Erin Knutson
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Articles by Erin Knutson
Painted Light Hastens Atom Cloud Production
June 3, 2025• Physics 18, s75 Researchers have generated Bose-Einstein condensates with a repetition rate exceeding 2 Hz, a feat that could increase the bandwidth of quantum sensors. × A Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) can be split with laser pulses so that each part travels along a different path through space, and minuscule changes in gravity or acceleration are felt by the two clouds slightly differently.
Heritage Strategy moves forward for Fernie
By Erin Knutson The Fernie & District Historical Society (FDHS) presented at the City of Fernie’s latest council meeting (Apr. 8) at the Senior’s Centre, requesting that city officials adopt their Heritage Strategy before ratifying the next update of the Official Community Plan (OCP). FDHS Board President Mike Palamarek gave Mayor Nic Milligan, city councillors, and the public an overview of the Fernie Heritage Strategy (FHS).
Multidimensional comedies deliver interactive voyeurism
By Erin Knutson Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) delivers a comical and progressive take in its latest production at Studio Stage Door, a duo of minds, in The Man in the Bowler Hat written by A.A. Milne and directed by Bob McCue and The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard and directed by Kyle Stooshnov. The production opens with Milne and offers a glimpse into the lives of some zany British characters.
Push-up Challenge raises millions for mental health
By Erin Knutson The Push-Up Challenge fundraiser, sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), ignited a fitness revolution in February to impact mental health and mental illness support, awareness, and recovery for those with psychiatric disorders. It originated as a fitness event to promote mental health for Canadians, society, and the individuals and families of those who battle severe mental illness.
Trites-Leroux Mansion slated for stratification
By Erin Knutson The Trites-Leroux Mansion is one step closer to housing people as City of Fernie council motioned unanimously to successfully convert the historic site into housing units through a strata conversion that would legalize its transformation at the first council meeting of the year (Jan.14), which was held at the Senior Citizen’s Drop-in Centre.
Fernie supports community gain with grant program
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie unanimously approved the recommendations submitted by the Discretionary Grants Committee (DGC) on behalf of community organizations at its Jan.14 regular council meeting at the Senior Citizen’s Drop-In Centre. Several groups will benefit from the program, which annually allocates money to local groups demonstrating financial need aligned with Fernie’s Discretionary Grant Policy CP2019-04, who apply by the deadline.
A retrospective to be remembered
By Erin Knutson A retrospective (The Bookends Exhibit) of Cranbrook local Brian Clarkson’s lifetime photographic work lit up the stage at Key City Theatre in an evening to be remembered on November 15 to a packed audience. The exhibit, which includes a live display of Clarkson’s most iconic photographs, will remain at the Key City until the end of December.
Fernie supports affordable multi-use space
By Erin Knutson At the City of Fernie’s Tuesday meeting at the senior centre, most Fernie council members voted in favour of the Elk Valley Family Society (EVFS) Firehall conversion project fund request, granting $65,000 of the $66,000 ask and the total amount in the reserve funds specifically for these kinds of opportunities. At the November 19 committee-of-the-whole meeting, Fernie council motioned to bring the request to the table on Tuesday (Nov.26).
Hazard Guidance Project seeks further public consult
By Erin Knutson The Fairmont Hazard Guidance Project, a collaborative effort between the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), BGC Engineering (BGCE), Pinna Sustainability (PS), and the RDEK Planning team, continues to seek public input. This input is crucial in determining the best policies to govern land use and development for specified hazardous zones in Fairmont Hot Springs and the area.
Fernie keeps trail land acquisition request moving forward
By Erin Knutson The Elk Valley Regional Land Trust (EVRLT) appeared before City of Fernie council October 22 to request funding to acquire the West Slope Corridor. EVRLT presenter Kevin LaRoche spoke about the non-profit organization’s intent to purchase the Alpine Trail Lands to help wildlife in the area by creating a connectivity corridor on the West Slope around Fernie. “These trails are heavily travelled by wildlife and people.
Art Education Curriculum Improvement
Keywords art education, curriculum improvement, classroom, teaching styles College Fine Arts and Communications Abstract While in London, I visited Aimee Mills at the Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls. Aimee is the area head and after observing her classroom, she allowed me to observe Paul Allison’s classroom. This interested me as Paul also had a student teacher. I was able then to observe not only Aimee, but Paul and the student teacher.
A Comparative Analysis of the Women’s Movement in" by Erin K. Knutson and Dr. Rebecca de Schweinitz
Keywords women's movement, Italy, United States, feminism College Family, Home, and Social Sciences Abstract Feminism is a global phenomenon but not a monolith. Its goal of a more liberated, self-directed existence for women is common, but the methods employed to make this a reality vary among cultures and individuals. The United States, though full of radical feminist activity, has no hegemony on feminism.
EVlution directive moves forward with Fernie's approval
By Erin Knutson At a recent council meeting, the City of Fernie agreed to move forward with a letter supporting a lease and service agreement with the company EVlution’s application for funding to create an efficient EV charging station at the Fernie Skate Park. According to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Boronowski’s report to Mayor Nic Milligan and the council, the station could include a solar power installation.
Suicide Awareness Walk offers inclusivity and hope
By Erin Knutson The second annual Suicide Awareness Walk hosted by ?aqam and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kootenays was an event to be remembered as guests enjoyed a host of activities, door prizes, and barbecue at the College of the Rockies (COTR) track and field area on a hot day (plus 30 C) earlier this September. “On average, 4500 Canadians commit suicide annually,” according to CMHA Kootenays.
Second Suicide Awareness Walk with CMHA Kootenays Sept. 7
By Erin Knutson The ʔaq’am community is proud to announce the arrival of the second annual Suicide Awareness Walk, which it will host in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays (CMHA Kootenays) and the College of the Rockies (COTR) on Saturday, September 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the COTR Track and Field area.
Joint User Agreement with SD5 approved by Fernie
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie unanimously approved the Joint Use Agreement (JUA) between School District No. 5 (SD5) and itself after considering amendments to the original contract at the August 27 city council meeting. Director of Parks Facilities and Recreation Brett Logan presented the updated agreement to the mayor and council, which SD 5 drafted and approved in June. “The updated agreement outlines timelines, shared goals, and city programming,” he said.
Immigration pilot supported by Fernie
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie is one of seven communities from the East Kootenay (amongst Cranbrook, Creston, Kimberley, Golden, Columbia Valley (including Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Canal Flats), and Revelstoke to be invited to contribute to a joint application this month to support a bid on behalf of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce (FCOC) to participate in a five-year pilot program to accelerate immigration for foreign workers in an attempt to help stabilize and reinforce the local...
E-Scooter pilot zipping around Cranbrook
By Erin Knutson The Bird Canada E-Scooter Pilot Program has taken off, offering a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation across Cranbrook. This summer, e-scooters will be readily available, ensuring diverse mobility options for both locals and tourists, and contributing to a cleaner and less congested city. “This will be a great alternative transportation option for people, and I am interested to see how well these e-scooters are being used,” said Mayor Wayne Price (pictured right).
FEK changing lives with opening of local facility
By Erin Knutson The grand opening of Foundry East Kootenay (FEK) this past week marked a momentous event for youth and mental health care in this region. Over 300 attendees turned out in the rain for a host of speeches, a drumming circle, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to finalize and commemorate its arrival.
Baker Wild wows with stellar performances at Key City
By Erin Knutson Mount Baker Wild Theatre (MBWT) captivated audiences with a unique rendition of its latest production, Legally Blonde: The Musical, at Key City Theatre this past week. “Legally Blonde is a feel-good musical based on Heather Hach’s book with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin,” according to the MBWT program.
Clue livens up stage in colourful new production
By Erin Knutson Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) presented its whodunit murder mystery production of Clue – On Stage at Media Night to a packed house at The Studio Stage Door this past Wednesday evening. The zany, raucous, and highly comedic debut of Sandy Rustin’s stage adaptation of Jonathan Lynn’s screenplay of Clue was a spectacle. Its antics were met with laughter, shock and surprise, accompanied by a procession of outlandish characters who stole the scene one performance at a time.
Fernie set to endorse C2C program with First Nations
By Erin Knutson City of Fernie council March 26 unanimously supported a Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) grant initiative to improve relations with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi community.
Enhanced emergency capacity application backed by city
By Erin Knutson City of Fernie council recently voted unanimously to authorize the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) to apply jointly on behalf of the city for a grant stream to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) under the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to help modernize and update emergency operations.
Laser-Cooling Positronium
February 22, 2024• Physics 17, s23 Researchers have managed to cool an atom-like system made of an electron and a positron using a technique commonly used in cold-atom experiments. The goal of the AEgIS Collaboration at CERN in Switzerland is to measure the effect of Earth’s gravitational field on antimatter—specifically, antihydrogen atoms.
988 - three digits away from help
By Erin Knutson The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kootenays is pleased to announce its successful collaboration and onboarding of the 9-8-8- Suicide Crisis Helpline. Director of Public Education and Crisis Services Natalie Hake spoke candidly about the program that launched across Canada late last November. “9-8-8 was established because of the volume of calls reported – it’s not a competition between the crisis lines but to bolster efforts,” she said.
Spinning for Mental Health aids Foundry and CMHA Kootenays
By Erin Knutson The annual Spinning for Mental Health Event hosted at Western Financial Place by The Studio this year raised over $2,700 in funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kootenays and the Foundry on the ‘Bell Let’s Talk’ campaign day. “It was a great event that historically has been run at the College of the Rockies (COTR) through the athletics department,” said Western Financial Manager of Programming & Marketing Brian Millis.
Here on the Flight Path is a delight
By Erin Knutson Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) has done it again with its Studio Stage Door comedy of Here on the Flight Path, directed by local Peter Schalk and written by Norm Foster. “As the CCT enters its 60th year of presenting theatre and the 50th year of stewarding this building, I decided to venture into an area that I thought I would never step foot in – directing,” said Schalk of delving into this project as a newly minted director.
Fernie returns to RDEK board planning table
By Erin Knutson City of Fernie council recently agreed to renew a contract with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), allowing Fernie access to information and participant rights in planning services as part 14 of the Planning and Land Use Management of the Local Government Act (LGA).
Fernie to receive funding to support housing initiatives
By Erin Knutson By the month’s end, the City of Fernie will receive government funding from the British Columbia Ministry of Housing for $175,989 toward community housing initiatives. According to the city, Fernie is one of several municipalities that qualify for funds to help aid efforts to combat the housing crisis in the province from a pool of $51 million.
Indigenous-led housing model supported by Fernie
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie unanimously accepted Kakin Lands and Resources Development Corporation’s request for a letter of support to help the organization participate in Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Supply Challenge – Level-Up program at their recent special council meeting. Kakin’s CEO Trent Fequet petitioned for the city’s backing as a progressive innovator for regional development in the Kootenays.
City of Fernie orders demolition of fire damaged property
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie moved ahead at council’s November 28 meeting with a request for remedial action requirement following the determination from bylaw services that a severely fire-damaged property in the city was a public hazard. “It has been declared hazardous,” said Bylaw Officer Tom Kramer during his presentation to mayor, staff and council.
Backyard hen debate moves ahead for Fernie
By Erin Knutson The chicken debate continues for Fernie as the majority of city council voted to move animal and municipal bylaws forward to permit additional zoning for raising backyard hens within the city at their mid-November meeting. Bylaw Officer Tom Kramer attended, addressing an initiative brought to the council in 2021 from Wildsight on creating food security with urban agriculture. Community safety was at the forefront of Kramer’s presentation.
Fernie aligns with OCP in new grant application
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie realigned with its Official Community Plan (OCP) by applying to the BC Active Transportation Grant Program for the New Sidewalks Infrastructure Program. A presentation to mayor and council by Project Engineer Joanna Line at the October 24 regular council meeting touted the benefits to the community should grant money result from the application.
Author catapults local history with double book launch
By Erin Knutson Local author, publisher and photographer Keith Powell has done it again, launching his latest books, ‘Abandoned Kootenays’ and ‘Koocanusa Burning,’ at the Cranbrook Public Library (pictured) on Thursday (November 2.). The prolific Wild Horse Creek Press publisher presented his new coffee-table-styled photo book and historical novel to the public for the first time at the well-attended event.
A delightful glimpse into hedonistic pursuits
By Erin Knutson Cranbrook Community Theatre has done it again with its latest production, ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner,’ a comedic look at the perils of mistresses, marriage, deception, friends and the pursuit of hedonism. First-time director Patrick Baranowski credits the exceptional script written by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin Hawdon, along with the hard work of his actors, for a heartwarming experience in the director’s chair.
Demolition for unsightly property to move ahead in Fernie
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie recently moved forward with a remedial action request for an unsightly and potentially dangerous building and a structural engineering assessment to determine the safety of the dilapidated structure after bylaw services intervened on behalf of the city in an expired demolition mandate. “It was recommended after an assessment by Building Official Erik Stout that the fire-damaged building, a declared nuisance, be removed,” said Bylaw Officer Tom Kramer.
Wind Phone for grief proposed to Fernie
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie recently received a proposal from the Elk Valley Hospice to consider the installation of a global phenomenon that is helping mourners find solace inside its walls with the construction of a Wind Phone. “The Wind Phone was established as a shrine to mindfully connect people to their loved ones who had died in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Otsuchi.
Search continues for Fernie reservoir rehab project contractor
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie continues its search for a contractor to rehabilitate the Fairy Creek Reservoir after unanimously voting in council chambers to re-tender the project early next year. “We put out a tender for repairs to the exterior and interior structure and to reinforce the concrete wall in August,” said Project Engineer Joanna Line. According to Line's report to Mayor Nic Milligan and the council, a sole bid reviewed by Associated Engineering Alberta Ltd.
Winter road safety a priority for Fernie in sand and dollars
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie is slated to complete the re-opening of the Elko Gravel Pit with an unanimous council decision to procure an extra $25,000 in funds for the project.
Playing a pivotal role in harm reduction
By Erin Knutson Shelby Ross, as part of the episodic overdose prevention (eOPS) team, plays a pivotal role in harm reduction, partnering with their peers at Interior Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use unit at Rocky Mountain Lodge in Cranbrook, to combat the devastating effects of the opioid crisis. Ross (pictured above) is a registered nurse who works with the Cranbrook mental health and substance use team as their episodic overdose prevention nurse.
Blanket rezoning favours affordable housing in Fernie
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie council voted unanimously at a recent committee-of-the-whole meeting in favour of moving ahead with a blanket rezoning that would promote the action plan âStronger BC Homes for People Planâ set out by the province to help mitigate the housing crisis.
Summer Shuttle Pilot green lit for Fernie
By Erin Knutson A new summer shuttle pilot project received an unanimous vote in its favour from the City of Fernie following discussion in council chambers at Tuesday’s (July 11) meeting. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Boronowski requested that a partnership agreement between Tunnel 49 Adventures Inc. (Tunnel 49) and the city be struck to create a service that will bring the pilot summer shuttle to the public. “It will operate similarly to the winter shuttle service,” he said.
Multicultural Society seeks revitalization
By Erin Knutson The Cranbrook Multi-Cultural Society (CMCS) is seeking rejuvenation of its existing organization and looking toward the future of diversity and cultural celebration with one of its most significant legacies, a resurgence of its festival. In 2009, Coco Seitz arrived in Canada from China. Fresh on the scene in Cranbrook, Seitz recognized a need for a society to acknowledge the breadth of different cultures in the area. “There was a seed in my heart,” she said.
Fernie Firehall Project awarded to Arcadis Architects
By Erin Knutson City of Fernie council May 23 unanimously approved the bid of Arcadis Architects (Canada) Inc. to complete their Firehall Project. “Hazards to the structure where it resides today compromising staff safety led to the decision to move forward with Firewise Consulting to find a path back in 2021,” said Manager of Engineering Jenny Weir.
Fernie increases homeowner fines for wildlife attractants
By Erin Knutson City of Fernie council May 23 voted unanimously to increase fines for homeowners creating wildlife attractants. Council was urged to adopt a two-tier solution that would allow for a first and subsequent offence fine annually, starting at $250 and moving to $500 for offenders up to a maximum of $750 per season to be reset the following calendar year, according to Fernie Project Engineer Joanna Line. A third recommendation of $1,000 fines for subsequent offences was also tabled.
“Shuttled” Ions Stay Quantum
May 26, 2023• Physics 16, s75 Researchers move an individual Mg+ ion more than 100,000 times between different sites in a trapping array without dropping it or ruining its quantum coherence. D. Palani/University of Freiburg D. Palani/University of Freiburg × The ability to “shuttle” trapped-ion qubits between sites in a trapping array could allow for the creation of complex quantum circuits, enabling simulations that are difficult to achieve with static ions.
Fernie Pets Society forges ahead with Railyard Dog Park
By Erin Knutson The City of Fernie recently unanimously approved the 2023 Railyard Dog Park plan laid out by the Fernie Pets Society (FPS) to help the city enjoy fewer human-animal conflicts. “Based on the outcome of the initial partnership, staff was directed to engage the FPS to determine if the partnership could extend to another location in the city,” said a staff report. The animal society is still completing work at the Railyard site, selected for its space and location.
Fernie supports substance and drug law observation period
By Erin Knutson Municipalities in the Interior Health region have begun an observation period to see how the current exemption to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act in British Columbia by Health Canada will be governed by its communities.
CCT brings laughter to a serious subject in The Shoplifters
CCT brings laughter to a serious subject in The Shoplifters By Erin Knutson Guests, dignitaries, friends, and the media were granted a sneak preview of Cranbrook Community Theatre’s (CCT) production of ‘The Shoplifters’ by Morris Panych Wednesday evening at the Studio Stage Door Theatre.
ASIST program saves lives
By Erin Knutson The Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays Branch (CMHA Kootenays) is on board with its mission to save lives by creating awareness around suicide and taking measures to help educate the community on ways to prevent, identify, and guide individuals to get the help they need by offering Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) at their Cranbrook location.
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