This week, I would like to talk about triumph and celebration.

As of late, Canal Flats has experienced a lot of negativity with the situation of the mill and the morale has been very low.

Enter the East Kootenay Zamboni Challenge.  The East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKC) partnered with the Kootenay ICE and the City of Cranbrook to find the most skilled Zamboni driver in the East Kootenay.  This challenge was a combination of speed and accuracy, having the drivers go through an obstacle course at the fastest time possible.

Our own arena manager, Mathieu Fournier, who had consistently posted the fastest time throughout the competition, qualified as one of the finalists. He competed against Cranbrook’s driver Roy Sargent during the Kootenay ICE game on March 13th, 2015. It was a spectacular event! Mathieu was supported by almost 100 residents from Canal Flats who cheered him on loudly and proudly.  In addition, the Canal Flats Minor Hockey and Youth Group children made posters for Mathieu which they waved throughout the entire competition. After a nail-biting race during the first intermission, Mathieu was victorious!  He posted the fastest time without any penalties.  In addition, he raised over $1,200 for the Canal Flats Youth Group to build a pump track.  On a personal note, thanks to Mathieu, I will not have to march in the Sam Steele Parade wearing the Kootenay Ice jersey. Instead, Cranbrook  Mayor Lee Pratt will be joining us at the Canal Days Parade wearing the Canal Flats Canadians jersey.

Way to go Mathieu! We are so proud of you.

Ute Juras is the mayor of Canal Flats and can be reached at 250-489-9070 or by e-mail at ujuras@gmail.com .