Columbia Valley Pioneer, January 17, 2019

January 17, 2019 Vol. 16/Issue 3

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 January 17, 2019

The Columbia Valley

P IONEER

FREE

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911

Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

RAINBOW CROSSWALK

SNOWY SCORE!

Golfers at the 18th annual Snow Golf tournament hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley say the winter version of the sport is challenging since the snow has much more drag than turf. But in no time organizer Steve Kuffler makes a putt, while others modify their technique on the white greens.

Photo by Dauna Ditson

3 AVALANCHE DEATH

4 MOUNTAINFILM FEST

8 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE • Avalanche Canada advises extreme caution in Purcells

Visit our website for local, regional and provincial news www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Own your

Happy Place

$5,000 $282* Payments start at

Will get you started

*Above payments based on 1/8th share in unit 915. Sale price $54,900 plus taxes and fees. $5,000 down payment.

Payments shown are bi-weekly, 5-year term 15-year amortization. Pay out at any time without penalty. Subject to availability and approval of credit. Unit is subject to prior sale.

Contact us for more information | info@bighornmeadows.ca | 1-888-766-9637

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 17, 2019

Bruno’s Plumbing Service Mike Sylvestre 250.342.5105 brunosplumbing@shaw.ca ~ We now service drains ~ Serving The Columbia Valley

FREE GENEALOGY WORKSHOP Ser

vin g th

e Co lumbia Va

Learn how to use Ancestry.ca, Library Edition Thursday, January 24th, 6 pm

lle y

Space is limited so please contact the library to register, 250-342-6416.

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

White as snow The ground doesn’t look like winter, but photographer Denise Hoffgaard caught the trees doing their very best to project a winter’s scene at James Chabot park recently.

Photo by Denise Hoffgaard

Digital sign for community use Seniors did you know…

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Just like physical exercise, regular mental exercise is healthy for you.

Daily mentally challenging activities will help to keep your mind sharp.

Imagine you are organizing an event in this community. You book the space, you coordinate the activities, you rope in the volunteers. You call the newspaper to get a story in to promote it, and make a Facebook event.

You’ve done everything you can to prepare, right? Not quite. There is actually another tool available to promote the community event you’ve worked so hard to put together.

The digital sign located at AG Valley Foods in Invermere is available to all nonprofit groups and community events. The Rotary Club of Invermere launched the project with that goal in mind, says president Yvonne Redeker.

“The original intention was to create a facility, as we often do at Rotary, for the benefit of the community,” she says. “When we hold a fundraiser, it is community-raised money, so we’d like to reach as many people as we can with our funding.”

Ms. Redeker says while the original idea seemed simple enough, the process became quite “onerous” for the Rotary. The sign was a hot-button topic as District of Invermere council members were divided on whether to approve the necessary variance permit. However, Council ultimately approved the sign in May 2017.

Now that the sign has been operational for a few months, Ms. Redeker says they would like to see it used more by community groups, who may not be aware it is for public use.

“It’s not an advertising board, it is a message board.

Everything from fire bans to the Christmas parade or all

Resource, Development & Advocacy United Way helping seniors remain independent

www.familydynamix.ca 250-342-5566 or 250-342-1110

Sealed Units Windows steamed up or cracked?

Book your sealed unit replacements now!

Serving Residential and Commercial Clients

#3, 109 Industrial #2, Invermere B.C. 250-342-3659 • Fax: 250-342-3620

www.invermereglass.com

of those community functions,” she lists. “(It’s for) anything that might stimulate the economic benefit of the community, rather than just an individual store.”

While the sign is located at AG Valley Foods, owner Eric LaPointe emphasizes it is a community message board. The LaPointe family gave up some of their own advertising space to accommodate the new digital sign, going from their former six slots to four slots.

“It’s supposed to be a community board to support community information, community events,” says Mr. LaPointe. “We agreed to it because we wanted to do it for the community.”

Ms. Redeker says the sign ended up being a $40,000 project including time and hard costs. Contributors to the board, financial or otherwise, included Columbia Valley Community Foundation, Columbia Valley Youth Soccer, DTSS PAC, The Judo Club, Royal Canadian Legion, the Regional District of East Kootenay, the Masonic Lodge, the Rotary Club, Max Helmer Construction, and the District of Invermere.

The sign went live in the early summer of 2018.

The District of Invermere volunteered to take on the operation of the sign once it was completed. They are still working out how to best display information, which some Rotary members have noted is not always easy to read depending on the number of words and colours used in the message. Kindry Luyendyk, Corporate Officer for the District, says they are working on some policies around the sign, and on how to input the information so it is displayed well on the sign. To get your event posted on the board, email info@invermere.net or phone the District of Invermere at 250-342-9281.

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?

Instant Exposure

for you and your business

Join today: info@cvchamber.ca

January 17, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Students lobby for a rainbow crosswalk

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com After two months of research and preparation, a grade 6/7 class from J. Alfred Laird advocated so convincingly for a rainbow crosswalk next to the school that Invermere council unanimously agreed to grant their request.

“I feel everybody deserves to feel welcome and included at school and everywhere they go,” Hayley told council when it was her turn to step up to the podium at the council’s committee meeting on Tuesday, January 8th.

Hayley’s classmates cited a study from 2011 and made the case that the majority of LGBTQ+ people don’t feel safe at school.

(In an American study of 12,000 youth from 2017, 70 per cent of LGBTQ students said they were bullied at school because of their sexual orientation. In the same study, only 26 per cent of LGBTQ students said they always feel safe in the classroom.)

“When students feel accepted, safe and like they belong, they are more successful with their learning,” the Laird students from Kim Daniele’s class said. “Furthermore, the rainbow crosswalk would help people socially. People would feel less afraid to go outside and play with others.”

The students requested permission to have the rainbow crosswalk painted across from the school at the intersection of 13th Avenue and 13th Street. They said 43 other towns in the province have rainbow crosswalks and that it’s about time Invermere had one too.

“We hope that by installing a rainbow crosswalk, we would be acknowledging and encouraging an inclusive school and community,” they said. “We hope that you approve, support and install the rainbow crosswalk.”

Mayor Al Miller congratulated the students on their courage in speaking to council and said he would be interested in partnering with them to help their rainbow-coloured hopes come true.

When councillor Greg Anderson asked the students why they chose this issue, one said they wanted to leave a legacy for future students and to show “that we were here and we made a difference.”

Students from Kim Daniele’s grade 6-7 class at JA Laird presented their request for a rainbow crosswalk to Invermere Council during a committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, January 8th.

Photo by Dauna Ditson on.”

“Good for you guys,” Mr. Anderson said. “It’s a real noble thing that you’re taking

While costs, funding and timelines remain to be determined, council voted unanimously to support the students with the crosswalk-painting project.

Before they left, councillor Kayja Becker also invited the students to come back with other ideas they might have in the future.

As the students flooded out of council chambers, Hayley said: “I’m extremely happy. I’m excited to get working on it.”

Home values rise in Columbia Valley

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com A home in Canal Flats now comes in at $2,525,000 and is the 34th most-valuable property in the Kootenay Columbia region according to BC Assessment’s 2019 valuations. Property values for single-family homes sky rocketed by 30 per cent in Canal Flats, jumped by 10 per cent in Invermere and inched up two per cent in Radium Hot Springs.

Deputy assessor Ramaish Shah gave a presentation before Invermere council members where he said the increase Invermere is seeing is “fairly stable” and “isn’t that dramatic.”

It’s a different story in Canal Flats, where he said it’s a case of one business – the new Columbia Lake Technology Centre – starting up and “making the market.”

“Wild swings like that are just not good for anybody,” he said. “There’s no getting around some shocks.”

Karl Sterzer, the mayor of Canal Flats, said the 30 per cent jump “should not be a frightening thing for our constituents.”

Just because the assessed value went up doesn’t mean there will be a corresponding tax increase, he said, adding that Council is currently working on budgeting and is proceeding with caution.

“Our goals are to maintain, you know, a tax base that is fair for everybody,” he said. “We are not out for a tax grab. We are out to grow a solid, long-term sustainable community and that doesn’t come with a whole bunch of crazy expenditures.”

Mr. Sterzer said the new assessment can be seen as an indication of the community’s progress and may be less drastic than it initially appears since it compensates Continued on page 5 . . .

The 2019 calendars are here!

DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309

BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415

GLENN POMEROY 250-270-0666

GEOFF HILL 250-341-7600

CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323

DORAN CAIN 250-342-1629

STEVE HENDERSON 250-341-5128

DAVE JENKINS 250-341-7344

1214 -7th Avenue, Invermere • Ph: 250-341-6044 • realestateinvermere.ca

JAN KLIMEK 250-342-1195

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

RCMP Report

SECURITY • • • •

Est. 2005

Uniformed Guards Mobile Patrol Alarm Response Property Checks

Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP

www.valleyhawk.com

Licensed & Insured

250-688-HAWK

Invermere & Surrounding Areas

RFE ALARMS & SOUND • • • • •

Alarm Systems Surveillance Systems Home Theatre Systems Audio & Video Systems Internet & Cell Phone Boosters

• RFE 24/7 guard response to burglar, fire, flood and low temperature alarms • Saving homeowners and businesses thousands of dollars in theft and damage for over 35 years • Authorized SONOS and Marantz Dealer

250-342-6549

rfealarms@shaw.ca

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Missing our GIC rates?

Please visit our website at invermereadvisors.com

Sara Worley

BCOMM, CIM, FCSI

CIM®, FCSI®

Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

puter needed to be fixed. The individual provided the caller with his personal information and was then told to purchase $800 worth of Google Play cards. When the individual attended the grocery store to purchase the cards he was warned this was a scam and told to report it to the RCMP. If you suspect or know that you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, or if you unwittingly provided personal information or financial information, you should contact your local police detachment to file a report as well as contact your bank or financial institution and credit card companies.

• On Saturday, January 12th at approximately 4 a.m., the Copper Point Resort reported someone had stolen $150 cash from their office. A witness observed a thin male wearing a black hoodie walk into the resort and straight to the check-in counter. The suspect did not interact with anyone and left on foot after taking the money. Investigators are in the process of obtaining video footage of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP.

Snowmobile-triggered avalanche leaves two dead on Mt Brewer

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning

Brendan Donahue

This past week, January 7th through January 13th, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 55 calls for service. The following are some of the more notable files our officers responded to.

• On Wednesday, January 9th at 12:10 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of an erratic driver in a Ford Escape on Highway 93/95 near Fairmont Hot Springs. Columbia Valley RCMP and East Kootenay Traffic Services patrolled the area and located the vehicle on Mountain View Drive in Fairmont Hot Springs. The driver provided two breath samples which resulted in fails and as a result, the driver was issued a 90-day driving prohibition.

• On Thursday, January 10th, an individual attended the Columbia Valley Detachment to report someone purporting to work for a computer company out of California contacted him over the telephone and told him his com-

January 17, 2019

Holly Jones BA,

Investment Associate, Insurance Agent

Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and a Member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. Stocks, bonds, financial planning and mutual funds are offered through Manulife Securities Incorporated. Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency. The Manulife Securities logo and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

A father and son are both dead following a tragic avalanche on Mount Brewer last Saturday, January 12th.

RCMP confirmed Monday evening the body of a 24-year old man was recovered after a search involving the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team.

A group of nine Albertan snowmobilers had been sledding together. The avalanche was reportedly triggered at approximately 2:50 p.m. after one of the snowmobilers was high marking (driving up as high as you can to leave your mark). Columbia Valley RCMP requested the assistance of the local Search & Rescue team, who attended the location and recovered a 51-year-old male from Calgary. He was found with an activated airbag, two metres under the snow. CPR was initiated and the man was flown to the Invermere and District Hospital, where he was confirmed deceased.

Meanwhile, the man’s son was missing and was

believed to have been swept into a nearby lake.

According to Avalanche Canada, the two snowmobilers were caught in a “very large Deep Persistent Slab avalanche 200-400 metres wide that ran 900-1100 metres onto a small lake. The avalanche failed near the ground on a layer of facets/depth hoar (sugary grains) that formed early in the season, then broke to the ground lower down on the slope.”

No injuries were reported to the other seven snowmobilers.

The father and son were Larry and Matt Burdiga, respectively. Friends of the family have started a Gofundme page, “to help support the family through the financial burden that comes with a loss like this,” states the page. As of Monday evening, $4,850 had been raiased. On Matt Burdiga’s Facebook page, an outpouring of grief was displayed. One friend, Connor Robertson, wrote, “Rest in peace Matt. The amount of people devastated by this tragedy is a testament to the lives you touched with your joy, love, and zest for life.”

Free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 530 13th Street , Invermere www.invermereadvisors.com

Restaurant and Lounge

Monday – Sunday Breakfast ~ 7 am – 11:30 am Lunch ~ 11:30 am – 4:30 pm Dinner ~ 4:30 pm – 10 pm

News tip? Email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Locals Discount 20% Off Available Monday through Wednesday (applies to regular menu items and non-alcoholic beverages)

Locals Discount 20% Off Available Monday through Thursday (applies to all services)

Stay-cation 15% Off Take advantage of a little getaway in your back yard B.C. and Alberta Residents receive 15% off (offer depending on occupancy)

For more information visit www.copperpointresor t.com or e -mail us at elements@copperpointresor t.com Located at Copper Point Resor t, 760 Cooper Road

January 17, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Turkey troubles, segway saga and two more doors

The Radium Hot Springs council chambers were so crowded on Wednesday, January 9th that some audience members who didn’t fit into the room stood in the foyer. On the agenda was a public hearing about a proposed residential development, followed by a segway proposal and a petition about troublesome turkeys.

Duplex debate Council held a public hearing over TRC Projects’ proposed plan to rezone six single-family lots along Revelstoke Avenue to allow the company to build four duplexes to house eight individuals or families.

During a heated discussion between residents, council members and the proponent about traffic control in the area and potential decreases in property value, Mayor Clara Reinhardt reminded the audience that TRC Projects is already allowed to build six homes on the land and is only seeking approval to build two additional units.

During the formal hearing, two audience members spoke in opposition and two voiced their support.

Council will vote on the development at a future meeting.

Segway trial Council directed staff to check into any legal issues with allowing Patrick Tolchard of Valley Zipline Adventures to lead segway tours in town.

Mr. Tolchard said he is keen on starting the guided tours as soon as possible.

“I’ve got 11 segways sitting in my living room right now,” he said.

Chartered Professional Accountant

✓Financial statements ✓Audits, Review or Notice to Reader engagements ✓Tax – both corporate and personal ✓Bookkeeping, if required Box 836 7309 Banff Court Radium Hot Springs, B.C. V0A 1M0 Phone (587) 777-6881• Email: Garrypcpa@gmail.com

Considering how many unknowns there are with interactions between sheep, deer, pedestrians and segways, Ms. Reinhardt proposed a pilot project to get all the facts before making a long-term commitment.

Council approved a one-year trial pending a legal review and directed staff to work with Mr. Tolchard to determine the terms of the agreement.

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Multiplying turkeys Around 30 residents signed a petition asking council to deal with the wild turkeys that are “becoming a big nuisance and increasing in numbers.”

Last year council updated a bylaw to prohibit feeding the turkeys in the Village. But even with less food on the table, the turkeys have multiplied.

Kent Kebe, who manages Tourism Radium, said the last wild turkey count found around 50 birds hanging out in the village. A few have been eaten in town, he said, adding that he suspects that coyotes were the hunters.

Mark Read, the chief administrative officer for the Village, checked with a provincial biologist, who said Council’s only option – besides leaving the turkeys to do as they will – would be a cull. When questioned, he clarified that while the municipality itself wouldn’t be permitted to relocate the birds, a group of residents might have more leeway.

“There’s never been a community in B.C. to regulate (the turkeys),” he said. “We’re kind of out there on our own.”

Ms. Reinhardt said she would support a citizen group and would be interested in a proposal they could bring back to council. In response, a group formed on the spot as concerned residents volunteered to take part.

it might not help with affordability, but it does help with predictability and confidence. And in the long for decreased values when the Canfor mill closed. term this might help with the development of more “I think there’s reason for cautious optimism,” affordable options and he said. “There’s a bit of rental units.” a success story to celeAnyone who dis“We are not out for a tax grab. We are out to brate with Canal Flats agrees with their asgrow a solid, long-term sustainable community and where we’ve been sessed value can reach and that doesn’t come with a whole bunch of and where we’re going.” out to BC Assessment crazy expenditures.”

Over in Invermere, to request an appeal. realtor and councillor Mr. Taft previously apKarl Sterzer, Gerry Taft said the new pealed an assessment Canal Flats mayor assessment numbers on a rental property seem consistent with and said the appeal purchase prices. process was relatively straightforward. Property “Slow steady increases in prices indicate a stable owners can contact BC Assessment at 1-866-825and sustainable market,” he said. “In the short term 8322 or visit www.bcassessment.ca.

Overcoming Seasonal Depression Wednesday, January 23rd, 6 pm to 8 pm Christ Church Trinity, Invermere

This seminar should appeal to all ages from seniors to youth.

The key speakers include local physician Dr. Shannon Page, Jennette St Jean, Canfit Active Aging Specialist and Fitness Instructor, and Madelene Lange, Secretary Invermere Hospital Auxiliary, addressing volunteerism. The speakers will address various ways we can overcome the often depressing effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

We can experience this often as the winter blues and valley fog and smoke.

This seminar is both an information session and a fundraiser for the Columbia House Community Healing Garden. Admission is by donation. Refreshments will be served. This Healing Garden is for the residents, their families and for our entire community. We are excited that Phase 1 is complete and together, we can all work towards a successful Phase 2 launch in the Spring.

For more information and opportunity to donate, visit COHO website, cohogarden.org

Land Act:

Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that, Dean Kupchanko, from Invermere, BC, has applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), Kootenay Boundary Region, for a License of Occupation to legalize an existing roadway to his private property situated on Provincial Crown land located south of Radium Hot Springs, BC. FLNRORD invites comments on this application, the Lands File is 4405974.

Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Authorization Specialist, FLNRORD, Kootenay Boundary Region, at 1902 Theatre Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G1. Comments will be received by FLNRORD up to February 9, 2019. FLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.comment.nrs.gov. bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom Description Schedule of Information (FOI) request.Legal Visit www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofi nformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

File No:4405974 DID:934974

LICENCE

Those parts of District Lots 5110, 6374 and 6376, Kootenay District, as shown in red, and containing 0.26 hectares more or less.

³

DL 4348

A sexual assault trial is scheduled to proceed at Invermere Law Courts on June 18th and 19th. According to court documents, the alleged assault took place in Fairmont Hot Springs in March 2018.

The 29-year-old complainant told the Pioneer that she and her friends came to the Valley from Calgary for a getaway when one of the men in her group allegedly

5603600

assaulted her.

Sgt. Darren Kakuno, the detachment commander for the Columbia Valley RCMP, said: “I am not able to provide details on a case that is before the courts but I can advise you that cases are prosecuted in the jurisdiction in which the offence occurs, not where the individuals reside.”

The complainant reached out to the Pioneer about the upcoming trial and said: “I wanted this reported so that others know that it’s OK to stand up for yourself.”

DL 6376

REM DL 5110

DL 6374

5603400

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com

BK A DL 5110

Radium Hot Springs 5603200

Sexual assault trial coming to Invermere

5603800

5604000

. . . ‘Home’ from 3

The Columbia House Enhancement Society, (CHES), is excited to sponsor an upcoming seminar entitled:

5604200

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalleypioneer.com

GARRY PATTISON

PCL A (SEE 188096I) OF DL 7912

Invermere

SUBL 155 DL 4596 PL X32 1:750,000 563800

Scale 1:5,000 Mapsheet(s):82K.060

0

250

500

Meters

564000

564200

564400

4405974

564600 \\cranbrook\Status\Mxd\2018/4405974.mxd LT 12/18/18

Page _____ of _____

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE Historical Lens

Property taxes

By Dean Midyette dean@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Pioneer has received numerous inquiries from homeowners concerned about the increases in assessed value and the impact that will have on their property taxes (see related story, page 3).

Property taxes are an amalgamation of a variety of taxes assessed by various bodies. The list includes, but is not limited to, municipalities or regional districts which look after water, sewer, roads and other municipal infrastructure, Ministry of Education (schools), Ministry of Health (hospitals), RDEK (transfer stations, recycling and service area contributions), police tax and conservation fund.

Primary homeowners under 65 years old receive a Homeowners Grant that is deducted from the total amount of tax owing. Homeowners that are over 65 years of age or those with disabilities receive a larger Homeowners Grant. Second homeowners are not eligible for the Homeowners Grant.

While income or business taxes are distributed to municipal, provincial and federal governments, property taxes are collected on behalf of the aforementioned agencies and distributed directly to each.

Commercial and industrial properties have a higher tax rate than residential properties, all of which are set by the elected officials on local councils.

So, if the assessed value of your home has increased by 10% or even 30% in the case of Canal Flats, will your property taxes increase at the same rate? Not necessarily.

Each year, local governments are required to approve their annual operating budgets by May 15th. Municipal governments are legally required to produce a balanced budget (provincial and federal governments are not).

Once councils have finalized their budgets, they then look at the total amount of the property values in their boundaries (called a tax roll) and set the mill rate that is the rate of taxation per $1,000 of assessed value. Mill rates vary from year to year, based on assessed value of properties and budget priorities.

If a municipality saw a 30% increase in assessed value but didn’t need 30% more money to operate then the mill rate would be decreased.

We will not know if or by how much property taxes will increase until later this year once budgets are finalized. Local councils are only in control of the municipal budgets and have no input into the school or hospital taxes that are part of the overall tax bill.

If you would like to add your input into the budgeting process contact your locally elected officials or your municipal office.

My thanks to Sylvie Hoobanoff, Corporate Officer for the Village of Canal Flats and Karen Cote, Director of Finance for the District of Invermere for their invaluable assistance.

January 17, 2019

Southbound train Kootenay Central’s mixed train, headed southbound at Canal Flats around the year 1914 or 1915. If you have any more information about this or any other historical lens photos, please email info@columbiavalleypioneer.com Photo (A 1101) courtesy Windermere District Historical Society.

Family Literacy Week Jan 20-27 Dear Editor: Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) will be celebrating and promoting Family Literacy Week from January 20th – 27th.

We celebrate Family Literacy Week as a way to raise the awareness of the importance of participating in literacy related activities as a family. Whether families are baking, playing or reading with their children, they are creating literacy-rich environments.

When adults and children participate in activities together, it is a powerful way to support children’s learning and development.

The theme this year is “Let’s Make It”. We are inviting families to join us at our StrongStart programs to participate in our numerous “Let’s Make It” activities throughout the week.

We are also encouraging families to participate in an online photo contest that Decoda Literacy

Solutions is sponsoring. Families can submit photos of themselves being involved in creative or “Let’s Make It” activities like drawing, making a snowman or creating a board game. Photos can be submitted to decodaliteracy on Facebook or @decodaliteracy on Twitter using the hashtags #FamilyLiteracyWeek or #Let’sMakeIt or #FLW2019.

There are many “Let’s Make It!” ideas on the Decoda Literacy Solutions website at www.decoda.ca or on the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy-Windermere Valley Facebook page.

CBAL is excited to celebrate Family Literacy Week 2019! “Let’s Make It!” is an opportunity to focus on creativity and fun family time.

Sandy Kalesnikoff Community Literacy Coordinator Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Dean Midyette Publisher/ Sales Manager

Lorene Keitch Editor

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter

Dauna Ditson Reporter

Katie Watt Intern

Amanda Nason Advertising Sales

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design/ Associate Publisher

Amanda Murray

Office Administrator/ Classified Sales

January 17, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

The animals Fresh old ideas

By Arnold Malone Pioneer Columnist Just the tiniest fraction below 100% of all creatures that ever emerged are now extinct. The earth once went through a period of high radiation creating excessive non-survivable mutations. This is a good reason to wake up and say, “I am lucky to be alive.”

We are among the very few species that have successfully emerged.

Not only are we fortunate to be alive but also we are privileged to share the planet with the braying moose, waddling ducks, smelly skunks, leaping frogs, family friendly dogs, purring cats, prickly porcupines along with thousands of other critters. If we consider insects, there would be billions of others.

Not only would it be a lonely planet if many other critters became extinct, the fact is that if all insects perished no other species, including all of us, could exist.

Though the relationship may not always seem apparent there is a balance of nature that requires the continuation of many species. Soil is a striking example of the need for other life. Without bacteria and insects, all soil would be infertile and our capacity to grow food would be zero.

I was 36 years old in 1974 when I was first elected to parliament. The Guardian newspaper indicates that the number of animals on earth has decreased by 50% since the 1970s. It has been recently reported that 400 species became extinct in the last two decades. What a stunning observation, to consider that one-half of the world’s animal population is no longer among us in a period just a shade over half of my lifetime. This is a frightening reality.

It is the case that across geological time there have been numerous causes for species extinction such as the Ice Age, continental drifts, fires, meteor impacts and climate change. However, the growth of human population has accelerated the demise of animals as much as these other factors.

Now, sadly, there is a group in Canada known as The Century Initiative, which is

lobbying our government to have a Canadian population of 100 million people by the end of this century.

That is an amount three times our present population. Likewise, Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s chief advisers are promoting the same concept of 100 million citizens by the end of the 21st century. They hope that more people will provide Canada greater influence in international affairs.

If a concept could go extinct then surely it should be the belief that this planet needs more people.

Space has value. Space cleans a muddled brain from the noise of concentrated habitation. In Tokyo, persons are hired as “pushers.” They wear white gloves and push passengers on commuter trains to pack the load like unworthy sardines.

Who amoung us desires a society such as that? Rural people cross paths with strangers while frequently making eye contact.

TV news shows images of people in crowded cities such as Beijing or Mexico City meeting and passing each other like stone objects.

Groups that advocate for an accelerated growth in our human population care not a twit about our co-habitation with animals or our interdependence with nature. Nor do they object to pushy people who ignore the “human” in human beings.

If Canada can grow to three times her present population are other countries allowed to do the same? If so, the world population would be 21 billion by the end of the 21st century. Thereafter, the most serious rate of growth would be in human starvation and animal extinction.

What value would international influence be then?

In the fullness of time this planet should be home for trillions upon trillions of humans but let’s do so at a thoughtful and sustainable pace.

Arnold Malone served as MP for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings from 1974 through 1993. He retired to Invermere in 2007.

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@ columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 1008-8th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party

letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. No attachments, please. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

FINE TUNE YOUR GOLF SWING with a private indoor lesson

* 0 4 $ Y FOR ONL

INCLUDES TRACKMAN SWING ANALYSIS— TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SWING PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE TO BOOK YOUR LESSON

ImmerseYourself FairmontHotSprings.com/golf Call: 250.345.6346 45 minute lesson.

*

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Application No. FLNRORD PMP Southern Interior 2019-24 Applicant: Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Range Branch 441 Columbia St, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2T3

Agent: Drinkwater Environmental Services Telephone: 604 302-2317 Email: invasive.plants@gov.bc.ca

The purpose of the proposed multi-agency Pest Management Plan (PMP) is to manage invasive alien plants and/or noxious weeds on provincial Crown land in the southern interior of B.C. The PMP applies to areas located within the Thompson Nicola, Cariboo, Central Coast, Squamish Lillooet, Columbia Shuswap, North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, Okanagan Similkameen, Kootenay Boundary, Central Kootenay, and East Kootenay Regional Districts.

This includes areas located within the vicinity of the communities of Bella Coola, Alexis Creek, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Lillooet, Clinton, Cache Creek, Blue River, Clearwater, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Golden, Merritt, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, Princeton, Grand Forks, Castlegar, Kaslo, Nakusp, Nelson, Trail, Salmo, Creston, Cranbrook, Invermere, Fernie, and Sparwood.

The pest management methods proposed for use within the area to which the PMP applies include mechanical, cultural, biological control, and the use of herbicides. The active ingredients and trade names of the herbicides (in brackets) proposed for potential use under this plan include: aminocyclopyrachlor (included in Truvist, Navius); aminopyralid (included in Milestone, Restore, Clearview, Reclaim and Reclaim II); chlorsulfuron (included in Truvist); clopyralid (included in Lontrel 360, Lontrel,Transline); dicamba (included in Dyvel DS, Dyvel DSp, Vanquish, Overdrive, Banvel VM, Banvel II); diflufenzopyr (included in Overdrive); flazasulfuron (included in LongRun); flumioxazin and pyroxasulfone (included in Torpedo); fluroxypyr (included in PastureGard, Spotlight, Surmount, Escalade); glyphosate (included in products such as WeatherMax, Vantage Plus II, Vantage XRT, Vantage Plus Max, and RoundUp); 2,4-D (2,4-D Amine 600); halosulfuron (included in Sandea); imazapyr (included in Arsenal, Powerline, Habitat); mecoprop-p (included in Dyvel DS, Dyvel DSp); metsulfuron methyl (included in Escort, Clearview, Reclaim, Reclaim II, Navius); picloram (included in Tordon 22K, Grazon, Tordon 101); rimsulfuron (included in Elim and Prism); and triclopyr (included in PasturGard, Garlon XRT). Additionally, blue herbicide spray marker dye (Basicid Blue, Hi-Light, Turf Mark) may be used along with surfactants (such as Gateway, Agral, Sylgard 309) to improve herbicide application and efficacy.

Herbicides will be applied using selective application methods such as: wick/wipe-on, injection, vehicle mounted sprayers, and backpack or handheld sprayers.

The proposed duration of the PMP is from May 1, 2019 to April 30, 2024 A draft copy of the proposed PMP and maps of the proposed treatment areas may be examined in detail at: Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, 441 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2T3, online at www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/Plants/pmp.htm, or by contacting the Agent listed above.

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant (c/o Drinkwater Environmental Services, Agent, listed above) within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 17, 2019

Mountainfilm on Tour returns

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Bereavement Support Group The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley is offering a FREE Bereavement Support Group facilitated by Daneve McAffer, starting Monday, February 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm located at the Hospice Society office,

by Frater Landing next to the jewellery store.

The support group will follow a 12-week curriculum designed by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, founder of the Center for Loss and Life Transition.

There is no charge for the group. People who are interested in registering must contact the Hospice Office at 778-526-5143 on or before Friday, February 1st.

If you or someone you know is having a difficult time with the grieving process, please give the Hospice a call.

We specialize in one-on-one or group support and have highly trained and qualified volunteers.

www.hospicesocietycv.com

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!

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

The second annual Mountainfilm on Tour festival is coming back to Invermere, bigger and better than ever.

Last year organizer Bill Johnston brought Mountainfilm on Tour to Invermere. Mountainfilm is an annual festival held in Telluride, Colorado. It features documentary films chosen to celebrate indomitable spirit, inspiring audiences to create a better world by using the power of film, art, and ideas. Mr. Johnston, an avid film buff, loved the festival and wanted to bring a selection of the Mountainfilm selections on tour to local audiences.

The inaugural event last year saw about 335 people turn out.

“I had no idea how it would go,” admits Mr. Johnston.

“I was thrilled . . . the reaction was terrific and everyone really liked the films.”

In the first show last February at the newly-opened Columbia Valley Centre, Mr. Johnston admits the sound quality was not where he had hoped it would be for showing movies. However, this year, he is excited to be utilizing the updated sound setup and theatre seating recently installed.

“It’s stadium seating with great sound and a great picture,” he affirms.

Mr. Johnston screened all 75 films in the touring film list this year – “it’s my favourite part of the job,” he admits – then puts together a playlist he hopes will resonate with local moviegoers.

“I’m looking for strong characters and a good story,” Mr. Johnston explains.

He is optimistic local audiences will enjoy the selections, so much so that he is running the festival over two nights this year to open it up to more attendees.

One of the films will be of particular interest to local audiences. Panorama-raised skier Christina Lustenberger is featured in ‘Children of the Columbia’, a documentary following her and another skier as they travel through the Columbia River and seek out mountain adventure along the way.

Telluride’s Mountainfilm on Tour in Invermere happens at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 8th and Saturday, February 9th at the Columbia Valley Centre. Tickets are $20 each, available at mountainfilminvermere.ca. or at Crazy Soles, 1045 7th Ave., Invermere. For more on the Mountainfilm, visit www.mountainfilm.org.

‘2.5 Million’ is one of the documentaries being aired at the upcoming Mountainfilm on Tour event this February. 2.5 Million tells the story of Aaron Rice, who set out to become the first person to ski 2.5 million human-powered vertical feet in a year, which is the equivalent of climbing from Everest Base Camp to the summit over 200 times.

Craig’s Reaction is another film aired at this event. In 2002, Craig DeMartino was climbing with a friend in Rocky Mountain National Park when a terrible miscommunication occurred; DeMartino fell nearly 100 feet onto the rocks below. He survived, but his injuries were devastating — ruptured lung, fractured spine, pulverized feet, among others — and the accident forever altered his life. He could have retreated into his injuries and given up on climbing. Instead, DeMartino, who had one leg amputated under the knee, got back into his harness. Today, he has climbed grades as hard as 5.12, led an all-disabled ascent of El Capitan and introduced scores of fellow disabled athletes to the joy of climbing.

RDEK wants you to talk trash Submitted by RDEK The review of the region’s Solid Waste Management Plan is now underway and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is hoping residents and property owners will get involved and engaged in the process.

“Dealing with our garbage and recycling is one of the RDEK’s largest budget items and these services affect every resident and property owner in the East Kootenay,” explains RDEK Environmental Services Manager Kevin Paterson. “The Solid Waste Management Plan provides the foundation for the way we deal with our waste and recyclables and this current update will guide our direction for the next several years. So, it’s really important that people get informed about the current system and share their ideas for the future.”

The RDEK has a survey open now so residents and property owners can provide input into how they use the system currently and what their priorities may be when looking to the future. Links to the survey are available on the RDEK’s website and a special project

page at engage.rdek.bc.ca. Hard copies are also available at the RDEK’s offices and can be mailed. The survey deadline is February 25th.

“We are hoping for a strong response to the survey as this will help guide the Advisory Committee, consultants and the Board moving forward,” says Mr. Paterson.

Every resident and property owner in the East Kootenay, both in municipalities and the rural areas, is being encouraged to participate.

The RDEK Board has appointed an Advisory Committee made up of public, municipal representatives, industry members, community groups and First Nations. The Committee will meet monthly over the next few months and have focused discussion on different aspects of the solid waste system. The focus for the January meeting will be on the current Transfer Stations and Operations.

For more information on the Solid Waste Management Plan review or to request a copy of the survey, contact the RDEK at (250) 489-2791.

January 17, Thursday, November October 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 HOSPICE SOCIETY

Thomsen triumphs

PAGE 15 SNOWFLAKE FEST

PAGE 19

Ben Thomsen is hitting his stride this season, achieving his best start to the season ever in the past nine years of racing the World Cup! For more on this Invermere athlete, see page 12.

Photo by GEPA

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

BMC Organ Trio LIVE at Pynelogs blues/soul/jazz/swing

Featuring Morgan Childs · Sun Jan 27 at 6 pm Pynelogs Cultural Centre, art gallery & Cafe allium Hours: Call for more info at 250.342.4423

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 17, 2019

JOIN US FOR THE 36TH ANNUAL

Starlight Challenge EVERY FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY AT THE FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT SKI AREA Feb. 1, 8, 15 & 22, 7–9pm Fun adult (19+) snowboard and ski racing, great prizes and awesome food & drink specials. Come as a team of 4 or ride solo.

4-WEEK ENTRY

DROP-IN

$55 Regular Pass Holders $35

$15 Regular Pass Holders $10

ENJOY NIGHT SKIING EVERY FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY:

Night Skiing 4–9pm Adult (18-64) $19 • Youth (13-17) $16 Seniors (65+) $16 • Child (5-12) $13 Night skiing is also available with a regular full-day lift ticket purchased after 12:30pm

Twilight Tubing 1–8pm • $15

Rockies in the Flats To the thrill of Canal Flats residents, especially Martin Morigeau students who were each provided a ticket to the game, the Columbia Valley Rockies battled the Spokane Braves Friday, January 11th in the Canal Flats Arena. The Braves went home with a 2-1 win, earning both goals in the second period. The Rockies answered back in the third with their goal by the Rockies’ Chase Hawkins from Erik Lloyd and Jesse Carr.

Photo by Renice Oaks

2ND ANNUAL

“The Art of Coffee” Invermere Coffee Fest Art Competition REGISTER AT www.invermerecoffeefest.com

This competition is free to enter. Artists are encouraged to submit an original and signed piece of artwork that represents the theme of coffee. The work submitted can be any form of art with no restriction on media used (painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media etc).

Coffee Fest Expo attendees will have the chance to vote for their favorite piece of coffee art. The winner of “the Art of Coffee” will receive a $50 gift certificate to Kicking Horse Coffee in Invermere.

All contestants will be notified by email and the winner will be posted on the Invermere BC Events Facebook Page.

Each artist must submit a small description of the art piece with the media used. Each piece displayed at Coffee Fest and the piece will be returned to the artists following the event. Artwork is encouraged to be submitted in a frame.

January 7th, 2019: Registration opens for art submissions.

February 27th, 2019: Until 4 pm: Final deadline for artwork submissions.

March 2nd, 2019: Artwork is displayed at the Invermere Coffee & Tea Fest Expo.

March 4th, 2019: Winner is contacted and announced on Invermere BC Facebook Events page!

Please drop off artwork to the District of Invermere Municipal Office between 8:30am-4:30pm Monday- Friday: 914 8 Ave, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 from January 7th- February 27th, 2019.

Contact the District of Invermere Event Coordinator Cortney Pitts for all Coffee Fest questions! events@invermere.net or 250-342-9281 ext. 1234.

All art must be submitted with the following information included:

ImmerseYourself FairmontHotSprings.com 1.800.663.4979

Name: __________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________ Telephone: ____________________ About you: ______________________________________________________ Description of Art Piece and Media Used:__________________________ Price of piece: ___________________________________________________

January 17, 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.

Thursday, January 17th • 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.

• 7 p.m.: The Rod & Gun Club meet the 3rd Thursday of each month; Executive meeting at 7 p.m. General meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Invermere Legion.

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

Sunday, January 20th

Wednesday, January 23rd

• 8 - 11 a.m.: Winter Blues Breakfast at the Edgewater Legion Branch #199. Huckleberry pancakes, eggs, bacon or sausage for $8.

• 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.

• 7 p.m.: Kitty & the Rooster, Live at Arrowhead Brewery, are known for their surf-tastic hooks, clever lyrics, and ridiculously fun shows. $10 cover, cash only, ages 19+.

Monday, January 21st • 10 a.m.: Senior Singalong Group meets every Monday at Columbia Garden Village.

• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Indoor Walking at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere, hosted by the Invermere Library every Monday and Wednesday. This is drop-in and is Free. Clean indoor shoes required.

• 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 - 9 p.m.: Live music at Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery in Radium every Monday in January.

Buying or selling?

Friday, January 18th • Invermere Caregiver’s Support Group monthly meeting on the 3rd Friday of each month. Contact facilitator Leanne Brooks at 250-341-5683 for more information.

• 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.

• 5 - 9 p.m.: The 10th annual Invermere Snowflake Festival kicks off the 36th annual Bonspiel on the Lake weekend at Kinsmen Beach with skating on the lake, bonfires and live music by Fairwater 54. Taste of the Valley returns, offering a variety of menu samples from Columbia Valley Restaurants, from 6 - 8 p.m.

Fireworks explode at 8 p.m. The Festival is free to attend, purchase $10 passports for Taste of the Valley at the event entrance.

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

• 6 - 8 p.m.: Drop-in Dinner at the Edgewater Legion Branch #199. Homemade lasagna, caesar salad and garlic toast. Adults $16, Kids $7, Legion Member $14.

• 7:30 p.m.: Rockies Hockey plays Kimberley Dynamiters at the Eddie Mountain Arena.

Saturday, January 19th • 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort ski hill is hosting Locals Day, where a day pass can be purchased for a Toonie. ID with a local address required. Enjoy music, s’mores, cotton candy, and special activities for kids.

• 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.: STEAM children’s program at the Radium Public Library. Ages 3-9 years old. The 3rd Saturday of the month.

• 7:30 p.m.: Rockies Hockey plays Golden Rockets at the Eddie Mountain Arena.

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

• 11 a.m.: Patti Acheson leads walkers through 20 minutes of stretching exercises every Wednesday at the Columbia Valley Centre during Indoor Walking time hosted by the Invermere Library. Free, drop-in.

• 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.

• 6 p.m.: Columbia House Enhancement Society are holding a seminar, Seniors and Depression, with keynote speakers Dr. Shannon Page, Jennette St. Jean and Madelene Lange, at Christ Church Trinity.

Admission by donation.

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

Thursday, January 24th • 2 p.m.: Seniors Tea at the Invermere Library the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. If you would like to attend and need transportation, please contact the library at 250-342-6416.

• 6 p.m.: Interested in your family history? Come to the Invermere Library’s free workshop on using the Ancestry.ca Library Edition website. Please contact the library at 250-342-6416 to register.

• 7 p.m.: Radium Rotary Club Bingo Night at the Radium Hot Springs Centre.

Friday, January 25th

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911 Tuesday, January 22nd • 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 every Tuesday. Refreshments will be supplied.

• 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.

• 7 p.m.: Waxing Demo for Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club Members at Crazy Soles in Invermere. Free for members; $10 donation for non-members.

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

• BC Pond Hockey Championships all weekend on Lake Windermere off Kinsmen Beach.

• ULLR Bar hosts a Red Neck Pond Hockey Party with live music tonight and DJs on Saturday, January 26th after the Rockies hockey game.

• Drag Show at the Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery in Radium, hosted by ChiChi and April Storm with special guest stars Argentina Hailey and drag king, Duke Carson. Get your tickets today.

• 12 p.m.: Soup, bun, dessert and beverage for $7 hosted by the Edgewater Seniors at the Edgewater Legion. Last Friday of the month, October to May. • 2 p.m.: The Invermere Library’s book club, Novel Idea, will be meeting to discuss this month’s selection, Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler. Open to everyone interested in discussing this book. Contact the library at 250-3426416 to reserve a copy of next month’s book club pick.

• 9 p.m.: Burn N Mahn Dueling Pianos at the T-Bar and Grill at Panorama Mountain Resort.

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 10:45- 11:15 a.m.

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

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 17, 2019

Hurtling down the world’s mountains

UPCOMING JANUARY COURSES Continuing Education | Invermere Campus Excel For True Beginners .......................................January 22 WordPress Web Design..........................................January 24 Reiki Certificate Level 1 ..........................................January 25 Greek Food Classics ................................................January 26 Occupational First Aid Level 1 ..............................January 26 MS Excel 2016 Certificate ......................................January 29 MS Excel 2016 Level 1 ..............................................January 29 Bread and Beyond....................................................January 30 Robert’s Rules of Order..........................................January 30 Pine Needle Basket Making ................................... February 9

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 250-342-3210 For a complete list of courses, visit cotr.ca/conEd

Friday, January 18th Kinsmen Beach • 5 pm - 9 pm • The 36th annual Bonspiel on the Lake returns along with the 10th annual Invermere Snowflake Festival and Taste of the Valley • Skating on the lake • Live music featuring Fairwater 54 • Bonfires • Taste of the Valley from 6pm-8pm – Offering a variety of menu samples from Columbia Valley Restaurants • Fireworks will take off at 8 pm!

This festival is free to attend and passports for Taste of the Valley are $10, available for purchase at the event entrance.

Supporting Basin

creativity and wonder.

Arts and Culture grants now available, deadlines throughout March 2019.

ourtrust.org/arts

pen. “(Even if your) knees are bobbling or something or you make a mistake or you almost crash, you Once Ben Thomsen clocked have to just not really think about it, in at 159.9 kilometres an hour. He not let it bother you,” he says. “My wasn’t speeding down the highway, ideal mental headspace is I’m not where that speed is so excessive thinking about anything, I’m just that a driver’s vehicle would be imreacting, I’m quick to react or anticipounded. Instead he was hurtling pate, but I’m calm in my head at the down the side of a mountain on his same time.” skis.

After knee surgery in 2016, “It’s fast – especially when he spent eight months recovering. you’re just wearing your underwear When he was back to racing again, and a helmet,” he says. four of the skiers ahead of him Mr. Thomsen’s favourite concrashed.

Ben Thomsen is having a stellar season, ditions are ones that send others “The fourth was right in front heading for hot chocolate in the including a 10th place finish at the World of me, a French guy who completely Cup downhill events in Bormio and Val blew both his knees,” he says. chalet.

“When I’m enjoying it the Gardena this past December.

The race was put on hold for Alpine Canada photo most, it’s usually conditions that 45 minutes as help came and as Mr. everybody else does not like, which Thomsen waited for his turn. That are very, very icy and very bumpy,” he says when he stops race was so rattling for him that he said he skied poorly. at Circle Cafe after a morning of skiing at Panorama Now he practices keeping his mind clear.

Mountain Resort. “I like it when it’s very, very challeng“I just kind of hit the reset button and focus on what ing. It really pushes your limits.”

I can do and what I can control,” he says. “It’s tough. If The Olympian and world-class skier is home for a your mind is not in it, it’s pretty impossible to have a brief stop after racing in Italy in December, where he good run.” placed 10th in World Cup downhill events in Bormio After Manny Osborne-Paradis wiped out and broke and Val Gardena. In Val Gardena, he came in 1.31 sec- his leg on a training run at Lake Louise in November, onds behind the winner. He also sped into 15th place at another of their teammates, Erik Guay, retired from the the World Cup downhill at Lake Louise in November. sport.

“This is my best start to the season ever in nine years Mr. Thomsen – who had been rooming with Mr. Osof racing World Cup,” he says. “I’m really happy with the borne-Paradis at the time of the accident – kept skiing way things are going. I’m happy with the results, but I’m but was shaken by the accident. hungry for more.”

“When other people crash, even your teammates, if Mr. Thomsen’s career highlights include competing you’re not a roommate with them it’s easy to go back into in two Olympics, earning his first World Cup points in your own little bubble and space and forget about it and Italy and placing second at a race in Russia. just worry about yourself. And for me having to pack He will have roughly 65 days at home in Invermere up all of Manny’s gear it was just a constant reminder this year and is heading off next for Switzerland, Austria, of what had happened and mentally it was hard for me Germany and Sweden, where he will continue zipping to get over that,” he says, adding that he wishes Mr. Osdown the world’s mountains in a blur of speed. borne-Paradis all the best with his recovery.

“From the outside it looks quite glamorous, but I can What keeps Mr. Thomsen going in spite of the risks? assure you it’s a lot of hard work,” he says.

“I’m a competitor. I just love to compete,” he says. “I Soon he will be in Austria on what he considers one really enjoy showing other people what I can do.” of the deadliest, gnarliest and craziest slopes in the world.

Mr. Thomsen’s biggest fans – including his aunt Sue The jumps there are so wild that skiers can end up flying Coy, who reached out to the Pioneer about Mr. Thomsen’s past at 140 kilometres an hour. stellar season – get up in the middle of the night to watch It’s so fast that crashes are always on the table. his races live. Some even travel to cheer him on in person.

“It’s part of our sport. It’s a risk you take,” he says, “It’s really cool to know I have that belief and supadding that he tries not to worry about what could hap- port behind me,” he says.

By Dauna Ditson reporter@columbiavalley pioneer.com

TOBY CREEK NORDIC SKI CLUB

Thank You

Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club would like to thank the following organizations for their support in our fundraiser, The 2019 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

• • • • • ARTIST: OSAMEDED OBAZEE. PHOTO: ADRIAN WAGNER.

Columbia River Cafe Columbia River Paddle Copper Point Resort FlyingMax Paragliding Nipika Mountain Resort

• Panorama Mountain Resort • Peppi’s Pizza • All the wonderful volunteers

The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club

ANNOUNCEMENT

Chisel Peak Medical Clinic is pleased to announce that Dr. William Brown will also be taking over the vacated practice of Dr. Arthur Olmesdahl.

Dr. Brown looks forward to meeting all of his new patients and working together with them.

The patients of Dr. Stephen Arif will be welcomed into the practice of one of the four physicians at Chisel Peak; Drs. Walsh, Schaffer, Brown or Weber.

January 17, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Regional District of East Kootenay Nominate them for an Electoral Area Volunteer of the Year Award.

Visit www.rdek.bc.ca for nomination form and details.

Deadline to nominate: January 31, 2019

Bylaw Amendments - Windermere North

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Deborah Robillard to amend the OCP and zone designations of her property to accommodate the existing dwellings and permit subdivision. Although the owner is not proposing additional dwellings at this time, if the application is approved, the proposed new zone for part of the property could permit approximately 6 additional new clustered dwellings. The property is located at 474 Lakeview Road in the Windermere North area near Invermere as shown on the attached map.

Bylaw No. 2895 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 - Amendment Bylaw No. 25, 2018 (Windermere North / Robillard)” will amend the OCP designation of the property from R-RES, Residential Reserve to R-SF, Residential Low Density, R-MF, Residential Multi-Family, and INST, Institutional.

Bylaw No. 2896 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 345, 2018 (Windermere North / Robillard)” will amend the zoning designation of the property from A-2, Rural Residential (Country) Zone to R-1, Single Family Residential Zone, R-5, Multiple Family Residential – Community (Cluster) Zone, and P-3, Public Works and Utility Zone.

¬

R d

R d e

r

R

d

D r

r

L a k e v i e w

A-2 to R-1

p e Up

r

w ie ev

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING.

a

A-2 to R-5 d

m

S

R

l

a h

e r b

Am

k

L

a

k

e

v

Pl

ie

w

R

d

All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Tracy Van de Wiel, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca.

This is Schedule A referred to in Bylaw No. 2896 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 345, 2018 (Windermere North / Robillard).”

Corporate Officer Date

k L a

Bylaw Amendment - Windermere North

D r

Chair

r p e U p

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - BYLAW 2897 e w v i k e L a

e

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Haworth Development Consulting on behalf of Larry, Elmer & Jerry Meadows to amend the text of the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. If approved, the bylaw will permit a cannabis retail store on property located at 4884 Athalmer Road in the Windermere North area near Invermere as shown on the attached map. e w v i

R

d

R d

Bylaw No. 2897 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 346, 2018 (Windermere North / Meadows)” will amend the text of the zoning bylaw to permit a cannabis retail store on the subject property.

SCHEDULE A A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC Wednesday, January 30th 2019 at 7:00 pm

¬

/95 y 93 Hw

Information on our organization and a complete job description are available on the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca/careers). We thank all who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

A-2 to P3

a

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

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from January 11, 2019 to January 30, 2019 between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or, • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

L

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 4:30 pm, Wednesday, January 23, 2019 to:

Trail

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere.

a

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.

R an ch

h

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.

le

t

Essential Qualifications: • 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.

g

A

The beautiful Columbia Valley lies within “The Valley of a Thousand Peaks,” located between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountain Range in British Columbia’s Kootenay-Rockies region. The region is home to several diverse communities, including the unincorporated communities within the Regional District of East Kootenay Areas F & G (Spillimacheen, Brisco, Wilmer, Panorama Mountain Village, Fairmont Hot Springs, Windermere and Edgewater); the municipalities of the District of Invermere, Village of Radium Hot Springs and Village of Canal Flats; and the Akisqnuk and Shuswap First Nation communities. The region boasts unlimited year-round outdoor recreation including nordic and downhill skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, boating, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, mountaineering, white-water rafting, snowmobiling, and bird watching.

The Regional District of East Kootenay is looking for an experienced Water/ Wastewater Operator (2 or 3) located out of our Columbia Valley Office, just minutes from Invermere. Supervised by the Senior Operator, the Water/Wastewater Operator is primarily responsible for operating and maintaining 6 water and 2 wastewater systems.

a

Lakeview

Water/Wastewater Operator (2 or 3) Columbia Valley

E

il Tra

SCHEDULE A

A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC Wednesday, January 30th 2019 at 7:00 pm

ket bas Kin

NOW HIRING

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - BYLAWS 2895 & 2896

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F and Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from January 11, 2019 to January 30, 2019 between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/ numbers shown below; or, • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING. All submissions will form part of the public record and will be published in a meeting agenda posted online. Personal contact information such as phone and email will be removed from written submissions. Questions about the disclosure of your personal information may be referred to the Corporate Officer at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335.

This is Schedule A referred to in Bylaw No. 2897 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 346, 2018 (Windermere North / Meadows).”

This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Tracy Van de Wiel, Planning Technician, at 250-489-0306, toll free at 1-888-478-7335, or email tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca.

Chair

Corporate Officer

19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Ph: 250-489-2791 • 888-478-7335 Fax: 250-489-3498 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca Date

L a k e v i e w

KNOW AN AMAZING VOLUNTEER IN ELECTORAL AREA F OR G?

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 17, 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.

PHARMACY

LAMBERT-KIPP

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

• 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 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

PLUMBING Scott Postlethwaite

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

Free Estimates

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

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

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

A licensed, registered and bonded company

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

invermereelectric@gmail.com

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

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

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

(250) 341 5719

info@solidrockprofessionalservices.com

Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

UPHOLSTERY

250.439.8074

goldenupholstery1960@gmail.com

SERVICES

ColumbiaValleyFreight.com

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

SERVICES

General Freight Hauling 250-342-2044

Steve Langevin

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

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

Your Compounding Pharmacy

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

To and From Calgary and Invermere Area!

“Quality you can trust”

Come in and browse our giftware

Make your bed!

Cuddle Down is back Fairmont Mall, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Open Daily, 10 am – 5:30 pm 778-525-0011

Super quality and value!

Pillows • Sheets • Duvets Master • Guest • Kids B&B • VRBO • Air B&B

Please recycle this newspaper

January 17, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Free support always available at Hospice Society Submitted by Michèle Neider Executive Director, Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley As the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley, a non-profit organization, enters its 6th year of operation, it continues to support, free of charge, community members of the Columbia Valley who may be experiencing loss. We associate loss with the process of grieving. Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. The emotional pain of grief can also affect your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. Even minor losses in life can trigger a sense of grief.

While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain, that in time, can ease people’s sadness and help them

Your Local

come to terms with the loss. This is the area that the Hospice Society specializes in. The hospice has highly trained and qualified volunteers that can walk you through the process in a safe and confidential environment, either on a one-on-one basis or in a group situation. Inevitably, the grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually; it cannot be forced or hurried. Having the face-to-face support of other people is vital to healing from loss. We provide this support anywhere in the Columbia Valley.

Our staff, board members, and volunteers are always available to answer questions or to provide the support you, your friends, or family may need. Do not hesitate to contact us at 778-526-5143 or visit us in our office at Frater Landing, 926-7th Avenue in Invermere.

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

and ReStyling Hemming Alterations

Where Your

Ideas

www.palliserprinting.com

Sally Johnson

For all your sewing needs!

Come to Life!

Seamstress Home Studio

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

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

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

House Checking Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia and more! www.rcbc.ca

Bob: (250) 341-5014

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006 Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

Invermere, BC

WETT Certified

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

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

Where to Judy:recycle?

(250) 341-1903

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

250-409-5557

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

SERVICES

SERVICES

Where to recycle?

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321 Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Can this be recycled?

N E W S PA P E R

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 www.rcbc.ca Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 108 • Cell: 250-341-1111

Amanda Nason Advertising Sales

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com Recycling council of B.c. MeMBeR

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 17, 2019

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

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

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to John Cain of Fairmont Pizza and Ice Cream. You are such a generous, kind, entertaining host. And the ribs! With a side of real live serious scalloped potatoes, as good as my mom’s.

Then Margot’s homemade chocolates. The best it can be!

Jeers to the Community Hall that has a change table only in women’s washroom. At least there should be one in the universal one. Preferably one in upstairs would be nice.

Cheers to the Village for saving our Christmas by unplugging our sewer on Christmas Eve. Jeers to me for not putting this in sooner.

Cheers to the mother deer who is teaching her children road safety. The other day all three of them used a pedestrian walkway to cross 7th Avenue.

Cheers to the yellow vest protesters in the Columbia Valley standing up for our country.

Jeers to the people who Jeer them.

Cheers to remarkable staff who not only come to work every shift - they “get it”...help customers, do whatever it takes to keep the wheels turning and end the day with their sense of humour intact.

Here’s to a Great New Year!

S OBITUARY S Delano “Del” Ryan April 29, 1945 – January 9, 2019

Born in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, Del began his working career “on the rigs” in Alberta. He and Doedy met in 1969 in Calgary, and they were married in 1971. Life on the road didn’t agree with Del, so they moved to Radium where he started with Revelstoke Saw Mills in 1972. After 31 years of doing a variety of big equipment operating jobs at the mill, Del retired in 2003. Always one to stay busy, he looked after grounds maintenance at a number of homes and condos in Radium in his spare time.

But his overriding passion was for golf. Del and Doedy played at the Radium Resort for a number of years and became members at The Springs when it opened in 1988. Always a hustler, Del managed to supplement his income with “donations” from many of the Men’s Club and Couples Club members on a regular basis, for which he always had a smile.

For many years Del and Doedy travelled south in the winter, generally to further supplement his income from golf with snowbirds and locals. The last several years they wintered in Blythe, California.

Del’s other passion was quading. He was a regular at Sunday outings in the mountains. With a great deal of experience on the logging roads, he easily became the group guide, from the rear of the pack, always knowing the correct turn to make…or at least most of the time.

Never one to hold back on what he felt about a particular subject, his “Irish smile” let him get away with any comment and nickname for others. It was always a pleasure to be around him.

Del is survived by his wife Doedy of 47 years, of Radium Hot Springs, BC; brother Ron (Lex) of Campbell River, BC; his sisters Colleen (Dick) Chapman of Arcola, SK and Sherry (Roger) Morrissett of Moosejaw, SK; plus several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Michael John and Vina Lenora (nee Hodge) and brother Pat (Val).

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Del this summer, after his many friends return from the south.

Doedy wishes to thank Dr. Walsh and the medical staff at the Invermere and District Hospital for their sensitive and caring support of Del during his stay.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Del and Doedy’s favourite charity, the Invermere Community Animal Network (ICAN) at ICANBC.com.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

Cheers to Pip’s in Edgewater for their gas price.

Cheers to the Radium Volunteer Fire Department and friends for driving Santa and Mrs. Claus around the village on Christmas Eve. The fire truck and fire hall were resplendently decorated again this year. Cheers for the outstanding fireworks display New Year’s Eve. Your service and dedication to duty throughout the years are greatly appreciated by all.

Cheers to Dr. Maslowska and the Invermere Medical Clinic for going above and beyond in order to ensure I get my prescriptions and test requisitions. It means a lot.

Cheers to Larry and Sandy.

Through rain and snow and wind and hail, they successfully deliver the Pioneer newspaper to the Columbia Valley every Thursday.

Sponsored by

S OBITUARY S Baker, Frank

January 14, 1925 - December 8, 2018 Frank passed away in Claresholm, Alberta on December 8 at the age of 93.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Sharon Senderek of Claresholm and his son, Jim (Janice) Baker of Destiny Bay, BC. Frank was very proud of his three grandchildren, Michael (Emily) Baker, Cameron (Stacey) Baker and Katherine (Duncan) Unrau. He also took delight in his 7 great grandchildren.

Born and raised on a farm near Leslieville, Frank came to Calgary and worked as a carpenter and a building supervisor for the Alberta Government. He met his beloved Sylvia and raised his family in Calgary.

Frank greatly enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and cross-country skiing. He traveled widely and especially loved cruises.

In 1981, Frank retired to Invermere where he started B Squared Builders with his son. He continued to enjoy wood working after his 2nd retirement and all the family treasure the many stools, desks and chairs he crafted.

In 2007, Frank and Sylvia moved to Cranbrook and after Sylvia’s passing, he moved to Claresholm to be closer to his daughter.

A celebration of his long and well lived life will be held in the summer.

CHEERS & JEERS

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca

CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to rentals in the valley.

Its slim picking to begin with, then when one does pop up, no pets. I’m sorry but in my 30 years of housing, kids have destroyed more than my pets ever have, you don’t want your place wrecked, say no kids, pets welcome.

Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

Cheers to all of the people who take the time to take their oversized trash to the Windermere landfill instead of leaving it outside the bins at the transfer station in Athalmer.

Super Cheers to Catrina Trozzo for contacting Kelsey Prichard whom contacted Monica Fisher from Mountain of Hope Society for a small, young family in need.

The emergency relief left us gobsmacked by the generosity of the residents of the Columbia Valley and for arranging with the Rockies for the load of firewood.

Such a nice treat to have the entire house heated! We appreciated all of you for saving us in such a time of need. This kindness will never be forgotten!

Cheers to the Canadian patriots in front of the former Toby Theatre who gather on Saturday afternoons braving cold temperatures. These very conscientious locals deserve Cheers, instead of anonymous snipes, that by their nature indicate ignorance of what their concerns are. This may explain why no one stood up publicly for the children abused in‘Residential School’s’ and churches. These yellow vest groups are assembling globally in response to increasing government oppression, suppression and greed. Ironically, they are standing up for the uninformed who attack them out of ignorance.

A big Cheers to John Jefferson and Tannon for graveling my very icy driveway. Your prompt, generous and splendid job is greatly appreciated!

ANNOUNCEMENT 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.

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. (This group will not be running on Jan. 24th and 31st. Sorry for any inconvenience. We will be back on Feb. 7th.)

LOST AND FOUND LOST: Garnet Stone on a Silver Chain on Dec. 27th in Invermere area. Please call 1-509-9933639 if found.

LOST: Wallet at the recycle depot.

Reward offered. Please call 250688-0431 if found.

January 17, 2019

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

STORAGE

HOUSE FOR RENT

CONDO FOR RENT

FIREWOOD

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

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

Large 3-bdrm 2 bath, laundry room upper two story condo available for long term rental at Radium Golf Resort. No pets, no smoking. Quiet location. $1,100/ mo plus half of power bill.

Contact bussir@shaw.ca Phone 1-403-809-5445.

2-bdrm Condo with garage, Black Forest Village. Clean conditions, reference required. $1,100/mo. Call Chris 250-3423790.

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

Lakefront, Resort lifestyle, Rec. centre. Fully furnished 2-bdrm Condo for rent on Windermere Lake. $1,200/mo. Damage deposit and references required.

403-818-1890.

SERVICES

THE HEARTFELT COMPANION: Services for Seniors 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.

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.

STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250-342-3166.

SUITE FOR RENT Invermere: 2-bdrm with office walkout available February 1st.

All INCLUSIVE: HYDRO, UTILITIES, INTERNET, TAXES, WASHER/ DRYER. Bright, Tile Floors, Newly Renovated. Long Term. 1 person $1,100/mo, 2 people Max $1,200/mo. Email: spirit88@ shaw.ca.

Radium: Motel Bavaria, low low rates, daily, weekly, monthly.

Kitchenettes available. Call 250347-9915.

TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT Fully furnished 2-bdrm, 1.5 bath townhouse for rent. Laundry, parking for 2 vehicles. Close to Tim Hortons. $1,200/mo. Hydro and cable not included. Short term all included for $1,600/mo.

778-214-1744.

CONDO FOR RENT 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. $1,650/mo, call 250-342-3790.

VOLUNTEERS

“People Helping People in our Community”

Volunteer Columbia Valley A new website connecting volunteers with local organizations.

Check it out at

www.volunteercv.ca Create your volunteer profile today.

Watch this section for upcoming volunteer opportunities!

Columbia Valley Maker Space Society

Member At Large

is a person who has some skills to share with the wider community, or someone who would like to provide general help at various functions and events that we put on. For more information visit www.volunteercv.ca

FOR GOOD. FOR COMMUNITY. FOR EVER. WWW.VALLEYFOUNDATION.CA

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Phases 1 and 2 sold out.

Taking reservations for Phase 3 now.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268 www.elkhornranches.com

MISC. FOR SALE Top Quality Hay Round bales, no rain. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268.

Moving Sale in Invermere: T.V. stand with 3 drawers, 2 misc. easy chairs, 1 medium size table, 1 child’s bed, 1-2 drawer file cabinet, 1 water cooler, 1 older chest drawers, 1 older cupboard, 2 med size freezers, 1 off white chesterfield with matching easy chair, 2 misc. stools, 1 folding wooden table (52” long x 27” wide), 1-4 shelf (46” long x 18” wide) wooden stand (as new), 6 misc. end tables, 2 step ladders, 1 Delnor toaster oven, 2 T.V.s, misc. antique dishes (mostly cups and saucers). All reasonable offers accepted. 250-342-9636 leave a message.

For sale: upright Piano Beethoven, $325 O.B.O. Double bed with mattress, box spring (as new), $100 O.B.O. 1 antique dresser with mirror, $75, 1 folding wooden table, $25. Call 250-342-9636 Invermere, leave a message.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2007 Dodge Caliber all wheel drive, air, cruise, remote start, brand new winter tires, second set of summer tires, heated seats. Multi CD player. Asking $4,300 O.B.O. 250-342-1302.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour!

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

HELP WANTED

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

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

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.

B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services:

Strands Old House Restaurant is accepting applications for P/T evening and weekend Servers/Bartender and F/T Chef/Cook. Experience in casual fine dining an asset.

Apply to Tony Wood at tony@ strandsrestaurant.com or 250342-6344.

Residential Cleaning and House Checks, Renovations/Handyman Services. Blinds and installation.

Snow removal. 250-688-2897 or 403-861-8782.

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) specializing in small business and personal tax planning.

Myself and my team offer bookkeeping, GST, payroll, Notice to Reader financials and preparation of corporate and personal tax returns. Call Anne at 403-560-4966 or email me at amw.amwpc@gmail.com.

Gerry’s Gelati Invermere is hiring F/T, P/T. Year-round availability. Looking for Barista/ Baker/Front Counter Attendant.

Wage dependant on experience up to $18/hr. Come join our awesome team! Drop off resume at store location or email info@ gerrysgelati.com.

Make extra $$$ delivering phonebooks The BetterBook requires a responsible and reliable person(s) to deliver phone books to residences and businesses in the Columbia Valley. A reliable vehicle (van or covered pickup) is required and the ability to lift heavy bundles of phone books. This is a great way to earn extra $$$ or a great fundraiser!

Contact Linda in our distribution department at 1-800-663-8555.

HELP WANTED

Inspiring careers start here.

Une carrière stimulante commence chez nous.

Trail Crew Member, GL MAN 03

Seasonal, Term, Acting, Assignment Asset Management – Lake Louise, Yoho & Kootenay Field Unit From $22.78 to $24.77 per hour (Currently under review) Applications must be received by January 20, 2019 - 23:59, Pacific Time To apply please visit our website: www.jobs.gc.ca

équipe d’entretien des sentiers GL MAN 03 Saisonnier, Durée déterminée, affectation intérimaire ou affectation au niveau Unité de gestion du secteur de Lake Louise et des parcs nationaux Yoho et Kootenay – Gestion des biens Rémunération : De 22.78$ à 24.77$ l’heure (en cours de révision)

Les demandes doivent être reçues au plus tard le 20 janvier 2019 - 23 h 59, heure du pacifiqu Pour présenter une demande, visitez notre site web: www.jobs.gc.ca

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Columbia Valley Sewer & Drain Ltd. has an opening for a permanent, full-time, experienced truck driver with a minimum of 2-years driving experience. Applicants must possess a Class 3 license with Air Certification and a clean driver’s abstract. Must be physically fit, mechanically inclined and demonstrate good communication skills. Starting wage is $25.00/hr. Willing to train the successful candidate for the specific duties relevant to this employment opportunity.

Available starting March 1, 2019.

Interested applicants may email resumes to cvsad.ltd@gmail. com or fax to 250-347-2274. For further information call Bruce Dehart at 250-342-5357.

Big Horn Cafe, Radium Hot Springs looking for full-time or part-time-Barista/Cashier as well as a Summer Student.

No evenings, flexible hours, potential for medical and dental benefits. We will train.

Competitive wages. Apply to bighorncafe1@outlook.com or phone 778-527-5005.

Please recycle this newspaper

January 17, 2019

MINOR HOCKEY MINUTE Submitted by Windermere Minor Hockey Society The Midgets played a hard fought battle in Canal Flats on Thursday, January 10th, but came up on the wrong side of a 3-2 score. Goal scorers were Mathew Cable and Datton Durning.

Austin Charette played a strong game on the wing, and Davis “The Crusher” Tenta lived up to his name keeping things in line with his physical presence. Liam Wilkinson also made several stellar saves throughout the contest.

The Bantam team travelled to Creston for a tournament on the weekend. They finished 4th out of 6 teams, losing to Trail, and twice to Missoula and beating Kimberley. Luke Schaal scored a hat trick in the Kimberley game and in the second Missoula game Aiden Taylor (a defence man) scored his first goal of the season. Both Evan Tsadilas (2) and Brydon Fleming also scored.

The Invermere Novice team travelled to Sparwood

last weekend playing five games in total (4 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday).

The long day of Saturday’s hockey ended with 4 wins and Heart and Hustle awards being awarded to: Sawyer Wight, Colin Kakuno, Myan Twogood and Zoe Knight. Players arrived Sunday still rolling and finished off the weekend undefeated. Invermere Rockies worked hard and played as a team from start to finish!

The Peewee A team travelled to Whitefish to play a higher caliber team made up of second year players. We were outscored even though our two outstanding goaltenders, Erik Fanderl and Ryan Tamelin played very well. Payton Kruger scored her first goal of the year on a perfect breakaway move. Tyler Collis tried hard to get a birthday goal, but couldn’t get it past that Whitefish goalie. However, Ethan Spencer scored a beautiful goal. As well as Payton’s goal, Caden Williams scored an amazing wrap around goal in the second game.

Well done Rockies teams!

Do you know an up-and-coming local athlete?

How about a local sports team beating all the odds this year? Let us know!

Email your sports ideas to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

GROUNDS ASSISTANT Seeking a full-time groundsperson to help maintain the property year-round.

Located in Windermere.

Please send CV to terravistagm@gmail.com $17 to $20 per hour wage

POLE TRUCK OPERATOR POSITION Brisco Wood Preservers Ltd., a major Canadian Pole Producer of CCA treated wood poles to Western utilities and communications companies, is seeking to hire a Pole Truck Operator.

Our main treating facility is located just north of Radium Hot Springs in the beautiful Columbia Valley in British Columbia. Brisco Wood Preservers’ second treating facility is located in Peers, Alberta. Brisco sells treated posts, rails, plywood and lumber and we also custom treat a variety of wood products.

Director of Program Management

Receptionist/Office Assistant

Continuing Part-time Position

Casual Position

Hours: up to 18 hours per week Start date: February 15, 2019 (target)

Hours: Casual as needed for backfill Shift schedule: Monday to Friday Start date: February 15, 2019 (target)

Duties: The Director of Program Management plans, develops, implements and oversees the day-to-day operation of the direct service programs delivered by Family Dynamix. The Director of Program Management will provide day to day supervision of program staff.

Qualifications: Degree in a related human / social service field is preferred.

Training and Experience: Three (3) years recent related experience including (2) years supervisory and administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

General Summary: Reporting to the General Manager, the Pole Truck Operator is responsible for the safe operation of the truck, hauling throughout BC and Alberta as well as occasional hauls to Saskatchewan and the US. This position is based out of the Brisco, BC plant site, although overnight trips are required on a regular basis.

Safe Homes Program

Key Responsibilities: • Hauling treated & untreated Poles from our Brisco or Peers plants to various locations in BC, AB, SK and the US. to customer’s yards and drop sites. Mostly highway and some off highway hauling.

• Performing proper safety checks and safe vehicle operation.

• Minor truck maintenance, servicing, cleaning and troubleshooting.

• Maintain truck logs according to Federal, provincial and company regulations.

Hours: Scheduled on-call Shift schedule: On-call Start date: February 15, 2019

Qualifications: • Valid class 1 drivers license.

• Clean driver’s abstract.

• Minimum 2 years experience operating Log Truck.

• Self-loader experience an asset.

• Ability to read maps and a working knowledge of local road systems.

• Background in the Forest Industry a definite asset.

• Self-reliant, organized, motivated and quality oriented.

This is a full-time position, which offers a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits package.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Please address cover letter and resume to Dave Fabro – General Manager Include a copy of Driver’s Abstract. E-mail pdf file to epetersen@briscowood.com or Fax to 250-346-3218 Deadline for application is 5 pm (MST) Monday, January 21, 2019

Support Worker

Duties: The Safe Homes support worker is part of a team of casual staff that agrees to carry a cellular phone and serve scheduled on-call duty for the Safe Homes Program. Support workers are on-call on week days and evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. When called out, the support worker provides a confidential emergency service for the provision of temporary, safe and supportive accommodation for women and their children who have experienced or who are at risk of abuse, threats or violence. Support workers will provide transportation, information, support and, when appropriate, follow-up support for women.

Qualifications: A Grade 12 diploma, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills, and some knowledge of women’s issues with a feminist perspective. A valid B.C. driver’s license is essential, as is the time and willingness to receive some training in program-specific work, as required, prior to the onset of employment.

Functional Responsibilities: Provide receptionist, clerical and secretarial support to the Executive Director and staff of Family Dynamix.

Qualifications: Grade 12 diploma, plus two (2) years experience in general office work. Must be able to work in a team environment. Able to demonstrate good computer and office skills, the ability to multitask in a busy office environment, and work well with the public. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher software required. The ability to work in Microsoft Access would be an asset.

Life Skills Worker - Youth Continuing Part-time Position

Hours: up to 10 hours per week Shift schedule: Days, evenings and weekends are required Start date: February 15, 2019 (target) Duties: Provides direct goal-oriented assistance to youth between 13 and 18 years of age who have a developmental disability. This assistance can include the development of appropriate social, life or other particular skills by the youth and/or the development of child management or other parenting skills to families.

Qualifications: Preferably a diploma in a relevant discipline, with one year of related job experience. Other appropriate combinations of education and experience may be considered. A valid B.C. driver’s license is essential. Pursuant to provincial legislation, the applicant must agree to undergo a criminal records investigation.

Application process and deadline: Submit a resume and cover letter to Pat Cope, Executive Director, Family Dynamix Association pcope@familydynamix.ca 4 p.m., January 31, 2019.

nig Ma gam kee ma

we to the def and

pla Sat ing Kn und star

January 17, 2019

Winter night’s delight at festival this Friday

By Lorene Keitch lorene@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Snowflake Festival is celebrating a decade of winter revelry this Friday, January 18th, with music, food, fireworks and fun scheduled for the evening at Kinsmen Beach.

The plan is to have skating rinks cleared on the ice for skating under the stars. And there will be plenty of fire pits on site for attendees to warm up while roasting marshmallows.

Cortney Pitts, Invermere events coordinator, reports there will be live music with local band Fairwater 54, a classic rock/pop cover band featuring John MacRobbie, Mark Fraser and Barry Cerny.

The local events coordinator admits last year’s Snowflake Festival was one of her favourite events of the year.

With an incredible turnout, mild weather, and a celebratory spirit, it was a memorable night.

“We have the privilege of living in such a beautiful place and Lake Windermere certainly makes my job easier. It offers so many fun activities to do in the winter (skating, walking, snowshoeing, hockey, curling, etc.),” says Ms. Pitts. “This event helps us celebrate the place we live and enjoy. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the winter in our community.”

Taste of the Valley As part of the Snowflake Festival, Taste of the Valley gives attendees a chance to sample delectable treats from area restaurants.

“Taste of the Valley in the past has been a huge part of the Snowflake Festival, and this event would not be the same without it. Who doesn’t love food?,” Ms. Pitts says.

“Thank you to every participating restaurant for being part of this event.”

Taste of the Valley is coordinated by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC). Sarah Miller,

administrative assistant at the CVCC, reports there is a great list of vendors coming, including Columbia River Cafe, Elements Grill (Copper Point Resort), Invermere Bakery, Pizzeria Mercato, Elevations Dining & Patio (The Springs Course), Bear’s Paw & Grill (Fairmont Hot Springs Resort), and Choppers Landing (Panorama Mountain Resort) for restaurants.

“To warm your spirits, we’ve got Taynton Bay Spirits,” says Ms. Miller. And new to the list this year is Wild Mountain Chocolate for a sweet end to your tasting experience.

Ms. Miller says this is a great event for everyone, especially for people that might not get out to eat all the time around the Valley, this is a chance to enjoy some different food, she explains.

Purchase a passport book for $10 to sample food from participating restaurants. This passport book will include coupons that will be redeemable throughout the year. Ms. Miller says the coupons add up to approximately $120 in savings at participating vendors. Passports are available at the CVCC office or at Candyland. They will also be available at the event itself, though Ms. Miller urges people to pick up their passports prior to the day.

The Snowflake Festival complements the Bonspiel on the Lake, an entertaining event to watch from the sidelines.

“This is quite the unique site to see as Lake Windermere is transformed into a huge outdoor curling rink. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Mother Nature is on our side,” says Ms. Pitts.

The Snowflake Festival runs from 5-9 p.m. Friday January 18th. Taste of the Valley is 6-8 p.m. Fireworks, sponsored by Columbia Basin Trust, are at 8 p.m. The bonspiel runs from Friday to Sunday.

“This event is a great opportunity for community members to be active and social during the winter season,” Ms. Pitts concludes.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, January 20th, Worship And Life Instruction, “The Land Between: Part 1” Pastor Matt Moore ministering.

“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

FORE (OFF) SHORE It’s always a smashing good time at the Kinsmen Snow Golf tourney, even for cozy dogs nestled in the gear sled.

Photos by Dauna Ditson

News Bulletin for Invermere Thrift Store Customers!

Sponsored by

Tracy Carson

Please Mark your Calendars with these important dates:

Sales Representative

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

250-342-5599

Mobile

250-688-9107

Email

tracy@rockieswest.com

Rockies West Realty

The Thrift Store will be closed for 2 weeks, from February 3rd to February 17th, 2019 for renovations!

www.tracyjcarson.com

Come visit us for our store sale January 31, February 1 and February 2, 2019.

Independently Owned and Operated

For all your real estate needs, give me a call!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Grand re-opening of the newly renovated Thrift Store on February 21st, 2019.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 17, 2019

DON’T MISS OUT! S A L E E N D S J A N UA RY 31

UNLIMITED

G OLF AT

RIVERSIDE & MOUNTAINSIDE FOR LESS THAN

$8

Icy splendour

PER DAY Skaters from Calgary to Castlegar take the ice to showcase their talents from January 11th to 13th at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere.

Photos by Dauna Ditson

ONE MEMBERSHIP: 2 CHAMPIONSHIP 18 HOLE COURSES & CREEKSIDE PAR 3 FOR 45 STUNNING HOLES 220 DAYS TO GOLF THIS SEASON

FOR ONLY $1669

Save-On-Foods Correction Notice In our weekly flyer dated January 17 to 23, 2019 Calia Aromatherapy Oil, Also Dr. Bronner’s Soap was incorrectly advertised.

The price should have read15% off.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you.

EXTENDED SALE!

40

F O R P I O N E E R R E A D E R S O N LY

AND! BACK BY POPULAR DEM

TWILIGHT MEMBERSHIPS ONLY $799 GOLF AFTER 3:00PM ALL SEASON OTHER MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS AVAILABLE. CALL US AT 250.345.6346 FOR MORE INFORMATION

ImmerseYourself FairmontHotSprings.com/golf 1.800.663.4979

$

00 per month

Weight room and cardio, unlimited classes including yoga, qigong and spin!

Keg Tag Access 4 am – midnight Women Only Room

1 EXTRA WEEK to purchase the 6 month New Year special! $40/month or $240 paid in full.

Mention this ad at VFC to redeem – Offer expires January 25th, 2019

valleyfitnesscentre.ca

250-342-2131