The photo above and articles below were published in the Powell River News on March 12, 1970
No airplanes on dragstrip
Weldwood of Canada has no intention of using the Powell River Timing Association’s dragstrip as an airport for their planes, Bob Scott, PRTA president, told The News this week.
He made the statement following a recent suggestion by Alderman Frank McCloskey that the company is waiting to see if the municipal council will build a landing strip for them.
Scott said Bob McQuinn, Weldwood’s area manager, had made it clear to him the company does not intend to use drag strip as an airport.
“He wants it understood by us and by the public that Weldwood does not intend to use this land as an airstrip,” he said. “The use of it is being given to us specifically for a dragstrip.”
Scott said that when completed the dragstrip would be suitable for landing by small planes.
Last week Weldwood presented timers with a check for $1,000 toward the $30,000 cost of strip.
“We are new in this area and we are going to be here for about 12 years,” Chuck Forest, superintendent of Weldwood’s Goat Lake operation, said, “more than likely some of the young people using this dragstrip will work for us. The idea is to establish good relations in the community.”
Scott said the money will be held until the club has raised enough for paving the strip.
Pee Wees win Upper Island championship
Powell River Pee Wee Reps claimed the Upper Island championship by winning a two-game, total-point series over Nanaimo.
The locals outscored their opponents 12-10 in the two games. Powell River’s defence again shone, coming through time and time again with outstanding plays.
Dan Bourassa led the scoring as he pumped five goals into the Nanaimo net as well as picking up two assists. Dan Lucas scored three goals and six assists to be top point-getter for the Pee Wees.
Don Simonetta scored two goals, Mickey McLeod got a single marker as did Arnold Fougere. Greg Martin picked up two assists.
Playoffs for the Vancouver Island Championship begin this Saturday at 5:20 pm at Powell River Civic Arena. The winner of the Esquimalt, Saanich, Victoria, area playoffs will meet the local reps for a two-game, total-point series. Second game of the series will be played Sunday at 10 am.
Home teams always play better hockey with a cheering crowd behind them; let’s see some support for these boys in their quest for the Island championship.
