Giddy-up!
These elementary students at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir
School near Okotoks perform a musical tribute to 'Ol' West' television shows during
the school's performance of 'www.that'sentertainment.com' which was held on Nov.
2. Watch next week's Western Wheel for a feature story on the musical performance.
photo by Gillian Beckett
Court forecloses on Valiant
By John Barlow
Staff Reporter and Sports Editor
There were no more delays, no more extensions and no more appeals as the courts
foreclosed on the first mortgage on Valiant Country Place opening the door for Paradise
Ranch Resort to purchase the land along the Sheep River.
Last Wednesday, despite pleas for an extension from developer Arnie Bartel, the court
foreclosed bringing an end to what was a tumultuous saga regarding the doomed country
and western theme park along Highway 2 just east of Okotoks.
News of the foreclosure was welcomed with sighs of relief by the majority of the
175 owners of RV lots in the Valiant RV Park, one component of the Valiant Country
Place project.
Clair Belsher, who owns one of the lots, said the foreclosure means a new lease for
the lot owners who were in danger of losing their investment.
'The RV lot owners are very pleased,' said Belsher, a resident of High River. 'This
is good news.'
It is good news, because a new owner, Paradise Ranch Resort Ltd., has already stepped
in and offered to purchase the Valiant Country Place lands from the mortgage holder
Century Services.
Dennis Gibb, director of Paradise Ranch Resort, stated in an interview last week,
that his company will complete the development on a smaller scale and honor the RV
lot owners' investment.
Paradise Ranch's vision is to develop the land into an equestrian centre with a motel
riding area, stables, country inn, mini-mall and the 300-lot RV park.
Valiant Country Place was to include a motel, mini-mall (which is partially constructed),
water park, RV park, stables, and a 12,000 seat arena complete with luxury suites.
However, since the Valiant Country Place project was introduced in 1997, it has been
dogged with financial difficulties.
The financial struggles of Bartel and his investors is symbolized by the iron skeleton
which was to be the arena marking the foothills skyline.
Valiant Country Place has found itself amid more than $3 million in debt culminating
in last week's foreclosure.
There was real concern among the RV lots owners their $2.5 million investment would
be lost.
Although the RV lot owners purchased lots, they are actually long-term leases, as
their purchase price did not include separate titles to their lots.
With Paradise Ranch announcing its intention to purchase the property it means the
RV lot owners' investment is safe.
'Paradise has told us they would develop the park which is a major plus for us because
we will not lose our investment because they have said they will honor our equity,'
explained Belsher.
Currently, approximately 30 of the 300 lots are usable and the majority of amenities
promised the Valiant RV Park owners have not been completed.
Water, sewage and landscaping are just a few of the essentials which have yet to
be completed.
The RV lot owners and representatives from Paradise Ranch have set a meeting for
Nov. 21 to discuss future plans for the development.
Hydroponic marijuana operation uncovered in Okotoks
By Cindy Ballance
Editor
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CorrectionThe front page article entitled
'Hydroponic operation uncovered in Okotoks' in this issue of the Western Wheel originally
stated that the bungalow which housed the hydroponic operation was number 28 Sunset
Crescent, in fact the house was number 26 Sunset Crescent. |
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A large-scale marijuana operation estimated at $1 million was halted by Okotoks RCMP and the Calgary Proceeds of Crime Section Oct. 30.
At about 3:45 pm on Oct. 30, members of the Calgary Proceeds of Crime Section and Okotoks RCMP executed a search warrant at 26 Sunset Crescent.
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RCMP seized 284 cannabis plants ranging from four to five feet and well flowered. An additional 33 'starter' plants were also located in the residence. |
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Upon investigation, RCMP discovered a highly sophisticated cannabis marijuana
growing operation in the basement.
RCMP seized 284 cannabis plants ranging from four to five feet and well flowered.
An additional 33 'starter' plants were also located in the residence.
According to RCMP, this was a high yielding operation which was well planned and
constructed.
'It was a fairly large operation,' said Cpl. Dave Blair of the Okotoks RCMP. 'The
people (responsible) are very experienced. It took a lot of forethought to do this
operation.'
In a three-stage true hydroponic operation, marijuana plants were observed to be
in the flowering stage.
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Investigators estimated that there would have been an above average yield from the crop.
The house on Sunset Crescent was sparsely furnished and it was evident no one lived in the residence. It is believed that this residence was utilized solely for the purpose of producing the marijuana, stated an RCMP press release.
The basement walls were lined with white reflective paper and extensive electrical work was completed to facilitate 16 metal halide, high pressure sodium lights which were installed on tracks and 16 ballasts which were connected to timers.
According to the press release, the power supply to the residence was bypassed indicating the electricity to the house was stolen.
Two water reservoirs, which supplied water and nutrients to the plants, were also discovered.
RCMP also seized a large quantity of tools and equipment utilized for the construction and maintenance of the growing operation.
RCMP have charged a 38-year-old Calgary resident in conjunction with the operation.
According to Blair, the Calgary Proceeds of Crime Section had been investigating the crime for some time and brought the Okotoks RCMP on board when it was discovered the house was in Okotoks.
Investigation is continuing.
Special Remembrance Day Section
Don't miss this week's special Remembrance Day
section dedicated to the men and women of our past who fought for our freedom.
