Following up on questions that emerged in response to the March 9 Castlegar News article "Crockett explains banner disappearance," the News followed up with Castlegar and District Community Complex manager of recreation Jim Crockett and the Tassone family for further clarification.
The story reported that the Castlegar Rebels had recognized Bruno Tassone for his contributions to local hockey at a banner-raising ceremony at the CDCC on Feb. 7 and that since that time the banner had been removed.
The decision to not install the banner permanently was made by the Castlegar and District Recreation Commission who is currently reviewing its banner and wall of fame policy — no nominations will be approved during the review.
Why couldn't the banner just stay up during the policy review process?
The Tassone banner was never hung in the area that is set aside for the permanent collection. It was raised in a separate mounting area that is located at center ice. This area is used by teams who would like to recognize someone during a game or event.
After the event, the banners are then taken down and given back to the team or individual. It they are becoming part of the permanent collection they are still taken down and then remounted in the permanent collection area. To become a part of the permanent collection the individual or team nomination must go through the recreation commission.
Were any other banners removed?
The Tassone banner has been the only one raised during the time since the policy review began, so no other banners were affected.
Are there any other banners at the complex recognizing individuals?
There are three, all of which have been up for many years.
One of the banners recognizes Travis Green, a local player who went on to play in the NHL. After his NHL career, the Travis Green Community Golf Tournament was started and went on to raise more than $375,000 over more than 20 years for local minor sports teams and social agencies.
The second is a memorial for a Castlegar Rebel player who was killed in a tragic accident.
The final banner is from the Castlegar Skating Club and recognizes figure skater Cole Stanbra for his provincial championship.
The remaining banners mark team championships.
Where is the banner now?
The banner is in the possession of the Tassone family.
Some in the community have questioned the appropriateness of a sitting elected official of the city — Bruno Tassone is a city councillor — being considered for recognition in a facility financed by tax revenue while still in office.
The Castlegar Complex is a Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) facility. The Castlegar and District Recreation Commission provides oversight and input for the operation of the facility. Three representatives from Castlegar and one from each of Areas I and J sit on the commission.
The complex is funded by residents of the City of Castlegar and RDCK Areas I and J through taxation and also by user fees.