Invermere Valley Echo, May 13, 2015

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John and Dave Zehnder took a keen group of bird enthusiasts around their ranch on Sunday, May 10th as part of the Wings Over the Rockies bird festival. After the group toured the ranch, John’s Border Collies took over with a sheepherding demonstration.

See page 10 for more photos.

PHOTO BY KEVIN NIMMOCK

Invermere mayor takes regional leadership role BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com District of Invermere mayor Gerry Taft was acclaimed as the AKBLG vice-president for a two-year term at the annual general meeting (AGM) in Nakusp between April 22nd and 24th.

Taft served as the interim vice-president of the AKBLG for nearly six months.

“To some degree, I think that the president or the vice-president role is not usually a contest,” said Taft with a chuckle. “There’s not usually a lot of people who want to do it because it’s extra work.”

However, he believes the expectation to move up on the executive board is a cause worth supporting. Cohesion, solidarity and collaboration are the driving forces for success, he said.

“I think it’s an interesting process because we were prioritizing the resolutions received by the membership

and generally the conference is a good he said. “It was fairly useful for us.” chance to network with other mayors The AKBLG is the local government and councillors from the East and West association that represents the muKootenays,” said Taft, noting it was nicipalities and electoral areas of the hard to pinpoint the highlights. south-eastern portion of B.C. The area “I would say, for myself and the people includes the Regional Districts of Kooof Invermere, seeing the facilities in Na- tenay Boundary (RDKB), Central Kookusp and the hall that they have were tenay (RDCK), East Kootenay (RDEK), actually the highlight the Town of Golden There’s not because it gives us and the Village of some new ideas to Valemount. usually a lot of bounce around with people who want to do it Working together is the new multi-use a priority for the AKcentre, which we’re because it’s extra work.

BLG. Taft focused on GERRY TAFT planning to build.”

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE MAYOR this approach, along He used the opporwith the AKBLG extunity to explore the Nakusp facilities ecutive board, by urging dignitaries to to weigh up the pros and cons of a collect information from the surroundsuccessful building so that the Inver- ing municipalities, build up a network mere approach could harness the best and discuss solutions in unity. resources.

“We had (roughly) 12 resolutions “It was nice to get a visual picture of that were voted on,” said Taft. “It was a how high the ceilings were and how smaller number than some years, and many people could fit in the building,” I think the quality was better than in

some other years.”

Radium Hot Springs mayor Clara Reindhart, Village of Canal Flats mayor Ute Juras and RDEK directors Wendy Booth (Area F) and Gerry Wilkie (Area G) also made the trek to attend the AGM. This year’s theme was encouraging municipalities to change, challenge and collaborate with the entire Kootenay region.

“This year at AKBLG, the membership debated a number of resolutions, many of which were endorsed,” Booth replied by email following the AGM. “For the first time, the membership chose to prioritize which were most important. The top resolution was for the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to lobby the provincial government for an increased level of support for mental health. This is in line with UBCM’s current mandate.

This is something that impacts every See A3

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

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Snapshot

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

SALMON RECOVERY...

Restoration of the historic Upper Columbia River Salmon runs was just one of several objectives adopted by the Columbia River Round Table Canadian Caucus, an ad hoc group of environmentalists from the East and West Kootenays who met in the village of Slocan City recently (the group is pictured here). Salmon and Steelhead runs used to cross the Canadian border in the millions every year after migrating more than 1,500 km’s up the Columbia River from the Pacific Ocean. But the mammoth runs came to an end in Canada after completion of the Grand Coulee Dam in the U.S. in 1939. A recovery plan, developed by the Upper Columbia United Tribes and First Nations, had one of its first unveilings in Spokane in late April.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

FEDERALELECTION

NDP candidate Wayne Stetski seeks Liberal support KEVIN NIMMOCK kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com

yet, he plans to call or email before the October election.

The Liberal Party has yet to select a candidate for the riding, leaving the Wayne Stetski, the federal NDP candidoor open for Stetski. date for Kootenay Columbia, is confident Despite losing the 2013 municipal elecabout his chances of winning the general tion in Cranbrook, Stetski said he still election in October. feels a lot of support in the federal race.

The former mayor of Cranbrook said “I actually increased in votes between that a mix of long-term support from 2011 and 2013, so I actually kept my this riding’s constituents and the help Wayne Stetski loyal voters,” Stetski said, noting that a of an unlikely ally will win him a job as split vote in 2011 allowed him to initially a Member of Parliament over incumbent win the mayorship.

Conservative MP David Wilks.

Stetski said his approach to being an MP would be “I worked with Justin (Trudeau) when his brother similar to how he treated his role as mayor. He deMichel died in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park,” Stetski said. “I was the district manager of the park fined his style of governing as “holistic.”

“The arts and culture, multiculturalism, people and I helped raise $1.1 million with the Trudeau family to build a public cabin in honour of Michel and with disabilities, youth and seniors, were all as important as some of the traditional aspects of being the 12 others who died in the avalanche.”

Stetski said he hopes Trudeau will endorse him, mayor, which are infrastructure, potholes and ecodespite representing different parties. He said the nomic development,” Stetski said.

Stetski acknowledged the election will be close. similarities in what the Liberal Party and the NDP Wilks earned 55.9 per cent of the vote in 2011, are proposing would make Trudeau’s endorsement whereas NDP candidate Mark Shmigelsky only got legitimate.

“When you actually sit down and look at the par- 33.2 per cent. However, he still likes his chances to ty positions, there is a lot of focus on middle-class reunite with his old friend come October.

“I am really looking forward to seeing Justin again families,” Stestki said. “There is a lot of overlap in when I am in Ottawa after the October election,” the platforms.”

Though Stetski has not reached out to Trudeau Stetski said.

COMMUNITY

Wetland conservation course served up free of charge BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

Environmental stewards are raising awareness about the importance of conservation efforts in the Columbia Valley with a workshop.

The B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is offering a free workshop to educate people of all ages about the value of wetland conservation between Friday, May 22nd and Sunday, May 24th.

The hands-on field school allows participants to learn about mapping and hydrology in the wetlands.

It also offers information about soil sampling.

Lastly, there is a section that covers amphibian, plant and animal identification in an effort to protect Mother Nature.

Participants who complete the course will be awarded a Wetland Keeper Certificate.

There will be ongoing support for students to continue learning about the wetlands through the BCWF for those who are interested.

For more information about the course, call Neil Fletcher, BCWF Wetlands Education Program Co-ordinator, at 1-888-881-2293 ext. 232 or 604-970-9707.

To register for the 2.5-day long course, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/wetlandkeepers-windermereregistration-15339336368.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

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REGIONALNEWS

East Kootenay Highway maintenance petition presented in Victoria Kevin Nimmock kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com Columbia River Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald presented a petition of nearly 1,000 signatures to the Legislature on Monday, May 4th.

The names on the petition represented people who are concerned about the state of maintenance on the highways of the East Kootenay. The petition was created through the Taking Back East Kootenay Highways Facebook group, which has 1,895 members.

“I took this opportunity to bring this issue to the attention of the Minister of Transportation Todd Stone,” Macdonald said.

Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting is responsible for keeping highways safe to drive on. The Facebook group was created last year to call for the public sector to once again assume responsibility for highway maintenance.

Fraser Sinclair, a former snowplow driver for Mainroad Group and one of the founders of the Facebook group, said the company is simply unable to make East Kootenay roads safe.

“They do not have enough equipment on the road

and they do not have enough people to Group holds free pre-winter presentaoperate their equipment,” Sinclair said. tions in areas where it operates, includ“When they first started here, they had ing Invermere. the full compliment because that was During a presentation in late Novemwhat the government required, and I ber, a spokesperson explained to the guess over time the government has crowd of 12 in Invermere that attention laxed off or Mainroad has managed to given to a road after snowfall depends skim down from what they required.” on its classification (A, B, C, or D).

Sinclair said the petition is a good Highway 93/95 is classified as “B” start, but he was hoping it would be bigwhile most of the roads in the Columbia ger. The petition was signed by less than Valley are “D.” This means that most of Norm Macdonald half of the Facebook group’s members. the roads are considered rural and are “We probably started too late in the given the lowest priority after snowfall. winter,” Sinclair said. “I imagine this fall, once the

The Mainroad spokesperson said that many snow flies, (the petition) will pick up again.” complaints come from drivers who have simply nev Upon seeing the petition, Macdonald under- er seen the maintenance trucks. stood the importance of presenting it to the Legisla Amid the tension between Mainroad and ture in Victoria. frustrated taxpayers, Macdonald said he is com “One of the biggest issues raised at my office mitted to continuing to pressure the provincial govis with the condition of roads and the lack of mainte- ernment to make changes to highway maintenance nance to ensure that we can travel safely throughout policy. the area,” Macdonald said. “I have raised these is “It is clear from this petition that people are sues with the Minister and his staff many times.” fed up,” Macdonald said. “It’s time for the govern In an effort to address complaints, Mainroad ment to take real action to make our highways safe.”

LOCAL NEWS

New Columbia Lake subdivision generates no opposition Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com A public hearing last week on a proposed bylaw that will allow for a planned new development on the north end of Columbia Lake drew few people.

Approximately 10 people went to the public hearing held on Thursday, May 7th at Fairmont Hot Springs.

“It was kind of a non-event; there weren’t many people there and nobody was opposed to us,” said developer Dave Rae, adding the land is currently zoned for commercial uses, such as a hotel or resort, and the proposed bylaw would change the zoning

to residential.

“I think people are fine with it,” said Rae. The bylaw will likely come up again at the next Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors meeting in three weeks time, but even if it’s adopted, Rae says there probably won’t be too much construction activity this summer.

“We’ll start the rough-in, but we won’t actually build until 2016. That’s our intent, but with the market you never know,” he said.

Valley resident Bob Coy, who neighbours the development, was the only person to speak at the hearing and said he’s supportive of the project.

“It’s good for the valley to keep mov-

The next RDEK board of directors ing forward. We need people,” said Coy, speaking to The Valley Echo the meetings are on Thursday, May 28th day after the hearing. “I support Dave. and Friday, May 29th.

He’s my neighbour and I supBarbara Dawn port the development as long Hascarl (nee as it doesn’t include building a marina. We’ve got a great lake.”

Anderson) The still-unnamed subdiviBorn: May 2, 1937 sion-style development would Vancouver, BC Passed: May 2, be on the northwest corner of 2015 Columbia Lake, near Columere, and would encompass 17 lots Barbara Dawn Hascarl nee with single family residences Anderson, born May 2, 1937 on 17.84 acres. The proposed in Vancouver BC suddenly passed away on the 2nd of bylaw would permit up to 25 May, the day of her 78th birthday, after single family residential parcels complications following a successful hip replacement. on the land, although Rae is only Dawn had been living with her husband of 61 years, planning for 17.

Louis Hascarl, at the Seal Bay RV Park in Courtenay BC.

First Nations.”

Wilkie added the journey to the AKBLG community and needs more attention, so I AGM was a blessing in disguise. was pleased to see that level of support.”

“Nakusp is a charming town situated on Wilkie felt the most valuable aspect of atthe edge of the Lower Arrow Lake,” said tending the AKBLG AGM was the lively disWilkie. “While we were there, the locals cussion about governance. were commenting on the lowest reservoir “The conference and discussion was level in April in many years — the water well-managed and enjoyable. I appreciated level fluctuates nearly 50 feet — and this the two legal clinics that AKBLG provided reminded me of how fortunate we are for us. Both very topical regarding recent to live along the only section of the CoGerry Taft developments in B.C.,” Wilkie replied by lumbia River in North America still in its email. “The first dealt with the responsibility of local natural state.” government elected officials to avoid conflict of interNext years convention is planned for Kimberley est and the second, a fascinating discussion of case and Taft is eager to see the AGM return to the East law and the duty of local governments to consult with Kootenay.

INVERMERE from A1

Predeceased by her parents and three brothers, she is survived by her husband and five children; Lucille Smith, Daryl Hascarl, Beverley Carleton, Naomi Maisonneuve and Melanie Kurucz, as well as one brother and three sisters.

Family and friends of Dawn were no strangers to her love of gardening, crafts and playing cards. She used her time knitting articles for all those close to her, beating them in a game of cribbage and tending her flower beds and gardens.

Working as an employee with Canada Post for her entire career, she retired from the post office in the small town of Canal Flats, BC before moving to the coast.

Dawn and her husband cherished the drives they spent exploring Vancouver Island, a place they began to call home after moving from Canal Flats, ten years ago.

Last July she celebrated her 60th anniversary with Lou, where she spent a wonderful weekend surrounded by her family and friends, and playing with her nine grand children and nine great-grand children.

Arrangements entrusted to Comox Valley Funeral Home, Courtenay, B.C. , 250-334-0707

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Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

COUNCILBRIEFS

Canal Flats stays abreast of RDEK planning

Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Canal Flats councillor Paul Marcil believes the Regional District of the East Kootenay’s (RDEK) Strategic Priorities and Planning session offered food for thought.

After completing the two-day session on April 16th and 17th, Marcil highlighted five regional strategies to the rest of council during the regular April 27th meeting that he feels could be applied to the Canal Flats community.

The reason Marcil pulled out specific strategies and projects from the regional session for council to review, he added, was to help target new goals and to explore how they affect Canal Flats.

“It could be applied here in either how it affects Canal Flats or (presents) an opportunity to learn,” explained Marcil.

He informed council the RDEK could be looking into management restructuring for Columbia Valleywide recreation, which Marcil says, pertains to the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere.

“I thought it may help Canal Flats if we ever have (staffing) changes and we should maybe be aware of putting input into that structure,” added Marcil.

Mayor Ute Juras said the restructuring was to help facilitate a staff’s upcoming retirement.

“That one was brought forward at the last meeting because their manager is retiring,” said Juras.

The Westside Legacy Trail raised alarm bells for Marcil at the Strategic Planning Session.

“It is my opinion that, while the Westside Trail is a positive for the valley, I see no direct benefits to Canal Flats, as it terminates in Fairmont,” said Marcil.

“It is imperative (that) discussions on this funding result in a promise of some type of trail plans and funding plans made to the village that the trail must extend to us in the near future.”

“Everybody is putting trails together,” he added, “so the reaction was (for) the RDEK to put together a compiled list of trails. It will be a comprehensive list of all the trails in this area.”

The discussion also included the possibility of creating standardized signage for the trails and exploring the option of connecting both existing as well as proposed trail systems.

Marcil continued by telling council about RDEK’s newly approved agriculture plan to help with economic development discussion. Marcil suggested the Village of Canal Flats should request information from this project for review and discussion.

Lastly, Marcil expressed an interest in the projected revenue doubling at the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT).

Due to the Waneta Expansion Project in Trail and the Arrow Lakes Generating Station, the projected trust revenue is expected to reach a total of $48 million in 2016 and 2017 which could translate to financial support across the Kootenay Region.

Marcil voiced a desire to see if there’s an opportunity for Canal Flats to prosper from the CBT’s profits.

“We should be asking for some of that money to put toward our murals and the Discovery Centre,” he concluded. “We should be asking for that money… or we should be meeting with the CBT to find out if these projects have any chance.”

Juras thanked Marcil for attending the RDEK Strategic Planning Session as an alternate and accepted his report as information.

COUNCILBRIEFS

Rate for municipal services increases Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

Citizens of Canal Flats will be seeing some changes in the cost of accessing municipal services in the village.

During the regular April 27th meeting, a bylaw to establish fees and charges for municipal services was accepted by the Village of Canal Flats council.

Council agreed to adopt the fees and charges regarding Bylaw No. 169, 2015.

“The (staff) recommendation is that the Village of Canal Flats fees and charges Bylaw No. 169, 2015

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Annual Subscription Rates (incl. tax)

• Local (Canal Flats to Spillimacheen) $45.30 • Office Pick-Up $34.50 • Canada $62.60 / International $182.00 • Seniors (local) $34.50 / Seniors (Canada) $56.00

is accepted and adopted,” said Mayor Ute Juras, while calling for a motion.

Councillor Karl Sterzer moved the decision, Councillor Erin Gornik seconded and ultimately the motion was carried.

However, Councillor Marie Delorme opposed the decision.

“Bylaw 169 is the fees and charges bylaw that is replacing Bylaw 129,” wrote Sylvie Hoobanoff, deputy director of corporate services for the Village of Canal Flats, by email following the meeting. “The increased rates are for tax certificates, water and sewer tolls for 2016, building permit fees and subdivision fees.”

RDEK BRIEFS Regional district plans to assume legal liability for Westside Legacy Trail Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

Several items of interest to the valley received attention at the most recent Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors meeting, chief among them the proposed Westside Legacy Trail.

At the May 1st meeting, the RDEK directors decided to direct staff to prepare an amendment to the RDEK’s regional parks service establishment bylaw to include the Westside Legacy Trail as one of the RDEK’s regional parks. Costs for the park would be split by Invermere, Radium Hot Springs and Canal Flats as well as RDEK Area F and Area G. “In general what this is doing is that it allows for liability and maintenance on the trail to be funded through the RDEK,” said Invermere mayor Gerry Taft. Taft added a key issue for the Greenways Trail Alliance (the non-profit group creating the trail) in convincing landowners to donate parts of their properties to the trail has been trying to find a way to assure the landowners that somebody else will assume liability over the sections of the trail they donate.

“For us as a regional district, we have to find a way to do that, to provide that guarantee to Greenways and to landowners. That’s what this (amendment) is,” said Taft.

The bureaucratic process of adding the trail to the regional parks bylaw will likely take several months, according to Taft, as every municipal entity in the RDEK — not just the those paying for the park — has to vote on the proposed bylaw change. This means the Westside Trail will appear as an item on the agendas of councils in Cranbrook, Kimberly and other municipalities further outside the Upper Columbia Valley.

The trail is planned to run from Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs, paved the whole way and running adjacent to the gravel Westside Road.

Miscellaneous At the meeting, the RDEK directors also allocated up to $300,000 worth of Community Works Funds to upgrading the water main in Edgewater.

The contract for the work was awarded to Copcan Civil Ltd. And Chair Rob Gay and chief administrative officer Lee-Ann Crane signed another annual operating agreement with B.C. Transit and Olympus Stage Lines for operating the Columbia Valley Transit system. The new one-year agreement runs until the end of March 2016.

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• Local (Canal Flats to Spillimacheen) $29.40 • Seniors (local) $22.80

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Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

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ADMINISTRATION

Those of us following the federal election have been patiently waiting for the Liberals to declare a candidate for the Kootenay-Columbia riding. The federal Green and Conservative parties had gone public with their candidates by the end of February. The NDP held their nomination event in mid-March.

Back in February, a spokesperson for the Liberal Party told The Valley Echo that prospective candidates for the local riding were still being screened, but that the party would be ready with a candidate in every riding in the case of an early snap election. At the time,

Betty Aitchison, who represented the Liberals in the 2011 and 2008 elections, told The Valley Echo that she would not be running again.

Three months later, a Liberal candidate has still not come forward and, based on what NDP candidate Wayne Stetski is saying, one might not come forward at all — or at least not one with any real credibility.

Stetski has burst out of the starting gates with a strong campaign complete with public appearances, regular letters to the editor, and press releases espousing his views on Stephen Harper’s leadership style, Bill C-51 and the federal budget — all within 1.5 months of his nomination convention.

According to the online Election Almanac,

the latest public opinion polls (as of the last EKOS polling day, April 14th) indicate the Liberals and NDP are tied neck and neck at 25.9 and 25.3 respectively in B.C. with the Conservatives leading at 29.4 In light of Liberal party leader Justin Trudeau’s personal affiliation with Stetski and the stronger NDP political persuasion of the Kootenay Columbia now that the boundaries have changed to include the NDP stronghold of Nelson, Kaslo and Salmo, it would be a prudent strategy on the part of the Liberals to avoid splitting the vote if the end game is to chip away at the Conservative majority and, with the Liberals lagging so far behind, not an inconceivable one.

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2009 2009 WINNER

Is the Orange Tsunami headed west?

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lbertans have always laughed about their hasn’t been a fiscally conservative, small-government place B.C. IEWS long-standing reputation as a reckless, imfor a long time. Among other things, it has ratcheted up mature society. teacher and nurse wages across the country.

The classic bumper sticker, now available as a Alberta is broke, again, and even the NDP is afraid to resort T-shirt or coffee cup in several variations, states: to a sales tax.

“Please God, give us one more oil boom, we The minimum wage hike is a pet policy of Canada’s labour promise not to p--- it away this time.” federations, which somehow remain convinced that poverty Now they’ve thrown out the government that can be eliminated by state order. finally tried to stop blowing money like a roughOn the positive side, Notley has promised to end corpoOM neck fresh out of the bush. Jim Prentice had the rate and union donations to political parties, as has already gall to propose raising income taxes for high been done federally. B.C. should be next, but the gravy train wage earners, doing away with former Alberta of business donations is too tempting for our nominally Libtreasurer Stockwell Day’s signature flat tax. eral government.

In response, voters have abruptly replaced the 44-year Progressive Here at the B.C. legislature, an NDP staffer passed out cans of Conservative dynasty with an upstart NDP that wants to tax the rich Orange Crush to celebrate. NDP leader John Horgan pronounced and corporations even more. Facing an oil slump, layoffs and a huge himself “ecstatic,” and hastened to assure reporters that Notley is “as structural deficit in Alberta’s lavish public service, NDP premier- competent as she sounds.” elect Rachel Notley is committed to a 50-per-cent increase in the Notley now has to sort through a caucus that includes typical NDP minimum wage and another “review” of resource royalties. place-holders, college students and union staff running in faintOne headline in a national paper summed it up: “Go home, Al- hope constituencies. Soon after the result, the party pulled down berta.You’re drunk.” its website platform and candidate biographies, as Notley began In the sober days after the election, a few truths emerge. Alberta See AX

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Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

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TREET

Did you attend any Wings Over the Rockies events? What do you think of the festival?

“I didn’t know about it, but it sound like a really informative event.”

“I didn’t make it because I had company in, but I think it’s a wonderful thing.”

Steph Rose and Ryan Roberts

Jennifer Shaw

“I didn’t get to do anything this year. But I think it’s good for the community, it’s good for kids and it brings a lot of visitors into town.”

Naomi Madden

LETTERS

Don’t trust Interior Health

Why every vote counts!

Dear Editor:

Dear Editor:

Re: Steve Hubrecht’s article in The Valley Echo of May 6th,“Invermere Council Wary of Interior Health’s Request for Partnership.”

Too right! It was not long ago that Interior Health wanted to close Invermere & District Hospital. I took part in the protest! Interior Health’s representatives Kerri Wall and Deborah Austin proved how out of touch with Invermere residents they are by what they said. What can be more serious than spinal cord injuries and concussions that have occurred on local sporting venues, or children falling off bikes, or the aged falling and shattering bones, or complications in child births?

Interior Health took away our dialysis machine, for Heaven’s sake, and if it wasn’t for the ... and if it wasn’t for Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop,we would be bethe Hospital Auxiliary reft of much needed hospital equipment.

Thrift Shop,we would The dispatch centre for our ambulances is in Kamloops, for God’s sake, where there is little be bereft of much knowledge of Invermere streets. needed hospital How many of us have travelled all the way to equipment.

Cranbrook Hospital only to find our appointments have been bumped and we have to reschedule?

How can we expect new industries, businesses and families to come to Invermere if there is no fully functioning operating room? How can we expect new physicians and surgeons to come and stay without one? Homecare services are a joke, not because of the dedicated workers but because as sole individuals they have no assistance with heavy patients, travel great distances, often into wilderness areas, leaving minimum time to care for patients and receiving paltry wages for all their efforts.

As with the separation of state and church so long ago in terms of who controlled what and who could exert pressure on governing bodies to improve services, DOI would be very foolish to enter partnership with Interior Health.

Sincerely,

If you care about Canada, and you don’t like what Stephen Harper is doing to our country, you need to know how important it is to get out and vote in the upcoming October 19th, 2015 Federal Election.

That seems like a long time away, but what I find as I travel throughout this region is that people are talking about how best to ensure that we stop the Harper Conservatives. People are trying to decide which party Kootenay Columbia voters should support in order to unseat the current Conservative MP. It’s important to know the numbers. The new Kootenay Columbia riding goes from Revelstoke to Cranbrook, the Elk Valley to Nelson. The addition of Nelson, Kaslo and Salmo to the old boundaries means this is no longer a sure-win riding for the Conservatives.

When you take the votes cast in the last federal election in 2011 and allocate them to the new riding, it looks like this: Conservatives – 26,447 votes; NDP – 20, 510 votes; Green – 3,395 votes; Liberal – 1,845 votes; Other – 610 votes.

With the high level of dissatisfaction felt by voters with Stephen Harper’s record, it is very unlikely that the Conservative’s 50 per cent vote share in this riding will hold.This gives progressive voters a real chance, but only if we do not split the progressive vote.

It is clear from the numbers that there is only one party and one candidate that can beat the Harper Conservatives in this riding. That party is the NDP, and I am that candidate.

What do I offer? I have devoted my whole life to serving the public, working to protect the environment, and caring for people in my community. As a former Mayor of Cranbrook and former Kootenay Regional Manager for the BC Ministry of Environment, I am an experienced leader who understands and will properly represent the whole region.

It is time for this area to be represented by someone who will speak out strongly for our best interests. That’s why I’m running to be your next Member of Parliament for Kootenay Columbia.

MARGARET O’SULLIVAN INVERMERE

��

WAYNE STETSKI NDP CANDIDATE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KOOTENAY COLUMBIA

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Do you think the provincial government will allow the Jumbo Glacier Resort project to continue?

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

Do you think the East Kootenay will see an improvement in highway maintenance as a result of the petition submitted to the Legislature?

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

No

Yes

50%

50%

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A7

LOCAL NEWS

Rescuing, Sheltering,Spaying/Neutering and Rehoming Companion Animals in the Columbia Valley since 2007.

Garage Sale

Gently used saleable items accepted until June 6th, 2015.

Call Teryl: 250-688-3336 or ICAN: 250-341-7888 to arrange drop-off of your items. *Please note, we cannot accept tires, tvs or large appliances!

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Valley resident Debra Fisher with Metis Nation of British Columbia president Bruce Dumont. Fisher was sworn in by Dumont in March as the president of the newly formed Columbia Valley Metis Association.

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Debra Fisher has been given the nod from the Metis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) to act as the Columbia Valley Metis Association (CVMA) president.

Fisher was sworn in by MNBC president Bruce Dumont on March 14th after completing interviews and questions with chiefs from around the province.

“It was (determined) that we would split from the Columbia River Metis Society because of the distance,” Fisher explained. The Columbia River Metis Society is located in Golden. “It was just too far. We had board members in Golden and Invermere, but it was too complicated to travel during the winter time so we decided to splinter off and have our own local association.”

The desire to run a grassroots organization for the Metis community from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats aims to engage its members with initiatives a bit closer to home.

“Right now we have over 130 local Metis and that goes from Brisco, Spillimacheen all the way to Canal Flats,” said Fisher. “I think as a local organization, you’re able to better serve your membership. When things are really spread out, it’s hard to get people together and to plan things.

“It’s way easier to organize (events) and keep the association strong if it’s local.”

Trying to create a network of Metis people closer to home has been a lifelong journey for Fisher.

“I held the first meeting in my kitchen 35 years ago,” she said about the challenges of bringing the Metis community together. “We had about six people come together to find out who else was Metis in the valley. We wanted to get together and create kinship, but this was before we even had a provincial Metis body.”

Now there is no shortage of representation for Metis people in the Kootenays.

“We now have three strong Metis associations in the Columbia Valley,” said Fisher. “We have quite a few com-

munity associations and that’s intentional, so that when we come together, we have a strong and united front.”

The third group is the Elk Valley Metis Association.

“When I think back to 35 years ago and we were all sitting around my kitchen table having coffee and trying to figure out who else was Metis in the valley and I think of where we’re at now, we have a governing body,” she said with a sigh of relief, “I’m pretty proud of that.”

Fisher is eager to reach out to all Metis people and their families through the Columbia Valley Metis Association.

“The most important point I want to get across is that we’re a new association,” said Fisher. “We’re looking for new membership. We can help people do their membership applications and things like that (starting at) our AGM.” At the upcoming May 20th annual general meeting planned for the CVMA, Fisher says there will be an official election of the board and nominations will be taken for two-year terms on the executive.

Currently, DK Rice and Sharon Wass are sharing the reins as Columbia Valley Metis Association director. The trio (Fisher, Rice and Wass) take guidance from their elders’ committee, which includes Ev McGilvery, Claudia Mitchel, Yvette Boyer and Oliver Boyer.

“From there, we move forward,” said Fisher. “What has to come to the membership is whether they want to have Associate Membership cards. The Associate Membership cards are for anybody that’s Metis or their spouse is. Maybe they haven’t got their direct lineage yet so they haven’t got their MNBC card yet, but we want them to have a sense of community and an opportunity to learn about their culture and history.

“If we give them an Associate Member card for our association, we can try to help them get their MNBC citizenship card. It’s a provincial card.”

For more information about the CVMA, visit the Columbia Valley Metis Association on Facebook or email Fisher at columbiavalleymetis@yahoo.com.

A8 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

LOCAL NEWS

Radium ranch house fifth on list of expensive Kootenay real estate

Steve Hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com One of the ten most expensive pieces of real estate for sale in the Kootenay region, according to Kootenay Business magazine, is located just outside of Radium Hot Springs.

The 53-acre ranch house property, which is listed for $2.7 million, is located next to The Radium Golf Course and spreads across the foot of Redstreak Mountain, stretching more or less from Dry Gulch to the Village of Radium Hot Springs. It was ranked fifth on Kootenay Business magazine’s list of most expensive properties for sale in the region.

“It’s a ranch property. It was recently subdivided and the owner is selling his interest,” said selling realtor Ross Newhouse. “It has development potential because of the zoning on it. I suspect that’s who’ll buy it, although it also may have appeal to a recreational buyer since it backs right onto the golf course.”

The property includes the old ranch house as well as a newer barn structure, which has been used to hold weddings and barn dances.

“It’s got spectacular views out over the the Columbia Valley,” said Newhouse. The property has been listed for about a year and has had a couple of interested parties so far, although no official offers have been made on it yet.

According to the property’s MLS listing, the home was originally constructed in 1977 and the property includes — aside from the ranch house and barn — a fenced-in dog run, an equestrian arena, several corrals and paddocks as well as a shed and an outbuilding.

Those wishing to view the property can do so by appointment. Contact Newhouse at 250-342-5247 or newhouseconnect@gmail.com.

What $2.7 million will buy you in Radium — (clockwise from top) 53 acres at the foot of Redstreak Mountain; the exterior of the ranch house; and the view across the valley from themulti-million dollar home.

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phoning energy companies to reassure them Alberta will be “A OK” on her watch. Horgan likes to describe the “capital flight” from new NDP governments as if it’s just a show put on by big business.

Plummeting stock prices and relocation of corporate offices are all staged, according to the party line, nothing to do with actual investment conditions created by NDP policies. This fiction is all Horgan dares to say publicly, because it’s what his party base devoutly believes.

Notley supports twinning Besides, they’re only branch offices the TransMountain pipeline, of multinational while Horgan continues to oil companies like insist he has no opinion on Shell, Horgan said.

He used his favouthe project Adrian Dix so rite Tommy Dougmemorably opposed. las quote, about the bad news of a big oil company leaving.“The good news is, the oil is staying here.”

B.C.’s natural gas might be staying here too. Horgan insists he supports a natural gas export industry, but his party seems more concerned with an ascending Green Party, and an urban base that believes you can run a resource economy on windmills and solar panels.

Notley supports twinning the TransMountain pipeline, while Horgan continues to insist he has no opinion on the project Adrian Dix so memorably opposed.

The Alberta NDP has a steep learning curve ahead. The B.C. NDP has a couple of years to see if the appearance of a like-minded Alberta government is a boost for them, or a cautionary tale for voters.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press.

Twitter: @tomfletcherbc. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A9

BC NEWS

B.C. NDP energized by Alberta win TOM FLETCHER Black Press

VICTORIA – NDP leader John Horgan remembers working with Alberta premier-elect Rachel Notley when she was a lawyer working for then-attorney general Ujjal Dosanjh, and he was a senior staffer in the NDP government in the 1990s.

Horgan said Wednesday he’s “ecstatic” at the upset victory of the Alberta NDP, toppling the Progressive Conservative dynasty that ruled for 44 years. And he predicts that sea change in the politics of western Canada will benefit federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair this year and his party in 2017.

“I’ve known Rachel for some time,” Horgan said. “She is as genuine as she looks. She is as competent as she sounds. I think that’s good news for Canada.”

The effect of of Alberta’s first-ever NDP government remains to be seen, with the province in a sharp downturn due to low oil prices. Notley’s promises include raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and increasing corporate taxes at a time when the oil and gas industry is laying people off.

Horgan remains noncommittal about the proposed twinning of the TransMountain oil pipeline from northern Alberta to a shipping terminal at Burnaby. Notley has expressed support for that project, while opposing the Northern Gateway proposal to deliver Alberta heavy oil to Kitimat.

John Horgan B.C. Energy Minister Bill Bennett said he doesn’t expect any change in relations between the two provinces.

He shrugged off the Alberta vote, saying he mostly watched the Calgary Flames defeat Anaheim in the Stanley Cup playoffs Tuesday (May 5th) night.

“It took 44 years to elect an NDP government in Alberta,” Bennett quipped. “We’ve got 30 years left.”

Super, virtual B.C. seen world-wide You climb into a boat and the guide asks if you want to see sea lions along the beach, or hike into the rainforest highland to a group of waterfalls.

Turn to look behind you and see two more people in the boat, the outboard wake behind them. Look up and see trees reaching to the sky and raindrops falling on B.C.’s Central Coast near Nimmo Bay. A floating wilderness lodge with Adirondack chairs and a crackling firepit await your return.

The Wild Within, a virtual reality experience produced by Destination B.C. is the first for North American destination marketing. Its December launch in New York and Washington was covered by 94 media outlets including National Geographic, USA Today, Time, Outside, Lonely Planet, Wall Street Journal, Wired and Ad Week magazine.

The video is experienced with virtual reality goggles and a stereo headset, a system developed

by Samsung.

It supplements conventional promotional videos, and is being presented at tourism trade shows and travel media events across Canada and in in Beijing and Shanghai in June.

To view the video and another showing how it was made, go to www.youtube.com and search The virtual reality video surrounds the viewer with the for “Destination BC The Wild sights and sounds of the coastal rainforest.

Within.”

TOM FLETCHER/BLACK PRESS

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A10 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

WINGS WEEK The Wings Over the Rockies festival concluded on May 10th after an incredible week of presentations and field trips. Clockwise from top left: a Columbia Wetlands paddle on Sunday, May 10th with festival Keynote Jean-Bernard Carson offered participants a unique way of seeing the wetlands as the fossils of tomorrow (Breanne Massey photo); familes flocked to the Trilobite Treasure Hunt with Chris Jenkins at Kinsmen Beach on Thursday, May 7th (Steve Hubrecht photo); John and David Zehnder offered a tour around their ranch on Sunday, May 10th to give people a chance to see wildlife and farm animals, learn about modern ranching and watch sheepherding in action. The tour finished with an explanation by the Zehnder’s about two conservation projects, which are helping to protect both wetlands and Mountain Goat habitats (Kevin Nimmock photos).

ALLEY IFE

VL

EMEMBER WHEN? R A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 50 years

2010 — Howie Williams (far left) and Edna Godlien (far right) presented awards to Jade Bowen, winner of the award for poetry in the yearly Legion arts contest.With her were (to her right) her mom, Allison, and grandma, Maureen Thorpe.

ECHO FILE PHOTO

50

years ago (1965): RCMP of Kimberley and the City Ambulance Service answered a call at 7:30 p.m on Sunday, July 26th following the report of a drowning at Wasa Resort. On arrival, they found that Raymond Joseph Despins, 17, of Prince Albert, Sask. had been in difficulty, but was revived.

45

years ago (1970): The Department of Manpower and Immigration purchased spaces in evening courses approved by the Technical Education Branch

of the B.C. Department of Education. Local Manpower Manager Bernie McKenzie stated that the objective of the courses was to upgrade persons in their occupations.

40

years ago (1975): Kootenay Rock and Snow Trading Co. Ltd. in Invermere and Mountain View Motel in Radium Hot Springs were two of four nominations in the Kootenays recommended for the 1974 Park and Tilford awards.

30

years ago (1985): Mother Nature demonstrated her awesome power and unpredictable ways when a flash flood roared through Fairmont on Friday August,

3rd. “Never,” said one amazed onlooker, “would I have expected something like this to happen here.”

20

years ago (1995): A fire at the northwest end of the Invermere airport erupted, potentially causing considerable damage. The fire reached a size of 0.5 hectares, the greatest danger being the location.

10

years ago (2005): Twenty eight-year-old Aaron Clark, a local mountain bike racer, was among an elite few to participate in the Mountain Bike World Cup at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

THE

WEEKLY Beat 15TH : FRIDAY

• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: From May 15th – May 28th Permaculture Design Certification at the College of the Rockies and Groundswell Community Greenhouse 15th Ave. and Westridge Dr. For more information email info@ groundswellnetwork.ca or call 250342-3337. th th • 6 p.m.: SYC Rockband Night.

MAY 13 19 • May 15 – Sun, May 17, Crescent Heights SeniorHighSchoolReunion, 13TH : WEDNESDAY Calgary, 100th Celebration. 1019• 10 - 11 a.m.: Preschoolers and 1st Street N.W. To register visit Parents, Plant and Play. Runs every crescentheightsalumni.ca or call Wednesday morning for 6 weeks. 1-855-424-2586.

Ends May 13th. By donation, pre-registration requested. Visit 16TH : SATURDAY groundswellnetwork.ca • 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.: Artym Gallery • 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.: It’s Your shows Cameron Bird, Bayot Heer Life, Cancer Prevention Free and Vance Theoret exhibition till presentation by the Canadian May 22.

Cancer Society at Lake Windermere • 12 - 6 p.m.: Summer Kickoff Lions Hall. Contact Sheila Tutty at Party at the Radium Hot 250-342-5266 for more information.

Springs visitor centre. Visit • 4:30 - 6 p.m.: Summit Youth radiumhotsprings.com for details.

Centre (SYC) Graphic Design • 7 p.m.: SYC Foosball tournament program. Must pre-register. Email night. summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

TH :TUESDAY • 6 - 8 p.m.: SYC Drop-in Boys Only 19 • 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Cooking workshop.

Group.

• 7:30 p.m.: Windermere Valley • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: SYC Opt night.

Rural Range Resource Patrol AGM Have one of your Youth workers accompany you to the clinic and at Lions Hall, at the crossroads. assist you with the resources you 14TH : THURSDAY need.

• 12 p.m.: Annual Walk with your Doc at Mt. Nelson Athletic Park.

MAY 20th - 26th Organized by the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice.

20TH : WEDNESDAY • 12 p.m.: Senior’s lunch at Family Resource Centre, $10. All seniors • 4:30 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic Design are welcome to attend. An update program. Must pre-register. Email on the Better at Home program summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033. will be given.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym.

ST : THURSDAY • 4:30 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic Design 21 program. Must pre-register. Email • 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym. summit.centre@gmail.com or call • 4:30 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic Design program. Must pre-register. Email 250-342-3033.

• 5 - 6 p.m.: Every Thursday summit.centre@gmail.com or call evening, enjoy the Wine Tasting in 250-342-3033. the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort • 5 - 6 p.m.: Every Thursday Lobby. Learn about BC wines from evening, enjoy the Wine Tasting in our in-house sommelier. $10 per the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lobby. Learn about BC wines from person.

• 7 - 9 p.m.: The BC Wolf Cull: Science our in-house sommelier $10 per meets Ethics, Ecology and Politics, person. meeting at Pynelogs Cultural • 7 p.m: Friends of Kootenay Centre, hosted by Wolf Awareness, National Park AGM at the Prestige featuring guest speaker Brad Inn in Radium Hot Springs.

Hill. For more information visit Presentation: Building on Success wolfawarenessinc.org or contact - Wildlife Crossings in Kootenay Sadie Parr at sadieparrwolfpact@ National Park by Darren Quinn, Wildlife Crossing Project Manager. gmail.com Have an event you’d like listed? Email it to: production@ invermerevalleyecho. com

22ND : FRIDAY

• 5 p.m.: May 22 - May 24, Wetlandkeepers Course is 2½ days of workshops that educate participants about wetland conservation. This is a hands-on, free fieldwork course that provides participants with technical skills to steward their own wetland.

For more information contact wetlands_assistant@bcwf.bc.ca or visit wetlandkeeperswindermere. eventbrite.ca • 6 p.m.: SYC Karaoke Night.

23RD : SATURDAY

• May 23rd & Sunday May 24th Radium Car Rally. Visit radiumhotsprings.com for details.

• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Plant Sale and Open House at Groundswell Community Greenhouse, 15th Ave and Westridge Dr. For more information email info@groundswellnetwork.ca or phone 250-342-3337.

• 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Garage Sale at Akisqnuk First Nation Arbor.

Food and items for sale as well as breakfast.

• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Plant Sale and Open House at Groundswell Community Greenhouse • 10 a.m.: Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run at Nipika Resort. Register prior to event at new.zone4.ca for more information visit nipika.com/ crazy-soles-nipika-trail-run • 10 a.m.: Windermere Community Association AGM at Windermere Community Hall, followed by Potluck luncheon.

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Purcell Mountain Painters Art Sale at 503 7th Ave. Invermere, next to Grant’s Foods.

Local artists at work.

• 7 p.m.: SYC Movie and popcorn night.

• 7:30 p.m.: Killer Rollbots Roller Derby game at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. Beer garden, concession, and half time entertainment! All ages welcome. $10 for Adults, $5 for kids.

25TH : MONDAY

• 4 - 5:30 p.m.: SYC Employment Readiness program. Must preregister. Email summit.centre@ gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 6 - 7:30 p.m.: SYC Skills for life program.

26TH : TUESDAY

• 5 - 6 p.m.: SYC Trivia Night.

COMING SOON… MAY

27TH : WEDNESDAY

MAY

28TH : THURSDAY

MAY

29TH : FRIDAY

• 4:30 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic design program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 6 - 8 p.m.: SYC Drop-in Boys Only Group.

• 5 - 6 p.m.: Every Thursday evening, enjoy the Wine Tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lobby. Learn about BC wines from our in-house sommelier. $10 per person.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym.

• 4:30 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic design program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Permaculture Design Practicum May 29th and May 30th at Groundswell Community Greenhouse, 15th Ave. and Westridge Dr. The #1 request of our PDC graduates is to practice their new design skills on real-life projects before they go out and take on their own clients.

For more information email info@ groundswellnetwork.ca or call 250342-3337.

• 12 p.m.: Edgewater Seniors soup day at the Edgewater Legion, $6.

• 7 p.m.: SYC Movie and popcorn night.

HOURS INVERMERE LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m • Wednesday - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m - 1p.m.

RADIUM LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m.

• Wednesday - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM • Tuesdays: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

INVERMERE THRIFT STORE

• Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Friday - Saturday: 1 - 4 p.m.

RADIUM THRIFT STORE

• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday:

B

A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

CROSSWORD

RAIN AIN

SUDOKU

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. Figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers named, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

HOROSCOPES

S

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

GAME

CLUES ACROSS 1. Cleopatra’s viper 4. Cuneiform writing 10. Dekaliter 11. Groaned 12. For instance 14. Wave in spanish 15. Arabian gulf 16. Written in red 18. Denouncements 22. Eat one’s heart out 23. Survive longer than 24. Take priority over 26. Foreign service 27. Russian king (alt. sp.)

28. Stinkheads 30. Old name for Tokyo 31. Box (abbr.)

34. Red rock in Australia 36. Not old 37. Enlarge hole 39. Difficulty walking 40. The high point of something 41. 101 42. Hunting expeditions 48. Unusual appearing ghostly figure 50. Without civilizing influences 51. Heartbeat 52. Morning juice 53. Wicket 54. Head louse egg 55. 40th state 56. Pleasing to the eye (Scot.)

58. Nickname for an anorexic 59. Engaged in a game 60. Household god (Roman)

32. Easily annoyed (alt. sp.)

33. Khoikhoin peoples 35. Cyclic 38. Flavor of Newport cigarettes 41. Jamestown was the 1st English 43. Fine meal made from cereal grain 44. Incarnation 45. Norse goddess of the sea 46. Ignores or snubs (slang) 47. Tiny glass bubble 49. Chinese mahogany genus 56. Deepwater Horizon Co. 57. -__, denotes past

W eekend WEATHER Friday

May 15

Mainly Sunny Temp: 19oC o

Feels like 19 C

Low: 4oC

Saturday May 16 Answers to last week

CLUES DOWN 1. Admirer 2. Mouth secretion 3. Afterbirth 4. Initials of “Bullitt” star 5. Family crest 6. Forearm bone 7. Unable to move 8. Loss due to a rule infraction 9. Touchdown 12. Accordingly 13. Spiritual teacher 17. A bridal mouthpiece 19. Dress up garishly 20. Cleverly avoid 21. S.E. Asia goat antelope 25. Fla. state dessert 29. Popular legume 31. Two-die gambling game

Mainly Sunny Temp: 21oC o

Feels like 21 C

Low: 6oC

Sunday

May 17

Chance of shower Temp: 22oC o

Feels like 22 C

Low: 9oC

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you will have a lot energy this week. Channel your energy into a project that is especially meaningful to you and those you love.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, resist the urge to offer advice unless you are asked to do so. You do not need to expend extra energy on something that is beyond your control and does not concern you.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, a hectic schedule may compromise your ability to get together with friends. Although you may be disappointed, there will be other opportunities.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Nervous energy may leave you feeling a bit out of sorts, Taurus. Find a way to keep busy so your nerves don’t get the better of you. Invite a friend over.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 You may have to use your intuition to get to the root of a situation, Virgo. Even financial concerns can be resolved if you go with your gut. Trust a friend to help you out.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 A visitor needs a little sympathy and compassion from you this week, Capricorn. His or her situation can put life in perspective and help calm your own nerves.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, a friend may be in a bind and come to you for advice and assistance. Find the right words to heal any wounds and provide the support this person needs.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, make the most of some upcoming free time.

Use the down time to reflect on where you want to be going forward and what you need to do to get there.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Plans for a vacation could be hampered by circumstances beyond your control, Aquarius. It may come down to funds being needed elsewhere. Your time for travel will come.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Changes at home make this an exciting time for you, Cancer. Enjoy these changes for the excitement they bring and take some time to reflect on the good things in your life.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you have a need to keep a secret, but the excitement is building and making it hard to do so.

Keep in mind the surprise will be that much better if you hold out.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, some unexpected news is coming your way.

Prepare yourself for a change and keep the faith that the change will be positive.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015May The13, Valley The Valley Echo Wednesday, 2015 Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A13

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

<our community. <our classiÂżeGs.

250.341.6299 email customerservice@invermerevalleyecho.com INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE MARINE

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Announcements

Announcements

Travel

Employment

Employment

Employment

Information

Information

Timeshare

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.

DO YOU have a disability?

Physical or mental. We can help you get up to $40,000 back from the Canadian Government. For details online: disabilitygroupcanada.com or call us today Toll-Free 1-888875-4787.

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Business Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Penny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certificate Program at Langara College in Vancouver. Application deadline May 31, 2015. Email applications: fbula@langara.bc.ca.

More information: www.bccommunitynews.com/ our-programs/scholarship.

ALL MALE Hot Gay Hookups!

Call FREE! 1-800-462-9090. only 18 and over.

Obituaries

Obituaries

Personals

Lost & Found Missing: From Windermere Lake, one 20 ft by 5 ft dock. If found please call 250-342-5740.

Employment Business Opportunities GET FREE vending machines.

High cash producers. $1.00 vend = .70 profit. Can earn $100,000.00 + per year. Be first in your area. No competition. Protected territories. For full details call now 1-866-6686629 www.tcvend.com.

Help Wanted

HIP OR knee replacement?

COPD or Arthritic Conditions?

The disability tax credit. $1,500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on avg) Apply today! 1-844-4535372.

ClassiďŹ eds Get Results!

Career Opportunities MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONISTS are in huge demand!

Train with the leading Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today. 1-800-4661535, www.canscribe.com or info@canscribe.com.

Help Wanted

Way, Elizabeth Ann June 7, 1934 - May 2, 2015 Ann, daughter of the late Captain and Mrs. Eric Hewitt, was born in Longton, England.

She passed away at the age of 80 after a hard fought battle to recover from a severe stroke in 2014.

Ann was the loving wife of Nigel, they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage and happiness together. Ann lived by her own terms and was adventurous, seizing the most from life.

Ann trained and worked as a physiotherapist in England before emigrating to Canada in the early 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. She chose Calgary for its skiing, having obtained a job at the Calgary General Hospital where she became head of the Physio Department. Later, Ann worked at the Providence Creche assisting children with special needs. During this time, Ann met Nigel and they were married in 1964. When the children started school, Ann embarked on a new career path studying and graduating with a Masters in Educational Psychology (with Distinction) at the U of C and followed up as a sessional instructor.

Ann loved golfing, travel, cooking and gardening. She and Nigel enjoyed their second home in Windermere and their active social network of friends and above all, family. Ann was the consummate host, entertaining for family and friends and opening her door to any and all.

Ann took special interest in the lives and activities of her children and grandchildren, always striving to attend games, performances, concerts, instruct in the garden or kitchen and tutor on the golf course.

Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of life, outlook, spirit and generosity are an inspiration to those who knew her and she will be greatly missed, and always admired.

Ann is survived by her husband Nigel; daughters Sarah and her husband Don Kesler, and Emma and her husband Dave Smith; grandchildren Teagan, Carolyn and Aiden; sister Carol and her husband Al Woolfrey, UK; and brother Michael Hewitt, Cyprus.

Funeral Services were held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May, 7, 2015 at 2 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www. mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured, 3412 Spruce Drive S.W. Calgary, AB T3C 3A4, www.arbi.ca/give.

In living memory of Ann Way, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.

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

Part and Full-time Positions Available Start date: ASAP

Food Service Supervisor Permanent, Shift

Job Description Available in Store 7 positions available No education required One to two years experience required.

Nights/early mornings/weekends $12.12/hour + medical/dental/group benefits.

Food Counter Attendant Permanent, Shift

Job Description Available in Store 12 positions available No education or experience required.

Nights/overnights/early mornings/ weekends. $11.05/hour + medical/dental/group benefits.

Apply in person, via email (timhortons.invermere@gmail.com) or by fax (250-341-3177) for both positions.

Group Publisher Are you a seasoned Community Newspaper Publisher looking to relocate to the Okanagan?

We are looking for a Group Publisher to manage our South Okanagan markets.

As a seasoned Publisher, you will achieve financial growth by developing and implementing strategic marketing and sales plans to generate new business and achieve the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business objectives.

You will have at least five yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in a sales or business development role, and knowledge or experience in a community newspaper publishing environment. Your success in developing and implementing sales strategies is a result of your entrepreneurial spirit, well developed customer service and communication skills, knowledge of the publishing industry, and extensive business connections.

As the largest independent newspaper group with more than 170 titles in print and online, Black Press has operations in British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Hawaii and Ohio.

This is a full-time position with a competitive compensation and benefits package. Qualified applicants should send a resume and covering letter before Friday, May 29th to: Bruce McAuliffe, President Black Press BC South c/o Kelowna Capital News 2495 Enterprise Way, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 7K2 Email: brucem@blackpress.ca

www.blackpress.ca

A14 invermerevalleyecho.com A14 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

Employment

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Help Wanted

Heavy Duty Machinery

Seasonal Accommodation

A-CHEAP, LOWEST PRICES STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all sizes in stock. 40’ containers as low as $2,200.

Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift. Ph Toll free 24 hours 1866-528-7108 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

For rent: 2 RV Moyie River front lots, fully serviced, side by side, 100x40, at 3 Valley Resort in Yahk, BC, $1000/year each including services. Email for more info:

F & J Painting is looking for experienced painters.

Full time, must have own car and cell phone, good with ladders.

Start ASAP. Wage based on experience. fandjgodin@hotmail.com or 403-678-0245.

Medical/Dental MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Ofce Support ***FULL time Marketing/Receptionist/Admin needed, Ucluelet BC. Send resumes to: info@discovervancouverisland.com ***FULL time Marketing/Receptionist/Admin needed Ucluelet BC. Send resumes to: info@discovervancouverisland.com

Services

Financial Services 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 LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts.

We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Home Improvements FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928.

Misc. for Sale

green_thumb_lina@hotmail.com

Transportation

Beaters under $1000

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - 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.

Misc. Wanted Private Collector Looking to Buy Coin Collections, Silver, Antique Native Art, Estates + Chad: 778-281-0030 in town.

Real Estate Open Houses Fairmont Open House 5134 Hot Springs Rd. Sunday, May 17th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1600+ sq ft, 2+1 bdrm, 2 bathrooms. On Mountainside Golf Course. $429,000.

Rentals Acreage

Rare opportunity to purchase private 150 acres 5 minutes from Cranbrook BC. Borders crown land on 3 sides.

Mixture of timber and fields.

Not in the ALR zoned RR60.

Serious inquiries only, $675,000.

250-489-9234

1993 Toyota Corolla FOR PARTS,

has some rust, only starts once in a while, 165,400 km, blue color, GAS PEDAL IS ON THE LEFT SIDE, asking $500 obo.

Located In Cranbrook Please call (250)919-7797

Cars - Domestic 2002 Impala LS 191,000km; Orig Owner, Remote Start; Leather, PS, ABS, PW, CD, A/C, P/heated seats, Incl. 4 snow tires w/rims. $4,750.

250-348-2447

Legal

Legal Notices Lein Act Notice Notice to: Logstrup, Lisa The following Vehicle: a 1996 Dodge 1500, red/silver extended cab VIN # 3B7HF13Y0TM126997 BC Licence plate DT1499 The landlord of 7361 Prospector Avenue, Radium Hot Springs will sell this vehicle for $1,000.00. Also will be selling Citation Travel trailer Model number GKL21CSG00001, Licence plate # UJA 48E for $600.00 (250-347-9498)

1-250-762-9447

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETER’S WINDERMERE ROMAN CATHOLIC RADIUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JESUS LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHRIST OF LATTER ALLIANCE CHURCH ASSEMBLY LUTHERAN MISSION VALLEY SHARED CHURCH DAY SAINTS OF INVERMERE MINISTRY #4 - 7553 Main Street W, 250-342-6167 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere Hwy. 93/95, 1 km north ANGLICAN-UNITED Radium 5014 Fairway, of Windermere 100 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor: Father Gabriel 250-342-9535 250-342-6633 Fairmont Hot Springs 250-342-9511 250-426-7564 Pastor: Trevor Hagan 100-7th Ave., Invermere Confession: 1/2 hr. before Mass 250-347-6334 250-341-5792 Pastor: Murray Wittke 250-342-6644 Pastor: Rev. Fraser Coltman lakewindermerealliance.org Canadian Martyrs Church valleychristianonline.com Pastor Rev. David Morton Reverend Laura Hermakin President: Adam Pasowisty Celebration 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Worship Service wvsm.ca Columbia Valley Branch Sunday May 17th Saturdays, 5 p.m.

Sundays, 10 a.m.

Sunday Service Worship Services Every Sunday: Bacon, Friends 10:30 a.m.

Sundays, 9 a.m.

Sundays Worship Services 10 a.m.

Worship & Word Bible Studies & Faith, 9:30 a.m Worship, “An Update From Niger” 1:30 p.m.

Sundays Kid’s Church Provided St. Joseph’s Church Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Lisa Rohrick International worker 10:30 a.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hwy. 93-95, Radium Hot to Niger, West Africa speaking.

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Kids’ Church Invermere Sharing Truth Springs Edgewater Hall 1st and 3rd Sunday, 9 a.m.: All Showing Love Sundays, 11 a.m.

K.I.D.S Church for Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Saint’s, Edgewater Following the Spirit children age 3 to Grade 1; 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - October St. Anthony’s Mission and grades 2-7, during the at St. Peter’s Windermere Loving God, Corner of Luck and Dunn, morning service.

Loving People Canal Flats All Saint’s, Edgewater.

Saturdays, 4:30 p.m.

St.Peter’s Windermere

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A15

MAKING AN IMPACT...

Left to right, Invermere Health Care Auxiliary (IHCA)’s president Paige Ukass with Jo Anne Meyers and Evelyne Baertschi present their gift of $50,000 to Donna Grainger, East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) executive director. Just a few short months ago the IIHCA moved their Thrift Shop to a new location in downtown Invermere. The results of that decision have been a huge rise in sales and a continued dedication to health care from all the IHCA members.

Although the IHCA’s major focus is the Invermere & District Hospital or the Columbia House Residential Care Facility, the IHCA has always kept their eyes on assisting in funding equipment for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

“People living in the Columbia Valley rely not just on our local hospital but the regional hospital as well. IHCA is proud to support EKFH and join with other donors to make the access to the best intensive care possible a reality,” said Ukass. The IHCA gift is being directed to the overall ICU equipment needs and backing for the fundraising campaign. Over the past decade the IHCA membership has donated over $120,600 in financial aid for equipment at EKRH and $1,000,000 for the care, comfort needs of residents of the Columbia Valley including $35,500 for scholarships and bursaries.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

SERVING THE Sholinder & MacKay

Sand & Gravel

VALLEY

Business of the Week

Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping Office:

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

Office Closed

Due to the long weekend our office willl be closed Monday May 18, 2015 (Victoria Day)

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

Wells Business Solutions offers a unique combination of bookkeeping, accounting, coaching and consulting to small and medium sized businesses in the Columbia Valley. Our mission, says principal, Katie Wells, is “Helping clients be more successful with less stress”.

And, as the company name implies, they are about solutions. Katie’s depth of experience in entrepreneurship and business, combined with her accounting knowledge and professional engineering background, provides a unique multi-disciplinary perspective that helps each client in a customized way based on their needs. Emily Kohorst, also a key part of WBS, helps clients with admin and bookkeeping. Morgan Hendry has just joined the team as a summer intern. “It is very rewarding to have a client come in with a problem and leave with a solution”, says Wells. “Our biggest compliment is when a client says I wish I had come to you years sooner!’” New clients being accepted. 250-342-0056 www.wellsbusinesssolutions.ca Sponsored by:

• 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

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

www.TheColumbiaValley.ca

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)

• Brakes • Tires • Suspension • Oil Changes • Alignment • Air Conditioners Your Winter Tire Super Store 250-342-4433 • Open 7 days a week NATIONWIDE GUARANTEE Join our Facebook Group: “Summit Youth Centre Events & Updates”

to stay in the loop

Interested in Volunteering? Contact us!

250-342-3033 summit.centre@gmail.com www.invermeresummityouthcentre.org

painting a brighter future

Upstairs: 709 10th St. Box 133, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

VE

The Invermere

ALLEY CHO

250-342-2844

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

NEW R SEWERA CAME

To advertise, call: 250-341-6299

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Amanda Nason

Advertising Sales

Ph: 250.341.6299 • Cell: 250.341.1111 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer

250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

A16 invermerevalleyecho.com

DrivewayCanada.ca |

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 The Valley Echo

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Visit the Ram Promaster City gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca

Promaster delivers on the road and at work Ram follows last year’s introduction of roof and the Promaster City has predrilled and sealed roof rack mounting its popular full-size Promaster work van points, making it easy for the owner to with the launch of a smaller Promaster place ladders. The driver’s cabin looks City version. like it is out of a car and not a van. The The original van was designed to comdash and seats are much more sophistipete with the highly successful Mercedes cated than any work van I have seen.

Sprinter and this version goes headto-head with the Ford Transit Connect.

Looks Gone are the days when a work van The driver’s cabin Ram sells four different versions of the was a full-size truck or traditional North Promaster City: two work versions and looks like it’s out American styled van; these European two passenger versions. The base work designs are here to stay and they make of a car and not a version starts at $27,995 and the highmore sense. van. The dash and er end version with painted bumpers This new Promaster City isn’t really new seats are much more is $28,995. The passenger models are at all. In fact it has been sold in Europe perfect for a weekday work van and sophisticated than as the Fiat Doblo for many years and it the rear seats can be used for family any work van I have duties on the weekend. This passenger has won The International Van award twice. FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, van might also be a good choice for seen. formerly Chrysler) has taken the third taxi duty. The passenger models start at generation Doblo and modified it to suit Zack Spencer $28,995 and a thousand dollars more our rougher roads and tailored it with a for painted bumpers. All of these vans larger powertrain. come with two sliding doors for easy access regardless of the vehicle’s use.

Inside The back doors of any work van are used a lot and Drive Ram uses a 60/40 split to allow the driver easy access What makes this van a compelling choice is the cato the cargo without having to open the entire door pability for the chassis and the engine. Europe diesel open. The rear doors can also fully extend to 180 derules the road, but Ram has modified the front engine grees for loading pallets and large objects. The width compartment to make room for a 2.4L 4-cylinder gasbetween the rear wheel-wells is wide enough to take oline engine with 178hp – the most in the class 1 van a standard sheet of plywood or big-box store pallet. segment. This engine is married to a 9-speed automatAbove the rear wheel-wells are walls that are nearly ic, which has wonderful gearing for pulling away from vertical, making it easy to outfit this van with custom a standing stop. The drivetrain and the platform have a class-leading payload of 854kg. Unlike the competistorage units. Ram claims that the rear cargo area is tion, the Promaster City uses an independent rear susthe largest in the class at 3,729 litres. Another area pension, rather than a solid rear axle setup, making that is constantly used on these types of vans is the

‘‘

’’

the handling much more car like. Having a chance to drive this new van through an obstacle course made me appreciate the nimbleness of the van. Its car-like ride keeps the driver from feeling fatigued.

Verdict One of the advantages of Fiat taking over Chrysler is the broader range of products they can introduce into the North American market. The team in Michigan took the award winning Doblo from Fiat and modified it to meet our needs. Things like the springs and shocks being stiffer and raising the ride height to help when driving over our rougher roads. The larger engine, running on gasoline will appeal to a wider audience than diesel but some buyers will wish that a diesel option were available here. At first glance, this Promaster City is something new, from a brand that has a lot of experience building smaller vans for urban environments. If you are in the trades and don’t need a full-size vehicle, this type of van is up to the job.

The Lowdown Power: 2.4L 178hp 4-cylinder Fill-up: N/A Write to zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca

Question of the Week For the past two weeks, ICBC has sought to warn drivers to be aware of road users on twowheels in its safety tips published here. Does the fact that drivers have to be reminded to be alert, deter you from getting astride a bike, motorized or otherwise?

Go to DrivewayCanada.ca for the question of the week

?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Safety Tip: Every day there are situations where you need to yield to another vehicle, motorcyclist, pedestrian or cyclist. Failing to yield may seem harmless but it’s a high-risk driving behaviour that leads to crashes.

When turning left, don’t let pedestrians be your blind spot.

follow us… /Driveway @DrivewayCanada

Local Jobs. Local People.

Just one of the reasons to call LocalWorkBC.ca for all your job recruitment needs.

1-855-678-7833

/localwork-bc

@localworkbc