a pdf - Cottage North Magazine
Transcription
a pdf - Cottage North Magazine
COTTAGE north Mar. - Apr. 2014 PEOPLE • COMMUNITY • CULTURE • HISTORY Photo Contest Winner! Round 5 pg. 28 Uranium Discovery in Northern Saskatchewan • Munn Cup Tractor Trains of the North • Photo Contest: Final Round free take one 19 C loc en a tr tio al n C sa an c ad ros a s McMunn & Yates POST FRAME BUILDINGS McMunn & Yates post frame building systems are the ultimate in post frame construction for the agricultural, commercial and industrial markets. Our attention to detail ensure that you receive a high quality building that will last and perform for many years. CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-962-6866 McMunn & Yates BUILDING SUPPLIES FLIN FLON, MB 1 Park Street (204) 687-3401 THOMPSON, MB 44 Station Road (204) 778-8363 We carry the products you need for your home building or commercial contracting needs. • Dimensional and treated lumber • Plywoods and sheathing • Insulation and drywall • Windows and doors • Siding and exterior finishing • Doors and moulding • Hardware and tools See us for expert advice, professional service, and on-time delivery. Make It Better. In$tant Cash Back SM Instant joy. Walk in with your taxes. Walk out with your money. Speak to an H&R Block Tax Professional today 125 Commercial Place Thompson MB Phone: 204-677-0277 102 Main Street Flin Flon MB Phone: 204-687-3534 hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK © H&R Block Canada, Inc. *At participating offices. Instant Cash BackSM valid only on the federal portion of tax returns filed in Quebec. Some restrictions apply. Page 2 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca 216 2nd Street West The Pas MB Phone: 204-623-5965 COTTAGE north Contents 12 18 March-April 2014 • Volume 12, Issue 2 • People, Community, Culture & History 38 Features 12/ Snow, Spruce and Smelter Smoke Photographer Hans Arnold reveals the beauty of northern Manitoba Libby Stoker-Lavelle 18/ Lalor Rises and Revives Snow Lake New insights on progress and predictions for the Lalor Mine Marc Jackson 21/ Saskuranium Discover the story behind an exciting new uranium discovery in northern Saskatchewan Jim Parres 25/ North of Fifty-four Chris Szott captures the magic of northern summers in his debut album Libby Stoker-Lavelle 31/ And the Rest is History: The Flin Flon Bombers Meet today's players, and the hockey greats who inspire them Shannon Smadella 38/ The Munn Cup: A Hockey Legacy in Thompson Byer reveals how this minor hockey tournament has become a Thompson institution Penny Byer 42/ Tractor Trains of the North Two local historians reveal the challenges faced by the young men who brought supplies into northern Manitoba via tractor sleighs. Morley Naylor & Les Oystryk 50/ Highlights from the Trappers' Festival Libby Stoker-Lavelle 51/ Storytellers Film Festival: Creating a Spark Libby Stoker-Lavelle In Every Issue 5/Contributors 6/Calendar of Events 8/In a Nutshell: Regional News 24/Wildlife: Pine Grosbeaks - Gerry Clark 26/Health & Wellness: Tips from Body Break 28/Capture the North Photo Contest: Round 5 31/Spotlight on Northern Athletes: Nadine Colomb 49/Poetry Corner 52/A Good Taste: Something Hot to Drink 54/ Q & A: Meet Bruce Krentz - Penny Byer Cover photo by Scott Kurytnik "Beautiful Bald Eagle". Winner of Photo Contest Round 5 (see p.28) @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 3 Editor’s Note In northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, we know that what makes us great is hidden beneath the surface. From uranium to zinc, copper, and gold, the wealth of this region is invisible to the naked eye. And just as prospectors see potential where others see rock and earth, at Cottage North we know that what makes our communities great is often hidden below the surface. The stories of each community’s riches deserve to be uncovered and shared, and we are here to toot that horn. Here are a few stories you should know about: In The Pas, a doctor is working with diverse community groups to bring the Storytellers Festival, a dynamic event celebrating Aboriginal filmmaking, to the town’s historic Lido Theatre. “There is a lot of interest in video, especially among youth,” says Dr. Bernhard Friz, “I want this to be a seminal event, to project the idea and have the community come around the idea and see what they want to do.” (p.51) In Flin Flon, the local ski club welcomed guests from two provinces to a packed day of races at their extensive crosscountry trails. “We felt like we were in the middle of a high-energy happening,” recalls VP Dave Price, “with this crowd of skiers, coaches, parents and volunteers. It was a good place to be.”(p.10 ) In Thompson, volunteers and sponsors have helped foster minor hockey in the north by bringing the annual Munn Cup tournament to life each year. A longtime sponsor recalls, “We used to watch these young guys, not tall enough to see over the counter, asking ‘Mr. Timmons, can you sharpen my skates?,” and watch them grow into successful adults.” (p.38) As a regional publication, we are here to celebrate our communities, and the people who make “community” happen. You’ll encounter them on every page: a group of ladies who knit homemade scarves and give them away to strangers; high-profile athletes who take the time to mentor kids; historians who dig deep into the archives to share the region’s past with readers. These stories are compelling reminders of the value of sharing our talents and our time with others. By giving what we have, we can strengthen the fabric of our own communities, while building a more enriching life for ourselves as well. We hope you enjoy this issue of Cottage North! Libby (Elizabeth) Stoker-Lavelle Cottage North Magazine is published six times a year by The Flin Flon Reminder and is distributed free of charge to businesses and services throughout northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Greetings to Cottage North readers The Manitoba government is proud to support the continuing growth and development of this majestic region. Publisher: Randy Daneliuk Editor: Libby Stoker-Lavelle Production Manager & Layout Editor: John Bettger Advertising Coordinator & Graphic Designer: Krista Lemcke Sales & Marketing Advisor: Karen MacKinnon Office Administrator: Shannon Thompson Receptionist: Rose Daneliuk Subscribe to Cottage North Support your local magazine & get Cottage North delivered to your door six times a year! Makes a great gift. One year subscription (6 issues): $36.00 GST incl. We welcome submissions of photos, art and articles at all times. Please contact us if you have something to share! Cottage North Magazine 14 North Avenue, Flin Flon, Manitoba, R8A 0T2 phone: 204-687-4303 fax: 204-687-4473 www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca email: [email protected] There's more to discover online! www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca To Advertise: Contact Krista Lemcke, [email protected] Cottage North Magazine Vol 12, Issue 1. Printed in Canada, 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction of photos, illustrations, or text in any form without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Page 4 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Cottage North Contributors Shirley Barbeau Shirley Barbeau is a long-time resident of The Pas, and former resident of Cranberry Portage. A recent graduate from UCN, Shirley works for both The Pas Arts Council and The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce. In her free time, Shirley taps into her creative side with crafting projects and art installations; she is also a MS Walk ambassador. Penny Byer Penny Byer moved to Thompson in the late 70s to open up the CBC North Country studio. She moved into print as editor of employee publications with a mining company and has freelanced for various organizations and publications. She also teaches courses on communications and leadership. Jim Parres Jim Parres is a prospector/geologist who was born in Timmins, Ontario, but raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba. He has co-authored two Manitoba mining books, “The Nor Acme Gold Mine Story” and “Headframes, Happiness and Heartaches” along with Marc Jackson. Jim also writes a bi-monthly column in the Snow Lake paper. Gerry Clark Gerry Clark is a retired schoolteacher whose whole career, starting in 1969, has been at Hapnot Collegiate, Flin Flon. His interests include drawing, mostly portraits and some caricatures; photography, mostly wildlife but also sports, involving his four grandsons; and writing, mostly about local history. Shannon Smadella As a charitable business professional, humanitarian and former Miss Canada, Shannon has traveled the world aiding in various causes. From TSN Sports Host to Freelance Journalist, this young entrepreneur stays true to what she loves—fitness. Shannon will be running her first marathon in August in support of Team Diabetes and teaches yoga at Sal’s Fitness. www.shannonsmadellafit.com Marc Jackson Marc Jackson has lived in Snow Lake for 42 years. He is married to Leone and has four children and three grandchildren. For the past number of years, Marc has written, edited, and published Snow Lake’s Underground Press, as well as a syndicated column that runs Fridays in the Flin Flon Reminder, Opasquia Times, and Nickel Belt News. He has cowritten two books. Morley G. Naylor Morley G. Naylor was born in Sherridon and has lived in Flin Flon since. For 32 years, he has travelled all over northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan with CBC TV and CBC Radio. “I’ve really come to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our area,” Morley says, “there are so many stories to tell.” Sheila Marchant As a longtime resident of northern Manitoba, Sheila Marchant enjoys capturing the natural beauty of this region in poetry. Sheila gathers inspiration everywhere, but particularly from her scenic views on her monthly bus rides from Flin Flon to Prince Albert. “You can never get bored if you look out the window,” she says. @CottageNorth Glenda Walker-Hobbs Glenda Walker-Hobbs is a retired library technician, Flin Flon Writers Guild secretary, and co-facilitator of Advanced Poets of Writers Village University. She has published seven books of poetry, mostly recently Shadows to Sunlight and Beyond the Candle Flame. She is currently revising a novel and has two books of poetry in progress. Do you have a story to tell? We welcome submissions at any time. Contact us: [email protected] or 204-687-4303 Visit our website: cottagenorthmagazine.ca facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 5 March - April Calendar of Events The Calendar of Events is now online! Check out more listings and details for the latest concerts, festivals and other local happenings at cottagenorthmagazine.ca The Pas March 14: St Paddy’s Day Furry Fundraising Social in support of local dog shelters. Location TBA, 9 pm March 20-23: Storytellers Film Festival, celebrating Aboriginal and northern peoples at The Lido Theatre, various showtimes & events. See p. 51 for more details. April 5: 20th Annual Bill Bannock Classic Fishing Derby, Clearwater Lake, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, April 6: Home Routes Concert Series presents David Newland, Sam Waller Museum, 7 pm On April 2, get a first-hand look at the barriers and hardships of life on the streets at Spend a Day in their Shoes, in the Pas, 12-4 pm. All proceeds of this event will be donated to Oscar’s Place. For more information, contact Teresa at 623-9698 or email [email protected]. Flin Flon, Creighton & Denare Beach March 7: Tim Hus concert, Flin Flon Community Hall 7:30 pm March 9: Flin Flon Ski Club Centaloppet: A fun race for skiers of all levels. Registration at 1 pm March 20: Cas & Dylan presented by the Films Up North Film Series, Hapnot Theatre, 7 pm March 20: West My Friend concert, Northminster Memorial Church, 7 pm March 22: International Women’s Day Luncheon, Flin Flon Community Hall, 11 am-2 pm April 1 – 30: Lois Pedersen art exhibit at the NorVA Centre April 9 & 10: Home Routes Concert Series presents David Newland, 7 pm April 17: The Sapphires presented by the Films Up North Film Series, Hapnot Theatre, 7 pm April 27: Shari Ulrich concert, with the Flin Flon Community Choir & The Pas Choirs, time TBA Prince Albert March 13: Diana Panton jazz concert, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm March 27: Caladh Nua: A vibrant Irish band, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm March 28: Wolf Back a Beer, Beer Tasting Extravaganza at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7 pm April 1: Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don't Fail Me Now: theatre, music and dance. E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm April 14: Jimmy Rankin concert, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm The Stacks will be performing as part of the Home Routes Concert Series on March 8 in The Pas, March 11 & 12 in Flin Flon, and March 15th in Prince Albert. Visit homeroutes.ca or thestacksmusic.com for more details. Thompson March 22 & 23: Writing Extravaganza Workshop with Chadwick Ginther & Carolyn Gray, TRCC, 12-5 pm April 7: Volunteer Appreciation Night, TRCC 5:30-7 pm Cozy 2 bedroom log cottages – short term or long term stays. 15 min from Flin Flon – ½ mile from airport Call 1.866.603.6390 • bakersnarrowslodge.com Page 6 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca (204) 687-3526 • 4 Main St. Flin Flon, MB R8A 1J4 www.g u n n s o u n d .c o m gunnsound@g m a i l .c o m Tents, Tables, Chairs, Dance Floor, Sound Systems All Shapes and Sizes for any Event Tent Models MQ15 Marquee – 15’ x 15’ Table Models 2 1/2’ x 6’ banquet MQ20 Marquee – 20’ x 20’ 4’ diameter round Matrix Marquee Diamond – 20’ x 20’ PPT40x – 40’ x 40’ & 40’ x 60’ 5’ diameter round MQ34 Marquee Hex – 1040 sq ft White (Miami Bistro) Chairs Plain or Window Walls Available (MQ34 Marquis pictured here with Window Walls) WESTERN BOAT LIFT SASK DIVISION Phone: 306-931-0035 • 501 South Railway St. W., Warman, SK saskboatlift.ca • floeintl.com • sunstreamboatlifts.com BOAT LIFTS RECREATIONAL TRAILERS Come see us at the CFAR Trade & Leisure Show Creighton, SK April 24th - 26th TRAILERS ALUMINUM DOCKS @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 7 In a Nutshell: A miscellany of regional news Steel Becomes Art in Cranberry Portage Two Honours for Snow Lake - Marc Jackson - - Shannon Smadella - Snow Lake’s Economic Development Officer, MaryAnn Mihychuk, with the certificate and token presented by the Mining Hall of Fame in honour of Kate Rice’s induction. Photo by Marc Jackson; Kate Rice portrait courtesy of St. Marys Museum In the past six months, the community of Snow Lake has been the recipient of two separate, but significant, presentations. On October 1, 2013, Premier Greg Selinger presented a certificate to the Town of Snow Lake recognizing the bravery and courage that followed the November 18, 2012 tragedy that took the life of Pilot Mark Gogal and injured seven others. On January 16, 2014, Mayor Clarence Fisher and Snow Lake Economic Development Officer MaryAnn Mihychuk were on hand at a Toronto Gala Event to receive a certificate and token honouring Kate Rice’s induction into the Mining Hall of Fame. Both presentations will be put on display in Snow Lake; the former in Snow Lake’s Town office and the latter in the Snow Lake Mining Museum. Gordon Kosmenko with his artwork in Cranberry Portage. Photo by Shannon Smadella Living atop the 53rd parallel, we are accustomed to fine works of art from remarkable northern artists. One artist in particular from Cranberry Portage intrigued me, as much of his work, rather than being on canvas, is made from steel. While driving through the quaint village of Cranberry Portage, which has inspired picturesque paintings by many artists, you will discover much of Gordon Kosmenko’s metal work. From custom-made family signs on the exterior of the town’s homes, to interior work such as intricate iron railings, Gordon Kosmenko is constantly expanding his portfolio of one-of-a-kind creations. See more of the Cranberry Portage artist’s work at www.gordonkosmenko.com. Chasing the Chill in The Pas On February 1, thirty-six donated scarves were wrapped around various objects such as trees, signs, stairs, and bike racks - Shirley Barbeau throughout The Pas. The scarves were available for anyone to borrow or take to “chase the chill” of this cold winter. Chase the Chill is a project that was started in Pennsylvania by Susan Huxley, and a Chase the Chill event was held in Winnipeg in December 2013. I decided to start a similar project in The Pas to help residents stay warm in this brutally cold winter. A number of local ladies enthusiastically stepped up to knit or crochet for the cause, and many others helped with donations of yarn and scarves. Val Paulley, the Winnipeg Chase the Chill host, shared the posters, tags and logo that were passed on to her from Susan Huxley, along with her best wishes. It was a heart-warming project that I would love to see continued. We hope to host another Chase the Chill Jennifer Marin hangs a handmade scarf at The Pas Town Hall. next winter on November 1st, 2014. Chase the Chill is still taking in donations of scarves and yarn. All scarves were free for anyone to take or borrow. Photos submitted by Shirley Barbeau Donations can be dropped off at Watier Jewellers or by contacting The Pas Arts Council at [email protected] or 204-623-7035. Page 8 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Stefy’� T�eats Thompson’s Operation Red Nose Gives $18,500 to Local Organizations - Ian Graham - Specialty cakes, cupcakes & treats for all your occasions 93 Main Street Flin Flon, MB (204) 6TREAT3 (204-687-3283) [email protected] Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Open Fridays until 8 pm! Featuring: Daily Specials Hot beverages Eat in or Take out service Just like this! Representatives of groups receiving funding from Operation Red Nose gathered at NC Crossroads Lane on Jan. 31. Photo by Ian Graham Thompson’s Operation Red Nose program was one of the busiest and best-supported in the province over the 2013 holiday season, receiving the second-most donations among the 11 communities that offer the designated driver service, giving the thirdhighest number of rides (494) and having the third-highest number of volunteers (227). Winnipeg won out in those three categories, and a friendly wager between the Operation Red Nose programs in The Pas and Thompson ended in favour of The Pas, which gave 503 rides in total. On January 31st, Thompson’s Operation Red Nose held a party for volunteers and disbursed the donations they received for providing a designated driver service over the holiday season. “The mandate of Operation Red Nose is to support the youth and/or youth in sport in our community,” said Thompson Operation Red Nose organizing committee member Carol Pelton. “This year we are giving back to the community $18,500 from the donations raised by our volunteers, and the donations from the community, and that’s all staying in the community. Thank you for a job well done.” -excerpted from two articles in The Thompson Citizen Making the Most of Winter Beth’s Yarn & Needlecrafts 909A Central Ave, Prince Albert, SK • 306-764-6910 We’ve got it all! Yarns of every type, for every budget Small & large knitting needles • Crochet needles DMC embroidery thread is just 42 cents! Handmade items for sale Beth is happy to help with your projects! We do mail orders (Mastercard only) Love this scarf? Beth can help you make it yours! SAVE% 25 Knitting & Crocheting Yarns Just present this coupon at time of purchase In-store only • Offer expires April 31, 2014 Stop in for a bite, stay for the Good Thymes! Featuring Daily Specials Delicious Lunches Mouth Watering Dinners Visit goodthymes.ca to see our full menu Come try our new menu items! Thompsonites can check out the multi-colour igloo built in Samuel Veissière’s backyard at 92 Copper Rd, dubbed “Empire des Glaces” (Empire of the Ice). Veissière, Jason Hildebrandt, Alexander Ashton and Jon Hodder- Szyszlo were involved in the project. Photo submitted to the Thompson Citizen @CottageNorth Relax and unwind with great food and house specialty beverages in our lounge while viewing an array of sporting events on several HD Tv’s Book us for your special event! 1607 Gordon Avenue, The Pas, MB • 204-623-2412 facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 9 SaskMan Cup & Saskatchewan Provincials Come to Flin Flon - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - 33 Church Street Skiers off to the races at the SaskMan Cup on Feb 22 in Flin Flon. Photo by Kelly Carrington 100 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB 204-687-7527 Have a great spring... safely! R. M. of Kelsey A True Northern Experience Snowmobile Trails Camping Facilities Com Lots merci for S al ale Fishing Derbies Cross-country skiers in Flin Flon & Creighton know they have something special in the Flin Flon Ski Club; now the rest of the region knows it too. On February 22, the ski club hosted the Saskatchewan Provincials in conjunction with the third annual SaskMan Cup, an event started by the Flin Flon Ski Club three years ago. According to Dave Price, VP of the club, skiers attended from LaRonge, Regina, Saskatoon, Humboldt, Sturgeon River, and Thompson. “We had 57 skiers in total, a very good turnout,” said Price, “and the visiting skiers were very happy with our trails. Visitors often tell us that we have the best trails in Manitoba or Saskatchewan.” Due to weather, what was planned to be a weekend-long race was compressed into one, very-packed day for attendees and volunteers. “It was hectic,” said Price, “all the racers had two events to participate in, and we were scrambling to change the trail markings and re-mark the trails. We felt like we were in the middle of a high-energy happening, with this crowd of skiers, coaches, parents and volunteers. There also seemed to be a never-ending supply of good hot nourishing food, with these casseroles of steaming chili coming in to the chalet all day,” Price recalled. “It was a good place to be.” Check out the race results at zone4.ca & learn more at flinflonskiclub.com Hapnot Students Flex their Acting Chops and so much more Rural Municipality of Kelsey LUD of Cranberry Portage Office 264 Fischer Ave., P.O. Box 578 105 Portage Road, P.O. Box 209 The Pas, MB, R9A 1K6 Cranberry Portage, MB, R0B 0H0 E-mail: [email protected] (204) 472-3219 Toll Free 1-888-535-7391 E-mail: [email protected] Trade-In. Trade-Up. Be Heard. Trade In a competitor’s satellite phone & Trade Up to a FREE Globalstar Satellite Phone* With Globalstar, you’ll get: • The most affordable airtime plans • Best voice quality in the satellite industry Get connected and • Canada based phone number • Reliability you need to stay connected START SAVING today! Phone: 204-623-2969 Fax: 204-623-7378 www.genestelecom.ca • 240 Fischer Ave, The Pas, MB Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm • Sat & Sun – closed * Free Globalstar Satellite Phone is contingent upon customer signing a 24 month service agreement. Phone traded in by customer becomes Globalstar property upon execution of the 24 month service agreement and issuance of a Globalstar Satellite Phone. Early termination of the service agreement will require customer to pay a cancellation fee of $20.83 multiplied by the number of months remaining in the 24 month term plus tax for the Globalstar Satellite Phone received as part of the promotion in addition to any penalties incurred for the premature termination of service. Limited time offer. Coverage may vary. Taxes are extra. Globalstar reserves the right to make changes to promotions, offers, pricing, coverage and price plans at any time without notice. Ask your Authorized Globalstar Dealer for complete pricing and coverage information. Please see complete details of Globalstar Service in the Terms and Conditions on our website, www.globalstar.com. © 2013. All rights reserved. Page 10 March - April Follow Hapnot Collegiate students Nicole Storey, Hailey Whitmore, and Peter Ryan earned laughs at the school's dinner theatre production of The Creepy Creeps of Pilgrim Road. Photo by Jonathon Naylor us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Lazy Bear Lodge has unforgettable expeditions to offer you in the winter and summer. Contact us for more information regarding the following tours… Churchill, Manitoba Ultimate Polar Bear Adventure (October thru November) The Mighty Polar Bear, Up Close and Personal Beluga Whale Dream Tour (July thru August) Whale Watching at its Finest Ultimate Arctic Summer Adventure (July thru August) When the Wildlife Comes Out to Play Wilderness Expedition (July thru August) Immerse Yourself in the Canadian Wilderness Website: www.lazybearlodge.com • Email: [email protected] Toll Free in North America: 1-866-687-2327 • 1-204-663-9377 @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 11 Snow, Spruce, & Smelter Smoke: Photographer Hans Arnold Goes Up North Photos by Hans Arnold In Up North: Manitoba’s Last Frontier, Hans Arnold captures the hidden beauty of the province. - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - O ver the past six years, Hans Arnold has seen more of Manitoba than most residents of the province will see in a lifetime. Fortunately for the rest of us, Arnold has captured his travels in breath-taking photography, and shared it with the world in his latest book, Up North: Manitoba’s Last Frontier. While Hans Arnold lives in Winnipeg today, he spent the first ten years of his life in Germany, and moved to Canada with his family in 1959. In the early ‘70s, Arnold picked up his first professional camera, a moment that became pivotal in his life. Since then, Arnold has dedicated much of his time to studying photography and creating fine art photographs that evoke a mood while capturing the essence of a place and time. In Up North, Arnold has tackled the challenge of photographing northern Manitoba’s diverse, and often forbidding, landscapes. With the help of his daughter Nancy Arnold, a graphic designer, Hans has created a stunning book that is truly a tribute to the regions it portrays. The book launched in November 2013. As a Winnipeger who has travelled extensively in northern Manitoba—he worked as a facilities manager for Frontier School Division for 30 years—Arnold is keenly aware that too few people understand what the northern regions of the province are really like. With Up North, Arnold is working to remedy that problem. “This is not a tourist book” he explains, “in that it doesn’t attempt to explain what the north is all about. The idea is to show people what the north is like, and let them make up their own minds.” Arnold sat down with Cottage North to share some insights into his passion, his purpose and his process. What is the key message you aimed to convey with this book? I wanted to let people know how beautiful Manitoba is. I’ve travelled it from one end to the other, flown it from one end to the other, and I really wanted to let Page 12 March - April Follow people understand what the north is about. About 90% of people in Winnipeg have never seen anything north of Dauphin. So my message is “Look at Manitoba in a different way, look at it in these pictures and you’ll see that Manitoba isn’t just bush– it’s about industry, its about people, and wildlife, it’s about the beauty of the different parts of our regions.” I wanted people to see how different Manitoba is from how they envisioned it; it’s a gorgeous province, and it matches any one of our provinces in Canada in beauty. Up North includes quotes from individual Manitobans. Why did you decide to incorporate these quotes into the book, and how did you gather them? While we were working on the design of the book, I wrote two hundred letters to people I knew in the north, asking them what they felt it was like to live in the north. I received about sixty responses back, and then used about twenty of them as quotes in the book. That part was important to me, because the book is dedicated to the people of the north. I wanted to tie the pictures in with how people really live. Can you tell us a bit about your process while photographing on location? When I go out to photograph on purpose, and I want to photograph a certain subject matter all day, I leave my car door open and I play music. It could be rock and us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Hans Arnold “Hans intentionally wants you to know the land. His primary intention is to invite your spirit to feel the mystery and the beauty of the north.” - Ovide Mercredi, in his foreword to Up North roll or classical, or I might put Enya on, it depends on the mood I want to create. The music puts me into a mood and I just blast it, because nobody’s around, and that helps me take the picture. When I’m taking a picture, it becomes an emotional part of me. The music is part of how I envision a particular scene, and how I want it to appear when it’s finished. In fact, I can probably tell you what I was listening to for almost every picture I have taken in this book. So the music helps me, how I feel helps me, and the end result is affected by both of those things. It’s all about the creative mind, and how we want to express ourselves. Rock mural at entry to Mission Island in Norway House Another time, I was in the Interlake area, in a farming area on a road close to private property, in an area where there were a lot of cattle farms. I was photographing, and in the background I heard a truck coming. When I turned around I saw that these two guys had their shotguns hanging out the window and they were headed towards me. They had heard that I was in the area and thought that I was poaching or something. They looked like they would have shot from a distance! Duck Mountain Provincial Park In your photographer’s notes in the book, you write about stopping on an ice road to take a photograph, and being aware of the very present danger. Can you recall another experience when you faced a risky situation in order to capture a shot? Being an outdoor photographer, I’ve been shocked by electric fences, fallen into holes, even fallen off small cliffs! If you want to be an outdoor photographer, you can’t always shoot from the road. I remember one time I was photographing in the Pembina Valley in the spring, during snow melt. I had about two hours to wander there, and I got lost and got my vehicle stuck. I got myself out eventually, but really had to work hard at it. That wasn’t just foolish, it was actually quite hazardous. You teach photography to kids and adults. What are the most important concepts you teach? I focus on ‘the art of seeing’…how to see things through the camera so you can capture what’s in your mind. I tell students, “Don’t just snap—think about what you’re doing.” Taking a photo is just like baking a cake, in that you have four ingredients that you must use in order for it to work. A photograph is made with light, colour, shape, and composition (or balance). If you focus on those four ingredients, you will always have a good picture. Another important thing is simplicity. If you look at my pictures, you’ll notice that every photo has just one subject, just one story to tell. Over the years I’ve learned from my mistakes, and that's what I’ve come to know. Polar bear & raven crossing a frozen pond in Churchill @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 13 A film festival celebrating Aboriginal and Northern Peoples What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you started out? The best advice I received was from my dad, when I received my first camera from him in the early ‘70s. He said, “When you use this camera, make absolutely sure you are going to use it for a purpose.” I’ll never forget that. I think he meant that when you take pictures, you should try to become something with it. Today, I think I’ve done that. I’ve helped the community through workshops, I’ve helped myself by becoming a better photographer, by keeping up with technology, by continuing to learn, and by being involved with associations of my peers. For me, the seed had to start somewhere, and my dad did that, but of course you have to carry it on with your own passion. I chose to continue with photography, and I love it. There isn’t anything else I’d rather do. This interview has been edited from the original. Read the full version on our website, cottagenorthmagazine.ca Featuring: Full length films Curated shorts Live music Community discussion Meet northern filmmaker Danis Goulet & local Mezzo Soprano Rhonda Head March 20-23, 2014 Lido Theatre The Pas, Manitoba Follow us & find out more at: facebook.com/StoryTellersFilmFest Page 14 March - April Follow Bear paw snowshoes with hardwood frame and rawhide webbing, Granville Lake us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Natural Beauty Abounds at the International Peace Garden Add the International Peace Garden to your bucket list; you will be happy you did. Nestled on the U.S and Canadian borders of North Dakota and Manitoba, the International Peace Garden is one of North America’s most scenic attractions. With over two thousand acres of land stretching across the U.S/Canadian border, the garden includes lush floral displays, terraced walkways, symbolic monuments and many other unique diversions. Nature-lovers will enjoy the freshwater lakes, picturesque hiking paths, and the extensive and diverse displays redesigned each year. Meander through the fragrant walkways, and watch for unique floral displays such as the U.S.A. and Canadian flags and the fifteen-foot mantel clock. The clock is masterfully recreated each year; gardeners use two to three thousand flowers to depict the clock’s face in different colours and patterns. A GPS system keeps this beautiful piece running on perfect time. The columns of the Peace Tower reach into the sky, representing early immigrants' soaring ambitions. Photographers find a wealth of subject matter throughout the garden, many visitors take the opportunity to snap photos from the scenic upper terrace of the Formal Garden, where you can stand with one foot in Canada, and one foot in the States. Love history? You’ll enjoy the breath-taking view along the 49th parallel, known as the Border Walk, which leads to the Peace Chapel. In the chapel, you’ll discover quotes from “People of Peace” etched in the fossil-embellished Tyndall Stone walls, and a book of remembrance for the victims of the World Trade Centre attacks. The Historic Lodge, built in 1937, is also an interesting landmark. The lodge was built with materials from both sides of the border, including spruce from Duck Mountain, Manitoba, and granite from North Dakota. On the front lawn, you’ll find a monolith inscribed with the Ten Commandments, a gift from the Fraternal Order of Eagles of South Dakota, North Dakota and Manitoba. Visitors of all ages enjoy the North American Game Warden Museum, a joint initiative of Fish and Wildlife Officers from Canada and the United States. Have an eye-to-eye encounter with a mounted Kodiak bear, mountain lion, or timber wolf, and learn about wildlife law enforcement and nature conservation in both countries. A narrow terraced channel of water flows through the center of the Formal Garden, along the 49th parallel. No matter the weather, the Interpretive Centre is always a popular spot, with a conservatory, retail store, café, and a small library. Savour a delicious lunch with a view of the impressive Peace Tower, or explore the conservatory’s year-round display of cacti and succulents. With boundless natural beauty and lots of interesting diversions, the International Peace Garden is the perfect spot for a weekend trip or a relaxing holiday. We look forward to welcoming you soon! For more information, please visit www.peacegarden.com or call 1-888-432-6733 @CottageNorth Special Advertisement facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 15 Eco diesel Rams starting at $39,998 or $229 bi-weekly BRAND NEW Starting at $155 B/W $0 Down new LOCAtIOn Over 400 Vehicles Available at www.twinmotors.ca Page 16 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca The Best Time To Purchase a New Vehicle is NOW 2014 dOdge jOUrneY 18,995 $ YOuR CHOICe $ 2014 dOdge grAnd cArAVAn OR 108 BI-WEEKLY $ 2014 jeep WrAngLer 4X4 22,595 OR 128 $ BI-WEEKLY 2014 jeep cherOkee $ best new suv 22,994 OR 128 $ BI-WEEKLY 2014 jeep grAnd cherOkee $ 38,595 OR GRAND CHEROKEE ECO DIESELS IN STOCK 219 $ BI-WEEKLY Grand Cherokee diesels starting at $59,998 or $338 bi-weekly *All Prices and Payments are Plus Taxes, Freight and Fee. new LOCAtIOn Over 400 Vehicles Available at www.twinmotors.ca @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 17 Lalor Rises and Revives Snow Lake Sunrise on the Lalor Mine shaft and hoistroom. Photo by Bruce Reid, courtesy of Hudbay Minerals. - Marc Jackson - Snow Lake writer Marc Jackson shares new insights on developments at the Lalor Mine. F Brad Lantz, Hudbay’s Vice President, Manitoba Business Unit, says the Lalor Mine is a 30 million tonne resource, with a 20-25 year life, and it is on the cusp of full production. Through a mature and well groomed moustache, Lantz speaks with a clear, concise tone. His knowledge is evident, and ifteen minutes from the town of Snow Lake, down a winding, but well-maintained, gravel road, you’ll find the Lalor Mine. It seems an oddity for all this steel, paint, and polish to be situated among the spruce trees and snowdrifts of the northern landscape. But this is where the minerals are, and the mining jobs that come with their extraction. Hudbay has been in the business of mining in the Snow Lake area since the mid-1950’s. In that time they have brought thousands of people to this lakeside community, promising, then delivering on, lucrative jobs and a laid-back lifestyle amongst the region’s natural beauty. Mining, however, is finite in nature, and the day a new mine opens, the countdown towards its eventual demise begins. This is a fact of life in the industry, and one that the people of Snow Lake know only too well. In its 67 years of existence, this community has gone through three rebirths. The town’s most recent revival, however, seems to hold the promise of longevity like no other before it. Looking Forward at the Lalor Mine It is said that there will be a multitude of jobs that result from the Lalor Project, and although the mine and its spinoff have been discussed and debated since the 2007 discovery of the orebody, many people wonder if the town will be ready for it, or if the predicted boom will manifest at all. Page 18 March - April Follow Tony Butt, Hudbay’s head of Health, Safety, and Environment at Lalor and Brad Lantz, Vice President Manitoba Business Unit converse with the Lalor headframe looming in the background. Photo by Marc Jackson us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca answers come instinctively, as if the questions are anticipated. But Hudbay and they don’t know Snow Lake, so they will come here there is no smugness to his nature…he is both respectful and and see if it suits them. Then, if they decide to stay long-term in helpful with his answers, and always willing to flesh things out to the community, that means buying housing,” he says. Considering increase understanding. Brad Lantz is, from all indications, a the size of the mine and longevity of the orebody, Lantz feels that perfect spokesperson and salesman for Hudbay. Having risen no one would want to stay in a camp indefinitely, and he doesn’t through the ranks, he has a firsthand knowledge of mining and expect the camp to be around for the life of the mine. of the company he represents. Lantz has worked for, and with, Amidst all this change, housing prices in Snow Lake have seen the men now under him, and a wide fluctuation, from a low appears just as comfortable con- “The Lalor Mine is a 30 million tonne of $15,000-30,000 before the versing with a miner, an operaof Lalor, to prices as resource, with a 20 – 25 year life, and it discovery tor, or a company executive. high as $300,000 since. This In July, Lantz explains, prohas caused a minor glut on the is on the cusp of full production.” duction at Lalor will rise from market, with some who had 1500 tonnes per day (tpd) to thought of selling long before 1900 tpd when Lalor’s producthe boom now trying to grab tion shaft becomes available and top dollar before it arrives. capable of hoisting tonnage Currently there are close to 30 from Lalor’s depths. This will, homes for sale in the commuof course, create a greater nity – few for under $100k. demand for workers. “Today, However, until new permanent we have roughly 160 people workers arrive in Snow Lake, (outside of project contractors) sales of real estate are at a standat the mine site, and 60 at the still. Snow Lake Concentrator,” says Nevertheless, the requireLantz. “We are looking at ment for more housing has increasing that by 60 people by been contemplated since Lalor’s July 1st.” This will include discovery. The planning also “people to run the hoist, mainbegan at that point. Still, the tain the shaft, and underground provincial government would workers that will be needed not allow any new housing when the production rises,” he developments to take place explains. until the community’s Waste Where will the workers Water Treatment Plant was come from? The answer relies upgraded to allow for increased heavily on a combination of capacity. The town set about several prospects. Lantz says arranging financing for the some may be transferred from project and Hudbay stepped in Flin Flon operations, others Preparing to drill below the 955 meter level of the Lalor Lake and contributed $2 million from training programs now Mine, to make the depth of the shaft 985 meters.. towards the plant’s construcunderway at Flin Flon’s Photo by Bruce Reid, courtesy of Hudbay Minerals tion. When bids came in 30% Northern Manitoba Mining above what was anticipated, Academy. He noted that three Hudbay loaned the additional Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) members who graduated money required to proceed. With a new plant just weeks away from the academy are now working at Lalor. He also says that from full commissioning, the focus now moves to land developcontractors on site have indicated that some of their workers like ment. the community, and once their work is finished they would be The town council has secured land for an ambitious plan of interested in hiring on with Hudbay. “So it will be a combination growth. It will consist of approximately 66 lots – many of them of contractors, training, [moves from] Flin Flon, and hiring out- lakefront - in three subdivisions. Some basic land clearing has side of the communities,” he explains. been done on these, but the town hopes to focus their full attention on developing the three subdivisions and being ready to Accommodating a Growing Workforce meet the housing needs they anticipate will be required by the Lalor development. Of course, with this sizable increase in the workforce in Snow Lake (where the population was just 915 in 2011), another quesTimeline of the Lalor Lake Mine tion arises: where will these workers live? Although Hudbay has long asserted that they would sooner 2007 – Lalor deposit is discovered, planning begins. operate without a camp, for the time being and in the near future, 2009 – Gold zone and copper-gold zone identified. it will be a fact of life in Snow Lake. With a lack of rental units, new workers must have a place to live and a camp is the reality 2012 – Continued drilling, initial production begins. until the availability of all housing in the community improves. 2015 - To be finished and fully functional Lantz says that various company recruiters have been told that the (HudBay Minerals , 2012). camp is important to new employees. “People don’t know @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 19 Progress at Lalor: Going for the Gold At present, work at the mine continues on budget and, despite deferring the construction of the onsite concentrator, on schedule. Current mine grades are 0.80% copper, 6 to 7.5% zinc, as well 0.06 ounces per tonne of gold budgeted. “We are currently mining in what we call the ‘Ten Lens’ for the first half of the year, which is primarily zinc,” says Lantz, in relation to recent underground operations. “In the second half of the year we will be starting to mine Lens 20 and 21. Lens 21 is a gold lens, so when we start to develop that, the gold grades will increase over current levels.” Lantz says the type of mining will not change as they go after new lenses containing multiple minerals – it will be longhole stope mining. “The gold zones are all somewhat unique. Lens 21 wraps around 20, so with the increased width of the orebody it can be longhole mined. There are a couple other zones that are uniquely gold, so we’re not sure yet how we are going to mine them.” The VP notes that Hudbay is studying what a gold leach plant will do for the operation, and in 2014 they will determine the economic feasibility of adding one to the processing facility. “This deposit has a significant amount of gold and you can recover gold through the flotation process that we have now in the mill, then a leach process would take those tails and remove the final scalp of gold,” he remarks. “Typically flotation will give you 60 - 65% recovery. If you put a leach plant in, it could bring your recovery into the high 80’s to low 90’s. There may be enough gold in this deposit to make it work,” concludes Lantz. This process wouldn’t be incorporated into the reconditioned Stall Lake Concentrator, however, which will be used until the Lalor mill is constructed, but a leach plant may become a part of the new mill. The new mill will be completely engineered by fall 2014, with site-clearing beginning at that time. Final commissioning of the new concentrator will take place in late 2016 to early 2017. Defining the gold content within Lalor is an ongoing process. Hudbay announced early in January 2014 that an exploration drift planned to come off the 955-metre level will proceed this year. “It is approximately five hundred metres in length and it is going to test Lens 27, which is the copper/gold zone,” says Lantz, expanding on information in a recent news release. “That is the high grade zone with considerable value, where we have had large intersections of copper and very high grade gold. It’s accessible, now that the ramp and infrastructure will be interconnected with the shaft this year. It (the drift) will help us explore that lens at depth and give us a chance to detail diamond drill it from underground; everything else has been from [the] surface. There are roughly two million tonnes estimated in Lens 27. If we can expand on what we have it would be very good for the property.” Currently, no one knows where it bottoms out, as they quit drilling from surface when they hit the 1500 meter level. Concluding, Lantz notes that the Lalor Mine Project is nearing completion and he feels that the deposit has the potential to grow. “We’re going to mine 1.7 million tonnes here per year,” he emphasizes. “It’s going to be a big mine…Hudbay’s biggest underground mine. And Reed is also producing in 2014, so we’ve gotten through those preliminary years and we have a little more security here. What I like to think is that late in the year… early next year, we’ll be announcing a new project. It would be great to see us keep the growth going.” Page 20 March - April Follow Area cleared for Lalor headframe. Inset, the Stall Lake concentrator. Photos by Marc Jackson Terminology Cage - The conveyance used to transport men and equipment between the surface and the mine levels. Concentrator/Mill - A milling plant that produces a concentrate of the valuable minerals or metals. Further treatment is required to recover the pure metal. Diamond drill - A rotary type of rock drill that cuts a core of rock that is recovered in long cylindrical sections, two cm or more in diameter. Drift - A horizontal underground opening that follows along the length of a vein or rock formation as opposed to a crosscut which crosses the rock formation. Flotation - A milling process in which valuable mineral particles are induced to become attached to bubbles and float as others sink. Hoist - The machine used for raising and lowering the cage or other conveyance (Skip) in a shaft. Leaching - A chemical process for the extraction of valuable minerals from ore; also, a natural process by which ground waters dissolve minerals, thus leaving the rock with a smaller proportion of some of the minerals than it contained originally. Lens - Generally used to describe a body of ore that is thick in the middle and tapers towards the ends. Level - The horizontal openings on a working horizon in a mine; it is customary to work mines from a shaft, establishing levels at regular intervals, generally about 50 metres or more apart. Longhole - Use of a rotary or percussive-type drill in order to drill underground blastholes to depths exceeding 3 metres. Orebody - A natural concentration of valuable material that can be extracted and sold at a profit. Ramp - A sloping underground opening for machine access from level to level or from surface; also called a decline. Shaft - A vertical or inclined excavation in rock for the purpose of providing access to an orebody. Usually equipped with a hoist at the top, which lowers and raises a conveyance for handling workers and materials. Skip - A self-dumping bucket used in a shaft for hoisting ore or rock. Stope - An excavation in a mine from which ore is, or has been, extracted. Tails - Material rejected from a mill after most of the recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted. Zone - An area of distinct mineralization. us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Saskuranium I have a fondness for Saskatchewan as it is the provGeologist Jim Parres reveals the story ince where my parents were from, where my only son behind an exciting new uranium discovery was born, and also where I attended university. in northern Saskatchewan. My grandfather, Chris Parres, and his two sons James and Lew paddled from Saskatoon to Beaver (Amisk) Lake, SK, then on to Snow Lake, MB, numerous times to develop the Nor-Acme gold deposit into a producing mine. Those two sons later started a company called Dee Explorations (named after my aunt) that explored numerous properties in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Dee explored for uranium in Northern Saskatchewan during a boom for the mineral in the early 1950’s. The company was active in the Charlebois Lake area, located 55 kms northeast of Stony Rapids on the east end of Lake Athabasca. Dee Explorations encountered a showing with radioactivity at Spreckley Lake, associated with regolith beneath the Athabasca sandstone. My Uncle Jim was the first to identify it as autunite. Autunite is a secondary mineral chiefly found in areas of oxidation and weathering derived from the alteration of uraninite. Autunite is characterized by strong yellow-green fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Dee Exploration had the first discovery in the Athabasca Basin. Just over a decade later, when economic conditions were more favourable, the first of many high grade-deposits were discovered at Rabbit Lake, Cluff Lake and Midwest Lake. The big boom was on. Uranium had previously been mined in Saskatchewan at Beaver lodge (Uranium City), in the 1940s and ‘50s, but in a different geological setting. The Patterson Lake South Discovery Lew Parres, Chris Parres and Jim Parres Sr. Photo submitted by Jim Parres The exploration story leading to the Patterson Lake South discovery is simply amazing. Canadian Occidental, an oil company, had already worked in the discovery area, completing a soil gas survey which indicated possibilities from radon anomalies, but did not follow up with in-depth exploration. This informa- A brand new high-grade uranium discovery at Patterson Lake in northern Saskatchewan has been one of the very few bright spots in the Canadian mineral exploration scene during 2013/2014. Located on the southwest edge of the Athabasca Basin, near the border with Alberta, the Patterson Lake South discovery continues to showcase Saskatchewan as the premier uranium “hot spot” of Canada. The province of Saskatchewan is certainly endowed with its share of natural resources, boasting diverse agricultural crops and potash in the south, and a basin full of uranium with a pinch of base metals and gold in the north. Mix in a dash of tourism, diamonds and a steel mill (Regina) as well, and you’ve got the recipe for a vibrant economy. Dee Explorations & Early Discoveries of Uranium in Saskatchewan @CottageNorth Major uranium deposits in northern Saskatchewan, with the Patterson Lake South deposit indicated. Image provided by Jim Parres. facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 21 tion was later located in the Saskatchewan Government assessment work files, and considered very interesting. Highway 955, the route to the Cluff Lake Uranium mine, runs right past the Patterson Lake South discovery area. The original two companies that were in on the Patterson Lake discovery (Alpha and Fission) had inherited a land position from two previous companies they had “morphed” from, but this land position did not contain the boulder train nor the actual deposit. They were located on new land staked by Fission and Alpha (now consolidated into Fission Uranium). Is that lucky, or what? Then, experience and innovative technology entered the new exploration program’s thrust. The experience part was a team of keen explorationists led by Ross McElroy. The technology aspect was a unique airborne system featuring a now-patented system of sodium iodide crystals. This array of sixteen large crystals was able to discern a “bright area” that turned out to be a boulder field. Prospectors on the ground found the boulder field contained radioactive highgrade uranium. The next step was ground geophysics, followed by diamond drilling of the anomalies discovered. About Uranium Uranium is a metallic chemical element, which was discovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, a German chemist. Some scientists hypothesize that the Earth’s uranium was originally produced during one or more Supernova events about 2.6 billion years ago. The element uranium was named after the planet Uranus, which was named after the Greek god of the sky. Today, there is a great deal of interest in uranium for its nuclear properties. Nuclear technology uses the energy released by splitting the atoms of uranium or plutonium. This fuel is assembled inside the nuclear reactor in such a way that a controlled fission chain reaction can be achieved. The heat created by splitting the U235 atoms is used to make steam, which spins a turbine to drive a generator, producing electricity. The first commercial nuclear power stations started up in the 1950’s. As of 2013, there were over 450 nuclear power reactors operable in 31 countries around the world, with approximately 70 more under construction. There are 180 reactors that power some 150 ships and submarines. These reactors provide 11% of the World’s electricity without carbon dioxide emissions. To date, Canada has mined more uranium than any other any country, 428,000 tonnes, according to geologist Ed Schiller. Saskatchewan is fortunate in that the province contains many uranium deposits. Some of these deposits are the largest and richest “uncomformity related” type ore bodies in the entire world. Uncomformity related deposits are usually hosted in faulted and brecciated meta sediments below a major unconformity and the overlying Proterozoic sandstones are usually undeformed rocks. The uranium deposits in northern Saskatchewan are located in and around a unique oval-shaped geological feature, the Athabasca Basin. The Cigar Lake, Saskatchewan orebody is a unique example of a very rich deposit which averages 20% U3O8 [U3O8 is triuranium octoxide, a compound of uranium which occurs naturally as the mineral pitchblende] Some sections of the deposit run over 50% U3O8. Currently, the McClean Lake and the McArthur mines in Northern Saskatchewan, are also producing uranium. The major primary ore minerals are uraninite (UO₂) and pitchblende (U3O8). Uranium experienced high price values in the 1970’s. By the 1980’s and 1990’s, prices were Page 22 March - April Follow depressed, but they recovered in 2003 and peaked at around $136 U.S. per pound in 2007. Currently (early 2014) the spot price for uranium is around $40 U.S. per pound. Quite often, producers deliver the uranium directly to the utilities under 3-15 year contracts. Dev Randhawa, the Chairman and CEO of Fission Uranium, is optimistic that uranium prices will eventually rebound. Mr. Randhawa thinks it is possible Fission may be sold to an interested company that would develop and mine the Patterson Lake South deposit. Rob Chang, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, stated in a Northern Miner interview that the newest drill results give a “back of the envelope” resource estimate of 76.8 million pounds at an average grade of 1.47% U3O8. NOTE: There are two Patterson Lakes in Northern Saskatchewan and the new Fission Uranium discovery is located near the more southerly one, near the S. W. Corner of the Athabasca Basin. A billet of highly enriched uranium that was recovered from scrap processed at the Y-12 National Security Complex Plant. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Drill hole #22 was the discovery hole. Then hole #38 intersected 35 meters of almost 5% U3O8. Game on. Drilling to date has mainly been done from three barges, as a good deal of the discovery is under Patterson Lake. Drilling will continue in 2014 from the lake ice, a process which is being expedited by pumps flooding the ice surface to create thicker ice. The best intersection from a drill hole to date was DDH #PLS13-075 in one of the five zones. The intersection returned 54.5 m grading 9.08% U3O8. These are quite spectacular grades. Early estimates, according to Schiller, indicate a minimum fifty million pounds of U308. The Image provided by Jim Parres. 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Plumbing Plumbing Plumbing Plumbing Plumbing Plumbing Plumbing Page 23 Wildlife Pine Grosbeaks - Gerry Clark - I t never fails to amaze me when visitors to my home ask what the little red birds at my feeders are called. Even though pine grosbeaks are as commonplace in Flin Flon in winter as the robin is in the rest of the year, and are about the same size, people for some reason don’t notice them. From November until April we live in a world of white, grey and black; pine grosbeaks are a colourful exception. For me, they brighten the dullest, coldest days of winter. I am so grateful, I quite happily spring for the $25 bag of sunflower seeds every month. The arrival of the grosbeaks is one of the surest signs of the coming of winter. Apparently, the grosbeaks go further north from here for the summer, but maybe they just scatter into the woods and flock up to come back into town. The experts say that during the nesting period, grosbeaks pair up and become fiercely territorial and anti-social. I guess their gratitude for keeping them alive through the winter doesn’t extend to saying hi during the rest of the year. Did you know that the pine grosbeak was once featured on a Canadian bill? Unless you are in a higher tax bracket than I, it isn’t that likely that you ever saw it. The vibrant little bird was featured on the 1986 series of the Canadian $1000 bill. And, just to complete your education, a flock of grosbeaks are technically known as a ‘gross’ of grosbeaks. The pine grosbeaks are robust as a species: they are in no danger of extinction. In fact, they are doing so well, I couldn’t find anybody on the internet whois even studying them. Photo by Gerry Clark Page 24 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca North of 54 The Soundtrack of a Flin Flon Childhood - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - Chris Szott captures the magic of Flin Flon summers in his debut album. “E very year, the day after school was out, we’d be in the car driving to Flin Flon,” recalls Chris Szott, a recording artist who was born and raised in Edmonton. “We didn’t come back until school started again, two months later.” For Szott, Flin Flon is a second home: his maternal grandfather, Ray Beauchamp, raised his family in Flin Flon, and each summer his children and their families flock back to their cabin on Lake Athapap. For Chris Szott, who is 24, Flin Flon means long days by the lake, jam sessions with friends and family, and the untainted beauty of the north. “The long car rides, the smell (taste) of the smokestack, water-sports, fishing, and even just the isolation of the Manitoba wilderness were all hugely influential in my upbringing, and consequent songwriting,” he says. On his debut album, North of Fifty-Four, Szott, or Sirch (his recording name) has attempted to recapture those feelings, and experiences, through music. Szott describes his style as “experimental, electronic-folk or ambient downtempo,” and indeed his style is hard to capture in one word or genre. In North of Fifty-Four, Szott creates fascinating soundscapes that incorporate diverse tracks, including audio from historical films, joyful chatter from home videos, and his own field recordings. While the album is skilfully arranged to create an atmospheric, soothing experience, Szott included @CottageNorth plenty of creative surprises for the attentive listener. On the Edmonton Journal’s entertainment blog, reviewer Sandra Sperounes shared this apt description: The nine-song album starts off with the drip-drop of icy synths and a transmitter-radio voice telling us about The Sunless City, a novel about a prospector who builds a submarine to explore a Manitoba lake…..Beach Babies mixes crashing waves, hypnotic guitar riffs and blinking beats with audio from a family vacation. “Wave to mommy!” says a female voice, backed by a whoosh of water. Charming and seductive — you’ll want one of your own memory soundtracks after listening to north of fifty-four. Chris Szott comes by his interest in music honestly. “My grandfather, Ray Beauchamp, was a multi-instrumentalist,” he explains, “and my mother and all of my aunts sing, my cousins are into music too.” While Szott initially attended university for drama, he eventually realized that it was music that really lit him up. “Music was something I always went back to, something I always felt comfortable doing,” he recalls. After teaching guitar and playing in a number of bands, Szott completed a diploma in sound engineering and music at Point Blank Music College in London, England. Soon, he was working in a recording studio and producing music part-time while also working in construction. Last September, Szott decided to commit full-time to creating his debut album. He burrowed deeply into the project, and completed North of Fifty-Four in just a few months. With an overall concept of the flow he wanted to create on the album, Szott went about hunting down tracks that would create the emotional and musical resonance he was looking for. The Flin Flon Tourist Bureau and Museum provided a great deal of help to Szott, lending him a number of historical videos from which he was able to pull the audio tracks that give North of Fifty-Four its unique sound. Szott’s hard work, in the archives and the recording studio, is beginning to pay off. The CBC Radio show The Signal has been playing North of 54 as part of their regular rotation, and the song “Beach Babies” from North of 54 was nominated for Best Electronic Recording of the Year by the Edmonton Music Awards. North of Fifty-Four is available for free streaming, or to download on a pay-what-you-can basis, on iamsirch.com facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine Chris Szott, aka Sirch March - April Page 25 Chiropractic on Main 49 Main Street Flin Flon, MB 204-687-4092 Fax: 204-687-3479 [email protected] Dr. Dominic McKenna B.A., D.C. Health & Wellness BodyBreak’s Top 5 Tips Kick-start a healthier lifestyle today with these simple, but life-changing tips from two Canadian fitness experts. - Shannon Smadella - A vital component of a great lifestyle is good health, but it can be difficult to know where to start when you have less-than-healthy habits. That’s where Hal Johnson and Joanne MacLeod come in. From a chance meeting in the gym over 25 years ago, Hal Johnson and Joanne Macleod have become “Canada’s #1 Trusted Source for Healthy Living’ through their wellknown show, “Body Break.” Together, Johnson and MacLeod have made a career of helping Canadians transform their lives. For over two decades they have been gracing our TV screens, giving us tips on how to “Be Fit and Have Fun,” and the two have successfully helped millions of Canadians to incorporate fitness and healthy living into their everyday lives. Here, this dynamic duo shares advice for obtaining, and maintaining, a truly healthy lifestyle. Custom Orthotics Orthopedic pillows You just have to do it: New Patient? Quote code “Wellness” and receive $25 off your initial $50 exam! Need Orthotics? Quote code “Happy Feet” and receive $25 off a $400 pair of orthotics! Page 26 March - April Include more movement into your day. We tend to sit far too much which hardly burns any calories. Step it up by actually taking more steps each day. Work up to 10,000 by finding easy ways to add more steps into your day naturally like taking the stairs more often, parking further away from where you are heading or getting out of your car to walk into the café for your morning tea instead of using the drive-thru. This is the first “step” to getting your body to burn more calories each day.” Make at least 30 minutes of exercise a priority each day. It is this type of attitude that will have you accomplishing your goals and feeling better. Exercise is any sport or activity you want to do that elevates your heart rate such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, zumba, kickboxing, spinning, elliptical, stepper, hiking, kayaking, skating, x-country skiing and the list goes on and on. We believe there is an athlete in everyone. It is up to you to find it and reap the rewards. Watch how much and what you eat. Typically, people think they exercise more than they do and eat less than they actually do, which is a sure fire formula to gain weight and/or not have a handle of why they are not achieving their healthy lifestyle goals. One of the simplest ways to eat healthier is to Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca “We believe there is an athlete in everyone. It is up to you to find it and reap the rewards.” 363 Crossley Avenue, The Pas, MB • 204-623-6469 keep track. Eatracker.ca brought to you by the Dietitians of Canada is an excellent tool to get feedback about your eating behaviour as well as your exercise habits. Get some sleep. Too many Canadians of all ages are not sleeping enough to allow their bodies to repair, restore and replenish so that they can get up ready to take on the day’s challenges. Turn the television off, shut down the electronic devices and make your way to bed. Get a routine that allows you to unwind. Read a book or magazine or listen to pleasant music. We don’t recommend the use of electronic devices for reading as the light from it can influence your ability to get to sleep. Minimize light using blackout curtains and noise with earplugs if it is safe for you to do so. Avoid and/or confront saboteurs that are negatively affecting your ability to live a healthier lifestyle. If a friend doesn’t want to join a walking group then don’t let them stop you from joining. If your partner does the grocery shopping and continually buys “treats” then ask them to no longer bring it into your home. Often people sabotage your efforts due to a lack of understanding of your goals, so it’s important to share your goals with them so that they can give you some much-needed support. Learn more about this amazing pair, and find out more about “Body Break” on www.bodybreak.com. Featuring the Grub Club with Discount Pricing! Supermarket Shopping with Convenience Store Hours Monday to Saturday from 9am - 10pm Sunday from Noon - 5pm Your local Family Foods Grocery Store It just doesn’t get any fresher! M gsy’s Deli fully licenced Photos courtesy of BodyBreak @CottageNorth 114 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB 687-7676 For Take-out or reservations Mon to Fri Saturday Sunday 8am - 4pm 9am - 3pm Closed Find Mugsy’s soups & sandwiches at Super K! facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 27 Capture the North Photo Contest T his issue marks the final round of the Capture the North Photo Contest. We are feeling a bit sad to let it go – it has been a gift to see northern life through your eyes, and we hope to run another contest soon. The winner of the trip to Churchill will be announced in our next issue, and over the next month we’ll be opening the floor to you, our readers, to elect a people’s choice winner. Do you have a favourite shot from this year’s contest? Vote for your top shot at cottagenorthmagazine.ca – the winner will receive a special treat from our contest sponsor, Lazy Bear Lodge! Winning Photo Beautiful Bald Eagle Scott Kurytnik I photographed this striking bird while visiting family on North Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Why is this photo a winner? Judges’ Comments “This is a powerful image showing great detail of one of our most strong and dynamic birds.” “There is nothing soft about these feathers. In all their true texture they appear carved. The image is cut crisp and clear. This is a regal and iconic image. The treatment supports the symbolic reverential weight. A remarkable photo.” “It is a perfect profile shot and the eyes, feathers and beak are all very sharp. I would like to know if this was done with a large zoom or if the photographer managed to get quite close. Either way, nice job.” Runners-up Crystal Flake Dayton Moreton Ever since I first read an article on snowflake photography, I made it my goal to capture the crystalline structure. This photo was taken in The Pas, MB, freehand on a backdrop of a common black neck warmer. I had to first choose a desirable crystal with my naked eye and hope that the further snowfall wouldn’t cover it or have a gust of wind blow it away. Taking the shot required more than a steady hand as it was necessary to hold my breath in order to be still enough to keep the crystal in focus. Page 28 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca A Friend Indeed Holly M. Toews Winter hiking is always a quiet and peaceful outing, as the sounds in the forest are muffled by the fallen snow. I enjoy the solitude, but sometimes I can count on a friend, the Gray Jay or “Whiskey Jack”. They seem to enjoy visitors and will stay near awhile, like they are showing off their home to invited company. The photograph was taken along the Torch River in Northeast Saskatchewan. Moose Visit Eileen Bona This cow moose, Bertha, was trying to eat the clover in the window of our home in Ardrossan, Alberta. @CottageNorth Whiskey Jacks Pamela White This picture was taken at our wilderness cabin on Defender Lake. We feed the Whiskey Jacks all year round. This picture is one of the Whiskey Jacks patiently waiting for some bread. Almost Spring Randy Whitbread While out for a drive one day near the end of March, last year, I decided to go down the North Star Road near Flin Flon. As I came to the bridge I noticed the reflections in the water. I quickly attached a polarizing filter to my lens to cut the glare, enhance the colours and snapped this shot. facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 29 MY KNOWLEDGE of many things MIGHT care for the elderly OR MAYBE start a business MY KNOWLEDGE, EARNED AT UCN. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Your knowledge is only the start of your journey. To find out how UCN can help, visit us at www.ucn.ca or call 1-866-627-8500 (The Pas) and 1-866-677-6450 (Thompson). WWW.UCN.CA OWN YOUR FUTURE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH Just because... your grandma loves flowers Just because... Just because... she’ s an amazing mom you love to see her smile Just because... you’re best friends Gifts for any occasion... or simply “Just because” Ask about our beautiful customizable jewellery We are your local Teleflora & Flower Shop Network Florist Monday - Friday 10:00 am -5:30 pm 68 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 204-687-4663 Closed all holidays 204-687-4311 www.nasselquistjewellers.com • www.ormistonflorist.com • Find us on Facebook! Page 30 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca And the Rest is History: The Flin Flon Bombers - Shannon Smadella - and also peek into the future of this historic team. As this year’s hockey season comes to a close, Shannon Smadella takes a look back at one of the Bombers’ more challenging seasons, and explores how the legacy of this historic team continues to live on in Flin Flon. 1927-28 Hockey Team: Manager Tom Creighton (left),Trainer BB Snydal (right) Mascots: Norman Stephansson (right), Eileen Hughes (right) Back row: WF Hughes, GG Duncan, WK Huchinson Front row: DE Bourke, J Hone, A Clow, HJ (Jack) Hartt Photo courtesy of the estate of Lila Stevens A Building Year This season, Head Coach and GM Mike Regan has learned that sometimes you need to take a few steps back to go even further forward. “At the end of the season, we will look back and say, ‘Wow, did I ever learn a lot’. You have to go through one of these years eventually. We look at it as building for the future.” Regan, who is a four-year veteran player, has been the head coach of the bombers for the past seven years. While he is optimistic for the future, Regan admits that this season has been a challenge. “It’s probably been one of the most frustrating seasons I’ve been a part of,” he says. “We thought we’d be one of the best teams in the league this year. From trades to sickness, it’s been a year where nothing seems to work, no matter what we try.” Going into the next season, Regan intends to focus on work ethic to solidify the team. “If we outwork our opponents, we are likely to win games. Our players need to realize that they are just as good as they want to be. It’s all mental. It’s always easy to be a good teammate and play your best when you are winning, but when you’re not winning, that’s when you find out a lot about your character.” “It’s not just about hockey, it’s about preparing for life afterwards,” Regan says, and teaching players to have a good work ethic and a positive attitude is part of his role as coach. “We wrote “how will you be remembered?” in the dressing room” he says, “because we want guys to think about their T here’s little question that the Flin Flon Bombers have brought our small northern community considerable fame. As Hockey Canada’s website proclaims, “Ask someone to add a name behind the City of Flin Flon, and a large percentage of people will say “The Flin Flon Bombers.” Since 1927, the Maroon and White club has formed more than its fair share of legendary players, many of whom went on to claim successful careers in the world’s most prestigious hockey league, the NHL. Amid those ranks are Bobby Clarke, Reggie Leach, Gerry Hart, and Mel Pearson, just to name a few. Notably, Clarke and Leach went on to play outstandingly in two Stanley Cups for the Philadelphia Flyers. Over the years, the enthusiastic and hard-working Bombers have earned sixteen league championships and two national wins. Some would say that the Bombers are the heart and soul of the city. For those young men who play on this hockey team today, the Flin Flon Bomber jersey brings great honor, but also great responsibility. After spending some time with this year’s team, I was able to see the ‘heart and soul’ that Flin Flon’s loyal fans come out to see over and over again, @CottageNorth The signatures of past hockey greats adorn the walls in the Whitney Forum, inspiring today’s Flin Flon Bombers. Photo by Shannon Smadella facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 31 time here. You only have three or four years to play junior hockey, why not make it the best three or four years of your life?” Ultimately, Regan remains positive about the team’s outlook. “We’ve put ourselves in a really good position to be successful next year. Our goal is to win a championship, not to be a mediocre team. We believe we will have a good return on our players going forward.” Bomber Pride Today’s Bombers certainly seem to appreciate what it means to follow in the footsteps of hockey legends like Gerry Hart. Paul Soubry, a ‘rookie’ from Winnipeg, says “The Bombers are one of the most historical junior hockey teams in Canada, arguably the world. It means a lot to play here. You hear some of the great names like Reggie Leach and Bobby Clark and you can’t help looking at the rafters, and in the training room, everyone that’s signed it. I love the atmosphere, and there are great fans.” “This is a great community to play for,” says Brock Hounsell, a 20-year-old 3rd year veteran from Martinsville, SK, and a team captain. “I am proud to be part of a great team, with a lot of history.” Playing for the Bombers is not only an opportunity in itself, but an experience that can open doors for the young athletes, such as scholarship opportunities. Twenty year-old Bomber Danys Chartrand, who hails from Winnipeg, recently won a scholarship to the University of North Dakota. “It’s the greatest accomplishment of my life,” says Chartrand. “I grew up watching them, so it’s awesome. I’m excited to go.” Secrets to Success The Flin Flon Bombers offer a few nuggets of wisdom about sports, and life. In 1957, the Flin Flon boys defeated the “unbeatable” Ottawa Canadians in The Memorial Cup. Photo courtesy of the Flin Flon Bombers Gerry Hart, one of Flin Flon’s most famous alumni, went on to play for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Quebec Nordiques and the St. Louis Blues. Hart shares his sense of “Bomber Pride” in this excerpt from a letter posted on the Bombers’ page of the Hockey Canada website at hockeycanada.ca. “My hockey career began as it did for most youngsters in Flin Flon: outdoor rinks, frozen lakes, and Saturday mornings with Pinkie Davie’s Community Club Program….. Youth hockey in Flin Flon flourished back in the 1950's and 1960's, and former and current Bomber players of that era were the role models that every hockey-playing youngster looked up to. Individuals such as Cy Gilmore and Buddy Simpson, from earlier teams, and Mel Pearson, Ted Hampson, and George Konik from the Memorial Cup team in 195657, left a lasting impression on me. Playing for the Flin Flon Bombers was certainly my goal at a very early age. When my turn came, Paddy Ginnell entered the scene and left an indelible impression on all of us. Paddy brought a new sense of pride, enthusiasm and toughness to the team. With Paddy's leadership the winning tradition of the team continued and his positive outlook was the springboard for many of us to continue to pursue hockey beyond the Bombers. Paddy taught the meaning of the word "character" and what it meant to a hockey team. Role players like Craig Reichmouth contributed as much but in different ways as did the talented Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach. The tradition was set for many years to come. To this day, Flin Flon is known in every hockey city in North America for its ‘Bombers.’” Page 32 March - April Follow “You have to make hockey your main priority. All of the little things on and off the ice make you a better player.” -Brock Hounsell “Stay focused, set goals for yourself and really work hard at those goals.” -Robbie Cameron “Don’t give up. You may get cut by teams, you may get told you’re not good enough, which I’ve been told a lot…you just have to keep working hard, and use it as fuel to motivate yourself to get better and better. Just make sure that you always have a goal in mind. You have to make sure that you are always doing something to try to get better and try to stay motivated.” -Paul Soubry Building a New Legacy: Bomber Buddies Athletes are role models for youth in any community, and for the last two school years, the Bombers have been giving back through a partnership with Flin Flon elementary schools. According to Blaine Veitch, Superintendent of the Flin Flon School Division, the concept for the Bomber Buddies program evolved after school trustees listened to a presentation by Israel Idonije. A Nigerian -Canadian NFL player who grew up in Brandon, Manitoba, Idonije now plays for the Detroit Lions. Idonije spoke to the school trustees about a mentoring program he had started in Chicago, matching kids in inner-city schools with professional athletes. The Flin Flon trustees were inspired to start a similar program. Veitch recalls, “Israel spoke about the value of high-profile athletes working with students and motivating kids. For us, those athletes are the Bombers, so we decided to give it a try.” us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca “We wrote “how will you be remembered?” in the dressing room” he says, “because we want guys to think about their time here. You only have three or four years to play junior hockey, why not make it the best three or four years of your life?” Back by Poutine! popular demand... At Ruth Betts and Ecole McIsaac Schools, the hockey players spend four afternoons a week helping in classrooms, then stay after school one day a week to spend time with a smaller group of students. George Trevor, Vice-Principal at Ecole McIsaac School, says the program makes a big difference. “The guys are really positive male role models, and for the kids, this is a bonus in their life. We’re really happy with what [the Bombers] have done in the school and how they’ve helped out. I think the Bombers themselves get some valuable life experience from it too.” Regan notes, “The Bombers talk to the kids about their experiences growing up, it’s sort of like being a big brother, and our kids [the Bombers] get to learn responsibility and leadership.” Paul Soubry, who participates in the program, has enjoyed building connections with the students. “The kids are great—they really look up to the ‘Bomber’ that’s in their class. You feel kind of special. I love it, all the kids cooperate, and you are able to create some great bonds. Also, it’s a lot of fun.” With billeting families, sponsors, fans and supporters rooting for the Bombers, this small-town team is full of spirit, and Bomber pride radiates from the players and Try these other extraordinary poutines: Loaded Baked Potato Chicken “Chef” Style Nacho Poutine Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Chili Poutine Roast Beef Poutine Perogy Poutine Red skin fries topped with baby perogies topped with gravy, cheese curds, fried onions, crisp bacon, green onions and sour cream Double Bacon Cheeseburger Red skin fries topped with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon and gravy. Finished with fresh pickles, tomatoes, onions and our own secret sauce. Add ketchup and mustard if you dare! 130 Highway 10A, Flin Flon, MB 204-687-3779 Dine in or Take out! & Better together than fish & chips Find out why at: B&C Power Products Inc. 86 Larose Avenue The Pas, MB 204-623-5791 bcpowerproductsinc.com • [email protected] @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 33 coaches. While the population of the community has reduced considerably over the years, the Bombers maintain a loyal fan base, with 16,230 attendants at games in the 2013-2014 season. Some still reminisce of the days where the fans doubled the maximum capacity of the rink, in Game Six of the SJHL championship in ‘93. With 2013/2014 as a building year, the team has great ambitions to gain their 17th league championship in the years to come. This team has long been the heart and soul of Flin Flon; and the expression “Once a Bomber, Always a Bomber,” certainly applies to the fans as much as it does to those who don the uniform. Photo by Shannon Smadella The Bombers in 2014 With the unique characteristic of playing on a hockey rink that is situated on two provinces, the Flin Flon Bombers have changed leagues a number of times over the years. The team has also changed names: they were known as the Kopper Kings until Joe Pieper, a local miner, came up with the name ‘The Bombers”. Today, the Flin Flon Bombers play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, a 12-team league with three conferences and a 56-game regular season. The other teams include Yorkton, Kindersley, Melfort, Battlefords, Melville, Humboldt, Estevan, Nipawin, Notre Dame, Weyburn, and La Ronge. As of our print date, Wednesday, February 26th, the Bombers had played in 53 games in the regular season and the team was eleventh in the league, with 46 points. It was down to the wire whether or not the team would advance to the playoffs. For the latest updates on the Flin Flon Bombers, visit www.bombers.ca The 2013-2014 Team. Photo by Shannon Smadella Page 34 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca HEALTHY EATING STARTS HERE! Garden Fresh Produce Our Bakery has a large selection of healthy choice grain products North of 53 Consumers Co-op Gourmet Fresh cut meats - Our cutters are on duty for you 31 Main St. 204-687-7548 Investing In Our Communities A variety of lower-fat dairy products to choose from in our Dairy Section Healthy eating is important to good health. Food nourishes your body and gives you energy to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Eating the right foods can also help reduce risk of many chronic diseases. Eating well doesn’t mean giving up foods you love; it means choosing food wisely. Try some of the following suggestions when making food choices: Select a variety of foods from all groups such as fruit, vegetables, dairy and grains; Emphasize cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables and fruit; Choose lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats and foods prepared with little or no fat; Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight by enjoying regular physical activity and healthy eating; and OPEN Check the Nutrition Facts table on food labels to compare products more easily; determine the nutritional value of foods; better manage special diets; and increase or decrease your intake of particular nutrients. MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m. CLOSED Statutory Holidays the FLIN FLON CONVENIENCE STORE • SELF-SERVE GAS Store: 204-687-4318 • #10 Hwy. Flin Flon, MB Ice | CanAqua water | Coffee bar | Ice Cappuccino Frozen Lemonade | Fishing Licenses | Fishing Supplies | Fisher Girl | Self–serve gas | Confections and so much more @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 35 Don’t pay for 6 months O.A.C. (306)688-7587 434 Main Street, Creighton, SK Don’t let the snow stop you from Barbecuing Stittco Energy Limited 78 Third Avenue, Flin Flon, MB R8A 0W9 P# (204) 687-3493 F# (204) 687-5591 [email protected] Page 36 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Spotlight on Northern Athletes Nadine Colomb  Age: 25 Hometown: The Pas What I love about Special Olympics: It’s fun, and I like meeting new people. What I want readers to know about me: I like playing Wii Dance, going for car rides, and listening to country music. My motto: Let the fun begin! Favorite food: Hamburger Helper Favorite sport: Curling Favorite team: Team Canada Sport: 5-pin bowling Nadine started with Special Olympics Manitoba in 1999, at age eleven, with snowshoe and track & field in The Pas. She moved to Thompson five years ago and now participates in 5-pin bowling. In that time, Nadine has competed in Special Olympic competitions in Brandon, Thompson and Winnipeg. She competed at the Winter Games in 2006 in PEI for snowshoeing. She also competed at the Provincial Spring Games in April 2013 and got a bronze medal in bowling. Nadine likes travelling and meeting new people, and really enjoys cheering on her fellow teammates. She is always joking around with her friends at work and wants to help everyone. Nadine is well known for her enthusiasm and positive outlook, and is well-liked throughout the c o m m u n i t y. Nadine has now started her training for 5-pin bowling, as she has been selected to be on Team Manitoba for the National Games in Vancouver B.C. in July 2014. She is extremely excited for this opportunity. Submitted photos What is Special Olympics? Special Olympics is a worldwide program providing sport training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics is recognized by Sport Canada as the main provider of services to individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Manitoba is the provincial sport governing body responsible for the delivery of sport for people with an intellectual disability in the Province of Manitoba. Special Olympics is a not for profit organization, registered as a charity within Manitoba. Our mission is “enriching the lives of Manitobans with an intellectual disability through active participation in sport”. Coach-Donate-Participate Special Olympics Manitoba is looking for individuals who are interested in helping with new sporting opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities in all communities in our region. Check out our website for all of the sports that are offered in Manitoba and/or to register as a volunteer: www.specialolympics.mb.ca. For more information, please e-mail Heather Chrupalo at [email protected] or phone 204-3587610. This installment will conclude our series of articles on Special Olympics athletes. We look forward to bringing you more stories about community organizations and the people who bring them to life. @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 37 The Munn Cup: A Hockey Legacy in Thompson - Penny Byer - Penny Byer, on location for the 2014 Munn Cup in Thompson on February 14-16, reveals how this minor hockey tournament has created a sense of community, connecting business owners, volunteers, and young hockey players since 1971. the Munn Cup in 1980, and who went on to break all scoring records in the Western Canada Junior Hockey league before being drafted by Detroit. Another local business, Carroll Aviation, and then Carroll Meats, sponsored a whole team, the Carroll Aeros, a team which has a special place in the hearts of many who have been involved in the Munn Cup over its four decades. “It’s been called a ‘last chance’ team,” explains Marsha Carroll. “It was originally set up for those who didn’t quite qualify to play on the Thompson teams selected for the Munn Cup. It’s always B obbie Orr, Gordie Howe, Phil Esposito — those were the heroes of the players of the earliest Munn Cup hockey tournaments in Thompson. Some of those early Munn Cup competitors went on to become professional hockey players themselves; some became coaches and organizers for local minor hockey league clubs; some became doctors, heads of mining companies and policemen. Many of them have seen their children, nieces and nephews follow in their skates to compete, in and help organize the Munn Cup tournament. Little did Lorne Lamontagne realize the legacy he created when, as President of the Thompson Minor Hockey Association, he asked Don Munn, General Manager of Inco Limited in Thompson in 1971, if he would lend his name to the event. The first Munn Cup tournament was recognized as the Manitoba Tom Thumb Championships (the age category became known as Atom in 1983) for players aged nine to 11. It was scheduled for the Easter weekend and for decades it was held during that weekend to allow extra travel time for out-oftown teams. Since that first championship, Thompson has hosted teams from all over Manitoba and Saskatchewan and from as far north as Rankin Inlet. It has attracted as many as 24 teams, bringing in up to 400 youngsters and adults, and has required the support of dozens of local businesses and hundreds of volunteers to pull it together. There are many long-standing business relationships associated with the Munn Cup. The longest is with the mining giant Vale Canada Limited (which purchased Inco Limited in 2007), but a number of family businesses have contributed to the tournament as well. The late Al Timmons, Sr. and his son Earl, used to sharpen skates at the C. A. Nesbitt Arena in Thompson. Al was the head referee for the Munn Cup for several years, when referees were volunteers. “We used to watch these young guys, not tall enough to see over the counter, asking ‘Mr. Timmons, can you sharpen my skates?’, and watch them grow into successful adults,” recalls Earl, now the owner of E. T. Blades. The Timmons created the Most Valuable Player Award in conjunction with Inco (now Vale); and they sponsor the Timmons Cup. Earl’s shop is filled with hockey memorabilia, including pictures of Munn Cup players who advanced in their hockey careers. “Here’s Vernon Beardy from Split Lake. He played with the Regina Pats with the WHL,” points out Earl. “Then there is Paddy Scott. He had a successful career in Europe.” His wall of pride also includes Glen Goodall, who played in Page 38 March - April Follow The Gillam Chargers and The Pas Huskies battle it out on the ice at the 2014 tournament Photo by Ian Graham been made up of extraordinary kids. All we ask is that they work on their skills, follow the rules and enjoy the game. That’s all.” “We didn’t actually start the team,” added David Carroll. “We took it over from Cullaton Lake Mine when they gave up the sponsorship. We enjoy watching kids play hockey. And at that time, Thompson had so many kids playing hockey that there was room for another Atom team.” Ron Mymko, who moved from Flin Flon to Thompson in Rankin Inlet Rock beat the Cross Lake Islanders 3-2 in a shootout to win the B division consolation final. Photo by Ian Graham us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca I think that desire stemmed in part from what he learned in his early years in hockey.” It is also common to see the names of players from the early years reappear as coaches, managers and directors in later years: Lamontagne, Mintenko, Paulic, Hause, Davis, Meston, Thevenot, Levesque, Laycock, Fayant, Edwards, Bennett, Valentino, Portey, Antila and Krentz are just some of the surnames you see reappear. Lovro and Justin Paulic – Two Munn Cup Legacies Mark Scott of Vale and Darrin Timmons, representing ET Blades, presented Keilan Holland of The Pas Huskies AA with the Most Valuable Player Award. Photo by Penny Byer. the 1970s to play with the Thompson Hawks, and whose son Derek and three grandchildren played in Munn Cup tournaments, prefers to think of the Carroll Aeros as a development team, rather than a ‘last chance’ team. He tells the story of one of his favourite players, Blake Knox, to prove his point: “It was the Hellair Hoppers back then,” recalled Ron. “Blake didn’t skate well, but he had lots of heart and was willing to work. The extra ice time he got with the Hoppers was invaluable to him. The following year he made it to the AA team as a nine-yearold, which was uncommon back then. In fact, you had to be exceptional when competing against 10-year-olds. Blake went on to win the Memorial Cup in Junior A hockey. That’s the same as winning the Stanley Cup in the NHL.” Lovro Paulic, who played in the Munn Cup in 1976, is Vice-President of Manitoba Operations for Vale Canada Limited. In 2010, as General Manager of the operations, he was invited to bring greetings on behalf of Vale in the Munn Cup programme. Here are excerpts from that message: When I laced up my skates to meet the Melfort Missiles at the 6th Annual Munn Cup Hockey Tournament, it never occurred to me that 30 years later, I would have a son competing in the same tournament. Some of my early team mates are still my colleagues today… I think it is safe to say that those early organizers of the Munn Cup built a hockey legacy for us all. p.s. By the way, Melfort may have beat us 1-0 at the 6th Munn Cup; but, my son’s team beat the Portage team 3-0 at the 36th Munn Cup. Justin got the shut out. I’m proud to say that his early success with the Munn Cup was a factor in his recent success at the 2010 Provincial Bantam AA championships. Today, Justin is in his second full year with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. In his rookie season last year he played 57 of 72 games (the second most games of any first year goaltender) and won two team awards at the end of the season: the Warriors Booster Club Unsung Hero award and the Vanier Collegiate Scholastic Achievement Award. A Storied History The history of the Munn Cup is perhaps best told through the programmes published and preserved over the years. Dating back to 1971, they tell a story of commitment, growth and change, on both a local level, and in the sport as a whole. Changes to the game of hockey are revealed through notes on new rules and new standards for equipment; new awards and divisions are announced as well. In 1978, the first female player, Kim Drapack, was introduced to the Munn Cup; by the early 1980s the names of female players were regularly appearing on the rosters. The Round Robin format was adopted in 1998, allowing teams to play more games. In 2011, the championship shifted from the Easter weekend to the long weekend in February. While a number of changes have transpired since the early days of the tournament, the mindset of the players remains, for the most part, the same. “I think every little boy or girl who plays in the Munn Cup has the NHL, or equivalent, in the back of their minds,” says Sharon McKay, whose son Mervin played in the Munn Cup in the 1990s. “But even if they don’t go on to play in the big time, what they learn here about team work, focus and work ethic helps them later in life. My son switched sports after grade nine, so he didn’t continue with hockey. But an interesting thing was that, after a short period at university, he decided to join the army. He said he needed more discipline. @CottageNorth More than 150 volunteers provide the ‘extras’ that make Munn Cup special -- from the souvenir booth to the games night for the young players. Photo by Penny Byer. facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 39 at the Munn Cup,” explains Karen Rae-Cormier, this year’s Munn Cup coordinator. “But we have parents from other divisions volunteer too. I think they come back because they know how much work it is, and how important it is too. We also have groups who volunteer at specific events, like the Kings Hockey Team cook all the pancakes for us. Yes, it’s a lot of work. And we all go home tired. And once the hockey season is over, most of us won’t see each other again until hockey season starts again! We say you have your rink family and you have summer.” Where are they now? Although we cannot track every person who played in the Munn Cup, the following are some names that are known, or that kept popping up in recent interviews: Brian Skrudland – Munn Cup 1971 – later joined Montreal Canadiens Wes Braun – Munn Cup 1972 – entrepreneur, Braun’s The Pas Huskies AA won the 2014 Munn Cup with a 7 - 3 win over the Thompson King Miners AA. Photo by Penny Byer A Promising Future The reputation of the Munn Cup for its role in player development has attracted newer teams recently. David Clarke, who played for the Norman Northstars, now lives in Rankin Inlet. “He wanted his son to play in the Munn Cup, so he made two teams from his roster, so all the kids could ‘have the experience of playing in the Munn Cup’,” says Karen. “And a team from Warren, Manitoba is here. One of the fellows told his parents ‘this is a great tournament; we’re going!’” Every year, approximately 150 volunteers come out to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly, from the posting of scores to the dressing room refreshments to the handing out of prizes. “It’s the responsibility of the (Atom) parents to volunteer Munn Cup 2014 Winnings Munn Cup Lamontagne Cup Crockett Cup Mintenko Cup Consolation Timmons Cup McMunn & Yates Cup Most Valuable Player The Pas Huskies AA Flin Flon Bombers AA Warren Junior Mercs A Norway House Northstars A Rankin Inlet Rock B The Pas Huskies B Flin Flon Bombers B Keilan Holland / The Pas Huskies AA All Star Team #10 Chase Bertholet / Forward / The Pas Huskies AA - #11 Carter Anderson / Forward / Thompson King Miners AA • #8 Braden Swampy / Forward / The Pas Huskies AA#6 Joie Simon / Defence / Flin Flon Bombers AA • #9 Cole Assailly / Defence / The Pas Huskies AA • #1 Cree Nicholas / Goalie / The Pas Huskies AA Lucien Tait-Reaume celebrates a goal during a 4-3 win over the Flin Flon Bombers Photo by Ian Graham Page 40 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca NIKI ASHTON MP Churchill Flin Flon office 24 Main Street 1-866-669-7770 The Pas office 1416 Gordon Ave. 1-866-785-0522 Email: [email protected] Website: nikiashton.ndp.ca Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill MP Rob Clarke Ottawa House of Commons 502 Justice Bldg. K1A 0A6 Phone: 613-995-8321 Fax: 613-995-7697 La Ronge 711 La Ronge Ave Box 612 S0J 1L0 Phone: 306-425-2643 Fax: 306-425-2677 Meadow Lake 114 Centre St. Suite C Box 1260 S9X 1Y9 Phone: 306-234-2334 Fax: 306-234-2339 Please contact my office if you are having problems with EI, CPP, Passports, CEP, Status cards, CRA, Agriculture Canada or any other Federal Government programs or departments. 1-866-400-2334 Furniture; later construction supervisor Dean Evason – Munn Cup 1973 – later joined Hartford Whalers, 13 years with Washington Capitals, then assistant coach, now the head coach of their farm team in the AHL Doug Lamontagne – Munn Cup 1974 – entrepreneur / Doug’s Source for Sports / Thompson Lane Lambert – Munn Cup 1975 – later joined Detroit Red Wings Lyndon Byers – Munn Cup 1975 – later joined Boston Bruins Don Wood – Munn Cup 1975 – General Manager Surface Operations of Manitoba Operations, Vale Canada Limited Derek Laxdal – Munn Cup 1976 – later joined Toronto Maple Leafs, then New York Rangers Ken Baumgartner – Munn Cup 1976 – later joined LA Kings, then New York Islanders Lovro Paulic – Munn Cup 1976 – Vice-President Manitoba Operations, Vale Canada Limited Murray Bennett – Munn Cup 1976 – entrepreneur / owner of A & B Builders Theoren Fleury – Munn Cup 1978 – later Canada’s Junior Hockey Player of the Year with Moose Jaw Warriors, Stanley Cup winner with the Calgary Flames and also Olympic Gold Medal winner with Team Canada “Check out my website at www.RobClarkeMP.ca for important information.” - MP Rob Clarke Theoren Fleury played in the Munn Cup in 1978 and went on to win a Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold medal. Photo from Wikimedia Commons. Paul Thompson – Munn Cup 1978 – the only player to be drafted straight out of Manitoba AAA Hockey into the NHL (New York Islanders) Mike Zakowich – Munn Cup 1981 – later Western Canada Junior Hockey League, then Spokane Glenn Goodall – Munn Cup 1980 – later Western Canada Junior Hockey League, then Seattle and Detroit Peter Paulic – Munn Cup 1980 – later Vice-President and General Manager, Smook Contractors Blake Knox – Munn Cup 1982 – Swift Current Broncos Memorial Cup Winner Kyle Reeves – Munn Cup 1982 – Swift Current Broncos Memorial Cup Winner Merv Priest – Munn Cup 1983 – later professional hockey in Europe Stephan Cherneski – Munn Cup 1989 – later Brandon Wheat Kings in Juniors, then drafted 17th overall in Canada in first round of NHL draft by the New York Rangers; he had a career-ending injury playing with farm team in Hartford. Ben Lalushnike – Munn Cup 1992 -- doctor in Dauphin, MB @CottageNorth “Your One Stop Fun Shop” 84 Severn Crescent Thompson, MB R8N 1M6 Phone: 204-778-6333 Toll Free: 1-800-442-0456 www.nickelcitymotors.com Save More On Gas with the 2014 Skandic 600 ACE $14,429.00* $346/MTH* $173 BW* ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. * Prices do not include Set-Up, Freight, Life and Disability, or Applicable Taxes. Bi-Weekly Payments OAC (on approved credit) based on 9% interest rate and a finance term of 60 months. Payments based on sale price, prices subject to change without notice. facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 41 featuring Cecil McCullock, Cat Swing Foreman Jim Woods is one of the few remaining cat swing operators. Here, Bruce Anderson drives a D-4 cat. Photo by Les Oystryk Freight swings were the sole method of bringing supplies into the north of Manitoba and Saskatchewan for several decades, and for the young men who worked on these “cat swings,” danger was always around the corner. - By Morley G. Naylor and Les Oystryk - F ebruary 1951 – It’s big news in the north: the first “cat swing” of the year has just pulled in to the isolated northern settlement at Wollaston Lake in northern Saskatchewan. One hundred and thirty tons of supplies have arrived, including flour, tea, tobacco, and dry goods; hunting, fishing and trapping supplies; and drums of gasoline. In the summer months, isolated settlements in the north were often supplied by Canso flying boats, but in the winter, the populations could wait up to four months for supplies to come in by ice tractor hauls. The “swing”, consisting of 20 sleighs pulled by 5 “cats” (tractors) had left the railhead in Flin Flon ten days prior, travelling night and day on a 350-mile journey. The crew crossed numerous lakes, and travelled through untamed bush, rough terrain, and steep grades. The trip back south will see the sleighs filled with frozen fish hauled from Wollaston and Reindeer Lakes. The eighteen-man crew on that cat swing was headed up by a twenty-two year old bulldozer driver, a.k.a. “cat skinner” by the name of Cecil McCullock. We tracked down that young bulldozer driver, Cecil McCullock, who now keeps busy in retirement in Prince Albert. Seventy years later, McCullock recalls his time on those perilous northern routes with crystal clarity, and he generously offered to share his story with us. Cecil McCullock was born in 1928 and grew up near Canwood, Saskatchewan. In 1946, at the age of nineteen, he started working with the Saskatchewan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on their freight hauling trips north of Flin Flon. “These trips went as far north as Reindeer Lake and Wollaston Lake,” McCullock explains, “and I worked on those cat swings during the winters of 1946-47 and 1948-49.” Page 42 March - April Follow Cecil McCullock, April 1951. Photo by Mike Kesterton Inset: Cecil McCullock today Freight swings, in one form or another, serviced the north of Manitoba and Saskatchewan from the 1920’s to the 1970’s. In the 1920s, the original drayers used heavy horsedrawn sleighs to haul supplies. By the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s, mechanized equipment was replacing horses and tracked vehicles began to pull the freight swings. The tractor train concept was far more efficient than horse drawn sleighs, could travel day and night, required fewer men, and could pull an enormous weight of freight. Each year, the crews would assemble, with young men traveling “by train from Prince Albert to Flin Flon via Hudson Bay Junction and The Pas,” McCullock recalls. The men who formed the crews were seeking a challenge, adventure, and a good paycheque: up to $200 - $250 a month if you were a top-notch man. us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca had been mechanized with the evolution of cleat-treaded tractors to pull the loads, but the potential man-killing risk was never far from anyone’s thoughts. Every crew member on a cat swing realized the dangers involved each time they set out. This was a young man’s game, and joking about death was common. Freighting was only possible when old man winter put a thick layer of ice over the barren lakes and rivers of the north, but even when the weather cooperated, a typical trip would be anything but. A persistent fear was bad ice. Had too much snow fallen early in the winter, insulating the ice Staff at the Flin Flon Yard. Photo submitted by Cecil McCullock Danger Close at Hand I always had a plan for jumping off the cat, should the ice start to break up under me. I knew the dangers, as other cats and their drivers had previously gone through the ice in what was called “the graveyard” on Reindeer Lake.” and preventing a thick (15” to 20”) layer of “blue ice?” “Risking your life on those cat swings seemed to be the norm back then,” recalls McCullock, “Going through the ice while driving my cat was a calculated risk after I learned how to tell good ice from bad. I always had a plan for jumping off the cat should the ice start to break up under me. I knew the dangers, as other cats and their drivers had previously gone through the ice in what was called “the graveyard” on Reindeer Lake.” The isolation on the route meant that a serious accident or injury could likely occur without a doctor or radio communications available. The lack of both was part of the risk for the crew. The crews and the equipment were assembled Transport Ltd cat swing going into Pelican Narrows 1950-51. for the journey early in the new year, when ice conditions Photo submitted by Cecil McCullock would be at their best. The equipment was methodically assembled and prepared: first came the Caterpillar tractors, or ‘cats’ to pull the sleighs [’Cat` is a generic term originatTreacherous ice conditions had seen drayer James ing from the tread/track concept of bulldozers manufactured Snelgrove lose valuable teams of horses and supplies through by Caterpillar Inc.] The units on Cecil McCullock’s routes the ice near Flin Flon. Some years later, the horse-killing job included the Caterpillar D4 and D6 as well as the International (Harvester) TD9 and TD14. The larger tractors were most often used for the overland portions of the Bearing Capacity of Blue Ice winter trails. As the tractors were the backbone of the Bearing Capacity of Blue Ice operation, numerous parts and spares were packed, including headlight bulbs - these malfunctioned often due to the constant vibration and jarring en route. The tractor opera4 inches = 1600 pounds tors rode in open cockpits so that they could jump out at 6 inches = 3600 pounds any time should the machine begin to break through the 8 inches = 6400 pounds ice. 10 inches = 10,001 pounds Sleighs, approximately 9 feet wide and 24 feet long, and 20 inches = 40,003 pounds capable of carrying 10 tons of freight were checked and lined 30 inches = 90,006 pounds up. Loose articles were lashed down under tarps for protec40 inches = 160,011 pounds tion from the snow and tree branches and in case of a sleigh upset. Metric Gold Formula The all important caboose (approximately 9 feet wide, 24 Provincial Winter Roads feet long, and 11 feet high ) had 6 bunks for off-shift tractor operators, a large and long table for meals, a stove for heat, and all sorts of storage for food, pots, pans, an oil drum, Data provided by Manitoba Transportation and water tank and many gadgets for the cook. Washroom Government Services facilities consisted of a basin, water heated up, and the great @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 43 The Workhorses of the North: Specifications As Cecil McCullock explained, the Caterpillar tractors used on the cat swings had a small, separate gasoline motor to start the main diesel engine (known as a pony or pup engine), while the International Tractor types utilized a separate gasoline carburetor and small gas tank to start the engine with gasoline, and then switched over to diesel once the main engine was operating smoothly. Caterpillar Tractors D4: 1938 – 1957 Chassis: Crawler Engine: Caterpillar – Diesel – 4 Cylinder Liquid Cool – 312 ci Transmission: Gear – 5 Fwd 1 Reverse Weight: 9,970 lb Dimensions: 120”L 62”W 60.62”H RPM: 1600 HP : 50.18 Drawbar 58.88 Belt Fuel Capacity: 20 Gal D6: 1941-1947 Chassis: Crawler Engine: Caterpillar – Diesel – 6 Cylinder Liquid Cool 468 ci Transmission: Gear – 5 Fwd 4 Reverse Weight: 16,695 lb to 17,338 lb Dimensions: 149.2”L 80.5”W 75.25”H RPM: 913 HP: 74.82 Drawbar 92.52 Belt Fuel Capacity: 48 Gal International Tractors TD9: 1939-1959 Chassis: Crawler Engine: International – Diesel – 4 Cylinder Liquid Cool – 334.5 ci Transmission: Gear 5 Fwd 1 Reverse Weight: 10,800 lb Dimensions: 114”L 75”W 64”H RPM: 1400 HP: 29 Drawbar 39 Belt Fuel Capacity: 31 Gal outdoors. The fuel needed for the journey – up to fifty drums of it - would be carried on one designated sleigh. As the departure time drew close, all the equipment was lined up like a military convoy, and, with a little hell raising the night before, the tractor train would depart first thing in the morning, heading into a wilderness where wolves and caribou were far more abundant than human beings. TD 14: It’s an early -45º morning at Mile 85, and against the backdrop of the famous Flin Flon metallurgical plant smokestacks, a tractor swing is in the final stages of departure. The stench of diesel exhaust fills the air and the vapour clouds the outline of the train. The tractor drivers quiver in the vibrating open cockpits. These guys live day and night in all but their heaviest outdoor clothing, often crawling into sleeping bags fully dressed after a shift change. Soon, a gut-wrenching start: the tractor drivers shift and lurch the frozen runners of the loaded sleighs loose. The tractor drivers do not use a wheel to steer, but rather use the left or right tread of the machine. They will often bounce the tail of the tractor from right to left to gain traction. Each time the cat skinners shift in to higher gears, the crew can feel the jarring of the tractors. 1939 – 1958 Chassis: Crawler Engine: International – Diesel – 4 Cylinder Liquid Cool – 460.7 ci Transmission: gear 6 Fwd 2 Reverse Weight: 17,500 lb Dimensions: 134”L 92”W 78”H RPM: 844 HP: 51.8 Drawbar 61.56 Belt Fuel Capacity: 45 Gal Data provided by Peter Easterlund, TractorData.com Page 44 March - April Follow A Cat Swing Trip us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Soon, the clattering and clanking drowns out all other sounds and the drivers use hand signals to communicate. The lead cat, with a huge blade, plows ahead into the enormous white drifts of snow, clearing the way for the awkward and topheavy sleighs of cargo and other tractors to follow. Each tractor pulled a “train” of several sleighs, and one or more trains headed for the same location comprises a “swing”. A typical swing snaking its way over lakes and through bush trails might consist of twenty-five sleighs pulled by five tractors. Each train would be operated by a cat skinner and a “brakeman,” or “brakie”. Like the swing foreman, the brakeman would often serve the entire swing – his main purpose was to dig in to the snow to couple and uncouple sleighs. Much like trade apprentices, they aspired to be tractor drivers and often endured menial tasks and unpopular chores on their journey to becoming a cat skinner. and quarters of beef and pork. Substantial meals included roast, steaks, chicken, potatoes, vegetables and sweets. Meals were served in the caboose, with breakfast at 4:00 a.m., dinner at noon, and supper at 8:00 p.m. The crew had a break halfway through each eight-hour shift, when they’d return to the caboose for sandwiches and coffee. The train stopped at meal times and the shift coming off always refueled the tractors before eating. On one journey, a train suddenly stopped for no apparent reason. An offshift skinner proceeded to the head of the train, stumbling in the darkness, and found no sign of the cat or driver—only a hole in the ice partially covered by a sleigh rack. A tractor ahead had broken off a small chunk of ice and the following tractor and driver had gone through the ice, never to be seen again. Monotony or not, danger always lurked near. On land, the trains stayed close together to allow doubling up of tractors on hauls that one tractor could not handle. On “big ice,” long stretches across large lakes, the trains travelled hundreds of yards apart for safety. Large areas of slush, caused by a crack in the ice and water seeping into the snow, could be treacherous as a tractor had to be run back and forth to pack the slush and let it freeze over for the sleighs. A cat was liable to go through the ice at any time. A similar peril existed when a lead tractor broke off a chunk of ice and one of the units following it could go through the ice if it struck it. Cook John Roth was the king of the caboose. Any cracks had to be examined carefully, and accorded Photo by Mike Kesterton the utmost respect. Cecil recalls, “when we headed up north sometime after the new year, we would not get back to Flin Flon until late March. The swing bosses that I remember from the DNR ranks were Bob Gooding, Cory Martinson, Alex Kildeer, Bill Hamilton , and George Langford. These men as well as many others were from the Prince Albert area. Arnie Anderson was another good friend that I worked with – and he was from Canwood as well as I.” From Monotony to Peril in Seconds Once the journey was underway, a routine was set to operate the swing on to its destination. “The trips were long and monotonous,” McCullock recalls, “with shifts of eight hours driving a tractor and then eight hours sleeping in a bunk car that was on a sleigh as part of the swing.” There would be six or so cat drivers on each of the swings at one time, as well as one “brakie” and one cook. The cook was the undisputed boss of the caboose, and in the eyes (and stomachs) of many, the most important man on the trip. Each caboose carried an enormous food supply, including halves @CottageNorth Trouble afoot on the April 1951 cat swing trip. Photo by Mike Kesterton facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 45 In some cases, the ice would actually part, and logs were wedged into the crack to make it firm. A solid path would be built by filling in snow and slush to make a solid, frozen path. Failure to carry out this time-consuming task could result in a tractor breaking off a chunk of ice, with fatal results for a following tractor. Other cracks were known as “pile-ups,” where the ice would split and pressure would force the ice up above the surface, sometimes as high as eight feet. If a route could not be found around the pile up, a path would be chiseled through the pile-up mound. On one journey, a train suddenly stopped for no apparent reason. An off-shift skinner proceeded to the head of the train, stumbling in the darkness, and found no sign of the cat or driver—only a hole in the ice partially covered by a sleigh rack. A tractor ahead had broken off a small chunk of ice and the following tractor and driver had gone through the ice, never to be seen again. On land, upsets on hills and side hills were an ever-present danger. Sleighs of precious cargo or essential fuel drums for the tractors could suddenly be lost, strewn across the path, or damaged beyond repair. A caboose-upsetting was also dangerous for the men inside. The men would be thrown from their bunks, and all sorts of projectiles including pots, pans, a hot stove, coals, and boiling coffee would fly through the air. A fire could also quickly erupt under these conditions. The old saying, “sleep with your boots on,” was particularly apt for the cat train crews. One can only imagine the sense of relief and jubilation when “the swing” pulled in to its destination – only to face the same dangers on the return trip . Such was the life of cat swing crews. The Move to Transport Limited Transport Ltd sleighs tipping over on a beaver dam near Deep Bay, Reindeer Lake. Photo submitted by Cecil McCullock After spending the first two winters working with the Department of Natural Resources in Saskatchewan, the provincial government decided to give up their role in the winter transportation of freight and fish. At this point, Cecil began working for Transport Limited, a company based in The Pas which opened a branch office at mile 85 in the then-booming mining community of Flin Flon. George W. Evans, who later became mayor of Flin Flon, was hired as the manager. Thanks to his experience with DNR, at the age of 23, Cecil was deemed experienced enough to be a Cat Swing Foreman for Transport Limited on their winter freight hauls. “I spent the next four winters with that company, as they were freighting goods north to the Saskatchewan government trading store at Wollaston Lake as well as to the Hudson Bay Company store at Brochet on Transport Ltd. swing that went through the ice on Reindeer Lake Page 46 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Drilling ice for water on the April 1951 trip. Photo by Mike Kesterton Reindeer Lake. We also hauled all of the bricks, lumber, and building materials from Flin Flon for the construction of the town site and associated fish plant at Kinoosao on Reindeer Lake in 1952.” These were very busy winters, according to McCullock: “ Shieff’s Transport also hauled their own freight with D-4 and D-6 cats for their trading post at Brochet”, he explains, “once the winter trail had been opened by Transport limited tractors each winter.” Also on the work agenda was hauling ballast rock by cat swings for cribs along the new power line to Snow Lake in 1953. Cecil clearly remembers working with many great cat skinners who spent the winters with Transport Limited, including Herman McKinnon, Jack Carter, Peter Ballantyne, and Bill Highway, as well as Marcel, Maurice, and Paulie Vandergucht. “John Roth was the man that everyone wanted to help,” McCullock recalls, “as he was the cook and he ruled the caboose with an iron fist.” Visitors Aboard The Flin Flon yard on the 1952 trip. At centre, two US military officers (in fur hats). Photo by Mike Kesterton January of 1951 brought a brief moment of fame to McCullock and his cat swing crews. Two journalists joined the swing crew on a 350 mile, ten-day trip to Reindeer and Wollaston Lakes. Writer Bill Wolf of the Saturday Evening Post along with photographer Mike Kesterton travelled to Flin Flon by train, and Transport Limited arranged for a smaller caboose for them to stay in on the trip north. They were very well taken care of in order that they could document the details of this remarkable journey. The article was published in the April 21, 1951 edition of the magazine, and photos from Mike Kesterton’s collection are included here, with permission from his son.A year later, Kesterton returned with two Colonels from the United States Army who had made the trip to Flin Flon up by train. The military officers made the trip north with the Transport Limited swing in order to experience the conditions first hand, and to try to understand what was involved in carrying out an extensive winter freighting job in the frigid north with the use of tractors. As McCullock surmises, “this appeared to be some sort of preparation for the US Army’s involvement with the establish@CottageNorth ment of very remote northern DEW (Distant Early Warning) Line sites. They also came equipped with several trunks full of new types of winter clothing to test in the northern climate.” An Era Draws to a Close As our story draws to a close, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the contribution that all freighters made in opening up the north. Freighters helped sustain commercial fisheries scattered throughout the north and helped northern residents access crucial supplies, as well as contributing to major development projects in the region. The famous Linn Tractors played a huge role in supplying construction supplies for the HBMS Island Falls hydro generating station (1928-30). In the early 1950s, the entire mining town of Sherridon was relocated via cat trains to a new mine at Lynn Lake, as were the materials for the Laurie River Dam and hydro generating site. Mighty as they were, the cat trains of the north were not immune to the march of innovation and progress. By the 1950s, overland roads began to reach more communities, allowing yearround access to settlements by fast and efficient freight trucks. Where permanent roads were not practical, “winter roads” began to facilitate transportation to and from communities on a seasonal basis. Air transportation is used at other times of the year to bring in essential goods. By the early 1960s, the so-called “freight swings’ had pretty much become obsolete, and the ice tractors joined the ranks of the horses that they had replaced a couple of decades prior. There are, however, some circumstances where “freight hauls” are still the only option, and a few remaining tractor drivers still step up to the plate. Jim Woods, who operates from the Churchill River near Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, hauls fuel to the Whitesand Dam on the Reindeer River and supports exploration drilling projects. Over in Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Joey Barnes fulfills a similar role in the north from his King of Obsolete operations, and has achieved some fame on the popular television series, Ice Road Truckers. Today, ice road truckers are the order of the day in freight hauls in the north – huge tractor trailer units with the most sophisticated equipment available in the world, particularly prominent in the oil patch drilling and the resource sector in remote locations of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Will today’s ice road truckers be replaced by technology as the horses, ice tractors and smaller freighting trucks were? You just never know. Perhaps we should ask Cecil McCullock – he’s seen it all. Many thanks to Michael Kesterton for sharing his photos, Cecil McCullock for sharing his memories, and to Ray Rossington for his technical assistance. A Note on Photographer Mike Kesterton Photographer Mike Kesterton was born in Moose Jaw in 1920. He served in the RCAF during WWII and trained in photography in New York after the war. He freelanced from 1947 to 1956 while working for “Saskatchewan Photographic Services.” His photos have appeared in such well-known publications as the Saturday Evening Post, Canadian Geographical Journal, Sports Afield, McLean’s, and Field & Stream. facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 47 Residential & Commercial Snow Removal Start planning for next summer Top Soil & Sod Heavy Equipment SERVICES(1994)Ltd. 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Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri 8:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm 2 km’s #10 Hwy South Flin Flon, Box 908, R8A 1N7 Page 48 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Poetry Corner Photo by John Morgan Literacy Glenda Walker-Hobbs Photo by Daniel Dillon Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning -William Arthur Ward one letter learned lights a word flame New Day Dawning Sheila Marchant one word leads to a phrase The full moon that shone throughout the night Is starting to pale and fade from our sight The birds are waking, beginning to chatter In search for food they soon will scatter And nocturnal creatures settle down for the day Grumping and frumping in their own special way Our morning is finally winning the fight To crack the horizon and let in the light one phrase leads to a book one book leads to a knowledge literacy starts with a candle one light at a time Box 600 • 314 Edwards Avenue • The Pas, MB R9A 1K6 Phone: 623-5411 • Fax: 623-3845 & Kendall Pandya Chartered Accountants Accounting Professionals FOR Northern Manitoba Serving the North for over 25 years 687-8211 31 Main Street, Flin Flon | 118 Cree Rd., Thompson 778-7312 @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 49 The Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival: Highlights T - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - he 67th Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival took place from Feb 12-16 2014. Residents and visitors alike enjoyed an incredibly busy week of activities that celebrated and showcased life in The Pas. Highlights included the three-day World Championship Dog Race, and the King and Queen Trapper competition, in which contestants demonstrate their strength, endurance and smarts in a series of survival-oriented challenges. This year’s festival saw a number of unique events as well, including a snowboarding and snow-skating competition sponsored by Funky Threadz, a slo-pitch baseball tournament in the snow (aka sno-pitch) and even a human dogsled race! For those looking for shelter from the cold, there were beautiful mukluks and other crafts to discover in the Opasquia School, and several venues offering live entertainment, local music and jigging contests. This lively poster welcomed visitors to Fort-Whoop-it-Up, centre for many Trappers’ events. King Trappers compete in events related to hunting and trapping life. Here a King Trapper contestant chops wood for the “tea-boiling” event. The flour packing challenge in the King Trapper contest always draws a crowd. Contestants carry 700 to 1000 lbs of flour for twenty feet. The dogs take off with incredible speed at the mass start for the final day of the World Championship Sled Dog Race. A local snowboarder competes in the Funky Threadz Dam Jam. The course was designed and constructed by local snowboarders, with the Eazy Livin crew taking the lead, with help by members of 624 Films. Page 50 March - April Follow The Fur Queen candidates for 2014 with last year’s Queen and Princess (front). Brittany Dorion (third from right) was crowned Fur Queen 2014. All photos by Daniel Dillon us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Storytellers Film Festival: Creating a Spark - Libby Stoker-Lavelle - T his March 20-23, The Pas will host the Storytellers Film Festival. This festival will showcase films which address Aboriginal culture, people, and issues, while also highlighting work produced by Aboriginal filmmakers. Most of the film showings and events will take place in the community’s historic Lido Theatre. Bernhard Friz, a Winnipeg-born physician who works in The Pas, is spearheading this first year of the film festival, with guidance from Coleen Rajotte of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival. Through the Storytellers Film Festival, Friz and his fellow volunteers hope to spark community discussion on how to develop and nurture aboriginal film culture in the North. They also hope to kick-off an event which would become an annual occurrence in The Pas. According to a press release, the festival’s name, “Storytellers,” comes from the wish to “firmly root First Nations’ traditions of storytelling at the core of a festival that will use film and video to present current cultural ideas”. With this in mind, a number of events will focus on oral tradition. An Elders Discussion will be held on the weekend, where a panel of community Elders will pre-screen a series of short films. They will then be invited to discuss their thoughts with the attending directors and members of the audience. The festival will include a number of short films (some by local filmmakers) and six features, including Rhymes for Young Ghouls, a film directed by Jeff Barnaby, a Mi’gmaq filmmaker Otineka Style Selection Competitive Pricing Climate controlled from Quebec. This dark, haunting film explores the lasting effects of residential schools on a younger generation, and has received critical acclaim since its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The busy weekend will include a youth day organized by Oscar Lathlin Collegiate on the Friday, and the festival will conclude with a gala evening on the Saturday night. All film festival events will be free for attendees, though donations of any kind will be gratefully accepted, and put towards next year’s festival. On Sunday March 23, a brainstorming discussion will be held to bring together those interested in moving the idea of the festival forward. As the song goes, It only takes a spark to get a fire going—here’s hoping this spark lights something great. Get the most recent info on the festival at www.facebook. com/StoryTellersFilmFest, and check out our May/June issue for a follow-up story on this event. Kiowa Gordon and Joel Nathan Evans star in Lesser Blessed, one of the feature films at the Storytellers Film Festival. MALL CARLEY BEARING & AUTO Otineka Development Corp. Ltd Box 10310, Opaskwayak, MB R0B 2J0 Contact the General Manager 204-627-7230 • Fax: 204-623-2770 www.otineka-mall.ca Retail Stores Ardene’s 1-877-606-4233 ext. 369 Bank of Nova Scotia 627-5423 Donuts & Deli 623-5707 Opaskwayak Chiropractor 623-2989 Shane’s Music 623-5836 Super Thrifty 623-5150 Bargain Shop 623-7181 Constant Threat 623-2111 UCN 627-8675 Warehouse One 623-2737 @CottageNorth IGA Burger Ranch EasyHome PaperWorks Plus Sports Traders Teekca’s Boutique Rock Garden Tim Horton’s VIP Garden Bentley’s 623-6187 623-1451 623-5343 623-1672 623-5555 623-4610 623-3220 623-1480 623-1571 623-3370 Did you put your car up for the winter? We have everything you need to get it ready for spring! Make things easier on yourself, just stop in! (204) 623-5416 • [email protected] 33 2nd Street East, The Pas, MB facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 51 Eddie’s A Good Taste Something Hot to Drink Parisian Ch That rom ocolat Chaud antic ca fé won’t this rich seem so concocti far awa on. y when Ingredie you’re s nts ipping 5 oz bitte rsweet/d a At least 50% coco rk chocolate, fin ely chop a is best drink a ped. waxy te – don’t u xture. se bakin 2 cups w g chocol hole mil ate as th k 2 tbsp li is will gi ght brow ve the n sugar (optiona l) Directio ns Warm m ilk Add dark on the stove to nea chocolate has com and whip r-boiling temper ple ature (b into the with a sq tely dissolved. ut don’t milk wit Ad let it boi uare of h a whis l) chocolate d brown sugar Recipe a if desired k until chocolate . dapted fr . Serve om www in a teacu .davidle bovitz.co p m/ our on y mos ther next r ski o Chai Masala In India, chai literally means “tea” — but it is so much more than that. This spicy drink is a great way to start the day and a refreshing alternative to coffee. Ingredients Loose-leaf black tea (me asure one teaspoon per cup of liquid) 2 tsp. ground cinnam on 1-2 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. ground cardam om 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper Cane sugar or honey to sweeten (optional) Directions Combine equal parts milk and water in a med ium pot. Add spices. Heat mixture over a medium heat, watchin g it carefully so it doesn' t boil over, and giving it an occasional stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer , and add loose-leaf black tea . Allow it to steep on low heat for 5-8 minutes or until tea reaches desired stre ngth. Strain tea through a fine, mesh strainer into individual glasses or mugs. Sweeten to taste. in a pack r Cide treat to e l p p t rfec ed A Spic s the pe rsion. i u This hoe exc ly) s er thin snow r cid ced ice o d sli n ju s a t e n appl edie eeled l) Ingr rs fresh ot (p tiona r ro s e e e t i g v l n o i l r (op 3 g c s a k g e h l c u s i o s t e 3 wh amon s ce of fr own n s ie ft br r so 3 cin 2 inch p e berrie o y e ic / n 5cm le allsp iced s ho o ju ch a 3 wh lemon, aste, su ices. ish t e sp l) a garn d th it isn't 1/2 ener, to (optiona r d o f A . e es et epan o ensur Swe andy rang t sauc le br les or o arge sionally App p l p a a this d add into occa Slice ndy, juice in , juice int. Stir a e r l b p r e s ap po train er o appl ction r or ring the g cid heat. S as Dire the cide simme sing immerin it he o u t u t r r f , u I f m s . ly Po the e fro and add ste. through gent s to mov to ta r Heat ng. slice then re or mugs ener and sti e i t h k e t c e , i st ng dd ce sw ses s. A ooki the n jui glas Add he lemo he apple utes of c erving s t t n i o e d t lic in Ad om ell. S o tw juice as w st one t ider or c a l e th the .com how ladle wiki and sh. . w w i garn e from w p Reci Eddie’s Feeling inspired by the recipes above? Visit us today for all your grocery needs! 557 South Hudson St., Flin Flon, SK, (306) 688-3426 Store Hours: Mon to Fri 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 11 p.m. - 5 p.m. Page 52 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Home Businesses in Your Community @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine March - April Page 53 Q&A with Name Here Photo submitted by Penny Byer Title Here Page 54 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca Title Here FAP-1035A-C JAN 2011 Life doesn’t stand still and neither should your investments. Rebalancing your portfolio can help your investments keep up with your changing needs. Over the long term, time can have as much of an effect on you as it does on your investments. Whether it’s marriage, children or the inescapable fact that you’re older now, things change. While you can’t hold back tomorrow, you can make sure your investments match your current circumstances and goals. That way, your portfolio can continue to work for you in the future. Fortunately, getting back on track can be simple. A complimentary Edward Jones Portfolio Review can help you identify where your investments stand in relation to your goals and how to get them moving in the right direction. This way, you can keep time on your side. To see if rebalancing your investment portfolio makes sense for you, call or stop by today. Lenna Gowenlock, CFP® Financial Advisor . #1-53 Main Street Flin Flon, MB R8A 1J7 204-687-5390 @CottageNorth facebook.com/CottageNorthMagazine www.edwardjones.com Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund March - April Page 55 Page 56 March - April Follow us: cottagenorthmagazine.ca
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