Join our panelists for an evening of reflection on what heritage buildings mean for Cranbrook and our many diverse communities in the present day. They will share their thoughts on the difficult decisions that accompany the restoration of historic buildings, the benefits of operating out of a heritage building, why it is important for them to house their organization in a heritage building and more.
Our Featured Panelists:
Ferdy Belland is a long-time contributor to Cranbrook’s arts and culture communities, with a multifaceted and colorful career combining music, theatre, carpentry, journalism, and events promotion spanning over 30 years. In January 2020 he and his partners purchased the venerable Armond Theatre building in Downtown Cranbrook; their ongoing renovation and restoration will see the Armond reopen post-pandemic as a sustainable multipurpose performing-arts facility and community hub, boosting downtown revitalization, nightlife resurgence, cultural reinvigoration, regional tourism, and civic pride.
Huyas, hu qakⱡik Janice Alpine. Early in my career I wanted to ensure I would make a difference on people’s outlook on life. I was a key individual in conducting many research surveys, policy development in education, housing and safety regulations that have assisted with the current agreements my nation has in place today. I then moved on to enhance my education and took an intensive course in Tourism and Hospitality Management – Hotel and Motel Management a two-year program that was condensed into nine months and successfully passed with a 4.0 average. Utilizing my newfound knowledge took me from project development manager of our current prestigious St. Eugene Mission Resort to Band management, to becoming my own consulting business for over twelve years assisting my communities in developing policies and procedures in all aspects of band administration and governance. Currently I am a Business Development Officer and most recently added Tourism Engagement to my duties with the Kootenay Aboriginal Business Development Agency. In my tenure with KABDA I work with entrepreneurs to reach their goals by offering business support. In 2011 I challenged the Technical Level of Aboriginal Economic Development and received my certification though Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. As I advanced in my position I was able to acquire my certification in Later Violence and offered the workshops through the Ktunaxa Communities and at the Ktunaxa Nation Council level and organization staff and Nazko First Nation in Quesnel BC. I worked with Small Business BC to become a Taking the Stage facilitator for women in business. In 2015 I was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Awarded through Community Future’s BC. I was also nominated for the Kootenay Business Magazine Inspirational Business Woman of the year in 2012. In 2018 I received my Ombuds certification through York University. I have been involved in many volunteer efforts since 1999 that include Manager for Ktunaxa Nation Dance Troupe, and sit on many boards and committees: Community Futures East Kootenay, Ministers Tourism Engagement Council, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Cranbrook Tourism, College of the Rockies Business Management Program Advisory, ʔakisq̓nuk Housing Authority, Qat̓muk Steering Committee, Crown of the Continent Executive and Columbia River Treaty Heritage Project Steering Committee. In my free time I assist my community with their governance structure which is proving to be favorable. Taxas!
Peter Schalk. Having resided in Cranbrook for the last 55 years, I have been in, and shopped at, the historic buildings in Cranbrook. The history and architecture of those buildings are ingrained in my mind and when they are torn down and replaced, I feel we all lose a piece of our past.
I have been part of the Cranbrook Community Theatre Society (CCT) for almost 35 years in many capacities: Actor, builder, Board member and preservationist.
Since 2013 I have participated with others in writing grants to renovate our building “the Studio/Stage Door”. We are proud that we have been successful in achieving our goal: to preserve a historic building which was an integral part of Cranbrook’s past.
Fred Williams. Five-years-ago, my partners and I decided to invest in a heritage building as the location for a craft beer gastropub. We wanted to create a space where people like us could get together and have meaningful conversations while enjoying the best food and beer BC has to offer. A ninety-year-old red brick building was the perfect spot for this social hub. I have a background in business and construction, but I wanted my next project to contribute to the culture and vibrancy of Cranbrook and allow me to enjoy the Kootenay lifestyle with my family. Like all heritage buildings, ours had its peculiarities and required creative solutions. My Kootenay life, depending on the day, requires me to be a dad, husband, housekeeper, plumber, electrician, heritage building restorer, and bartender. I am grateful for them all.
Due to recent public health measures, the panel will be conducted on zoom for the safety of participants and attendees.
Thank you to the East Kootenay Community Credit Union, without whose funding Ed Talks would not be possible.
