a lasting mark for Greenwood’s 125^th birthday and a Canadian & American Tour to honour indigenous burials is also in the pipeline.

To finance the mural project, the RDKB match-funded sponsorship received from local supporter, Dr. Mark Szynkaruk.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has announced the launch of its second-ever Annual Report.  With an impressive sunset shot taken by Tina Bryan at Nursery Bridge in Grand Forks on its front cover, the digital publication provides a beautiful snapshot of the RDKB’s scope, services and spending during 2021.

As the branch of government that works closest to the people, RDKB’s Finance and Corporate team have used the online document to report on the organization’s robust financial health and clear sense of direction to its citizens, while framing the Kootenay and Boundary areas as an attractive proposition for investment and growth.  Designed by Shelley Ackermann, who juggles her family’s business operating The Alpine Grind café in Rossland with graphic design work, imagery from local photographers and RDKB staff captures the essence of our region from the ski hills of Big White in the west to the serenity of Champion Lakes in the east.

“Unlike municipalities, regional districts are not legislated to produce annual reports.  However, the RDKB has chosen to create the document to be transparent and accountable to the region’s citizens on how their needs are met, funds are raised, tax dollars are spent, and to also measure what strategic plan objectives have been achieved,” says RDKB’s Chief Finance Officer Barbara Ihlen.  “If you want to find out what the RDKB is all about, head to our website and take a look at our 2021 Annual Report.  We’ve adapted our financial information to transform from what can be an incredibly dry read into an informative, visually impressive one with a financial and statistical section that underlies our commitment to open and responsible reporting,” she adds.

“This document is a way for us to report on our 2021 challenges and successes and to our communities how we manage the services we deliver to our residents,” adds Linda Worley, Chair of RDKB’s Board of Directors. 

As detailed in the RDKB’s latest Annual Report, accomplishments during 2021 included the following:  Designating the Cascade Cemetery (Area C) and the Franklin Trail (Area D) as heritage sites; receiving funding from FortisBC for a senior energy specialist for an additional two years; starting the retrofit of the Charles Bailey Theatre rigging system/orchestra pit which was supported by the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and Columbia Basin Trust; receiving an additional $1 million in provincial grants for the Food Hub project; and receiving approval of $46 million in provincial and federal funding for the Columbia Pollution Control Centre (waste water treatment) upgrade project.

Head to the homepage of rdkb.com to take a look at how your tax dollars are managed to address your area’s short and long-term needs. It’s all in the RDKB’s 2021 Annual Report here.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s (RDKB) Grand Forks team will be closely monitoring the progress of former colleague James Dergousoff, and cheering wildly for him, when the promising breaststroker competes for Canada at his first FINA World Swim Championships in Budapest this coming Saturday, June 18.

25year old James, whose hometown is Christina Lake, now lives in Quebec City but has a deep connection with the pool at the Grand Forks Aquatic Centre as well as the people who use it and run it. 

“As a toddler, I would take him to the aquatics centre to burn off all that excess energy.  He was diving off the deep end before his 3^rd birthday and had enrolled himself in the local Piranhas speed swim club by Kindergarten,” says mom Theresa whose family still use their place at Christina Lake despite having to leave the Boundary area in James’ teenage years due to work.

In the years since, the former RDKB fitness instructor and lifeguard has also used the vast expanse of water at Christina Lake, as well as his ‘local’ pool at Grand Forks, for training.  During the pandemic (May 2020), when public pools across the world closed, James moved back to the lake, bought a wetsuit and swam there to continue his preparations for that year’s Olympic trials.

The Pan American Games medallist won the 100m and 200m Breaststroke races at the 2022 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials to qualify for next week’s FINA event. That performance also opened the lane for James to represent Canada during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (UK) later this summer (28th July - 8 Aug).

“We all know James very well and are super excited for his return to competitive swimming.  He’s a fantastic role model for our young people here, very driven, and we’ll be cheering him on from Grand Forks Rec as he makes one more push to fulfill his dream of representing Canada at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.  What an opportunity!” says Melina Van Hoogevest, recreation supervisor at RDKB’s Grand Forks recreation department.  As well as having the opportunity to work with James at the Aquatic Centre for a six-month stint (October 21 – March 22), she also knew James as a boy growing up.

“Whatever the outcome this summer, James is one of our community’s greatest swim athletes, the finest young man ever and with his amazing positive attitude and outlook on life was an awesome part of our team at the Aquatic Centre.  We’re currently making plans to create a giant mural of him in action so that he can continue to inspire others with what he has accomplished,” adds Melina.

Local mural artist Archer, who has helped transform Grand Forks with his incredible artwork, has been commissioned to paint an image of James swimming on the north end interior wall of the Aquatic Centre after the RDKB match-funded the sponsorship received from local supporter, Dr. Mark Szynkaruk.

You can track James’ progress in the 100m and 200m Breaststroke heats at the FINA World Swim Championships when they kick off on Saturday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 22.  The event will be streamed live daily on the CBC Sports app, CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem, plus weekend coverage on the CBC TV network, beginning at 1 pm PST both Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19.

“James has swam under a minute in the 100 Fly, the 100 Back and the 100 Free.  His current best time in the 100 Breast is 1.00:88.  If he goes under a minute, he will be one of a handful of swimmers in the world that have ever gone under a minute in all four disciplines - not even Michael Phelps has done that.   So, while there are much faster swimmers in the competition, we’re watching very closely and hoping for that 59 second swim!” adds Theresa Dergousoff.