Mayor's Musings for November 2025—By Steve Fairbairn, Mayor for the District of Elkford
Mayor's Musings for November 2025
by Steve Fairbairn, Mayor for the District of Elkford
WINTER ROLLS IN (READY OR NOT)
By the time this makes its slow, majestic journey through the wheels of the press and lands in your hands, you have probably already pushed some snow around. Maybe you even fired up the souffleuse. According to AI, I can simply call it a souffleuse without the neige, as if the snow component is so obvious it no longer needs naming. One small victory for linguistic efficiency!
What matters most right now is the winter parking bylaw. From November 1 to March 31 inclusive, parking is prohibited on any roadway, street, highway or lane between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. This allows Public Works to clear snow safely, properly and without having to navigate around vehicles that “just ran to the store for a minute.”
Taking a chance on plow schedules might feel bold, but it ultimately makes the morning cleanup harder for everyone. Please follow the bylaw. Your neighbours and the plow operators will thank you!
COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT DELIVERED
The Hallowe’en pool party at the Elkford Aquatic Centre splashed its way to success, and the Elkford Fire Department’s haunted house drew plenty of delighted shrieks.
Elkford has a way of showing up for its community events, and this fall was no different. Thank you to everyone involved who helped make both celebrated traditions memorable!
PET RESPONSIBILITY REMINDERS
Loose cats and dogs running around Elkford are not part of responsible ownership. It may feel harmless, but it exposes them to vehicles, wildlife, the cold and other hazards that can turn serious very quickly. As the weather turns, please make sure pets are brought indoors, cared for and kept safe (and warm!).
When off your property, the Animal Responsibility Bylaw requires pets to be always leashed and under control within District boundaries. It is basic neighbourliness, and it keeps our four-legged family members out of harm’s way.
2025 CHRISTMAS TRUCK PARADE AND TREE LIGHT-UP
December 1 is shaping up to be one of the most cheerful nights of the season! The Christmas truck parade begins at 6 p.m. at Balmer Drive and Alpine Way, with the tree lighting at Elkford’s Meeting Place, the gazebo between the Community Conference Centre and District Office, starting at 7 p.m.
Community and Facility Services and Fire and Emergency Services are already dusting off the final details. In my imagination, the moment looks like a scene straight from a National Lampoon movie: bright lights, extension cords everywhere, vehicles shining like rolling Christmas ornaments, the local interpretation of Cousin Eddie’s RV and snowflakes drifting down over freshly plowed roads. Add in a family bonfire at the gathering place and you have a postcard-worthy Elkford evening.
If you want to enter a vehicle in the parade, and all vehicles are welcome, not just trucks, register by noon on the day of the event, December 1, by contacting Paula at events@elkford.ca or 250.865.4010. A map with the route, including the staging area, is available at www.elkford.ca/2025christmastruckparadeandtreelightup. Please note that there will be no parking on Fording Drive during the event.
SENIORS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
On December 9, Elkford residents who are ages 60 and up (and their spouses) are invited to the annual Seniors Christmas Luncheon in Teck Hall. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is served at noon.
Expect good food, good company and a healthy showing of elected officials and senior staff. RSVP by December 2 with Community and Facility Services at events@elkford.ca, 250.865.4010 or in person at the Community Conference Centre.
There is no cost for this event, either!
WINTER DRIVING WISDOM
Nothing tests patience like winter mornings. Give yourself extra time. Safe travel takes longer. Clearing windows takes longer. The alternative is driving around with fogged or snow-covered windows, which is neither legal nor sensible. You paid for those windows… you might as well use them!
A simple push broom on the roof, hood and windows works wonders. It has worked for me for 35 winters and has never once failed. Do not cut corners. Responsible driving keeps everyone safer on Elkford’s roads.
UPDATES ON WAPITI SKI HILL
The Fernie Freestyle Club continues work on their plans for a training facility at Wapiti Ski Hill. Just saying!
NCC LAND PURCHASE AND ACCESS QUESTIONS
The Nature Conservancy of Canada has finalized a major land purchase in the Elk Valley. This includes Josephine Falls and its trails, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle downhill biking trails and the stretch of the Trans Canada Trail running through Elkford.
My understanding is that existing contractual access agreements remain valid until they expire. As for motorized trails, logging roads and the maze of unofficial routes, the District is reaching out to NCC for clarity and urging them to meet with user groups as soon as possible. If you belong to the ATV or snowmobile clubs, I encourage you to contact NCC’s Invermere office and advocate early. These conversations matter.
BETTER DIGITAL ACCESS TO YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Work continues behind the scenes to make engagement with local government simpler. The goal is to bring online meetings, agendas and related documents as close as possible to “one click away.” Maybe two or three clicks... technology and bandwidth willing!
2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION TIMELINE
The 2026 municipal election year officially kicks off January 1. Key dates are:
Pre-campaign period begins July 20
Nomination period: September 1 to 11
General voting day: October 17
More details will come as we move into the new year and closer to the campaign cycle.
Until next time...
