Mine rescue

Each year, mine rescue teams from across the region come together at the East Kootenay Zone Mine Rescue Competition to showcase the skills, teamwork, and readiness needed to respond effectively to emergencies. The competition is designed to simulate real-life incidents, challenging teams to apply specialized training, problem-solving, and safety procedures under pressure.

The East Kootenay champions will have a chance to compete in the 68th Annual Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition in Penticton on May 22 – 23.

The competition highlights the dedication and professionalism of mine rescue volunteers who train year-round to protect their coworkers and communities. It’s also an opportunity for the public to learn more about the important role these teams play in maintaining safety in the mining industry.

East Kootenay Zone Mine Rescue Competition
Saturday, May 2, 2026
8 a.m. - 3 p.m. MT
2202 Middletown Place, Sparwood, BC (EVR office parking lot)

This family-friendly event is open to the public with children's activities, local vendors and food available. There will also be a barbeque, sponsored by Finning, with all proceeds going to the Elk Valley Suicide Task Force.

Schedule of events

TBA

Rescue tasks

Task descriptions will be available on May 2 at 8 a.m. MT

Description will be available on May 2 at 8 a.m. MT

Meet the teams

Baymag

3 Person First Aid: TBA
Coal Mountain Mine

6 Person Surface Rescue:
Nick Selensky (Captain), Shelby Holden (Vice-Captain), Aaron Barber, Ethan Blair, Victoria Sharpe, Michelle Lewis (First Aider), Duncan Forbes (spare). Coaches: Amanda Gail, Danny Flegel, Scott Shatalow, Andy Hawkins

3 Person First Aid:
Aaron Barber (Captain), Shelby Holden, Michelle Lewis, Victoria Sharpe
Elkview Operations

6 Person Surface Rescue: TBA

3 Person First Aid: TBA
Fording River Operations

6 Person Surface Rescue:
Steve Kavanagh (Captain), Aaron Reid (Vice-Captain), Ron Parks, Wes St. Aubin, Jackson Doyle, Michael Le Grice (First Aider), Brandon Brown (spare), Matthew Wisniewski (spare). Coaches: Dustin Smith, Chad Kniert, George Baird. Team medic: Matt Wieler

3 Person First Aid:
Stephanie Stensrud (Captain), Justin Lychak, Ben Akkerman, Eric Homann (spare). Coaches: Matt Wieler, Danica Newham
Greenhills Operations

6 Person Surface Rescue:
Jordan Halladay (Captain), Gordon Gould (Vice-Captain), Josiah Sypulski, Levi Palmer, Jesse Palmer, Josh Prince (First Aider), Kevin Watt (spare), Shanna Blackmore (spare). Coaches: Dylan Gray, Pete Race, Andrew Schmitz. Team medic: Kalie Hanson

3 Person First Aid:
May Pfeifer (Captain), Alexis Murray, Tanvir Sidhu, Ethan Lukkar (spare). Coaches: Alex Hulst, Terry Halladay
Line Creek Operations

6 Person Surface Rescue: TBA

3 Person First Aid: TBA