Mischief to Fort Macleod Lions Ball Diamond

RCMP Alberta - Sometime between the hours of 8:00 pm on September 5th and 8:00 am on September 6th, 2018 unknown suspects entered the concession booth at the Lions Ball Diamond in Fort Macleod and proceeded to splash paint all over the walls and floor causing a considerable amount of damage.

Pool temperature to be raised and situation monitored

Toni Lucas - At their regular meeting on July 23. Council for the Town of Pincher Creek supported a recommendation to increase the pool temperature by 0.25 degrees to a 28.75 set-point The decision was in response to a request by a  June 25 delegation of people who participate in aquafit at the pool, represented by Debbie Reed.

Pincher Creek spray park opens

Jennifer Draper's dream came true

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek's new spray park opened to the public on July 1 with a ceremony at its site behind the pool, the culmination of almost 5 years of effort and consultations.  Mayor Don Anderberg had changed into less formal wear after the Canada Day celebrations at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, looking ready for the beach.  "I am pleased to announce that the spray park is within budget and paid in full," he said during his opening remarks. He explained the process of how the park came to be, and who donated toward making it a reality.  He praised the efforts of the individuals, organizational groups, contractors, and town staff.  One of the interesting points he shared was the spray park has a water re-circulation system, which greatly decreases water consumption.  "That increased the cost, but ultimately is the proper thing to do."  Jen Draper and Billi Rigaux, who spearheaded the initiative and are members of the Spray Park committee, were also invited to speak. They were both gratified to see their efforts come to fruition.

Three former Mustangs move on to the CJFL

Carrah Walter - Three Pincher Creek Mustangs football players had the biggest day of their young lives on June 1st. They officially signed with the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). When a player signs, he is essentially signing for his entire junior football career as the player then becomes the property of that team.

Lineman Jaeger Hann signed with the Vancouver Island Raiders in the British Columbia Football Conference, while Receiver Liam VanEe and Quarterback, Beau Walter signed in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference with the Calgary Colts.

Awards at 2018 Southern Alberta Summer Games honours members who go above and beyond

2018 Max Gibb Award recipient Adam Grose

Arianna Korbett - 49 years ago, Pincher Creek resident Max Gibb was a part of the committee that spearheaded the Southern Alberta Summer Games. The Summer Games were brought to life to unite 13 regions in Southern Alberta in sporting events that involve the whole family and people of all ages.

Now members of the 13 regions can be nominated for an award in Gibb’s name that have been involved in the development and organization of the Games for five or more years. This year, the M.D. of Pincher Creek nominated Adam Grose for the award.

Métis solstice climb of Mount Albert

Submitted - On June 21st, starting at 4 am, a group of 21 began the ascent up Mount Albert, the tallest peak in Beauvais Lake Provincial Park for the summer solstice. There were four members representing the Métis Nation and the many Métis who had settled on the land within and the surrounding areas of what is now the park. Remnants of their homesteads are still present.

Pincher Creek Power Pedallers ride the Heart and Stroke Foundation Big Bike

Southern Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation - The wonderful Pincher Creek Power Pedallers rode the Big Bike on Friday, June 8 in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. They raised $2600 in support of the foundation's work while having a very fun time together. The Team was comprised of Captain Keith from the Royal Bank of Canada and his lovely wife Kristina, the Manager of the Ramada Hotel in Pincher Creek. Kristina’s Mom from Lithuania was visiting and hopped aboard with us too. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is deeply grateful for their big hearts helping with this annual event.

Town of Pincher Creek donates $1,000 to Rough Runner event

Toni Lucas - Council for the Town of Pincher Creek met for their regular meeting on MondayMay 14.Wildrose Rough Runner Race (WILDR Rough Runner) Director Alecia Williams requested the Town of Pincher Creek sponsor an 'Elk' level donation to the race of $1,000. During her presentation, she explained this is the fourth year of the race and it has grown each year. This year they project 200 participants, 70% of whom are expected to be non-residents in the local area. Williams said non-local people are projected to spend approximately $350 each while in the local area including the race itself, accommodations, food, and fuel.  For the first time, this year the event is being expanded to two days, June 1-2, with events held at Castle Mountain.

Mustangs participate in SAMFA All-Star Weekend

Mustangs #30 JP Mosby, #82 Jaxon Hammond, #21 Tanner Wallace, #36 Justin Schoening, #66 Justin Nelson
(Kelly Nelson photos)

Jeremy and Kelly Nelson - Five members of the Pincher Creek Mustangs Football bantam team were in Lethbridge May 4 and 5 for the Southern Alberta Minor Football Association’s (SAMFA) All-Star weekend. The weekend included the SAMFA awards banquet on Friday night, as well as the All-Star game on Saturday afternoon.

Pincher Creek Council assessing northeast recreational facilities complex

Jonathan Skrimshire - Pincher Creek Town Council has authorized the expenditure of up to $15,000 to develop a site plan for a potential new recreational facilities complex at their meeting of March 26. The plan will present siting options for a curling rink, skating rink, field house, football field, two soccer fields, and required streets and parking areas, on land east of the Walmart Supercentre. The Town is currently in the final stages of negotiating the purchase of the parcel designated Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 0512720, which would provide adequate land to support the phased development of the proposed facilities. No firm timeline for delivery of the plan or presentation to the public is available at this time.

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Revised Pincher Creek curling rink site plan drawing released

Curling Club president addresses Pincher Creek Town Council

Curling Club president addresses Pincher Creek Town Council

Jonathan Skrimshire - Armed with a thick sheaf of letters of support from downtown businesses, Curling Club President Jessie Nelson appeared before Pincher Creek Council March 7 to present figures on membership and usage of the existing curling rink and to argue for the retention of the facility in the town's central core.

Brayden Provost joins Fresno City College Golf Team

Photos: Brayden Provost at Sunnyside Country Club competing in his first ever college event

Submitted - Brayden Provost's golfing skills have taken him from the Pincher Creek Golf Club to Fresno California, where the Blackfoot member and recent graduate of Piikani Nation Secondary School is currently attending Fresno City College and playing on the College Golf Team.  Brayden has made the starting line up as a freshmen.  Brayden is studying Business Administration as a major and Native American Indian Studies as a minor. 

Conditions were tough on Monday February 19, 2018 as when he competed in his first ever college event at Sunnyside Country Club, with a strong 30 mile an hour wind, and cold temperatures. He shot 9 over on the front nine and double boogied 17 to come in 1 over on the back nine to finish with an 82.  He has upcoming tournaments in Lemore California, Buena Vista California, and a trip to Stanford University California on February 26, 2018.

MD Council defers funding decision on proposed Pincher Creek curling rink

Jonathan Skrimshire - Council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek deferred any decision on funding of the proposed new Pincher Creek curling rink pending clarification of ownership and an assessment of the MD's priorities.

Council is seeking a formal statement from the Town of Pincher Creek clarifying ownership of the proposed facility. Council has also resolved to allocate time to discuss recreational facility needs and priorities within the MD before meeting with Town Council on March 8th to address the Curling Club's request for $1.25-million towards the project.

Discussions during both the morning Committee meeting and afternoon regular Council meeting February 13 revealed the difficulties Council is facing in dealing with the Club's request and other major new requests for funding not included in the 2018 budget.

MD of Pincher Creek Council briefs for January, 2018

Jonathan Skrimshire

* Town of Pincher Creek recreation funding request
* Curling Club delegation seeks funding for new rink
* Revised site plan for proposed Pincher Creek curling rink
* Increased Pincher Creek Emergency Services levies
* Short term operating line of credit approved

Recreation Advisory Board reviews revised Pincher Creek curling rink site plan

Caption: Revised Pincher Creek curling rink site plan

Jonathan Skrimshire - The Pincher Creek Recreation Advisory Board reviewed the revised site plan for the proposed new Pincher Creek curling rink at their meeting of January 17. The Board, comprised of Councillor Mark Barber and six members of the community, engaged in a lively and candid exchange of views on the project. The discussion focused on issues of green space loss, the impact on the existing soccer field, the validity of certain arguments in favour of retaining the curling rink in the downtown core, and the question of public input into the siting decision.

Revised Pincher Creek curling rink site plan drawing released

Jonathan Skrimshire - The revised site plan drawing for the proposed new Pincher Creek curling rink has been released. The plan depicts a four or optionally six sheet rink. The rink structure is to be sited on the field north of the Multi-Purpose Facility, aligned on a north-south axis parallel with Robertson Avenue. Following the demolition of the existing rink, the area between the Arena and the disused Sobey's building is to be developed into an 81 stall parking lot. The existing parking area east of the library is to be reconfigured into a one way 32 stall loop. In addition, 12 angle parking stalls are to be provided adjacent to the proposed rink structure.

Bantam Huskies donate to local charitable organizations

2017/18 Bantam Huskies (submitted photo)

Pincher Creek's Bantam Huskies made some money at their recent home-rink tournament.  They chose to donate $100 to several area not-for-profits, including Better Chances, the food bank,  and the CNP Women’s Resource Centre.  As an added bonus, the Huskies won their tournament (story soon).

Town of Pincher Creek Council hears citizens' curling rink concerns

Jonathan Skrimshire - Two citizen delegations addressed Pincher Creek Town Council at their meeting of December 11 to express objections to the proposed siting of a new curling rink on the Multi-Purpose Facility grounds. Judith Green, a member at large of the Pincher Creek Recreation Advisory Board, presented personal remarks arguing for preservation of the entire green space area north of the existing pool and library. Jennifer Draper, Rose Murfin and Billi Rigaux, speaking on behalf of the Spray Park Committee, expressed their concerns over the impact of the proposed rink structure and parking lot on the spray park. In a lengthy back and forth discussion with the delegation speakers, Council members demonstrated their willingness to hear the views being expressed and evidenced flexibility regarding the final siting decision.

Funding shortfall threatens Pincher Creek recreation projects

Jonathan Skrimshire - The gap between budgeting assumptions and reality came fully into view December 6th as the Pincher Creek Committee of the Whole discussed the matter of capital funding requests to the Municipal District of Pincher Creek for the construction of new recreational facilities. The Town is currently engaged with the Canada 150 spray park and pool slide project (nearing completion), the creation of two new sports fields (land acquisition under way), and the proposed construction of a new curling rink (land and funding recently committed in writing). All of these projects involve completion dates in the 2018-2020 timeframe. All of these projects were undertaken with the expectation of large capital funding contributions from the MD. But there's a problem. The money isn't there.

Peewee Chinooks win home tournament

Home tournament champions the 2017/18 Pincher Creek Peewee Chinooks

C. Davis/T. Lucas - Pincher Creek's Peewee Chinooks hosted a hockey tournament at the Memorial Community Centre Arena December 1-3.  Participating teams included the  Chinooks, Canmore's Eagles, Crowsnest Pass Thunder, and the Chestermere Lakers.  The Chinooks took first place after Aiden Potts scored the winning goal in the championship game against the Lakers with just 1.1 seconds remaining on the clock in overtime.