Recreation fees break possible for Eurocan families
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Updated: November 25, 2009 9:19 AM
Kitimat council is mulling over a potential recreational fees break to families affected by the Eurocan closure.
The request was put forward by Gary Warren, CAW Local 2301 President, at the November 9 council meeting.
“When I heard of the Eurocan shutdown, it hit me very hard,” he told local councillors.
“I would like you and the community to please consider helping the 535 workers and their families while they struggle with the announcement of the Eurocan Pulp and Paper Mill closure.”
Warren said he’s been through a similar process, when he lost his mining job 30 years ago in Elliot Lake, Ontario. The town is now a thriving retirement community, he said.
He then asked council to allow free access to workers and their families to district activities such as swimming, skating, yoga classes, plays at Mount Elizabeth Theatre and holiday dances.
Warren also asked the community to consider donating toys to the affected families to ensure their children a joyous Christmas.
Councillor Bob Corless moved that letter be forwarded on to administration for a report including the costs associated with a fees break.
Councillor Mario Feldhoff asked that administration’s report “provide options as to how the District of Kitimat could extend a fees break to impacted families at District Of Kitimat recreation facilities and programs through to the end of 2010.”
Warren also said communities can survive large industry changes. He said that in his youth, he picked tobacco for a farmer. But when the health concerns surrounding tobacco escalated, the farmer converted to grow ginseng.
“If a farmer can do it...” Warren said, before launching his idea of wood pellet manufacturing. His research into wood pellet stoves found that they were gaining in popularity over oil and electric heat. He added that the US government offers 30 per cent rebates on stove purchases, but Canada does not.
Companies should consider using the natural fuel of trees to build a wood pelleting mill in the area, he offered.
“I think we need to finish products, not send away our raw products or materials.”
