Invermere Valley Echo, January 22, 2014

The Columbia Valley’s Newspaper Since 1956

From Canal Flats to Spillimacheen

VALLEY ECHO T he

Wednesday, October 31,22, 2012 Wednesday, January 2014

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Grizzly bear numbers questioned Pg. 4

Rockies in battle for playoff spot Pg. 14

MaxWell Realty Invermere

Lumberjack attack Steve Hubrecht/Valley Echo photo Wielding curling brooms in place of tree-felling axes, Columbia Valley curlers (left to right) Chris Raven, Shelly Raven and Jeremy Goldsmith shepherd a rock home during the C division championship game in the 31st annual Bonspiel on the Lake. Like every year, the tournament was a huge success, with 64 teams competing for lake curling bragging rights, and a few laughs along the way. The weather was mild, the scenery spectacular, and the lake ice was in great shape, thanks to a homemade zamboni that did a superb job creating a nearly-flat surface. Participants from across western Canada and the U.S. thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the weekendlong event. See more photos on pages 2 and 15.

Community centre the focus of politicians' discussion GREG AMOS editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

How to build the best multi-use community centre tax money can buy was the focus of discussion at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual political update meeting, held on Thursday, January 16th at the Lions Hall.

With elector approval given and a bylaw passed last

November for Invermere to borrow up to $5.6 million towards a new multi-use centre, a packed house of luncheon guests at the chamber meeting were interested in learning more about how the centre could be built to meet their vision.

“We're committed to building a great facility; where we may need assistance or where there might be some phasing is in some of the soft costs, and some of the additions that go into that facility to take it from a good level to an amazing level,” said Invermere mayor Gerry

VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator 4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Taft, responding to Eden Yesh's question about what opportunities would be available down the road for features such as passive or solar heating for the building.

“If there will be any challenges, some people's expectations for the style of finishing or the style of equipment might be really high, where maybe we're thinking 'good', but not 'really high',” he added.

Four of the five Columbia Valley mayors and regional district directors were present at the lunch meeting. »See A3

• Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats • Dump Trucks • Water Trucks • Compaction Equipment • Snow Plow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck • Mobile Pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning • Underground Services • Site Prep & Demolition • Road Building • Land Clearing • Controlled Burning • Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Top Soil • Sand & Gravel CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

Valley Life Snowflakes and curling brooms

Franziska Helmer April 30, 1927- December 25, 2013

In the early evening of Christmas Day, 2013, while hanging out with family, the loving heart of Franziska Helmer stopped beating. She lived fully independent and contributed to her family and her community, right to the end!

Mom was born on April 30, 1927 in Winkl, Bavaria, Germany, as the seventh of ten children. She worked hard on the family farm and experienced the horrors of the second world war. She went on to work in a catholic seniors’ home in Augsburg, Bavaria. In Augsburg she met her future husband, Maximilian Helmer, who she married on March 7, 1955. Joining him in Radium Hot Springs, they built their family and their business.

Our mother was a devout and faithful Roman Catholic disciple: she loved the Lord and his church.

She was a frugal and pragmatic woman who feared no task and left no moment unproductive...napping was never an option, but laughing was always encouraged.

Franziska was predeceased by her husband Maximilian in 2005 and is survived by her four children, Joe, Max, Tony and Louise; her three daughter-in-laws, Seona, Sue and Donna; her fifteen grandchildren, Stefan (Jenny), Maximilian (September), Nicholas, Krysta, Simon, Charles, Alexander, Samantha, Greig, Amanda, Mary, Henry, Lily, Michael and Matthew; her two great-grandchildren Hannah and Abigail; her brother Joseph and several cousins, neices and nephews in Germany and Australia.

Funeral services were held at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Radium Hot Springs on January 2, 2014, where she was read to by her five granddaughters. Internment followed at the Mountain View Cemetary, where she was carried to her final resting place by her ten grandsons.

Franziska was an amazing woman, mother and oma. We love her and will miss her. Our Dad was the rock of our family and Mom was the mortar.

May songs of angels welcome her and guide her along her way to the home of our Lord; and grant her there to stay!

Clockwise from top left: Shelly Raven launches out of the hack during the C division final at the Bonspiel on the Lake on Sunday, January 19th (photo by Steve Hubrecht); Vancouver's Pernell Reichart Band performs at the Snowflake Festival at Kinsmen Beach on the evening of Friday, January 17th (photo by Dan Walton); Kris Deran and Rory Hromadnik sweep with intensity during Sunday's curling final action (photo by Steve Hubrecht); Silena Ewen puts a facepaint mask on eight-year-old Mia Slavnik at the Snowflake Festival (photo by Dan Walton); a wide view captures the four curling sheets and lights strung up to illuminate the bonspiel (photo by Steve Hubrecht); Carla Schneider helps chef Dan Pietrzak of Eagle Ranch serve up soup and biscuits to Sean Molloy during the Snowflake Festival's Taste of the Valley event on Friday, January 17th, alongside his children Mia, Ady, and Aly (photo by Dan Walton).

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A3

Page Three Students put on science-based art show STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

Larger-than-life artistic interpretations of Lake Windermere's aquatic invertebrates will help viewers gain insight into the lake's ecology at a David Thompson Secondary School art show next week.

The show will be put on by the school's Grade 8 science students as part of the Columbia Basin Trust's Know Your Watershed program.

“These students took on a student action project to build paper maché super bugs and put them on display to communicate the importance of these critters in our water,” said Know Your Watershed Invermere educator Kalista Pruden in a press release. “Eight models of aquatic inver»POLITICIANS' DISCUSSION from A1

Regional district Area G director Gerry Wilkie was absent. All directors at the meeting felt supportive of the community centre, but emphasized the need to work on details.

Area F residents “feel that this is a facility that would work for the whole valley, not just Invermere,” said regional district Area F director Wendy Booth.

“The details have not quite been finalized, and we haven't officially been asked for anything yet, but that's the temperature of the water.”

Asked by Columbia Valley Arts Council member Jami Scheffer how a performing arts component is envisioned in the building, “from a wish-list perspective, sure, put it in there” responded Ms. Booth. “In reality, it depends on the numbers and how it fits into the overall budget and the size of the building.”

Mr. Taft noted Invermere is committed to building a main hall facility that “will be an excellent space for performing arts,” with an ability to hold hundreds of people.

“We need more dialogue with the arts groups around the level of finishing, the style and cost of sound and lighting and stage,” he said. Ms. Scheffer reminded all elected officials of the time constraints around the project, with the next few months being crucially important.

Canal Flats is still trying to get more user data to further evaluate their position on cost sharing, said Mayor Ute Juras, who noted Mr. Taft appeared before Canal Flats council before Christmas to share more information about the centre and cost sharing for the facility's costs.

“We're looking at getting more information and seeing more user data from our end of the valley,” she said. “It's going to be a good facility; I haven't had much feedback from the community yet.”

Village of Radium Hot Springs mayor Dee Conklin noted the Radium Seniors' Hall “is very much in need of repair,” and that Radium is interested in upgrading it while contributing to the multi-use centre in Invermere.

tebrates will be on display during the open house. Student artists are excited to share information about the life cycle of their chosen aquatic invertebrate and what these invertebrates can tell us about water quality.”

The 14 students involved in the show took part two classroom sessions and in a full-day field trip to increase their knowledge of the local watershed and water-related issues.

The students had an educational tour of Invermere’s water treatment facilities and wastewater treatment plant and ventured out to Abel Creek gatheringwater quality data and aquatic macro-invertebrate samples with Ms. Pruden and Lake Windermere Ambassadors program coordinator Kirsten Harma.

The art show is tonight, January 22nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the high school.

“Timing is everything in this, and the fact that we are doing so much regionally together means I think there's probably a way of being able to balance assisting here as well as looking at our own needs,” she said, adding that Mr. Taft will appear before the Radium council soon to talk about costs in greater detail.

With lots of federal and provincial grants available now, Invermere is better off to build a large building right away, rather than wait to make additions later, said Mr. Taft. With a 25-year amortization period, it might be hard to borrow more money while still paying back the initial loan, he said.

“If there's a good argument to invest in luxury items right away, it would be helpful if community groups assisted in applying for grants, raising funds add paying the difference to bring it up to that level,” he said.

“In the realm of funding, our preference is to use the existing recreation tax — which right now funds Canal Flats and the Eddie Mountain arenas, as well as soon the Edgewater Outdoor Rink — and to use that fund that exists right now to [comprise] some of the regional support for the facility,” he added. “This would avoid the need to go to a referendum and create a new tax; it would be basically slightly increasing the existing tax. That's our preferred option.”

“If it goes to a referendum in the fall, with the municipal elections, that is something that will drag it out," he said.

Asked by moderator Richard Haworth what each director and mayor plans to do with the November 2014 municipal election on the horizon, all four elected officials said they plan to run again.

Canfor coughing up funds for dust mitigation

With the Canfor sawmill having reopened in late 2012, Mrs. Conklin noted since then Canfor has spent “thousands — and I'm talking into

Have a news tip? editor@invermerevalleyecho.com or 250-341-6299

Echo Index Weekly Content Remember When?..................................A4 Opinion...................................................A6 Word on the Street..................................A7 Weekly Beat.............................................A8 Sports.............................................A14-A15 Classifieds.....................................A19-A20 Brain Games..........................................A21 Serving the Valley.................................A22

Columns Norm Macdonald/MLA Report..............A6 Ute Juras/Regional Rundown................A7 Fred Elford/Human Communication....A7

Features Valley Life...................................................A2 Mountain Events.....................................A10 2014 Winter Olympics....................A12-A13 Hockey Pool............................................A16

Find us online InvermereValleyEcho @TheValley Echo Greg Amos/Valley Echo photo

the hundreds of thousands of dollars” to mitigate dust and noise levels for the benefit of owners of nearby condominiums in Radium.

“We all know that noise travels up, and all of those condos along the ridge who thought they had this beautiful view and knew there was a mill down there, but still chose to buy — they're the ones we're definitely hearing from a bit more,” she said.

Canfor's head office is now pulling together a citizen's advisory group; asked

by Radium Hot Springs resident Maria Kliavkoff when that group would begin to meet with the village and company to address such issues, Mrs. Conklin indicated the village is still waiting to hear back from other condominium owners.

The booming sawmill is having a spinoff effect that's very noticeable in the village, she told the lunch audience.

“We're thrilled that businesses have really felt the impact of additional people in town; for example, at Mountainside Market, guys get their lunches in the morning and off they go,” she said.

“With things like this, we're working with the businesses in town.”

Over the past year, all the municipal garbage cans in Radium have been replaced with eight-foot tall garbage bins that are “definitely bear-proof and deerproof,” she added. The village is also looking at establishing a garbage transfer station in Radium, as second home owners who spend weekends only in Radium are seeking a place to dump their garbage and compost.

Got news?

Call Greg, Nicole, Steve or Dan at 250-341-6299 or email news@invermerevalleyecho.com .

This week's online poll question: Do you think the Bonspiel on the Lake should expand to include more than four sheets for the 2015 bonspiel?

Cast your vote at www.invermerevalleyecho.com/opinion/poll/

Last week's online poll results: Do you think the City of Kimberley will be able to successfully complete their upcoming deer cull?

Yes: No:

57.1 % 42.9 %

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Grizzly hunting quotas to increase in East Kootenays GREG AMOS editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Grizzly bear hunting quotas in the East Kootenays will be going up, following a peer-reviewed study of the bear's populations across B.C. released in a scientific journal last December.

While the study, titled "Predicting grizzly bear density in western North America” and published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, uses a model that predicts B.C.'s grizzly population is about 13,000 bears, the provincial government estimates the population at 15,000, after factoring in field inventories compiled from DNA samples.

Ministry wildlife biologists used predictions in the model alongside other available data when making grizzly bear management decisions in 2012 and 2013. As a result, one management unit in the East Kootenay, which had been closed because of hunting overkill, will be re-opened to hunting in 2014.

“In 2011 these seasons were closed due to total and female mortality exceeding allowable mortality as per the ministry’s Grizzly Bear harvest management procedure,” reads a ministry document online, found at http://goo.gl/2ojnYN . “An updated DNA-based inventory for the South Rockies Grizzly Bear Population Unit was completed in 2013.. results suggest this population is stable to increasing.”

But those population numbers are based on lacking information, says B.C. environmental group Raincoast Conservation Foundation, who contributed towards another study published weeks before in the same journal, PLOS ONE.

“The Kootenay has been identified in our paper as one of the regions that has most consistently experienced overkills,” said Chris Genovali, executive director of the foundation.

The study titled “Confronting uncertainty in grizzly bear management", written by scientists from the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Simon Fraser University, and University of Victoria, contends the provincial numbers fail to take into account the data missing around grizzly bear reproductive rates.

“Whereas the importance of considering uncertainty has been widely discussed, studies of the effects of unaddressed uncertainty on real management systems have been rare,” reads the study's abstract. “We examined the effects of outcome uncertainty and components of biological uncertainty on hunt management performance, illustrated with grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) in British Columbia, Canada.

We found that both forms of uncertainty can have serious impacts on management performance.”

The "Predicting grizzly bear density” study, coauthored by two provincial wildlife biologists, finds that across B.C., grizzly bears are more abundant in non-forested areas, likely because the plants that they eat are more likely to grow in open environments, and that grizzly bear density is lower where black bears are present. That study can be found at http://goo.gl/uHjclj .

Valley Echo file photo

Historically, hunters have killed around 300 grizzly bears a year out of an estimated population of 15,000, or a two per cent harvest rate.

Approximately 35 per cent of British Columbia is closed to grizzly hunting.

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources staff experts were unable to respond before theValley Echo's press deadline.

Editor's note: see the full submission from the Raincoast Conservation Foundation on page 17.

Remember When?

A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 50 years STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

Valley Echo file photo January 2007 — The 24th annual Bonspiel on the Lake was a grand success — with just enough winter to make for decent curling and to necessitate winter woollies. The event once attracted 64 rinks vying for the glory of being the best curlers in Canada's longest running outdoor bonspiel.

Ten years ago (2004): Invermere freeskier Ian McIntosh marked his arrival in the upper echelons of the freeskiiing world by grabbing second place at the Canadian Freeskiing Championships in Whistler. "It's a dream come true for me," said Mr. McIntosh. The event was the first stop on the World Freeskiing Tour. "Before I would have felt that second was amazing ann that I couldn't ask for anything more. But now I really want first and that's what I will be shooting for at the next event." French skier and defending champion Maneul Gaidet took first place. Mr. McIntosh said in the past he skied a touch too zealously

and would often crash.

20 years ago (1994): David Thompson Secondary School welcomed new drug and alcohol abuse prevention worker Lloyd Carr. Mr. Carr said he would tackle drugs from a coaching perspective.

Mr. Carr said it was not his style to keep a list of suspected drugs users.

30 years ago (1984): Lake Windermere Resort Developement Co. Ltd. announced plans to build a $16.5 million, 150-room resort hotel in Invermere, to be called the Radisson Lake Windermere Resort Hotel. Project developer John Duthie said construction was set to go ahead in June and that the project would result in 80 full-time jobs. The hotel was to feature a high-speed tram to shuttle guests from beach to hotel, an indoor and outdoor pool, raquet courts, a fitness club, restuarants and a half-dozen conference rooms. It was to be built on the southern edge of Invermere's boundary,

right on the lake.

40 years ago (1974): A group similar to the former Invermere Business Association was formed in January, with the aim of improving and facilitating business in the village of Invermere. Five members were elected to the new assocaition's executive committee, with chair Ron Ede presiding over the group's monthly meetings.

The committee, aside from Mr. Ede, included Charles Osterloh, Jim Kester, Michael Harris and Roger Smith.

50 years ago (1964): The Village of Invermere was unanimously in favour of taking over Kinsmen Beach from the Invermere Kinsmen Club at council's first meeting of 1964. The club asked the village to do so during the meeting. The Kinsmen had taken over responsibility for the beach project (including clearing the area, filling slough and contructing playground equipment and washrooms) six years prior during the Invermere's centennial.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A5

NEWS

Minister's tour seeks input on disability issues TOM FLETCHER BC News/Black Press

The B.C. government has begun a province-wide tour to collect ideas for improving conditions for disabled people, particularly by improving their job prospects.

Social Development Minister Don McRae attended the first session Monday evening in his home community of Courtenay, which drew a capacity crowd of 70 people.

He plans to attend other ones in the B.C. Interior and Lower Mainland in the coming weeks.

The ministry has also established a website for public comments, and one of the more frequent suggestions is for B.C. to increase its social assistance payment to disabled people. That now stands at $906 per month, including a rent subsidy.

Mr. McRae said in an interview that major cost items like that will have to wait until B.C.'s economy improves.

Meanwhile, efforts to increase employment are showing promise.

B.C. has increased the amount of income that can be earned without reducing disability benefits from $500 to $800 a month. Mr. McRae said he wants to expand on a pilot project that allows people to earn more than that for part of the year, so they can take advantage of seasonal work.

Mr. McRae, who had "social innovation" added to his title when he was appointed to the ministry last year, said he was encouraged by a meeting with a Tim Hortons franchise owner from Ontario who now employs one out of four people with disabilities in his stores.

Employees average less than a year in those jobs, but disabled employees stay an average of five years, which saves substantial money on training.

"It benefits the disability community, and it also helps his bottom line," Mr. McRae said.

Input from the community meetings and website comments are to be used for a policy paper that will be presented at a public forum in June.

Meetings are scheduled for Prince George Tuesday and Wednesday, and in Quesnel Wednesday evening, for people registered to attend.

The closest meeting to the Columbia Valley will take place in Cranbrook on Tuesday, February 18th. The website to submit a comment online or register to attend meetings is at engage.gov.bc.ca/disSocial Development and Social Innovation Minister Don McRae. abilitywhitepaper .

District stuck with maintenance duty for Panorama Drive steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

Invermere council officially adopted several bylaws or bylaw amendments at its most recent council meeting on Tuesday, January 14th, including finally formally adopting the borrowing bylaw allowing the district to borrow as much as $5.4 million to construct a new community centre.

The motion to adopt the borrowing bylaw, which has been the subject of much council discussion for the past few months and was the subject of a community referendum last November 2nd (in which the community voted by a 749 to 245 margin in favour of borrowing the money), passed unanimously, paving the way for council and staff to begin community consultation on the centre's design.

“It's going to be exciting,” said councillor Greg Anderson.

“We've spent a lot of time planning it, so we better get it right,” said councillor Paul Denchuk.

Council also formally adopted three bylaw amendments discussed at previous meetings, which involve a $3 per user per year rate increase for garbage and recycling collection, a $7 a year per single family dwelling sewage rate increase and a two cents per cubic meter increase in water rates. They will take effect in April and are revenue-neutral, meaning they are simply being amended to cover inflation.

A letter from the Ministry of Transportation about Panorama Drive also generated discussion at the meeting. The section of Panorama Drive from Athalmer to the Toby Creek was once under jurisdiction of the ministry, which eventually devolved it to the district in 1998.

At the time, the district expressed concern about the expense involved in maintaining the stretch of road. That concern has heightened since Jumbo Glacier Resort was approved by the province in 2012, and since 1998, the district has continually requested the ministry take back responsibility for the road. In the letter, the ministry refers to traffic counts along that section of road conducted in February 2007, October 2008 and February and November 2012, all of which had less that 50 per cent of vehicles that turned onto Panorama Drive actually proceeding past the Toby Creek bridge.

In the letter the ministry said it would reconsider ownership if through traffic exceeded 50 per cent.

Most councillors expressed surprise at the results of the traffic count and questioned the methodology, although they also said upgrades, particularly on a dangerous S-curve in Athalmer, are needed.

“That road is horrible; something needs to be done about it,” said Mr. Denchuk.

The ministry gave the district a one-time unconditional grant of $332,000 almost ten years ago to help with the road and presented conceptual realignment options in early 2013.

Wh ee

Update your Driving Skills and Knowledge

l

STEVE HUBRECHT

Behind the

Valley Echo file photo

Safety & Speed Review of BC Highways There is one public open house left in the provincial government’s Safety & Speed Review of BC Highways tomorrow evening in Chilliwack. I attended the Nanaimo event this evening and found that the number of government representatives was about equal to the number of people present to provide feedback. Hopefully you will take time to provide your views via the on line response if you were not able to attend an open house meeting.

It was clear from the reference materials posted around the perimeter of the room that the solicited feedback wanted much more than your view of the posted speed limits. Perhaps the topic of slow moving vehicles could be almost as important. Left lane blockers fall into this category. We might also wish for more slow vehicle pullouts and legislation that is more specific about when slow drivers must make way on roads that are not multi-laned.

The majority of BC highways in rural areas are now signed to require winter tires or to carry tire chains during a portion of the year. Should this be extended to all of BC? This topic seems to be the one that could be most influenced by public feedback.

Wildlife collisions are a significant cost to both people and animals. Although the animals suffer the worst of the death and injury rates people are killed and injured in these collisions in BC every year.

The solution to the problem is not to fence all of the highways, rather the installation of over and underpasses and better sharing skills for drivers are needed.

Time is running short, the deadline for the submission of your feedback is January 24, 2014. Don’t miss this opportunity.

The author is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. To comment or learn more, please visit drivesmartbc.ca.

101A 1028 7 Avenue PO Box 130 Invermere BC • Phone: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

Opinion

Something to say? email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Grizzly bears and junk science GREG AMOS editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

With the provincial government's estimates of B.C.'s grizzly bear numbers coming under fire (see page 4), it's worth reflecting on the many scientifically-dubious claims that underpin coffee shop conversations happening around the valley and across the province in 2014.

A popular subject of argument seems to be the Fukushima nuclear power plant situation in Japan, and how the levels of radiation now leaking into the Pacific Ocean in the wake of the March 2011 tsunami are posing an imminent risk.

“At the very least, your days of eating Pacific Ocean fish are over,” reads the headline of one blog post gone viral. Many people believe it.

But a closer look at the facts reveals the “truthiness” of the situation — the reasonable conclusions that can be drawn by reasonable people from science that's totally misrepresented.

In the case of the Fukushima question, the sheer volume of water in the Pacific Ocean and the failure to take into account the natural background levels of radiation means many people are concerned over nothing. There's legitimate cause to be concerned about the Japanese government's failure to accept international help in dealing with the cleanup efforts, but the present danger from Fukushima is negligible.

The tendency for people to believe in spotty science when it supports their own views is something we've seen in the Columbia Valley, as the debate over the Jumbo has raged for more than 20 years. Many have latched on to the proposed resort area's importance as a haven for grizzly bears — despite the fact that two decades of wildlife monitoring has detected a maximum of four grizzlies that have passed through the base area.

When it comes to arming ourselves with scientific facts, it pays to be diligent.

Apologies once again to reporter Steve Hubrecht – this editor mistakenly threw his byline into Steve's story titled “Timber supply review to begin soon” in the January 8th edition of the Valley Echo. Sorry, Steve!

Something on your mind?

The Valley Echo welcomes all letters to the editor and submissions from community and sports groups, as well as special community columns. Please keep your signed, legible submissions under 500 words.

We reserve the right to edit for clarity, taste, legal reasons and brevity. Each submission must contain a daytime phone number and place of residence. Send email submissions to editor@invermerevalleyecho.com.

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MLA Report — Norm Macdonald

Never underestimate the value of your participation in democracy The people of this riding have benefitted greatly from the formation in 1995 of the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT). The purpose of the trust is to support the social, environmental and economic well-being of the residents in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin which was affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Basin residents are passionate about the Columbia Basin Trust. They feel a sense of pride that their efforts to redress the losses of the past have resulted in such an innovative and successful organization. And they feel a strong sense of ownership.

My experience as a representative of this area has shown me time and time again that the best decisions are made by the engaged citizens who will be most affected by those decisions. And the management of the assets of the Columbia Basin Trust is just another example of that fact.

In 2004, the board of the CBT decided to explore the sale of its joint venture power assets to BC Hydro and to invest the proceeds. But as part of the trust’s due diligence, public meetings were held to consult with basin residents.

Basin residents were absolutely clear that selling off

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Greg Amos

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In Absentia

these valuable assets was the wrong thing to do.

Even though there might be some short-term gain in investing such a large amount of money in the stock market, residents took a much longer view.

With the benefit of hindsight, we can now see just how much money the trust would have lost had it gone ahead with this plan.

That's money that currently funds local literacy programs, supports youth activities and improves environmental conditions in the basin, and it would no longer be available. It took basin residents who took the time to participate in the consultation process to make this clear.

This is an example of benefitting from collective wisdom, but it would not have happened if there had not also been an opportunity to share that wisdom.

Never underestimate how important your involvement is in the decisions that are being made in your community and your province. And let us fight against every attempt that is made to remove our involvement in the decision-making process.

Norm Macdonald MLA Columbia River Revelstoke | norm.macdonald.mla@leg.bc.ca | 1 866 870 4188

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A7

Word on the Street

What are your expectations for the Opening Ceremonies of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games on February 6th?

“HOPEFULLY CANADA MAKES

“HOPEFULLY A

IT'LL

BE BETTER THAN

GOOD PRESENCE."

CHINA'S

— JASON TEGART

— ALLIE BARSBY

WAS."

“MY EXPECTATIONS? NOT MUCH." — GERRY TAFT

Regional Rundown — Ute Juras

Canal Flats community engaged on issues Editor's note: Regional Rundown is a new feature in the Valley Echo, in which we'll offer each mayor and regional district director in the ColumbiaValley the chance to share what's new.

We had an exciting 2013 with a lot happening, such as the completion of the Columbia Discovery Center, the Arena Retrofit project and the Combined Water System project starting up, just to name a few. I am so proud of our council members for their hard work in getting things done. This is definitely a “doing” council, not a “talking” council.

There was some information circulating that we are in an “overrun” of $260,000 on the Arena project. I want to make clear that this is not an “overrun”, but added costs should we decide to go ahead with the insulation of the building. The upgrades that have been done were based on an engineering report from 2008 which recommended the replacement of the concrete slab. It was estimated to cost around $1 million dollars at the time. The only thing we added

to the budget was the replacement of the bleachers as they were not up to code and it would have cost substantially more to replace them after the slab was put into place. As for the insulation, we will have to decide if it is necessary, and if yes, who will pay for it.

We have two options: it will either be part of the Canal Flats Recreation Service Area budget or the newly combined Columbia Valley Recreation Service Area budget, which will be a discussion the Columbia Valley directors of the Regional District of East Kootenay will have.

Following the floods of last June and the impact it could have had on our sewage lagoons, council is seeking grant funding to undertake a Kootenay River Dike study to protect the lagoons as well as the homes near the river. If staff is not successful in finding provincial grants by the end of January, council will have to discuss if we use some of our reserve funds to pay for the study. Once the study is done we will be able to go back to the province to seek funding for the project.

We have had a year of unthinkable tragedy, confusing issues and some controversy. I have seen great acts of compassion, a community coming together to help one of our own overcome a most difficult time. I have seen a community engaged on the issues, becoming involved and making sure that their voices are being heard. I cannot tell you how proud I am to be part of this wonderful town.

In 2014, we'll be looking at working on an Economic Development strategy by creating a community profile and branding, finding a solution to improve our fire hall, continuing on our pathway system, and come up with a plan for our recreation area. We're also hoping to start on some seniors' programing, which may also include links to the youth in the community.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Ute Juras is the mayor of Canal Flats and can be reached at 250-489-9070 or by e-mail at ujuras@gmail.com .

The Human Side of Communication - Fred Elford

Words just a small part of communication Editor's note: this new column is focused on communication as actually exchanged by real people.

Technology is someone else’s job; here, technology is considered only in how it affects communication.

New technology creates a lot of unintended consequences that surprise us; as these effects often cause more problems, communication is more difficult. The problems are becoming more frequent and more visible.

For example I, like many of you, have trouble using today’s technology effectively. First, I have difficulty figuring the stuff out. I know I don’t use the cell phone, email or whatever, very effectively.

Even a modern telephone seems complicated.

The second reason is that I often feel I haven’t actually communicated, particularly when I’m texting on my cell phone. That’s especially true because the language I use has only a distant relationship to English. That can create difficulties, for example, when a father tries to communicate with his son or daughter.

Many studies, both academic and practical, have shown only a small portion of communication comes

through words. That’s a problem. Though the studies vary on percentages, somewhere between 90 per cent and 98.5 per cent of what gets communicated comes through something other than words. Yet texting, as email, is 100 per cent reliant on words. That’s not new; it’s been growing for years. In business, it began about thirty years ago when email became common, taking the place of the telephone.

Most of the meaning we convey is delivered by visible signals we make with our faces, bodies, and gestures. We use things like facial expression, emotion, gestures, and other non-verbal means. They aren’t perfect, but they help.

What one understands from watching a facial expression, is variable from country to country, culture to culture and from ethnic group to ethnic group. There are thousands of variations of interpretation. Sometimes this can cause severe misunderstanding. It’s inefficient, but enough for survival, and that’s what counts.

Our very DNA is involved. We are programmed through it to put our emphasis on sight over other senses, and sight is geared to faces. It’s also focused on things that move — those were potential dan-

gers in earlier times.

This way of seeing, together with a large brain, was the human advantage. It made up for our comparative weakness, our lack of smellsensitive cells, and our general slowness compared to the other creatures of our world. Without those differences and their capacity to make up for human weaknesses, our ancestors would not have survived. However, none of that contributes to the need for skill at modern communication.

So, when you try to communicate with anyone your children, your family, business partners or people from the community - don’t feel bad if you don’t know how to do it effectively. Know that it’s difficult and demands hard work. In fact, it’s scary difficult.

We don’t do it well at all, so don’t believe it’s easy.

Keep looking for a way to communicate - you really do get better at it.

Fred Elford is a retired international organization consultant. Clients have ranged from First Nations and municipalities to businesses, from small to multi-national. He can be reached at fredelford@shaw.ca .

A8 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Have an event you’d like listed? Email it to: production@ invermerevalleyecho. com

JANUARY 22nd- 28th

WEEKLY Beat

22ND : WEDNESDAY

• 1:15 - 2:15 p.m.: Seniors’ Day at the Invermere Library on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Bus provided.

• 5 - 9 p.m.: Mural night at the Summit Youth Centre. Let’s make a mural for the Summit!

• 6 - 8 p.m.: Super Bugs art/science display at DTSS. Grade 8 science student action projects based on the CBT’s Know Your Watershed program.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

Station pub, 250-342-5557.

• 11 a.m.: Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Public Library, on Saturdays at 11 a.m. as well as Fridays at 10:30 a.m., beginning January 25th. For info visit invermere.bclibrary.ca.

• 2 - 3 p.m.: "The Magic of Reading" show with Richard Young the Magician at the DTSS theatre. Admission is free. Presented by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and Kootenay Savings Credit Union. For info contact Katie Andruschuk, 250-688-2115 or kandruschuk@cbal.org.

• 2 - 4 p.m.: A member of the W.D.F.I. will be available to give updates and information on our local Abattoir project at the Town and Country Feed Store.

You can also access our website www.wdfi.ca.

• 6 - 11 p.m.: Hang out night at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 12 p.m.: 13th Annual Snow Golf Tournament on Lake Windermere. Presented by the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley. Registration from 11 a.m.

- noon. Shotgun start at noon, scramble golf format. Prizes and a great time for everyone.

Tickets $35 (must be 19 years or older), available at The Station pub: 250-342-5557.

• 6 - 11 p.m.: Climbing at Laird from 6:30 to 8 p.m., leaving the Summit Youth Centre at 6:15 p.m. We will be back at the Summit around 8:30 p.m.

• Nipika/Toby Creek Loppet weekend at Nipika Mountain Resort, February 1st and 2nd.

30 km Classic on Saturday and 20 km Skate on Sunday. Recreational & Kids distances. Come & enjoy this great family weekend event. Register at www.zone4.ca.

worry if you can’t race all four nights — nightly drop-in racers are welcome too! Register: Call Snow School at 250-345-6037 or email snowschool@fhsr.com

3RD : MONDAY

• The Whiteway is open! The Whiteway is a 15km groomed track that runs all the way around Lake Windermere and connects the towns of Invermere and Windermere. The Whiteway has tracks for classic cross-country skiers, a groomed skate skiing track, and a cleared ice-skating track.

There are three official entry points onto the Whiteway; one at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere, one at the Invermere Bay Condos in Invermere, and one at Windermere beach. Visit The Toby Creek Nordic Club for a map and more information.

• Bingo at the Canal Flats Civic Centre, 7 p.m. on the 1st and 23RD : THURSDAY • 5 - 9 p.m.: Hang out night at • 5 - 9 p.m.: Hang out night at 3rd Monday of each month. the Summit Youth Centre. the Summit Youth Centre.

4TH : TUESDAY • 7 - 9 p.m.: Antarctica: Imagith th • 5 - 9 p.m.: Swimming at RadiJAN 29 - FEB 4 nary Land of the South at DTSS. um Hot Springs with the SumJoin us for a journey to Antacmit Youth Centre, leaving the tica with Mark Jeffery using sto- 29TH : WEDNESDAY ries and stunning images. Mark • 5 - 9 p.m.: Astrology night at Summit at 6 p.m.

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: OPT clinic at spent two years working for the the Summit Youth Centre. the Invermere Health Unit. 1st British Antarctic Survey. Preand 3rd Tuesday of each month. sented by Wildsight. Admission 30TH : THURSDAY Confidential service: low-cost by donation.

• 5 - 9 p.m.: Ice skating and walkbirth control, and STI testing. ing on the lake with the Summit Youth Centre. Leaving the Sum24TH : FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5th - 11th • 6 - 11 p.m.: Pool and foos- mit at 6:15 p.m. ball tournament at the Summit Youth Centre.

6TH : THURSDAY 31ST : FRIDAY • Windermere Valley Minor • 12 p.m.: Soup, bun and dessert • 5 - 9 p.m.: Documentary Night Hockey 2014 Bantam Tourna- at the Edgewater Legion for $6. at the Summit Youth Centre. ment, January 24th - 26th at • 6 - 11 p.m.: Chinese New Year the Eddie Mountain Memorial Dinner at the Summit Youth 7TH : FRIDAY Arena. Invermere Rockies play Centre.

• 6 -11p.m.: Pool tournament at at the following times: Janu- • 7 p.m.: The Galena Trio per- the Summit Youth Centre. ary 24th, 7 - 8:45 p.m. vs. Leth- forms at Christ Church Trinity, • 31st annual Starlight Chalbridge Titans; January 25th, 7 - Invermere. Hosted by CV Arts. lenge at Fairmont Hot Springs 8:45 a.m. vs. Trail West Wolves Tickets $20 or $10 for stu- Resort, Friday nights through and 5 - 5:45 p.m. vs. Elk Valley dents, available at The Book February. Skiers, boarders and Wild. January 26th games TBD. Bar, Pynelogs, or by calling telemarkers of any ability are welcome — as long as you’re 250-342-4423.

• 3rd Annual BC Pond Hockey confident on blue runs. Teams 25TH : SATURDAY • 9 a.m. -12 p.m.: Indoor garage Championships on Lake Win- of four compete based on the sale at the Invermere Commu- dermere. Runs through Febru- smallest difference between nity Hall. Proceeds go towards ary 1st. Four on four hockey, two runs on a dual slalom style local events. Set up from 7 - 9 no goalies, no icing and no off race course. The team winner is a.m. To book a table for $10 sides. $550 entry for a team of chosen based on overall team contact Theresa at 250-342- 6 players. Contact John Reed consistency over the four-night 9281 ext 1227. at 250-368-1136 or oceancat78@ series. There are nightly awards • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: 14th Annual gmail.com. For more informa- for fastest and most consistent.

Fishing Derby on Lake Winder- tion: www.bcpondhockey.com. Adult League Race start: 7:15 mere. Sponsored by the Kinsp.m. Four-person teams of skimen Club of Windermere Valley. 1ST : SATURDAY ers, boarders, or mixed. IndividRegistration begins at 8 a.m. • 10 a.m.: Crochet Lessons for ual racers welcome. Starlight Lots of prizes: 1st place $500, adults and Children ages 12 & Challenge Package price $89 per 2nd place $300, 3rd place $200. up at the Radium Public Library. person, including night lift tickTickets $35, available at The Also February 15th and 22nd. ets (rentals not included).Don’t

28TH : TUESDAY

8TH : SATURDAY

• 10 a.m.: Children's Valentine Crafts at the Radium Public library.

• 6 - 11 p.m.: Valentine cards and hang out at the Summit Youth Centre.

• Panorama Snowflake Festival. Also February 9th. Tobogganing, a host of activities and events, a barbecue and a pancake breakfast round out this three-day fest. For more information, check out panoramaresort.com.

OTHER

HOURS INVERMERE LIBRARY

• Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m.

• Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

RADIUM LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m.

• Wednesday - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM

• Tuesday: 12 - 4 p.m. or by appointment: 250-342-9769

INVERMERE THRIFT STORE • Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

RADIUM THRIFT STORE

• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A9

NEWS

Focused elk hunt successful, biologist tells Rod and Gun Club members at AGM STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

Hunting season in the Rocky Mountain Trench is having little effect on migratory elk, but is impacting non-migratory elk populations, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations biologist Tara Szkorupa told the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun club during a presentation at the club's annual general meeting on Thursday, January 16th.

Ms. Szkorupa reported a 90 per cent survival rate for migratory elk, 90 per cent for partially-migratory elk and 70 per cent for non-migratory elk in the Trench during hunting season, based on a sample study of radio-collared elk from 2006 to 2010.

“We did find a number of elk did move out of the Trench during the hunt and then moved back after,” Ms. Szkorupa told the Rod and Gun Club members at the Invermere Legion, explaining what partiallymigratory elk are. “They're pretty smart.”

In the past few years the ministry has attempted to focus the hunt on non-migratory elk (which comprise 30 to 40 percent of elk in the Trench) and the survival rates indicate that focus is working, she said.

“This is what we were hoping for,” said Ms. Szkorupa. “We had some issues of overgrazing of natural grassland and crop depredation on farmers' fields.

The elk who stay low down in the valley all year are blamed for these issues more than the ones that leave.”

Several members of the Rod and Gun club had questions or comments for Ms. Szkorupa after her presentation; most questions focused on management unit 426 (which covers the west side of the Upper Columbia Valley from Canal Flats to just past Invermere).

“I've been hunting in 426 since 1978 and I've never

seen fewer elk. There are more hunters up there and more wolves up there than ever before. You're going to start having fights up there because you're going to have 10 hunters going after the same bull,” said Fred Kinsey, adding he felt animal population trends in the southern Trench tend to dictate hunting regulations in the whole Trench, even if animals trends are different outside the South Trench.

“Our regulations got changed because other regions are doing well,” said Mr. Kinsey.

Ms. Szkorupa acknowledged that elk population trends are different in management unit 426 than in other areas (426 has a calf-to-cow ratio of 14 to 100, while southern parts of the Trench have a calf to cow ratio of 26 or 27 to 100), but said the ministry manages elk populations in 426 with much different aims than it does in other units.

“We do have different objectives for elk south of Canal Flats and elk north of Canal Flats,” she said. “North of Canal Flats, in 426, we want a stable elk population while south of Canal Flats we'd like the population to come down.”

The elk population in 426 unfortunately Valley Echo file photo does appear to be going down, but the Elk graze at Nipika Mountain Resort in this file photo from 2005. major cause of this trend is predation, rather than a management objective, said Ms. Szkorupa.

Club member Bob Walker said he feels the Upper Mr. Kinsey asked if the government had any plans Columbia Valley gets a lot more revenue from huntfor wolf management in 426. ing than farming.

“Biologists do want to address this topic. It's “The financial implications of an elk population colbeing pushed at a level high above me. There are a lapse would be felt much harder here (than in southlot of people who want to do something about the ern Trench). I hope the minister is aware of that,” said wolves,” responded Ms. Szkorupa.

Mr. Walker.

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A10 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

Visitors and locals getting kicks on land and lake Dan Walton/Valley Echo photos Clockwise from top left: Maddie Rawson takes her turn at impressing the crowd lined up along the grinding course during the first Rail Jam of the season, held near the day lodge of Panorama Mountain Village on Saturday, January 18th. This is the first of four rail jams to be held this year by Invermere's Syndicate Boardshop. Nearly 30 kids and young adults on skis and snowboards competed in the friendly competition, which involves performing tricks while sliding down a rail or tabletop; Paul Easby pilots his red 2005 Subaru Impreza around Lake Windermere on Sunday, January 19th, trying to clock the fastest time during the 2014 Winter RallyCross ICE Cup put on by the Calgary Sports Car club; Mr. Easby's car drifts through the course's pylon path; making targets out of balloons, Megan Bell of Invermere practices her dart throw at Panorama Mountain Village's Mountain Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, January 18th. The afternoon featured a live band (Invermere's L8), a barbecue and carnival games, and is one of several themed events being held at Panorama over the winter; an overview of the Rail Jam course at Panorama.

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A11

A&E Antarctic meteorologist to share frosty experience at David Thompson Secondary DAN WALTON dan@invermerevalleyecho.com

While working as a meteorologist, Mark Jeffery from Rossland became one of the few people that can claim to have visited Antarctica, and Wildsight is bringing him to David Thompson Secondary School on Thursday night (January 23rd) to share a taste of his frigid two-year experience.

U.K.-born Mr. Jeffery served in the southern-most continent as an employee of the British Antarctic Survey between 1997 and 1999, where he surveyed the weather to record climate observations and compile long-term data.

"It's important to monitor the long-term health of the planet,” he said. The Antarctic records are particularly important to compile, he said, since that area of the world has only been measuring its climate for a relatively short period of time.

Mr. Jeffery's records were largely based on the gen- "Because they have no predators, they feel completely eral climate, the amount of sea ice, and the amount of safe on land and they'll come right up to you." ice accumulating on the continent. »See A18 To reach Antarctica from England by boat, "we went down the Atlantic and into the southern ocean until I reached the base on the Antarctic peninsula,” he said.There were no trips home for Mr. Jeffery during his two-year stay.

For five months of the year, in what they would call summer, "when the weather is good enough for scientists to travel the continent," Antarctica would be busy with working scientists from around the world, he said.

He found a lot more downtime during the other seven months, which he used to explore other parts of the continent.

Mark Jeffery photo On the clock and off, many of Mr. Jeffery's On Thursday night, Rossland resident Mark Jeffery will be sharing his experiexperiences involved penguins.

"Penguins do very strange things, he said. ence as a meteorolgist who spent two years in the land of ice and snow.

Babies 2013

“ A chance to earn money without taxes. Really?”

of

Let’s talk TFSAs. With a Tax-Free Savings Account, you can invest up to $31,000 today and never pay a penny on the interest it earns. Let’s talk.

Did you welcome a new addition to your family in 2013? Show th off your little bundle of joy in the January 29 edition of The Valley Echo!

Simply submit a high resolution photo of your baby (or grandbaby, niece, nephew...) along with the child’s full name, date of birth, weight at birth, parents’ names and a fun fact about the child. The cost is $25, deadline for submissions is Friday, January 24th.

For more information or to book your space, contact Dean at 250-341-6299 or dean@cv-pioneer.com.

term deposits

TFSAs

summit savings

RRSPs

kscu.com

VALLEY ECHO T he

Got something to say?

Galena Trio Live in Concert Sharing the contagious passion for Chamber Music

Friday, January 31 - 7 pm @ Christ Church Trinity What does ART mean to you? Tickets at The Book Bar & Pynelogs Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

Send your comments and letters to: editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

A12 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

ROAD to SOCHI

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

Valley-connected ice climbers gearing up for Sochi TREVOR CRAWLEY Cranbrook Daily Townsman

The Olympics are just a few months away, and the East Kootenays will be represented by local athlete Gord McArthur, who will be competing for Canada in ice climbing.

Mr. McArthur got the nod to represent Canada in July, and has been busy training for both the Sochi Games and the UIAA World Cup circuit since then.

However, there are significant expenses that come with competing at the highest level of any sport in the world, and climbing is no different, as the World Cup circuit takes Mr. McArthur across the world from South Korea to Russia and countries in Europe.

With a budget of $23,000, the Cranbrook athlete has raised a large chunk of what he needs already, and is inviting the community to help support him towards his climbing passion.

"This town has already been so amazing," said Mr. McArthur. "So many people have already stepped up, which is really great."

Donations can be made by visiting McArthur's website at: machavokadventure.com/donations .

Most of Mr. McArthur's financial support has come from East Kootenay individuals and businesses, without help from the Canadian Olympic Committee or Own the Podium, an umbrella sports funding program that supports Olympic athletes.

"So much of the town has already come together," said Mr. McArthur, who will take off for the World Cup circuit in January, hitting a few events on the tour before representing Canada at the Sochi Games.

Funds raised will go to the basics that come with competing in professional sports—things such as flights, food, hotels and rental cars.

Joining Mr. McArthur in Sochi will be Canmore's Jen Olson, one of the few female Association of Canadian Mountain Guides certified guides, and a world-class ice climber since 2007. She regularly trains at Haffner Creek in Kootenay National Park when not competing on the international circuit, and says she was "psyched" to learn last summer that she'd been named to represent Canada in ice climbing at the Olympics.

Though she's been training as hard as ever, Ms. Olson notes that as a demonstration sport, ice climbing will not be demonstrating the sport's highest level of competition.

"I hired a trainer who got me doing some circuits and bouldering work," she told the Valley Echo. "I have managed to stay uninjured while getting much stronger. I'm also competing in the World Cup

competitions."

"Initially we thought and hoped the Olympics would demonstrate a World Cup competition style competition, but actually it is just a demonstration of ice climbing on an ice wall."

Though Mr. McArthur has been competing in the World Cup for the last few years, he's stepped up his training in the summer with the help of a sports psychologist to prepare for the mental pressure of competing against the world's best.

"It came really quick, faster than I expected," he said of the Olympic pressure.

But I'm ready. Everything is in place, for the most part."

After doing some overseas training in South Korea on competition-specific structures, Mr. McArthur is now in the midst of two months of competitive climbing leading up to the games.

As she prepares for Sochi, Ms. Olson is drawing financial and emotional support from her hometown and the Rocky Mountains climbing community.

"It's been amazing; all my donations have been private and mostly made up of $20 to $100 donations," she said. "Any small setbacks I have, like falling off early at a competition in Romania, have been met with incredible emotional support."

Submitted photo/courtesy of Cranbrook Daily Townsman "I am grateful for the op- Cranbrook ice climber Gord McArthur, seen here competing at a World Cup event in Romania two years portunity to share the sport ago, is representing Canada at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, at the new demonstration sport of ice of ice climbing with the climbing. Mr. McArthur just finished this year's ice climbing tour stop in Romania last week. world," she added. "This this celebration." is not a competitive event, To support Jen Olson's fund raising goals, go to nor does it have anything to do with the International Olympic Committee. It's a cultural event hosted by the makeachamp.com/jen Russians who want to share their passion for climbing - With files from Greg Amos with the world, and I feel lucky to be invited to share in

WE ALL PLAY FOR CANADA To learn more, visit WeAllPlayForCanada.ca

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

Olympic Fever!

Winter Olympics.. did you know?

• The Winter Olympics began in 1924 in Chamonix, France with Canada taking one gold medal in ice hockey, won by the Toronto Granites.

• Canada won the most medals ever at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, a total of 26 with 14 of those being gold medals. Canadians walked away with 24 medals in Turin, Italy in 2006.

• Athletes that place in the top eight in their event receive a diploma from the International Olympic Committee. Only the top three receive medals.

• The Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" means "Faster, Higher, Stronger" in English.

• Canada has hosted the Winter Olympics twice: Calgary in 1988 and Vancouver in 2010.

•Norway leads all countries with 313 Olympic medals at the winter events.

Canada ranks seventh with 153.

• For the first time ever, women will be competing for gold in Ski Jumping in Sochi. Ski jumping has been a part of men's Olympic competition since the inception of the Winter Games.

• The Jamaican bobsled team has qualified for Sochi.

• Three sisters from Quebec have all been named to represent Canada in Women's Moguls in Sochi. The Dufour-Lapointe sisters are the odds-on favourites to sweep the medals in this event.

• Canada's hockey captains in Sochi are Sidney Crosby, Caroline Ouellette and Greg Westlake (sledge hockey).

• Canada's flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies in Sochi will be unveiled tomorrow, Thursday, January 23rd.

• The medal count for Canada includes a total of 52 medals won at the Winter Olympics since 1924.

• Canada has never won a medal in luge, nordic combined and ski jumping.

• Canada's only medals in biathlon were won by Myriam Bedard in the Alberville and Lillihammer games.

• Canada won a Gold Medal in ice hockey in the 1920 Summer Games in Antwerp, Belgium, which is not included in the official Winter Games medal tally.

• Cindy Klassen and Clara Hughes are Canada's most decorated winter Olympians with six medals in speed skating each.

Daring dangle Photo by Rafal Andranowski Cranbrook ice climber Gord McArthur hangs off the hooks of his ice axes during a World Cup competition.

Proud to be Canadian! the award-winning

•

FISH & CHIPS PRIME RIB SUNDAYS

ASHLEY NADEAU This week’s winner has won: TWO 14” PIZZAS

from Fairmont Pizza and Ice Cream!

This week’s sponsor:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Enter early. Enter often.

Deadline for entries is Wednesday February 5th at 4pm.

See the matching ad on our feature pages for contest details.

Feeling hot?

It’s not the flu.

You Have Olympic Fever!

Win an iPad Mini!

From January 22nd thru February 26th the Valley Echo will be running an Olympic contest. It’s free to enter and will offer 5 weekly prizes with an iPad Mini being awarded in our February 26th edition to our Grand Prize Winner.

Email us at ads@cv-pioneer.com with your answers to the following questions. Please include your name and daytime phone number with each entry.

Grand Prize Question

How many medals will Canadian athletes win at the Sochi Olympics? (team medals count as one medal!) _________

Tie Breaking Questions

How many gold medals will Canadian athletes win at the Sochi Olympics? (team medals count as one medal) _______ By the end of the Games, how many athletes will be disqualified for doping infractions? ________ Beginning on January 20th, weekly prizes will be drawn with the winner’s name published in the Echo in our Olympic feature section. Entrants may win only one weekly prize. Our Grand Prize winner will be decided after the closing ceremonies based on the official Olympic results.

Weekly prize winners are eligible for the Grand Prize.

Enter early. Enter often.

CANADIAN FUSION : LICENSED CASUAL DINING • Friday

Weekly Draw Prize Winner:

• Tuesday

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT

CRAB NIGHT

• Wednesday

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

Sports

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COUPONS ON TOP PRODUCTS Dan Walton/Valley Echo photo Golden Rockets forwards position themselves in the offensive zone as Rockies defenders try to tie up shooting lanes. The Rockies lost to Golden in overtime, narrowing their lead to one point over Golden, who've sat in last place in the Eddie Mountain Division throughout the season.

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Division seemed to be held securely by the Rockies, but with the Golden Rockets earning five wins in their past six games – including last weekend against Columbia Valley – the Rockies have no more breathing room if they plan on competing in the playoffs.

The Rockies are only one point ahead of the Rockets and now have eight games remaining in the regular season, while the Rockets still have ten games. While Golden's two games in hand give them an obvious advantage, the Rockies still control their destiny, as the two teams are scheduled to meet again three times before the season concludes.

Last Friday, Columbia Valley was two points ahead of Golden in the standings, again with two less games in hand. Both teams played on January 17th – with Golden hosting Kimberley and the Rockies in Creston Valley – but neither was able to tally any points in the standings.

When the Rockies took on the Thunder Cats, the scoring was all settled in the first. Creston took a two-goal lead before the 12 minute mark, and in the final minute Adam Pulliam gave the Rockies their lone goal, with assists from Matt Houston and Braeden Farge.

While the offence struggled, goaltender Brody Nelson had

an impressive performance, stopping 43 shots against the highest-scoring team in the league.

During Saturday's game at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, the fans were well-aware how important the game would be for the standings.

The teams exchanged goals in the first, with Kyle Pouncy putting the Rockies on the board first. But before the period could end in a tie, Braeden Farge scored with six seconds on the clock.

The second period saw fast-paced, back-and-forth action, but strict defence on both ends made for dismal scoring opportunities, resulting in a scoreless twenty minutes.

The scoring stalemate continued for most of the third, but the visitors were gaining momentum, as the Rockets were hungry for overtime and a playoff berth. Less than five minutes were on the clock when Nick Hoobanoff (from Canal Flats) scored for Golden during a 5-on-3 power play.

Once the score was tied at two, neither took any major chances and the game was forced into overtime.

Five-minutes of four-on-four didn't determine a winner, but a couple of penalties which bled into the following overtime period prevented the teams from playing 3-on-3 for a few minutes.

In the final 90 seconds, once the penalty boxes were empty and the teams had three skaters each, Coltin Berard scored for the Rockets off of an odd-man rush, giving Golden the win to inch within one point of the Rockies in the playoff race. »See A15

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A15

Sports Rocking out on the lake

Clockwiswe from top left: curling rocks sit ready for a game during Friday night action at the Bonspiel on the Lake (photo by Steve Hubrecht); fireworks explode over Lake Windermere at the culmination of the Snowflake Festival (photo by Dan Walton); Invermere curler Blair Robinson had his first opportunity to play in the lake bonspiel this year, and his team rode a hot streak all the way to the B division final game (photo by Greg Amos).

"Negative ice shots were frequently called for, cracks and bumps in the ice made for unpredictable outcomes, and occasionally the rocks actually did what was requested of them," he recalled. He took on the role of third on the Pajak team from Castle Rock, which also included skip Roger Revitt, second Denny Neider, and Lyne St. Denis and Donna »ROCKIES from A14

General manager Ross Bidinger said that the Rockies outplayed the Rockets, citing their 50 shots on net, but it was undisciplined penalties towards the end which ultimately led to the tying goal.

"We have to start competing in front of the net and competing for 60 minutes – we've been taking our leads for granted and haven't been able to follow through,” he said.

Stewart Pratt blocked 24 shots that were directed towards the Rockies net.

Columbia Valley is now on a nine-game losing streak, which they'll be trying to end in Fernie, as they head south to take on the Ghostriders on Friday night, before returning home on Saturday for a match against the Grand Forks Boarder Bruins at 7:30 p.m. Hosting the Grand Forks Border Bruins will be the Rockies third last home game of the season, which wraps up toward the end of February.

Oldtimer Hockey Standings Regular Season

Deschenes sharing the lead position. Against the Hamilton team, "the score went back and forth by one point each end and was tied at the end of the 4th," said Blair. "The Hamilton team scored a point in the 5th end so we had the hammer going home. Roger called a great game and lined up his final shot, but the lake gods were not with us in the end. We left with wonderful memories and hope to return again next year."

KIJHL Standings

Kootenay Conference - Eddie Mountain Division Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Creston Valley Thundercats

39

29

10

0

58

Kimberley Dynamiters

44

23

20

1

47

Fernie Ghostriders

41

20

15

0

46

Columbia Valley Rockies

44

11

24

3

31

Golden Rockets

42

13

25

1

30

Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Radium PetroCanada

17

11

4

2

24

Inside Edge

17

11

5

1

23

Hi-Heat

17

8

7

2

18

Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Huckleberry’s

17

8

8

1

17

42

32

7

1

67

Aquair

17

7

7

3

17

Beaver Valley Nitehawks

Warwick Interiors

17

6

8

3

15

Nelson Leafs

42

31

7

1

66

Arrowhead Brewsky’s

Castlegar Rebels

42

18

19

2

41

17

6

10

1

13

Spokane Braves

42

15

23

0

34

Kicking Horse Coffee

17

3

11

3

9

Grand Forks Border Bruins

38

14

20

2

32

Kootenay Conference - Neil Murdoch Division

Home Games VS. GRAND FORKS

VS. KIMBERLEY

Friday, January 31st 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 1st 7:30 p.m.

BORDER BRUINS

DYNAMITERS

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS IN THE KIJHL!

A16 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo's 2013/2014

NHL Hockey Pool Standings Grand Prize

This week's winner is:

2 night stay at Copper Point Resort and $100 dining certificate for Elements Grill

J. Pike

2 rounds of golf for the Ridge at Copper Point Golf Club

Head to Echo/Pioneer office to redeem your lunch prize!

250-341-4000

250-341-3392

All prizes must be claimed before the following week's results are released.

Rank

Team

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T10 T10 12 13 14 T15 T15 17 18 19 20 21 22 T23 T23 25 26 27 T28 T28 T30 T30 32 33 34 35 T36 T36 T38 T38 T38 41 42 43 T44 T44 46 T47 T47 49 50 T51

Craiger Ivy Puff Pastry Ken Reid Toucan 01 Kogging Magic Mitch 25 Lis Cotton Swab Lawson 23 Pouncy’s Pals 3 Aces N Eights Hair Haven Zman King Chris Love the B’s Jye Professor 05 Liam 10 Double-Duece RC31 Brodes G Rohrick 15 Injured reserve 16 Paige 13 Snakitov13 Hossa 81 Snake53 R’s Rockets “The Zach Attacks” Pullz 28 Dirty Doan 12 an Rockies 18 Harley B.the.B.B.B. Naho Rubicon PMD Rockies super fan Kappdaddy26 MM88 DR19 Crew Slut The Goalie Guy Dace 58 Go Habs Go Rockies 3 Brennan Chick Magnet Dusty 21 Nelly Kosty 27

Total 832 831 823 806 796 795 787 783 781 778 778 777 770 769 767 767 766 760 759 758 757 756 755 755 753 752 746 745 745 742 742 741 739 738 737 736 736 735 735 735 733 731 730 728 728 726 723 723 722 721 720

LW 47 40 41 35 40 42 50 42 35 42 40 52 35 38 40 41 43 22 52 38 41 45 48 45 53 44 44 38 51 42 43 45 32 43 45 26 28 38 29 37 44 48 40 34 49 37 36 48 39 41 35

GM 84 97 51 100 80 137 105 86 99 114 123 100 136 122 87 68 86 111 83 87 134 128 117 107 110 138 118 98 138 112 119 166 113 104 107 136 141 126 135 109 136 129 141 146 151 105 126 94 94 135 103

P/G 0.87 0.89 0.84 0.86 0.83 0.89 0.85 0.83 0.83 0.85 0.85 0.84 0.86 0.85 0.81 0.79 0.81 0.82 0.80 0.81 0.84 0.84 0.82 0.81 0.82 0.84 0.81 0.79 0.83 0.80 0.81 0.85 0.79 0.79 0.80 0.82 0.82 0.81 0.82 0.78 0.82 0.81 0.81 0.82 0.82 0.77 0.79 0.77 0.77 0.79 0.77

If you would like to sponsor The Valley Echo’s hockey pool, contact us at 250-341-6299

mile·stone n.

B.

(mīl’stŌn’)

e to indion a roadsid p u t se er k ar point.

1. A stone m from a given es il m in ce n cate the dista

career, in a person’s as t, en ev t an t of advancemen 2. An import e th r o , n io f a nat oint. the history o d; a turning p el fi a in e g d knowle

Rank T51 53 T54 T54 56 57 58 T59 T59 T59 T62 T62 64 65 T66 T66 T66 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 T77 T77 T77 T77 T81 T81 83 T84 T84 T86 T86 88 89 90 91 92 T93 T93 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102

Team JHaley11 Long Rock Jagar 20 Plum 24 Brennan’s Compe Flames Suck Major Snipes Kimmer MN1 Jake 2 Dicks Pix Stick63 LBO Dylan 4 Bergeeo 7 N4Cer Westside Dan Yolo Swagins Schlittsy06 Troll Nelson 30 Dave’s Laffers Rock 50 Dooley David The Boyz Old Rock Hunter 11 Nick Bolin Nicole Ashley Furniture Hendy 17 Dumpandpump 15 Love the B’s 2 Mags57 Harley 10 Van Fan Ninja Chicken Heidi ACF lil’b Cian Ryann 7 Badtothe Boone 22 Matt Cable Joaks 16 Braden 5 Connor K Skeeter 31 Riley 14 J. Pike

Total 720 717 716 716 715 714 713 711 711 711 710 710 709 705 704 704 704 702 701 700 698 691 690 688 684 683 683 683 683 679 679 678 677 677 674 674 673 670 665 663 662 658 658 655 652 650 646 638 636 627 595

LW

GM

45 40 37 48 50 39 30 39 36 30 36 38 48 28 29 40 39 37 26 38 48 42 39 53 30 40 35 36 40 40 43 31 36 38 51 39 29 46 45 38 28 36 44 41 43 31 39 35 27 36 54

143 106 112 130 115 137 175 106 100 148 140 150 110 150 176 126 125 121 185 103 147 189 152 130 155 113 177 173 128 144 164 174 197 141 141 132 148 158 138 195 130 183 178 185 140 179 163 184 221 180 197

P/G 0.81 0.78 0.77 0.79 0.78 0.79 0.83 0.76 0.77 0.80 0.80 0.81 0.76 0.79 0.82 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.82 0.75 0.79 0.81 0.78 0.76 0.77 0.74 0.79 0.79 0.75 0.76 0.78 0.79 0.81 0.76 0.76 0.74 0.75 0.77 0.74 0.79 0.73 0.77 0.76 0.77 0.73 0.76 0.73 0.75 0.78 0.73 0.71

Sponsored by:

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Which is why The Valley Echo is asking readers to submit their Milestones (anniversaries, new jobs/careers, birthdays, anything that marks a ‘turning point’ in your life or the life of someone special) for FREE to production@ invermerevalleyecho.com (please put “Milestones” as the subject line). Your Milestones will appear at the start of the Classifieds section each week, and each week one Milestone will be randomly picked to WIN a FREE CUPCAKE at Quality Bakery in Invermere. Get your Milestone in today!

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A17

COMMUNITY

Family Literacy Day festivities and more planned for Invermere Public Library LEAH SHOEMAKER Invermere Public Library

Family Literacy Day is fast approaching, and the Invermere Public Library is excited to announce the launch of a weekly Saturday story time just in time for the celebration. Now you can join us every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in addition to the regular Friday 10:30 am story time.

This year’s 16th annual Family Literacy Day falls on Monday, January 27th and the theme is encouraging families to spend 15 minutes of fun with each other every day. Telling jokes, reading recipes, and playing board games together are

some great ways to encourage learning as a family. As a free resource, the library has put together a limited supply of Family Literacy Packages which include games, crafts, and fun ways to include literacy into everyday activities.

With the New Year in full swing, the library would also like to remind the community of some of our new and familiar events and activities we will be hosting.

PJ Story time takes place on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Seniors’ Tea with free transportation to and from Lakeview Manor is the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

This month’s Adventure Club for stu-

dents in Grades 5 through 7 will be experimenting with ice sculptures in a carnival-inspired theme on February 7th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

Genealogy at the Library will be running on Wednesday, Feb 19th and preregistration is required. The library is also hosting eReaders: An Introduction Workshop on Wednesday, March 5th; pre-registration is required.

The library will also be running a sixweek Lego club. Follow our Twitter and Facebook pages for date announcements and registration requirements for this and all other events.

You can also visit our website at invermere.bclibrary.ca .

Province doubles down on pseudo-science CHRIS GENOVALI Raincoast Conservation Foundation

Scientists from the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Simon Fraser University, and University of Victoria recently authored the first peer-reviewed study of British Columbia’s controversial grizzly bear management. Conclusions from the article, published online in the prestigious international journal PLOS ONE, cast serious doubt regarding the B.C. government’s persistent claim that “sound science” is used to manage the trophy hunt.

Using the province’s kill data to determine if B.C.’s grizzly management meets its own objectives (maintaining all human-caused kills below pre-determined limits), the scientists found that in the past decade, total kills commonly exceeded limits determined by provincial policy.

These “overkills” occurred at least once in half the populations open to hunting between 2001 and 2011. Troublingly, these overkills were particularly common for adult females, the reproductive powerhouses of the species.

Notably, Raincoast and our lawyers at Ecojustice engaged in a five-year legal battle to gain access to provincial kill data. That the BC government had to be compelled by the courts to grant us access is telling.

“Overkills are a serious concern because the biology of grizzly bears makes them highly vulnerable to excessive mortality,” said Raincoast biologist and lead author Kyle Artelle, who is a Simon Fraser University PhD student. “They have great difficulty recovering from population declines.”

The team of wildlife and fisheries scientists also assessed how uncertainty

in management affects the likelihood of accurately detecting overkills. Given the many unknowns in management (such as the actual number of bears in hunted populations) overkills might have occurred in 70 per cent of the cases, and gone undetected 75 per cent of the time.

“We analyzed only some of the uncertainty associated with grizzly management and found it might be contributing to widespread overkills,” said Dr. Paul Paquet, senior scientist at Raincoast and co-author of the study. “I’m not sure how the government defines sound science, but an approach that carelessly leads to widespread overkills is less than scientifically credible.”

“Ignoring uncertainty – in dimensions such as true population size – is like playing Russian roulette,” said Dr. Chris Darimont, a University of Victoria professor and Raincoast science director. “As the history of wildlife management has shown repeatedly, the consequences of not accounting for the unknowns are grave.”

Reasonable people might expect that the findings of the PLOS ONE paper would give the province cause to rethink their obviously flawed management of the grizzly hunt. Instead, the policy makers and bureaucrats responsible for overseeing the trophy hunting of B.C.’s grizzlies reacted with what appears to be a pushback against the exposure of their unsound policies in a prominent scientific journal.

As such, they decided to double down on their pseudo-science and expand the grizzly hunt in 2014 by re-opening two management units in the Cariboo and Kootenay regions that had been closed because of hunting overkill. In fact, the Kootenay has been identified in the PLOS ONE paper as one of

the regions that has most consistently experienced overkills.

In defending their decision to expand the hunt, the province proclaimed, “anecdotal information from various stakeholders suggests that the grizzly bear population has increased.”

The “stakeholders” they refer to are, of course, first and foremost trophy hunters, who happen to be the B.C. government’s preferred constituency when it comes to wildlife management. And so, the pretense of the province’s so-called sound science is exposed by the admission of their inclusion of anecdotal evidence as justification for expanding the recreational killing of grizzly bears.

Provincial policy makers and bureaucrats have for decades served as the shameless enablers of an indefensible activity, causing an untold amount of pain and suffering amongst large carnivores in B.C. Ironically, while poll after poll shows an overwhelming majority of British Columbians are opposed to the grizzly hunt, these unaccountable taxpayer-funded bureaucrats justify their existence by facilitating the recreational killing of grizzlies, and devising an elaborate ever-changing rationalization for the sport hunting of bears.

Although ongoing attempts are made to dress up the province’s motivations in the trappings of their proverbial sound science, they are clearly driven by an anachronistic ideology that is disconcertingly fixated on killing as a legitimate and necessary tool of wildlife management.

Scientific management requires considering and incorporating any and all new evidence as it arises. The province’s contempt for the PLOS ONE paper as shown by their willful disregard of the best available peer reviewed science is appalling and inexcusable.

Valley Echo file photo

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A18 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

Snow makes highway a no-go zone Marie-Claude Gosselin photo After heavy snowfall on the second weekend in January, snow posed a serious avalanche threat on mountain slopes adjacent to Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park, prompting a road shutdown on Thursday, January 16th that lasted nine hours. Parks Canada began doing avalanche control work on a slope south of Vermillion Crossing around 3 p.m., triggering a massive slide that blocked the highway with a snow deposit two metres deep and 100 metres across. The highway didn't re-open until midnight.

Âť A N T A R C T I C METEOROLOGIST from A13

pursuing historical ambitions, "which aren't necessarily the best ones," he added.

"When Britain first started setting up bases in Antarctica, it had an empire all over the world,� he said. As each country takes pride in maintaining its claim to that part of the world, the Mark Jeffery science that is produced is often cherry-picked to feature the most favourable results, he said.

Mr. Jeffery's presentation will explore the comparisons between common expectations and reality, he said. To hear about his adventure in person, attend his his presentation at David Thompson Secondary School tomorrow night, January 23rd. The event begins at 7 p.m., and admission is by donation to Wildsight.

He said that a penguin once jumped into his boat from the sea just to take a look before dipping back into the water.

Shortly after his expedition in Antarctica, Mr. Jeffery relocated to Canada, and now resides in Rossland. He said that after spending time on the vast southernmost continent, Canada's enormous amount of space and mountains lured him here.

While the mountains in Antarctica are comparable to what's here in British Columbia, there is "a lot more snow and no vegetation there," he said. "The lack of life and great amount of snow make the mountains in antarctica pretty unique."

Asked why he would embark on such ambitious employment, he spoke about the continent's historic transition from fiction into truth.

"Long before anybody ever discovered Antarctic, people had ideas of what would be there, it was "the unknown land of the south." It existed in people's imaginaMark Jeffery photo tions before it ever exMark Jeffery photo isted in reality."

A weather dome houses equipment used to measure climatic condiWith no natural predators, up close and personal interactions with penguins were common in British expeditions tions in this shot from Mark Jeffery's stay in the Antarctic between Antarctica, said Mark Jeffery. were, and still are, 1997 and 1999.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 22,Echo 2014 Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley

www.invermerevalleyecho.com www.invermerevalleyecho.com A19

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Normâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auto ReďŹ nishing, Terrace, BC. High production, ICBC Accredited body shop requires a LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE PAINTER. Competitive wages, excellent benefits. fax: 250-635-3081 or email: mel@normsautorefinishing.ca Attn: Mel Rundell, Manager PINHEADS Bowling on Silver Star Mountain is looking for a mechanically minded individual to work with us during the winter season as well as June and July. This is a part time position with great pay and benefits, training provided. This could be a great job for a retired mechanic or trades person, or a younger person who wants to live and work in a vibrant ski resort. This position is available immediately. Please email Heather at info@pinheadsbowling.ca

Trades, Technical HIRING in Fort St John, BC. MILL ELECTRICIANS w/ experience. Wage up to $50/hr, Housing & Benefits.

Shift-7days on/ 7off. Email resume: tom@fsjelec.com or fax 250-630-2114 Ph: 250-2634350 JOURNEYMAN HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS Fort McMurray & Leduc Alberta Gladiator Equipment Ltd. has immediate positions for Journeyman Heavy Duty, off road Certified Mechanics for work in Fort McMurray and Leduc, Alberta. Excellent wages and benefits. www.gladiatorequipment.com fax 1-780-986-7051. hr@gladiatorequipment.com

Marine Technician

Primary duties include maint. troubleshooting & repair of diesel & gas marine engines.

Knowledgeable in vessel electrical systems.

Must have own tools and a valid drivers license.

Compensation Based On Experience.

Please forward resume to vancouveroutboard@ telus.net

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that simple. your credit / age / income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Legal Services

GLEN Livet Manor. N/S N/P cats ok. 1 Bedroom $725/mo; 2 Bedroom $850/mo. New Flooring/Paint/Drapes.

Quiet building. Access to hospital.

Close to rec centre & shopping. Phone 778-517-0777

Wednesday, Wednesday,January January22, 22,2014 2014 The The Valley Valley Echo Echo

Transportation

Transportation

Auto Financing

Auto Financing

Homes for Rent For rent in Wilmer. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an old and small cozy house. Large yard, storage shed. $675.00 plus hydro. Call 250-342-6820

CRIMINAL RECORD? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

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Telephone Services DISCONNECTED PHONE? National Teleconnect Home Phone Service. No One Refused! Low Monthly Rate! Calling Features and Unlimited Long Distance Available. Call National Teleconnect Today!

1-866-443-4408. Or online: www.nationalteleconnect.com

Merchandise for Sale

Free Items Free single wide mobile home, you move it by April 15th, call 250-342-4660

Misc. for Sale Fridge, stove, freezer, washer, dryer. $100 each OBO. Propane furnace, electric hot water tank, prices negotiable, also FREE large shed, cute mobile home addition $500, call 250-342-4660 HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper?

Queen sized sofa bed. Excellent condition and comfortable sleep. Re-arranging home. $200. 250-342-6752 STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

'RQŇ&#x2039;W WDNH \RXU PXVFOHV IRU JUDQWHG 2YHU &DQDGLDQV ZLWK PXVFXODU G\VWURSK\ WDNH WKHP YHU\ VHULRXVO\

Upright piano Heintzman, teak wood, 1st owner. $950 OBO Bedroom furniture, Teak wood, 6 piece. $450 OBO Green marble slab, polished. 44 x 32 inch. $ 70 OBO Please call 250-341-3440

Services

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Financial Services DROWNING IN debt? Cut debts more than 60% & debt free in half the time! Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll free 1-877-556-3500 BBB rated A+

Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Estates, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins, Bills etc.

Confidential 778-281-0030

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Misc. Wanted

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LUTHERAN MISSION Of INVERMERE OF Worship Services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere fraser Coltman Pastor Rev. Fraser Pastor Rev. David Morton 250-426-7564

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED 250-342-6644 100-7th Avenue, Invermere www.wvsm.ca Reverend Laura Hermakin

26th Sunday, January 19th 9:30 a.m.

Bacon, Friends & Faith 10:30 a.m.: Worship at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Please note: There will be no services at All Saints, Edgewater, or St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Windermere for the month of January.

CANADIAN MARTYRS CATHOLIC CHURCH Roman Catholic Parish Pastor: Father Gabriel 250-342-6167 Invermere 250-344-6328 Golden Confession: 1/2 hour before Mass Canadian Martyrsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Church 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Saturday at 5 p.m.

Sunday at 9 a.m.

St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Highway 93-95, Radium Hot Springs Sunday at 11 a.m.

Sacred Heart Parish 808 - 11 Street, Golden Saturday at 7 p.m.

Sunday at 10 a.m.

St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mission Corner of Luck and Dunn, Canal Flats

Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (served from Kimberly)

RADIUM CHRISTIAN fELLOWSHIP FELLOWSHIP For more information call 250-342-6633 or 250-347-6334 Loving God, Loving People #4 - 7553 Main Street W, Radium Sundays at 10 a.m.

Bible Studies #4 - 7553 Main Street W, Radium Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Church Edgewater Hall Thursday 6:30 p.m.

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

326 - 10th Ave. 250-342-9535 REV. TREVOR HAGAN Senior Pastor www.lakewindermerealliance.org

26th Sunday, January 12th 10:30 a.m.

CELEBRATION SUNDAY, Worship and Life Instruction, â&#x20AC;&#x153;GODIS...Omniscient Is â&#x20AC;Ś.. Sovereignâ&#x20AC;?AND â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;GOD Pastor Trevor ministering.

The Omnipotentâ&#x20AC;?...Pastor Trevor Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supper will be served. ministering. â&#x20AC;&#x153;K.I.D.S.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;K.I.D.S.â&#x20AC;? Church, Church, for for children Age children Age 33 to to Grade Grade 1; 1; and and Grades Grades 2-5, 2-5, during during the the Morning Morning Service.

Service.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Hwy. 93/95 1 km north of Windermere Pastor: Murray Wittke Sunday Service 10 a.m. Worship & Word Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Provided Call the office at 250-342-9511 for more information. www.valleychristianonline.com

Sharing Truth Showing Love Following the Spirit

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A21

Brain Games

Columbia Valley

Weekend Weather

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Cloudy periods

Variable cloudiness

Variable cloudiness

invermerevalleyecho.com

Temp: 6oC

Temp: 4oC

250-341-6299

January 25

Temp: 5 C o

o

January 27

January 26

o

Feels like 5 C

Feels like 2 C

Low: -1oC

Low: 0oC

Low: -1oC

CLUES ACROSS 1. Correct code 6. Foundation 9. A pulpy condition 13. Venezuelan river 14. Orange-red chalcedony 15. The shallowest Great 16. Floating ice mountain 17. Japanese cervids 18. Special Interest Groups 19. Divertimentos 21. Indian wet nurses 22. Flatfishes 23. Haitian currency (abbr.)

24. Southeast 25. One point N of due W 28. 10 decibels 29. Wild oxes of SE Asia 31. Ancient Greek City of SW Italy 33. A passing glancing blow 36. Marriage

customerservice@ invermerevalleyecho.com

o

Feels like 5 C

Crossword January 22, 2014

VALLEY ECHO T he

announcement 38. Tandoor bread 39. Mag_____: Time 41. Portended 44. Alicante’s 7th city 45. Gulf of, in the Aegean 46. Strike 48. Hill (Celtic) 49. Stuart Little’s author White 51. Male sheep 52. Indian dresses 54. Pears 56. Tardy arriver 60. Smudge of ink 61. Youngsters 62. About aviation 63. Small ornamental ladies’ bag 64. Unreturnable serves 65. Fante and Twi peoples 66. Round shape 67. Of she 68. Beard lichen genus

CLUES DOWN 1. Strikes lightly 2. Fencing sword 3. Hooked pericarp 4. Entreats 5. Edison’s Corp.

6. Cooks in an oven 7. Amounts of time 8. Tooth caregiver 9. Spellbind 10. Solo opera piece 11. Audible exhales 12. Siddhartha author 14. Coach’s game area 17. Gross revenue 20. Toff 21. 1896 Italian defeat (alt. sp.)

23. Auto fuel 25. A woven structure 26. Reveal a secret 27. Hawaiian geese 29. Brings into being

30. Displaced liquid 32. Frigid Zone 34. Newsman Rather 35. Prefix for inside 37. Short-billed rails 40. Sensory receptor 42. Egyptian temple ___Ombo 43. Challenges 47. Photograph (slang) 49. Declined

gradually 50. Tilapia nilotica 52. One-edge sword 53. Wets 55. Small coins (French) 56. Twine together 57. The middle point 58. Sea eagle 59. Activist Parks 61. Humbug 65. Atomic #79

Answer to January 15:

Horoscope Third Week of Januar y

ARIES Aries, though you are eager to plow through your to-do list, certain plans may have to be postponed due to circumstances beyond your control. Go with the flow.

TAURUS Taurus, uncover the source of a disagreement with a friend and try to come to a resolution before the disagreement escalates.

Handling things promptly will pay off.

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Last Sudoku answer -->:

GEMINI Gemini, attention to detail this week will prevent delays down the road. Keep this mind when tending to personal as well as professional matters.

CANCER You may find your mind wandering this week, Cancer. You cannot seem to focus on the tasks at hand, but work hard to limit distractions and get your work done.

LIBRA Libra, you are drawn to creative endeavors these days and have less patience for tasks that are not nearly as fun.

Find a healthy balance between the two.

LEO Leo, respect a loved one’s decision to keep a certain matter private.

There’s not much you can do other than offer your support and respect.

SCORPIO Scorpio, expect to serve as a mediator for your loved ones this week.

The issue that arises is relatively small, but your calm demeanor and cool head will be needed.

VIRGO Virgo, carefully schedule your time this week.

You cannot afford to get behind in work or miss any important appointments.

Stay focused and leave some time free for the unexpected.

SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius, you may be floundering a little in the romance department this week. Stick to what your intuition is telling you, and you will come out just fine.

CAPRICORN Capricorn, you are focused on your work, but distractions beyond your control figure to prove frustrating. Try to remain as patient as possible, and everything will work itself out.

AQUARIUS Aquarius, take a breather and stop to give some careful thought to your recent experiences and your expectations going forward. You will benefit from this reflection in the long run.

PISCES Pisces, expect some valuable insight on your future to arrive in the next few days. It won’t be difficult to set plans in motion.

A22 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

COMMUNITY

Help measure the pulse of the East Kootenays BLACK PRESS Special to The Valley Echo

Readers of Black Press community newspapers across the Kootenays will have a chance to win a cool $1,000 for completing an online survey that will help local businesses better understand customers in their community.

The Pulse of (West Kootenay – East Kootenay) survey looks at the shopping plans and priorities of our readers and their media reading habits.

Responses will be kept completely

confidential; reader contact information will only be gathered in order to enter the name into a prize draw for one of five $1,000 cash prizes to be given away across the Kootenays.

Readers who submit the survey before January 31st will also have their name entered into a draw for a $20 grocery gift card.

Check out (East Kootenay: www. pulseresearch.com/eastkootenay West Kootenay: www.pulseresearch.com/ westkootenay) to complete the survey and to enter the prize draws.

Serving the Valley

Sholinder & MacKay

The WaTer & air Company!

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES/STOVES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street P: 250-342-7100 Invermere, BC

E: info@diamondheatingandspas.com

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy Ltd. J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Irena Sedlakova, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Your compounding pharmacy Come in and browse our giftware!

Open Monday - Saturday • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6612

Water Treatment: filtration and purification Furnace and Duct cleaning

Purify the water you drink and the air you breathe!

Kerry Colonna

• Over 30 years experience • 24 hour emergency service • Seniors’ Discount

250-341-8501

Sand & Gravel

Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping Office:

Located in the Diamond Heating & Spa building in Athalmer

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer

250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

• Gas • Propane • Diesel • Automotive Repairs • Tires & Batteries • Greyhound

NEWER SEW ERA CAM

• CAA approved automotive repair •

• Complete sewer/drain repairs • Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years • Avoid costly repairs

MECHANICAL REPAIRS AVAILABLE 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 Days A Week

250-347-9726 7507 Main

Bruce Dehart 250-347-9803 or 250-342-5357

READY MIX CONCRETE • CONCRETE PUMP • SAND & GRAVEL • HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTALS • CRANE SERVICE Advertise your business in Serving the Valley.

Call 250-341-6299 to inquire about this space.

250-342-6452 • 250-342-3773 Cell: 250-342-5833

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

DCS Plumbing • Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks

250-342-5089

To advertise, call: 250-341-6299

Proudly serving the Valley for over 50 years.

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767

(office)

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

drivewayBC.ca |

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A23

Welcome to the driver’s seat

This hi new Q50 llooks k great, has a wonderful interior, power to spare and solid handling dynamics.

Zack Spencer

Visit the Q50 photo gallery at DrivewayBC.ca

2014 Infiniti Q50 challenges the old order Infiniti has had a bit of an identity crisis over the past year with a wholesale change in the way it names its products.

Gone is the JX crossover, it’s called the QX60 now and the G 37 sedan has been replaced with the Q50 sedan. Q signifies for cars and QX for crossovers or SUVs. The outgoing G37 was already a very worthy on-road performer but a bit too simplistic in the inside. Now, Infiniti has taken things up a notch with the Q50, adding a dynamic look, sumptuous interior and class leading technology.

Looks It could be argued that the current BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class are a bit conservative, while this Q50 and the major competitor, Lexus IS, are much edgier. This is especially true with the front grille. The rest of the Q50 is nicely sculpted, with flowing lines and an almost elegant rear end. Sold as a base model, sport trim, all wheel drive (AWD), premium, and even a hybrid, there is a broad market for this sedan.

Starting at $37,500 and ramping up to the AWD sport model at $49,950, there is a substantial discount with the Q50 when you compare it to a similarly equipped BMW. The base model comes with 17-inch wheels but most of the higher trim levels are equipped with 19-inch wheels. The car seen here is the AWD premium model starting at $43,400.

Inside The Q50 centre console is very attractive with two screens placed for radio functions and the second for the

navigation ($1,400 option) opt for the AWD model, and backup camera. The which is a good choice way the lower screen is due to the higher level incorporated is first rate; of interior amenities. it looks like a high quality In addition, the Q50 is iPad that sits flush with the first car to have a the dash, while the higher steer-by-wire system screen is recessed for easier that is customizable and use in bright light. this system is optional Direct Adaptive The only problem with on the AWD models and Steering has its this system is the time it standard on the sport takes to boot-up when critics but for me, the versions of the Q50. you start the car over 30 Direct Adaptive Steering Q50 feels like it is seconds to access the radio has its critics but for an extension of the and other features. Most me, the Q50 feels like driver. people will buy the sport it is an extension of the model ($47,495) or the driver, moving through Zack Spencer premium trim ($43,400) to corners with ease and get heated leather seats, comfort with just the Bose stereo, backup camera with slightest movement of the steering around view cameras, and power tilt wheel. Handling is enhanced thanks to and telescopic steering to name a few a stiffer chassis and the rear suspenadditional features. The base model is sion has been adjusted. a price leader but expect to buy the The downside to equipping the Q50 premium model or above to get the with a V6 is the amount of fuel it car well equipped. In comparison, the burns in comparison to the turbo $53,800, 300hp BMW 335iS AWD is 4-cylinder offerings from the German much more expensive than many of the competition. Rated at 11.1L/100km in top Q50 trim levels. the city and 7.3L on the highway for the AWD equipped model. There is a Drive hybrid version available that drops the The latest trend is to include a turboconsumption down to 7.0L/100km in charged 4-cylinder engine as the base the city and 5.0L on the highway but power plant in most German compact it is a premium offering with a starting luxury sedans. This Q50 is bucking the price of $47,000. trend and sticking with the 3.7L V6

‘‘

’’

they had in the previous G37 with a powerful and smooth 328hp.

The transmission is a 7-speed automatic that puts the power to either the rear wheels, or all wheels, depending on the trim selected. Most Canadians will

Verdict The benchmark in the premium compact sedan market has been the BMW 3 Series but the gap is narrowing. This new Q50 looks great, has a wonderful interior, power to spare and solid

handling dynamics.

On price, the BMW 328i AWD is the closest and starts at $46,200 but is equipped with a 241hp 4-cylinder. The direct competitor on power is the much more expensive 335is AWD. The Lexus IS350 AWD is another premium offering from Japan, and it starts at a very competitive $44,000. As much as the Japanese automakers like to challenge the German makers, they really end up competing with each other.

Yes, this is a worthy car but the one thing you cannot factor into the buying decision is the badge appeal that storied brands like Mercedes, BMW and Audi provide.

OF THE WEEK:

What is your favourite brand of car and what model specifically do you like?

Please explain why you have made that decision.

?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip: When extreme winter road conditions hit, it’s a good idea to think about whether you even need to get behind the wheel.

If you have the option, consider public transit or carpool with some who has a vehicle prepared for the conditions. Also consider leaving for work just a little later to allow crews to clear the roads.

Find more online at The Lowdown Power: 3.7L V6 with 328hp Fill-up: 11.1L/7.3L/100km (city/highway) Sticker price: $37,500-$47,950 zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca

We are your Recruitment Professionals Call 1-855-678-7833 today for more details.

Question

drivewayBC.ca

A24 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 The Valley Echo

ICAN – Invermere Companion Animal Network

Available for Adoption

AUTO & MARINE DETAILING We service cars, trucks, vans, boats, RVs and motorcycles. We look forward to the opportunity of serving you soon.

BRONZE • • • •

exterior wash and chamois dry vacuum interior dusting clean all windows inside and out

SILVER • • • • • • •

exterior wash and chamois dry steam clean upholstery shampoo all carpets all detailing packages when presenting clean and dress leather/vinyl this ad clean and dress vents/door jams clean and dress tires clean all windows inside and out exterior wash and chamois dry steam clean upholstery shampoo all carpets clean and dress leather/vinyl clean and dress vents/door jams clean and dress tires clean all windows inside and out shampoo engine scotch guard all cloth upholstery exterior polish and wax

Ea

l Survey ecekSeunrdve. y celokend. this w this we

250-341-7888

Photo courtesy of Tanya De Leeuw Photography

Financial Literacy Financial Literacy is an eight-week course that will cover basic banking, budgeting, savings, debit & credit use, and household money management. Join us for discussion and skill-building, and take the fear out of finances!

Thursdays beginning January 23rd, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

CBAL Classroom, #304, 1313-7th Ave To register, please contact Katie at 250-688-2115 or kandruschuk@cbal.org

VALLEY ECHO T he

picture framing • lighting •home decor

ALL PENDANT LIGHTS

250-409-4385 4836 Athalmer Road, Invermere, B.C. lboautobody@gmail.com

ST$2L0AST A L WinAaNCE NCE H yCICNHa!rAd ! rocerW GC N I W O w a r O T D s d rly Bir Tose ses

4992 Fairmont Frontage Rd. 250-345-6133

Adoption Fee: $100 (to help offset spay/neuter and vet bills)

– Learning together –

www.icanbc.com www.facebook.com/icanbc

GOLD • • • • • • • • • •

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905 7 Ave, Invermere • 250-342-0012

Have HaveYour YourSaySay Complete thethe survey…

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win win $1,000! $1,000!

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