Columbia Valley Pioneer, March 26, 2020

March 26, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 13

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 March 26, 2020

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley

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COVID IN THE VALLEY

3 FOOD BANK

4 COLUMBIA LAKE PLAN

5 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Trudeau: More ‘stringent measures’ will come if Canadians ignore COVID-19 guidelines

STAYING HOME With at least two cases of COVID-19 in Invermere and another suspected case in Canal Flats as of press time, the playgrounds and streets of the Columbia Valley have been eerily empty. B.C. health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has given parents stern directives to steer clear of playgrounds among other measures.

See Columbia Valley COVID-19 coverage on page 3.

Photo by Dauna Ditson

Visit our website: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Own Your #HappyPlace NEW TOWNHOMES in a Professionally Managed Resort Community on The Springs Golf Course in Radium

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 26, 2020 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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

To our are valued shoppers, donors and volunteers

HIGHLIGHTS

Effective immediately, the Invermere Thrift Store is CLOSED.

#ColumbiaValleyBC

This closure is to ensure the safety and health of everyone.

This closure is to protect you as a shopper and also all the volunteers who donate their time to the Thrift Store.

We are unable to accept donations until further notice.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during these times.

Physical Distancing on the Whiteway – While we may feel distant and be apart, but we’re all in this together. Reading and hearing all of the stories of Columbia Valley businesses and non profits who have taken this challenge in stride has been inspirational. And rest assured, government, business and industry associations have been working together to identify issues and develop support plans, while challenges and programs have been changing on a daily basis. If you have business or employment concerns, reach out. If you’re feeling alone, reach out. If you can help others, reach out. The sun will rise tomorrow.

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It’s not just businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.

This year’s Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival has been canceled, and rescheduled for May 10-16, 2021. The birds migrating through the Columbia Wetlands are disappointed with this news, but completely understand that we humans need to maintain physical distance from one another to beat this pandemic.

The @fairmonthotspringsresort Ski Area closed Tuesday, with many sad, but understanding skiers and snowboarders.

However, it was the right call. And the sooner we all follow the public health officials’ advice, the sooner we’ll be back to normal. In the meantime, please take care of yourself and your household. Clean hands, clear heads, open hearts. Stay home, be kind, save lives.

Locally-made hand sanitizer @TayntonBaySpirits has not wasted any time with the Province’s temporary authorization for distilleries to begin producing hand sanitizer for donation or for sale. The 78% non-consumable ethanol is available for free at the distillery during opening hours.

Please bring your own containers.

VolunteerCV – Sign up for key COVID-19 response volunteer opportunities in the #ColumbiaValleyBC on www.

VolunteerCV.ca: Grocery Food Shopper & Grocery Food Delivery. Thanks to Laurie Klassen for creating an opportunity to match volunteers with local residents that need assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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8, 1008, 8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C. Phone: 250-341-6299 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

JACKSON AVE

While the Pioneer historically has placed April Fool’s jokes within the paper in the issue leading up to April 1, we won’t be doing so this year.

Our job is to bring you the best information and to keep you updated on what’s happening in our community.

We take that very seriously, especially in this current period of turmoil.

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March 26, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

COVID-19 spreading in the valley

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com With at least three cases of COVID-19 in the valley and more tests underway, MLA Doug Clovechok is imploring residents to stay home to keep the disease from spreading.

“COVID-19 is in our riding now, and we’ve got to do everything we can – everything we can – to make sure it doesn’t get out of control here because we just don’t have the capabilities to deal with it,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve seen anywhere close to where it’s going to be plateauing. It’s going to continue to escalate.”

Cases in Invermere A person affiliated with the Columbia Valley Rockies tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Rockies president Brett Holt said the organization reached out to local doctors for direction.

“We followed every piece of guidance from the health authorities and within the hour had a message out to our players because that was our number one concern: our player’s families, our billet families, because they obviously were open to it,” he said. “We sent it to everybody that we could think of.” Holt, who is on the board of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL), said: “We took the steps before anyone else ... We didn’t want anybody exposed. That’s why we actually deferred and cancelled the playoffs.”

As of Tuesday morning, Clovechok said there were two cases in Invermere and one in Canal Flats.

Invermere mayor Al Miller is calling for people to stay calm and to take all precautions including keeping their hands clean, keeping a distance from others and isolating themselves if they have the slightest hint of any kind of illness.

“I really want people communicating with their neighbours, but via text, via email, via phone call. Check in on people. This is the time to care for your neighbours more than ever,” he said.

Miller said the District’s office doors are closed to the public to protect staff and citizens.

Also closed to the public are the Columbia Valley Centre, the Invermere Public Library, all public washrooms and the community’s playgrounds and parks.

“Please, for our safety and well-being, we must practice social distancing. Stay two metres/six feet apart from one another. It’s the only way we will curb this virus,” he said.

Suspected case in Canal Flats Canal Flats mayor Karl Sterzer issued an advisory about a suspected case of COVID-19 in the community.

“On March 8, an event was held at our community centre, with a number of people in attendance. A few days after the event, one person started to feel sick and attended their clinic and self-isolated with what they be-

lieved to be the flu. When the symptoms continued to worsen, the family attended the Invermere and District Hospital where they were advised late on March 21 that at least one family member likely has COVID-19 and were told to immediately self-quarantine at home. Because they did not require hospitalization they were not tested,” Sterzer said in the advisory.

“The Village is urging all residents in Canal Flats to follow the social distancing orders from the Provincial medical health officer and, if any symptoms develop, to immediately self-isolate for the recommended 14 days,” he added. “Everyone should be staying home unless they need to be out ... I know we will come together as a community to take every measure we can to stop the spread of illness and support one another.”

Stay home (or sequestered at your second home) A local business owner said he had to close his doors after a person came in immediately after travelling abroad “and thought it would be a good idea to go shopping first” before going into self-isolation at a cabin.

The business owner, who said he had been following all government instructions around COVID-19, was disheartened by the person’s behaviour and attitude. “They were jovial about it,” he said. “Who knows how many are walking among us that are not being responsible?”

Clovechok said those returning from trips must self-isolate and that anyone who doesn’t is being “so, so irresponsible.” People have been calling him to report on risky behaviour they’re seeing. One concerned resident called to tell him: “I was just following some folks into the grocery story ... and they were hacking and sneezing on everything.”

Clovechok said it’s unacceptable to put others at risk and that some visitors last weekend behaved in ways “not conducive to keeping our full-time residents safe.”

“In order for us to escape what China and Italy have gone through, we have to practice (physical distancing), he added. “Susan and I, we’re hunkered down in Dutch Creek. We’re obviously working from our phones, working from our computers, because it’s busy. But we’re not interacting with people because that’s the responsible thing to do. We’re getting out going for walks and taking the dogs and saying ‘hi’ to people but keeping a safe distance apart,” he said.

Staying home can also include second homes, despite a massive disagreement on social media that led the Pioneer to ask Provincial health officer Dr. Bonny Henry on Saturday about those visiting secondary homes in resort communities. “If somebody has a private vehicle and wants to be in their second home versus their home, that should be fine as long as they’re not out and mingling with others,” she said. (Emphasis added.)

Clovechok is begging visitors to please stay home unless they’re going to be as cautious as his neighbours, where the only evidence that they’re home is that their vehicle is in their driveway. Even if visitors are careful,

extra humans are a concern. “Our boat is built for 9,500 (people),” he said. “We can’t have the boat sinking.”

Be careful outside Steve Talsma, a manager with Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, said the organization is asking the public to “avoid any unnecessary travel outside of the home.”

COVID-19 is already having an impact on the number volunteers available to respond to emergencies.

“For that reason, the Canadian Avalanche Association and ACMG (Association of Mountain Guides) as well as Parks Canada are asking people to choose activities or objectives that lessen their risk for injury to ease the burden on our health care workers. We live in this valley largely because of the recreational opportunities available to us. We also have a small hospital and limited first-responder resources, so as a community we should be conscious of that as we make decisions in these times,” he said. “If anyone needs to contact 911, please inform the dispatcher if you have travelled, suffered cold or flu symptoms, or been exposed to someone who meets those criteria so that the responders can prepare and protect themselves appropriately.”

Kootenay National Park is closed, although roads remain open.

Toilet paper consequences Some residents haven’t been able to find toilet paper, Miller said, asking everyone to buy only what they need.

“We do not want people resorting to other tissues and towels or wipes being flushed down the toilet. This can cause huge issues in our lift stations and pumps.”

Your actions matter “It’s almost like your country is at war ... There’s this hidden enemy that we’re fighting right now,” Clovechok said. “It’s coming after you unless we stop it.”

But there’s a little bit of good news, he added. “It’s up to us, right? How this thing ends is truly in our hands and that’s what people have to remember. We are the masters of our own destiny here.”

He encourages residents to be kind, to buy gift cards for local businesses and to give to the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

For help and more information Anyone can do a COVID-19 self assessment here: https://covid19.thrive.health Those interested in volunteering and those who need help with tasks like getting groceries can get matched up here: https://volunteercv.ca/organizations/columbia-valley-covid-19-community-response (See story on page 7.)

For more information, visit the B.C. Centre for Disease Control website at: http://covid-19.bccdc.ca For help over the phone, call 1-888-COVID19 (1888-268-4319) or 811.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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ATTENTION: CONSTITUENCY OFFICE INFORMATION Given the current status of the COVID-19 outbreak, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our Constituency Offices to the public.

Please note that we are still able to assist Constituents as usual – just not face-to-face.

Our staff in the Columbia River–Revelstoke (Kimberley and Revelstoke offices)are still working on files from Monday to Friday of each week.

Don’t hesitate to contact myself, or your Constituency Assistants should you have Provincial matter that needs addressing. You can still reach us at:

(1-844) 432-2300 Doug.Clovechok.MLA@leg.bc.ca

Doug Clovechok, MLA

Box 159, 8853 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 • Fax: 250-349-5460 • village@canalflats.ca

SPECIAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that Special Meetings of Council will be held April 6 and April 7, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at 8866 Grainger Road, Canal Flats, to amend “Village of Canal Flats Procedure Bylaw No. 1, 2004” in order to facilitate electronic meetings of Council.

March 26, 2020

RCMP Report Cpl. L-P. Gendron-Fafard Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, March 16 through March 22 the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 58 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On Monday, March 16 at about midnight officers were making patrols in Radium Hot Springs when they stopped to speak to a male and female who were riding their bicycles without helmets. It was extremely cold out and the officers felt it was suspicious these individuals were out at that time of the night riding bicycles. The male initially refused to identify himself and then provided a false name. The male was arrested for obstructing a police officer. Once they confirmed the male’s identity, they discovered he had a warrant for his arrest. The male was held in custody and brought before a judge.

On Monday, March 16 at about 2:30 a.m. police responded to a motor vehicle incident on Highway 93 near the brake check in Kootenay National Park. The driver of a Ford Focus failed to negotiate a curve and went into the ditch. The driver was not injured but his vehicle had to be towed.

On Monday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m. an officer was conducting patrols in Invermere when he noticed a male, known to be a prohibited driver, operating a Ford pickup. The officer conducted a traffic stop and confirmed the driver was prohibited from driving. The driver was arrested for prohibited driving and released

to attend court at a later date.

On Saturday, March 21 at around midnight, officers were called to a bylaw complaint of a loud party in Edgewater. Officers attended and found several guests around a backyard fire. The residents agreed to turn the music down and remained quiet for the rest of the evening.

RCMP and COVID-19 The Columbia Valley RCMP is taking precautions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to protect the public and our employees, the Columbia Valley RCMP is making the following temporary changes in response to COVID-19. All front counter services including but not limited to: Civilian Fingerprinting Services, Criminal Record or Police Information checks and found property will not be conducted until further notice. If you are exhibiting symptoms including fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, do not come to the detachment for any police services.

These changes are being taken as a preventative measure and do not affect 9-1-1 service or calls to our non-emergency police line: 250-342-9292. Both of those services continue to be offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our priority continues to be community safety and security and we are taking these measures to help ensure core policing duties will not be impacted. We appreciate your continued support and understanding.

Ask and you shall receive Last week the Columbia Valley Food Bank team put out a call for help and has been amazed by the community’s generosity.

“January 2020 was our busiest month ever, until February.

Now March looks like it will be busier,” the Food Bank said in a Facebook post.

Last week, in one day alone, donations kept on pouring in.

The Food Bank reported that day: “began with picking up 28 4-litre bottles of milk donated by Kicking Horse Coffee, and then to Invermere Sausage and Meat to pick up broth bones donated by Lisa. Arrived at the Foodbank just as Mike Gray from Horsethief Creek Pub arrived with a van full of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other food from the Pub and Photo submitted from other businesses and individuals in Radium to share with our customers. He was shortly followed by Stew and Crystal from Gerry’s Gelati who arrived with coffee, buns, meat and gelato! During our business hours a number of individuals brought in donations and/or asked to volunteer, and Jessy offered to cook meals for clients who needed them. After our last customer left, the van from

Fairmont Resort arrived full of donated items to replenish our shelves. Our volunteers were kept busy! Thanks to them and to all the amazing people and businesses in this valley!”

Items that are most in demand include pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables and fruits, macaroni and cheese, beans, tuna, soups, and possibly snacks for the kids who now have to stay home.

March 26, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Fire burns down Dry Gulch home

RDEK will create new Columbia Lake management plan

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavlleypioneer.com A blaze that likely began as a chimney fire engulfed a Dry Gulch home earlier this week, burning it to the ground.

RCMP was notified of a fire at a home on Armstrong Road in Dry Gulch just before noon on Sunday, March 15. The house is located outside of the Radium fire protection service area, and indeed outside any fire protection service area, and as such the Radium fire department and other Columbia Valley fire departments were not allowed to attend.

“We didn’t action it, because it was outside of any fire protection area,” Radium fire chief Dave Dixon told the Pioneer, confirming if his fire department attends a fire outside its protection service area, and another fire then occurs within its protection service area, the fire department is then legally liable.

“It was a house fire. There was one homeowner in the house when the fire was discovered, but the homeowner was able to get out, and nobody was injured,” RCMP Sergeant Darren Kakuno, who was at the scene, told the Pioneer.

The fire raged for several hours before the entire house was gone.

“It was a complete loss,” said Kakuno. “Because it was a complete loss, there were no fire indicators (clues) for us to investigate. But based on the homeowner’s observation, it seems the cause was a chimney fire. It is not a suspicious fire at all.”

Continued on page 10…

Several items of interest came up at the most recent Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors meeting, earlier this month.

Financial plan is official The directors officially adopted the RDEK’s 20202024 financial plan during their Friday, March 6 meeting. The plan includes a 2020 operating budget of almost $34 million, and $12.5 million in capital expenses.

Some of the major projects outlined in the plan are here in the Columbia Valley, including finally connecting the Windermere water system to the new water treatment plant and upgrading the distribution system (which will cost $4.5 million), the Timber Ridge/Eastside water system looping project (almost $1.9 million and nearly $300,000 more in operating costs), and completing phase two of the Fairmont flood and debris control project and related upgrades in Cold Spring Creek ($220,000).

There’s also phase one of the regional organics composting project ($298,000), two new water tenders — one for the Fairmont fire department and one for the Windermere fire department ($353,000 each; $706,000 total) — and a new fire engine for the Edgewater fire department ($433,000), replacing the chiller in the Canal Flats arena ($125,000), the Fairmont transfer station access road ($48,500), and cover material for the Columbia Valley solid waste program ($100,000).

The 2020 operating expenses are slightly higher than in 2019, working out roughly to a region-wide av-

erage of an additional $12 or so in tax collected by the RDEK on a typical $350,000 home. This figure varies, of course, from municipality to municipality, depending on the services (and costs) for each. For Invermere taxes collected by the RDEK will go up 12.6 per cent (an additional $34 for an average $350,000 home), in Radium they will go up 15 per cent (an extra $39 on an average $350,000 home), and in Canal Flats up 15.3 per cent (an extra $39 on an average $350,000 home).

For RDEK Area F, taxes collected by the RDEK are going up 6.3 per cent (an extra $24 on a $350,000 home), and for RDEK Area G, they’re up 8.9 per cent (an extra $31 on a $350,000 home).

Columbia Lake to get new management plan The RDEK directors authorized creating a new management plan for Columbia Lake. The current management plan for the lake has been in place for 23 years.

The new plan will update the existing plan’s framework for lake and foreshore management. The surface of the lake is under shared jurisdiction of the RDEK and the Village of Canal Flats, and it is the intent of the directors that the plan will adopted as policy by both the RDEK and the Village. RDEK officials will present at the next Canal Flats meeting, with the goal of staring work on the new plan in April.

Windermere water contract The directors voted to give Marwest Industries Ltd. the contract for the 2020 Windermere Water Upgrades.

These upgrades include watermain replacement, services to property lines, and fire hydrant installation in the main residential part of Windermere.

Hello neighbours..

We’re postponing our community engagement process.

In response to COVID-19, Columbia Basin Trust is postponing its public engagement process, including community meetings this Spring and two regional symposia this Fall. We are looking forward to future conversations about how you live, work and play in the Columbia Basin. We understand you are focused on public health right now and we will reschedule when you have the time and space to join the conversation.

We will be closing the online Thoughtexchange on March 31. Visit imagine.ourtrust.org if you wish to share your thoughts before then.

Our commitment to people, communities and partners The Trust is committed to providing support to the Basin during this challenging time. We recognize that many of our recipients and partners will experience challenges and we encourage you to reach out to your Trust contact if this is true for you. ourtrust.org | info@ourtrust.org | 1.800.505.8998

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 26, 2020

PERSPECTIVE Once upon a time

Historical Lens

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com Once upon a time, regardless of the season, you couldn’t go downtown or to Kinsmen Beach without spotting a friend.

Remember Invermere MusicFest, where humanity joined together in a giant conga line, dancing, giggling and holding onto each other while the musicians played?

Back in the olden days, you could hug with abandon, share drinks and fries, and see how many humans you could pack onto a toboggan, a ski hill or a playground.

But once upon a time is not now.

We’ve only begun to experience the costs COVID-19 will have on us as individuals, as businesses and as a community. Things will get worse – likely much worse – before they start to get better.

But exactly how bad things get is up to you and me.

Our actions now are critical, according to Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial health officer.

Last week Saskatchewan made it illegal for those who’ve been abroad, including to the United States, not to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return. B.C. could enforce Dr. Henry’s orders too but so far the Province has been calling on everyone to voluntarily comply and imploring us to take good care of each other.

What about people who are making poor choices now, like congregating en mass at a beach? Dr. Henry suggested using social media to call out those who are not following her orders and are endangering others as a result.

We’ve seen some of her recommended socially-distant shaming here. Last week a local company posted online about closing its doors after a traveller who chose not to self-isolate potentially endangered staff.

Someone posted a photo online of the packed parking lot at Lussier Hot Springs where it looked like the vehicles themselves weren’t practicing social distancing.

Hopefully those down at the pools and out in the woods kept a couple of metres between themselves at all times.

Like many who prefer to encourage good behaviour over pointing out poor choices others are making, I find myself in a tricky situation both personally and at the Pioneer.

I want to focus on the good – and there’s still tons of it – but the risk is too grave for us to gloss over.

As B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said, we need to stop making half-hearted attempts to follow the Provincial orders. It’s time for 100 per cent compliance, he said.

That’s our best way to get through this and get back to the good old days.

The golden days that feel so long ago Back in the good ol’ days last summer, Alex Cuba sang at Invermere MusicFest long before the valley knew about social distancing. One day, hopefully soon, we’ll be back together to celebrate at the other side of the pandemic.

File photo

Flatten the coronavirus curve Dear Editor, You’ve all heard the expression by now: Flatten the curve. What does this mean? This can mean life or death for some coronavirus victims in our community. When coronavirus cases are graphed, as is being done now, most graphs, including those for B.C., Alberta and Canada, show the line going up drastically every day. If this continues our healthcare system will become overwhelmed, as in Italy, and we won’t have the manpower or resources to keep the mortality rate down.

I’ve noticed a bit of a nonchalant attitude about this disease on behalf of some in our community because they are in age groups where the mortality rate is not that high so they don’t feel at risk. You need to think beyond yourself to others in the community like your parents and grandparents as well as friends and neighbours who might be recovering from cancer treatments or struggling with other health conditions.

You might think your actions aren’t important but they are.

By doing everything you can do to keep yourself from becoming infected, you are doing the best thing that you can do to help others. When you get sick, you contaminate other people and some of those will end up needing our healthcare system even if you don’t.

So by looking after yourself first – which sounds like a selfish action – by washing your hands, not touching your face, staying home when possible, keeping a distance of two meters from others when out of the house, and eating well, sleeping well, exercising and getting fresh air and sunshine – you are actually doing the most kind thing you can do for those in your community.

Have no illusions: Invermere will be impacted by this. We are not going to escape. It is circulating in our community right now. While trying not to panic and become frightened or paranoid about it, we must take the measures mentioned above and, most of all, look after ourselves for the sake of others.

Cheryl Willard Windermere

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

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

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

Amanda Nason Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager

Dauna Ditson Editor

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at more than 137 locations in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader. We are funded solely through the support of our advertisers. We are published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

March 26, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

Helping and being helped during the pandemic

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, so do offers of help as residents reach out to support their neighbours.

Now, thanks to Area F director Susan Clovechok, volunteer Laurie Klassen and the Volunteer Columbia Valley website, volunteers have an online hub where they can offer support to those in need.

Klassen said that Clovechok was aware of social media posts with people offering to help and that she figured the pre-existing website for volunteers would be an ideal place to match those in need with those wanting to help.

“People are coming home from holidays and have to immediately self-isolate and need help to get groceries,” Klassen said. “From what I understand the greatest need right now is for people to buy and deliver groceries.”

Volunteers can sign up to collect groceries or to deliver them. Those requiring sup-

port can also request help online.

“We expect that there’s people out there that are self-isolating,” Clovechok said.

“They’re making the good decision to stay home but still need access to grocery shopping or getting their prescriptions or whatever it is that they may need, so we want to make sure that there is an opportunity for that connection to be made.”

Visit https://volunteercv.ca/organizations/columbia-valley-covid-19-community-response to volunteer or to ask for help.

Once Klassen makes the matches, it will be up to the pairs to determine the details of their arrangements.

Clovechok expects to see more and more kindnesses being extended as COVID-19 spreads.

“As we move forward, we’re going to be coming together as a community tighter and tighter to kind of fill the gaps left or created by what’s going on in the world today.

We’re so fortunate in rural communities and particularly the Columbia Valley that people (think) ‘oh there’s a need, we’re going to fill the gaps,’” she said.

First place win!

On Friday, February 28, Dominic, Elijah and Thomas competed in the Regional Skills Competition at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook. They completed against Grade 7s from a number of schools around the Kootenay region.

This year’s challenge was to design the fastest self-propelled boat.

The boys’ planning and hard work paid off as they captured first place in the competition!

Submitted photo

Ski victory This past March 2 to 4, Panorama and DTSS played host to the province-wide ski and snowboard championships. DTSS can proudly say that we rose to the occasion.

The girls Ski team placed 1st overall bringing home the provincial banner, with Jax Gray, Zoe Gray, and Cory Martin taking 1st to 3rd place respectively as individuals.The boys Ski team placed 4th overall, the girls Snowboard team placed 3rd overall, and the boys Snowboard team placed 9th overall. We couldn’t be more proud of our athletes, our school and our mountain.

Photo and info submitted by their coaches

Resource, Development & Advocacy

COPING WITH THE PANDEMIC The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of stress and uncertainty to the world, and makes us question our health and safety and that of our family. Many areas of our lives have been impacted including, work, school, extra-curricular activities, travel, and social connections. It is normal to feel some stress during times of change and uncertainty, and parents are often most concerned about how to support their children through stressful times. It is important for parents to remember it is equally important to take care of yourselves as children will look to you for how they should respond during this time.

MENTAL WELL-BEING STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS: • Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news as hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting • Get news information from reputable sources including the World Health Organization, US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Take some time for yourself to relax (exercise, yoga, meditation, bubble baths) • Reach out to family and friends via phone, email, or FaceTime to reduce isolation and share your feelings • Get outside • Reach out to professional supports if the stress begins to impact your daily life and functioning WAYS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN: • Get outdoors as much as possible and be physically active. Children de-stress through play.

• Continue normal routines, or develop a routine for home if children are used to being at daycare. Routines and structure are predictable and comforting for children in the face of an unknown situation.

• limit children’s exposure to news coverage • talk to your children about questions and fears they may have about COVID-19. The Mayo Clinic has some great ideas, some of them include: asking what they think they know about the illness, defining terms like COVID-19, quarantine and social isolation, and help them to understand why events are being canceled.

• encourage good hand washing and make it fun by singing songs • Help children connect socially through various electronic options Families are being encouraged to stay at home during this time, this can make for some long days. So, what can you do? Now is the time to get creative, or engage in activities that require more time than you might usually have. Here are a few ideas to help get started: • • • • • • • • • • •

Paint in the bathtub- it helps contain the mess for young children, and makes clean up a breeze Bring the outdoors inside- create sensory bins from snow, pinecones, mud Put ice cubes in a water table to create a new sensory experience Bake a new recipe A daily family yoga practice – can use an online video to guide you Who said baths are just for bedtime routines? Baths during the day help to fill time and make dinner and bedtime less stressful Be social while practicing social distance- walks, bikes rides, yoga in the park Go for a drive if you need a change of scenery Take a walk in a new place Encourage everyone to have some quiet time in a separate space to allow for some alone time Tap into the many online learning options, including Scholastic.ca and kidsactivities.com

As we all adjust to our new normal, remember that this time will not last forever. Take care of your physical and mental health by staying socially connected in a safe way, and enjoy the time with your family. Family Dynamix remains available during this time by offering phone support to families and individuals. Please call 250-343-5566 if you would like to make an appointment and refer to familydynamix.ca for additional supports and resources.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic, Canadian Psychological Association

HANG IN THERE COLUMBIA VALLEY! Your Chamber is here to support you during this challenging time.

Stay up to date with reliable, local information by visiting

www.cvchamber.ca Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to news@columbiavalleypioneer.com

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 26, 2020

Columbia Valley chamber

Public Input COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND AFFECTED AREAS PROGRAMS

business update

You are invited to provide comments on proposals submitted to the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs and how they benefit your community.

ADMINISTERED & MANAGED BY

Submitted by Pete Bourke, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is here to support you at this challenging time. We are proud to share that there is an aligned communication approach from many key organizations in our region. These include representatives from chambers, provincial/local governments, and tourism, social services and community groups. This communication is available to everyone and we encourage you to sign up to our email newsletter via our website, www.cvchamber.ca. We are also continually updating our website so you have the most current and reliable information.

While things are changing daily, sometimes hourly, here are some key updates: • If you need assistance or you can offer assistance, please visit www.volunteercv.ca.

• Please be respectful and appreciative of the directions given by your local essential services, such as grocery stores and medical professionals. By doing your part you will allow them the ability to continue to support our community.

• At the time of writing, there is currently a gap for those needing public technology access to apply for support programs such as EI. So if you are ramping down your operations and you are able to allow your employees access to a computer, that would be incredibly helpful to give them the support they may need.

If there is anything we can assist you with please don’t hesitate to call 250-342-2844 (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week) or email us at welcome@cvchamber.ca.

This community is resilient and has proven time and time again that we are here for each other. This time in our history is no different, and when working together we will come through this. Stay healthy and happy.

Please visit www.engage.rdek.bc.ca/CBT to review the proposals and submit your feedback.

Please note that the community meetings normally held in April have been cancelled due to COVID-19 precautions.

1.250.489.2791 1.888.478.7335

www.engage.rdek.bc.ca/CBT A PROGRAM OF

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BYLAW 2975 – Bylaw Amendment – Westside Road, Invermere The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Richard Haworth on behalf of 1129759 Alberta Ltd to amend the zone designation of one of their properties to permit subdivision. The subject property is located on Westside Road, south of Invermere, as shown on the attached map.

Bylaw No. 2975 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 359, 2020 (Westside / 1129759 Alb Ltd)” will amend the designation of Lot 1, District Lot 4596, Kootenay District, Plan NEP88930, Except Plan EPP43962, from A-1, Rural Resource Zone to SH-2, Small Holding Semi-Rural Zone.

Windermere Lake

A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce 651 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC Monday, March ch 30, 2020 at 7:00 pm

as tl es to n e Blv d

D E N O POSTP Westsid e Rd

The Boardd has delegated delega the holding of this hearing to t the Directors ors for Electoral Area G, Electoral Area ea F and the District D t of Invermere ermere If you believee that tha your interest intterest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws, you may prior too the hearing: • inspectt the Bylaw w and supporting information informa at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from om March ch 6, 2020 to March 27, 2020 between the hours of 8:30 am to t 4:30 pm Mondayy through Friday, excluding statutory holidays F sta • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

A-1 Atto SH-2 SHS CP

R

ai lw

ay

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 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.

19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 | 1-888-478-7335 Fax: 250-489-3498 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca Remote working – We can still do business well. But it may look different today than yesterday. The Columbia Valley Food Hub Working Group used its time to innovate, using Zoom to review the Food Hub Feasibility Outline Summary Report.

Submitted photo

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Dragons and fires: Taynton Bay Spirits and Columbia Lake Technology Centre share about their (s)infernos

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce invited the Columbia Lake Technology Centre (CLTC) and Taynton Bay Spirits to present about their businesses at the Chamber’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, March 11.

Columbia Lake Technology Centre Lorri Fehr, chief executive officer for the CLTC, said business is booming in Canal Flats despite two major fires at the site.

“Last year it was devastating when one of our sawmill sites burned down,” she said. “We were just up and running in that one, and the other one caught fire ... The tears aren’t over for the last one yet.”

There wasn’t a pattern between the two fires, she said, adding that “sawmill sites are dangerous places” and that one was related to hydraulic oil that had been dumped on the site over the years.

“All the spark watching in the world doesn’t help when you find hydraulic oil,” she said.

Even so, business is firing ahead. As the Pioneer reported, PodTech, the CLTC’s “catalyst company” sold to Australia’s Iris Energy. “This lively team ... is going to help us expand and scale very quickly,” she said.

Other projects on the go include renovating an old school and creating investment-ready spaces. While the spaces should be ready by August, Fehr said she’s already getting inquiries from those looking to move in.

“There are a number of developers really interested in Canal Flats because it is a blank state. It has no gorgeous heritage because it was a single-resource town but it has a lot to offer – it’s right on the lake, it’s very flat, it’s very, very welcoming to business – so things are starting to happen there,” she said.

The CLTC is also hosting a 12-week digital marketing course which is offered by the Alacrity Foundation in collaboration with the B.C. government.

“I just happened to nag long enough” for Canal Flats to be considered as a pilot project for the course, she said.

While the students are still in class, she said a couple have already received job offers and others are seeing growth in their businesses.

“We come from a long history of saw milling in our family and so the shutdowns of sawmills across B.C. has hit near and dear to all of our hearts in our family, and we want to bring some jobs back to rural B.C.,” she said.

“Our job is ... to see if we can reduce some barriers, create some infrastructure and move technology and economic development forward. That’s what we’re doing.”

CLTC has also partnered with the Conservancy Nature Trust on Columbia Lake Ranch.

“What we’re trying to do is figure out how to successfully run cattle along with the ungulates and be socially and environmentally responsible,” Fehr said.

Dragons’ Den and beyond Steve Kuffler said he and his team at Taynton Bay Spirits “all thought that we knew business” until celebrity investor Arlene Dickinson from the CBC show Dragons’ Den covered the costs for them to enrol in her course.

There “head honchos” from Amazon and Facebook taught the distillery crew about shipping and receiving and social media.

“It was a whole different ball game. It’s been one hell of an experience for us,” Kuffler said. “Arlene’s been a lot more hands-on than I expected.”

On November 14, he and Justin Atterbury appeared on Dragons’ Den on screens across the country and accepted a deal with Dickinson where she offered $225,000 in exchange for a 10 per cent stake in their business. (See the Pioneer’s November 21 issue for details.)

Since Taynton Bay Spirits started in 2017, Kuffler said “each year we pretty much doubled in production, which is crazy.”

Between when their Dragons’ Den episode aired and when the COVID-19 crisis meant slowing down, the company was up to eight full-time employees and had half a dozen representatives with more “taste ambassadors” on the way. Just under 300 private liquor stores in the province carry their products, he said.

But he’s keenly aware that it’s not enough to have a bottle on a shelf; that’s what led Taynton Bay Spirits to apply for Dragons’ Den in the first place.

“We were sitting around drinking beer one night saying: ‘what is going to make that person walk around and pick up that bottle of booze off the shelf in the liquor store? There are 15,000 bottles in the store. What’s going to (make) somebody pick up ours?’”

Enter Dragons’ Den, Dickinson’s training program and the strategic marketing plan they’re developing.

“If it was up to Arlene, right now we’d be set up in Ontario with a full running distillery itself, but we said no,” Kuffler said. “We want to stay ... This is home. This is the central location.”

For now their plan is to focus on expanding through B.C. and Alberta.

While the existing distillery beneath the Station Neighbourhood Pub will continue as a functional distillery and a tasting room for their tea-infused vodka, highproof spirits and a spicy product called Sinferno that Kuffler said knocks a few strokes off his golf game, Kuffler said they’re also taking on a 4,500 square-foot space in the Industrial Park.

He doesn’t think it will be long before they’ll need to expand to a 12,000 or 13,000 foot space.

Kuffler expects the company to reach 70,000 to 75,000 bottles this year.

“Once we hit 50,000 litres of product, we actually lose our craft licence and we’re forced into a commercial situation, so at that point in time we’d have to start going gangbusters across Canada.”

In the meantime the company plans to get into can-

ning teas and pre-mixed vodka sodas within the year.

“We’ll have our own canning facility and everything right here in town as well and who knows where we’ll go from there ... Arlene says once we hit $100 million, she says she’s putting it up for sale, but she’s only got 10 per cent,” he said with a big laugh, drawing a vigorous round of applause from the chamber audience.

order online teaetc.ca free local delivery (Brisco to Canal Flats)

We are limiting our service calls to emergencies only. Please stay healthy!

Phone: 250-342-5089

Resource, Development & Advocacy

COMMUNITY UPDATE – COVID-19 FAMILY DYNAMIX - MODIFIED OPERATIONS Family Dynamix is providing over the phone counselling and support, in all of the programs we deliver in the Columbia Valley. Although our office will be closed to the public, our phone 250-342-5566 will be answered during regular office hours, Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please call this number during regular office hours to book an appointment with our staff. The 24 hour crises line for women fleeing domestic violence is 1-800-200-3003.

Face to face consultations have been postponed for the time being, with two exceptions; the Better at Home Program supporting seniors to remain in their homes and crises support for women and children fleeing domestic violence. These two programs will continue to be offered as they have in the past face to face.

Although we are not a 24 hour crises centre, Family Dynamix staff of professionals provides free counselling and support on a broad range of topics. Please do not hesitate to call 250-342-5566, if you are feeling anxious or stressed.

Pynelogs at Kinsmen Beach

PYNELOGS CULTURAL CENTRE, ART GALLERY & CAFE HOURS: CALL FOR MORE INFO AT 250.342.4423

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 26, 2020

Buying or selling?

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

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

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Due to the coronavirus, the Invermere Public Library is

vin g th e Co lumbia Va

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until further notice. Thank you for your understanding. Please visit the Invermere Public Library website to access e-books and other digital resources.

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ly with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus.

Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold.

Symptoms of human coronaviruses may be very mild or more serious such as a fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus. Coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person through: • Respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze.

• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.

• Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.

When coughing or sneezing: • Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues to reduce the spread of germs.

• Immediately dispose of any tissues you have used into the garbage as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.

• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces, such as toys, electronic devices and doorknobs.

• Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.

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Limit contact with others • Do not leave home unless absolutely necessary, such as to seek medical care.

• Do not go to school, work, other public areas or use public transportation (e.g. buses, taxis).

• Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom from others in your home, if possible.

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• If your symptoms get worse, immediately contact your healthcare provider or Public Health Authority and follow their instructions.

Get some rest, eat a balanced diet, and stay in touch with others through communication devices.

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Dry Gulch fire from page 5…

The house belongs to long-time Columbia Valley residents Ken and Linda Hatt. The Pioneer attempted to reach the Hatts for comment, but was unable to do so.

Kakuno said the RCMP would have notified the B.C. Wildfire Service if there had been any risk of the burning home sparking a wildfire, but that “in this case there was no extension of the flames beyond the house.”

The RCMP will complete a report on the incident for the Office of the Fire Commissioner.

least two meters between yourself and the other person.

• Keep interactions brief and wear a mask.

• Avoid contact with individuals with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults.

• Avoid contact with pets if you live with other people that may also be touching the pet.

Your Local Professionals

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If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or difficult breathing): • Stay home to avoid spreading it to others.

• If you live with others, stay in a separate room or keep a two-meter distance.

• Call ahead before you visit a health care professional or call your local public health authority. Tell them your symptoms and follow their instructions.

• If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and tell them your symptoms.

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JanK limeK 250.342.1195 janklimek@shaw.ca JanKlimek.ca

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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

Just a reminder… The deadline for display advertising is 12 noon Friday.

March 26, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

CONCRETE • Commercial concrete sealer • Ready Mix Concrete • 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.

Columbia Concrete Inc. 20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining Serving the Columbia Valley

250-688-3739 I N

P U R S U I T

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

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

O F

READY MIX CONCRETE

EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete • Manufacturers & suppliers of quality concrete & gravel products • Experienced, professional operators and the right equipment to get your job done • Serving the valley for over 30 years

Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

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

• Environmentally responsible • Steamed aggregate beds for top quality year-round concrete supply • We stand behind our service, quality and products

CARPET CLEANING

LAMBERT-KIPP P H A R M A C Y ( 2 0 1 9 ) LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C.

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING

Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221 Business: 250-342-9692

CONTRACTING

PHARMACY

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

Your Compounding Pharmacy Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

Dale Elliott Contracting • • • • •

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

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

250-341-7098 Invermere, B.C.

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

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

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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

LANDSCAPING

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

Professional Arborist Services

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

Trusted Columbia Valley Tree Experts for 10 Years • • • • •

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

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

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

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

Invermere BC Golden BC

Consulting/Arborist Reports Hazard Tree Removal Tree and Shrub Pruning WCB Certified Fallers ISA/ITA Certified Arborists

250-341-7029 250-344-0188

• • • • •

Tree Health Evaluations Stump Grinding Fire Fuel Reduction Golf Course/Strata Tree Risk Assessments

Rooted in the Columbia Valley. Est. 2007 www.greenleaftree.ca

info@greenleaftree.ca

Have an opinion? Email your letter to the editor to dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 26, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

WHOLE 9 YARDS MOWING (Servicing the Valley since 1999)

Call Wayne at 250-341-5512

Spring Cleanups Mowing Contracts

NEW SEWER CAMERA

SERVICES

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations Available 24/7

• 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

Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

SERVICES

East Kootenay Electrical Services Scott Postlethwaite

Licensed Contractor Cell: 250.341.1342 Fax: 250.342.8733 E-mail: ekelectric@telus.net Box 2206 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

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Patryk Jagiello

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

Andrea Meadus 250-342-9082

STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

Plumbing • Boiler Systems

patco_dev@shaw.ca

(250) 270-0345 Andy Charette

in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

E: rigidplumbing@hotmail.ca P: 250-341-5179

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

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• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

Rigid Plumbing Ltd.

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

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

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

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

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Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

WHOLE 9 YARDS MOWING Call Wayne at 250-341-5512

Spring Cleanups Mowing Contracts

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Judy: (250) 341-1903

House Checking and more!

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

Bob: (250) 341-5014

SERVICE EXCELLENCE Your Weekly Source for News and Events

IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991 ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts

N E W S PA P E R

Amanda Murray Sales Representative

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-341-6299 ext: 101 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com amanda@columbiavalleypioneer.com

valleysolutions@shaw.ca

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

March 26, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

We now have

Jeers to the people who are going to extremes to stockpile food and supplies, and those who have been stealing hand sanitizer, masks, and other supplies from clinics and hospitals. We have to get through this crisis by working together as a community, not by trampling on our neighbours and making life even more difficult for our health care workers.

A plane full of Jeers to all the people in the valley who ignored the advice not to travel out of the country. Then you proceed to think that you don’t have to self-isolate. You are putting your community at risk!

Jeers to the Jeers regarding Forster road maintenance.

Canfor maintenance equipment is not required to maintain Forster creek road. It is only done as a goodwill service when time permits. Sledders should realize that and have properly equipped vehicles.

A massive Cheers to the front line people during this dark time.

The medical staff and EMTs, for sure, and a huge shout out to the people in retail who are in close contact with people and have little protection. Cheers also to the truck drivers who transport our food and essentials. All true heroes. Much appreciated!

A&W ROOTBEER

S

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

OBITUARY

S

Leonard Robert Lazette June 11, 1956 – March 10, 2020

Cheers to gas prices in the valley.

Woohoo! Gas prices dropped to the lowest they’ve been in over 6 years! Be still my heart! Plus .3 cents off with an RBC credit card!

S OBITUARY S Barrault, Larry 1950 – 2020 Born September 19, 1950, in Invermere BC. He passed away peacefully at home in Grand Forks, BC, surrounded by his family and friends. Larry was survived by his wife Peggy, daughters Yolanda (Dave), Sheree (Blake), Shay (Keno) and grandchildren Marino, Kaitlyn, Myla, Nash and Iniesta.

Larry’s passion for the outdoors encouraged a life that was filled with many different sports. His love for golf, skiing, mountain biking and baseball inspired his desire to coach. Larry’s time spent coaching became an asset for many kids. He also enjoyed travelling, listening to and playing music. He was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren and cherished any time he could spend with them.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring, date to follow. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family’s register at www.myalternatives.ca. Donations can be made to the Kettle River Mountain Bike Association.

Len passed away at Invermere & District Hospital, on March 10, 2020 after a long battle with COPD. Len was born in Red Deer, AB and attended school in Valleyview, AB. In the later 1990’s, Len settled in Invermere to raise his children. He worked for numerous years in the trucking industry, as well as oilfield consulting.

Len is survived by his wife ; Shelley, and children; Annette Lazette, Melissa (Tim) Earl, and Jason Lazette, stepchildren; Brittney Thompson (Merle), Evan Thompson (Janine), and Chris Thompson (Kaity), grandchildren; Kyle, Brodie, Genevieve, Kaleb, Samantha, Mia, Scarlett, Maverick, Briar, and great grandson; Hunter. His mother; Betty Lazette-Bergen, brother; Mike Lazette, sisters; Linda Hummel (Scott), Brenda Fenwick (Tom), and Sue Christensen (Kim), as well as numerous step siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Len is predeceased by his father; Gervais (Bob) Lazette, stepfather; Lawrence Bergen, and mother-in-law; Wendy Valentine.

There will be a Celebration of Life announced at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Friday.

Thank you to everyone for the love compassion and heartfelt sympathy. Our family is overwhelmed with all of the support.

Sandor Egresits January 12, 1925 – March 12, 2020 Sandor passed away March 12, 2020 at the age of 95. He was born in Kophaza, Hungary on January 12, 1925. During his time in Hungary he played the French horn and tuba in the Hungarian Military Band.

Sandor is predeceased by his parents; Sandor and Katherina, brother; Janos, sisters; Janka, Matilda, and Kristina.

He is survived by his wife; Maria, son; Alex (Dawne), daughter; Kathy (Don) Allenby, stepdaughter; Maria Roberton.

Sandor will be terribly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and friends. He was a hard worker, the best husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather and friend.

Memorial donations can be made to the BC Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cheers to Keith Irwin and all his friendly, efficient staff at Pharmasave for delivering the prescriptions to our house in Radium during this coronavirus pandemic. We are senior citizens and are most impressed with your service.

Jeers to the folks who feel the “Stay-At-Home” directive from the medical community does not apply to them. A special Jeers to a few of these folks who have actually told me that they have come here to “self-isolate” but don’t and circulate throughout our small village.

Cheers to Julius and Rya of Radium Mountainside Market for super service to two seniors.

Rya for taking our telephone order and Julius for putting the order together and delivering the groceries to our house. Very impressed with your service.

Cheers to our front line healthcare workers. You are greatly appreciated.

Massive, huge JEERS to people from inside and outside of our community who are breaking quarantine! Especially those who might have been told they’ve tested positive! This is reprehensible. You have no regard for other people’s lives.

Weekly Featured Listing

NEW LISTING WINDERMERE BUILDING LOT

$124,900 0.45 acres, no restrictions, real land.

MLS®#: 2450586 (Brokerage Rockies West Realty)

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

ANNOUNCEMENT

Do you enjoy spending time with seniors?

The Columbia Valley Better at home is looking for Volunteers to help seniors with non-medical services so they can stay in their own homes.

Call Jennifer at Family Dynamix at 250-342-5566 to find out more.

Resource, Development & Advocacy

Family Dynamix acknowledges that we deliver services on the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc people”

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 26, 2020

CHEERS & JEERS

STORAGE

WANTED

SERVICES

LESSONS/TRAINING

HELP WANTED

Jeers to the miscreants that left hundreds of spent shotgun shells, fireworks, scattered beer cans and a still-smoldering campfire in the Enid burn this weekend. Social distancing is not an excuse for social deviance.

NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

Cash for gold and silver! Also buying coin collections, old money old jewelry Contact Todd 1-250-864-3521.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Wages starting at $15/hr. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

Top Quality Hay Round bales.

Stored in shed. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 250-342-1268.

Rocky Mountain Swim Lessons is open for registration. Sign up now for the weeks you want. Red Cross Swim Lessons, Bronze Level Lifesaving Lessons and DIVING lessons.

Learn to swim at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Email info@ rockymountainswimlessons.ca.

Cheers to all the doctors and nurses who are putting their lives at risk to look after all the people here in the valley who have the corona virus. The next two or three weeks are critical for all of us seniors to abide by the rules and stay home.

ANNOUNCEMENT

MISC. FOR SALE

FIREWOOD

BARRY BROWN-JOHN

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

Managing Broker 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. Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. Canal Flats Thursdays at 8853 Granger Rd. Village Office lower level, North end. Call Terri at 250-688-6050 or Grant at 250-342-1029 for more info.

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.

SERVICES

“Rocky Mountain Land Man”

250-342-5245 b.brownjohn@gmail.com ACREAGE FOR SALE 4.7 acres. Has its own gravelled road access from Kootenay #3.

Road already constructed.

Drilled well, views, privacy. $219,000 + GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-1268.

ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Phases 1 and 2 sold out.

Selling Phase 3 now. 2.5 to 4.7 acre parcels. Starting at $189,000 + GST. No building time commitment.

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

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in chain saws, tillers, trimmers and lawn mower repairs and maintenance.

It’s time to get your tools tuned up and ready for spring!

Industrial #2 Road across from NAPA Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

250-341-2551 Offering excellent service and fair pricing!

Spic N Span Cleaning Services Office cleaning.

Now taking new clients.

Please contact Amanda at 250-688-1259 for more information.

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Our disinfectant is formulated to kill COVID-19. Call 250-688-0213 B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Renovations, Handyman Repairs, Small moves, Dump runs, House Checks, House Cleaning, Spring/Yard Maintenance, Eavestroughs, Tree removal. 250-688-2897.

A.J. Siding and Eavestrough

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Summer Students

Serving the Valley for 26 years.

5” continuous gutter.

All types of siding, soffit and facia. Your low cost eavestrough company.

Phone Joe Bateman 250-342-7177.

• Parks Labourer • Gardener The District of Invermere is accepting applications for (please visit www.invermere.net for full description):

HELP WANTED Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours. Minimum several years’ 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.

• up to three (3) Summer Students to work as part of our Public Works Staff as Parks Labourers and support for all events including Movies in the Mountains, Valley Appreciation Day and Mountain Al Fresco.

• up to three (3) Summer Students to work as part of our Public Works Staff as Gardeners and support for all events including Movies in the Mountains, Valley Appreciation Day and Mountain Al Fresco.

These positions are within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and are temporary, full-time, 40 hours per week positions.

General Hours of work: (days and hours may vary) Parks Labourers • 6 am – 6 pm Wednesday - Sunday.

• 4 pm – 12 am Mondays (Movies in the Mountains – July - August) Gardeners • 6 am – 6 pm Wednesday - Sunday.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

Starting Pay Rate: • $17 per hour Please visit www.invermere.net for full job descriptions.

Applicants are invited to submit their resumes until the position has been filled to: District of Invermere Attn: Kindry Luyendyk, Interim Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 Email: corporateservices@invermere.net

NOTICES

2020-2021 ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION/COMMUNITY PROTECTION FUEL TREATMENT ANNUAL PLAN & OPERATIONS MAPS The Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program and partner agencies and organizations would like to inform the public that the activities planned for Grassland Ecosystem Restoration and Community Protection Fuels Treatments are available for public viewing at the following website: https://trench-er.com Select the Map Link The 2020-2021 Annual Plan document identifies the project leads and their contact information should the public have concerns or questions about individual projects.

Deadline for comments or concerns is April 15, 2020.

Wildsight Invermere Branch Manager Wildsight Invermere is the voice of environmental conservation in the Columbia Valley. Our strength lies in our grassroots engagement to promote environmental stewardship and to address local issues around sustainability and climate change.

This part-time job requires a creative, motivated individual who can work independently. Details: 24 hours/week, with some weekend work; starting date is April 20; salary will be based on experience. The position could expand with the right person and additional financial support.

Core responsibilities include: • Program management and development • Writing funding proposals and preparing budgets • Communication and outreach with Wildsight members and the public • Working with the Board of Directors • Supporting the organization’s strategic plan priorities Please see wildsight.ca/invermere for the full job description. Please submit your resume and a brief story of an inspiring experience you had in nature to invermere@wildsight.ca by 9 am, April 1, 2020.

March 26, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HELP WANTED La Galeria II has a flexible full-time position. Includes: sales, social media posts, computer use, inventory control, maintaining store. Wage negotiable. Email cbarzilay@ hotmail.com or 250-342-1475.

Don’t Miss an Issue!

Please email classified ads to

Read us online:

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

HELP WANTED

INDIAN BEACH ESTATES

Eagle Ranch Resort, Invermere, BC is searching for full-time, seasonal, professional certified cooks to join our team! Previous cooking experience required. You possess a “Can Do” attitude and a “Service Beyond” mentality. $15 - $20 per hour based on experience, plus gratuities. Subsidized on-site staff housing available. Email: careers@eagleranchresort.com or come and see us at our location!

Executive Assistant/ Bookkeeper Reports to the Manager, Territorial Operations Shuswap Indian Band, located in Invermere, BC, is seeking a highly organized individual to serve as our Executive Assistant/Bookkeeper for our Territorial Stewardship Department The successful candidate will have experience in an Executive Assistant/bookkeeping role and will show initiative to enhance processes and procedures. The Executive Assistant/Book-keeper provides administrative support and general bookkeeping to the Territorial Operations department and will work in coordination with the Office Assistant.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Interacts with other Territorial Operations and Band Operations staff and consultants with respect to administration issues.

• Processes employee travel advance forms, expense reports, including verification of receipts and coding and uploads to EASE portal.

• Identifies accounting issues and works with Finance Department to resolve.

• Processes financial invoices and uploads to the EASE portal.

• Prepares letters, memos, briefing notes and other correspondence.

• Manages electronic and physical filing systems.

• Coordinates IT support as required.

• Maintains organizational calendars, electronic in/out board.

• Reviews and prepares invoices, time sheets, travel claims and travel bookings, honoraria requests, budgets, and financial reports.

• Organizes logistics for field projects, including but not limited to purchase of field equipment, organizing training, mobilization/ demobilization, etc.

• Oversees building maintenance activities and building security; and • Attends internal meetings, including training sessions and provide briefing on these to the Manager, Territorial Operations.

• Supports the development of annual workplans for advancing strategic objectives.

• Attends general staff, department and band meetings.

• Performs other related duties as requested by the Manager, Territorial Operations and the Director of Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.

• Fives years of related experience in an administrative/finance role.

• Demonstrated knowledge of office and accounting procedures.

• Working knowledge of Secwepemc Nation governmental organizational structures and functions.

• Working knowledge of Shuswap Indian Band community, culture and Secwepemc values.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Strong understanding of full Accounting principles and cycle from receipt of invoices to payment; including verification of coding, matching purchase orders, obtaining approval, and entering the invoices into the purchasing and accounting systems.

• Excellent communication skills (including technical writing).

• Understand general practice of maintaining confidentiality.

• Works as a team member with other Band employees; and • Ability to work effectively with community members, band staff and technical personnel from government agencies and the corporate sector.

• Proficiency in MS Office software, accounting software, social media .

TERMS AND CONDITIONS • Full-time position • Hours of work 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (half-hour unpaid lunch) • Acceptable and current RCMP Criminal Record Check (original) • Maintain a valid BC driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle • Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual (Approved April 4, 2018).

• Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Financial policies and procedures (October 24, 2017).

This posting may remain open until the position is filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16 (1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Appointment to this position will require a formal criminal record check, the details of which may preclude an offer of employment being finalized.

CLOSING DATE: March 30th, 2020, 4 p.m. (Mountain Time) To apply contact: Angela Sarsons, Director of Operations, E-mail: dops@shuswapband.ca• Fax: 250.341.3683 Shuswap Indian Band, RR#2, 3A – 492 Arrow Road, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K2

IBE Grounds, Operations and Maintenance Indian Beach Estates (IBE) is a community of 140 residences south of Windermere. It includes common areas, recreational facilities, playground, roadways, and a community water system.

Position Description This is a contract position, part-time with a flexible schedule, seasonally busier May to September, and quieter October to April. You will be a contractor, not an employee of IBE, and will be responsible for your own payroll deductions and taxes, and required to carry liability and WCB coverage.

N E W S PA P E R

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Property Contractor

EDUCATION AND SAMPLE COLLECTION ASSISTANT Deadline to Apply: April 10, 2020 Term: May 11, 2020 to August 28, 2020 Compensation: $15/hour Location: Columbia Valley, BC Eligibility: Must be between 15 and 30, and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations.

Job Description: The Education and Sample Collection Assistant will work alongside trained scientists and citizen scientists. They will assist in the collection of water quality and quantity samples and measurements, provide educational materials to community members and tourists through community outreach, and promote our initiatives at various community events. The successful candidate will also educate boaters about invasive species and check for those species. The Assistant will work up to 30 hours a week, with some evening and weekend shifts required.

Full job description available at www.columbialakess.com/hiring Apply To: columbialakess@shaw.ca Re: Education and Sample Collection Assistant

Responsibilities You, the contractor, will manage and maintain the grounds and related operations of IBE, including lawn care and landscaping, facilities and equipment maintenance, drinking water system operations, roadways and snow removal, light construction projects, and protecting community property and security. You will report to the appointed representative, interact and communicate with community residents and the Board Of Directors.

Qualifications We are looking for someone with similar or related property maintenance experience, or familiar with the skill requirements to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. A Small Water System (SWS) Level 1 Certification or higher is an asset, but not mandatory as training may be available. You must be familiar with and safely able to operate basic hand and power tools, lawn maintenance equipment including a light yard tractor, and possess general working knowledge of electricity, plumbing, and carpentry.

This is physical outdoor work and you must be able to easily lift 60 pounds.

The job requires organizational, oral and written communication skills, computer, Internet and email abilities. We want a friendly, enthusiastic, integral and reliable person who will take pride in their work and the community they serve.

Compensation is very good and based upon experience and qualifications.

Please email your resume to communications@indianbeachestates.com with Property Contractor in the title. Applications will be accepted until Monday, April 13, 2020.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Referrals Clerk Reporting to Manager of Territorial Operations, the Referrals Clerk is responsible for providing a variety of administrative and technical services related to lands and natural resources. The ideal candidate for this challenging position will possess excellent organization and communication skills, an aptitude for computer operations including: word processing, mapping, file management, and a demonstrated desire to learn.

This job will involve on-the-job training on mapping, digital file management, referral processing, and research related to Shuswap Indian Band’s Territorial Operations department.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Receives, records, and processes referrals addressed to the Shuswap Indian Band (SIB).

• Conducts preliminary assessment of referrals to understand scope of potential impacts to SIB rights and title interests and provides recommendations to the appropriate departments.

• Assists the Shuswap Indian Band with referral responses by soliciting input from Chief and Council, the Director of Operations, and department managers, and the Community.

• Processes SIB traditional knowledge information from multimedia formats and imports into the database.

• Manages and updates the database.

• Provides authorized reports and lists to designated staff and departments as directed by the Manager of Territorial Operations.

• Manages mobile mapping software, hardware, and data for field work applications (download, save, and projecting on maps).

• Attends departmental, organization and community meetings.

• Performs general administrative and clerical tasks such as answering phones, faxing, mailing, and filing, photocopying, scanning, and typing.

• Provides general administrative support to the Territorial Operations Department including invoicing.

• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the SIB policies, standards, and procedures.

• Maintains confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the SIB. • Performs other related duties as requested by the Manager, Territorial Operations and the Director of Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS • A high-school diploma.

• Ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Google Earth.

• Post-secondary training in a diploma program or undergraduate degree in a related field such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Aboriginal Studies, Natural Resources, Environmental management, or related field is an asset.

• A valid B.C. driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

• Must pass a criminal record check.

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience specific to First Nations and British Columbia.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Knowledge and experience with traditional knowledge mapping and information management.

• Basic understanding of provincial and federal regulatory processes related to resource management and the crown consultation process.

• Experience with First Nation referrals and the BC referrals process.

• Ability to identify opportunities for SIB when reviewing referrals.

• Experience with web-based database applications and data entry.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational and filing skills.

• Proven ability to execute advanced office procedures and practices.

• Ability to take initiative and work within strict timelines.

• Tactful and diplomatic.

• Must have strong teamwork and cooperation, service orientation and problem solving and judgement skills.

• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: • Full-time position.

• Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual (Approved April 4, 2018).

• Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Financial Polices and Procedures (Approved October 24, 2017) CLOSING DATE: 4 pm MT, March 27th, 2020.

To apply contact: Angela Sarsons, Director of Operations, E-mail: dops@shuswapband.ca Shuswap Indian Band, #3, 492 Arrow Road, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2 Fax: 250-341-3683

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 26, 2020

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Worship Service & K.I.D.S. Church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Due to COVID 19 and safety for all, our diocese has made the decision to cancel all services and public gatherings in our Windermere Valley Shared Ministry church buildings until further notice. This will include the following congregations/locations: ANGLICAN UNITED 1. Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 2. All Saints, Edgewater 3. St. Peter’s (The Stolen Church), Windermere

Spring — and the gardening season — is just around the corner.

Photo submitted by Winderberry

LUTHERAN St. Peter’s Lutheran Mission (Christ Church Trinity Chapel), Invermere

Gardening this spring

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Submitted by Winderberry and Edibles Farm + Cafe + Catering

Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship Services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

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

The Pioneer can

!

take you r do llar With 6,400 copies far in circulation each week, th er your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

We all know this is a different year, with different feelings and maybe even different plans for how you thought you were going to be spending your time this spring. It’s a world full of change, just like the changing of seasons.

With the warm spring air and sunnier days comes a feeling of renewal, energy and hope. As we all work together to navigate this new ‘less social’ interaction, we also have to navigate how to be a part of our community.

Gardening, especially spring clean up, is that perfect social-distancing activity that gets you outside and breathing fresh air. It also increases your activity level and leaves you feeling satisfied with a sense of accomplishment. As we all stay closer to home and try to live clean and healthy lives, please consider having a garden, whether it be small or big, on a patio or even indoors. Gardening brings cheer to your day with greenery, colour, dirt under your nails, a feast for all your senses – eyes, ears, nose, taste and touch. Plan to grow a veggie garden this year. Plan to add a bit of colour to your front door.

Plan to have an oxygen-producing plant in your home.

Spring garden clean-up tips: • Rake up those dead and decaying leaves and add them to your compost (or a friend’s compost).

• Cut back any dead perennial tops and add those to your compost.

• Prune trees, shrubs and fruit trees to optimize growth and fruit production.

• Plan your garden or patio space.

What do you really want to watch grow this year? Do you want to eat it? Smell it? Enjoy the colour of it?

• Consider what you need to make your perfect garden happen this year.

Here are some suggestions: soil, compost, seeds, plants, veggie starts, organic fertilizer and soil additives, perennials,

shrubs (big and little), trees (big and little), and fruits of all kinds.

Plan to garden this spring. Enjoy your home, while being at home!

As the events of this pandemic are changing daily, please reach out to the friendly and knowledgeable team at Winderberry.

We are here to help you with all your gardening needs. Stay tuned for alternative ways to get your gardening products and plants during this uncertain time.

Please call us at 250-342-3236, message us at www.winderberry.ca or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Photo submitted by Winderberry