Page 2 May 1981 Cassiar Courier MINING IN THE CASSIAR AREA PLAZA MINING is now planning to go into production in June, The mill construction is progressing and installation of mill. equipment is expected in May. There is presently 1500 tons of ore stockpiled and the mill will process ap- proximately 100 tons daily when in operation. However, the mill has been constructed to allow for expansion uP to 300 tons daily capacity, if necessary. In addition to all the contractors in camp presently, there are approximately 10 Plaza employees and this will in- crease to about 40 when production begins. Plaza has re- cently brought a doublewide trailer to Quartz Creek for accommodation for married staff The area along Quartz Creek has been cleared in preparat- ion for beginning the underground decline in late May. Plaza is also planning an extensive exploration program on their properties in the Cassiar area this Summer and drill- ing will commence in May. Although Plaza is still a privately owned company, it is ex- pected to go public in the near future. eS Fe Se THE UNITED HEARNE mill completion is expected in June. It also will process approximately 100 tons ore daily which will come from the upper and lower levels of the Old Hannah Mine. The decline has been completed to the lower levels and Mining on the Upper Levels will com- mence in May. United Hearne will have housing for three families in Cas- siar and the single employees will be accommodated at Camp 3 also in Cassiar. They anticipate employing approx-~ imately 40 people when in production. New Mill Under Construction at United Hearne When the mill expansion. is completed at ERICKSON GOLD, the mill capacity will be approximately 200 tons per day. This expansion should be completed by July 1, 1981. ‘ As well as the operation expansion, Erickson is carrying Out extensive changes in their campsite. The present eat- ing facilities are being replaced by a new cookhouse which will cater to 120 people. In addition, new bunkhouses and a recreation hall have arrived. When these are installed the camp will be able to accommodate 80 single people. At the present time there are’ approximately 70 full time employees, as well as some part time. Fifteen families live at the campsite and space has been made available for more. When the mill is working at full capacity (after the expan- sion has been completed), the number of full time employ ees will increase to approximately 90. In particular, the number of diamond drillers will have to double. Erickson generates its own power and because of the ex- pansion more power is required. Two new 398 Cat Motor Engines are being. brought in and this will double the power capacity. Last year Erickson spent about $1 million on exploration and Mr. Beaton, Mine Manager, stated that they antici- pated spending at least as much this year. Although the company owns a substantial amount of land in the valley, exploration will be concentrated on the mine area. Al Beaton (Mine Manager, Erickson Gold Mine) and Tim Riordon (Mine Manager, Plaza Resources) NEW MINING OPERATION by George Holman T..A. KLEMKE & SON CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. are in the process of setting up a placer mining operation loc- ated at the Wilms home claims on McDame Creek. Com- pany representatives are looking forward to an active sea- son and working with some of the local people. Placer gold was discovered on McDame Creek in 1874. This creek and its tributaries produced bonanza gold re- coveries for the “oldtimers’’ mining in only shallow ground, with pick and shovel, hand sluice and gold pan. Now with modern roads and transportation, mining in the area has taken on a new perspective, with large machines and elaborate sluice boxes, the miner now can get dawn to bedrock where the real pay is found. j The largest Gold Nugget discovered in British Columbia. came from the McDame Creek area and weighed 72 oz. ~ An historic marker stands on the south side of Highway 37 on the banks of McDame Creek at Centreville. Centreville, once a busy mining community at the turn of the century, now consists of a small placer operation and Jade and Gold Nugget Jewellery Shop operated by George and Audrey Zimich. There are a number of mining operations opening up here in the Cassiar mountains, which will bring employment for local residents. RCMP NEWS| There were two arnident in Kori — ae » SSL% i, April 1 — Mathey Dmitriuk’ iS truck was whit while parked in front of his bunkhouse on Creery Street. As a result of an investigation charges have been laid against a Cassiar man. April 23 — A single truck accident by Dry Creek resulted in injuries to the driver, Tharlene Colliss, from Watson Lake. She has a dislocated hip and possibly back injuries. The passenger, Debra McGill of Watson Lake, sustained minor cuts and abrasions. April. 24 — Two complaints were received from the Lounge of patrons refusing to leave and this matter is presently under investigation. , During the month of April there were two complaints re- ceived of persons being bitten by dogs. There were no charges laid against the owners from these incidents. MOTORCYCLES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS It has been brought to our attention from the school that motorcycles are now driving on the school playground area. We would like to bring it to everyone’s attention that MOTORCYCLES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE SCHOOL GROUND. Necessary action will be taken again- st any violators. TO THE EDITOR... As another highly successful Schmoo Daze comes to a close, | sigh with relief from total exhaustion. Our family participated in sixteen events, which were not even half of those scheduled, and we thoroughly enjoyed them all. We were very impressed with the participation and enthusiasm of the community and the outlying areas that helped make the events so well attended. From the “best. ever’ parade and the opening Blue Valley Carnival; the outhouse races with Wayne Mayell’s most charming Cleo- Patra; the challenging Snowshoe Baseball (we do need a new umpire!); the exciting Soccer Tournament that ended with a three way tie for first place; the energetic Penny Carnival; the shopper's paradise of Market Place; the ghoul-- ish figures coming out of the woodwork for the Costume Ball; the ever-famous Schmoo Race; to all those delicious waist-expanding breakfasts and gourmet dinners, there was something to entertain all walks of life. We noticed those athletic young men from the Cook- ery displaying their prowess and style in many of the events. Thanks for your support! A very special thank you is in order for the Commun ity Club staff — in particular, mention should be made of Our appreciation to Garry Periard, John Wong, Eileen Mc- Kay, Eric Glyn-Jones and Darlene Hykawy, for all their enthusiasm and the long hours spent in making 1981 Schmoo Daze the best yet. THANKS. Sue and Dick Chambers and the boys RECREATION CONFERENCE Cassiar Recreation hosted the second Northern B.C. & Yukon Recreation Conference, on Wednesday, April 22. The sessions dealt with the Yukon Games that were held earlier this year, as well as the setting up of the next Games scheduled for 1983. Cassiar will have a major role to play in the next games, as the town will be utilized to its fullest in hosting some of the competitions. Areas that we will be looking at are the following: cross country ski- ing, snow shoeing, hockey and badminton. The Games are being looked at every two years, as the Arctic Winter Games are held every other year. A tour circuit is being looked into by both Northern B.C. and the Yukon, whereby each community will have access to some clinics, both cultural and sports. These ~ tours will be available to all communities, and will deal with not only the elite person, but awareness levels as well, A discussion was held concerning the possibility of Cassiar athletes competing in the Arctic Winter Games. The result was that due to the Arctic Winter Games Charter, athletes above the 60th parallel are the only ones eligible to com- pete. No further discussion beyond this point. The B.C. Recreationists announced a new plan that is a pilot project in the Peace River — Liard. District, where- by Area Games are being looked into, and this would pro- vide another access for athletes to compete, in their region. Discussion on Cassiar’s role in these Games finished when -it was decided to look into the town of Cassiar becoming the central region for the Northern Area, and hosting re- gional games. The towns that would participate in the Cas- siar games would be Atlin, Dease Lake, Iskut, Telegraph Creek, Cantung, Watson Lake, Good Hope Lake and Cas- siar. Further meetings will be held to see this become a re- ality. One main reason for having these sort of games is the costs in travel. Recreation Master Plans was a topic, and at the pre- sent time, plans are in the making for a Yukon Master Higssi oti * 5 Plan. The Recreation Director from the Yukon Recreation Department announced that the formation is in the House and will be announced very shortly. The agenda was set for the next meeting of the Recre- ation Administrators, which is to be held in Faro in June 1981. Areas of concern are fees and structures, fall tour circuit, and a professional development seminar. Another item on the agenda is a new approach to volunteering. A program is being set up in the Cassiar Recreation Office, and other Recreation Offices are planning some strategies, as well. CONFERENCE SUMMATION & CASSIAR’S ROLE All recreationists at the conference were made aware of the zones for the Province, that are being used at the present time. They found out that these zones are not feasible by Cassiar standards, as costs for playoffs in the zones for Northern B.C. Winter Games, as well as both B.C. Games, are very high and not feasible for Cassiar athletes. A-formal letter will be sent to the bureaucrats ex- pressing our concern about the present zone system. It is almost certain that the Yukon will recognize Cas- siar as part of the Yukon. Games, and that representation will be at an even level. Cassiar is certain to host the future regional games for this area, giving our athletes more competition. Cont'd. on Page 15 Bits & Pieces Pat Borsato was out visiting ex-Cassiarites Colleen and Fred Hewett and Lou and Lee Vujanich - she says she was going to her sisters wedding.’ Some people look for entertainment in the most unlikely places. Then when faced with an interesting situation they don’t even hang around to watch the fun - isn’t that so Peter? Spring is such a long time in coming that at least one local resident started watering the snow. What’s the matter Kinky? Don’t you think we'll get any grass this year? We hear that C.P. Air personnel were treated to an ex- - ample of what would happen if they didn’t let two well known Cassiarites on the plane - in spite of the fact that they d left their tickets behind. Ray and Bay Tracey and daughter Debbie are looking good with their Hawaiian tans - too bad they couldn’t bring back some of that sunshine. 4 We notice that lots of kids are now out on their bikes. PLEASE make sure that your child knows how to ride his or her bike properly and uses the correct hand signals. We hope those motorists who tear along Connell Drive watch out for the kids. . Rumour has it that the major prerequisite for a party is at least six rolls of paper towel - as Edna can testify - and what was all that strange music that the neighbours were complaining of? Would the person who stole the Sacramental wine please return the empty bottle as there is another use for it. Mrs Krantz, from Vanderhoof, was in town recently visit- ing daughter and son-in-law Louise and Jason Clark and family. The Zabots also had visitors recently. Wendy’s Mom and Dad Jean and Sarge Bissell from Desmarais, Alberta were visiting the family. Janice Zemenchik was in visiting mom and dad, Bill and Eileen, with baby Philip . Also visiting the Zemenchiks was grand daughter Shannon Giles from Maple Ridge. Congratulations to Alan Davies who received his Canadian citizenship recently. Ritchie says “Just 74 more pounds to go OUT THERE IS A GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL WORLD PICTURE COURTESY OF IRENE MULROONEY BORN TO: Rick and Marvel Knudslein, on April 26,twin boys, Travis 5lbs 80z and Jarrett 5lbs 40z. at the Edmonton General Hospital. Louise and Jason Claude Clark on April 23 a son, Jason Claude Clarke 11 ~- a birthday present for dad. CHANGE OF DEADLINE Please note changes in our deadline dates for the next two issues — June issue deadline is May iT and July issue deadline is June 5. : re err TIS WELCOME TO: Perry Bringsli and family. Cathy Guillet from Langley. Cathy is Darlene Clark’s sis- ter and the new face at the bank. Welcome back to Mary Lou and Mike Ryan from Mac- Kenzie. FAREWELL TO: Jan Wypych who has moved to Logan Lake. Mary and the boys will follow when school is out. Helen and Ian Reid and family. They have moved to Hous~ ton. Charles and Helene Sorochak who have moved to Faro. Wayne Tribe. Stan Blezard’ who has relocated in Port Hardy. Brian Dunn and family who are now living in Granisle. NOTICE Notice to Cassiar residents — We would like to remind you that hospital visiting hours are as follows: 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Children under 12 are not permitted to visit. Your co-operation in adhering to the above rules will be appreciated. THANK YOU We wish to thank Dr. Bruce Beaton, Deet and Elaine in the delivery of our newborn son, and all the hospital staff for making my stay a most enjoyable one. Louise and Jason Clark Public Health In a recent telephone conversation with Dr. Lugsdin, Director and Medical Health Officer, Peace River Health Unit, he advised that the position for a full-time Public Health Nurse for Cassiar would be posted in May. He said they hoped the position would be filled by July 1981 and that Ellie Peebles, Cassiar’s part-time Public Health Nurse, would make her last visit to Cassiar for the Clinic held during the first week of May. Ellie has accept- ed another position in the Peace River Health Unit. This means Cassiar will be without a Public Health Nurse for the month of June and until a full-time Public Health Nurse is appointed. Dr. Lugsdin stated that if Cassiar really had the need for a Public Health Nurse to visit in June they would send One, but really felt that, as it cost $500.00 for air fares and car hire for each visit, it would not be economical to provide a nurse.for one month when he hoped a full-time one would be appointed shortly after. EDITORS NOTE: It appears that all reasons for Cassiar needing a Public Health Nurse, as outlined in the recent petition, were un- recognized. At present, Cassiar has approximately 67 children up to and including the age of 2. They all need to visit the Public Health Clinic at various stages for innoculations. There are also approximately 20 pregnant women in Cassiar. They have been able to attend a two hour prena- tal class once a month while there was a part-time Public Health Nurse. Now there will be no classes until the ap- pointment of a full-time Public Health Nurse. Prenatal and postnatal education is of pfime import- ance to all pregnant women — particularly for those wo- men having their babies in Cassiar, who do so by natural childbirth because we don’t have the facilities that.are available in large centres. A Public Health Nurse has a multitude of other duties relating to school children and people suffering from ~ chronic illness in the community. Should we be deprived of Public Health facilities? Cassiar Courier May 1981 Page 3 Erickson Creek by Pat Beaton Erickson’s first annual ‘‘Snow Bar-b-que’”’ was held last month and despite the snow, the cold, the mud, the wind..... it sure was a great way to chase away the.“’when is the Winter going to be over?” blues! The kids especially had a good time digging into the 25 pound chocolate East- er Bunny sent up from head office in Vancouver, Rumour has it the big “kids” kept the party going until the wee hours of the morning! There has been lots of fun around the Bondesen’s trailer these days as young and old alike have been jumping high on Sam and Shelley’s new trampoline! Between the flips and_ the flops it’s almost as much fun to watch as to jump: The entrance to Erickson’s camp is changing radically as our surface crews prepare for the arrival of our new bunk- house - kitchen complex. The site is a sea of mud right now as the land is cleared and levelled. Already many of the trailer units have arrived and the Crews hope to have the entire camp set up by the end of May. With the newer, larger rec. hall soon to be in place, we're planning to form a recreation committee to organize some summer events. Some of the entertainment ideas suggested to date include ping-pong tournaments, coffee houses, and slide shows. We’re also hoping to get a play- ground set up for the camp children this year. We've had two weddings to celebrate this month - Congratulations to Brian and Kathy Mercer and to Tony and Syivana Ristov. Best Wishes to all of you and wel- come to Sylvana. And hats off to Claudio, Phil, oe Little Joe who took the “{A"" event at the United Keno Hill Bonspiel Jast month, while wearing Ericksons colours! PEACE RIVER - LIARD UNION BOARD OF HEALTH The Peace River-Liard Union Board of Health had their spring meeting on March 19, 1981 in Dawson Creek at the Health Unit. r Issues discussed included the institution of a seat belt pro- gram for the District, in light of the fact that motor ve- hicle accidents are the number one killer in the area. As well, it was decided to research the need for family planning as there is concern for the high pregnancy rate in school teenagers. Ways of alleviating the problem, as Geter: mined by the needs study, will be explored. Shortages in nursing, public health inspection, nutrition and speech therapy will be noted to senior officials in Vic- toria to try and correct these deficiencies. School District No. 87 has joined the Health Board with the appointment of Sherry Sethen as School Trustee. She Was given voting privileges on the Board. Also discussed were water quality standards, the toxic gas problem in the Old Fort area, continuation of the in- fluenza vaccine program with possible extension to school children, lot sizes for subdivisions based on method of sew- age disposal, and the predicted staff needs contingent on the proposed B.C. Hydro Site C Dam. The 1981 Annual Report as well as the financial report were accepted by the Board. New staff members Eleanor Lawrence, Nursing Supervisor and Dan Fox, audiologist, were introduced. MINOR HOCKEY At a recent Minor Hockey Club meeting the 1981-82 ! executive was elected, as follows: President — Cec Terris First Vice President — Jeff Laurie Second Vice President — Ida Walters. Treasurer — Brenda Baerwald Secretary — Pat Madore Ways & Means — Stella Radford Ida says “IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT SEASON!”