Canfor purchases Tembec's BC sawmills

As rumours will no doubt be flying about, they officially released yesterday that Canfor will purchase the Canal Flats and Elko sawmills and adjoining 1.1million cubic metres of timber rights. The pulp mill will stay with Tembec but an agreement has been made that will have Canfor supplying chips to the facility. A partnership so to speak.

Canfor, which currently owns the sawmill in Radium and others in central BC, will establish it as the largest producer of softwood lumber in BC.

What does this mean to the employees of Tembec who live in the valley? That part is still a bit unclear but the agreement says that no employees will be displaced as a result of the venture. Everyone will still have a job with competitive wages.

The deal has yet to be finalized and it isn't expected that Canfor will take control until sometime in the new year. 

Columbia Ridge Christmas Market

Looking for that something special for your loved ones at Christmas? Need some cookies or baked goods to go with your coffee or tea in front of the fire on those cool December evenings? Well then, look no further and check out the Columbia Ridge Christmas Market that is taking place every Saturday until the 10th of December.

It is set up in the Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you will find wonderfully crafted quilts, fresh baking, Christmas decorations and more. If we get our stuff rolling, Tom and I should have some pottery ready to go for the last market on the 10th.

Invermere is also hosting a Christmas Craft fair at the Invermere Community Hall on Friday Dec 2nd and Saturday December 3rd if you find yourself in the area.

Both of these are great opportunities to explore the creativity of the local artisans in the area many of the small businesses that abound in the valley.

Rain Rain Rain

One minute it is -17 celsius, the next it is above freezing and pouring outside. The highways in the area this morning were an absolute glassy nightmare made worse by a layer of snowy slop on top. A good day to stay inside. This bought of ugly weather is supposed to stick with us for at least a few days so any snow we have will no doubt be gone. The high country is getting dumped on though so if you ski or snowmobile, you can be sure the snowpack is building.

Winter has set in

A calm morning at -17 C.

 Well it is a bitterly cold morning here at Columbia Ridge. The sun is shining, the ice crystals are sparkling and the temperature is biting. It is a very pretty morning mind you and the lake looks calm and peaceful. Peaceful except for the grumbling and groans that the ice is making. I thought at first it was a jet overhead but there was nothing in the sky.

Terrified of falling through ice I only stepped out onto it a few steps but it feels very solid along the shoreline. Still, I like to wait until I see vehicles out there before I go out too far.

Every year at this time I start looking at different ways to get out and play on the lake. This looks like fun don't you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH7PH9ktkLY

Maybe this will be the year to give it a try.