Opinion

Lots going on this weekend! The Rossland Winter Carnival has lots of opportunities to get out, recreate, socialize and enjoy the community. Check out the festivities at www.rosslandwintercarnival.com and see a full schedule pull-out in today’s Rossland News (pages 8 & 13.) The 2011 Western Regional Pond Hockey Championships take place this weekend too — check out www.bcpondhockey.com for volunteer opportunities and the schedule of events.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted for Rossland’s Aviva Community Grant idea! It was an excellent vehicle for bringing our community together, raising awareness of the issues, and for sending a strong message to the school board of the importance of K-12 education in our community. Eleven different groups won grants. You can check out the winners at www.avivacommunityfund.org/search/grid.

Rossland faces more than $40 million in necessary infrastructure upgrades in the coming years. Regardless of which projects council ultimately decides to spend on, we need engineers’ drawings of the existing systems and potential modifications. Part of the $6-million borrowing authority council has requested in the Alternative Approval Process is immediately necessary to this end.

Rossland Council has taken a step toward turning the Columbia/Washington infrastructure project into another financial fiasco like the Ophir Reservoir project. The project is based on the assumption that a maximum of $6 million will have to be borrowed to pay for the work. Questions arise whether that will be enough money and what will we get for it?

On Dec. 2, 2010, the religious communities of Rossland came together to celebrate the Advent Season at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with a musical and prayerful event.

The Tuesday / Sunday Co-Ed Rec Hockey nights have been SO popular, (and FULL!) we’ve added a new night to help get you on the ice! The extra ice time starts this Saturday, at 8:45 p.m. Dates and times over the next few weeks are; Saturdays at 8:45 p.m. — Jan. 22, Feb. 5, 12, and 19. Spaces fill quickly and there is a maximum number of players per night. If you would like to play, please ensure you arrive early!

With freeskiers shredding, the day lodge cutting ribbons, and Winter Carnival just around the corner, it’s a full-on celebration! Imagine yourself in Rafters and raise your full glass with good cheer.