Invermere Valley Echo, January 06, 2016

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Rockies start the new year with a win

Offices in Panorama, Invermere & Fairmont

snowboarder 7 Golden tells his survival story

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New Year’s Eve in Radium was double the fun, as the Village of Radium Hot Springs also celebrated 25 years of incorporation on December 31st. The party, made memorable by outdoor fire pits, skating and tasty treats including a huge birthday cake, also included fireworks launched from The Springs driving range.

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Election results breakdown by community reveal trends STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com The Invermere Valley Echo has obtained a town-by-town breakdown of election day voting patterns for the Kootenay-Columbia riding from this fall’s federal election (which has been made available to local candidates, but not yet to the general public), and, while the results do not include the nearly 25 per cent of the Kootenay-Columbia voters who cast ballots during advance polls, they Wayne Stetski still show several clear and intriguing geographic trends.

The western part of the riding voted strongly on election day for the NDP — the eventual winners. The southern part of the riding stood staunchly behind the then-incumbent Conservatives. The northern part of the riding was the most evenly divided, with no party able to capture more than 50 per cent of the vote in any of those areas.

There are, of course, several exceptions to these general trends but, by and large, in most communities in the western part of the riding (the Nelson-Kaslo area and surrounding regions), NDP candidate and new Kootenay-CoDon Johnston lumbia MP Wayne Stetski captured at least 50 per cent of the vote on election day. In several places, he even managed to get more than 60 per cent of the vote, including 69.9 percent in Blewett (which was the largest vote share captured by any candidate in a single community in the Kootenay-Columbia).

In most of the smaller communities and rural areas in the southern part of the riding (Creston, Cranbrook and surrounding regions), Conservative candidate David Wilks took at least 50 per cent of the vote. In the larger municipalities in this area, Mr. Wilks did not manage to secure 50 per cent of the vote, but was still the clear favourite, grabbing roughly 45 per cent of the vote in both Cranbrook and Creston. This Conservative stronghold area extends as far north as the southern reaches of the Upper Columbia Valley, where Wilks earned 58.8 per cent of the vote in Canal Flats, and 50.3 per cent of the vote in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Immediately north of Fairmont Hot Springs, however, begins a string of communities — roughly corresponding to the northern part of the Kootenay-Columbia

riding — stretching in an arc from Windermere and Invermere up through Golden and on into Revelstoke, in which no party clearly dominated and in which the top three parties saw their shares of the vote much more evenly divided than anywhere else.

In some of these communities, the Conservatives garnered the most votes; in others the NDP did; but across the board, none of the parties managed to crack 44 per cent of the vote. (In fact, in multiple northern Kootenay-Columbia communities, no party managed to even David Wilks crack 39 per cent.)

At the same time in almost every single one of these communities, three parties (Conservatives, NDP and Liberal) each got at least 20 per cent of the vote.

The northern Kootenay-Columbia trend of a vote share gap of nine to 19 per cent (depending on the community) between the top party and the third party stands in stark contrast to the vote share gap in southern part of the riding (where it was more than 40 per cent between the top party and second party — nevermind the third party — in some communities), and in the western part Bill Green of the riding (where the gap between the top party and second party was more than 45 per cent in some places).

This narrower gap in the north meant that it was the area of strongest showing for the Liberals. Although the party did not top the polls in any community, it consistently grabbed higher vote share in northern Kootenay-Columbia communities than its riding-wide result of 19 per cent.

The Green Party’s best results also had a geographic concentration — the 11.6 per cent of the vote it earned in Kimberly and 10.7 per cent of the vote in earned in the rural areas surrounding Kimberley were the only two places in the entire riding in which the party managed to crack 10 per cent.

Kimberley has long been a bastion of Green support in the Kootenay region, and is frequently the site of campaign headquarters for both federal and provincial Green candidates, including this year where it was the base of operations for Green candidate Bill Green.

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SNOW-COVERED LAKE... Less-than-ideal ice conditions prevented the Lake Windermere Whiteway from being ready for Christmas Day, but this didn’t stop recreational users from taking advantage of the snow-covered frozen surface. PHOTO BY NICOLE TRIGG

REGIONALNEWS

Geographic voting patterns contains few big surprises STEVE HUBRECHT steve@invermerevalleyecho.com Federal Kootenay-Columbia candidates, or those working for them, generally have said there were no major surprises — although there were some disappointments — with the town-by-town breakdown of voting patterns on election day during this past fall’s federal election (see story on page A1).

The patterns reveal that the NDP dominated the western part of the KootenayColumbia riding; the Conservatives dominated the southern part of the riding; there was a narrower gap between the NDP, Conservatives and Liberals in the northern part of the riding than elsewhere; and the Green Party got its best results in and around Kimberley.

West “We absolutely expected to do well in the west,” said new NDP Kootenay-Columbia MP Wayne Stetski, adding much credit for that goes to former NDP MP Alex Atamenenko, who represented the Neslon-Kaslo area before it was hived off from its old riding and joined onto the Kootenay-Columbia riding for the 2015 federal election, as well as to local provincial NDP MLAs Michelle Mugall and Norm Macdonald.

“It really made it easier. I wouldn’t say outright easy, but certainly it helps that people from that area have had a long and really positive experience with the NDP for many years, and that showed on election night,” said Stetski.

The Echo attempted to get comment from the Kootenay-Columbia Conservative Riding Association on the matter, but was unable to reach the organization prior to press deadline. Former Conservative MP (and incumbent during the election) David Wilks, however, had touched on the geographic voting patterns when he talked with The Pioneer shortly after the October 18th election, saying at the time that the incorporation of the Nelson-Kaslo area – long seen as an NDP stronghold — into the Kootenay-Columbia riding was one of the biggest factors.

“It was huge and I knew it going in. Nelson and Kaslo — nothing against them, they are great places — but they are a different demographic and vote differently (than other parts of the riding),” he said.

Both the Liberals and Greens expressed disappointment to The Echo that their

parties weren’t able to pick up more votes in the western part of the riding.

“We did expect to do better in Nelson, that was our campaign headquarters, but the NDP ran a strong campaign there,” said Liberal Kootenay-Columbia communications director Brian May. “In that Nelson-Kaslo-Salmo area, we certainly expected to do better, and we’re disappointed we didn’t,” said Green Party candidate Bill Green. “The strategic voting imperative in that part of the riding was much more heated than in other parts. There seemed to be a strong sense of ‘we’re being dragged into this Conservative riding and we’re going to band together and vote hard to get a nonConservative candidate in’.”

South The overwhelming Conservative strength in the southern part of the riding came as no shock either, with Wilks acknowledging it has long been a bastion of Conservative support, and Stetski saying “obviously we (the NDP) have a lot of work to do there.”

Stetski added that the southern Kootenay-Columbia affinity for the Conservatives is similar to the western Kootenay-Columbia affinity for the NDP, in that both trends are buttressed by a long history of popular MPs. “Jim Abbott was really popular in that area, and with good reason. He represented the riding, first for the Reform Party and then for the Conservatives, for 17 years. A lot of people really liked him, and I certainly like him a lot as a human being, although obviously we have differing political views — so that built strength.

Then (former Conservative MP) David Wilks took over the riding for another four years, so that’s a 21-year stretch that really helped build up a solid base of support,” said Stetski.

In Cranbrook, where Stetski had previously been mayor, the Conservatives reigned supreme, just as elsewhere in the southern part of Kootenay-Columbia.

While that may not have been the result the NDP was hoping for in the town, it was not unexpected, according to Stetski.

“There is a strong Conservative element in Cranbrook, which can be really effective at getting the vote out,” he said.

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LOCAL NEWS

Radium Hot Springs encouraged to ‘go green’ Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com

ernment staff, in the Columbia Valley in March to energy information and identify where some efficienhelp close the gap of information around the chang- cies could be possible for each individual’s building. ing requirements.

It also compares you to similarly sized buildings in “I’ll be looking at designing a sustainability or ener- Canada, corrects your energy consumption accordThere are some innovative ideas being pitched to reduce carbon emissions in East Kootenay munici- gy efficiency checklist,” she added, noting there may ing to local climate data — it’s just another tool to be some incentives attached to the document such manage energy information and, in that, ways to repalities this winter.

Megan Lohmann, the head of energy management as building permit rebates in some communities, “or duce their consumption.”

She also discussed the possibility of installing an at the Community Energy Association, presented Ra- a guide that could be attached to a building permit dium council with information about branding the application process so that there’s information avail- electric car charger to help drive tourism to the RaRadium Hot Springs area as “green” at the regular able for the builders during this process. We do want dium Hot Springs. She described three options for to be encouraging or, at least, be offering encourag- the municipality to explore, ranging from level one Wednesday, December 16th meeting.

The Community Energy Association is eager to help ing information for builders to be making decisions to level three chargers. Lohmann added there is no shortage of ways to “go green” and she hopes to help the East Kootenay region develop the characteristics on improving the energy performance of homes.”

She believes that building a property in the area can the village develop a blueprint to boost these initiato become an energy efficient region that attracts leave a lasting legacy for the next generation if it is com- tives locally. both residents and visitors.

Council accepted the information and planned to “The key component that we’re looking at is edu- pleted in a way that is energy efficient from the start.

In addition, Lohmann will also be developing a re- conduct research about her suggestions in the future. cation and awareness for builders, contractors and For more information about Lohmann and her building inspectors around, specifically, the energy source package for builders and people who will be efficiency component of the BC Building Code,” said undertaking the task of completing a renovation over team’s projects, visit www.communityenergy.bc.ca.

Lohmann. “There have been some pretty significant the next few months to help address changes in the code, specifically around air tightness new components of building.

ELECTION from A1 “I’ll be looking at doing some best of new builds and ventilation, but there’s a bit of an Despite the Green sympathies in Kimberley, it was Stetski’s information gap between the BC Building Code and practice reviews and ways that make NDP that earned the most votes there, taking 35 per cent, with the builders and even building inspectors in some sense for some of the smaller comWilks hot on his heels at 32.5 per cent. cases — primarily because there aren’t many train- munities to provide incentives,” Green, however, was not the only candidate to fail to top the ing opportunities that come out, from the Interior to she explained. “On the commercial polls in his campaign headquarters’ home turf. Liberal candidate building side, there will be a portthe Kootenays.”

Don Johnston was based in Nelson, which he hoped might help As a result, Lohmann recently went to Vancouver to folio manager tool that’s provided him steal some of the NDP’s thunder in a town that has long been attend a conference to get more information about through Natural Resources of Canaan NDP stronghold. the changes to the provincial building code. She is da, which is essentially a free energy Johnston was mistaken, however, as Nelson voted overwhelmhoping to offer an informational workshop to build- inventory tool that allows business ing for the NDP, with the Stetski getting 64 per cent of the vote, ers and building inspectors, as well as to local gov- owners to create an account, offload compared with the Liberals’ 18 per cent.

Although Steski outdid the Liberals in their headquarters, he GEOGRAPHIC from A2 too was defeated on his home turf in Cranbrook, where he had previously been mayor.

“We didn’t win Cranbrook, but we were able to pick up a couple thousand votes in there, an In Cranbook, the NDP got 24.3 per cent of the vote, while the increase from what we had there last election, and at the end of the day that really helped.

Conservatives got 46.8 per cent. Wilks also had his headquarters I won the riding by just 285 votes, so the message of this election — to me — is that every in Cranbrook, which meant he was the only one of the four canvote really counts.” didates to win the highest vote share in the community housing his operations base.

Kimberley Wilks took the most votes in every single community in the UpThat the Green Party had its best results in and around Kimberley — where the party had per Columbia Valley, but the valley as a whole straddled the fault its campaign headquarters — was also expected, according to Green. line separating the Conservative-dominated southern part of the “I’m better known in Kimberly and the surrounding area than elsewhere, and there’s a fairly Kootenay-Columbia riding and the more evenly divided northern strong green movement in Kimberley, especially around topics such as local food producpart of the riding, with Wilks winning handily in polling stations tion and energy efficiency. It’s present in other towns as well, but it’s quite strong here and it in the southern end of the valley, and winning more narrowly in seems to translate into votes,” he said. “We also tend to do better in recreation-centred towns areas in the northern end of the valley. with big ski resorts, such as Kimberley, Golden and Revelstoke. What I think that tends to In Canal Flats, the Conservative took 58.8 per cent of the vote, reflect is the younger demographic in those places.” the NDP 19.2 per cent, the Liberals 17 per cent and the Greens The trend of no single party dominating the northern part of the riding was anticipated by five per cent. both the NDP and the Liberals.

In Fairmont Hot Springs, the Conservatives took 50.3 per cent, the Liberals 22.5 per cent, the NDP 21.7 per cent, and the Greens North 5.6 per cent.

“We expected to do reasonably well in places such as Invermere and Golden, but we also The gap then tightens in Upper Columbia Valley polling stations know there’s a Conservative element to the Upper Columbia Valley and Golden,” said Stetski. further north, with the Conservative getting 40.4 per cent of the “It may come partly from the influence of Alberta — which is overall quite a Conservative vote in Windermere, the Liberals 27.1 per cent, the NDP 26.7 per province — on those regions. There are a lot of residents in those towns who have moved cent, and the Greens 6.4 per cent. there from Alberta and when they move they bring their values with them.”

In Invermere, the Conservatives got 35.6 per cent of the vote, “From Revelstoke through to Kimberley, we looked and saw that in past elections there has the NDP 34.2 per cent, the Liberals 22.4 per cent, and the Greens been a pretty even 50-50 divide between the NDP and Conservatives, and we thought there’s 7.8 per cent. a natural middle ground between the two there that we can fill, so we’re not too surprised In Panorama. the Conservatives took 41 per cent, the Liberals that we had some of our best results there. We expected that,” said May. “What did surprise 21.3 per cent, the NDP 20.4 per cent and the Greens 6.2 per cent. us a little bit is that there were a number of towns throughout the riding in which we manAnd in Radium Hot Springs, the Conservatives grabbed 43.8 per aged to equal or even surpass the NDP.” cent of the vote, the NDP 26.4 per cent, the Liberals 22.7 per cent Stetski added that when campaigning or looking at the voting results, it’s important not to and the Greens 7.1 per cent. get too bogged in specific geographic trends.

In all Upper Columbia Valley communities, a total of 3,862 vot“At the end of the day, people vote for the candidate who best reflects their views on life,” ers cast ballots on election day — 1,673 of them (43.3 percent) he said. for the Conservatives; 980 (25.4 per cent) for NDP; 872 (22.6 per The 73 per cent of eligible voters who came to the polls in Kootenay-Columbia during the cent) for the Liberals; and 252 (6.5 per cent) for the Greens. past election gave the riding one of the highest voter turnout rates in the entire country.

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LOCAL NEWS

Fire services agreement renewed between RDEK, Radium Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com The Village of Radium Hot Springs has unanimously accepted the decision to renew a fire service agreement with the Regional District of the East Kootenay (RDEK).

“This would be simply our renewal for fire services within the RDEK, so Brownsville area, Kootenay National Park and areas to the south of here,” said Mark Read, Village of Radium Hot Springs chief administrative officer, at the regular council meeting on Wednesday, December 16th.

Read had reviewed the fire services agreement with both Radium fire chief Dave Dixon as well as the RDEK. He said all three parties involved do not see a need to make changes to the agreement at the present time.

“It’s really just a simple renewal of a status quo bylaw at this time,” he concluded about the five-year plan.

The RDEK undertook an assessment to see if the boundaries being served in the agreement were ideal. Read reported that Radium opted to keep Brownsville in their area of operation to help keep the taxes at a reasonable rate.

The Schickedanz West ranch lands were not included in the agreement because they did not meet the requirements of the fire agreement.

“Our decision was that we would not accept those areas until some changes were made and Schickedanz never moved forward with those changes,” explained Read.

Mayor Clara Reinhardt agreed and stated if changes needed to made at a later point, revisiting the agreement was always a valid option for everybody involved.

“The fire departments themselves know what’s reasonable and practical,” said Reinhardt.

COUNCILBRIEFS

Canal Flats seeks more value from tourism promotion dollars Greg Amos Special to The Valley Echo

Seeking more bang for its bucks on tourism promotions, Canal Flats is leading a call for a new funding model for Columbia Valley Visitor Services, which highlights the valley to potential tourists and new residents.

As a regional function, Visitor Services could be funded by Columbia Valley communities based on the number of business-assessed properties in each jurisdiction, rather than on residential assessment values, Canal Flats mayor Ute Juras told council during the village’s December 14th council meeting.

At the early December Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board meeting, members voted to pursue that amendment to the bylaw that governs visitor services funding.

Mayor Juras noted Visitor Information Centres in Invermere and Radium assist Canal Flats by promoting Canal Flats as the only access point for Columbia Lake, and added that 71 per cent of the staff employed at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort are Canal Flats residents.

Another vote at the RDEK meeting resulted in the regional district agreeing to lend 35 hours of staff time to help prepare land prospectuses for the Canal Flats Economic Development working group, in an effort to help the village attract new potential businesses and industries.

In a report from B.C. Energy Minister Bill Bennett, the regional district board got an update on the province’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund that provides subsidies for new energy and power projects. At the Canal Flats council table, the report sparked a discussion on the potential industry-attracting benefit the village could realize from a northward extension of

an existing natural gas line that runs north from Cranbrook as far as Skookumchuk, ending about 30 kilometres south of the village.

Sewer line gas leak fixed A contaminated air scare at the Canal Flats Seniors Centre last month resulted in an improvement being made to the ventilation system for the building.

A new makeup air system, costing just over $2,000 for the purchase and installation, is now in place after a kill switch failed on a pump at a sewer lift station for the building. That resulted in foul-smelling sewer line gases briefly being pumped back into the building.

The new makeup air system “will make sure that the air entering that building is always pure and clean,” said public works co-ordinator Bill Doroshuk after council asked him about the incident.

Transition calls continue Several former Canfor Canal Flats mill workers are applying for the Project Based Labour Market Training (PBLMT) program offered through College of the Rockies and WorkBC. Council learned this while discussing a report from the most recent Canal Flats Worker Transition Call that was held over the course of one hour on November 23rd.

All requests for transfers and full severance have been received, said a Canfor representative, and since then very few people have visited the transition office in the village.

Several previous participants, including the Columbia Basin Trust, Service Canada, and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, did not take part in the call. The next call will take place on January 11th.

There’s no agreed-upon end date as to how long these teleconference meetings will continue.

College implements changes to Adult Upgrading Breanne Massey breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com To offset tuition costs during the winter semester, the College of the Rockies is offering completion awards to students who successfully complete an adult upgrading course but who did not receive an Adult Upgrading Grant.

These awards are applied as a credit toward a student’s next course registration and range from $75 to $450.

The goal behind offering Student Aid BC Adult Upgrading Grants is to assist lower income learners with the cost of tuition, fees, books, unsubsidized childcare and transportation.

As of January 1st, 2016, the tuition for adult upgrading courses will be $305.76 each per semester, while tuition for directed studies courses will be $450 per course.

Students who are currently enrolled in directed studies courses at the College will be able to continue their courses, tuition-free, until April 30th.

At COTR, Adult Upgrading courses are offered at four different levels: fundamental, intermediate, advanced and provincial. Many courses at the advanced and provincial levels are available by regular semester delivery during either September to December, or January to April, but courses at all levels are also available by directed study.

Students will be able to begin directed study courses in January, February or March in the winter semester. The fall semester intakes will be in September, October and November.

Find out more about Adult Upgrading courses at www.cotr.ca/abe.

Cinefest Film Series @ Pynelogs I’ll See You In My Dreams Tuesday January 12th What does ART mean to you?

The Second Mother

Tuesday January 26th at 7 pm · Tickets at the door

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

Happy BirtHday to pynelogs!

1914 - 2014

Celebrating 100 years

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

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What is and isn’t working for current residents?

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ADMINISTRATION

NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com Second homeowners in the Columbia valley have one thing in common. They feel at home here, enough to finance a house to which they can retreat on weekends and holidays, so they can spend their precious time off in a place that brings them happiness and rejuvenation, before heading back to home number one for their daily grind.

The Columbia Valley Resident Attraction and Retention initiative (which Invermere mayor Gerry Taft touches on in this week’s Regional Rundown column) is trying to figure out how to encourage these part-time residents to make the valley home number one. It’s an interesting goal to tackle, one

that will undoubtedly unearth some valuable talking points that could point the future development of the valley, economic and otherwise, in a new direction.

We all know this area has unsurpassed natural beauty, endless year-round sports and outdoors activities, a robust arts and culture scene, non-stop community events, a fantastic school system and strong local government. Invermere, Radium and Fairmont boast strong town centres and with two ski resorts, a national park, endless backcountry trails and lakes, and several strong economic pillars such as forestry, mining and tourism, the Columbia Valley seems to have everything a small B.C. town could ask for. So what’s missing?

Two key factors in attracting and keeping

new residents are obviously jobs and reasonably priced housing. Not the under $20 an hour front line jobs that valley businesses have had a hard time filling since their access to the temporary foreign worker program was cut off, but year-round jobs that ensure middle class lifestyles, which result in more money spent locally and resident retention until retirement. Whether it’s attracting new industry like the thriving technology sector, or establishing new post-secondary school options or welcoming more entrepreneurs, the push to increase the local population needs to first investigate what is not working for current residents as well as what is, which is why getting involved in the public consultation of this process is so important to the community’s future.

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2009 2009 WINNER

Seeking public input on growing the population I RUUNDOWN

nvermere and the rest Regional of the Columbia Valley bustle with people over the Christmas holidays and during the summer months of July and August, but, as many of us know, a lot of homes and condos sit dark and empty for extended periods outside of school breaks.

Since 2007 and beyond, the number of units and amount of housing in the valley has increased substantially, while at the same time the permanent population has stagnated or even declined.

What makes the people who live here year-round stay? What could be done to ensure more people stay and thrive?

What are the barriers and what are the potential opportunities that could at-

tract new families and new year-round residents? Can existing second homeowners be converted to yearround residents?

These questions are the basis for, and what is driving, the “Columbia Valley Permanent Resident AttracERRY tion and Retention project.”

Funded by CBT and administered by the District of Invermere, the project is now in the public consultation phase.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the online survey (visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/Upper_Columbia_Valley) and also attend an in-person session with our consultants on Tuesday, January 26th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lions Hall at the Crossroads. There will also be an in-person consultation session in

G TAFT

Calgary on Wednesday, January 27th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino (Crow Flag Room).

Having a healthy base of year-round residents is important for our valley on a number of levels. It helps businesses to operate year-round, it ensures that we can maintain our existing government services (schools, hospitals etc.), it provides a potential work force for businesses struggling to find enough labour, and it provides a base of volunteers and a strong sense of community.

Your participation and assistance in this project will help to make the recommendations and actions as useful and practical as possible!

Gerry Taft is mayor of the District of Invermere and a Regional District of East Kootenay director for the Columbia Valley. He can be reached at taft.gerry@ gmail.com.

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

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TREET

What are you thoughts about venturing onto Lake Windermere before the Whiteway is created?

“I guess it’s just how it it used to be before the Whiteway was created. It’s still worth it to get out there.”

“I’ve been out there playing hockey.”

Seth Bjorkman

“We were out on it this past weekend. But I trust their judgement on when it’s a good idea to make the Whiteway.”

Fraser Smith

Emily Dewey

OPINION

LETTERS

Passages of 2015: an ode to Stephen Harper

Get rid of Aboriginal stereotypes Dear Editor: I spent 50 years in the newspaper business as a reporter, editor, and publisher at weeklies and dailies in all four western provinces.

Throughout my career, I witnessed up close the disconnect between Aboriginal people and the non-native society.

Becoming familiar with Aboriginal history, culture and traditions will surely go a long way in helping to bridge the disconnect.

There has been mistrust, anger, suspicion, frustration and fear from both sides toward the other. Positive steps are being taken to narrow the gap, but much more needs to be done.

For too long, the Aboriginal community has been stereotyped by negative stories carried in newspapers, TV and social media. The stories often focus on protests, confrontations, alcohol and drug abuse, financial scandals, fires, gun violence, murders, thefts, assaults, and missing persons on First Nations’ reserves.

Other disturbing stories include poverty, unemployment, poor drinking water, dilapidated housing, terrible roads, lack of educational opportunities, truancy, child runaways, etc.

But it hasn’t all been negative. There are many Aboriginal success stories. Among them: pow wows, rodeo cowboys, accomplished athletes, entrepreneurs, business ventures, artists, lawyers, judges, journalists, musicians, craft makers, politicians, etc.

To improve the relationship between Aboriginal people and non-natives, attitudes need to change.

Perry Bellgarde, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, called in June 2015 for people to “make room in your hearts and minds and your spirits. Rid yourself of those racial stereotypes of Indians and Indigenous people being dumb and lazy and drunk on welfare. Rid yourself of those things, so new things can come in.”

Chief Bellegarde made the statement in response to the final report and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The challenge is ours to take.

CLAY STACEY KELOWNA

I

B.C. the most slanted first met Stephen IEWS election coverage Harper when he I’ve ever witnessed. was running for the The celebration Canadian Alliance continues over Jusleadership in 2002. tin Trudeau’s victoSpeaking to a group ry, with the supposof Fraser Valley edly non-partisan members concerned federal bureaucracy that the party had OM split over the leadcheering along with ership of Stockwell much of the national Day, Harper didn’t media. mince words because a local reHarper’s assessment of maporter had showed up on a Sat- jor newspaper ownership is no urday morning. He explained his longer accurate, except for the prediction that no matter who Toronto Star. But the dying traleads the conservative move- dition of owners looking up from ment started by Preston Man- their accounting ledgers to enning, the national media would dorse a political party continwork against it. ued, with the Postmedia chain “The press is owned by big-L and the Globe and Mail pointing liberals and staffed by small-L out that Trudeau’s rash promisliberals,” Harper said. “Preston es didn’t add up.

Endorsements were a brief inwas too cerebral; Stock was not cerebral enough. I’m not sure terruption in the media assault where I will be, but the media on Harper’s record. His governwill always be on the other side.” ment’s plan to welcome 10,000 Harper’s cold war with nation- refugees, unveiled way back in al media is a theme that runs January 2015, was portrayed through his decade as prime as heartless and feeble, while See A9 minister, peaking in 2015 with

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

V

T FLETCHER

��

Do you believe that making New Year’s resolutions is an effective way of accomplishing your personal goals?

Yes

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

Were you a recreational user of the ice and snow on Lake Windermere over the Christmas holidays?

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

40%

No

60%

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A7

FEATURE

Living to tell the tale of getting trapped by snow Joel Tansey Golden Star

On opening day at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in 2014, Trevor Hamre got into some trouble on a treed run between Bubbly and Euphoria. The incident foreshadowed a much greater ordeal that would take place on opening day a year later, one that could have cost him his life under different circumstances.

“I got pretty frantic, moved the snow off my face and it kept falling on my face, falling in my mouth.”

Fortunately the trees were perpendicular to his chest and head and there was empty space to his right and left.

“I dug out my legs with my hands until I got to a point where I could see light along my left leg, and then I knew I had air. I really calmed down after that,” Hamre said.

Pinned under the logs, with snow crashing down to his stomach, chest and face every time he moved his board, Hamre soon realized there was nothing he could do to get himself out.

The Day Because of that experience, Hamre was determined to avoid that area on opening day of the 2015-2016 season, which took place on November 28th, 2015.

It’s a run that he calls one of his Trevor Hamre, pictured with his wife Kuljit and their son Bruenor, was buried for five hours at Buried again favourites and a secret shared Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden before being rescued.

Photo submitted After about 30 minutes of being among locals, but perfect opening day conditions can make even the most experienced boarders and skiers trapped, Hamre had to fight for his life once again when a skier or snowboarder — oblivious to the situation happening a few feet below — sprayed snow into make decisions they might otherwise avoid. the hole, covering Hamre’s face with snow for the second time.

In 2014, Hamre got his board stuck under a log.

“Probably a foot and a half of snow fell into the hole and that was another reIn 2015, his entire body found an empty pocket deep in the snow, his head ally frantic moment,” he said. completely buried and his legs and board above him.

He managed to remove the snow once again. By this time, the empty space beside him was full and packed in with snow.

Trapped “For the rest of the day, it was a big struggle on whether to even try to get out, After completing a pair of top to bottom runs through Bowl Over, Hamre decided he’d go for one last lap, this time into Crystal Bowl. It was around 11 because I was bringing more snow down near my face every time,” Hamre said. o’clock and he was riding alone, aiming to be home with his wife, Kuljit JasThe wait wal, and their three-year-old son Bruenor, by lunchtime. Partway down the run, For the next several hours, all Hamre’s board hit an underlying log and he went airborne.

“I cartwheeled forward into the snow instead of hitting the top level of snow... Hamre could do was wait, hope and scream for help, his situait was just lightly covered,” he recalled.

MaxWell Realty Invermere Multiple trees had fallen sideways, causing a build up of snow on the tree tion becoming increasingly desperate as the afternoon wore on. branches.

“Every three breaths I “When I hit the snow, it didn’t have any resistance. I went straight into this screamed, for five hours,” he hole and slid right under two logs,” Hamre said.

His face smashed against one log and he quickly tasted blood, but his situa- said. “My head was six feet under and I didn’t think anybody tion was far more severe than that. Initially, it was a struggle just to breathe. connect@geoffhill.ca “I was fully buried over my head. I was literally pulling snow out of my mouth,” could hear me… I knew it was so

See A15 he said.

Invermere-RealEstate.com

Geoff Hill

250-341-7600

A division of

A8 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

KIJHL Standings

Rockies start 2016 with a win Noelene Anderson Special to The Valley Echo

EddIE MountaIn dIvISIon TEAM GP W x-Kimberley Dynamiters 36 28 x-Creston Valley T. Cats 34 21 x-Fernie Ghostriders 36 20 Col. Valley Rockies 36 20 Golden Rockets 37 4

L 4 10 12 16 30

T OT 0 4 1 2 0 4 0 0 1 2

nEIL MurdocH dIvISIon TEAM GP W x-B. Valley Nitehawks 37 25 Castlegar Rebels 34 22 G. Forks Border Bruins 36 16 Nelson Leafs 36 15 Spokane Braves 35 5

L 8 10 17 20 26

T OTL PTS 2 2 54 2 0 46 0 3 35 0 1 31 0 4 14

GF/A S +50 L3 +40 W1 -26 W2 -20 W1 -85 L1

doug BIrKS dIvISIon TEAM GP Kamloops Storm 36 100 Mile H. Wranglers 38 Chase Heat 35 Revelstoke Grizzlies 34 Sicamous Eagles 36

L 9 11 10 15 22

T OTL PTS 0 4 50 1 4 49 3 2 45 1 2 35 2 5 21

GF/A +26 +28 +25 +4 -66

S W1 T1 L1 L1 T1

oKanagan dIvISIon TEAM GP W L T OTL PTS Osoyoos Coyotes 35 26 7 1 1 54 Summerland Steam 35 22 12 0 1 45 Kelowna Chiefs 36 18 15 2 1 39 N. Okanagan Knights 36 9 20 3 4 25 18 Princeton Posse 36 8 26 1 1

GF/A +68 +31 +4 -34 -68

S W1 W1 L1 T2 L2

Scoring Leaders Player Team 1. Rainer Glimpel OSO 2. Jared Marchi KIM 3. Eric Buckley KIM 4. Alec Wilkinson CVT 5. Jason Richter KIM 6. Cole Keebler FER 7. Jordan Busch KIM 8. Micheal Cardinal CVR 9. Jack Mills SUM 10. Carson Cartwright CVT

PTS 58 50 50 50 49 49 49 47 44 43

PIM 34 24 89 30 4 12 28 73 54 24

W 23 22 20 16 7

IJHL K WHL Standings

GP 35 36 36 33 31 26 36 34 33 33

G 20 18 17 10 25 24 7 23 20 23

PTS 60 45 44 40 11

GF/A +70 +42 +24 +3 -116

A 38 32 33 40 24 25 42 24 24 20

Goaltending Leaders (min. five games played) Player Team GAA SP W 1. Jacob Mullen SUM 1.77 .934 10 2. Brett Soles OSO 1.80 .940 17 3. Tavin Grant KAM 1.90 .931 8 4. Tyson Brouwer KIM 1.94 .931 22 5. Matthew Huber SUM 2.16 .915 11 6. Nic Bruyere CHA 2.21 .929 16 7. Tallon Kramer BVN 2.24 .932 4 8. Joseph Mcleod CGR 2.25 .934 13 9. Aidan Doak REV 2.27 .922 11 2.28 .910 11 10. Spencer Eschyschyn KAM

L 4 4 3 4 6 8 2 6 7 8

T 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 0

S W1 W2 L2 W4 L6

SO 0 4 1 5 6 1 0 5 0 3

x = clinched playoff spot

This week’s KIJHL standings are updated through to Sunday, January 3rd.

cEntraL dIvISIon TEAM GP W L OTL SL PTS Lethbridge Hurricanes 35 24 11 0 0 48 Great start for Red Deer Rebels 35 Rockies 23 12 0 at0 the 46 Calgary Hitmen 37 22 13 1 1 46a day, January 2nd as they took Edmonton Oil Kings 36 14 19 3 0 31 Medicine Hat Tigers 34 12 19 2 1 27 Golden Rockets.

Kootenay Ice 36 6 28 2 0 14

GF/A

S

-26 -84

W1 L12

+43 W4 Eddie on +23 L1 Satur+8 L1 5-2 win over the -19 W1

The Rockets are in a rebuilding year but show

EaSt dIvISIon up and compete game.

TEAM GP every W L OTL SL PTS GF/A S Brandon Wheat Kings 35 21 11 1were 2 45 L1 scoreThe Golden Rockets first+32 on the Prince Albert Raiders 34 20 11 2 1 43 +6 W2 Moose Jaw Warriors 34 17 4 clock.

1 39 Rockets +10 W1player board with 1:06 left12 on Regina Pats 35 15 15 3 2 35 -14 OTL1 Saskatoon 33 13 17 3 0 29 -36 W2 ThesRyderBlades Prue scored, assisted

by Matthew Swift Current Broncos 34 10 20 3 1 24 -31 L3

sian. Then, with 50 seconds left on the clock,

B.c. dIvISIon Rockies player by TEAM GP Micheal W L OTL Cardinal, SL PTS GF/Aassisted S Kelowna Rockets 35 25 9 1Hoobanoff, 0 51 +32cameL2streakQuinn Sobus and Nick Prince George Cougars 34 21 11 1 1 44 +23 W1 Victoria 35 21 to 12 beat 1 1Brody 44 +32 L1 tying ing Royals down the wing Nelson, Kamloops Blazers 32 17 11 3 1 38 +16 W2 the game Vancouver Giants 1-1. 36 12 19 3 2 29 -25 W1

17:17 in the second, Colton Robb firmly u.S.At dIvISIon TEAM GP W PTSthe GF/A S planted one into theL OTL backSL0 of Rockets’ net, Seattle Thunderbirds 33 19 11 3 41 +14 W1 Everett Silvertips 32 19 11 0 2 40 +19 L1 assisted by Zach Ross and Luke Bellrose, bringSpokane Chiefs 34 17 13 3 1 38 -3 W1 ing the score up 0 33Rockies. +5 OTL1 Portland Winterhawks 33 to 16 2-1 16 1for the Tri-City Americans 34 14 19 1 0 29 -25 L1 With 9:09 left in the second period, Micheal

Scoring Leadersgot his second of the night assisted by Cardinal Player Team GP G A PTS PIM 1. Tyson Baillie KEL Nick 35 Hoobanoff.

23 35 58The 40 Doan Smith and Rockies 2. Brayden Burke LET 35 9 41 50 16 ended the second 3. Adam Brooks REG at353-1.17 31 48 14 4. Kailer Yamamoto SPO 34 14 34 48 14 AtGardiner 11:10 in the got 5. Reid PARthird, 34 Micheal 20 26Cardinal 46 24 a hat 6. Parker Bowles TCA 34 19 27 46 24 trick assisted by Doan Smith and Nigel 7. Dryden Hunt MJW 34 20 25 45 18 Swab.

8. Egor Babenko LET leading 35 19 by25three, 44 Golden 24 With the Rockies an9. Jon Martin SCB 32 26 17 43 39 10.swered Ivan Nikolishin RDR Ryley 35 19 43 his10second back with Prue24getting Goaltending Leadersassisted (min. 660 min played) of the night, by Matthew Thessian and Player Team GAA SP W L OT SO Tanner Witt.

1. Carter Hart EVT 1.97 .925 19 10 2 6 2. Ty Edmonds PGC 2.17 .932 11 6 1 2 With the game at 4-2 and with 6:42 left 3. Coleman Vollrath VIC 2.47 .911 16 10 1 1on the 4. Ian Scott PAR 2.62 .915 9 3 0 clock, Micheal Cardinal got his fourth1 of the 5. Jackson Whistle KEL 2.63 .918 18 6 1 2 6. Jayden 2.67 .910 11 giving 5 0 the 1 Rocknight,Sittler assistedLETby Doan Smith, 7. Jordan Papirny BWK 2.76 .898 12 10 3 2 ies a 5-2 lead.

8. Logan Flodell SEA 2.79 .895 12 7 3 0 9. Patrick Dea .905 11 13 2 0 TheToth RockiesEDM were2.81 on the (PK) five 10. Rylan RDR 2.88 .904 penalty 18 10 kill 0 2

times and their PK team did an awesome job The Rockies celebrate a goal against Golden at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere on January 2nd. The Columbia Valley of not allowing Golden any scoring opportuniteam won the game 5-2.

Photo by Noelene Anderson ties. Giovanni Sambrielaz did a solid job for the to showcase our gorgeous valley and bring lots of visitors Rockies and the Home Star was Micheal Cardinal. Golden netminder Brody Nelson was the Away Star, to our community to play on Lake Windermere.

There is still time to register a team for the Rockies’ ansaving 50 of the 55 shots fired at him.

The Rockies’ next home game is on Saturday night, nual Pond Hockey Tournament fundraiser. Go to www.

January 9th, against Creston Thundercats at the Eddie rockieshockey.ca and click on the Pond Hockey link for Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere, with the Hospice information. The opening night is Friday, January 29th at Society of the Columbia Valley as special guests to appre- 5 p.m. The tournament runs all day Saturday and teams get treated to a burger and a Rockies game on Saturday ciate all they do for the valley community. night when the Rockies take on the Spokane Braves. The tournament finishes up on Sunday.

Pond Hockey Tournament It’s great fun and a wonderful community event so come The Rockies are hoping to make the Pond Hockey Tournament a bigger event than last year. It’s a wonderful way out and show your support!

Home Games VS. CRESTON VS. BEAVER VALLEY VALLEY NITEHAWKS Saturday, January 23 THUNDERCATS 7:30 pm DON’T FORGET Saturday, January 9 7:30 pm rd

th

50/50 TICKETS

CELEBRATING 37 YEARS IN THE KIJHL!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A9

PASSAGE from A6 Trudeau’s 25,000 by Christmas represented the generous character of the true Canada.

As it turns out, the Liberals have been hard pressed to reach even the 10,000 mark. But they’ve put out a rash new promise to make it 50,000 at some point in the future, so the media’s new-found message of sunshine, hope and change continues.

Those modest $10 billion annual deficits that Trudeau promised, and Harper warned against? Borrowing and spending will far exceed that, but we’re assured that’s because they were based on inflated Conservative financial forecasts.

In fact, independent private sector forecasts are now the key reference for government budgets at the federal and provincial level. None of them predicted the further slump in energy prices that continued through 2015.

And cooking the books before an election isn’t really possible any more, thanks to the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office. That was a Harper innovation, along with scheduled elections.

And that Trudeau pledge to raise taxes on the wealthiest Canadians and use

the proceeds to finance a tax cut for the middle class? That one didn’t add up either. For one thing, wealthy people have a variety of legal ways to reduce their taxable income.

Here’s an actual front-page headline from the Globe and Mail, reporting this unfortunate fact, well after the election: “The way Liberals gauged response to new tax rate explains gap.”

So it was just an understandable oversight, you see.

Trudeau’s star turn in Paris, where he pronounced that “Canada is back” in the battle to control the world’s weather? The official submission from his bloated delegation to the UN climate meetings was actually the existing Conservative plan, which includes phasing out coal-fired electricity generation.

Harper generally represented a preference for the individual over the state, a concept that at one time was known as “liberalism.” This was illustrated by his preference for parents rather than a nanny state to administer child care.

He advocated free trade, small government and low taxes. We’ll see how that legacy survives the new government and its media cheering section.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Find him on Twitter @tomfletcherbc. Email tfletcher@blackpress.ca.

EMEMBER WHEN? R A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 55 years

2006 — The New Year’s baby made his entrance at the Invermere and District Hospital. Dylan Bradley Varga greeted parents Crystal Coles and Brad Varga along with sister, one-year-old Dakoda-Dawn Coles, on Jan. 2, 2006.

ECHO FILE PHOTO

55

years ago (1961): The heritage building that is now Pynelogs was repurposed from a hospital into a home for the elderly. The first resident, Sabina Ackerman, told The Valley Echo she had worked for a cook for the Walt Disney family in Hollywood many years prior.

50

years ago (1966): Invermere resident Allen Tegart won the Kinsmen Club and BC Hydro holiday decorating contest again. It was his fourth year in a row taking top honours in the competition.

45

years ago (1971): The Christmas spirit shone especially brightly in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

Judges in the Kinsmen Club and BC Hydro’s holiday decorating contest unanimously voted to give the top individual home decorating award to Radium resident Toby Dennis and the top business decorating award to the Radium Hot Springs Crescent Motel.

45

years ago (1976): The Windermere District Historical Society’s efforts to save the old Canadian Pacific Rail station seemed to pay off after the station building was successfully moved to a new location opposite the then-site of David Thompson Secondary School. An intial attempt to move the building failed, after a pin in the moving truck broke.

35

years ago (1981): A new Invermere council was sworn in.

Roy Lake was the new mayor and George Eacrett, George Dalke, Joe Conroy and John Hetherington were the councillors.

25

years ago (1991): The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) closed its Radium Hot Springs branch, leaving the newly incorporated village without any kind of financial institution. Radium council quickly began efforts to lure another bank to town.

20

years ago (1996): Conflict among winter backcountry user groups was rife enough that local forestry officials felt the need to intervene and designate cerain parts of the Upper Columbia Valley backcountry for certain user groups. Snowmobilers were banned from Catamount Glacier and North Star Glacier as well as parts of the Upper Jumbo Valley.

15

years ago (2001): A successful fundraiser at the Farside Pub managed to raise more than $1,000 for the Mikkelson family. The family had lost all its possessions in a house fire two weeks earlier.

10

years ago (2006): The federal government denied a request from the Jumbo Creek Conservation Society to review the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort project. The national goverment of the time said it saw no reason to get involved in a matter of provincial jurisdiction.

B

A10 invermerevalleyecho.com

CROSSWORD

RAIN AIN

SUDOKU

S

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

GAME

CLUES ACROSS 1. Engine additive 4. Soluble ribonucleic acid 8. Subdue 10. One long, three short 11. Morally bad 12. With collapsible shelter 13. Central church parts 15. Summer shoes 16. Intestinal 17. Transgressors 18. Meeting expectations 21. Clutch 22. Autonomic nervous system 23. What you can repeat immediately after perceiving it 24. Favorite summer sandwich 25. An accountant certified by the state 26. Cologne 27. Norma Jean Baker 34. Galaxies 35. Bluish greens 36. Detected 37. Having 3 dimensions 38. Made level 39. The destroyer (Hindu) 40. Uncovered 41. Ooze slowly 42. Aerie 43. Point midway between S and SE

CLUES DOWN 1. Having beautiful natural views 2. Fanafuti is the capital 3. Shrub used for hedges 4. Polishing tools 5. Slow down 6. Christmas carols 7. & & & 9. Sound of sheep or goat 10. A long flag, often tapering 12. Atomic #73 14. Schilling (abbr.)

15. Female sibling 17. Long sandwich 19. In a way, necessitated 20. Mayan people of SW Guatemala 23. Cleaned up 24. Prohibit 25. Upright cupboard 26. Cyclone center 27. Metric linear units 28. Young male 29. Securities market 30. City across from Dusseldorf 31. Animal disease 32. Mount of __ east of Jerusalem 33. Get free 34. Variable stars 36. One point N of NE

W eekend WEATHER FridayJanuary 8 Scattered flurries Temp: -1oC o

Feels like -2 C

Low: -11oC

Saturday January 9 A mix of sun and clouds

Answers to last week

Temp: -9oC o

Feels like -11 C

Low: -14oC

SundayJanuary 10 Mainly sunny Temp: -8oC o

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

Happy New Years

Feels like -9 C

Low: -15oC

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, practicality is a big part of your personality, but sometimes thinking through the reasons to do something over and over can be tedious. Let loose a little bit this week.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Misinformation is spreading, so research everything to make informed decisions this week, Leo. It may help you avoid an expensive mistake down the line.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Do whatever you need to do to rejuvenate your spirit, Sagittarius. Spend some more time with friends and avoid prolonged solo activities. Soon your motivation will return.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, expect to feel pulled in two directions this week. It’s a pivotal time at work, but in the same measure, you have much going on at home. Think things over carefully.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you may have a wonderful time with family or friends this week, even if you are crunched for time.

Savor the small moments as they come your way.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, this may turn out to be a strange week, as you can’t seem to fully focus on anything. You may get frustrated at your inability to concentrate, but that focus will return soon.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you may find your energy levels unusually low this week, and your productivity may suffer as a result. Maybe someone else can energize you a bit and lend a helping hand.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this is a good week to catch up on paperwork, filing or tedious tasks you have let fall by the wayside.

Make use of the slow week to recharge.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, if you become too wrapped up in business or personal obligations, take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. Some things need to be rearranged.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you will get to your destination soon enough, but the trip may be a bit of a headache. Patience is essential this week; otherwise, you may give up prematurely.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you will be missed as much as you miss another person this week. Wait out this separation a little while longer, keeping in mind that your reunion is on its way.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you are on a quest this week to find the perfect gift for a friend. This person will appreciate your efforts, and your bond will only grow stronger..

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

THE

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6TH • 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink.

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere senior’s hall, $2. Everyone welcome.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7TH • 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ Tournament at the Invermere Legion every Thursday. $35 buy in.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8TH • 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere senior’s hall, $2. Everyone welcome.

• 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live music by Smokin’ Ray & The Detectors. Blues, R’s n B and more.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9TH • 9 a.m.: 2nd Annual Dragon Tail Loppet, 9km Nordic Loppet from the Panorama Nordic Centre. Visit www. panoramaresort.com/event-details for more details or concact nordic. centre@panoramaresort.com or call 250-341-4106.

• 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies vs. Creston Valley Thundercats at Eddie Mountain Arena.

• 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live music by Smokin’ Ray & The Detectors. Blues, R’s n B and more.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12TH

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16TH

HOURS

• Snow Golf at Kinsmen Beach. Get • 2 p.m.: Genealogy Group at Columbia INVERMERE LIBRARY your tickets now, call 250-342-5557.

Gardens Private Dining Room. Every • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m • 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.: CV Community 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Centre Shred-A-Thon. Panorama, Mile One Chair. Registration at 7:30 a.m. on the Great Hall deck. Minimum pledge of $80 per person or $300 for a team of 4. Cost includes a lift ticket for the Mile One Express Chairlift, a $10 meal voucher, prizes and day-long entertainment. A fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Community Centre.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22ND

• Wednesday: 10 a.m - 8 p.m.

• Thurs – Saturday: 10 a.m - 5p.m.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SnowFlake Festival & Taste RADIUM LIBRARY of the Valley at Kinsmen Beach. Live • Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. music, fire pits, ice skating. Taste of • Wed - Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m. the Valley at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 8 • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1p.m. p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23RD

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

• 12 p.m.: Winter Loop the Lake. $35 TUESDAY JANUARY 19TH for adults, $25 for children. A westside INVERMERE THRIFT STORE • Columbia Lodge No. 38 meets every Legacy Trail fundraiser. Contact • Thurs - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

3rd Tuesday at 8 pm. Sept through ae.events@outlook.com.

June. 1301 7th Ave, second floor above ADIUM THRIFT STORE TUESDAY JANUARY 26TH R Lambert Kipp.

,

• 6:30 p.m.: Westside Legacy Trail Open House at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Pine Room. Come and experience what the WLT is, how it will impact the valley, and • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: OPT clinic at the show your support. Snacks and Invermere Health Unit. 1st and 3rd refreshments will be served.

Tuesday of each month. Confidential • 7 p.m.: Cinefest film series featuring service: low-cost birth control, and the film I’ll see you in my Dreams. STI testing.

Tickets $12 at the door.

• 7:30 p.m.: Florian Hoefiner Group

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20TH

,

• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• 7 p.m.: Cinefest film series featuring • Fri - Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m. the film The Second Mother. Tickets $12 at the door.

SUMMIT YOUTH CENTRE

• Tuesday: 5 - 9 p.m.

• Wednesday: 4 - 9 p.m.

• Rockies Pond Hockey Tourney • Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m. at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Tickets Friday January 29 - Sunday January • Fri - Saturday: 6 - 11 p.m.

are $20, $10 for students and are • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw & Grill at Fairmont available at Tiffany’s Thredz and at Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live Pynelogs. Call 250-342-4423 for more music by Swillbillies with blues, folk information. and pub-style tunes.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH

31, at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere.

For more information and registration visit hockey-community.com/league/ cvrockiespondhockey • 12 p.m.: Soup lunch at the Edgewater Legion. $6. Last Friday of each month.

FREE tutoring available and volunteer tutors needed. Contact the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy wvcoordinator@cbal.com

A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo's 2015/2016

NHL Hockey Pool Standings

This Week’s winner is:

Grand Prize

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

2 rounds with cart at The Ridge and 2 rounds with cart at The Point 250-341-3392

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

Rank 1 2 3 4 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 13 14 14 14 14 18 19 19 19 22 23 24 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 33 34 35 36 36 38 39 39 39 39 43 43 45 46 46 46 46 50 50 50 53 54 54 56 57 57 59 60 60 60 60 60 65 66 66 68 68 68 71 72 73 74 74 74 77 77 77 77

Team Rockies 19 +2 Flathot 84 + WTC + LB 22 + Love the B’s Hootenani +2 HSB Dad +2 Kootenay Rangers +3 Go Habs Go +4 RSJ 16 + DR 27 +3 Dexter “O” slayer A’s +2 Old-Rock + Edge Golf + Harley + T Webb +2 Harley 10 +2 Buster’s Rez Raiders II + Kmart Special +3 Slev 77 + D Turner + Yuki’s Monsters Curling Iron + Lone Wolf NM 23 +2 CLB 77 +2 Davy 19 +3 Long - Rock +2 Cowboys and Indian +2 Jye + Taters +3 Ski +3 Grocery Stick + E-town 98 +3 Little Red +3 DB 24 +2 The Ultra Beauty + MC 21 +4 Beagle + HD 4 +4 Faze Zeimzeys +3 Dominator 44 + AllMega 01 +2 Roadhammer +2 ABA Chow +3 Davis Tenta +2 Ron Hunt Picks +3 Gama’s Guys 2 Mouse +2 50/50 Rock +2 FC 09 Still Guessing + Hockey Season Widow + Epie 76 +4 Nelly.33 + Matt Santucci +4 R’s Rockets + RACO7 +2 CS 14 +3 Willbillies +4 MRN31 + Drinkin n Thinkin KM 10 +2 CR 13 +3 Brennan +2 Sumokordic + Jet’s Baby +3 ATT and KZEE +3 Payci +2 “Boat” +4 Gone Postal + Layne Hunter Philip on tacos Buster’s Rez Raiders I + CM 1 +2 13 Family Pantry +3 Akisqnuk’s Rez Raiders + Grampa 4 + Christopher 3 +2

Total 659 652 651 647 647 644 643 640 639 636 635 635 632 630 630 630 630 629 627 627 627 626 622 621 621 617 616 615 614 612 611 611 610 609 608 607 607 606 605 605 605 605 604 604 601 600 600 600 600 599 599 599 598 597 597 596 595 595 594 593 593 593 593 593 592 591 591 589 589 589 588 587 586 585 585 585 584 584 584 584

LW 56 51 59 54 52 53 54 57 48 60 59 57 54 61 49 56 45 55 51 54 57 55 60 73 76 49 67 35 60 65 47 46 51 48 45 50 52 57 41 49 47 52 57 42 44 41 51 44 61 55 56 61 49 50 47 55 47 43 49 53 47 54 68 50 41 51 49 54 55 39 62 60 52 53 53 48 50 53 58 46

GM

P/G

74 64 65 73 49 68 70 90 93 96 58 65 96 71 77 91 66 62 90 136 98 85 51 90 94 113 99 111 115 69 90 123 102 99 108 99 129 83 110 95 101 80 112 57 122 98 127 115 33 62 93 75 64 79 138 79 158 96 93 113 118 100 57 94 106 124 63 139 138 108 76 91 62 81 107 84 102 138 80 113

0.77 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.73 0.74 0.75 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.73 0.73 0.75 0.73 0.73 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.74 0.78 0.74 0.73 0.71 0.74 0.75 0.75 0.74 0.74 0.75 0.71 0.73 0.75 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.76 0.72 0.74 0.72 0.73 0.71 0.74 0.70 0.74 0.72 0.75 0.74 0.67 0.69 0.72 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.74 0.70 0.77 0.72 0.71 0.72 0.72 0.71 0.68 0.71 0.71 0.72 0.68 0.74 0.73 0.72 0.68 0.70 0.67 0.69 0.71 0.69 0.70 0.73 0.69 0.71

Sponsored by:

Rank 81 81 83 83 83 83 87 87 87 90 90 90 90 94 94 96 96 96 99 99 99 102 102 102 105 106 107 108 109 109 111 112 112 112 115 115 117 117 118 120 120 120 120 124 125 126 126 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 141 143 143 145 145 147 148 148 150 151 152 153 154 154 156 157 158 159

Team MF 11 +3 Gama’s Guys +4 PBR +2 Sabu 64 +2 Young Guns +2 Goalieguy +2 Malcolm +2 DQ 18 +2 R.O.P +2 Berg’s Pens + Choda Boy +2 Duane G + Tristan Dubois +2 Brake Sticks 20 + RC 31 +2 Bru’s Babies + Make B Leaf + Beer League All Star +2 Hockey Insider +3 Lynal + Tala’s Mom + Hair Haven +2 Texas Mick 810 +3 Sportsmom3 + Last Call + Don43 + Shogun +3 Moose Drool + Skeeter 31 +3 Hockey Life 5 +2 Nolan “What” Watt Spencer +3 NH 08 +2 I’m Gonna Lose + Night Hawks +4 Kelley Neale +2 ZR 20 +2 Merrrymen +2 Freddy Kruger +2 N4CER +2 TD 03 +3 JD Radium +2 The Cuptenders +2 Little fast guy +2 T-O-N-N-Y +3 Buster’s Team + Guessing Game Again +3 Hair 3 +2 Life After Licic + Rylie’s Mom +2 WEG +3 Woodsy +2 Gwen’s Gimmies +2 HSB +4 Nelly +2 BBD +2 Nick was Here +5 Team Canada +2 Wolpack 13 +2 Casss +3 NWT 1 +3 20.20 luke +3 Trich Monas +2 Westside Dan +2 RGM 10 +2 Lucky + Sept 27/2015 +2 2010 Bruins +2 WR 15 +3 White +2 Finnipeg Y-lime +4 Canucks Suck +3 RT 04 + Sumpkin +3 Crew Slut +3 M + L +2 Anaphylaxis + Zacksmum +2

Total 583 583 582 582 582 582 581 581 581 580 580 580 580 579 579 577 577 577 575 575 575 573 573 573 572 571 570 569 568 568 567 566 566 566 565 565 564 564 563 562 562 562 562 561 560 558 558 557 556 555 552 550 548 547 546 545 544 543 541 540 539 539 538 538 537 537 536 534 534 533 531 530 527 520 520 508 504 498 475

LW 44 45 51 37 55 57 46 56 52 69 42 46 47 64 42 54 55 40 43 60 51 63 45 48 50 51 30 58 37 65 50 58 50 52 41 46 38 57 55 62 34 51 55 48 48 57 57 46 49 60 47 49 62 29 54 59 40 49 61 45 49 55 47 58 44 64 44 62 45 48 44 45 33 51 50 39 38 57 39

GM 103 146 108 95 143 134 75 92 116 88 73 76 68 99 93 75 68 110 120 79 56 95 102 99 52 87 124 94 130 112 102 143 92 110 147 151 113 104 107 100 129 127 127 101 111 129 129 81 90 110 122 118 94 159 112 95 136 113 132 164 119 180 115 98 135 105 114 115 131 90 93 144 103 107 104 157 150 147 157

P/G 0.70 0.74 0.71 0.69 0.74 0.72 0.68 0.68 0.71 0.69 0.68 0.68 0.69 0.70 0.69 0.67 0.67 0.70 0.71 0.67 0.66 0.69 0.68 0.69 0.65 0.67 0.70 0.69 0.71 0.69 0.68 0.72 0.67 0.69 0.71 0.73 0.69 0.68 0.68 0.67 0.70 0.69 0.69 0.68 0.68 0.69 0.69 0.65 0.66 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.65 0.70 0.67 0.65 0.69 0.66 0.68 0.71 0.66 0.71 0.65 0.65 0.67 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.66 0.63 0.63 0.67 0.64 0.63 0.63 0.65 0.64 0.64 0.61

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The6,Valley The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 2016 Echo

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Lost: gold wedding band, Dec. 18th, downtown Invermere. Very sentimental, reward offered.

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Obituaries

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Larry Allan Scott 1947-2015 After many miles we must announce that Larry has passed, with his loving wife Inge by his side. Larry is also survived by 1 brother, 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Larry will leave a large void and be sadly missed. A small gathering of family was held at his eldest son’s home in Abbotsford on Wed. Dec. 9/15. A future celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2016.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Larry’s Name.

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“Grandma, we’re coming to visit!”

ROKOSH, STANLEY A

April 20, 1919 – December 27, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stanley Rokosh on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at the age of 96 years. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, Doris, two sisters and six brothers.

Stan was born and raised on the family farm just outside of Ituna, Saskatchewan. After completing high school, he enlisted in the army on September 6, 1940. Advancing quickly through the ranks from Private to Captain, he remained in Canada as an arms instructor for the infantry. After the war, he attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning his degree in Civil Engineering.

It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Doris Bush. He then established Rokosh Engineering and Construction, which he operated until 1983, and was active in the road building industry in and around southern Alberta. During this time he was also active in and the president of the Calgary branch of the Engineering Institute of Canada. He gave his time to many other clubs and organizations as well. As his retirement approached, he accepted a position teaching fourth year Engineering students at the University of Calgary.

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Stan had a deep and quiet faith in God, which led him to participate in many church activities from serving on building committees to singing in the choir. He was interested in current events, politics, science and sports, which made him a great conversationalist. He really enjoyed people, and could always be found talking to others on the street.

In 1983, he and Doris retired to Invermere. They both enjoyed their new community immensely, appreciating the friendships they made there. Loving the outdoors and physical activity, he was an avid skier, and until the age of 95, he curled, golfed, skated on the lake, was an avid gardener, and maintained the family cottage which he had built in Windermere.

He had a great sense of humour, and was well known for his jokes and story telling. Stan was often an emcee at large gatherings, and through his life, he had many close friends and a great many acquaintances. His family meant a great deal to him, and he was a great source of comfort and encouragement to them. Stan is survived by his children, Janet (Clarence Graff), Linda (Gordon McLeod), Bob (Rose), and William (Ronalda), sixteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, his brother Ted, sister Emily and his very dear friend Bernice Stone.

Keep your toddler safe in the car.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Invermere and District Hospital as well as the care givers and staff of Columbia Garden Village.

Learn how to install your child’s car seat correctly. Call 1-877-247-5551 or visit ChildSeatInfo.ca

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation in Stan’s memory can be made to the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.

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A funeral mass for Stan will be on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, (1210 - 9th Street, Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0).

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The ValleyEcho Echo

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A: 2 - 1 3 1 3 7 t h A v e , I n v e r m e r e P : 3 4 1 - 6 8 8 9 / 1 - 8 5 5 - 6 5 1 - 3 0 2 7

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CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE 100 - 7th Ave., Invermere 250-426-7564 Pastor Rev. David Morton Worship Services Sundays 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere

RADIUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JESUS FELLOWSHIP CHRIST OF LATTERďšş DAY SAINTS #4 - 7553 Main Street W, ANGLICAN-UNITED Radium 5014 Fairway, 250-342-6633 Fairmont Hot Springs 100-7th Ave., Invermere Confession: 1/2 hr. before Mass 250-347-6334 250-341-5792 250-342-6644 Canadian Martyrs Church Reverend Laura Hermakin President: Adam Pasowisty 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Worship Service wvsm.ca Columbia Valley Branch Saturdays, 5 p.m.

Sundays, 10 a.m.

Worship, Every Sunday:10:30 a.m.

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Worship Services Bible Studies Children and Youth Sunday School Sundays St. Joseph’s Church Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at 10:30 a.m at Christ Church 10 a.m.

- 1 p.m.

Hwy. 93-95, Radium Hot Trinity, Invermere Kids’ Church Springs 1st and 3rd Sunday, March - Dec. 9 Edgewater Hall Sundays, 11 a.m. a.m. at All Saint’s, Edgewater Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

St. Anthony’s Mission 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - Oct. at Loving God, Corner of Luck and Dunn, St.Peter’s Windermere Loving People Canal Flats Saturdays, 4:30 p.m.

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 250-342-6167 Pastor: Father Gabriel

LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY ALLIANCE CHURCH 4814 Hwy. Drive, 1 km north 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere of Windermere 250-342-9535 250-342-9511 Lead Pastor: Trevor Hagan Pastor: Murray Wittke Asso. Pastor: Matt Moore lakewindermerealliance.org valleychristianonline.com Sunday is Worship January 10th 10:30 a.m.

Services Worship And Life 10 a.m. Worship & Word Instruction“Follow Me - The Kid’s Church Provided Messed Up Disciple�

Sharing Truth Pastor Trevor Hagan Showing Love ministering K.I.D.S Church for children age 3 Following the Spirit to Grade 1; and grades 2-7, during the morning service.

7 p.m. SING and CELEBRATE at LWAC You are welcome to join us for an evening of sining the great hymns of the faith; food; and fellowship

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo LIVING from A7 muffled that it would have to be somebody really close.”

Having worked at the resort for five years, he also knew that ski patrollers wouldn’t sweep the area at the end of the day and that few skiers and snowboarders would be taking this run, which is inbounds but not particularly well-travelled.

“The only people that would have been in there are expert local skiers,” Hamre said.

He shivered, partly from fear and partly from the cold.

Acceptance “My plan was to stay alive as long as I could but I really accepted that I wasn’t probably going to make it… I thought I was dead.”

Hamre thought about a lot of things while he was trapped. He thought about his family and wished that he had been teaching Bruenor how to ski that morning. He also reflected on life itself.

invermerevalleyecho.com A15 He thought about “that whole community versus individual dichotomy. From skiing on my own to enjoying life on my own versus with others. That went through my head constantly.”

He thought that it would be a re-affirming action one way or the other, whether he saved himself or whether someone else saved him. If somebody else saved him, it would show him that he needed community and family in his life even more than he already believed.

Rescue At 4 p.m, just as his wife Kuljit Jaswal was preparing to call the resort and alert them of her overdue husband, Hamre was rescued.

A Kicking Horse employee (who declined to be interviewed for this story) was snowboarding past when he stopped for a break and Hamre’s cries were, at long last, heard.

“I just kept yelling and then he responded… I was so happy. I was elated.”

Ski patrollers were quickly called to the scene and after half an hour of digging, Hamre was finally free.

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ALLEY CHO

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Your Weekly Source for News and Events The Invermere

Reflection Hamre recognizes just how fortunate he is to have survived his ordeal and expressed his full gratitude for all who were involved in his rescue.

“In the end, I’m so happy. I was just so blessed. I didn’t despair in the hole, I had my wits about me. I didn’t cry. I was pretty accepting.”

The tears did flow later that day when Hamre was finally able to make it home to his family.

“That was pretty emotional,” he recalled.

As for snowboarding, Hamre says his experience won’t deter him, but it will make him take extra precautions, especially when thinking about skiing in trees.

He hopes that his tale will serve as a caution to the rest of the skiing and snowboarding community.

“I just hope that people wear whistles, take cell phones, ride with buddies. These are the things that I did wrong,” Hamre said.

In the immediate future, Hamre says he plans to spend some time with his son at the resort and teach him how to ski. “I’ll probably spend the whole weekend on the bunny hill, but I’m okay with that,” he laughed.

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A16 invermerevalleyecho.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Don’t miss this musical romp at Christ Church Trinity SUBMITTED

California archival site has 14 linear feet of documents about him.”

Ragtime will reach a milestone Flush out the carols! Romantic, in 2017, the centenary of Scott Ragtime, and Romantic Ragtime Joplin’s death. Rather than one takes place in Invermere’s Christ small city hosting a festival, Church Trinity on Wednesday, Sahlen hopes to see a regionJanuary 6th at 7:30 p.m. Lively piwide spectacle that could attract anist Arne Sahlen will herald the international crowds and showhoped-for Kootenay Ragtime Fescase the many Kootenay splentival of mid-2017 with music by dours.

Chopin, Joplin (called the Chopin Sahlen credits those Kootenay of Ragtime) and Sahlen himself. splendours for saving his soul Admission is by donation.

Edyta and Arne and spirit after some crushing This program, as well as Sahlén’s experiences elsewhere.

Decades of Musical Delight and “In this splendid area, to serve others and put others, are available on call for senior citizens’ them first is not seen as screwy. As a piano teachhomes as well as shut-ins and the disabled.

“Along with my deep respect for our seniors in er, I project the same care for each student that general, my mother is so extraordinary that serv- compels me into human service. From classical superstars to boogie boosters, from seniors to ing the elderly is a way to honour her.”

Edyta Sahlen, now 97 and living in Victoria, is refugees, each person can be served in our region — not just in a case file or time slot, but with fondly remembered in East Kootenay circles.

She set superb examples for her three sons in a respect, compassion, and a bit of zany fun.”

For more information about the coming events life of service.

“Both my family bloodlines stream artistic and or other Christ Church Trinity activities, email humanitarian commitment,” said Sahlen. “One arnesahlen@hotmail.com or phone 240-342-6644, uncle helped to develop the United Nations, and a or 250-341-1432.

A division of

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Valley Echo

COMMUNITY

RDEK on the hunt for outstanding volunteers SUBMITTED

If you know an outstanding volunteer in one of the rural areas in the region, the RDEK wants to hear from you!

Nomination forms are now available for the 2016 Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year and, as it has in past years, the Regional District will once again be honouring one outstanding volunteer from each of its six Electoral Areas.

“Our Volunteer of the Year program recognizes an individual or couple from each of our Electoral Areas and gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to them and to all the volunteers who give selflessly to contribute to the spirit, culture and people of their communities,” says RDEK Board Chair, Rob Gay. Nominees must be a resident of an Electoral Area and make voluntary contributions to their community.

Nomination forms can be filled out or downloaded from the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca) and can also be picked up at the Cranbrook and Columbia Valley RDEK offices, and from the Electoral Area Advisory Commissions.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, January 26th, 2016.

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