Invermere Valley Echo, February 12, 2014

The Columbia Valley’s Newspaper Since 1956

From Canal Flats to Spillimacheen

VALLEY ECHO T he

invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Vol.58 56Issue Issue 40 Vol. 07

1

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BERNIE RAVEN CHRIS RAVEN 1-866-598-7415 TEAMRAVEN.CA Offices in Panorama, Invermere & Fairmont

Moose populations under investigation Pg. 4

Rockies lose, then win, to stay in playoff hunt Pg. 12

MaxWell Realty Invermere

Firing it up A flaming dish was among the tapas highlights at the Hoodoo Grill's Fire and Ice dinner on Saturday, February 8th, as part of the larger weekend of Fire and Ice events throughout Fairmont Hot Springs (Lizzie Midyette photo).

Guests at the grill enjoyed sumptuous meals, a silent auction, a live performance by musician Al Lukas (photo

by Greg Amos), an interactive ice sculpture and a chance to watch Invermere's Ben Thomsen in Olympic downhill — all of which kept the energy level high throughout the evening. See more photos on page 2.

Epic animal fossil discovery in Kootenay National Park NICOLE TRIGG nicole@invermerevalleyecho.com

A stunning fossil discovery in Kootenay National Park's Marble Canyon may change humankind's understanding of early animal life over 500 million years ago.

“We were already aware of the presence of some Burgess Shale fossils in Kootenay National Park. We had a hunch that if we followed the formation along the mountain topography into new areas with the right rock types, maybe, just maybe, we would get lucky," said geologist Dr. Robert Gaines of Pomona College in California. He was a member of the Royal Ontario Museum team that made the find in the sum-

mer of 2012. "We never in our wildest dreams thought we’d track down a motherlode like this. It didn’t take us very long at all to realize that we had dug up something special."

Though the discovery was made a year and a half ago, yesterday (Tuesday, February 11th) saw the first time a paper on Kootenay National Park's new Marble Canyon fossil beds was published, appearing in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

In just 15 days of field collecting, 50 animal species were unearthed at the new Kootenay National Park site. Compared to the approximately 200 animal species identified in over 600 field days at the original Burgess Shale discovery in Yoho National Park indicates the Kootenay National Park site

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

appears to equal the importance of the original discovery, and may one day even surpass it.

“This new discovery is an epic sequel to a research story that began at the turn of the previous century, and there is no doubt in my mind that this new material will significantly increase our understanding of early animal evolution," said the study's lead author, University of Toronto Associate Professor Dr. Jean-Bernard Caron, who is the Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Royal Ontario Museum.

"The rate at which we are finding animals – many of which are new – is astonishing, and there is a high possibility that we’ll eventually find more species here than at the original Yoho National Park site, and potentially more than from anywhere else in the world.” »See A5

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

Valley Life

Fun on the slopes, adventure in the valley Dan Walton and Greg Amos/Valley Echo photos The Snowflake Festival at Panorama Mountain Village on Saturday, February 8th produced the usual array of thrills, chills, and even a few spills in the Rail Jam that followed later that evening. Clockwise from top left: a young ring tosser focuses on his throw during one of many classic carnival games available at the fest; Lilly Flamand, Kaitlyn Hessel, Abby Wagner, and Jazmynn Hilder-Grealey create snow globes during a craft project on Thursday, February 6th, when the Invermere Library was holding its monthly Adventure Club meeting for students in Grades 4 through 7; seven-year-old Max Wilson from Calgary has more growing to do before he'll fit into the giant Muskoka chair at Panorama Mountain Village; the Hoodoo Grill kept adults entertained thanks to an interactive ice sculpture at the Fire and Ice event on the evening of Saturday, February 8th.

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

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Page Three Sunchaser owners to appeal court decision DAN WALTON dan@invermerevalleyecho.com

In a decision made last November, the B.C. Supreme Court sided with the property managers for Sunchaser Vacation Villas in Fairmont Hot Springs, and dinged the timeshare owners with massive bills after a renovation project – but those on the hook aren't going down without a fight.

Many timeshare owners are fighting the court's decision by attempting to appeal it with the help of Vancouver's Geldert Law. No injunction has been sought, meaning that owners will still be subject to late payment charges and 2014 maintenance fees if the appeal fails.

The timeshare units were managed

by Fairmont Resort Properties Ltd., which declared bankruptcy in 2008 and was subsequently purchased

by Northwynd Resort Properties Ltd. and re-named Sunchaser Vacation Villas.

Plans to undergo massive upgrades obligated each owner to pay thousands of dollars in addition to their annual maintenance fees. Many owners felt that the sum of the charges were unreasonable and filed a class

action lawsuit.

After the timeshare owners (who formed the Owners Association) and property managers — Northmont Resort Properties, the management arm of Northwynd Resort Properties — both made their cases in the B.C. Supreme Court in October, a decision was made in November siding with Northwynd, allowing the property owners to collect.

A sum of $4,195 (described as the "Reason to stay" option on the sunchaservillas.ca website) has been charged for the upgrades to each owner, unless they choose to give up their maintenance responsibility, along with their lease, for a cost of $3,168 (described as the "Freedom to choose" option on the website).

Leaseholders have created a website, sunchaserowners.ca, and a Facebook page, titled “Owners Association - Fairmont Sunchaser Northwynd Resort”, to vent their frustrations about their limited options.

"Because I didn't choose either option (within two months) I was suddenly in default and was told they would no longer honour my booked reservation," wrote one owner, who claimed to have paid the 2013 annual fees, on the Facebook page. "Suddenly I was a delinquent account. “What a joke. I don't

want to leave other timeshare owners with my debt so we are paying this extortion fee and walking away."

Many concerns exist that the resort will declare bankruptcy after collecting the money but before following through with the renovation.

"If they enter Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) protection as have their predecessors, it will probably affect many of the businesses in the valley," reads a message from one concerned owner. "We are not going to be using our two units this year with what they are demanding we pay. We have enjoyed all of our vacations over there since 1998 and are disgusted with what the operator is attempting to do with the property."

But only those who choose the "Reason to stay" option will be financially supporting the renovation, a Northwynd representative stated in an online forum.

"Cancellation fees have never been for the renovation and we have never suggested they are”, wrote a user called Northwynd CC. “The cancellation fee is a payment to Northmont as developer for agreeing to terminate your lease/ ownership.”

Calls to Northwynd and Geldert Law were not returned by The Valley Echo's press deadline.

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.............................................A12-A13 Brain Games..........................................A16 Classifieds.....................................A17-A18 Serving the Valley.................................A20

Columns Gerry Taft/Regional Rundown..............A5 Fred Elford/Human Communication....A6 Nicole Trigg/Off the Record....................A7 Marilyn Berry/Rockie Talk...................A15

Features Valley Life..................................................A2 2014 Winter Olympics....................A10-A11 Hockey Pool............................................A14

Find us online InvermereValleyEcho @TheValley Echo

Got news?

What is the food corridor and incubator kitchen?

Word is on the street and the groundwork has begun for the Columbia Valley Food Corridor Association.

What’s all the buzz about and what exactly is this?

A group of food producers and volunteers from the Columbia Valley area have come together to form a group called the Columbia Valley Food Corridor Association. They are interested in economic development of the local food sector in our region and are currently looking into the feasibility of establishing a food business incubator, including a shared-use commercial kitchen and business development support for food entrepreneurs.

Between changes happening to the local economy, Interior Health regulations and what appears to be an emergence of culinary tourism in our area, the Food Corridor concept would provide support to foodrelated developments by providing a shared-use commercial kitchen where anyone can rent to cook food for large public gatherings (like the Spilli Chilli Cook-off, local festivals, farmers markets) and assist new and upcoming local food business. This concept has been proven successful under excellent management to a point where some incubators within North America have a two-year wait list.

Currently there is no such undertaking in the Kootenays allowing for potential use of this facility by users from our valley and other nearby communities. There is potential for a spin-off of employment opportunities, a food business think tank, a stronger focus on local producers who put food on our tables and a creative twist on local tourism. We already have a fantastic food experience here and now that is

ready to be promoted and shared. You can visit a coffee roaster, brewery, honey producer, organic farm, take a cooking class, visit a greenhouse, bake a pizza in a wood fired oven, buy your meal at a fabulous farmers market that has been grown or made here in Columbia Valley.

Another side of this concept is for aspiring food entrepreneurs who have a great food idea but have no idea how to do it. An incubator kitchen could provide staff on-hand to provide all the information to make dreams come true with low start-up costs.

As part of the feasibility research the Columbia Valley Food Corridor Association has created a short survey for Food Businesses in the East Kootenay region. To participate on this survey, please go to www. surveymonkey.com/s/EKFoodBusiness .

The project is also seeking aspiring and current food business entrepreneurs to participate in focus groups. Interested businesses may contact brightwell.gerri@gmail.com .

The Columbia Valley Food Corridor Association appreciates the positive enthusiasm and support for the project, and gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Regional District of East Kootenay and Columbia Basin Trust which supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin.

Watch out for future updates from this association in the coming months.

— Submitted by members of the Columbia Valley Food Corridor Association

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 Columbia Valley Rockies will edge out the Golden Rockets for the final playoff spot in the Eddie Mountain division of the KIJHL? Cast your vote at www.invermerevalleyecho.com/opinion/poll/

Last week's online poll results: Do you think the Columbia Valley needs a natural gas line extended up to here?

Yes: No:

90.9 % 9.1 %

Valley Echo subscription rates Annual subscription rates (incl. tax) Local (Spillimacheen to Canal Flats) $45.30 Office Pick-Up $34.50 Canada $62.60/ Outside Canada $182.00 Seniors (local) $34.50/Seniors (Canada) $56.00 Six months subscription rates (incl. tax) Local (Spillimacheen to Canal Flats) $29.40 Seniors (local) $22.80

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Moose study underway; cougar season closes DAN WALTON dan@invermerevalleyecho.com

The provincial government has announced it will be looking into why moose populations seem to be declining throughout B.C., but wildlife experts don’t expect to find the culprit in the East Kootenays.

“At the regional scale, there's not strong evidence of a strong moose population decline as they've seen up in the north,” said Patrick Stent, who’s a biologist with B.C. Fish and Wildlife.

He said that moose populations have been higher in the valley during other timeframes, and said the health of the population is largely contingent on events that shape ecosystems, such as forestry and wildfires. Deer and elk benefit more earlier on after logging or a wildfire, while moose generally prosper between 10 and 15 year after one of those events, he said.

“We have seen some local declines, and we think that's attributed to the habitat no longer being as suitable as it has been in the past,” he said.

Mr. Stent will be assisting with the province-wide study if the Kootenays are involved, but he doesn’t expect that the local region will be a part of it.

Valley Echo file photo Although moose levels are on the decline across most of B.C., experts say the Kootenays' moose population appears to be bucking the trend.

“In the southern part of B.C., moose servation officer Greg Kruger. He did populations are generally quite a bit however mention that the Columbia lower than in Wetlands offer a the northern “We have seen some local declines, healthy habitat regions,” add- and we think that's attributed to the for moose. ing that boreal Occasional habitat no longer being as suitable as forests are ataerial surveys tractive envi- it has been in the past.” are undertaken ronments. to track populaPATRICK STENT “Their habitat, tions he said, but BC FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST right around this study will be the Columbia Valley communities, more comprehensive and better underisn't really ideal,” said Invermere con- stand what effects logging and preda-

tion have on moose.

In Maritime provinces, where an overpopulation of moose has become problematic, the animals were artificially introduced and have no natural predators, Mr. Stent said.

One predatory species, cougars, will see their hunting season come to an end at midnight on Saturday, February 15th, after beginning on September 10th.

While hunting permits are issued at a regional level, the practice can take place anywhere in the province. The length of the cougar hunting season can be adjusted year-to-year, and gender quotas can be set, B.C. Fish and Wildlife biologist Tara Szkorupa explained.

“We look at the harvest and population estimate, and modify hunting regulations and quota based on that information to ensure that we have a sustainable harvest,” she said.

Mr. Stent said that the findings of the moose study don't likely correlate to cougar hunting practices, as “cougars don't generally prey on moose, so it won't have a huge tie,” he said.

He said that there are currently around 950 to 1,300 cougars in the entire Kootenay Region. More than 400 permits were issued in the region and the hunter success was an average of 26 per cent.

Remember When?

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

10 years ago (2004): A bumper year of construction gave the village of Radium Hot Springs a financial shot in the arm. The village had collected more than $12.2 million in building permits during 2003, a jump of 250 percent from 2002. "It allows us to provide some of the additional services our residents seek, such as increased policing, improved trails and pathways, additional improvements to our main street and parks — without having to increase the burden on existing taxpayers," said Radium mayor Greg Deck.

Mr. Deck said careful planning and attractive multi-residential zoning in the village lured many developers to the area. "There wasn't the type of uncertainty that can come from applications that require significant changes to existing zoning. And in large measure we are benefitting from a virtual spiral. Builders and buyers are more eager to invest in community that is enjoying success, which in turn reinforces that reputation," said Mr. Deck. Part of the windfall came from a surge in construction of strata condominium complexes. Several major building projects began

in 2003, including Bighorn Meadows, The Peaks and Eaglecrest.

20 years ago (1994): A perceived shortage of parking spots in Invermere during the previous summer had council planning to avoid a similar situation in the summer of 1994. At one of its meetings, council came up with a five-pronged plan to ease the parking jam and make it easier for visiting tourists to shop downtown. The plan included asking downtown business owners and their employees not to park on the streets during the summer.

Several representatives of the business community attended the meeting and said that they felt the parking problem was being grossly exaggerated.

40 years ago (1974): Valley local Philip Cleland took the B.C. snowmobile championship 300 class B title in Vernon. Mr. Cleland came home with the trophy and $75 after earning at total of 29 points in the multievent championship. He finished first in the oval event, second in the obstacle race and third in the cross-country race.

50 years ago (1964): The Windermere District Board of Trade was on a quest to find a location for a local airstrip. Airstrip committee members George Duthie and W.R. Lake told the board that six potential sites were being investigated and negotiations to secure one of these sites had already begun. The village of Invermere had expressed willingness to accept responsibility for the airstrip.

Valley Echo file photo February 2007 — The Order of the Eastern Star held a lively tea and bake sale Saturday, February 10th at the Masonic Lodge in Invermere, with scrumptious goodies for purchase.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A5

Regional Rundown — Gerry Taft

Why political lines on the map actually matter One of the most confusing things for people in the Columbia Valley is where the political lines on the map are, and why they matter.

For most people, the valley is one place; many people live in one community and work in another.

The differences between a municipality like the District of Invermere, and a regional district like the Regional District of East Kootenay can come as a shock to many people. Invermere's boundaries begin after the bridge over the Columbia River (right by the Petro Canada gas station). This fact is a surprise to many people, who assume that the commercial development near the cross roads and the extensive number of homes in Lake View Meadows, Timber Ridge and other communities on the east side of Lake Windermere would be part of Invermere or would somehow contribute taxes towards the services provided by the district.

Municipalities can collect revenue several different ways, through basic land taxes by setting the mill rate (amount of tax per thousand dollars of assessments), through parcel taxes or local service area taxes for specific projects, services, or borrowing, through licenses, charges, leases and rentals, or from provincial or federal grants or tax sharing programs. Municipalities have a lot of discretion in how they collect and spend money; elected councils are able to fund almost any project or group if they deem it's in the public's best interest.

Regional districts operate much differently. They were designed for rural regions where there is sparse development and a low requirement for services. Regional districts are based around specific services: they may have a general tax to cover shared administration costs and other services like solid waste (landfills) and land

use planning. Almost everything else a regional district does is based on specific "service areas", where they can only tax and collect money to conduct a certain type of service for specific area.

The Regional District of East Kootenay is unable to collect business licenses and are also restricted from collecting development cost charges or using other financial tools that municipalities have.

As a result, regional district boards and directors have far less discretion in how to collect taxes and spend money. Almost every service or activity requires the creation of a service area, which can usually only be done by referendum or petition for services — both processes are complicated and make it very easy for new taxes or services to fail.

The challenge for the Columbia Valley is how to equitably fund services, projects, and facilities which serve the entire valley. In some cases, like the Eddie Mountain and Canal Flats arenas, the service and facility is funded by almost the entire Columbia Valley. In many other cases, like the visitor information centre at the crossroads run by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, or the work of CV Arts, or the Lake Windermere Ambassadors, the district of Invermere provides stable annual operating funding, while the Regional District of East Kootenay will occasionally fund a small “one off ” project or capital item.

As the planning and discussions over the new multi-use centre continue, how to fairly distribute costs beyond political lines is going to become very important.

Gerry Taft is the Mayor of Invermere and can be reached at 250-342-9281 or at mayor@invermere.net .

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Get help to hire a summer student

Applications Now Accepted Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust, invites individuals of all artistic disciplines and arts, culture and heritage groups in the Columbia Basin to apply for project funding.

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Jean-Bernard Caron photo A close-up shot shows new arthropod ROM 62976 discovered recently at the Marble Canyon site. »FOSSIL DISCOVERY from A1

Home to some of the planet’s earliest animals, including a very primitive human relative, Yoho National Park's 505million-year-old Burgess Shale was discovered by world-renowned paleontologist Charles Walcott in 1909 and is one of the world’s most important fossil sites. Recognized in 1980 as one of Canada's first UNESCO Heritage Site, it's now protected under the Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors on guided hikes to the restricted fossil beds each year.

According to the release, the new site in Kootenay parallels Yoho in its spectacular richness of arthropods, a group that today represents more than 80 per cent of all living animals,

including insects, spiders and lobsters. Some species found at the new Kootenay site are also found in China’s famous Chengjiang fossil beds, which are 10 million years older.

This contributes to the pool of evidence suggesting that the local and worldwide distribution of Cambrian animals, as well as their longevity, might have been underestimated, states the release.

The research team will be returning to the site this summer with the main goal of increasing the number of new species discovered. Parks Canada is keeping the exact location of the Marble Canyon site confidential to protect its integrity. To learn more about the Burgess Shale in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, visit www.pc.gc.ca/burgessshale .

Photo: Good Ol’ Goats - 2013 Kootenay Festival - Colin Payne Photography

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Administered and managed by: P.O. Box 103, Nelson, BC, V1L 5P7 1.877.505.7355 wkrac@telus.net www.basinculture.com

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Connect with us

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mpanion rner

Animal Name: Dash Age: 8 years Fun fact: Dash, a pomeranian, works full time at the CV Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Information Centre as a Greeter. He works for belly rubs and treats and is always willing to share your lunch with you. Dash lives in Fairmont Hot Springs with his owners and two feline friends. He lost his best friend Savannah (yellow lab) last year and now goes to work most days so that his roommates can get a break from his feisty self. He loves small children, short walks and food. Barks only when he is ridiculously happy to see you.

His unique coat and frequent cough are left over from some medical issues a few years ago – he’s now a healthy and happy little guy.

To be featured, send in your companion’s name, age and photo, along with a fun fact or story about them!

Be sure to include your name.

Email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

Opinion

Something to say? email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Drama abounds in Sochi and at the Eddie GREG AMOS editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Packed to the gills though it was last Friday night, the support of a home crowd at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena was not enough to spur the Columbia Valley Rockies to victory in a clash against the Golden Rockets.

In what's become a familiar storyline this season, the Rockies could not muster quite enough offence, and had one too many untimely defensive breakdowns. The same could be said of another team fringe playoff that many of us root for, the NHL's Vancouver Canucks, who are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.

After their disappointing outing on Friday night, the Rockies showed some fortitude in a third-period comeback from a 4-2 deficit to beat the Rockets 5-4, ending their own 13-game losing streak. Much as the Canucks often rely on the stellar goaltending of Roberto Luongo to keep them in games, Rockies goalie Stewart Pratt was a big reason why the team was able to keep their hopes alive.

The flailing Canucks are now on their Olympic break, as attention in the valley and across Canada has turned to the high-calibre competitions at the Olympic Winter games in Sochi.

There's much to criticize about the choice of awarding the Games to Russia, but the action so far has been stellar: as this column is being written, Canada is currently tied for the overall medal lead with seven.

Many in the valley were cheering on our home-grown skiing stars, Ben Thomsen and Manny Osborne-Paradis, as they competed on the frankly terrifying downhill course at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Center in Sochi. The podium was not to be theirs that day, but better results may lie ahead in the Super-G race this Sunday. Valley-connected biathlete Megan Imrie finished a respectable 31st place in the women's 7.5 kilometre sprint event, and will have more chances to make her mark soon.

Whether you're rooting for the Canadian contingent, the Jamaican bobsled team, or Indian luge athlete Shiva Keshavan (who trains on a wheeled luge on busy mountain highways), there's entertainment to be found in Sochi - but don't forget about the sports drama being written here in the valley at the same time.

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.

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The NEWSpaper in the Columbia Valley

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The Human Side of Communication - Fred Elford

The language of love We’re coming up to Valentine’s Day, traditionally the Day of Love when we speak our hearts.

Speaking words of love seems like it should be easy. We all know them — they’re in our vocabulary, yet most people don’t use them.

We’d be better off to change that.

There are just a couple of problems, but those problems make it surprisingly difficult to speak of love. Just a couple of days from now, on Valentine’s Day, this failure becomes more than a disappointment. It becomes a serious absence in the way most people express themselves, and leaves a large hole right where we want to express ourselves, and we end up using other words so we appear less caring than we really are. Part of this absence is our culture, which gives us a distorted view around how we should be wary of visibly showing our feelings. For many, it’s shameful to talk about love.

English has fewer emotional words, most of which are holdovers

Bette Segstro

from the overdone and outdated language of medieval romantic love. That flamboyance is not what we need now, which makes emotional language difficult for us.

We seem too often to say things we don't intend to.

A lot of languages share this romantic tradition with English.

Italian, Spanish and French, for example, are emotive languages.

Somehow these languages seem to make emotions easer to express than English does.

We often see English words of love expressed in a way that is a poor expression of our innermost selves. Yet English is not different enough to explain why we have such a hard time.

Most of our problems in communicating love come from a combination of our choice of words and our culture, particularly the nevershow-weakness form of masculinity. It means, unfortunately, we live in a culture of nevershow-feelings, too.

Rose-Marie Fagerholm

Greg Amos

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In Absentia

Perhaps there’s another cultural contribution: our lack of any reinforcement for emotional language.

Or maybe it’s just lack of practice.

So take your tongue out of your cheek this Valentine’s Day. Take both your courage and your heart in your hand, and speak what’s in your deepest self. Don’t hold back, but speak it out loud to the people who matter to you. Remember, you're entitled to both speak and hear words of love.

Even if you don’t do it at any other time, at least do it on this one day. That’s what communication really means — speaking your own truth and being yourself. When you do that, your words will be more appreciated. We all want that.

Fred Elford is a retired international organization consultant.

Clients have ranged from First Nations and municipalities to businesses, from small to multinational. He can be reached at fredelford@shaw.ca .

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT: Reproduction of any or all editorial and advertising materials in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of The Valley Echo, owned by Black Press Ltd. in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published, shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only the one incorrect insertion for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted items only and that there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for such advertising.

BC PRESS COUNCIL – The Valley Echo is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent within 45 days to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A7

Word at the Eddie

How will you be spending Valentine's Day this year?

“MAKE “SPENDING PANORAMA

MOUNTAIN VILLAGE."

— CHANTELLE RUTHERFORD

A NICE

DINNER AND HANG

IT UP AT

“NOTHING,

OUT WITH THE FAM-

PROBABLY

ILY

WORKING."

SPECIAL.

— MIKE JOHNSON

— CEC ARCHER

–

NOTHING TOO

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Take a stand for public health care Dear Editor, Canada is facing an important next step in our medicare history. Next month, the current health care accord – the deal that sets funding and health care service delivery agreements between the federal and provincial and territorial governments – expires and must be renegotiated. The federal government is ignoring the calls of the provinces, territories and con-

cerned citizens groups to work on a deal.

Medicare used to be funded through a 50 – 50 cost sharing plan between the federal government and the provinces and territories. Today, the provinces cover 80 per cent of health care costs. This amount will increase when the federal government’s funding cuts are implemented.

I am writing to encourage members of the public to get involved in the call for federal leadership on a 2014 Health Accord. We need the Harper government to take responsibility for health care expenditures.

There are several areas of the health care system that could be improved through the 2014 Canada Health Accord negotiations.

1. Develop national standards for health care programs such as homecare and continuing care and

tie the implementation of those standards to federal transfer payments to the provinces and territories. Money from the transfers should be used to strengthen our public health care system, including its public, not-for-profit delivery in publicly-owned infrastructure. Provinces that allow privatization should be penalized and public funding should not go to private, for-profit service providers.

2. Save Canadians billions of dollars a year by ensuring access to prescription drugs across Canada through the creation of a national pharmacare plan.

3. Establish a universal continuing care act. We need stand-alone legislation that will ensure our aging population has safe, appropriate and accessible care either in their homes or in long-term care facilities. »See A14

Off The Record — Nicole Trigg

Corporate taxes and other Canadian crudities I

just returned from some time off on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Temperatures were a balmy 30 C plus, the ocean was a warm bath, and most of the buildings are constructed as open concept without walls. Who needs walls when it never gets cold? So you can imagine my dismay when local temperatures plummeted to almost -30 C immediately after my return to the Great White North.

That's a difference of 60 C I exclaimed to friends on Facebook, or 140 F, for my American pals.

A staunchly Canadian writer and editor who finds myself constantly correcting other people's "kilometre" to "kilometre," I've never had much patience for the Imperial system. Raised on the metric way of measurement, it never occurred to me to learn the mysterious American Fahrenheit conversion. Although I can rattle off my height in feet and inches, and my weight in pounds, ask me how hot or cool it is in "F" and I draw a blank.

That is, until this most recent trip, because I overheard an interesting conversation in one of the three airports I found myself transiting through on my way back home.

It went something like this: "What is Celsius anyways?" asked in a very Texan drawl. "Well, Fred (or insert other generic North American name), a Celsius degree is approximately equivalent to 2 or so degrees Fahrenheit." Then the kicker… "As a result, I've always considered it rather a crude measuring stick myself."

Who does he think he is calling crude?, I thought to myself crossly. Canadians? We are some of the most sophisticated citizens on this planet, with our health care system, our democratic values, our protection of human rights and the environment. But the more I thought about it, the more I had to concede in a practical sense how interpreting temperatures in Fahrenheit could be seen as the more refined method as it can note more subtle fluctuations. Nothing I'd ever considered before, but when I arrived home and calculated how many degrees my environment had changed by, a difference of 140 F definitely felt more accurate than a mere 60 C. Then, while catching up on current affairs I missed while away, I found the word "crude" popping often into my thoughts: Toronto mayor Rob Ford, the crude oil export debate, the Harper government's fiscal policies — all examples of the slapdash way in which Canadian politics are being conducted these days.

How disheartening (but not exactly surprising) it was to learn that a new report by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) titled “Vanishing Science,” based on an extensive survey of federal government scientists and the public, reveals that beyond the shadow of a doubt the Harper government is failing to control air and water pollution and other negative impacts of industrial activity in its efforts to balance the federal budget before

the 2015 election.

Postmedia News has reported that Phil Burton, a retired Natural Resources Canada scientist who contributed to the review of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, said in an interview that ongoing federal cuts will compromise the Canadian government's efforts to oversee the project (if approved) and enforce the 209 conditions recommended by the review panel.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Revenue Agency is performing largescale audits of some of Canada's most prominent environmental groups (notably the ones vocal in their opposition to the pipeline) in order to restrict their political advocacy activities.

Ken Georgetti, the president of the Canadian Labour Congress, breaks the overarching issue down perfectly in his January 29th blog post on huffingtonpost.ca: "Corporate tax giveaways mean that the federal government has foregone billions of dollars in revenues. To pay for the tax breaks, Ottawa has borrowed billions of dollars and driven up the national debt. Now, the government has chosen to make big cuts to public services essential to Canadians in order to pay the bill for its tax giveaways."

For nearly 73 per cent of Canadians polled in the Vanishing Science report (and over 67 per cent of the Conservatives who were surveyed) , these essential public services boil down to protection of public health, safety and the environment; and are considered a priority for government scientific activity.

Worldwide, it's agreed that Canada is a very special place, with wildlife and natural resources other countries only dream of. Being such a young country too, we have the advantage of learning from others' mistakes and innovating in our classrooms so that graduates can be sent out into the world, into both the public and private sectors, fired up to put their youthful idealism to work and change things for the better. Change. Progress. Moving forward.

But instead of encouraging Canadian scientific innovation to lead the world in making our planet a safe, healthy and sustainable place to live, our current government is instead subsidizing big industry and the wealthy through tax breaks at the expense of Canada's working class.

And according to Mr. Georgetti, "The ranks of the working poor in Canada are increasing, not decreasing."

And once they've balanced the budget, the Conservatives have another tax loophole in the works. After years of doling out tax giveaways to corporations, this time it's in the form of an income-splitting plan for families with children under 18 years, a move that is forecasted to lose $4.9 billion in federal revenue. »See A15

A8 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

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

FEBRUARY 12th - 18th

WEEKLY Beat

12TH : WEDNESDAY

• 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Valley GoGo Sisters meeting in the Columbia Garden Village activity room. For more information call Sherry 250-342-9733.

• 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.: Hang out night at the Summit Youth Centre.

13TH : THURSDAY

• 5 - 9 p.m.: Soccer in the snow at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 12 p.m.: Age-Friendly Senior’s Lunch at the Invermere Legion.

Catered by the Ladies Auxiliary. $5 per person, payable at the door. Please reserve a seat by calling Theresa at 250-342-9281 ext 1227. Signup sheets are also posted at the Invermere Seniors Hall, the Invermere Legion, and Columbia Garden Village. Deadline for reservations is Tuesday, February 11th.

14TH : FRIDAY

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

ary 16th. Vendors wanted, $25 for one day, $40 for both. Contact Gracie at 250-341-1548 or gboake@hotmail.com for more information or to rent a table.

• 2 p.m.: Valentine Tea and Bake Sale at the Radium Seniors' Hall, benefiting the Edgewater - Radium Hospital Auxiliary. Door prizes, games of chance. Tickets $5.

• 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.: WVCCS Annual Princesses & Pirates Family Fun Dance at the Invermere Community Hall. There will be great music, goodie bags, glow sticks, a concession, a silent auction, door prizes, a 50/50 draw and lots of fun for everyone. We look forward to seeing everyone there and thank you for your continued support.

• 6 p.m.: Spaghetti dinner at the Edgwater Legion. Fundraiser for DTSS grade 12 students going to France and Belgium as part of the Century project, an intensive study program in history and literature about WW1. Cost per student is $4,000. Students have been working and hosting fundraisers to raise funds.

Time is running out, as the trip is planned for spring break.

Anyone interested in contributing may contact Shelley Little at 250-347-0048 or Vi Wittman at 250-347-0044 and if desired, a charitable tax receipt will be issued. Tickets for the dinner are $10, available via the numbers above, the participating students, Pip’s Country Store, and members of the Legion.

• 6 - 11 p.m.: Birthday Dessert of the month and café night at the Summit Youth Centre.

• Night Skating at Kinsmen Beach (weather permitting), sponsored by Grant’s Foods and Max Helmer Construction.

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

• 8 - 10 p.m.: Canadian singer/ songwriter and pianist, Rhonda, and percussionist Brent Gerlitz perform at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort for Valentine’s Day. Bar service available, free TH : SUNDAY admission. CDs will be available 16 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Winderfor purchase. More information mere Valley Minor Hockey game on Rhonda is available online at at the Eddie Mountain Memoriplanbmusicbyrhonda.com. al Arena. Atoms Blue vs. Cranbrook (league game).

TH : ATURDAY

15

S

• 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Windermere Valley Minor Hockey 2014 Initiation Tournament at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. Invermere Rockies play at the following times: 9 - 10:15 a.m. White vs. Kimberley Firecrackers, 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Blue vs. Golden, 1 2:15 p.m. Blue vs. Kimberley Firecrackers, 3:45 - 5 p.m. White vs.

Banff Bears. Finals held February 2nd from 11 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Winter Bazaar at the Windermere Community Hall. Also Sunday, Febru-

17TH : MONDAY

• 7 p.m.: Bingo at the Canal Flats Civic Centre on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

• 7 p.m.: Don’t Act Your Age with Dr. Donna McArthur at Columbia Garden Village. Lessons in health, habits and happiness. $10 includes a two week pass to the Valley Fitness Centre ($35 value). $5 for VFC members.

Tickets at VFC or at the door.

18TH : TUESDAY

• 4:30 - 8 p.m.: Spaghetti Din-

ner, hosted by the Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association Peewee team. Tickets $7/ person or $25/family, cash only, pay at the door.

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: OPT clinic at the Invermere Health Unit. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Confidential service: low-cost birth control, and STI testing.

Game Banquet and Dance at the Invermere Community Hall, hosted by the Windermere Valley Rod and Gun Club, which is celebrating its 95th year.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., dance at 10 p.m.

50/50 draw, Rifle Card draw, live and silent auctions and door prizes. Tickets $40/adult, $15/ youth (16 and under). Tickets th th are available at Rona, Home FEBRUARY 19 - 25 Hardware, The Book Bar, K-5 Mechanical and the Horsethief 19TH : WEDNESDAY Pub in Radium.

• 5 - 9 p.m.: Hang out night at • 6 - 11 p.m.: Head Lamp Walk the Summit Youth Centre. on Lake Windermere with the Summit Youth Centre. Leaving 20TH : THURSDAY at 6:30 p.m.

• 3 - 5 p.m.: EK Senior Caregiver's Network. Caregiver Sup25TH : TUESDAY port Group 3rd Thursday of • 6 - 11 p.m.: Hang Out at the every month in the Columbia Summit Youth Centre.

Garden Village Dining Room.

For more information call Darla OTHER at 342-2808.

• 5 - 9 p.m.: Craft your clothes at • The Whiteway is open! The the Summit Youth Centre.

• 7:30 p.m.: Rod & Gun Club Gen- Whiteway is a 15km groomed eral Meeting at the Invermere track that runs all the way Legion. Fisheries Biologist around Lake Windermere and Heather Lamson will be speak- connects the towns of Invering on the proposed White mere and Windermere. The Whiteway has tracks for classic Swan Lake Management Plan. cross-country skiers, a groomed ST : RIDAY skate skiing track, and a cleared 21 F There are • 5:45 p.m.: Windermere Val- ice-skating track. ley Minor Hockey game at the three official entry points onto Canal Flats Arena. Novice vs. the Whiteway; one at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere, one at the Cranbrook.

• 6 - 11 p.m.: Movie Night and pop- Invermere Bay Condos in Invercorn at the Summit Youth Centre mere, and one at Windermere • 7:30 p.m.: Morgan Childs Quar- beach. Visit The Toby Creek tet performs at Christ Church Nordic Club for a map and more Trinity, Invermere. Presented information.

by CV Arts. Delicious desserts

by Treats will be available (cash HOURS only). Tickets $20, or $10 for students, available at The Book INVERMERE LIBRARY Bar, Pynelogs, Fairmont Village • Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m.

Gift Shop, Furry Companions/ - 5 p.m.

Radium Video, or by calling 250- • Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

342-4423.

• Local Legends Charity Auc- RADIUM LIBRARY tion at Panorama. Enjoy the • Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. musical talents of Shred Kelly • Wednesday - Thursday: while generating funds for the 1 - 4 p.m.

Mountain of Hope charity. At • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. the T-Bar and Grill.

• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

22ND : SATURDAY

• Puppy Love 3 at Fire Vixen Tattoos. All proceeds go to GALS. Get a tattoo, help an animal in need. BBQ and bake sale, with proceeds also going to GALS. Minimum $100 towards GALS for a small tattoo. Raffle tickets available, $20 for a chance to win two hours of tattoo time with Sarah. Call Fire Vixen to book a spot, 250-342-8844.

• 5:30 p.m.: 52nd Annual Wild

WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM

• Tuesday: 12 - 4 p.m. or by appointment: 250-3429769

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:

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A9

A&E

Windermere Community Association

WINTER

BZ R Saturday, February 15th Sunday, February 16th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Windermere Community Hall Vendors $25/one day • $40/2 days Contact Gracie at 250-341-1548

SPAGHETTI

DINNER

Dan Walton/Valley Echo photos A crowd enjoys the performers at the Open Mic Jam Nights at Safta's Kitchen on Sunday, February 9th. Right: Emma Foster performs with her teacher Oso Simple on Sunday night.

Open Mic opens up at Safta's Kitchen DAN WALTON dan@invermerevalleyecho.com

In a valley made for tourists, Safta's Kitchen has dedicated Sunday nights to a more local audience.

Oso Simple has begun taking over Safta's on Sunday nights to offer musicians an outlet during Jam Night, a weekly open mic drop-in where local talent can perform at Invermere's newest restaurant. Jam Nights begin at 8 p.m. and go until midnight. Performances are organized with a sign up on arrival - first come, first play.

“I want to see these folks out playing and hanging out with one another to help make the music community more vibrant and fun here in Invermere," he said.

Oso also organizes open mic nights weekly at the T-Bar

in Panorama, and monthly at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

"Safta's Jam Nights are somewhere in between the two," he said. "It's more of a hangout night than Pynelogs, but not quite as rowdy as the T-Bar." Taking place when the weekend is winding down for many, the evening is tailored for those who work in hospitality.

“I think it’s great to have a night where bartenders and servers who work hard all weekend can come and hang out together knowing they likely have Monday off," he said. "This is a night for folks like that to celebrate homegrown music in a casual venue that has fantastic food and locally brewed beer."

"I know there's tons of talented musicians in the valley as evidenced by the very successful Christmas album that was produced by the Windermere Valley Musicians Who Care," added Oso. On Jam Nights, Safta's offers $9-apound wings as well as $4 pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

the RDEK is on the hunt for the

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Nomination forms are now available at our Cranbrook & Columbia Valley RDEK offices and on our website.

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LIVE at Christ Church trinity Friday, February 21st at 7:30

What does ART Tickets at The Book Bar, Pynelogs, Fairmont Gift Shop, mean to you? & Radium Video or Call 250.342.4423 for more info.

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

Happy BirtHday to pynelogs!

1914 - 2014 · Celebrating 100 years

A10 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

ROAD to SOCHI

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

Canadian Cowboys come up short in downhill GREG AMOS editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Despite strong performances on a demanding course, Canadian downhill skiers including Invermere's Ben Thomsen and Manny Osborne-Paradis were kept off the podium in the Winter Olympic downhill skiing event on Sunday, Febraury 9th “Today was a pretty tough day,” said Ben, who finished 19th in the race, which aired at midnight on Saturday in Invermere. “I couldn’t really sleep that much last night and just had a lot of energy and excitement to start the day.

When I started going, there was some pressures and nervousness and then as I got closer to the start it really kind of built up, but I was happy with my run and that I wasn’t focused on anything else but the task at hand.”

Ben had high hopes after a last-minute qualification for the Games, as he'd placed second in a World Cup race on the same course in 2012. Despite being unable to match his previous success, it was an experience he said he'll never forget.

“Not the result I was looking for but I gave it my everything,” wrote Ben after the race on his Facebook page. “Such an amazing experience - thank you all!

Congrats to Mayer, Innerhofer and Jansrud for their great runs!”

Part-time Invermere resident Manuel Osborne-Paradis, who finished 25th, said he was more or less happy with his run.

“I mean there were little mistakes but nothing big; I was just nowhere near fast, so not really sure what happened,” he said. He'll have another chance to compete, along with teammates Erik Guay and Jan Hudec, in the super-G event on Sunday, February 16th.

The race took place at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Center, which is hosting all alpine skiing disciplines: downhill, combined (downhill and slalom), giant slalom and the super giant slalom (super G). The steep 3,495-metre course, which 10 racers were unable to finish in training, was described as “very treach-

erous” by five-time U.S. Olympic medallist Bode Miller, who warned that the icy track could easily kill a skier in a crash.

All slopes were developed by Bernard Russi, a world-renowned ski architect from the International Ski Federation (FIS). In what's become a popular Internet video in recent days, BBC commentator and former Winter Olympic skier Graham Bell provided a terror-stricken narration of a run on the downhill course (see it at goo.gl/EF4zal ).

Canada has now gone 20 years without a medal in the downhill event, and much of the national pressure fell on Erik Guay, who finished 10th. Ben will not compete in any other alpine skiing events and is now on his way home.

Ridge course offers stiff challenge to Sochi biathletes STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

The Sochi biathlon venue, the testing ground of valley-connected biathlete Megan Imrie and dozens of other Olympic biathletes, has already created a social media stir.

Although there are several images of the nowinfamous double toilet bathroom stalls from at least a couple Olympic venues, the original photo to create an online buzz was of the Laura Biathlon and

Ski Complex near Krasnaya Polyana.

The venue will host all the Olympic biathlon events — the men's and women's sprint race, pursuit race, individual race, mass-start race and the men's, women's and mixed relays events. It is also the site of all of the nordic ski events and some of the nordic combined events.

The track has been designed for year-round use – snow in the winter and asphalt in the summer. It is partially situated on a ridge high above the surrounding countryside, in an effort to ensure there is as much natural snow as possible, given the Sochi area's

»See A11

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The purpose-built complex was tested by international biathletes and cross-country skiers for the first time just a year ago and most who've been on the tracks rated them as challenging. The complex includes two stadiums and has separate tracks for biathlon and for cross-country skiing. The sprint (in which Ms. Imrie recently participated) is three loops of a 2.5-kilometre track with one prone and one standing shooting bouts, with each missed shot requiring the biathlete to ski a 150-metre penalty loop.

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A11

Olympic Fever!

Own the Podium a recipe for failure W. BRETT WILSON Re-printed with permission from The Globe and Mail

A decade ago, various national sport organizations including the Canadian Olympic Committee met to develop a plan that would become known as “Own the Podium” – with the bold goal of helping Canada achieve medal dominance at future Olympic Games. In 2010, Canada earned a record-setting 14 gold medals against twenty-plus countries. This, according to the Own the Podium website, is objective proof that investing in performance equals results. In contrast, Canada’s performance in London was called “disappointing” by media because we “failed” to meet the medal targets.

I have struggled with Own the Podium since it was first introduced. Nobody wants our athletes to succeed more than I do. But I would caution that the singleminded pursuit of medals is a recipe for ultimate failure. Why? Because the goal is both artificial and superficial.

As a former competitive swimmer, I remember watching the great Victor Davis, one of Canada’s most passionate swimmers, compete at a very high level swim meet in the early 1980s. He finished a close second and was criticized at the time for pounding his fist angrily against the starting block because he’d come up short.

Victor was known as a fierce competitor, driven by an internal goal that pushed him always to win. In my experience, great performances are born out of an athlete’s personal definition of success, not some artificial goal established by organizing committees. If we define success in narrow metrics – winning a medal – we set our athletes, and our nation, up for failure.

In advance of the 2008 Beijing Games, I donated $50,000 toward the Canadian men’s Olympic swim team to fund their »RIDGE COURSE from A10

(Each penalty loop takes an average biathlete about 25 seconds to do).

The pursuit (for which the top 60 sprint finishers qualify) is four laps of the 2.5-kilometre course, with four bouts of shooting (two prone, two standing).

“Shooting is really mental and there's a lot of pressure. With four shooting bouts, there's a lot of room for error,” she said.

Racers start the pursuit in staggered order, based on their finish times in the sprint, with the sprint winner leaving first. The pursuit (which took place yesterday) is a first-across the finish line event, so the other biathletes are literally pursuing the leader.

“It's almost always the same winner (in the sprint and pursuit),” said Ms. Imrie.

The women's individual race, set for Friday, February 14th, is 15 kilometres long, consisting of five laps of a threekilometre track, with four shooting bouts (two prone and two standing), but in

attendance at several pre-Olympic training camps. These camps helped turn a group of individual swimmers into a team– for the express purpose of improving their performance in the various relay swims. Our teams finished in the top-five in every relay – with times that would have earned gold medals in the 2004 Olympics.

One of the teams placed fourth while breaking the existing world record. While many were disappointed in these results, I was not, given the depth of talent.

The pursuit of excellence puts the emphasis on the process: developing a skill or technique; exercising physical discipline; or growing mental focus and toughness. Achieving victories in those self-identified areas of growth allows for the regular celebration of both personal and team victories – growing confidence, and a healthy sense of self-esteem. I genuinely believe that the message we give our young athletes with Own the Podium is ALLEY fundamentally flawed. Medals should be CHO an outcome of the pursuit of excellence, not the entire goal. Ironically, encouraging excellence rather than an arbitrary number of medals may in fact lead to the kind of medal performance Own the Podium is focused on achieving. I understand that Norway, for example, a country with a population one-seventh the size of Canada’s and a cumulative Winter Olympic medal count more that double ours, has achieved medal dominance not by focusing on medals but by dwelling on building excellent individual athletes. By focusing first on excellence rather than medals, our athletes, and our amateur and professional sports teams, have a much stronger foundation on which to find personal victories and long-term strength. Now that’s a recipe for success.

W. Brett Wilson is a Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist, and part-time Columbia Valley resident.

V E

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T he

the individual race there is no penalty lap to ski for each missed shot. Instead, biathletes have one minute added to their overall time for each missed shot — a big difference compared with the 25 seconds it takes a biathlete to ski a penalty loop for each missed shot in the sprint event.

“The individual race is heavily weighted to good shooters,” said Ms. Imrie. “It comes and goes, right now my strength is more on the skiing side. But you really need to do both. If you're not shooting 90 percent (accuracy), you're really lowering your chances,” she said.

The mixed relay race, set for Wednesday, February 19th, is done by teams of two men and two women, with the women skiing three lap of two-kilometres and the men skiing three laps of 2.5 kilometres.

The women's 4 by 6-kilometre relay race, set for Friday, February 21st, consists of four biathletes, each skiing three two-kilometre laps with two shoot bouts, one prone and one standing.

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.

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

Thank you to our sponsors!

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

Sports

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YOUR WHOLE TEAM COULD WIN WHEN YOU

TELL US WHAT INSPIRES YOU!

Do you know of a minor hockey team who deserves to attend the 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, Sunday, March 2 in Vancouver? Anyone can enter on behalf of their favourite BC minor hockey team.

10 lucky minor hockey teams from BC will each receive 25 tickets…

Submit an entry by telling us how hockey, your team or a favourite player has inspired you.

Encourage everyone to enter and increase your odds of winning in the random draw. Include a photo if you want – perhaps from your own hockey days, or a team photo or show us how excited your team would be to win 25 tickets to the Heritage Classic. Players, coaches, friends and family can enter on behalf of a BC minor hockey team.

Hurry – contest closes midnight Feb. 21, 2014 . . . go to this newspaper’s website and click on contests or visit http://bit.ly/3j767hq

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

Dan Walton/Valley Echo photo Rockies goaltender Stewart Pratt stretches his right pad out to make an acrobatic save with his team killing off a two-man disadvantage on Friday, February 7th. The Rockies saw an early lead diminish before losing 3-2 on a late third period goal by the Rockets.

Rockies' win and loss postpones post-season clincher DAN WALTON dan@invermerevalleyecho.com

A win and a loss each for the Columbia Valley Rockies and Golden Rockets has kicked the post-season can further down the road, after a weekend that was expected to decide which team made the playoffs became a stalemate.

The final regular season game at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena happened on Friday, February 7th, when a packed house filled the arena as the Rockies were looking to leapfrog the Rockets in the standings with a win.

Golden was first on the board after scoring midway through the first, but a pair of goals by Ryan Henderson and Racey Big Snake gave the Rockies the lead before the first buzzer – Columbia Valley assists came from Doan Smith, Jerome Thorne, Matt Houston, and Stephen Pratt.

The Rockies had just six shots in the period.

Strong defensive efforts from both teams minimized scoring opportunities in the second. The period almost ended with the score

100 Athletes, 27 Coaches, and 4 Officials from the Kootenays (Zone 1) will be at the Mission 2014 BC Winter Games February 20 - 23.

GOOD LUCK !

unchanged, but a shorthanded Rockets interception by Ian Desrosier saw his slap shot beat goaltender Stephen Pratt with 22 seconds to go, tying the game at two.

More conservative play in the third period saw each team limit the others' scoring chances. »See A13

Ambiente Home Design Elements (formerly Interior World)

Opening Thursday, February 13th Come see our new product lines

Call 250-342-5566

www.familyresourcecentre.ca

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

SPORTS

»ROCKIES from A12

Judo Jottings - Hermann Mauthner

Local judokas impress in Fernie tournament

Submitted photo Valley judokas competed in the Fernie Judo Tournament on January 25th. Front row, left to right: Graham Norquay, Lenni Stich, and Tomaz Stich. Back row: Emma Norquay, Ina Roellinger, and Marcia Paget. Missing: Lucas Nickel and Tyson Hagen.

On January 25th, eight judokas competed in the Fernie Judo Tournament. Placing first in their divisions were Tomaz Stich, Ina Roellinger and Marcia Paget. All three showed extremely skilled techniques as they fought with their opponents.

Lucas Nickel, Graham Norquay and Lenni Stich demonstrated great tenacity as they competed for their silver medals. Emma Norquay, who placed third, surprised her opponent with a few new tricks up her sleeve. Tyson Hagen, although not placing, gained competitive experience and continued to increase his skill level.

Lenni, Marcia and Graham also competed in the team

fight-off. Lenni’s performance was amazing as he held off an orange belt from scoring any points, especially considering that this was his first competition and an orange belt is three belts above his own. The club also would like to wish Ina Roellinger, who is returning home to Germany, success as she continues in her judo career and grading for her brown belt.

The next endeavour for three of our judokas, Emma Norquay, Marcia Paget and Mackenzie DuBois, will be representing Zone One in the BC Winter Games towards the end of February. Congratulations to all those who competed in Fernie. See you on the tatame!

As the 60 minutes of regulation were winding down, overtime seemed imminent, but Golden managed to net another late period goal with 1:22 to go and win the game 3 – 2 in regulation.

"We got caught with our defence pinching," said general manager Ross Bidinger.

Pratt blocked 28 shots on the night, as the Rockies were outshot 31 to 15.

The Rockies didn't have to mourn Friday's loss for long, as they had the chance to cancel it out during Saturday's game at the Golden Arena.

The Rockets were again first to score, lighting the lamp on the power play after just three minutes of play.

But with help from Thorne and Braden Farge, Tyson Kapty scored to tie the game at one before the opening period drew to a close.

A goal by Doan Smith allowed the Rockies to take the lead, with help from Nigel Swab and Jerome Thorne. That lead didn't last long, as Golden scored three unanswered goals to end the period with a 4 –2 lead.

With their playoff hopes on the line, the Rockies were hungry for a win.

"Our backs were against the wall – we went into the third 4 – 2," Mr. Bidinger said. "We lose that and we're definitely out of the playoffs."

Two minutes after the third period puck drop,

Oldtimer Hockey Standings Regular Season

Henderson scored with a pass from Thorne. A minute later Farge netted the game-tying goal. "[Bradly] Palumbo made a really nice extra effort to tip the puck ahead to Farge who scored on a breakaway," said Mr. Bidinger.

The Rockies woke up the Rockets by tying it at four, but allowing the game to head into overtime would give Golden a valuable point in the standings. So Smith scored his second of the game, with help from Mitch Rosko, to take a 5 – 4 lead. The final seven minutes of play were exhausted with no more scoring and the Rockies won their first game since December 10th, snapping a 13-game losing streak.

Columbia Valley didn't register many shots, but they made them count – the Rockies scored on five of the 11 shots they took. Pratt stopped 31 shots by the Rockets on Saturday.

"Thorne and Smitty had a good game, and Pratt played well in goal," Mr. Bidinger said.

After a loss to Fernie on Sunday night, the Rockets now have three games remaining in the season – the same as the Rockies.

The two teams will meet again in Golden on Friday, February 21st. The Rockets are playing two games against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats before taking on Columbia Valley, while the Rockies have a game against Fernie next Sunday, and take on the Thunder Cats for the season finale on Saturday, February 22nd.

KIJHL Standings

Kootenay Conference - Eddie Mountain Division

Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Radium PetroCanada

19

12

5

2

26

Creston Valley Thundercats

48

35

11

1

72

Inside Edge

19

11

6

2

24

50

27

21

2

56

Hi-Heat

19

10

7

2

22

Kimberley Dynamiters Fernie Ghostriders

49

23

20

0

52

Huckleberry’s

19

9

9

1

19

Golden Rockets

49

12

27

3

34

Aquair

19

7

9

3

17

Arrowhead Brewsky’s

Columbia Valley Rockies

49

12

27

3

34

19

7

10

2

16

Warwick Interiors

19

6

10

3

15

Kicking Horse Coffee

19

5

11

3

13

VALLEY ECHO The

asks you to...

Kootenay Conference - Neil Murdoch Division Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Nelson Leafs

49

35

9

1

75

Beaver Valley Nitehawks

47

34

10

1

71

Castlegar Rebels

49

21

23

2

47

Spokane Braves

50

21

25

0

46

Grand Forks Border Bruins

45

16

25

2

36

On the Road...

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY ROCKIES

are on the road for their final three regular season games.

Sunday, February 16th, 7:30 p.m. at the Fernie Memorial Arena Friday, February 21st, 7:30 p.m. at the Golden Arena Saturday, February 22nd, 7:30 p.m. at the Johnny Bucyk Arena in Creston

Playoffs begin the week of February 24th!

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS IN THE KIJHL!

A14 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, February 12, 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

JHaley 11

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 1 2 3 T4 T4 6 7 8 9 T10 T10 12 13 14 15 16 17 T18 T18 T18 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 T28 T28 30 T31 T31 33 34 35 T36 T36 38 39 40 T41 T41 43 44 45 46 T47 T47 T47 T47 T51

Team Puff Pastry Craiger Ivy Magic Mitch 25 Love the B’s Pouncy’s Pals 3 Toucan 01 Lis Aces N Eights Kogging Jye Ken Reid Cotton Swab 4 Lawson 23 Zman Paige 13 Injured reserve 16 G Rohrick 15 Snakitov13 Hair Haven R’s Rockets King Chris Brodes Hossa 81 DR19 B.the.B.B.B. RC31 Dirty Doan 12 an Pullz 28 JHaley11 “The Zach Attacks” Double-Duece Liam 10 Harley MM88 Snake53 Professor 05 Long Rock Rockies 3 Brennan’s Compet Crew Slut Rockies super fan Rockies 18 LBO The Goalie Guy Dusty 21 Go Habs Go Jagar 20 Plum 24 Chick Magnet Dace 58

Total 982 979 969 934 934 930 928 926 921 919 919 918 914 909 908 903 895 893 893 893 892 890 889 888 885 884 883 881 881 880 879 879 878 875 874 871 871 870 869 867 866 866 863 860 859 857 856 856 856 856 851

LW 47 48 42 38 51 42 35 43 42 36 43 26 30 35 41 39 40 42 42 32 43 39 40 43 44 40 33 32 39 53 39 40 37 44 39 34 36 41 46 49 35 37 34 43 30 40 34 30 45 39 32

GM 65 100 111 131 82 138 102 103 131 170 1 131 105 150 136 122 123 142 165 164 166 125 159 137 156 143 186 202 142 167 149 125 110 130 134 130 156 129 131 128 154 146 139 123 170 123 180 139 175 115 188

P/G 0.84 0.86 0.86 0.85 0.81 0.85 0.82 0.82 0.84 0.86 01 0.81 0.83 0.80 0.84 0.83 0.81 0.80 0.81 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.80 0.83 0.81 0.82 0.81 0.84 0.85 0.80 0.82 0.80 0.79 0.78 0.79 0.78 0.78 0.80 0.79 0.78 0.78 0.80 0.79 0.78 0.77 0.80 0.77 0.81 0.77 0.81 0.76 0.81

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

»HEALTH CARE from A7

4. Provide universal and comprehensive care.

Those living in Canada should have universal access to all medically necessary services including dental, vision, and mental health services.

5. Protect health care from all trade negotiations. Health care needs to be protected from the for-profit interests of foreign companies. Our

Rank T51 53 54 55 T56 T56 T58 T58 T60 T60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 T74 T74 T74 77 78 79 80 81 82 T83 T83 T85 T85 87 88 89 T90 T90 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102

Team

Total

Kappdaddy26 Nelly Naho Rubicon Kosty 27 Dooley PMD Stick63 Brennan Nelson 30 Yolo Swagins MN1 Flames Suck Nick Bolin Kimmer N4Cer Troll 6 Jake 2 Dicks Pix Westside Dan Major Snipes The Boyz Dave’s Laffers Nicole Schlittsy06 Bergeeo 7 Dylan 4 Rock 50 Harley 10 Hunter 11 Ashley Furniture Hendy 17 Mags57 Ryann 7 Ninja Chicken Love the B’s 2 David lil’b Heidi Old Rock Dumpandpump 15 Matt Cable ACF Braden 5 Connor K Van Fan Badtothe Boone 22 Joaks 16 Cian Skeeter 31 J. Pike Riley 14

851 849 847 846 842 842 840 840 839 839 838 837 836 835 834 833 832 829 826 824 822 819 817 817 817 815 813 811 809 808 802 799 799 797 797 786 785 784 783 783 782 776 773 772 771 769 768 767 740 724 719

LW 34 36 25 29 48 27 36 33 42 39 37 28 45 33 39 39 31 33 26 32 46 36 41 36 34 29 36 42 38 31 30 43 41 27 34 32 39 36 23 32 33 31 34 35 29 31 36 28 26 45 31

GM 166 156 170 135 159 170 174 153 171 152 138 161 145 130 137 131 190 176 159 214 141 226 179 221 217 191 192 140 205 183 205 174 207 175 183 179 160 162 215 234 184 249 192 218 184 226 220 215 271 228 234

P/G 0.80 0.78 0.79 0.77 0.79 0.78 0.80 0.77 0.79 0.77 0.76 0.77 0.76 0.75 0.76 0.76 0.79 0.78 0.76 0.80 0.75 0.81 0.77 0.80 0.80 0.78 0.78 0.73 0.78 0.77 0.78 0.76 0.77 0.76 0.76 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.77 0.78 0.74 0.78 0.74 0.76 0.73 0.76 0.75 0.75 0.76 0.72 0.72

Sponsored by:

health cannot be traded away!

The federal government must be reminded to honour its election promise of a six per cent increase in health transfer payments to provincial and territorial governments for the duration of another 10-year Health Accord.

Please take the time to write to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, federal health minister Rona Ambrose, B.C. premier Christy Clark, and

B.C. health minister Terry Lake and any other politicians you feel need to be reminded and urge them to get on with these negotiations immediately.

Lynn Askey Secretary, Columbia Valley Retired Teachers Invermere, B.C.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A15

Rockie Talk — Marilyn Berry

What's been ailing the Rockies' this year?

It would be safe to say the Columbia Valley Rockies are in playoffs — well, playoff-mode might be a more true description. Tied with the Golden Rockets for the last playoff spot in the Eddie Mountain division, one of the three remaining games for each team will be against each other. It doesn’t get much more exciting!

But what has happened to get the team to this spot? Last September, excitement and anticipation were high as all involved were convinced that this was going to be the team that put the Rockies above .500 for the first time since the 2005-2006 season.

Have the players suffered an unusual number of injuries over the course of the season? It’s doubtful, although for a

time it seemed like all the injuries had happened at once when there were ten players out (I believe there may have been a couple of suspensions included in that number). It’s tough to win when playing with a short bench – just ask the players from the 2011-2012 team when there were only 15 skaters on the roster at the end of the season.

The injuries hit the defensive squad hard. For their first game after Christmas, it was necessary to bring Zac Schlitt back from Prince George early (after granting him some time with his family) the day before the December 30th game in Fernie in order to dress six defencemen. A healthier offence may have made a huge difference too – who knows what Peter Matthews or

»OFF THE RECORD from A7

It will benefit only the top five percent of Canada's wealthiest families, with 86 per cent of Canadian families gaining no benefit from the tax loophole (see the report on the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives website at www.policyalternatives.ca).

But with Canada's left currently split between three ambitious parties, Harper's most likely a shoe-in for at

Ryan Lawson may have offered had they played over 30 games.

And, yes there are other factors that go into deciding who plays . There have been disciplinary issues that have resulted in less ice time for some players and the removal of some players from the team altogether. These are the inner workings of a team and decisions like this aren't often popular.

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League is a developmental league and training ground for young players who wish to play hockey at a higher level. As such, many of the players are young men away from home for the first time. Many adapt very quickly to a structure that

least another election. My guess is it will be 2019 before we see the Canadian version of Robin Hood and his merry men take over Parliament Hill, hopefully heralding in a time when Canadian scientific innovation moves beyond getting oil out of the ground and exporting it to the highest bidder to something far less crude.

Nicole Trigg is the associate editor of The Valley Echo and can be reached at nicole@invermerevalleyecho.com .

is different than the one they know; for others it takes a little longer.

As an organization, the Columbia Valley Rockies have worked hard to create a team that players want to play for, that parents want their kids to play for and that the community can be proud of. The path is not always straight and results aren’t always those expected. Those that wear the uniform are all doing the best they can, and that is all anyone can ask.

Go Rockies go!

Invitation to all interested residents Presentation on the information gathered from Diverse Ability Study Tuesday, February 18th at 7 p.m. at the Invermere Legion.

Copies of the report are available at the Family Resource Centre, 1317-7th Avenue, Invermere prior to the meeting.

Please call Pat at 250-342-5566 for more information.

See you there.

A16 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Columbia Valley

Weekend Weather

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

Brain Games Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Scattered flurries

Few flurries

Few flurries

invermerevalleyecho.com

Temp: 3 C

Temp: 2oC

Temp: 4oC

250-341-6299

February 14

o

o

February 16

February 15

o

Feels like 2 C

Feels like 2 C

Low: -3oC

Low: -4oC

Low: -2oC

CLUES ACROSS 1. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)

4. Licenses TV stations 7. Brain wave test 8. Rowing fulcrum peg 10. Arabian Gulf 12. 55121 MN 13. Trash & tin 14. Actress Farrow 16. Egg of a louse 17. Lesion 19. A Scottish cap 20. Poi vegetable 21. Illness from neurosis 25. Moving truck 26. Gallivant 27. Millisecond 29. Trigonometric function 30. Pinna 31. Loud noise 32. Small auto

customerservice@ invermerevalleyecho.com

o

Feels like 3 C

Crossword February 12, 2014

VALLEY ECHO T he

accidents 39. Thin wire nail 41. Many subconciousness 42. Rocket scientist Werner Von 43. Albanian currency 44. Sum up 45. Grapefruit & tangerine hybrid 46. SE Asia palm genus 48. Drew off fluid 49. Severe & cruel 50. Before 51. It never sleeps 52. Used to be United ___ CLUES DOWN 1. Saucer’s companion 2. Foot controls 3. Administrative unit

4. Residential mortgage authority 5. High quality French brandy 6. Gilbert O’Sullivan song 8. Steeped b everage 9. Prefix used in anatomy, biology 11. Nanosecond (abbr.)

14. Mayan language 15. Create mentally 18. Atomic #45 19. 2000 pounds 20. Oceanic rise or fall 22. Did to excess 23. Pouch or baglike structure 24. Browning of the skin

27. A fitting reward (archaic) 28. Diego, Francisco or Anselmo 29. Cognate 31. Physicians 32. Duplicity 33. Doctor of Education 34. E. Canadian province 35. Beat thoroughly 36. $10 gold

coins 37. Monarchs or dictators 38. Duke: “The Silver Fox” 39. Dull claptrap 40. Showed old movie 44. Express pleasure 47. Reciprocal of a sine

Answer to February 5:

Horoscope Second Week of Februar y

ARIES Aries, strange forces seem to be working against you, but fortunately you are prepared for anything that comes your way.

Allow for some time to get things settled.

TAURUS Taurus, keep a firm hand on your wallet so you can avoid spending well beyond your means. It is best if you avoid making any impulse purchases in the near future.

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, listen carefully when a family member comes to you with some sage advice. Even a seemingly relaxed conversation may prove fruitful.

CANCER Cancer, you may seem rushed this week, but resist the temptation to go faster than is comfortable for you. Take your time so things are done right the first time.

LEO Leo, you may have so much fun this week that you don’t realize you have been getting work done in the process. Your attitude is even inspiring others around you.

VIRGO Take a step back when you don’t see eye to eye with a colleague, Virgo. Disagreements can quickly escalate, so keep a level head and take all things into consideration.

LIBRA Libra, your intuition and ability to work with people closely will make your life much more enjoyable. Make use of these talents as you pursue a new career path.

CAPRICORN Capricorn, your responsible nature helps those in your care to feel safe and secure. It is good to show others how much they mean to you, and you have been doing it correctly.

SCORPIO Falling into a slump just isn’t your style, Scorpio.

Even if things don’t seem to be going your way, your attitude and work ethic will make the most of the situation.

AQUARIUS Some well-hidden information could come to the surface, and you will have the ability to put it to use, Aquarius.

Just don’t let the power go to your head.

SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius, playing games with someone can be fun, but don’t let things turn into a serious rivalry. Focus on being lighthearted this week.

PISCES Pisces, you must deal with a potentially delicate matter in the days to come. Keep a cool head and remain confident.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, 12,Echo 2014 Wednesday, February 12, 2014 February The Valley

www.invermerevalleyecho.com www.invermerevalleyecho.com A19 A17

VALLEY ECHO T he

<our community. <our classi¿eGs.

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Lost set of keys weekend of Feb 1st. Blue carbineer with one ford key, 2 mailbox keys, 2 sets of house keys, and Sobeys tab. Call 604-721-0007.

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Two year edition- terrific presence for your business.

Al-Anon - Are you con-

cerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 PM at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 - 12th Ave, (behind the Invermere hospital).

For information, please call 250-342-8255

ALCOHOLICS Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. Call 250-342-2424 for more information. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday groups - Columbia United AA at the BC Services building, south end, 625 4th Street Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday, Catholic Church. All meetings are open with the exception of Tuesdays.

Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits or Other Insurance?

BRANCH MANAGER & Counter Parts Person required for automotive parts, HD parts and body shop supply business in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

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ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca

ROCKY RIVER GRILL LTD. Hiring 2 Full Time Restaurant Cook/ Short Order Cook Full-Time, Permanent, Weekend, Overtime, $18.50/Hourly for 40hrs/wk.

Completion of High School, Experience is an asset.

Duties: • Prepare and cook individual dishes and food • Estimate food requirements and costs • Ensure quality of food proportion • Inspect kitchens and food service areas • Clean kitchen and work areas; Wash dishes Other Information: Intended to recruit: Either Canadian, Permanent Resident, or Temporary Foreign Worker.

How to Apply: Contact: JUSTIN ATTERBURY Fax: 250-342-8889

By Mail:8888 ARROW ROAD INVERMERE, British Columbia V0A 1K2, Canada

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Help Wanted

Barbara Lynne Marshall Lynne lost her inspiring, year-long battle with glioblastoma on February 4th, 2014.

2013. Actually, competitive to the end, Lynne would have noted that it was a 13 month battle, emphasizing that she outlived her prognosis and that she squeezed every bit of life out of the time that she had.

Lynne was born in Rimbey, Alberta on January 24th, 1962, the first of four daughters born to Blake and Donna Marshall. Independent, competitive, bright and outgoing - for Lynne “focus” was a five letter word and a concept, not an attribute to be embraced. She had boundless interests and energy and the spark to initiate many more projects than those around her could ever hope to steer to conclusion. The scope covered her farms and animals – dogs, horses, and the occasional barn cat, her machinery – farm, boats, cars, houses; and her homes – whether painting, gardening, designing, building or renovating.

Lynne had an amazing range of styles and tremendous capacity for entertaining, whether in her own home or simply sharing her love of food and red wine on her travels for vacation or on business. We were all in awe of her ability to maintain a natural athleticism despite a severe allergy to any form of training or formal exercise regimen as she migrated from riding, sailing, skiing and waterskiing into a later life love of cycling... or rather the association of good cycling with fine vineyards and varied cuisines. She found her professional calling as a lobbyist; it played to her powers of persuasion, her charm and competitive salesmanship, but what really made her special was her ability to deliver difficult messages with a smile.

From 2001 to 2013 2014 Lynne and Wayne crammed a lifetime of experiences into little more than a decade, taking five children through teenage years and into adulthood, building careers and businesses and allowing Lynne the freedom to build the house her mind had imagined, to enjoy Windermere, to travel widely, to invest in her winery and to build a group of friends of whom the best that we can say is, “they were there with her throughout her fight”.

She opted for early retirement in 2005 – taking advantage of the opportunity to travel with Wayne and to influence the journeys not just of our young adults, but those of others too. She loved children, not only her own two, or the extended family with three stepsons, but of all the friends of a child and every child of a friend who came through the door; she possessed a true generosity of spirit that was felt by everyone who knew her.

Lynne was predeceased by her father, Blake Marshall, who was also taken by glioblastoma in 1996. She is survived by her mother, Donna Marshall, her husband, Wayne Foo, her son Ryan Burgess, daughter Alexa Burgess and her stepsons Gordon (Diana), Malcolm and Darcy Foo; as well as her sisters Jill Bain (Ryan), Shelley Campf (Jeff) and Allison Mallory (Bob); and her four nephews Chad and Blake Campf and Wade and Evan Mallory.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to all of her care team at FMC Units 111 and 112, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Carewest Sarcee Hospice. Knowing that Lynne was unable to remember, they each ensured that she felt special at all times. In particular we would like to thank Jay, Jenna and John for their long and very personal engagement. In lieu of flowers, a fund will be established in Lynne's name to support the new Calgary Cancer Centre. Details will be posted on Wayne's Ride to Conquer Cancer page or will be available through the family in the spring. An open celebration of Lynne’s life was held at the Glencoe Club on Tuesday, February 11th.

Help Wanted

Condolences may be expressed through leydens.com

Help Wanted

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CA

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Professionals Connecting Professionals

Top Local Jobs New Jobs Posted Daily www.localwork.ca

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Wednesday, Wednesday,February February12, 12,2014 2014 The Valley Echo

Services

Services

Rentals

Trades, Technical

Financial Services

Business/Office Service

Apt/Condo for Rent

MECHANIC

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+

Employment

Employment

Employment

Career Opportunities

Trades, Technical

COUNSELLOR TRAINING online, Register before February 28 at www.collegemhc .com, Mental Health Counsellor Certificate/Diploma, Recognized Available: Supervision, Membership, Insurance, Employment/Placement Assistance, Client Referrals.

CEDA is Hiring!

Shutdown Labourers & Operators • • • • •

Qualifications include: Physically demanding Clean driver’s abstract Travel within Alberta Class 1/3 driver’s license MED 3 boating license

is currently accepting applications for full time and part time employment.

Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

To submit resume please visit online: www.cedagroup.com 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 TRUCK Drivers - Class 1 Fort St John, BC Drop off/pick up bin srvc, haul mtls. Clean Lic, 3-4 yrs exp, TDGC, drug screen req’d. Email resume & abstract to hr@abcrecycling.com.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted INVERMERE PETRO CANADA

Required F/T for Vancouver Outboard. Primary duties will include maintenance troubleshooting and repair of diesel & gas marine engines.

Knowledgeable in vessel electrical systems is an asset. Must have own tools and a valid drivers license.

Exc. Compensation Based On Experience.

Please forward resume: vancouveroutboard@ telus.net

Sex and the Kitty A single unspayed cat can produce 470,000 offspring in just seven years.

The Columbia Valley Community Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the vitality, dignity and quality of life in the Columbia Valley.

We are seeking an energetic, self-motivated individual with highly developed computer skills, excellent interpersonal skills who exhibits keen attention to detail to fill our part-time position of Office Manager.

Duties for the position include: • • • •

•

General administrative and office support Administrative, practical and logistical support to the Board Meeting preparation including preparing agendas for Board meetings and taking minutes Managing several granting programs, including developing databases, advertising, accepting applications, ensuring applications meet grant criteria and following up to ensure all documentation is in order All facets of communications, including networking with local organizations and individuals, website maintenance, creating public awareness of the Foundation and advertising

Services

Financial Services

INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reassessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gallen@shaw.ca C- 250-938-1944

for more information 1-800-663-6189 www.transplant.bc.ca

Legal Services

ANNACIS ISLAND Pawnbrokers open ‘till midnight 7 days a week. 604-540-1122. Cash loans for Jewellery, Computers, Smartphones, Games, Tools etc. #104-1628 Fosters Way at Cliveden. annacisis landpawnbrokers.com.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’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.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

0911611 BC LTD o/a Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K2

Food Service Supervisor

This is a part-time position with a flexible work schedule with a guaranteed minimum of 20 hours per month. Additional information about the Foundation and a detailed job description can be obtained by emailing info@valleyfoundation.ca .

Full-time/shift work

Food Counter Attendant

The Foundation thanks all those who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Apply via email: timhortons.invermere@gmail.com

Place of Worship

Full-time/shift work

a

-

y

Dream !

Catcher, Apply 1.800.910.6402

WALK TO DOWNTOWN & KINSMEN BEACH: 3 bdrm. main floor of house, separate entrance, 5 appliances, deck, view, shed, yard, N/P, N/S, no partiers, references/deposit required. Rent includes, water, hydro, and heat.

Available March 1st.

250-342-7590

Worship Services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman 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

Sunday, February 16th 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. Peter’s, Windermere for the month of February.

Drive

Curve Communications 1-855-615-4208

Merchandise for Sale

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

Misc. for Sale

Trucks & Vans 2010 Ford F-150 Platinum, 4X4, 40520 km, black, $15900, abde@netscape.com

Homes for Rent For rent in Wilmer. I’m an old and small cozy house. Large yard, storage shed. $675.00 plus hydro. Call 250-342-6820

Townhouses

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

FULLY furnished 2 bedroom townhouse across from Tim Horton’s. 1 and 1/2 baths, 6 appliances, parking for 2 vehicles, single car garage. $1,100/mth. Utilities included. 403-852-7636 or 778-214-1744

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

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

Transportation

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,897 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

Auto Financing

Fight Back.

Volunteer your time, energy and skills today.

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 at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca STEEL BUILDING. “The big year end clear out!” 20x22 $4,259. 25x24 $4,684. 30x34 $6,895. 35x36 $9,190. 40x48 $12,526. 47x70 $17,200. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca

autocredit 911

Coin Collector Looking to Buy Collections, Estates, Gold & Silver Coins + 778-281-0030

Rentals 3 BED, 2 bath, upper two storey avail for long term rental at Radium golf resort. No pets.

Rent negotiable . Contact bussir@shaw.ca 403-809-5445

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

Place of Worship

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE

Today!

Misc for Rent

Apt/Condo for Rent

Nights/overnights/early mornings/ weekends. $10.25/hour + medical/dental/group benefits.

Place of Worship

Financing d

Misc. Wanted

Nights/early mornings/weekends $12.41/hour + medical/dental/group benefits.

Resumes will be accepted until 4 p.m., Friday February 14th, 2014.

Resumes may be forwarded by email to info@ valleyfoundation.ca or by mail to ‘Office Manager’, Columbia Valley Community Foundation, PO Box 991, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0.

Place of Worship

o

Available immediately. 3 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath, condo conveniently located and close to schools in Invermere. $1,200/mth + hydro. Call to view. 250-341-5951

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple.

Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Be responsible don’t litter! www.spca.bc.ca

Auto Financing Auto T

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

Give life .... register to be an organ donor today!

Office Manager

Transportation

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 Martyrs’ Church 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Saturday at 5 p.m.

Sunday at 9 a.m.

St. Joseph’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. Anthony’s Mission Corner of Luck and Dunn, Canal Flats

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

RADIUM CHRISTIAN 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.

Kids’ 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

Sunday, February 16th 10:30 a.m.

WORSHIP AND LIFE INSTRUCTION, “H20 ….. Source” … Pastor Trevor ministering.

“K.I.D.S.” Church, for children Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-5, during the Morning Service.

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

Sharing Truth Showing Love Following the Spirit

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

drivewayBC.ca |

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A19

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Honda knows how to make a good, solid car—and for 2014—things just got a little more interesting.

Zack Spencer

Visit the 2014 Honda Civic gallery at DrivewayBC.ca

From rather ordinary to rather extraordinary Tampa, Florida – Being the best at something is an achievement, and doing it repeatedly is impressive.

The Honda Civic’s 16-year streak as the best selling passenger car in Canada is nothing short of astounding. For the introduction the 2014 Civic, Honda chose usually sunny and hot Tampa, to introduce their latest update. It was sunny but anything from hot, with overnight temperatures near freezing.

Honda has been improving the Civic continuously since the 7th generation model was introduced as a 2012 model. Last year, for 2013, they updated the styling, handling and interior of the 2013 model and now for 2014 they are at it again.

Looks The styling focus for 2014 is on the coupe. Roughly 15 per cent of all Civics are sold as a coupe, the most dominant player in the small coupe market. Last year, this sedan received updates to the front and rear styling to help make it look more upscale and sophisticated, and this year the coupe gets a similar update to the front and back, but the changes are meant to provide a sportier look with a bit more aggression.

The most aggressive version of both

addition, the front seats are very supportive and the steering wheel is low and small for a racy feel. What is new for both the sedan and this coupe is the introduction of Display Audio system that is available From fuel on the EX and Touring economy to reliability, models. This is a large iPad-like touch-screen resale value, cost design that lets the driver of ownership and access many functions Inside sportiness the 2014 from the radio to apps One of the reasons that Honda Civic is a good that piggyback off your the Civic is the best iPhone. (No Android apps selling car in Canada is choice yet but they are working the practical, yet sporty Zack Spencer on this.) This taps into the interior in both the sedan power of your phone, in and coupe. Many people, the big screen, with full including me, didn’t integration. I liked the speed and funcinitially like the split dash with the tion of the design but really missed a speedometer on the top and the tarotary dial to adjust the volume over a chometer on the bottom, but over time touch screen volume design. Yes, there this design has proven to be a winner. is a volume control on the steering I was wrong. The split design now wheel but one next to the radio would incorporates more information to see complete the package. without having to take your eyes off the road. The trip computer and other Drive functions like radio station information Honda has made one small change are just below the front window. In and one big change to help with fuel the sedan and coupe is the SI model that gets an even more forceful grille and front bumper design plus a rear spoiler and lower air diffuser. Wheel sizes have also changed with the regular coupe receiving 16-inch wheels, up from 15-inches, and the SI now bumps the size from 17-inches to 18-inches.

‘‘

’’

economy. The small one is the exhaust system has been adjusted in both the sedan and coupe to let the engine breath better, improving horsepower slightly from 140hp to 143hp. The big change is the introduction of an inhouse continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the old 5-speed automatic. This actually makes this little car more drivable and might be the best CVT on the market. The car snaps away from a stop and cruises with ease on the highway, with quick changes

RECRUITMENT

in the gear ratio that helps mimic a conventional automatic design.

In addition, there is a sport mode and paddle shifters on the steering wheel to help liven things up. Honda has done a first rate job here and their efforts have been rewarded with a six per cent improvement in city fuel economy and an overall drop from 6.2L/100km combined to 6.0L, something very hard to do with such a small car.

The driving dynamics of the Civic has always been very good due to a fully independent suspension and willing engine. The 143hp is a nice match for this car and the CVT is a great complement. The 5-speed manual is a blast to drive but it could use a 6th gear on the highway, as the high-revving engine can get noisy. The steering is crisp and the car overall instills a high level of confidence.

Verdict Honda admits that their Civic might not be the top choice in every reason to buy a compact car but they are near the top in all categories. From fuel economy to reliability, resale value, cost of ownership and sportiness this car is a good choice.

The many improvements made to the car over the past three-model-years, has taken the Civic from rather ordinary to rather extraordinary.

They know how to make a good, solid, reliable car and for 2014t hings just got a little bit more interesting.

Question OF THE WEEK:

Should all new drivers be required to take a course with a driving school before taking a road test?

Please explain why you have made that decision.

?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip: If you’re taking a road trip with your family, it’s a good idea to plan your rest stops ahead of time to avoid feeling fatigued behind the wheel and to give the kids a chance to burn off their energy.

Find more online at

drivewayBC.ca

The Lowdown Power: 1.8L 4-cylinder with 143hp or 2.4L with 205hp Fill-up: 6.7L/5.0L/100km (city/highway) Sticker price: $15,690-$26,655 zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca

Professionals Connecting Professionals

Where Employers Meet Employees! 1-855-678-7833

A20 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

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Subscribe to the valley echo today!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 The Valley Echo

Geoff Hill MaxWell Realty Invermere picture framing • lighting •home decor

Valentine’s CUSTOM FRAMING SPECIAL

25% off

250-341-7600

250.341.6299

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

expires February 21st, 2014

905 7 Ave, Invermere • 250-342-0012

Serving the Valley The WaTer & air Company!

Water Treatment: filtration and purification Furnace and Duct cleaning

Purify the water you drink and the air you breathe!

Kerry Colonna

250-342-5089

Located in the Diamond Heating & Spa building in Athalmer

• 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

to give your business maximum exposure for your advertising dollar?

Call 250-341-6299 for more information.

To advertise, call: 250-341-6299

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

N O M I N AT I O N S

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

for the Board of Directors

Arnold Scheffer

250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca unidoorext.ca

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2014-2016 Board of Directors.

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

Nominations close on February 28, 2014.

Sholinder & MacKay

Board terms are for 2 years; if you would like to join a dynamic team of business leaders and represent the membership on the Board of Directors please consider letting your name stand for nomination.

Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping

Please call 250-342-2844 or go to www.TheColumbiaValley.ca

Sand & Gravel

Office:

The Annual General Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Lions Hall.

All members welcome.

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

250-342-2844

info@cvchamber.ca 651 Highway 93/ 95, P.O. Box 1019, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

www.TheColumbiaValley.ca

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

Proudly serving the Valley for over 50 years.

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

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

(office)