Columbia Valley Pioneer, January 03, 2019

January 3, 2019 Vol. 16/Issue 1

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 January 3, 2019

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2018 YEAR IN REVIEW January

April

March February May

July

August

June

September

November October

December 2018 was filled with fun, frivolity and firefighters rushing to the rescue. From Bullriding in the Rockies to adventure races and holiday parties, another memorable year sped by in a flash.

File photo

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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January in review Greenways applies for BC Rural Dividend Program funding The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance, the trail’s advocacy group behind the Westside Legacy Trail, once again is applying for the annual BC Rural Dividend Program. Last year, Greenways won a $500,000 dividend, and is hoping for a repeat this year.

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Join us at the library for the launch of Smokii’s debut collection:

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January 3, 2019

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Province urges public not to feed wildlife As the winter months continue and the snow cover builds, public concern often grows for the wildlife in the region. While some will wonder if the animals, particularly the wild ungulates, are getting sufficient amount of food, the Ministry of Forest, Lands, and Natural Resources is asking the public to consider the risks before leaving feed out for the wildlife.

Lunch is served with local government politicians Lunch is served with a side of politicians at an upcoming Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce event.

The 8th annual event features updates from local government politicians, which typically includes mayors or council representatives from Canal Flats, Invermere, and Radium Hot Springs, Regional District of East Kootenay area directors, and representatives from Shuswap and Akisqnuk First Nations.

Wild turkeys rampant Wild turkeys have turned from a nuisance to a problem in some ColumbiaValley communities.

Mark Holmes knows first-hand the damage wild turkeys can do. The 16-year Edgewater resident has been under attack from the turkeys for several years now,with dozens of them roosting in the trees out front of his place.

Mr. Holmes argues the problem of turkeys in town will persist until people stop feeding them.

Gerry Wilke, Area G director, says he is not only aware of the issue, he has also had concentrations of turkeys in trees across from his Edgewater home.

“The litter and the mess was really something,” he recalls.

not only increase flood protection measures but to allow residents easy access into a beautiful portion of the community. So, in essence, we are doing two projects with the funding for one.”

Community generosity leads to purchase of new groomer Fat biking in the Columbia Valley is about to get a whole lot smoother, thanks to a successful crowdfunding fundraiser from the Columbia Valley Cycling Society (CVCS). The CVCS created their GoFundMe page January 10th to see if the cycling community had an interest in having a SnowDog groomer to maintain bike trails throughout the winter. The fundraiser took off with $6,020 raised (exceeding their $5,500 goal) in 10 days from generous community members and businesses.

Rotary celebrates 40 years in Invermere The Rotary Club of Invermere turns the page on 40 years of service this year, with its official charter anniversary this Sunday, January 28th.

Rotary International’s motto is ‘Service Above Self ’.

So perhaps it is fitting that the local club, tending to the good work it does through the year, is humbly letting this anniversary slip by without a big public event. Instead, they are busy doing what they have always done for the past four decades: good.

Over its 40 years, this club has done mighty things for the greater good of the community. Some of the bigger projects have included the Rotary Splash Park at Kinsmen Beach, Mount Nelson Athletic Park, and the public washrooms downtown. However, there have been countless other projects too, such as a fireproof vault for the Windermere Valley Museu anda gazebo for Columbia House.

Athalmer to be home to new off-leash dog park Recognizing that dogs are a huge part of the lifestyle in Invermere, the District of Invermere will officially unveil a new off-leash dog park come early spring. The project of an approximately12.5-acre park in Athalmer came to life after the district received $425,000 in emergency funding to address flooding concerns at Toby Creek.

The District of Invermere’s Chief Administrative Officer, Chris Prosser, said: “We felt this was a great way to

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Paying no heed to the January chill, residents and visitors headed outdoors where skating, curling and snow golf kept their spirits warm.

File photos

January 3, 2019

February in review

Mine approved near Canal Flats A new mine located near Canal Flats is one step closer to groundbreaking following the provincial government’s environmental assessment certificate.

The certificate was announced last Thursday, January 25th for the Kootenay West Mine. The environmental approval is the latest step in more than three years of work to open a new quarry for CertainTeed Gypsum Canada, which currently operates a gypsum mine quarry in Windermere that is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Local hunters unhappy with lack of predator management in proposed hunting regulation changes “It seems like we’re managing wildlife to zero,” said Rick Hoar, president of Lake Windermere & District Rod and Gun Club.

Confusion and frustration abound with local hunters following the Department of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development announcement of proposed changes to the hunting/trapping regulations.

“We aren’t managing the predators. Right now we have a high predator number and a low ungulate number so it’s ridiculous,” said Mr. Hoar.

Clovechok’s choice wins liberal leadership Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok is thrilled Andrew Wilkinson won the provincial Liberal leadership race.

Mr. Clovechok put his support behind Mr. Wilkinson, Vancouver-Quilchena MLA, during the candidacy race.

Clovechok, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director. “The social benefits of Family Day are not going to be realized by our hospitality and tourism industry-focused businesses, and the economic benefits are not going to be realized by our business community.”

Men’s Downhill results for Invermere Olympians Invermere Olympian Manuel “Manny” Osborne-Paradis achieved an impressive 14th overall in the Men’s Downhill event at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics with a time of 1:41.89, only 1.64 seconds behind the gold medal.

Fellow Invermere athlete Ben Thomsen earned 28th overall with his finish of 1:43.19, just under three seconds behind the gold medalist.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

which he says adds up to roughly 1,000 acres of prime real estate.

“I’m here because I believe it’s a good long-term investment,” said Mr. Fehr, who owns a house in Fairmont Hot Springs. “I believe in the Valley and I love the Valley.”

Reviving the heart of Canal Flats In the figurative heart of Canal Flats, the old mill looks abandoned. For more than 85 years, the mill was the village’s heartbeat, pumping the community forward.

It stopped operating in 2015.

When you pull up to the site on Grainger Road, the sign still says Canfor. Inside the office building, the carpets are bare, a lone 2017 logging company calendar hangs on one wall. The open office doors show empty space where business used to fill.

But behind one door sits a large boardroom table and chairs. And in that room, Brian Fehr is planning the future of his property in Canal Flats.

The land is all his, including the old Canfor lands plus adjacent property bordering the Columbia River,

New hospitality diploma program coming to Invermere The College of the Rockies (COTR) Invermere campus is launching its first diploma program, with classes beginning this spring. Everyone wins with the new hospitality management program, said campus manager, Michelle Taylor, adding that there are benefits for local students, international students, the Columbia Valley hospitality industry and the local economy.

Family day shifts forward The B.C. government announced last Friday, February 9th, they are shifting BC Family Day to the third week in February to bring it in line with the rest of the country.

“Moving Family Day is the right thing to do for businesses small and large, and is better for families who may be spread out across the country,” said Premier John Horgan.

The local business community is not happy with the decision.

“Alberta Family Day is one of the busiest weekends between Christmas and spring break,” comments Susan

The Columbia Valley Rockies finished their regular season in February and prepared for playoffs. Not content to stay above the ice, brave souls took a chilly dip to raise funds for the Recreation Adapted Society.

File photos

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March in review

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Speculation tax raises concerns locally The recently-announced speculation tax is causing concern locally, with officials advocating to ensure it is not implemented in the Columbia Valley.

The tax was announced by Finance Minister Carole James in the 2018 provincial budget February 20th. The Province says the annual speculation tax targets foreign and domestic speculators in B.C. who have removed units from B.C.’s long-term housing stock.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) released a statement raising concern that the tax not only targets speculators, but secondary homeowners intent on investing time and money in their secondary residence communities.

The RDEK board is calling on the Province to provide assurances the tax will not be expanded to the region.

Ministry says no personal docks on Columbia Lake The long-awaited response from the Province on the question of docks on Columbia Lake was not the answer Canal Flats Council was looking for.

In an email from Tim Davis, habitat biologist for the Kootenay boundary region with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Mr. Davis stated they are not in favour of the amendment.

“Habitat Branch does not support the proposed OCP bylaw amendment to allow individual landowners to install their own private dock along the Painted Ridge/ Eagles Nest foreshore. Habitat Branch maintains a strong preference for a group moorage facility along this shoreline rather than have numerous individual docks built on each land parcel.”

Invermere and Radium discuss plastics ban At the latest District of Invermere and Village of Radium Hot Springs council meetings, councillors discussed banning plastic bags and straws.

Invermere Councillor Paul Denchuk raised the issue of banning plastic bags after visiting Tofino and being impressed with how little plastic waste the community produced.

Mr. Denchuk said his proposal “received a lukewarm response” but he’s going to keep trying.

Following the discussion in Invermere, the Radium council also debated how to reduce plastic waste. Mayor Clara Reinhart doesn’t think the decision about plastic bags and plastic straws is for council to make.

“I like the idea of businesses taking the lead,” she said.

Westside Legacy Trail secures funding and roller skates The Westside Legacy Trail recently secured two big donations. The trail will receive a second $250,000 grant from the Columbia Basin Trust and 250 pairs of roller skates from Jason Stevens and Lianne Lang.

While the donations might not initially seem like they belong to the same project, the cash will help build the trail and the roller skates will give residents one more way to enjoy it on opening day.

Dissenting Ktunaxa citizen organizes Jumbo meeting The Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) executive has rejected an offer to meet with Glacier Resorts Ltd. in two “informative sessions” proposed by a Ktunaxa Nation member unhappy with the Council’s long-held views and battle against the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort.

Ktunaxa member Rob Louie, living in Vancouver and from Creston’s Ktunaxa Lower Kootenay Band, told the Pioneer the KNC does not speak for all its citizens and he would like to gather Ktunaxa citizens together to have an open discussion about Jumbo, a controversial proposed ski resort near Invermere.

Windermere water upgrade project receives $6 million in funding Windermere, Canal Flats, and the District of Invermere all received funding through the Federal Gas Tax fund, announced last week by the provincial government, with the Windermere water project receiving $6 million.

Last week’s announcement will have a huge impact on the Windermere Water Upgrade project, reports the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

Brazen cougar attacks in Brisco Two sheep were killed in two dramatic daytime cougar attacks in Brisco recently.

Sandra Thetford of Rockaboo Ranch said the cougar took her by surprise on Tuesday, March 13th.

“I came out and wondered why all the sheep were not meeting me at the gate,” Ms. Thetford described to the Pioneer, gesturing to the corner where the sheep had clustered.

“I look and they’re all huddled over there in the corner in a tight little knot, and I look over and here’s Junebug upside down.”

Conservation Officer Greg Kruger said the cougar’s behaviour was unusual, with a cougar entering an enclosed sheep pen in broad daylight. The cougar was later captured and destroyed.

Pine Ridge rec centre supporters plan next moves Approximately 20 people came to a rally for a proposed recreation centre in Invermere.

Dr. M. Garth Mann, president and CEO of Statesman Group, led the meeting, calling for those in attendance to commit to finding groups interested in speaking with Statesman about moving their organization to the proposed recreation facility.

The multi-national company, with headquarters in Arizona, is behind Pine Ridge Mountain & Lakeview community, a master-planned development in Invermere, which has been marketed to include a recreation facility.

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January 3, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

April in review

Radium prepares for marijuana legalization The Village of Radium Hot Springs is asking residents for their thoughts on how the community should manage the upcoming legalization of marijuana.

While the federal government is passing the legislation, provincial and municipal governments have a say in how the rules will be applied in their communities.

Village mayor Clara Reinhardt said municipalities can choose whether to ban retail sales in their communities or to grant business licenses for marijuana providers. They can determine how many licences they would like to grant and can create zoning regulations to restrict where a shop can go.

Wildsight proposes electric idea As gas prices continue to rocket across the province, one local organization wants to fuel the desire for electric vehicles in the Columbia Valley.

Wildsight Invermere is revved up about an emissions-free future, and has started sourcing funding to launch an electric vehicle rideshare program in Invermere.

Cam Gilles, vice president of Wildsight Invermere, says with infrastructure in place across the Columbia Valley and throughout the Kootenays to support electric vehicles, now is a good time to look at launching an electric vehicle rideshare program.

Big ideas for small spaces The Village of Canal Flats is looking to expand their horizons by shrinking potential lot sizes and homes.

At the Council meeting Monday, April 9th, Council discussed the proposal and gave first reading to a heavily-amended bylaw to create a new zone: R-1 (S) – Residential Small Lot Single Detached.

Council’s discussion on the first reading included giving builders a broader range of options for setbacks, footprint, and questions around drainage, landscape guidelines, and where the infill and new development potential is for the community.

Environmental fund celebrates a decade of success A decade after Columbia Valley residents voted to increase their taxes to protect the environment, residents, environmental groups and elected officials gathered to

Christmas Tr� Pick Up Saturday, January 5, 2019 Have trees out front of your house early Saturday Morning

• All the money collected from this project helps support the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation • Any donations are gratefully accepted • Trees will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner Sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from the Kinsmen Club and their families!

Splashing into spring at Panorama Mountain Resort.

File photos celebrate the work the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund has been supporting.

More than 75 projects have received support through the fund over the years, said Juliet Craig, a manager with the Kootenay Conservation Program.

Invermere considers butting out The District of Invermere (DOI) is considering a ban on smoking in public spaces, including in public parks and on public trails in the community.

Mayor Gerry Taft said he has heard complaints about cigarette butts littering public spaces and about people smoking near children at the beach.

As the legalization of recreational marijuana draws closer, Mr. Taft said it is a convenient time to consider updating smoking regulations.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENTS Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is considering amendments to the Zoning Bylaw. The proposed bylaw will affect the following property as shown in bold below: Lot A, District Lot 3947, Kootenay District, Plan 14486 except Plans 15184, 15459 and NEP69795 with the following zoning changes: 1. Eastern portion of the property from R1 - Single Family Residential to R2 Two Family Residential 2. Reduce the minimum parcel size for the North-Western portion of the property from 555m2 to 425m2 Legend Lot Line Right of Way District Lot

Columbia Valley Centre wins award The Columbia Valley Centre earned top tier praise at the 2018 Architectural Awards.

The platinum-level honour was announced at the Architectural Institute of British Columbia awards ceremony last Thursday, April 19th.

A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 450 will be held:

Notes:

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 450, 2018 63

Students and teachers at J. A. Laird wore jerserys to honour the victims of theandtragic Broncos bus accident.

More flow-y softerHumboldt hearts/teardrops/water/vibrations ripples as background File photo

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JanuaryScale 9, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. = 1: 2,500 COUNCIL CHAMBERS, VILLAGE OFFICE 4836 RADIUM BLVD. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C. 63

Meters

WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere RDEK GeoViewer - 11-13-2018 3:48 PM

THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable.

All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw may submit written presentations to the Village of Radium Hot Springs, PO Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC, V0A 1M0 or Fax: 250-347-9068 prior to the date and time of the hearing. Persons may also present written and/or verbal submissions at the public hearing. Submissions will not be received after the public hearing has been adjourned.

The full bylaw and zoning map may be inspected at the Village Office, 4836 Radium Blvd., during regular office hours. For further information, contact 250-347-6455.

Arne Dohlen Director of Planning & Development Services

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May in review

Controlled fire burns north of Redstreak Campground A fire burned slowly and carefully north of the Redstreak Campground near the Village of Radium Hot Springs on Friday, April 27th. The controlled burn was meant to decrease wildfire risk and to restore the ecosystem, said Charlie McLellan, an acting fire management officer with Parks Canada.

“The objective of these burns in this area... is to reduce wildfire risk to the community of Radium and to the Columbia Valley,” he said.

Culvert work requested Ben Mitchell-Banks spoke at the District of Invermere (DOI) council meeting on Tuesday, April 24th to lobby on behalf of the Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout that swim up from Lake Windermere to spawn in Ben Able Creek.

Mr. Mitchell-Banks, a project manager for the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club’s creek protection projects, is concerned about the lowest culvert where Johnston Road crosses the creek. He said the culvert is so warped that fish are limited to the bottom silty section of the creek, rather than having access to the calmer waters higher up.

“They can’t get to their spawning ground,” he said.

“It’s very important that that culvert be removed.”

Kooteney National Park upgrades announced More than $25 million is pouring into Kooteney National Park (KNP) this year.

The funding was part of a larger $31 million infrastructure announcement made by Parks Canada Thursday, May 3rd, for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks collectively.

Melanie Kwong, Park Superintendent for Yoho, Banff, and Kootenay parks, said the work will help enhance the park with a range of safety improvements.

While many projects will not be noticed by KNP users, one of the smaller-cost projects at Numa Falls bridge and day use area ($1 million project), includes a new pedestrian bridge that will help re-establish a trailhead for the Rockwall Trail in 2019.

Affordable housing units on the way Invermere is slated for new affordable housing units as part of a provincial initiative to increase the pool of rental units for low income Columbia Basin residents.

In a news release Tuesday, May 1st, the Government of British Columbia announced that, in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust, they will build 167 new homes in the region, including 16 in Invermere.

“People living in the Columbia Basin, like the rest of the province, are feeling the weight of the lack of available, affordable housing,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government recognizes the urgent need to create more options for people struggling to find reasonably priced rental homes. These new projects will help make life more affordable for families in the region by delivering the housing they need and can afford.”

The Province and the trust will provide $14 million

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

January 3, 2019

each, over the next three years to create new affordable rental homes in the region.

The Invermere project will be operated by Family Dynamix Association.

Invermere residents support a smoking ban Results from a District of Invermere (DOI) survey show that an overwhelming majority of Invermere residents approve of a smoking ban in the community.

Seventy-nine percent of the 184 residents who responded to the survey agreed that the DOI should ban smoking from “all public parks, trails, pathways and facilities.”

The proposed ban includes cigarettes, marijuana, e-cigarettes and vaping.

plete prohibition – the reality is we’re probably going to have them here.”

He says if there are going to be short-term rentals such as AirBnB (one of the most popular sites for shortterm rentals), it makes sense to set up some rules and parameters.

Chris Prosser, District CAO, says the data will be collected to see what the public is experiencing, and determine if they can develop policies and regulations to control short-term rentals.

“With AirBnB now agreeing to pay Accommodation taxes to the Province, the District felt it was time to review the issue again and see what is being experienced within the community and if regulations and policy can be developed to regulate them,” says Mr. Prosser.

Shelter in a storm ShelterBox, an international aid organization with branches in 18 countries, sprints to the rescue to bring shelters to the displaced.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Invermere, Mr. Bloemink set up a tent on the Columbia Valley Centre lawn on Wednesday, May 16th to demonstrate the supports the charity provides.

Last year alone Mr. Bloemink said ShelterBox helped 167,000 people by providing “a tent or a shelter option” and “giving them that little bit of hope on their darkest day.”

During his visit, the Rotary Club of Invermere donated $2,000 to ShelterBox Canada, an amount Mr. Bloemink said will provide interim shelter for two to 15 families, depending on their needs.

Erosion on Hewitt Road When the provincial government invested in repairs along Hewitt Road in 2017, Dale Elliott hoped that he and his neighbours would be able to travel safely to their homes.

Students from Windermere Elementary and J.A. Laird But the repairs along the road that runs from a rural joined up at Pothole park to learn about taking care of the hillside down into Edgewater didn’t last a year, he said, earth.

File photo and “certainly made it worse in some places.”

Media relations officer Danielle Pope responded to questions from the Pioneer in an email on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

CastleRock focused on fire safety “Ministry staff have inspected Hewitt Road and reThe CastleRock Estates Community Association is pairs will be prioritized as the flood season passes,” she hosting an event this Saturday, May 19th, focused on wrote. “In the Southern Interior alone, the ministry is fire protection measures and how other communities can currently monitoring 243 sites and there are 29 road clowork towards being a FireSmart-designated community. sures due to flooding.”

The Invermere neighbourhood located off Westside Road was granted official FireSmart status recently after Homicide victim had ties to Invermere several years of demonstrating interest and effort in makKevin McGowan had moved up to Dawson City ing the community safer from the risk of fire. from Invermere in mid-April, eager to start his new job as a cook at Billy Goat’s Pub. Long-term look at short-term rentals Originally from Port Coquitlam, B.C., the 41-yearThe District of Invermere is taking a long-term look old was no stranger to travelling for work, holding chef at short-term rentals in the community. and cook positions at resorts, lodges and other establishThey launched a survey on the subject in early May ments across British Columbia and Alberta. to seek community feedback.

After just 10 days on the job in Dawson, Mr. Mc“We know there are more (short-term rentals) com- Gowan was found dead downtown in the early hours of ing within Invermere,” says District of Invermere Mayor April 30th. His death is being investigated as a homicide Gerry Taft. “Despite what some may wish – for a com- by Yukon RCMP.

The Columbia Valley

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

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2019 Regional District of East Kootenay Board Meeting Schedule January 11 February 8 March 8 April 5 May 3 June 7

July 5 August 2 September 6 October 4 November 1 December 6

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Progressive experience (three to five years) maintaining water and wastewater utilities, preferably in a local government setting; Class II or III Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operator Certificates; Class II Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificates; Possession of a Chlorine Handling Certificate; Valid British Columbia Driver’s Licence.

Key Skills & Abilities: • • • •

Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water and sewer systems and applicable government regulations; Excellent communication and organizational skills; Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and SCADA monitoring systems; and, Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with contractors, developers, applicable regulating agencies, staff, and the general public.

The RDEK offers a great work environment and an attractive total compensation package, which includes a competitive salary, excellent benefits, a modified work week, learning opportunities and a provision for moving expenses. This is a permanent, full-time Union position with a starting hourly rate (depending on qualifications and experience) of $31.62 – $34.76 and an increase to $33.20 - $36.49, after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

If you are interested in joining an organization with a reputation of being a great place to work, and you possess the necessary qualifications and experience, we invite you to submit a resume and cover letter, with references, no later than 4:30pm, Wednesday, January 23, 2019 to:

Lori Engler, Human Resources Manager Email: hr@rdek.bc.ca [MS Word format or PDF] Please quote: Engineering - 16

N IE O O T A T S U J R O F Y A D SKI ALL

2

$

Lift * Tickets Includes FREE same-day hot springs access

PLUS $2 TUBING

FUNKY JAMS WITH A DJ MONTY HUNT (FIND MONTY ON THE HILL!) S’MORES BY THE FIRE & MUCH MORE *Valid for residents from Brisco to Canal Flats. ID with proof of local address required

Information on our organization and a complete job description are available on the RDEK’s website (www.rdek.bc.ca/careers).

We thank all who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

ImmerseYourself FairmontHotSprings.com

1.888.478.7335

Or call: 1.800.663.4979 www.rdek.bc.ca

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

RELAX. REWIND. RENEW.

June in review Canal Flats studies industrial land strategy Canal Flats is investigating the potential of one of its greatest resources: available land.

At Canal Flats’ last Council meeting Monday, May 28th, Council voted to hire a firm to develop an industrial land strategy.

Health care auxiliary named Citizens of the Year As the last few tables of volunteers stood in line for roast beef and yorkshire puddings, with rivers of gravy to pour on top, Rotary Club of Invermere members descended on the unsuspecting Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society members Monday evening at the Royal Canadian Legion branch.

One service club paid tribute to another, naming the auxiliary society as this year’s citizens of the year.

The Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society, which operates the thrift store, donated $218,691.54 to multiple organizations in 2017. A staggering 170 health care auxiliary volunteers logged 28,629 volunteer hours last year alone.

Monday – Thursday Residents of the Columbia Valley will receive a

20% discount

on all Spa services. Reservations are required Book online at columbiavalleyspa.com or call 250.341.4030 Located Lower Level of Copper Point Resort, Invermere, BC

Babies 2018 of

Did you welcome a new addition to your family in 2018?

Show off your little bundle of joy in the January 24th edition of The Columbia Valley Pioneer!

College addresses convergence of needs There’s a need for skilled workers in the local hospitality, healthcare and childcare industries. There’s a demand for residents to be able to stay in the Valley and find work in their chosen fields. There’s a desire for students to be able to advance their education in the Valley instead of moving away for school.

Enter the College Of The Rockies with a solution that directly addresses the point where all of these needs converge.

The campus will be offering three full-time programs this fall: a seven-month Health Care Assistant program, a one-year Early Childhood Education certification and a second intake for the new two-year Hospitality Management Diploma program that started in the spring.

Wildfire under control A wildfire near Fairmont Hot Springs is now under control.

As of Monday, June 11th, the fire was confirmed at 47 hectares, with 39 personnel on site.

“The fire is now under control, which means that it has sustained enough suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire,” reports Ashley Davidoff, fire information officer.

New era for an old mill The old Canal Flats mill is changing eras and sawing ahead into the age of technology.

A reception area at the mill site was packed with a

Simply submit a high resolution photo of your baby (or grandbaby, niece, nephew...) along with the child’s full name, date of birth, weight at birth, parents’ names and a fun fact about the child.

The cost is $35+tax, deadline for submissions is Friday, January 18th.

For more information or to book your space, contact Amanda Nason at 250-341-6299 ext. 108 or advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Premier John Horgan cheered on the vision for the old mill.

File photo

January 3, 2019

standing-room-only crowd on Tuesday, June 12th as the co-founders of the Columbia Lake Technology Center – a business so new it doesn’t yet have a website – revealed their plans to turn the location into a high-tech data hub and training centre.

“We’re pulling from the past to the future,” centre co-founder Brian Fry said.

He and his co-founder Brian Fehr are bringing their own companies to the Columbia Lake Technology Center and will be recruiting other businesses in the technology industry to join them.

Premier John Horgan, who used to be a mill worker himself, stopped in Canal Flats to cheer on the initiative.

Solar panels charging the future at Columbia Valley Centre Next time you flip through a magazine, use the washroom, or attend an event at the Columbia Valley Centre, look up. The power for those lights shining above you just might be coming from the sun.

The Columbia Valley Centre is outfitted with 138 solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to offset electricity costs in the new multi-use facility in Invermere.

Bill Swan, project manager for Solar Now, says from the first few weeks of operation, the panels are outperforming expectations.

Edgewater emergency exodus The Edgewater firefighters were trained to follow each other into burning buildings. But in the past two weeks, half of the team followed each other out of the local fire hall for the last time.

On June 13th, battalion chief Dan Tutte and firefighter Tammy Tutte were fired from their volunteer positions with the department.

Their peers began handing in their resignations in solidarity after a department meeting the following day.

Within a week, six volunteers – with a combined 50 years of firefighting experience behind them – had also walked out.

The Tuttes, who have been volunteering with the fire department for a decade, said they were given no warning, no coaching and no opportunity to address any concerns fire chief Jim Miller, who heads the Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Services on behalf of the Regional District of East Kootenay, had with them.

Communications manager Loree Duczek provided a written statement on behalf of the RDEK that said: “out of respect for all parties involved, we will not be making public comment about the circumstances leading up to this decision (to part ways with two members).”

Damages decreased in Mayor Taft’s case District of Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft’s appeal to a defamation suit judgement resulted in a decreased damage amount he is required to pay to plaintiff Devin Kazakoff.

Mr. Taft and Mr. Kazakoff faced off in a court case following an online comment in regards to deer management. Mr. Kazakoff’s lawyers asked for an apology from Mr. Taft for his remarks then sought legal resolution, in which Mr. Kazakoff asked for $175,000 in general, punitive, and aggravated damages. A Supreme Court of British Columbia judgement, released in May 2017, ordered Mr. Taft to pay $50,000 for general damages and $25,000 for aggravated damages, totalling a fee of $75,000.

In the appeal, released June 18th, 2018, the damages were decreased to $35,000, and each party ordered to bear their own costs for the appeal case.

Mr. Taft told the Pioneer that “the whole thing seemed kind of ridiculous; I never thought it would go this far and I never thought it would get this expensive.”

January 3,October Thursday, November 2019 26,2,2017 2017

Page The Columbia !PUBNAME! Valley Pioneer ••12 9

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS

The happiest photo from the year

Summertime sweetness

With a year of photos to choose from, this simple beach shot is unquestionably the happiest of the lot.

Little Remi scrunched up his face in unparalleled delight as he and his family savoured yet another perfect day at Kinsmen Beach in the summer.

The moment was as short as it was sweet; seconds later Remi filled his shovel with sand and lunged precariously along the shore toward his alleged target.

Last summer and all of 2018 zipped past like a toddler’s fleeting burst of joy. With 80 percent of the Pioneer’s shots that landed on the cover taking place outside, it’s clear that the Valley’s people enjoyed the great outdoors last year as much as Remi loved his beach day.

File photo

XXXX XXXX

Out & About Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley PAGE 11

Cinefest Film:

Miseducation of Cameron Post Tuesday January 8

Tickets: columbiavalleyarts.com Pynelogs Cultural Centre, art gallery & Cafe allium Hours: Call for more info at 250.342.4423

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 3, 2019

July in review

Windermere

Grocery and Liquor Store

10%

Whacky Wednesdays

Come in EVERY WEDNESDAY to receive 10% off regular priced items INCLUDING LIQUOR in store.

Some exceptions apply: Tobacco, lottery and deposits.

Corona

Apothic

12 pack bottles

750 ml varieties

Budweiser

Baileys

3297

$23.97

Canadian

Disaronno

2187

$

24 pack cans $

30 pack cans

$3697 Coors Light

24 pack cans

$29

Crown Royal 750 ml

2197

1187

$

750 ml

$

2097

Bringing in the bulls Twenty years ago, volunteers with the Columbia Valley Rockies buckled their biggest belts and prepared for a wild ride.

The directors “swallowed hard” said Al Miller – one of the original organizers who is still in the metaphorical saddle – when they decided to invest in bringing a rodeo to town.

“I think we all thought it was exciting and would be a nifty idea,” he said.

But the decision to spend so much money – $30,000 at the time – in hopes of raising funds for the hockey team took guts because the directors were there to raise money, not spend it.

“It was an expensive plan. It cost a lot of money to put this event on,” Mr. Miller said.

The first event 20 years ago lassoed around $5,000 in profits for the Rockies. Last year the bulls helped the hockey club raise around $35,000.

750 ml

750 ml $

2137

Smirnoff 750 ml

$

2097

Lambs Navy 750 ml

$

$

Wisers

Area F director eyes federal politics A local-serving municipal politician is setting her sights on the federal stage.

With the next national election scheduled for fall 2019, Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area F director and Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) president Wendy Booth has, through several events over the past month or so, made clear an intention to seek the Conservative Party nomination for the Kootenay Columbia riding.

“While this is the direction that I am leaning and will not be running for Area F (in the 2018 municipal election), the formal (Conservative candidate) nomination contest will likely occur in the fall, I will make my formal announcement at that time,” Ms. Booth told the Pioneer, adding her interest in moving up to another level of politics “stems from my passion for community involvement and community development. It’s time I use the skills I’ve learned and take it to the federal level.”

2097

Captain Morgan’s 1.14L

$

3397

Prices in effect until January 31st, 2019. All prices plus deposit and taxes.

File photo No rent; no tent On Saturday, June 30th, the Columbia Valley RCMP and Kootenay National Park warden service found an unpermitted, vacant campsite near Simpson River.

“Camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds in the national parks,” said Lesley Matheson, a public-relations officer with Parks Canada.

The campers were given a verbal warning and sent on their way. Depending on the circumstances, unpermitted campers could be evicted or charged.

Small wildfire holding near Canal Flats A small wildfire was discovered Friday, July 13th burning near Canal Flats.

The 7-hectare blaze is considered active, but is currently holding steady, according to fire information officer Ashley Davidoff. As of Monday, July 16th, the fire had one unit crew on site. Over the weekend, Canal Flats residents and visitors may have noticed the air tankers and skimmers (aircraft that can fill water from a water source) hard at work on the fire.

BC Wildfire Service reports the fire is suspected to be human-caused, and an origin and cause investigation is underway.

Bighorn sheep loses battle with cougar In a gruesome display of the food chain in action, a cougar attacked a male bighorn sheep during the early hours of Thursday, July 19th.

The battle started in a wooded area outside the community and came to an end in a motel parking lot in the Village of Radium Hot Springs along Highway 93.

The cougar barely started its feast before fleeing the scene.

Conservation officer Greg Kruger said he expects that something scared the cougar off. Even without witnesses, he has no doubt that one of the big cats was the killer.

“We can tell how a predator kills,” he said, describing the clean, knife-like cuts. “It’s classic cougar.”

Kent Kebe, who manages the Radium Information Centre, said that some people were shocked to see the carcass. “A lot of people are not used to nature,” he said. “It’s not pretty.”

January 3, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication. We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-off events, so weekly events may only run occasionally.

• 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Invermere Seniors Hall every Monday.

• 7 p.m.: Lake Windermere Lions Club meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at the Lions Hall (behind Chamber office).

• 7 p.m.: Monday Night Drum Circle at Pynelogs led by Patrick Carrick. $10 if you bring your own drum, $15 if you don’t. Call Patrick for more info 250-409-4110.

Buying or selling?

• 6 p.m.: Book launch for local author Smokii Sumac at the Invermere Library. Join Smokii for the release of their debut collection of love poems titled “YOU ARE ENOUGH”. The author will be on hand to talk about their work and copies will be available for purchase.

Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, January 12th • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Family LEGO Club returns today at the Invermere Library. Families are invited to complete a new challenge each week.

Monday, January 14th • 7 p.m.: Fairmont and District Lions Club meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at the Lions Den.

Tuesday, January 15th Thursday, January 3rd • Windermere Real Storage is accepting donations for the Columbia Valley Food Bank during office hours, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

• 10:30 a.m.: Preschool Story Time is back at the Invermere Library. Enjoy stories, songs, and a craft.

• 10:30 a.m.: Stretch and Move Classes for Seniors at the Invermere Seniors Hall every Thursday and Monday.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling at Radium Hot Springs Centre every Thursday and Sunday.

• 6 - 8 p.m.: Free English Conversation Class for newcomers to Canada at downtown CBAL office every Thursday. Email windermerevalleysettlement@cbal.org or call 250-341-7188 for info.

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

• 8:30 - 10 p.m.: Indoor Pickleball at DTSS gym, every Thursday. All are welcome.

Friday, January 4th • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Intergenerational Program between Seniors and Kindergarten children, every Friday at Invermere Seniors Hall. Seniors interested in assisting please call Madelene at 604-798-3061.

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2.

Every Friday and Wednesday.

• 6 p.m.: Meat Draw and 50/50 at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. Every Friday and Saturday.

• 7 - 10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open Mic at Pynelogs.

Showcasing young talent from the Valley. All ages, licensed bar. First Friday of every month Oct. to June.

Saturdat, January 5th • Christmas tree pickup by Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley. Have trees out by 9 a.m. Donations gratefully accepted for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Sunday, January 6th • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Sunday Toast and Jam, an all-ages music jam at The Base Camp in Canal Flats every Sunday.

• 12 p.m.: Cribbage at the Edgewater Legion every Sunday. Doors open 12 p.m., games start at 1 p.m.

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling at Radium Hot Springs Centre every Sunday.

Monday, January 7th • 10 a.m.: Senior Singalong Group meets every Monday at Columbia Garden Village.

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Indoor Walking at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere. Every Monday and Wednesday. All ages. Indoor shoes required.

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911 Tuesday, January 8th • 10 a.m.: Fairmont Seniors Club meets at the Lions Den in Fairmont every Tuesday, for Games, Monthly Speakers and fun. Need a ride? Call 250-345-0106.

• 1:30 p.m.: Games afternoon at Invermere Seniors Hall every Tuesday.

• 1:30 p.m.: Needles and Hooks Club at the Invermere Library resumes after the holidays. Find inspiration and friendship in the company of other stitchers. Bring current projects or start a new one. Refreshments will be supplied. Every Tuesday.

• 6 - 8 p.m.: How Life Works For You, FINAL book study at Shasta Wellness Studio on 7th Ave. By donation.

Contact facilitator Alex for details, 250-342-6466.

• 6:30 p.m.: Seniors card games at Radium Hot Springs Centre every Tuesday.

• 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort every Tuesday. $2 entry, teams up to 6 people, winners take all.

• 10 p.m.: Karaoke at the Farside Pub in Fairmont every Tuesday night.

Wednesday, January 9th • 10:30 a.m.: Seniors Chair Yoga at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2, every Wednesday.

• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Rocky River Grill/Kanata Inn. • 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Radium Art Guild meets every Wednesday at the Radium Library to create and share.

• 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Happy Hands Knitting and Crocheting group meet every Wednesday at Columbia Garden Village.

• 7 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall, every Wednesday.

Thursday, January 10th • 2 p.m.: Seniors Tea at the Invermere Library the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Tea and a light snack is provided over friendly conversation. If you would like to attend but do not have transportation, please contact the library at 250-342-6416.

• 6 p.m.: Shuswap Indian Band Bingo - Fundraising for National Aboriginal Day Pow wow 2019. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Shuswap Indian Band Hall.

Doors open 6 p.m., games start at 6:45 p.m.

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Options for Sexual Health drop in clinic in the Public Health Unit the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Call 250-342-2360 for information.

• 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Lodge No. 38 freemasons meeting the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1301 7th Ave. in Invermere.

Wednesday, January 16th • 8 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Radium Hot Springs meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at the Don Agave Cantina in the Prestige Inn. • 10 a.m.: Breastfeeding Mommas support group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Invermere Library.

• 2 p.m.: Genealogy Group meets at Columbia Gardens Coffee Room the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Invermere Library Hours • Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Story Time: Thursday 10:30 a.m.

• Baby Goose: Monday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• LEGO Club: Saturday 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Radium Hot Springs Library Hours • Tuesday: 1 - 8 p.m.

• Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Friday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Story Time: Wednesday 10 a.m.

Windermere Valley Museum Hours • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Columbia Valley Food Bank Hours • Tuesday and Thursday: 1 - 2 p.m.

• 3rd Wednesday of the month: 5:30 - 7 p.m. by appointment only, 250-342-0850.

Summit Youth Centre Hub Hours • Wednesday and Thursday: 4 - 8 p.m.

• Friday: 2 - 10 p.m.

• Saturday: 6 - 11 p.m.

Invermere Thrift Store Hours • Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Radium Thrift Store Hours • Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 3, 2019

HERE TO SERVE YOU

CARPET CLEANING

CONCRETE • Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4

Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444

Cell: 250-342-1273 Fax: 250-342-9644

All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

rugclean@telus.net

READY MIX CONCRETE

CONTRACTING

Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service

Dale Elliott Contracting • • • • •

Interior Finishing Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets Countertops Small Renovations Decks and Interior Railings

Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

250-341-7098

INSURANCE

Invermere, B.C.

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

INSURANCE

GLD

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

LUXURY REDEFINED LANDSCAPING | INTERIOR DESIGN | GLD FLORAL

JORDAN UKASS, LAT

www.glddesignltd.com

250-688-0757

glddesignltd@gmail.com

PHARMACY Scott Postlethwaite

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

LAMBERT-KIPP

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

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

Your Compounding Pharmacy Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com

PLUMBING

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612 SERVICES

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

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

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357 SERVICES

General Freight Hauling

Where Your

To and From Calgary and Invermere Area!

Ideas

250-342-2044 “Quality you can trust”

Steve Langevin (250) 341 5719

info@solidrockprofessionalservices.com

ColumbiaValleyFreight.com

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

www.palliserprinting.com

Come to Life!

Please recycle this newspaper

January 3, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Canada Day festivities Residents and visitors celebrating our home and native land filled the Valley with red and white and all their delight.

With a parade, music, entertainment and fireworks, the Valley feted the country in style.

File photos

Your Local

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Professionals

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

492 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC VOA 1K2

Jan Klimek Representative

CELL: 250-342-5935

MaxWell Realty Invermere

BUS: 250-342-5599 dk@rockieswest.com www.TeamRice.ca

250-342-1195

janklimek@shaw.ca www.janklimek.ca

Invermere Office: 250-341-6044 Fairmont Office: 250-345-6080

RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611

Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

Patryk Jagiello

• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems

STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR patco_dev@shaw.ca

(250) 270-0345

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

WETT Certified

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

UPHOLSTERY

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

492 Arrow Rd., Unit 1B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663

Where to Judy:recycle?

(250) 341-1903

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Patco Developments Ltd.

• • • •

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

250.439.8074

goldenupholstery1960@gmail.com

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking and more!

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321 PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE

Bob: (250) 341-5014 of B.c. MeMBeR HOME OWNER SINCE 2006 Recycling councilVACATION

Can this be recycled?

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia www.rcbc.ca Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

N E W S PA P E R

Box 53, Brisco, B.C. V0A 1B0

For all your advertising needs, call Dean or Amanda at 250-341-6299

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 3, 2019

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-1312 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CONDO FOR RENT

SERVICES

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 250342-2424. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Thursday at the Firehall Building, 8853 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats. Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.

Cheers to Ross Bidinger and his NAPA staff for helping a damsel in distress! Much appreciation for taking customer service a step beyond!

Cheers to the most incredible woman in the world for choosing to share your life with me. Jeers to everyone who takes credit for submitting this Cheers.

Cheers to Sonshine Daycare.

The concert was awesome!

For rent in Radium, 2-bdrm, 4 bath, ground level condo.

Beautiful views backs on to Springs Golf course. All appliances, fireplace, fully furnished. 2 car garage. N/S, N/P, references please. $1650/mo, call 250-342-3790.

THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Services for Seniors

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

For information, please call 250342-8255.

Narcotics Anonymous. If Drugs or Alcohol are causing problems or conflict in your life, NA can help.

All meetings are at 7 p.m. every Thursday at 4878 Athalmer Rd.

CHEERS & JEERS Cheers to Rodd for a beautiful poem. Timely for me I’m sad to say. I appreciate you for sharing!

Jeers to all of us for tolerating, and maybe not even caring about, the minimal and ineffective recycling programs in this valley. Triple Jeers to people who throw multiple cardboard boxes in a waste bin. It starts right there, with you and with each one of us. Surely, we can be better?!

Big Cheers to Amanda Nason for her great work behind the lens for the Columbia Valley Rockies!

Your great pictures are always appreciated!

Jeers to not having the time to rant. So much to rant about; so little time...

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Cheers to everyone who put up with the noise as we chain sawed an entire logging truck load of wood. Your understanding is greatly appreciated!

Cheers to Real Storage, for your excellent customer service. Busy place and you look after your customer’s needs. You are a great asset to this valley. Much appreciated!

Big Cheers to Jennifer Roblin for bringing your miraculous hair talents back to the valley! You have been missed! So welcome back and I can hardly wait for my first appointment!

Cheers to Jefferson Contracting for coming after hours twice in one evening to make sure an elderly couples’ furnace was working. Bless you Jerry and Jim for being so efficient and caring.

Cheers to Peter at the Invermere Bakery for his generosity in providing two gingerbread houses to Sonshine Children’s Centre. The infants and toddlers were so excited to decorate them. You are truly one of a kind Peter! Happy Holidays!

Jeers to the few people complaining about having to live alongside our wildlife. If you want a place where these animals won’t get into your perfect little world, maybe you should move to the concrete and paved jungle called a big city and leave the animals alone.

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Cheers to the best new neighbours ever who never complained about our wood chopping for a month straight.

We’re glad we moved into such a sweet neighbourhood.

A BIG Cheers goes to the Columbia Valley Arts Council for allowing us access to some GREAT live performances, films, art - and of course one of the best seasonal restaurants with an incredible view. Our Valley is so blessed to have such an amazing centre for arts and culture and I am so proud to bring visitors there. And we can’t forget the many many volunteers and staff who make it all possible. I can hardly wait to see what is in store for 2019!

FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey firewood. Contact email cvrockies.firewood@gmail.com or call 250-342-1624 for more info or to place an order.

SERVICES Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour!

Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca.

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Cheers to Robert for making the community centre sound great.

CHEERS CHEERS AND DOUBLE CHEERS! You know you go through life not really thinking about things that could happen to you.... and then it just happens. We are so lucky to have all these amazing people in our Valley, from the RCMP, Ambulance, Fire Rescue, our neighbours, WES and so many more we can’t even begin to list. We would like to send out the Biggest Cheers to the Windermere Fire Department for their quick response to our garage fire we can only imagine what could have happened had you not been so quick. It’s very much appreciated!

Cheers to the Gentlemen’s Christmas Lunch (started by Cam Berry 20 years ago). Deliciously provided by Copper Point Resort.

Great fellowship, good humour and you guys raised $870 for Smarty Pants Busklooza to give to the Christmas Bureau. Merry Christmas Gentlemen!

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate-controlled units. Call 250-342-3637.

STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250342-3166.

Shannon’s Blinds & Designs Thank you for your votes Best of Business Awards!

Blinds, Drapery, Phantom Screens & more 250-342-5749, shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca.

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services: Residential Cleaning and House Checks, Renovations/Handyman Services. Book now for snow removal. 250-688-2897 or 403861-8782.

Providing non-medical care, meal prep, transportation, outings and companionship with seniors living at home, Ivy House, Columbia House or Columbia Gardens. Excellent references and credentials.

Contact Leanne Brooks 250-3415683, invermerehomecare.com for more info.

HELP WANTED Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several year’s experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas. Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail. com.

OFFICE SPACE

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LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Acreage for sale, 5.3 acres, water well up to 30 gallons per minute, no building commitment. $199,000 + GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268. www.elkhornranches.com.

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6 MONTHS RENT FREE Great building in Fairmont Hot Springs Office / Adventure Tourism / Food and Beverage Bring your ideas!

4985 Hot Springs Road Please contact Ryan Haynes rhaynesn49@gmail.com or phone 250-341-7345

January 3, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Strands Old House Restaurant is accepting applications for a full-time chef. Experience in casual fine dining an asset. Evenings and weekends. Apply to Tony Wood at tony@strandsrestaurant.com or 250-342-6344.

Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNTIES

HELP WANTED Akisqnuk First Nation

SR. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER The Akisqnuk First Nation (AFN) is an Indigenous organization committed to the development of the community members it serves on Windermere Lake in the Columbia Valley of southeastern BC. We are currently recruiting for the senior most position to lead the organizational growth of our community including; Education, Health, Housing, Economic and Social development.

VOLUNTEERS

For qualifications, competencies and full position description, please visit: www.akisqnuk.org Apply with resume to: Karen Lillejord, Sr. Financial Officer.

3050 Hwy 93/95, Windermere, BC, V0B 2L2 Fax: 250.342.9693 Email: klillejord@akisqnuk.org

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Volunteers receive a lift ticket and lunch on their volunteer day. For more information visit www.volunteercv.ca

Accountability The receptionist/office assistant is accountable to the Director of Program Management and in her/his absence the Executive Director.

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August in review

Marina proposal floated A controversial marina proposal churned up opinions at a recent public hearing.

Pedley Heights Community Association was asking the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) for permission to build the 90-slip marina off Baltac Road in Windermere. Volunteers quickly pulled out extra chairs as more than 70 people streamed into the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce/Lions hall Tuesday, July 24th for the evening discussion.

Following the hearing, the Regional District of East Kootenay Board voted to allow a new 60-slip marina on Lake Windermere, at two thirds the size as originally requested by the proponent.

Narcotics Anonymous starts up in the Valley A new Narcotics Anonymous group is starting up in the Valley, led by a recovering addict who wants to help others get clean.

“You never think you’re going to get there and next thing you know you’re a drug addict,” said Lance (not his real name). “You can’t live like that. It ruins your life. It ruins your family. It catches up to you.”

Lance was celebrating 128 days of sobriety when he met with the Pioneer to share his plans to bring Narcotics Anonymous to the Valley. He wants to create a safe space where addicts and recovering addicts can share their stories, make connections and find support as they rebuild their lives.

Wardle wildfire grows The Wardle wildfire in Kootenay National Park has grown to approximately 3,600 hectares. Attacking it are 155 personnel, 12 helicopters, and 10 pieces of heavy equipment. Parks Canada reports that a long-term fore-

cast for hot and dry weather may increase the wildfire activity. The fire is burning close to Hwy 93S, and the route has been intermittently opened and closed, depending on conditions.

STARS to the rescue The second Bennett piled a fistful of strawberries into his mouth, it was already too late. The 13-month old took a juicy handful and shoved them in before anyone could stop him.

That’s when he started choking.

Mom Kristy Jackson says: “It was really scary. He turned blue; I think we all thought we were going to lose him.”

Bennett had to be taken by ambulance to the Invermere hospital. Then STARS Air Ambulance came to the rescue and, within 30 minutes, had him at Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Before the trip, Bennett was just learning to walk.

Now, he hardly crawls and is on his feet all day – the happy, bouncy boy they almost lost.

According to STARS’ most recent statistics, from January 2017 to July 2018, STARS completed 56 missions to the East Kootenay region alone.

Jumbo gets support from BC Supreme Court The Supreme Court of B.C. ruled in favour of Glacier Resorts Ltd. on a point of dispute between the company wishing to build a ski resort in the Jumbo Glacier and the B.C. Ministry of Environment.

The issue centred around whether the controversial resort was “substantially started.”

The decision by then-minister of environment Mary Pollack that it was not substantially started led to the project’s environmental certificate expiring and the build

January 3, 2019

halted.

Glacier Resorts Ltd. went back to the Supreme Court of B.C. to seek an order to quash and set aside that decision, for which the judge agreed, last Friday, August 17th.

Hiker saved Louise Baxter and her golden poodle Maverick are safe and sound after spending 72 hours lost in the treacherous terrain around Jumbo Pass.

“Seeing her get out of the helicopter and go up to her husband and a big hug and everything, it was pretty cool,” said Steve Talsma, manager of the Columbia Valley Search And Rescue.

Ms. Baxter, 52, who is from Cranbrook, was hiking with five others on Sunday, August 12th when she and Maverick left for a short walk that resulted in a massive search effort involving three helicopters, four search dogs, a drone, RCMP resources and over 35 trained Search And Rescue volunteers from the Columbia Valley, Golden, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Creston, Revelstoke, Sparwood, Kaslo and Nelson.

Tech tour at old mill Brought out by curiosity, career opportunities, or to catch up, hundreds of visitors streamed into the Columbia Lake Technology Centre (CLTC) last Friday, August 24th for an open house.

The old Canfor mill site has been repurposed as a digital technology centre under the gaze of Brian Fehr, the tycoon who bought the land last year. Mr. Fehr was pleased with the open house and says the team is feeling much more confident knowing public support is in their favour, and the support Council has given to the project, such as working to rezone the lands.

September in review Nipika reopens after evacuation Following a dramatic late-night exit from a threatening wildfire three weeks ago, Nipika Mountain Resort was given the go-ahead to reopen Tuesday, August 28th.

If resort-crisis management was an Olympic sport, Nipika would surely take home gold. RCMP showed up at 10:30 p.m. on a Friday night to give them the evacuation order.

With 100 tipsy wedding guests on site, they had to get everyone marshalled and moved out immediately.

Life is back to usual at the mountain resort now.

Poacher fined A poacher was handed a sizeable fine in provincial court last week for the illegal killing of a pregnant cow elk on First Nations land in the Columbia Valley.

Lethbridge resident Zacharias Garratt netted $4,025 in fines, seizure of his rifle, as well as a two-year hunting prohibition in both Alberta and B.C. for his actions on February 19th, 2017 on the Akisqnuk reserve.

Duct tape repairs at hot springs David Lahoda was so appalled when he visited the Radium Hot Springs Pools in August that he filed a complaint with Interior Health. Cracks in the flooring in the mens’ change room were covered with duct tape and the majority of the showers were out of service during his visit.

Environmental health officers followed up on Mr. Lahoda’s complaint on Friday, August 31st and provided the pool with a report that identified sanitary concerns that need to be addressed.

The facility is required to submit its proposed plan

for the repairs to Interior Health by the end of the year.

No timeline is in place for the work itself to be completed.

Wood award The brand new Radium Hot Springs Centre can add ‘award-winning’ to its name now, thanks to recognition by a provincial wood advocacy organization.

Wood WORKS! BC presented a 2018 Community Recognition Award to the centre Wednesday, September 12th during the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities meetings, held in Whistler this year.

The province-wide awards are presented annually to communities that have been exemplary advocates for work, demonstrated through use of wood in a community project or through visionary initiatives that work toward building a community culture of wood.

period officially opened, two area candidates have put their names forward for the position: Wendy Booth and Dale Shudra.

Wendy Booth is stepping away from municipal politics to pursue the nomination, leaving behind her role as Area F director.

Mr. Shudra has been acclaimed as a councillor in Radium Hot Spring’s municipal election.

Ms. Booth and Mr. Shudra are also competing with Cranbrook’s Rob Morrison for the nomination.

Conservative candidate competition The race is on for the federal Conservative nomination for the KooteBrylee and Aubree celebrated the rainbow at Columbia Valley Pride’s first festival on nay-Columbia riding.

Saturday, September 22nd.

With the nomination File photo

January 3, 2019

October in review

Windfall from a fall Humpty Dumpty had a big fall and whose fault was it?

“I hate to find out that a citizen falls down on your property and I’m getting sued for it,” Doug Kipp told the District of Invermere council at their meeting on Tuesday, September 25th. But that’s exactly what happened. A year and a half earlier, someone fell on the District-owned sidewalk about seven feet from Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy’s property line and sued Mr. Kipp.

“Imagine my surprise when I found that the District of Invermere had absolutely no liability even though the event occurred on their property,” Mr. Kipp told council.

Rather than fight the lawsuit, Mr. Kipp’s insurance provider shelled out $25,619 to settle the claim.

Three candidates compete to become new Area F director Voters crowded into a meeting room at the Lions Hall to interview the three candidates who are competing for the job of representing them as their Area F director for the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

Tom Symington, Susan Clovechok and Dawn Chabot Attorp responded to the first few questions at the All-Candidates Forum by reading pages of their prepared remarks. They loosened up as the hour-and-a-half interview continued and as questions from the floor left them forming their responses on their feet.

Area G forum amiable evening with adversaries It was an amiable evening at the Edgewater Community Hall for the Area G all-candidates debate. Incumbent Gerry Wilkie and first-time candidate Stephanie Stevens answered four prepared questions then a handful more from the sparse audience of about a dozen people at the forum Wednesday, October 3rd.

“There are so many things that are in the hopper, in the works, I want to see completed,” Mr. Wilkie said.

Gesturing to Mr. Wilkie sitting beside her, Ms. Stevens said, “I’m not so much running against Gerry as I am running for Area G. I generally feel I’m ready, but I have a lot of respect for this guy.”

Imagine Invermere forum An all-candidates forum last week turned the tables, allowing voters the chance to listen as council hopefuls asked each other questions following the main public question period.

The goal of Imagine Invermere’s event was to provide voters with an alternative forum format to the traditional Chamber-led event.

The forum, held at the Columbia Valley Centre Thursday, October 11th, saw about 50 people turn out for the two and a half hour event.

To start the evening, attendees had an opportunity to visit with candidates one-on-one before council hopefuls moved to a head table for questions from the audience.

After public questions, candidates were given the opportunity to ask another candidate a question.

Voting for diversity Mayor Gerry Taft used his final opportunity to advocate for votes at the last Invermere all-candidates forum to encourage residents to vote for more diversity on council.

“I think it’s great that you have all this selection before you,” he said about the panel of eight council candidates and two school-board candidates gathered in the theatre of the David Thomspon Secondary School on Monday, October 15th.

He said he would “like to encourage those who are voting to also consider including a female or two on council and helping get some young people on council as well. I think it is important.”

Q&A with Canal Flats candidates Close to 100 people turned out for the Canal Flats all-candidates debate Wednesday, October 10th to listen to candidates share why they should be elected.

The almost two-hour forum included a brief introduction by each candidate, several set questions they had seen beforehand, as well as one surprise question and a few from the audience.

In Canal Flats, there are two mayoral candidates: Karl Sterzer and Brian Woodward.

There are eight people running for one of the four council positions: incumbents Paul Marcil and Marie Delorme, Benoit Charbonneau, Bill Lake, Douglas McCutcheon, Todd Rotvold, Kimberly Swerdferger and Roy Webb.

Heralding in a new municipal landscape Change swept through the Columbia Valley this weekend when the polls closed and the votes were counted. Two former councillors are now mayors, one area director was re-elected, and a new face to the political scene takes on Area F. Invermere Invermere overwhelmingly supported Al Miller for mayor, who earned over 80 per cent of voter’s ballots.

Gerry Taft, Kayja Becker, Ute Juras and Greg Anderson will round out the council.

“We’ll take care of all the basics: the roads, the infrastructure, all the rest of it,” Mr. Miller says.

Invermere asked voters two referendum questions alongside the mayor and council vote. 727 people, or 69 per cent of those who voted, support a plastic bag ban at retail stores in Invermere, while 66 per cent are in favour of purchasing the Lake Windermere Resort lands.

Candidate signs lined the Valley leading up to the October 20th elections.

File photo

Canal Flats Canal Flats had an astounding 71.9 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot; the provincial average was 35.6 per cent.

Canal Flats voters staunchly supported Karl Sterzer for mayor with 69.8 per cent of the vote.

Joining Mr. Sterzer on Council will be incumbent Marie Delorme, and newcomers Douglas McCutcheon, Kimberly Swerdferger and Bill Lake.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Area F In Area F, there was a three-way race between Susan Clovechok, Tom Symington and Dawn Chabot Attorp.

Ms. Clovechok came out on top with 53.6 per cent of the vote.

Ms. Clovechok was humbled by the vote, and vows to work hard for her new constituents.

Area G In Area G, incumbent Gerry Wilkie was re-elected, with a solid 60.1 per cent majority. Mr. Wilkie is looking forward to one more term as area director.

School Trustee The Invermere election also included voting for a new area school trustee. Ryan Stimming was Invermere’s choice. The other two area trustees were acclaimed; Amber Byklum and Jane Thurgood Sagal.

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

NOTICE OF INTENTION to adopt Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1550, 2018 Pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Community Charter, Council may not adopt or amend a Business Licence Bylaw unless Council first gives notice of their intent to do so.

Council of the District of Invermere intends to repeal Business Licensing Bylaw 1326, 2007 and consider adoption of Business Licensing Bylaw 1550, 2018, at a Regular Meeting on January 8, 2018, which in general terms, will update the bylaw with changes as follows: • Refines a business as: ❍ carrying on of a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind; ❍ providing professional, personal or other services for the purpose of gain or profit; ❍ carrying on a home occupation pursuant to the bylaws of the District of Invermere; or ❍ operating a non‐profit society or organization.

• Changing the licencing period to align with the calendar year.

• Streamlining the definitions and focusing regulations on high risk type of uses or ones that have not invested in a permanent premise within the community.

• Different fees and requirements for the following uses: ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

Mobile vendors, Rental of watercraft that use public access points to conduct business Retail cannabis Pawnbrokers and second hand shops Dating and escort services Body rub parlour and body painting studio and Trade shows

A copy of the Bylaw is available for inspection at the Municipal Office 914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C. during regular office hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., MT), Monday to Friday, excepting Statutory Holidays.

Chris Prosser Chief Administrative Officer

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November in review

Government announces $1 million for Akisqnuk housing The B.C. government is helping Akisqnuk families find a new place to call home.

“We have a number of members who want to move back to the community,” shares Lorne Shovar, Junior Administrative officer at Akisqnuk. “But affordable housing is a big issue in the Valley.”

That is why Akisqnuk First Nation started a multi-family housing project last year, to help bring Akisqnuk home and provide much-needed homes for members.

The first phase – a six-unit multiplex – is expected to be completed within the next month.

The funding announcement made by the provincial government last Saturday, November 24th of $1 million for the Akisqnuk First Nation, will go towards a second six-plex.

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

NOTICE OF INTENT/ NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION Non-Medicinal Cannabis Retail Store Licence Application NOTICE is given of a Public Consultation Session to be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the Council Chambers at the District of Invermere Office, 914 - 8th Ave., Invermere, to provide input with regards to a licence application for the operation of a Non-Medicinal Cannabis Retail Store at the subject property indicated above.

The District of Invermere is considering a referral from the B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a Non-Medicinal Cannabis Retail Store application made by Blooming World Cannabis to permit the Retail Sale of Cannabis at Unit 103, 905-7th Avenue Invermere, (Parkside Place Commercial).

Location of the proposed Non – Medicinal Cannabis Retail Store as illustrated below.

Opioid clinic in Invermere, one year in A year after Invermere’s opioid clinic opened, the centre is supporting 10 to 20 patients at any given time and has the capacity to treat more.

“People are in recovery and are getting better,” said Chris Huston, a mental health and substance use administrator for Interior Health in the region. “We believe (having local clinics) is helping keep people alive.”

Problem painkillers After Linda Jones (not her real name) had surgery on her spinal cord, her doctors wanted her to take OxyContin.

When the middle-aged Radium woman’s surgery turned into two surgeries and her pain didn’t go away, she got hooked on an “insurmountable” amount of medication.

“After a while you build up such a tolerance,” she said. “You could become quite addicted and need quite a bit of that OxyContin within six weeks.”

After struggling for years to cut back on her pain medication she said Invermere’s opioid clinic is “exactly what’s needed.”

Enabling fish in Ben Abel Creek The Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club has fixed a culvert they said was impeding the possible migration of fish through an area stream.

The creek is a prime potential spawning ground for Kokanee salmon, suggests Ben Mitchell-Banks, a Rod and Gun club member with an extensive background in fisheries as a former federal fisheries officer and conservation officer.

As a result of the work, the water level was raised up about 40 centimetres.

Enrolment climbs in Windermere zone schools For the fifth year in a row, Columbia Valley school enrolment is up.

Paul Carriere, Rocky Mountain School District #6 superintendent, says this is good news for Windermere zone schools (Windermere zone runs from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen).

“The great news is that our communities are supporting more families than has been the case in the recent past, and that has brought more students to our school system and has allowed us to increase the size and diversity of our staff,” says Mr. Carriere.

Second-story pot shop snuffed out Richard Matthews said he and his co-owners at Ullr Bar hoped to open a recreational pot shop and that it was “crazy frustrating” to learn that their application was

January 3, 2019

being declined.

Mayor Al Miller said there was “a lot of discussion” at the council meeting on Tuesday, November 13th and that “council really wasn’t in favour” of allowing a pot shop to operate in a second-floor location at Parkside Place.

Mr. Matthews has since learned that he will have to start “from ground zero” and send in a new application if he wants to try again.

District staff later confirmed that the province would refund Mr. Matthews for his $7,500 application fee.

Columbia River treaty seeks input and imparts information Columbia Valley residents will get to add their two cents to the latest round of discussions into the renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty.

Doug Clovechok, Columbia-River Revelstoke MLA, pushed to have a meeting brought to the Valley as this area is at the headwaters of the Columbia, which flows from Columbia Lake all the way to the Pacific Ocean in Portland, Oregon.

The treaty between the two countries is up for renegotiation. While preliminary discussions started a couple years ago, formal discussions are now underway between Canada and the United States, with various players at the table including the B.C. government and BC Hydro.

Provincial officials will be at the meeting to listen to Valley voices and share general information about the treaty renegotiation process.

“Come out and listen,” urges Mr. Clovechok. “This is a great opportunity for people of the headwaters’ communities to not only listen, but share their values and thoughts they have.”

Radium woodcarver’s Home Of A Thousand Faces goes out with a blaze “Forty years of history down the drain,” said Rolf Heer on Friday, November 23rd as fire hoses blasted the charred remnants of his iconic home and business, The Home Of A Thousand Faces.

“I don’t know how I’m going to handle this,” he said as he shivered and pulled on a pink fuzzy housecoat, one of the few items he was able to save before his home burned to a crisp.

While Mr. Heer said he had a fire outside the night before that must have gotten out of control, Radium’s fire chief Dave Dixon said the department hadn’t yet determined the cause of the fire.

Nineteen firefighters came to the rescue, representing the Radium, Invermere and Windermere departments.

While Mr. Heer’s wooden home was consumed by the flames, firefighters kept the blaze from spreading to neighbouring properties.

You may fax written comments to (250) 342-2934, email to planning@invermere. net , mail to District of Invermere, Box 339, Invermere B.C., V0A 1K0 or drop them off at the District of Invermere Office, by Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 4:30 pm.

You may inspect the Non-Medicinal Cannabis Retail Store proposal during scheduled municipal office working days between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday from Thursday January 3, 2019 to Tuesday January 15, 2019 at the Municipal Office, District of Invermere, 914 - 8th Ave., Invermere.

The proposal will also be posted on the Districts web site www.invermere.net under Non-Medicinal Cannabis Retail Store application – Blooming World Cannabis.

To obtain more information, please contact Rory Hromadnik, Director Development Services, at (250) 342 -9281, extension 1235 or planning@invermere.net DATED this 3rd Day of January 2019.

Rory Hromadnik Development Services

In the most absurd photo of the year, Rolf Heer manages a smile as his Home of a Thousand Faces is consumed by fire.

File photo

January 3, 2019

FAITH

The angels of God

By Father Jojo Augustine St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Jesus said to Nathaniel, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man” (John1:51).

Who are these angels of God? The angels are spirits created by God before He created man. They are meant to be extensions of God’s love and provident care for us. Their role is to praise and worship God, act as God’s messengers, do God’s will and protect human beings. “He will give His angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:1).

God sent His angels to destroy the evil cities Sodom and Gomorrah and to save Lot’s family. God gave Moses an angel to support and guide him: “My angel shall go before you” (Ex 32:34). It was an angel who helped Jesus in the desert and encouraged Jesus during his agony in Gethsemane. The Acts of the Apostles (1:14) describes how God sent an angel to liberate Peter from the prison.

The archangels form one of the nine orders of angels. The most prominent among them in Scripture are Michael the protector, Gabriel the messenger of God and Raphael, the healer and guide for humans.

Michael: Michael means “Who is like God?” from the challenge he flung at the rebel angels Lucifer and Lucifer’s supporters. In Daniel, he is the great prince who defended Israel. In the Book of Revelation, he is the mighty prince who fought with Lucifer and who dragged the serpent into hell.

Gabriel: He is God’s messenger. It was Gabriel who announced to Elizabeth’s husband, the priest Zechariah, the happy news that his barren wife would conceive a son, John the Baptist. He announced the “good news” to Mary, that she was to bear the Son of God. He may have been the angel sent to Joseph in a dream to tell him that he was to take Mary into his home as his wife, “for it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.” Gabriel also announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds; he may have been the messenger instructing the Magi to return to their lands by another route rather than returning to King Herod.

Raphael: He is man’s God-appointed guide and healer. He guided Tobias’ journey, arranged Tobias’ marriage with Sarah, gave Tobias the means to heal Tobit’s blindness and protected Sarah from the devil.

Dependable angelic assistance is a salutary, encouraging assurance for us to remember in our fears. The truth that an angel is always watching us is an incentive for us to do good and to avoid evil. Angelic protection and assistance form a great provision for which we must be always be thankful to God.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, January 6th, Worship And Life Instruction, “The Land Between: Desert Experiences” Video presentation by Jeff Manon from Deuteronomy 11:1-15.

“K.I.D.S.” Church during the Morning Service. 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • office@lwac.ca • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Worship every Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Children & Youth Sunday School at 10:30 a.m.

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 1st and 3rd Sunday, March - December 9 a.m.: All Saint’s, Edgewater 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - October at St. Peter’s Windermere Reverend Laura Hermakin 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship Services.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Saturday, 4:30 p.m.: St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.: Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere Sunday, 11 a.m.: St. Joseph’s – Radium.

Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Lay Worship Services, Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere (Small Chapel) Pastor Doug Lutz, 250-464-0100 Email: mtzionlc@hotmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. • Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-421-3756

The gift of health care The Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society presented the East Kootenay Foundation for Health with a cheque for $100,000 to go towards the MALDI TOF, which is used to rapidly identify organisms in blood cultures from patients who are critically ill.

Submitted photo

Sponsored by

with residents and visitors alike.

Sales Representative

492 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC V0A 1K2 Office

250-342-5599

Mobile

250-688-9107

Email

tracy@rockieswest.com

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 3, 2019

December in review

as Thea Rodgers hands the rudder and beakers over to Shannon McGinty.

Ms. McGinty, who studied outdoor recreation and conservation, moved to the Valley a year ago. “There are just so many things available from the lake, and it’s just important to protect those things,” she said.

Do good and make a profit Columbia Valley residents have a chance to get in on the ground-floor of a new investment cooperative launching in the East Kootenays.

Community Investment Co-ops (CIC) allow members to pool their money to support local ventures, while getting a return on their investments. Essentially, it is a way to save your money and help the local economy at the same time.

Businesses within the region can apply for financing, and approved applicants receive business development guidance, collaborative financing and ongoing support.

One puff closer Invermere is one puff closer to becoming home to a recreational cannabis store. Blooming World Cannabis passed a provincial review so their application is now with the District Of Invermere for approval.

At their meeting on Tuesday, December 11th, council opted to hold a public hearing where community members will be welcome to share their thoughts on the proposed shop.

Advocating for a better deal Those who felt that residents got a poor deal last time around and those looking for improvements shared their concerns about the Columbia River Treaty with the B.C. team that is in negotiations with the federal governments of both Canada and the United States to update the waterway deal.

At a public consultation on Wednesday, December 5th, more than 50 people packed into the Lions Hall at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce to share their thoughts with the team from the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

Ambassadors for the lake As the lake freezes, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors will see a one-hundred percent turnover in staffing

File photos

Ten year plan for Valley tourism Tourism in the Columbia Valley is an eclectic bag filled with experiences like hot springs, zip lines, and golf courses, accommodations ranging from backcountry camping to high-scale hotels, businesses selling everything from pens to paddle boards, and restaurants ranging from greasy spoons to gourmet dining.

But collectively, the tourism industry in the Valley wants to offer a unified front to tourists. Through support by Destination British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies division, the Valley underwent a series of discussions to come up with a deliberate Valley-wide strategy.

Opening mid-January!

Give a gift that will last all year!

AQUAFIT IS BACK! L’AQUAFORME EST DE RETOUR!

Family Passes* Yearly

Monthly

720

90

$

$

Drop-in fee

15

$

*Family price includes two parents and all household children under 19.

Find your fit at Radium Hot Springs Retrouvez la forme aux sources thermales Radium Classes run:

Les cours se dérouleront :

Monday and Wednesday: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Lundi et mercredi : 13 h 30 à 14 h 30 et 19 h 30 à 20 h 30

January 14 to March 6, 2019

Du 14 janvier au 6 mars, 2019

Fees:

Prix :

Full session: $176

Session : 176 $

(2 classes / week for 8 weeks)

(2 cours/semaine pendant 8 semaines)

Half session: $96

Demi-session : 96 $

(1 class / week for 8 weeks)

(1 cours/semaine pendant 8 semaines)

Single class: $13

Un cours : 13 $

hotsprings.ca

sourcesthermales.ca

Adult Passes Yearly

360

$

Monthly

40

$

Drop-in fee

7

$ 50

Senior/Junior Yearly

240

$

Monthly

30

$

Children (5-12) Yearly

Senior

180

(60+)

$

Junior (13-18)

Drop-in fee

5

$

Monthly

20

$

Drop-in fee

2

$ 50

Sign up before January 15th for tours of the new recreation centre and lock in your memberships at this introductory price!

Call 250-342-6111 or email barmstrong@akisqnuk.org

SHUTTER BUGS WELCOME We love a good photo submission. If you have a snapshot to share, email lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com