Columbia Valley Pioneer, May 28, 2020

May 28, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 22

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 May 28, 2020

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The annual Wings Over the Rockies Festival may have been cancelled due to COVID-19 this year, but the birds (such as this osprey) and other wildlife are still in town. See page 7 for more.

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19 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE • Drug-pricing petition garners thousands of signatures

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 28, 2020 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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Above: The first Agri-Park Farmers Market of the season was a success last week at the Crossroads. Farmers’ markets are considered an essential service under the B.C. state of emergency and are expected to comply with hygienic practices and physical distancing to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

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The buoys are back in town Watershed Wanderings

By Georgia Peck Lake Windermere Ambassadors

Since the summer of 2018, Taynton Bay has looked a little different to the visitors and residents of Lake Windermere. Three information buoys, each labeled “Slow, No-Wake Zone” have set up camp at the mouth of the bay for two consecutive years and are about to be reinstalled for a third year. The buoys serve as a reminder to boaters that this section of the lake is a designated slow, no-wake zone, as per the Lake Windermere Management Plan (2011), put in place to ensure boats travel at a low speed and control their steering to reduce the waves produced behind them. Slow, no-wake zones are not only in place to protect swimmers and boaters, but also to protect the sensitive habitat shorelines provide to plants and wildlife. Heavy wakes can cause bank erosion, which, in turn, causes vegetation to wash out, leading to habitat loss and degradation. Furthermore, increased turbulence can impact the sediments suspended in the water, disrupting water quality and the important biological processes that depend on it.

Feedback from this project has been overwhelmingly positive, with 86 per cent of anonymous surveyors stating they are “very satisfied” with the buoys and are thrilled to see a safer and more protected bay for all visitors and residents to enjoy. This project could not have been achieved without the support from community donors, who helped contribute in raising the necessary funds to purchase and install all three buoys. However, in 2019 we acknowledged the buoys were spread too far apart,

limiting visibility and awareness of the slow, no-wake zone, and leading to an occasional lack of compliance. An anonymous respondent stated: “They are good, however they are too few and far apart. Boaters that are new to the lake and don’t know the area often miss them because there is too much distance between them to know that it’s actually a no-wake zone.” This opinion seems to be shared amongst surveyors, seeing as 57 per cent of people agreed with this statement and believe there are not enough buoys to be effective.

To combat this issue, the Lake Management Committee, made up of community members and representatives of the board of the Lake Windermere Ambassadors, is pursuing the purchase and installation of three additional information buoys to the mouth of Taynton Bay to help strengthen the message to boaters. Installing the additional buoys will not exclude motorized boats from accessing the bay, but merely serve as a greater reminder to slow down and drive with caution when sharing the water with swimmers, paddlers and other boats. The Ambassadors hope that additional buoys will provide an extra warning to boaters to proceed with caution when entering the bay and to be aware of other people enjoying the water.

In addition to increasing visibility of the buoys, the Ambassadors plan to increase public outreach and education to help inform the public about the buoys’ existence and their importance in Taynton Bay. Virtual outreach looks like our reality for the time being, so keep an eye out for more publications online and in the Pioneer. If this project has had a positive impact on your ability to enjoy Lake Windermere and you’d like to support it, please reach out to the Lake Windermere Ambassadors for ways you can help.

Georgia Peck is the program coordinator for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors. Email her at info@lakeambassadors.ca or call the office at 250-341-6898.

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May 28, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

Dramatic rope rescue after eightyear old plunges off Johnston Trail into Toby Creek Canyon

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com An eight-year old girl plunged off the edge of Toby Creek Canyon while mountain biking the Johnson Trail last week, tumbling 150 feet down the steep and gravelly canyon wall, prompting a dramatic rope system rescue by seventeen members of Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR).

The incident occurred on Monday, May 18 on a stretch of the popular mountain bike trail that hugs the canyon rim, while the girl was out biking with her family. She went off the trail on her bike, falling down the slope, before coming to rest near a band of rocks, which may have prevented her from going into the turbulent whitewater Toby Creek below.

“She was stuck down there. It was quite steep, and she was complaining of leg pain, so that’s why she couldn’t get back up (to the trail),” CVSAR president Scott Chaffey told the Pioneer. The girl was extricated from the canyon by CVSAR using ropes, a pulley and a rescue sled, and examined on site by a volunteer search and rescue doctor before being flown by helicopter to Calgary. Her injuries were not life-threatening.

The entire rescue was observed from the other side of Toby Creek Canyon by local residents Cliff and Karen Butchko, who were out biking and who snapped the photograph shown here depicting the incident.

“We went to a lookout over a huge canyon and were having a stop there to enjoy the view when we saw all these people on the other side. At first I figured they were just sightseeing and looking at the gorge and rapids below. Turns out The local search and rescue team saved a child who fell there was a (child) a third of the way down the slope,” Cliff 150 feet down a canyon wall. (The Butchkos initially told the Pioneer by email. “The rocks stopped her from going thought the child in the canyon was a boy, hence the label all the way to the bottom, which is a raging river in a gorge, on the photo as such. In fact it was a girl.) so if she surPhotos by Cliff and Karen Butchko vived the fall she would have drowned. Her bike went almost to the bottom and is likely going to stay there for many years to come as it is about 250 feet down the slope ... Very lucky girl – she will live to tell the story.”

“I could hear her crying and asking for help. She was really upset, really scared,” Karen told the Pioneer by phone, adding the CVSAR rescuers really deserve kudos. “They were absolutely amazing. Two of them went down to her. They kept talking to her the whole time ... We talk about frontline heroes during COVID. These guys are right up there with them.”

CVSAR is reminding those recreating in the outdoors to leave a detailed trip plan and prepare for unforeseen circumstances. B.C. is still navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and while some recreational opportunities are opening back up, CVSAR requests that people continue to make responsible choices to limit the potential exposure to its volunteers and reduce strain on other emergency and medical resources. Go to the www.adventuresmart.ca website for more information.

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

2020 PROPERTY TAX IMPORTANT CHANGES DURING COVID-19 The District of Invermere’s property tax due date will remain as July 2, 2020 and all property owners are encouraged to pay their property taxes, if they are able, on or before the due date. In order to assist you, District of Invermere Council has passed a bylaw delaying penalties for late payment by roughly three months due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. All taxpayers can make payments until September 30th, 2020 without penalty. A 5% penalty will be applied to any unpaid property taxes after September 30th, 2020. This includes penalty on any unclaimed Home Owner Grants. A further 5% penalty will be applied to any unpaid property taxes after October 30th, 2020.

This allows you to make payments without penalty until September 30th, 2020. Although you may still pay your property tax before then if you are able.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 28, 2020

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment commander, Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, May 18 through May 24, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 64 calls for service.

The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On Monday, May 18 a resident of Canal Flats reported his 2018 white Ford F150 had been stolen from his residence on Stevens Avenue sometime overnight.

There were two Yamaha PW50 motorcycles in the box of the truck and the keys had been left inside the truck. On May 19 the Calgary Police Service recovered the stolen truck in Calgary. A 24-year-old male from Calgary was arrested and charged in relation to the theft.

On Monday, May 18 a resident of Fairmont Hot Springs reported a theft from his Dodge pickup which had been parked at his residence on Fox Place. The theft occurred sometime overnight. Missing from the truck was a pair of sunglasses, a set of keys and a manual for the truck.

On Thursday, May 21 at about 9:30 a.m. Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a report of a motor vehicle incident on Highway 93/95 north of Invermere. The driver and lone occupant of a Chrysler 300 explained she was travelling on the highway when she hit some standing water on the roadway, lost control of her vehicle and slid into the ditch. The driver was not injured.

On Thursday, May 21 at 11:20 p.m. an officer conducted a traffic stop with a Dodge pickup truck near

Foresters Landing Road in Radium Hot Springs. While speaking to the driver of the truck, the officer formed suspicion the driver had alcohol in his body and read a roadside breath demand, which the driver complied with. The driver blew two “fails” and, as a result, received a 90-day driving prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

On Saturday, May 23 at about 10 p.m. police received a report of a suspicious maroon truck parked on 10th Avenue in Invermere. When police arrived, they located a female in the driver’s seat with the vehicle running. The officer noted signs of impairment, which the driver attributed to prescribed medication. While speaking to the driver, the officer observed what appeared to be a controlled substance inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date. The driver also received a 24-hour driving suspension for driving while impaired by a drug and her vehicle was impounded.

On Saturday, May 23 police received a report of a theft from a residence on 10th Avenue in Invermere.

Missing was a Nintendo Wii, an Xbox 360 and a painting of mountains. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers.

On Sunday, May 24 at about 2 a.m. police were called to a residence on Kootenay Number 3 Road for an intoxicated male who refused to leave. Officers attended and arrested the intoxicated male for mischief. The male was held in cells until sober.

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

May 28, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Response from the mountain biking community (cult) Submitted by Lyle Wilson, Columbia Valley Greenways Trails Alliance chairperson and Columbia Valley Cycling Society member I am writing in response to the Recreationists in denial letter that ran in the Pioneer’s May 7 issue and on E-know, the online news portal. In this article, the writer has tried to undo the goodwill from years of good work done by dozens of dedicated volunteers of the Columbia Valley Greenways Trails Alliance (CVGTA) and the Columbia Valley Cycling Society (CVCS). He paints a picture of all mountain bikers as a cult of adrenaline crazed anti-environmental outlaws, who have no regard for wildlife, and who are not open to the opinions of others. Nothing could be farther from the truth!

CVGTA, CVCS and the mountain biking community at large have been key players in the complex discussions happening right now within the Columbia Valley Recreation Access Management Plan process. Mountain bikers are working side by side with every other outdoor group in the region to come up with sensible plans which provide for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Mountain biking is a mainstream form of recreation producing fitness and well-being for local residents and providing tourism values which rival golf, alpine skiing and hiking for the Columbia Valley. The bicycle is one of the “greenest” inventions man has ever come up with.

CVGTA and CVCS have worked tirelessly with RDEK, Summit Trail Makers Society, Windermere Valley Rod and Gun Club, Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, Windermere Valley Dirt Riders, the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Club and Rec Sites and Trails BC, as well as other groups and government agencies to ensure that mountain biking is developed in conscientious and sustainable ways. Mitigating negative effects on wildlife plays a major role in this work.

Biologists have conducted wildlife surveys and studies before trails are built on public land.Wildlife and the needs of other user groups are always taken into consideration prior to the first shovel hitting the ground.

The Whistler Trail standards have become a provincial norm, and all mountain bike groups in the region build to these high internationally acclaimed standards. Properly built mountain bike trails have approximately the same impact on the environment as properly built hiking trails.

It has been the strong leadership of CVGTA and CVCS in recent years that has brought a virtual halt to the rogue trail building on public land, in sensitive ecosystems, and on private land.

Our mutual efforts to jump through all the official hoops and only build trails that meet a stringent set of standards has become the trademark of both of these trail associations.

I must address a number of inaccurate points raised in the article. I have been mountain biking in this valley since 1984, and in tens of thousands of kilometers of lo-

cal riding I have yet to witness a single deer, elk, sheep, or any other large mammals run crazed onto our roadways and into traffic because of a mountain bike rolling by. The average speed of a cross country mountain biker is about 10-15 kms/hour. The animals usually move off the trail, turn and watch the trail users go by as they do with hikers, trail runners and cross country skiers.

I’m not certain where the opinion comes from that the wildlife management area has been reduced by 80 per cent. The Dry Gulch Wildlife Management Area is the same size it was the day it was created, and the remainder of the public lands situated between Hwy 93/95 and the Columbia River are pretty much unchanged in the 41 years I’ve been running and riding in the area. The lands outside the wildlife management area are open for public use and mountain bikers have the same civic rights and have about the same impact as hikers, runners and other area users.

Although the urbanization of bighorn sheep in Radium is not desirable, it is simply a figment of the imagination to assume that sheep who are eating garden flowers and sleeping beside the highway one day will be driven crazy by the passage of a bike the next day. With the Radium herd it is more likely that you will have to hit them on the nose to get them out of your way.

The article states that 10,000 square meters of land is permanently destroyed by illegal bike trails. Most bike trails are under half a meter in width, and very few of these trails were actually built by mountain bikers.

The vast majority of trails in this area are routes that originated as cow trails, horse trails, and old logging roads. All of these existing trails have been man made, so bikers, hikers and trail runners are all utilizing previously disturbed ground. If mountain biking and other forms of travel in this area miraculously disappear, these trails would naturally regenerate within a very few years.

One of the nicest things about dirt trails is that they really aren’t very permanent. If trail damage is such a permanent problem, how is it possible that horses are allowed throughout the wildlife management area while mountain bikes are contested?

What is mechanized use? Is a parent pushing an infant along the trails in a chariot mechanized? Is cross country skiing mechanized, or snowshoeing and hiking with the assistance of poles mechanized? What about wheelchairs and other adaptive vehicles? If you are going to ban “mechanized” use, it effects a lot more user groups than just mountain bikers.

Are the trails cut into the hillsides within the Dry Gulch Wildlife Management Area a mistake? Yes! Without a well defined plan for biking within the management area, those trail segments should not have been built.

Are the cycling community, CVCS and CVGTA trying to find solutions that satisfy the wildlife objectives of the area while providing conscientious human recreational use?

Continued on page 13 . . .

The Columbia Valley Food Bank Notice of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Columbia Valley Food Bank will be held on Tuesday, June 4th at 10:30 am at the Columbia Valley Food Bank, 201 B, 7th Avenue, Invermere. All members, as well as the general public, are welcome to attend.

Board Nominations Nominations for the 2020/2021 Board of Directors will be accepted, in advance only, by the nominating committee. The deadline for receiving nominations is noon, Tuesday June 2nd, at Family Dynamix.

Please pick up nomination forms at Family Dynamix. You must be a member in good standing in order to be nominated.

Please RSVP in order for us to plan for appropriate safe distancing. Contact us at 250-342-0850.

We’re open!

Agri Park

Open every Wednesday in June, July and August between 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Come and see what’s available from local producers. Food Vendors only at this time because of COVID-19.

We are now Online with LocalLine Check it out! Go to www.wdfi.ca Contact Margaret margifeldmann@gmail.com or call 250-342-1607

PUBLIC NOTICE It has come to the attention of the College of Denturists of British Columbia (CDBC) that

Mr. Donald MacDonald may be providing denture services to people residing in the Invermere area.

Mr. Donald MacDonald is not a registered denturist and must not provide denture services or hold himself out as a denturist.

If you have had denture services provided by Mr. Donald MacDonald, after April 1st, 2017, please contact CDBC at (604) 742-6370 as you may have information that can assist CDBC’s ongoing investigation.

www.cd.bc.ca

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 28, 2020

Talking about diverse abilities Guest editorial by Kate Gibbs, local inclusion and diverse-ability advocate

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is here to help you!

We are making every effort to support our local businesses during this difficult time. Advertise here to let people know that you’re still open.

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For some people, it can be hard to accept a diverse ability as a positive thing or to see people with diverse abilities as success stories, even if we know that they definitely can be. Look at people like Stephen Hawking, Helen Keller and Rick Hansen; they are great examples of diverse ability success stories.

Lots of people – such as seniors who lived in a different time and those who have not spent a lot of time around people who have diverse abilities – may have developed certain stereotypes about us which may or may not be accurate.

Diverse ability is still not really talked about among groups of people, unless one of the people in the group has a diverse ability themselves, or has someone with a diverse ability in their life.

It is not really a topic of discussion in schools. Sometimes teachers give their students a book about diverse ability to read as part of a novel study, but it’s not an everyday conversation in the classroom.

It’s a unique minority, because it’s usually not one that people want to join. People can relate more to their opposite-sex friends, to their friends of a different race, and to those minority groups that have been around longer. No one wants to think that there are chances that a baby’s lungs could collapse at birth. Later, they might have trouble wrapping their brains around the fact that

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Albertan calls for respect

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the baby could grow up to have an incredible life, with some physical challenges.

I do know one thing. The youth of today are AMAZING at advocating for minority groups. They know that a woman should earn as much as a man does for doing the same amount of work. They have just never thought of a woman who cannot walk being able to be successful in the workplace.

A lot of them would be APPALLED to hear their grandparents, or anybody else use the ‘N’ word, but the equivalent word for the diverse ability community – the ‘R’ word: retard – can be a common part of some teens’ conversation. They have learned the history behind these issues, and they know why they are wrong. They have been taught to treat everyone with respect, at least since kindergarten or even preschool. But, when it comes to diverse ability, they do not have an education on some of the issues that we face, or of what we are capable of.

The ignorance they have on diverse ability sometimes, through no fault of their own, can stay with them into adulthood.

The media and TV shows using diverse ability as punch lines, or as the sad parts to the stories, do not help either.

Inclusion of people who have diverse abilities has been a relatively new topic of conversation in the past twenty or so years, and we need to keep it going. Everyone needs to be talking about it, whether diverse ability is a part of their lives or not, and it starts with me!

Dear Editor, We love this valley, we love the people, and we love our good friends that live here. What a great relationship Alberta and B.C. have forged here in this tiny piece of heaven we call the Columbia Valley. Albertans account for 47 per cent of home ownership in Invermere, Windermere and Fairmont combined. And I am one of these home owners. For 18 years we have lived here full and part time; it is our favourite place on earth. And it too is our home.

We, as many other Albertans, support businesses and charities and donated generously to the new westside trail. We have heard some wonderful stories of businesses thanking Albertans during these tough times for our support and helping their businesses stay afloat.

So imagine our utter shock at also hearing about

the common vandalism and nasty letters being left on Albertans’ cars. Keying cars in Invermere business and Swansea parking lots seem to be a popular thing to do by small-minded radicals.

Acts like this hurt everyone.

Albertans have helped build parks, schools and hospitals with their tax dollars. Homeowners consider the valley their home too. Bringing millions of Alberta dollars into this area has helped make it the wonderful place it is. Discrimination, shaming and rejecting good community people will only divide and create animosity.

We are all Canadians; we are all in this together.

Let’s treat each other with respect and have some understanding of the two sides to this coin.

Megan Darling Calgary

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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

Amanda Nason Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102

Dauna Ditson Editor Ext. 106

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

Phone: 250-341-6299 • Toll Free (866) 496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com 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 Pioneermay 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.

Lerissa McLaughlin Sales Representative Ext. 103

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales Ext. 101

May 28, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

COVID-19 may have cancelled the annual Wings Over the Rockies festival, held in the Columbia Valley each year in May, but the birds for which the festival is named and the valley, plentiful with other wildlife, are still here. Enjoy these extraordinary photos here, get out and do your own nature viewing, and take heart that the festival will be back again next year.

Photos by Ross MacDonald (above and top right) and Lyle Grisedale (bottom right)

Wings Over the Rockies encourages nature viewing during pandemic Submitted by Ross MacDonald Every spring a miracle occurs in the Columbia Valley.

As if by magic, birds arrive from distant overwintering locations, bears awaken, and butterflies and bees appear as crocuses burst forth like slow fireworks. Soon bighorn ewes will show off their new lambs and fledglings will be everywhere. Since 1997 the Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival has helped residents and visitors discover the revelatory sensation of witnessing migratory and resident bird activity through expert-led events and presentations.

COVID-19 has forced Wings to take a sabbatical for 2020. Thankfully nature doesn’t take sabbaticals.

Nature-watching is one of the best activities for our well-being. In addition to the benefits of exercise, learn-

ing about wild plants and animals is a rewarding and inexpensive lifelong hobby. All you need to get started are your eyes and ears augmented by binoculars, a guidebook and hiking shoes. As you gain identification skills consider helping science in the annual spring and Christmas bird counts. On May 9, 145 bird species were documented.

The Columbia Valley is one of the best places in the world to see nature. It is full of accessible habitats, such as waterways, grasslands or forests. Birds are also in our yards and neighbourhoods.

Three local photographers and Wings supporters offer these nature viewing tips: •“Don’t crowd wildlife; if an animal is changing its behaviour you are too close,” Pat Morrow advises.

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Fairmont Plaza, 5 5019 Fairmont Resort Rd. 11 am – 5 pm • 250-345-6807

•“Let them come to you,” says John Niddrie who anticipated an osprey soaring along the Hoodoos escarpment to get his close up photo (see cover).

•Ross MacDonald used his vehicle as a blind to photograph bighorn sheep above the wetlands. “Be aware of your surroundings, especially when you are using binoculars or a camera. It’s easy to trip, or trample a rare plant, or drive a bird from its nest, only to have predators claim the eggs soon after you’ve walked on.”

Planning has already begun for the 2021 Wings festival but in the meantime take some time to recharge in our remarkable nature. Wings has created a free Bird Checklist, with a map of birding hotspots, downloadable from www.wingsovertherockies.org using the Birds and Environment link.

Happy 90th Birthday

Phyllis Jackson Love and best wishes to our mom, grandma and great-grandma.

Under the current circumstances this is not how we planned to celebrate the occasion, but we are sending hearts full of love.

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 28, 2020

101-year old man targets 101-block fundraising walk for food bank

By Breanne Massey Special to the Pioneer A centenarian in Invermere has embarked on a new adventure to raise money for the Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB).

Jim Ashworth, who served in World War II under the Royal Canadian Air Force, is walking four blocks each day from home to the Columbia Valley gardens near the hospital, and back home again until he reaches 101 blocks — a number Jim Ashworth.

Photos submitted that matches his current age.

“He was inspired by two other fellas who had won the Burma Star,” explained Lawrie Mack, CVFB chair. “We’re targeting $1,000 for each block, so that we hopefully end up with $101,000 for the food bank. He’s also 101 years old, so that’s the link to our goal.”

Ashworth is one of the oldest surviving holders of the Burma Star military campaign medal which was presented to those who served in operations during the Burma Campaign as air force, army or navy representatives.

When Ashworth began evaluating the apt causes for the initiative, he reached out to Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok for guidance. Clovechok collaborated with his friends Ashworth and Mack to help spin up the fundraiser initiative for the food bank when Ashworth first reached out to him with the idea and has been joining Ashworth on some of the morning walks.

“It’s incredibly impressive what he’s doing, and it’s a struggle to keep up with him,” said Clovechok after participating in the walk on Friday, May 22. “He’s just an amazing person … and I think he’s selected an amazing nonprofit to support.”

Given that two other Burma Star military campaign medal holders are still contributing to their communities in a positive way, Ashworth felt inspired to ante up.

Captain Tom Moore has raised millions of pounds in England for National Health

and walked 100 laps as part of a fundraiser. The Queen officially knighted Moore for his walking fundraiser on May 19, which garnered a total of £32M after Prime Minister Boris Johnson nominated Captain Moore for the special nomination.

In addition, war veteran and medal holder John Hillman has been walking five laps a day in a Victoria-based nursing home to raise $101,000 for Save the Children.

“Jim picked the number we’re fundraising for and I think he based it on John Hillman’s age, who walked the laps in the nursing home in Victoria,” explained Mack. “I believe he’s also 101.”

Mack said the fundraising walks are scheduled to end July 5, but wasn’t sure when Ashworth would reach his goal of walking 101 blocks in the Columbia Valley community this summer.

“But he may just keep walking after he does as a sort of Forrest Gump moment,” he said.

To donate to Ashworth’s cause, please visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/columbia-valley-food-bank/campaign/Jim-Ashworth-Walk/ To learn more about Ashworth’s life, Mack encourages the community to pick-up a copy of My Favourite Veterans written by local author Elinor Florence which dedicates a chapter to telling his story at https://www.elinorflorence.com/

Jim Ashworth leads a physically-distant walk.

INVERMERE BARBERS NOW OPEN! Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Rules and regulations posted on the door.

Please bring your own mask and wash your hair before coming to the shop.

Here are some of our safety measure

OPEN WEEKENDS 11-5

GELATO

ur

Stol

en

ch

PROUDLY SERVING

Ch

-Doors pinned open so no touch needed -Plexiglass partition in clubhouse -Limited people in clubhouse -Clubs & balls sanitized after each use -Shallow cups to limit touch -Go-karts cleaned with sanitizer after use -Extensive staff safety training -Lots of space to physically distance

For enquiries call

MIKE 250-409-4348 507 B 7th Avenue, Invermere (beside the laundromat)

May 28, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Columbia Valley

C VID-19 UPDATE

Hospital chief of staff provides guidance on COVID-19 and the Columbia Valley as we open up Submitted by Dr. Gareth Mannheimer, chief of staff of Invermere and District Hospital, and a family physician Thank you to everyone for your efforts to minimize the impact of COVID-19. We did our part to flatten the curve. Our community members who contracted the virus are thankfully doing well in their recovery. It has been an incredible four months. As we move into recovery mode, we know the cost to you and your family has been high, both in terms of personal sacrifice and economic impact. We are in the next stage of this battle, fully committed to working to minimize the ongoing effect of COVID-19, both medically and economically.

Restrictions are being lifted. As a consequence, our priority is shifting to disease prevention, averting a second wave, improving virus detection and minimizing the impact of disease. These priorities will always be better than the most effective treatment.

You and COVID-19 COVID-19 has proven unpredictable and inconsistent. It is still here and is not going away any time soon. While most patients recover quickly, others get very sick and can die – and we still don’t fully understand why. There is no effective vaccine yet.

Managing risk is foremost.

The coronavirus needs you to survive. It can last a number of hours in the air and often longer on surfaces. If it cannot infect you as its host, it dies. If it does infect you, your immune system will usually kill it and learn to identify it more quickly in the future. This is what we want! No one is invulnerable but we’ve seen that older adults and patients with underlying chronic conditions are at increased risk for severe illness or death.

The risk of contracting coronavirus appears to depend on the degree and length of exposure. This is why minimizing large groups, particularly indoors, and maintaining physical distancing is so important. For example, without physical distancing, a five to 10 minute conversation with someone who has the virus is all it takes to get infected.

This virus can be very efficient if it gets a good start. As we start to move around our community more freely and are in contact with more people in more places more regularly, the risks to ourselves, those close to us and our community are higher.

Key takeaways •

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•

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Develop a plan to stay healthy and do all you can to not get the virus. Develop health-promoting behaviours. Eat a healthy balanced diet, exercise, stay in contact with friends, and try to get a good night’s sleep. Being healthy will help to minimize the effect of COVID-19 should you catch it. If you do not feel well, for any reason, call us at the clinic for advice.

Make physical distancing an integral part of your plan going forward particularly if your interactions are going to last more than a few minutes. Encourage the same physical distancing standards for your family and others close to you.

Use the two-meter rule to guide your actions.

Make planning part of your daily life. Use planning to outline how you are going to socially distance and physically distance when you go out or have people over. Try and stay outdoors when you can.

If you come across a situation where you cannot safely socially and physically distance, make conscious choices. Consider delaying going, not going or returning later and consider wearing a cloth face mask.

To mask or not mask? A cloth face mask will not prevent you getting the virus but it can help. More importantly, it will help to protect others from you if you happen to be infected, with or without symptoms. Use cloth face masks properly. Put others first. Watch this video if you have questions: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=yLuEwwGhBxI Remember to wash your hands often. Clean surfaces at home often. If you are going to stores or businesses, use hand sanitizer going in and out and try to not touch surfaces.

Be patient with other members of our community. Not everybody feels the same way about how to approach this situation and many are still just trying to process it.

Our valley and COVID-19 How many people in the Columbia Valley have had COVID-19? Fact is we don’t really know. We do know that some who were tested did test positive for the virus.

Estimates of the number of unreported cases vary widely. And, we won’t know until we have broad antibody testing across our population that will show us definitively who had COVID-19, who has immunity and the strength of their immunity.

Based on the history of pandemics and reports by various research and policy agencies we suspect we may see recurrent waves of COVID-19 in the coming months.

These second waves will still prove challenging for us particularly in smaller and less resourced settings. Work is underway to plan strategies to minimize any future effects of COVID-19 on our community, while trying to find strategies that will balance our desire to live life and conduct business in the ever-present company of this new and still poorly understood health risk.

COVID-19 is a serious disease that can spread rapidly once it gets a small foothold.

That is why your health professionals constantly ask you to do all you can to stop the spread.

One of our challenges is that this virus is novel and as a community we have insufficient personal or community immunity built up to prevent an outbreak. Some call this herd immunity.

Herd immunity is reached when 70-90 per cent of the community become immune, either because we have been infected and recovered, or through a vaccine. When that happens, the virus is less likely to spread to people who aren’t immune because there just aren’t enough infectious carriers spreading it. It is extremely unlikely that the Columbia Valley is anywhere near 70-90 per cent. B.C. has now approved an antibody test, which means we will be able to test to see who has had coronavirus, but there are no plans yet to test everyone. I suspect that our communities did such a good job of limiting the initial spread that our current immunity rates from infection will be low. A vaccine will get us to herd immunity faster, but we do not have one yet. At best, a safe, effective and approved vaccine is six to eight months away.

We have other challenges. Residents of the Columbia Valley often travel both to go to the bigger communities to shop and to visit in the summer. This poses the risk of being exposed to the virus and bringing it back home. The population of the valley also grows from about 10,000 to 30,000 in the summer. We value the support that these visitors and second home owners give to our local economy. They could, unwillingly and unknowingly, transport this virus with them. Both these challenges could result in people being infected here. The recommendations from federal and provincial governments is to limit non-essential travel, this being one of the main reasons why.

So, what do we do as a community?

Protecting ourselves and others takes work and discipline.

Be vigilant. Observe what is happening around you. Make every effort not to get infected or infect others. Are the stores, beaches, events etc. crowded enough to make it difficult to maintain two meter distances? When physical distance is not possible, are people wearing non-medical cloth face coverings? Is everyone going in and out of stores sanitizing their hands? If not consider your next actions and the impact they may have on you, your family and others.

Studies of COVID-19 outbreaks show that the most infectious events were indoors, with people doing lots of talking, singing or yelling. Sources for infection can be anywhere. As our community opens back up, and we start to venture out more and have more visitors, we need to review our environments and make considered judgments. For example, how many people are there, how much airflow is around me, and how long will I be in this environment? Remember it’s a “dose and time” equation that adds up for possible infection.

Key takeaways •

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Use common sense to apply, develop, adhere and remain vigilant in adopting and living each day as if COVID-19 is still active in our community – because it is! An outbreak anywhere can fast become an outbreak everywhere.

Maintain social and physical distancing. It’s important.

Continued on page 10 . . .

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Columbia Valley

May 28, 2020

C VID-19 UPDATE

‘Guidance’ continued from page 9 . . .

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Wash/sanitize your hands whenever possible including when at work.

Continuously sanitize surfaces that could harbour the virus. If staff require constant, prolonged and close contact with people, consider recommending they wear masks and eye protection. Ask customers to limit what they touch and to consider wearing a cloth face covering.

More people are out. Use the two-meter rules to guide your actions. If this is not possible in a public or business environment, then limit the number of people.

Clean hands and surfaces. If you are responsible for a public space or business, ask all who enter to sanitize hands in and out each and every time they enter and exit regardless. Look at COVID-19 as an opportunity to provide better service and a better experience. From what I have seen in the community, local businesses are doing a great job with their COVID-19 safety plans. For example businesses can: • make hand sanitizing at store entry easy and accessible; • if you have a large store with more traffic consider having a greeter to welcome people and direct them to what they need to get; • consider one-way aisles to encourage physical distancing if possible; • have staff wear masks to show you care, and consider use of a barrier to protect cashiers; • sanitize checkout counters after each customer and clean cart handles and baskets.

We can all find ways to improve!

A COVID-19 outbreak and our response We aren’t out of the woods. People can and do get sick during a pandemic. If you are not feeling well contact us immediately. Even if you have very mild symptoms do not wait! Watch for the following symptoms.

Most common: • fever • dry cough • tiredness Serious symptoms: • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • chest pain or pressure • loss of speech or movement

Less common symptoms: • aches and pains • sore throat • diarrhoea • conjunctivitis • headache • loss of taste or smell • a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Once you contact us we will assess your symptoms, test you if we suspect you have COVID-19, make appropriate recommendations on care and treatment, confirm your test results with you, and follow-up to check your progress.

We will work with you to determine where you may have caught the virus and who you may have exposed to it. We will investigate to see if others may have been exposed to the virus at the same place(s) you were and will put measures in place to stop the spread. We will ask those you have been in contact with to monitor themselves for symptoms, to take all precautions to prevent spread and to contact us immediately should they have symptoms.

We have nine physicians in the community who are supported by a strong team of Interior Health Region professionals. We have an eight-bed hospital and a wellequipped emergency room. We are linked to more advanced care professionals and facilities should you need it.

•

Key takeaway Call us immediately if you have any symptoms!

• Invermere Medical Clinic (250) 342-9206 • Chisel Peak Clinic (250) 341-6900 • Invermere and District Hospital (250) 342-9201

The news about COVID-19 and its impact on our lives has been unrelenting and at times it has been hard to cope with the stress, anxiety and other feelings that have surfaced during this period of social distancing. As a community, we have risen to a unique challenge. Our doctors, nurses and all our health care workers and those supporting those on the front lines continue to deliver first class care and caring to this community. They truly deserve our thanks and support. They remain at the ready. Their dedication is a true inspiration and I’m proud to be part of this team.

Stay vigilant. Stay safe.

Salon owner prepares to fix pandemic haircuts

By Breanne Massey Special to the Pioneer After 19 years experience as a hairstylist and several years as the owner of Shear Edge Hair Studio, Dayna Dearin’s career is getting a makeover to accommodate guidelines for reopening from the Ministry of Health and WorkSafe BC after the first phase of the COVID-19 crisis.

The fourth generation Invermerian has busily been planning, cleaning, reorganizing, stocking supplies, rescheduling appointments and crunching the numbers to target a return on investment (ROI) to successfully reopen Shear Edge Hair Salon this Wednesday, June 3 pending no changes to the provincial health order for personal services.

“I’ve had people messaging me since the day after I shut down (for the pandemic) to book, asking when we might be able to reopen and asking how to maintain different hairstyles without appointments,” she said, indicating the reopening date will remain intact as long as the numbers for the COVID-19 pandemic don’t increase.

While the provincial health minister, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has recently indicated that the risk of transmission is still a concern, the decision to allow personal services to reopen was recently announced but will continuously be monitored throughout B.C..

According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s May 19 daily report about the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 2,446 total number of cases reported in the epidemiological profile. However, Dearin remains confident that the safety precautions and cleaning measures that are expected from stylists should help to mitigate the risk for potential clients.

“I haven’t been really worried about the germs essentially in the shop,” she explained. “In this industry, we have to have lots of cleaning products in place to use after every client anyways. It’s more about having enough masks and following the new rules, and it was difficult getting masks and gloves because, for a while, they were all sold out.”

But sourcing some hair style products from the United States of America has become challenging for salons.

In order to open the salon on a part-time basis while being a parent, she’s created a schedule that allows three family members to assist with childcare during the reopening of personal service establishments throughout the province.

“Because our daycares are not open, which I fully understand and support, and my family is still working, I needed to schedule my hours so we had some help,” explained Dearin, adding her sister and mother-in-law were both pitching in regularly.

Dearin added the biggest concern with reopening Shear Edge Hair Studio is trying to create projections about if reducing the number of clients to support social distancing efforts and taking the proper precautions to clean between clients will provide a high enough ROI to cover the cost of supplies, childcare and disposable safety garb for clients. Some of the legwork being done to reopen the storefront includes: ordering products and shipping to her residential address, reorganizing the space to remove soft surfaces such as furniture and spacing out salon chairs, posting signage about safety precautions and making hand sanitizer accessible throughout her small business. But the logistics of reopening will be a test of patience for clients too.

“It’s not just about reopening,” she said. “I’m usually booked two to three months in advance, so when we (were) closed for two months, that’s two months of existing appointments to reschedule on top of new requests.” Those who had appointments that were cancelled due to the pandemic will be prioritized based on need, along with that of regular clients, on an individual basis while “high fashion” styles such as ombre hair colours will be temporarily postponed.

She added there’s hope for anyone who may have fallen victim to the elusive pandemic haircut with a trip to the salon. “Since I’m the only stylist there, I have a high volume of clients, so most of them are used to calling in advance,” she said, noting the process to book will now include standard COVID-19 pre-screening interviews as well as a discussion about safety measures that are in place at her shop going forward.

Walk-in appointments will no longer be accepted, and clients are encouraged to come to their appointment alone unless there’s special circumstances such as a child attending with a parent or elderly individuals who suffer from mobility issues may bring their caretaker or spouse.

Dearin plans to accept debit, credit cards and cash for payments at appointments, but would prefer if clients could use cards at their appointments to reduce the risk of transmission as some of her family members would be considered vulnerable to contracting the novel coronavirus if exposed.

May 28, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Columbia Valley

C VID-19 UPDATE

Radium not to go ahead of other communities in reopening playgrounds

By Breanne Massey Special to the Pioneer At the Village of Radium Hot Springs’ regular May 20 council meeting, delegates unanimously agreed to keep their playgrounds closed until further notice to mitigate the potential risk of community transmission for COVID-19 after providing some thoughtful discourse on the issues at hand.

“ It’s virtually impossible to get children to socially distance.”

Mark Read, chief administrative officer, Village of Radium Hot Springs

While the elected community representatives calmly discussed if it would be possible to reopen playgrounds with “extreme caution” to help mitigate the risk of mental health issues and the overall social and emotional well-being of residents in Radium Hot Springs, council unanimously agreed to table the decision until the proposed reopening could be discussed with the East Kootenay region to ensure there’s a collaborative approach that has alignment throughout the region to successfully adhere to provincial guidelines.

“It’s virtually impossible to get children to socially distance … the younger the kids are, the harder it is to enforce, so what I took away from the (Municipal Insurance Association of BC (MIABC)) conference was that we need to mitigate the risk of transmission and essentially consider having staff on-site to disinfect playgrounds during

the open hours,” explained Mark Read, chief administrative officer at the Village of Radium Hot Springs, while raising concerns about the village’s potential liability risks.

Councillor Todd Logan added there’s likely not enough “man-power” to successfully support this initiative for the community and shied away from being the pioneers in reopening playgrounds for the time being.

Councillor Tyler McCauley queried if it would be possible to engage Invermere and District Hospital’s chief of staff, Dr. Gareth Mannheimer, to provide input on the COVID-19 pandemic, or to ask if he could help inform the municipality in the event a second wave of COVID-19 cases was identified, but mayor Clara Reinhardt voiced skepticism that it would likely not be possible or reasonable to request Dr. Mannheimer to do this based on the fact that the Interior Health Authority (IHA) has not been “forthcoming” with statistics and where active cases are located.

In addition, mayor Reinhardt posed council with the question about parents and guardians who would be at the playground to supervise children in the event it reopened, countering that cautiously reopening could help to curb mental health issues over the long term. However, Read added it might be wise to monitor the evolving situation. He suggested the council could learn more about which surrounding communities plan to reopen and what measures are being put in place so that a coordinated effort could be applied to reopening the amenities in Radium.

In addition, Read cautioned the council that legal advisors from the MIABC conference advocated for council-approved policies to be put in place in addition to protocols for reopening at the regional level with “highly collaborative language” for continuity.

Councillor Mike Gray agreed with Read that it was best not to be the trail blazers in this effort and to plan for a strategic approach that can be coordinated from a regional perspective.

The decision to monitor the situation and proceed with caution as a subregion of the East Kootenay was unanimously carried by council.

A BIG THANK YOU! To the more than 200 valley residents, non-residents and businesses who helped make and distribute cloth masks for free or donation in the past two months, we wish to say THANK YOU!

Did you know that June 1-8th is

You stepped up to produce and distribute more than 3,000 cloth masks at a time when none were available.

SENIORS WEEK

You saw the need for the general public to use masks before it was officially recognized by our public officials.

You raised awareness amongst our valley residents early on in this pandemic.

You were an instrumental part of our valley’s success in combatting COVID-19. And because of your early initiative, we have one of the lowest infection rates to date in Canada.

You have also made it possible for thousands of people to now protect others and themselves as we go forward opening up our valley’s economy.

Resource, Development & Advocacy

Seniors are a vital part of all of our communities in the Columbia Valley so reach out and help to keep them feeling connected.

If you would like to help a senior call the Columbia Valley Better at Home program through Family Dynamix at 250-342-1110 or 250-342-5566.

In celebration we are kicking off a new on-line Catch-up Café for Seniors, being held weekly for one hour on Wednesdays at 10:30 am, starting June 3.

If you need assistance to join or wish the link (see below) emailed to you, please call Wendy at 250-342-5566 before that date. We will meet and greet, and occasionally have special guests to answer questions.

Help to remind our seniors that we care and that they matter!

Link for Zoom Seniors On-line Catch-up Café Weekly

Thanks to you, we now have a tool to protect others and ourselves when social distancing is not possible.

Thanks to you, we have a tool that is durable, washable, re-usable and environmentally friendly.

Again, our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your hard work and kindness to all the folks who call the Columbia Valley “home.”

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwocuCpqD8iH9w14hWW9nr9bGahqxKR0LH1/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgqz4jG9KRuByPRpw-GY_ 4XevwpilHgvpKzUvtNBcKbBGvNMVDOqNnO-qA

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88559164858?pwd= eEtUSUsvcGpLdVdYWm5UT2IxVzBoZz09

Meeting ID: 885 5916 4858 • Password: 354446 Meeting ID: 885 5916 4858 • Password: 354446

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Columbia Valley

May 28, 2020

C VID-19 UPDATE

Helping our community during COVID-19: a high school student’s perspective

By Jambo Paagman In some way, everyone in our valley, and around the world, has been affected during these past two months by COVID-19. However, throughout these trying times, I have found that our community has come together, and we are all trying to support one another. The Columbia Valley Community Meal Program is one example and it is supporting locals twice a week by providing nutritious meals. Each meal that is prepared looks delicious, as the chefs put in a lot of their time and effort to provide wholesome food for the people of our valley. Volunteers Volunteering with the community meal program. and representatives Photos submitted from the Columbia Valley Food Bank, Family Dynamix, the Metis Chartered Community, the Shuswap Indian Band and the Akisqnuk First Nation have come together to help package and deliver the meals. As a teenager growing up in a small town like Invermere, I have had the privilege of experiencing the selflessness of locals. Whenever there is a problem in our valley, our community residents are quick to always be giving and to help others.

However, for the past two months, the people in this town have been even more generous and kinder in many different ways. The Columbia Valley Community Meal Program is one example.

I became interested in volunteering when my dad asked me if I wanted to help. I thought that it would be a great way to support our community. It also seemed like an appealing idea for me because at that moment, school had barely started online so I found myself with a lot of extra free time. My entire family decided to participate in this program to show our support for others: my dad, Gerard, my mom, Caio and my brother, Bemnet.

Volunteering has become the highlight of my week as it allows me to interact with amazing people.

Volunteering has been uplifting to us because we know that as a family, we are helping other families. Even though we do this with the whole family, we split up the days. This makes it more interesting for each of us because we enjoy telling one another about our day of volunteering.

During this experience, I have found that we have also bonded more as a family while doing this, as we have all had an opportunity to learn something new together. Throughout the past six weeks, we have helped each other to gain more understanding of how it all works. Learning something new together has strengthened our relationship and taught us more about one another.

Through the Columbia Valley Community Meal Program, I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people, all of whom wish to help other locals. As I have interacted with the other volunteers of this program, it has become clear to me just how kind-hearted and loving each helper is. Getting to know the different volunteers has been a highlight of my experience. Every single person that I have had the opportunity to meet has been extremely kind and very hardworking. I have been lucky to meet new people and to learn a little bit about them. I have found out that this is not the first time many of the volunteers have done things for our community. Many of them already volunteer to support others in our valley. Learning this has opened my eyes to see just how much our locals help each other. I know that this experience has had an impact on my future, as I am now sure that I will volunteer more often.

As a high school student, I was intrigued to participate in the Columbia Valley Community Meal Program because I have become more aware of the importance of supporting each other, especially during hard times such as this pandemic. All my teachers have been essential role models for me during this time as they have been continuously reminding me of the importance of looking after one another and, therefore, have given me a reason to want to help. I have also found that by volunteering for the Columbia Valley Community Meal Program, I have learned a lot about things that I would otherwise not have learned at school, especially because I am spending more time with adults who I would have never otherwise met. I have enjoyed volunteering because it has given me a sense of routine, something that I know a lot of people are struggling with now. I found it hard, especially at the beginning of the pandemic.

Volunteering has been an all-around beneficial experience for me, and I would absolutely recommend it to everyone in high school as it is a good way to make a positive change for our community.

May 28, 2020 . . . ‘Response’ from page 5 Yes. With the Old Coach Road multi-use trail already wildly popular, and all forms of outdoor activities growing in the region, there have to be reasonable solutions to preserve wildlife values while accommodating human recreation in an area sandwiched between two busy tourist towns. Before radical, knee-jerk reaction decisions are made about the future uses of the land between Radium and the Shuswap band lands we should let the Columbia Valley Recreation Access Management Plan complete its process and see how everything fits together within the plan.

If saving the bighorn sheep means closing the Dry Gulch Wildlife Management Area to human traffic then so be it, I’m all for it: Close it for ALL recreational use. But to target one user group as the root of all evil is simply prejudicial and destructive.

Organized mountain biking in this valley has worked too hard with many other agencies to stand by and let outdated and biased views destroy our countless hours of work.

I’m uncertain of what qualifications are required in determining that mountain bikers are an evil “cult” working in a state of total denial, only open to our own opinions.

In the development of the Mar-

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13 kin-McPhail Westside Legacy Trail, the CVGTA has liaised with numerous landowners, multiple levels of government, other agencies, sponsors, donors, contractors, companies, and individuals to complete a spectacular public trail.

CVCS has completed world class trail networks throughout the region, with Mt. Swansea, the Johnson and Kloosifier trail networks serving both locals and valley visitors alike. Two adaptive mountain bike trail projects have been completed in the past year, allowing all people to enjoy the sport.

Is the Columbia Valley biking community a close minded cult living in denial? I DON’T THINK SO! We’re all working hard making life in the valley a little bit better, wildlife included.

The low blow at the credibility of all mountain bikers in the Columbia Valley has done no good.

Whether you are a fan of mountain biking or not, we have to continue to work together in an organized coordinated effort to preserve our precious wildlife, while respecting people’s civic rights to the sustainable use of public lands.

We’re all in this together, so let’s start acting that way. I invite the writer to come to our CVGTA meetings to see how decisions are made regarding trails in the Columbia Valley.

INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION Think. Do. Design.

Measure.

Build.

Become.

PROGRAM OFFERED IN CRANBROOK, FERNIE, AND INVERMERE Are you looking for an entry level position with a construction company?

15

STARTS JUNE 15

College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, Invermere, and Fernie is offering an Introduction to Construction program that includes the following:

17 WEEK PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• 12 weeks of construction training designed

• Four week job placement

• 12 weeks of training

by practitioners

• One week follow up support and direct connection to industry partners

• 12 safety certificates • Four week job placement with a local construction company You may be eligible to receive full funding for this program. Contact your local WorkBC office for more information.

For more information, please call the College of the Rockies campus nearest you.

Congratulate

the grads of 2020

• EI eligibility • Currently unemployed or working fewer than 20 hours per week • High level of commitment and a keen interest in pursuing full time work in the construction sector

• Cranbrook Campus | 250-489-8242 • Fernie Campus | 250-423-4691 • Invermere Campus | 250-342-3210

CO LU M B I A VA L L E Y P I O N E E R F E AT U R E P U B L I C AT I O N

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA INCLUDES:

• Legally eligible to work in BC

Congratulate our grads for their achievements and to wish them luck on their future endeavors.

For more information contact Amanda Murray at 250-341-6299, ext. 101 or e-mail amanda@columbiavalleypioneer.com

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 28, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SERVICES

SERVICES

HANG IN THERE COLUMBIA VALLEY!

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

North American Warranty

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

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Your Chamber is here to support you during this challenging time. Stay up to date with reliable, local information by visiting

www.cvchamber.ca

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOIN YOUR CHAMBER AND REAP THE REWARDS! P. 250-342-2844 E. membership@cvchamber.com

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

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

WETT Certified

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

SERVICES

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

• Patches • Driveways • Crack Sealing • Parking Lots • Roads • And more!

• • • •

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

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

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

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

Kootenay Paving

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

Patryk Jagiello

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHIMNEY SWEEPS LTD. 804 Almberg Road, Golden, BC V0A 1H2 CELL: 250.272.5599 OFFICE: 250.344.7323 todd@rockymountainchimneysweeps.com rockymountainchimneysweeps.com

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

Locally operated, with full-time staff to serve you better.

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

(250) 270-0345 in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

1756 Hwy 93/95, Windermere, B.C. V0B 2L2 Phone: 250-342-6500 • Fax: 250-342-3484

Fully Insured & WCB Covered

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

FREE ESTIMATES

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

You name it!

I’ll take care of it!

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP for all home maintenance from raking your lawn to renovating your entire house.

• Pruning and Removal of ALL Trees and Shrubs • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered

OVER

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Keep your local businesses alive.

Get your tree services right here in Invermere!

Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791

Professional • Lawn Maintenance Serving the Valley for over 20 years!

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

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

Commercial

Resdential

East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations Available 24/7 Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

Everett Frater Enterprises Cell: 250-342-5645 • efrater@telus.net

eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374

May 28, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HERE TO SERVE YOU PHARMACIES

SERVICES

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

LANDSCAPING

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

Come in and browse our giftware

• 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

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

2016

Landscaping & Design • Trucking • Excavating •T • • Civil Earthworks

•

Your Compounding Pharmacy

Quality not quantity

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

Sue Coy

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

Lloyd Wilder

250-341-5353 sdcoy@shaw.ca

250-342-6612

LANDSCAPING

250-342-5326 www.decoylandscaping.com lewilder@shaw.ca

INSURANCE

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA

R O O T E D I N T H E C O L U M B I A VA L L E Y S I N C E 2 0 0 7

CONTRACTING

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

CONTRACTING

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

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

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

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

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

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

A licensed, registered and bonded company

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

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

Here to Serve You Advertising 250-341-6299

CONCRETE

kekulibaycabinetry.com

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

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

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting 25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving the Columbia Valley for over 40 years.

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098 Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

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

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

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

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 28, 2020

RDEK WATERING SYSTEM WATERING HOURS WINDERMERE, HOLLAND CREEK, EDGEWATER, SPUR VALLEY & EAST SIDE LAKE WINDERMERE 2020 WATERING TIMES. The RDEK’s Columbia Valley Water Systems have set outdoor watering schedules. Having set watering hours controls costs, conserves water and creates balance in the system demand. These watering hours are in place for the benefit of your community.

Thank you for abiding by them.

WATERING TIMES

Manual Sprinklers

6 – 10 AM

WATERING DAYS

&

Automatic Sprinklers

7 –11 PM

3 –8 AM

EVEN NUMBER ADDRESSES Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays ODD NUMBER ADDRESSES Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays NO WATERING ON FRIDAYS (to allow the system to replenish for weekend demand) The Regional District of East Kootenay is looking for Quotes on the following: 1. A 53ft monthly trailer rental at the Columbia Valley Landfill for the recycling of mattresses and delivery to recycling facility in Calgary BC. 2. A 53ft monthly trailer rental at the Cranbrook Transfer Station for the recycling of mattresses and delivery to recycling facility in Calgary BC. Quote and additional questions can be submitted to:

REQUEST FOR QUOTE Hauling for Matress Recycling

Jim Penson Solid Waste Superintendent | Environmental Services – Regional District of East Kootenay jpenson@rdek.bc.ca

1-888-478-7335 | www.rdek.bc.ca

HERE TO SERVE YOU CARPET CLEANING

CONCRETE

Columbia Concrete Inc.

Can this be recycled?

20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

Serving the Columbia Valley

250-688-3739 I N

P U R S U I T

• 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

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

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

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C. Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

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

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

Check the BC RECYCLEPEDIA www.rcbc.ca RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER

Your Local Professionals

O F

EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete

SERVICES

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

JanK limeK 250.342.1195 janklimek@shaw.ca JanKlimek.ca

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

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

May 28, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

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

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

COMMERCIAL SPACE

FIREWOOD

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. Due to COVID-19 and the need to slow the spread of the virus, all the AA rooms in will be closed until further notice. We have created other alternatives for meetings using “Zoom” at 7 p.m. every evening except for Monday’s.

Please call 250-342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-342-8255.

Cheers to BJ’s Trucking for donating and delivering 5 yds of native soil to our project at Mt. Nelson Community Garden. Also, a big Cheers for the other volunteers who are making this project take flight.

Cheers to honest people and Sobeys for hanging onto my forgotten cash. Jeers to me for having a brain fart at the selfcheckout.

864 sq. ft. Shop space in the Industrial Park. Electrical included, $700/mo. 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.

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

Social Distancing in effect Yard Sale. 1236 10th St. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday May 30th.

S OBITUARY S Bergen, Michele Marie Jeanette March 19, 1956 April 25, 2020 It is with great sadness in our hearts that on April 25, 2020 Michele Bergen (nee Bellanger) loving spouse, mother, sister and friend passed away at home in Fairmont, BC at the age of 64.

Michele was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. At 8 years of age she moved to the Okanagan with her family. She attended various schools within Kelowna and Penticton completing her formal education in Penticton, BC. It is in Penticton that she met Will Sr. The two moved to Fort St. John where their son Will was born in 1977. Michele lived and worked in the north for a number of years working as a cook in various camps and hotels. This is where her amazing skill and joy of cooking began. Her ‘northern family’ were one of her most precious gifts of her time there.

She moved to the Columbia Valley in 1989 and settled into what was to become her forever home. It was here that her two daughters, Nikola and Ashley, came into her life. They were a joy to her beyond her wildest dreams. She was the girl’s “Momma Mitch”.

She taught unconditional love and always encouraged them to “come home” to the Valley. She was an earth angel to them and many.

Michele was outgoing, loving, kind and was first to always offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Her words were truthful and honest and always coming from the heart. She had a great sense of humour and laughter was contagious. In August 2009 Michele married Al, her best friend, and love of her life. Together they created a second home in Costa Rica in what Michele frequently called her Happy Place. She loved children, animals, motorcycle rides and the great outdoors but mostly she loved people. She will always be remembered for her sweet smile, generous heart and loving nature.

Michele was predeceased by her parents Maurice Bellanger and mother Andree Bellanger (Marcoux) and her son Will Cahoon Jr. She is survived by her spouse Alan Bergen, daughters Nikola and Ashley (Mira granddaughter) sisters Joanne Bellanger (Greg) and Denise Chernoff (Ed), brother Jack Bellanger (Donna), sisters in law Becky (Bob) Lorna (Dave) Beverly, Sheila and a multitude of nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews and countless, MANY, MANY friends.

Celebrations of Michele’s life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley at hospicesocietycv.com

Big Cheers to The Old Salzburg sign in Radium. It literally brought tears to my eyes. Much appreciation for being so kind.

CHEERS to Triple J Window Cleaning for your generosity of keeping the Fairmont Lions Community Den’s windows sparkling clean.

Cheers to the stores that have re-opened. Many of us have to work and we depend on you for the goods and services we need to do that.

Cheers to the workers at Ivy House that were so kind and comforting to us as we spent our final hours with our dear Auntie Betty.

Cheers to Alita and her team at Inspire Floral Boutique. The staff is friendly and always willing to help find that special gift. The hand tied bouquets are something I look forward to every week. Cheers for being a ray of sunshine during these challenging times.

Jeers to the mountain bikers who violate private property with their rogue biking trails. You are trespassing; it’s not your land to destroy. Those unsanctioned, illegal trails disturb wildlife, rip off the top soil, and destroy the moss, the ferns and flowers. It’ll be decades before the scarred trails regenerate. There are plenty of legal public trails to ride; stay off of private land.

Cheers to Family Dynamix for publishing the “Keeping busy with little ones” article each week. Great ideas for family fun.

Weekly Featured Listing LIS NEW TIN G

GARAGE SALES

Big Cheers for Todd, Aidan and Liam at Pizzeria Mercato for providing delicious pizza and beverages for all the volunteers that participated in the Hidden Bay Marina and Beach cleanup.

A heartfelt Cheers to the Radium Fire Dept. for going above and beyond to make my birthday a special one. Much appreciated, it meant a lot! You’re the best!

3 bedroom/3 bath and garage Views, location, yard…

PERFECTION… LIKE NEW!

$369,000! #1 137 11th Ave. Invermere • MLS: 2452010 (Brokerage ~ Rockies West Realty)

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

SUITE FOR RENT Renovated large, bright, 2-bdrm basement suite in downtown Invermere. Private entrance and enclosed patio, five appliances, N/S, N/P, $1,000/mo + utilities.

1 year lease. Call 403-874-0483.

CONDO FOR RENT Radium The Peaks Complex, Birch. Loft unit 1450 sq ft. living, dining, 2-bdrm, 3-washrooms.

Kitchen with all appliances + microwave/dishwasher. Laundry room with washer/dryer.

Propane fireplace, heating, A/C, blinds. One parking space/ storage in the U/G parkade.

Facility has an outdoor pool, hot tub and indoor hot tub. 2 balconies, 270 degrees of views.

No pets, No smoking. Equifax report and references required.

Call Jeff Owen 403-660-2120. $1,375/mo, utilities included.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

LOST AND FOUND LOST: Samsung cell phone with black case and clear front. Went missing April 30th. Please call 250-342-9822 if found.

BARRY BROWN-JOHN Managing Broker

FOUND: Cell phone with black case. Call to describe 250-3423178.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

BOATS FOR SALE

“Rocky Mountain Land Man”

250-342-5245 b.brownjohn@gmail.com WANTED Wanted a boat slip in Windermere. Call 250-342-2846 or 403-560-4942.

2001 Searay 19ft Signature Model 5.0 Litre Engine, 365 hours, like new condition.

Located at 4896 Timberway in Timber Ridge. Asking Price $13,000. 403-801-1728 or 250342-0153.

SERVICES 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!

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning 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.

Got an entertainment, sports or news tip? Give us a call! 250-341-6299

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 28, 2020

SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

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.

Hiring Summer Youth for the Museum.

Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 Start date: June 29th.

Please drop resume off at the Museum after May 31st.

Deadline for resumes: June 12th, 4pm.

For further info, phone 250 342 9434.

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.

LESSONS/TRAINING 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@rockymountainswim lessons.ca..

HELP WANTED Lakeview Meadows Community Association is looking to fill a part time position to help with maintenance and operations.

This position requires someone who is willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, in an outdoor environment. If you are energetic, and want to become a valued member of our team, please send your resume to manager@lakeviewmeadows.ca Lakeview Meadows Community Association, 855 Lakeview Meadows Road

Lucky Strike Gas is hiring, looking to fill both F/T and P/T positions.

We are looking for someone energetic and reliable to join our team. Must be available to work weekends and evenings.

Please drop off a resume in store at 1113 Swansea Road, email to luckystrikegas@shaw.ca, or fax 1-844-651-0133.

MacDONALD

&COMPANY

~ Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public ~

Full-time Receptionist Personal Attributes/Requirements: • • • • • • •

strong attention to detail excellent communication skills ability to multi-task ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment possess fluent computer skills possess a positive attitude ability to work independently as well as reliability

Duties/Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • working with multiple computer programs (Microsoft Office, Excel, Law programs etc.)

• opening/closing files and data entry • managing ongoing files • mail and bank runs • answering multi-line phone system, transferring calls, taking messages, booking/cancelling appointments • preparation of various legal documents and completing dictations • handling clientele • ordering supplies, dealing with suppliers, and organizing new services needed • organizing and maintaining filing systems • problem solving Experience in an office setting/administrative position or legal office is essential. The ideal candidate will have an outgoing, client service-based attitude with the willingness to learn new tasks and skills. This is a salaried position and a probation period is required. If you believe you would be a good fit for our team, please email your resume and cover letter to reception@wjmacdonaldlaw.com.

Hours: Monday – Friday (9 am - 5 pm).

PIZZA 2 GO Is looking for part-time or full-time employees willing to work days or evenings on weekdays or weekends.

Please drop off resume or text 250-409-9161.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Executive Assistant/ Bookkeeper Manager of Territorial Stewardship

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/Bookkeeper 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 & 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 & 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 a.m. to 4 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.

Submit a cover letter and resume to: 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 CLOSING DATE: June 2, 2020, 4 pm (Mountain Time)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Cultural Heritage Coordinator Manager, Territorial Operations Reporting to the Manager of Territorial Stewardship and the Director of Operations, the Cultural Heritage Coordinator will oversee the development and implementation of the Shuswap Indian Band Cultural Heritage Program and related policies for the protection and stewardship of cultural heritage resources. The Cultural Heritage Coordinator is expected to attend internal/external meetings within Shuswap Indian Band territory, including training sessions, field trips, and provide ongoing reporting and supports to Chief and Council and Band membership. The Cultural Heritage Coordinator will work closely with the Manager of Territorial Stewardship, Finance department and Director of Operations to assist with project management, as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • The Cultural Heritage Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of field technicians for cultural monitoring throughout the territory.

• Cultural Heritage Coordinator may also provide advice and recommendations to Chief & Council at their request, or as required by the project management.

• Office administration procedures, including filing, reviewing reports and other technical papers, preparing memos, letters, reports and other correspondence; and drafting proposals, basic accounting management (processing invoices for payment, travel arrangements etc.).

• Use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and primary social media tools; data entry and basic website management (CKK) • Understanding of the Shuswap Indian Band’s Human Resources Policy, OH&S Policy and other policies as required by the position • Shuswap Indian Band community, and Secwepemc culture and values.

• Ensure that the Traditional Wellness Steering Committee (TWSC) of the Secwepemc Health Caucus representatives are supported to attend the regular meetings • Ensure the Secwepemc Elders Council representatives are supported to attend monthly meetings that happen throughout Secwepemculecw.

• Support various fundraising events to support Elders/Knowledge Keepers to attend seasonal gatherings, BC Elders Gathering and other events.

• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with existing Band policies, standards and procedures; • Works as a team to provide comprehensive responses to development referrals that impact SIB Rights and Title in Secwepemc Traditional Territory”.

• Ability to travel extensively within the Shuswap Indian Band territory; • Chair/organize the Knowledge Keepers Council meetings/trips; and • Performs other duties as requested by the Manager, Territorial Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS • Grade 12 Graduation or equivalent; • Have and maintain a valid BC driver’s license as a condition of employment and have access to a reliable vehicle; • Knowledge and Understanding of current First Nations Rights and Title issues that affect land use, government and industry relations; • Current case law affecting Aboriginal Rights and Title; • Federal and provincial legislation / policies affecting land use and heritage protection; • Shuswap Indian Band community, culture and Secwepemc; and • Knowledge of the Territorial Operations Strategic Plan, priorities and initiatives.

• Knowledge of Band office policies and procedures; and • Good working knowledge of the provincial lands and resources referral process, the BC and Canada Consultation Guidelines, and the Secwepemc RFA Single Window Access Portal.

• Occupational First Aid Level 1 (or willing to obtain) • Transportation Endorsement (or willing to obtain) • WHIMIS (or willing to obtain) • Bear Aware & Bear Spray training (or willing to obtain) • Fire Extinguisher training (or willing to obtain.)

SKILLS & ABILITIES: • Ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects • Good interpersonal skills; • Good communication skills; • Ability to work effectively with community members, Band staff and technical personnel from government agencies and the corporate sector; and • Good computer skills using MS Office software, social media, working knowledge of mapping software, Google Earth etc; • Ability to walk/hike long distances, on steep terrain, in various elements and environments; • Understand and be trained on how to use a hand-held GPS, and tablet software as required.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS • Full-time position.

• Hours of work are typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday (half-hour unpaid lunch) but may vary depending on activities. May entail weekend work.

• Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual (Approved April 4, 2018), and the Shuswap Indian Band Financial Policy Manual (Approved, October 24, 2017).

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED: June 2, 2020, 4 pm (Mountain Time) Submit a cover letter and resume to: 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

May 28, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Don’t Miss an Issue!

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR - TERM, FULL-TIME

INVERMERE CAMPUS START DATE: AUGUST 24, 2020 Closing date: June 3, 2020 Please see competition number: #20-FA-17 For a full description of this job posting and instructions on how to apply visit: cotr.ca/HRD

N E W S PA P E R

Read us online:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

cotr.ca EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Biologist

Referrals Clerk

Manager of Territorial Stewardship

Manager, Territorial Operations

We’re looking for an experienced Professional Biologist to support our growing organization in the conservation and management of natural resources. The position will involve supporting the Shuswap Band and the Secwepemc Nation in Columbia River Treaty negotiations through study initiation, technical support and project management/guidance. The Biologist will also be responsible for assisting the Director of Territorial Stewardship with the implementation of natural resource management projects and initiatives by providing biological support, project management, administration, training and education to community members.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and are committed to working with our employees to achieve their career goals within our organization. This position will provide exposure to large, multi-facet projects and initiatives which are generally long-term in nature and require both consistency and commitment. This is a unique opportunity for the ideal candidate with ability to steer career changing activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Participate in and prepare for relevant working groups and representative forums.

• Assist in the development of a 5yr Workplan for the re-introduction of anadromous stocks into the upper-Columbia River/Basin.

• Under the Salmon LoA; Initiate technical studies as defined by the Salmon LoA priorities.

• Assist in the development of the Knowledge Synthesis Report for the Columbia River Treaty.

• Responsible for implementing all phases of projects, from planning to completion.

• Responsible for coordinating and managing project teams, resources and budgets.

• Ensure high quality of project work and on-time and budget delivery of services.

• Develop work plans, capacity funding proposals and conservation funding grants.

• Conduct scientific research, assessments and studies, and report on findings.

• Maintain good communication with clients, sub-consultants, contactors and stakeholders.

• Assist in building a strong client network and organization reputation for quality services.

• Organize and document critical information, developments and challenges for projects.

• Provide timely reports to the Director on project budgets, milestones and deliverables.

EXPERIENCE: • Knowledge of provincial and federal environmental processes, regulations and best management practices.

• Knowledge of life history, biology and habitat requirements of anadromous and freshwater salmonids in BC. • Knowledge of fisheries stock assessment and population estimation methodology.

• Knowledge of wildlife population assessment and estimation methodology.

• Knowledge of life history, biology and habitat requirements of ungulate species in BC. • Knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat restoration approaches, requirements and methodology.

• Knowledge of protected and endangered species populations, including conservation protection and rehabilitation.

• Advanced understanding of scientific research approaches, resources and technique.; • Experience preparing B.C. regulatory permit applications (e.g. Section 11 Applications, Fish Collection Permits, Wildlife Permits…etc.).

• Experience preparing Environmental Management Plans for construction projects.

• Experience as a QEP for environmental monitoring on construction projects.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Communities required.

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology or related discipline required.

• Registered Professional Biologist designation or equivalent required.

• Minimum 5 years professional experience in biological sciences or related discipline.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience with project management and coordination.

• Experience supervising environmental technicians in both office and field settings.

• Experience with project management, budgeting, and related administrative duties.

• Advanced computer skills in MS Office, knowledge of statistical software an asset.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience delivering presentations, as well as writing scientific reports and funding proposals.

• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

• Excellent attention to detail, organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as within a team setting.

• Ability to respond effectively to changing operational needs.

• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Training certificates in related areas are considered assets (e.g. First Aid, Swiftwater Rescue, Marine Emergency Duties, Small Vessel Operator Proficiency, and Backpack Electro Fishing).

• Full-time position, salary TBD. • Must adhere to the Shuswap Indian Band Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual (Approved April 4, 2018).

• Must work on-site at the Shuswap Indian Band Territorial Office.

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.

To apply contact the Shuswap Indian Band, #3, 492 Arrow Road, Invermere BC, V0A 1K2 Angela Sarsons, Director of Operations Email: dops@shuswapband.ca Fax: 250.341.3683 • Deadline for applications: TUESDAY June 2, 2020 at 4 pm

Shuswap Indian Band, located in Invermere, BC, is seeking a highly organized individual to serve as our 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.

REQUIREMENTS AND KEY ATTRIBUTES: • 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) 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.

Submit a cover letter and resume to: 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

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

Radium author launches book

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Radium Hot Springs author Brent Lea is about to launch his second book, and first work of fiction: a thriller set in the great outdoors of southeastern B.C..

The book, Edge of the Abyss, which features locations familiar to many Columbia Valley residents, including the village of Radium, is something Lea began working on more than 15 years ago, if you count the physical act of putting words on paper, and for decades, if you count the mental exercise of forming plot lines and story arcs and developing characters.

Lea worked for Greyhound Canada for more than 40 years, 30 of them spent driving buses. On long hauls driving through the Rockies and other mountainous parts of B.C., he found himself with a bit of mental time on his hands. By his own telling, Lea has a “super active imagination” and, drawing inspiration from the peaks surrounding him, he would often compose poems and fictional storylines in his head while he drove. By the time he was set to retire, he had a veritable treasure trove of short stories, many with mountain themes, packed in his brain.

But before these could percolate into something written down, Lea took a detour into nonfiction. In 2001, he fulfilled a lifelong desire to explore virtually each and every corner of the Rockies and nearby areas. This resulted in the nonfictional Mountain Odyssey: One Man’s Summer in the Canadian Rockies, published by Rocky Mountain Books in 2002.

When Lea and his wife retired to B.C. he began to follow through on his idea of writing a fiction book by weaving many of the separate short stories into a single narrative. He finished the manuscript in 2004, but was troubled by some of the fictional characters he’d created.

“I delved into some of the shadier sides of life with these characters. They are pretty awful,” he said. “I struggled with that, because that’s not me. It’s very unlike my personality. I am a very quiet mannered, non-confrontational person.” So he put the manuscript in drawer, letting it sit for more than decade.

Eventually his daughter, Heather, who is an editor and journalist, helped coach him back into finishing the book, pointing out that the unsavoury traits and things in his books are written about through character, and are not a direct reflection of the author.

“She helped me a ton. As an editor, she made me realize I was going to have to toughen (the story) up, and do things such as use salty language to develop the character, if that’s what was called for,” said Lea. And Columbia Valley readers are now the richer for it, with the book finished.

Continued on page 20 . . .

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 28, 2020

A grateful man

By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly

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

Visit https://lwac.online.church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED Please email office@wvsm.ca to request a link to our online services which start at 10:30 a.m., Sundays.

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Worship services are discontinued for the foreseeable future.

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH All events canceled until further notice.

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium.

Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

ST. PETER’S MISSION OF INVERMERE Due to COVID-19, we have restructured our physical Sunday worship services to be online at our YouTube channel “Hungry for Life.” For updates, inspirational resources, and prayer requests, please go to our website: www.eklutheran.ca Pastor Doug Lutz, 250-464-0100 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

To be honest with you, I haven’t handled the last few months very well.

This pandemic arrived at the wrong time. Winters are always difficult. I don’t do well with cold temperatures and limited sunlight.

As March began, I was enjoying the longer days and looking forward to summertime activities. Then life stopped and I watched the world I’ve known disappear.

Initially I tried to be a strong, steady and reassuring presence for those around me. Instead, at times I’ve been anything but that. I’ve withdrawn from people and escaped into books, podcasts, music, Spider Solitaire and binge-watching Netflix. Emails have gone unanswered, phone calls repeatedly put off, important decisions avoided and creativity all but dried up. While I’ve enjoyed many good days, there have also been angry outbursts, days of sadness, hours spent silently staring out windows, sleepless nights and periodic bouts of shame over being so

weak. I’ve definitely not been the best version of myself.

But while riding an emotional rollercoaster, I’ve rarely been more grateful. The Bible says, “In everything give thanks.” So here goes.

I’m grateful for public health officials and governing authorities who’ve made wise but difficult decisions and kept us safe. I’m grateful for the unusual spirit of respect and cooperation exhibited between provincial premiers and the federal government. I’d expected the normal rancour and division to increase but the exact opposite has occurred. Faced with an unprecedented health and economic crisis, leaders across the country have pulled together for the common good. Compared to what’s happened elsewhere, it’s made me proud to be Canadian.

I’m grateful for the beauty of spring in the Rockies: wildflowers, birdsong and the fragrance of the cherry tree blooming in my back yard. I’m grateful for all the good folks who’ve continued working jobs essential for us to live. I’m grateful for the kindness of those who’ve sewn masks, phoned, baked or picked up groceries for neighbours. I’m grateful for everyone who’s acted responsibly and helped to slow the spread of this virus. And I’m grateful for friends who’ve called, sent coffee gift cards, made music or gone walking with me. I’m grateful to live here with all of you. We are so blessed. Thanks!

New forest therapy trail promises escape from COVID stress

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com A walk in a nature (with appropriate social distancing, of course) is a great way to relax from the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic. So it comes as welcome news then that local forest therapy guide Pat Bavin is almost finished work to upgrade a trail at Radius Retreat to get as near as possible to official Association of Forest and Nature Therapy guidelines.

Bavin, who is certified as a trail consultant as well as a guide by the association, started work on the trail about a year and a half ago and is now quite close to done.

“It’s not quite a national park standard trail, but it’s close,” Bavin told the Pioneer, adding the trail has been made as accessible as possible to all ages and to people of diverse physical abilities, with trail grades and widths all made to specific requirements.

The timing of completion couldn’t be better, according to Bavin. “It’s great for the pandemic. We all need to get outside and connect with nature a bit more.”

The one-kilometre trail takes in a mixture of

Work on new forest therapy trail.

Photos by Pat Bavin

forest, grassland and great sky views, makes specific efforts to engage walkers’ senses, and includes features such as a sit circle.

“Although the trail is a kilometre long, believe it or not it takes three to three and a half hours to walk it, if you are doing forest therapy,” said Bavin. “It’s not long but it’s full of sensory experiences.”

Aside from using the trail for forest therapy, Bavin has worked with local nonprofit group Columbia Basin Environment Education Network (CBEEN) to take school groups there. Normally Bavin takes eight to 10 people at a time, but under current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions he is keeping forest therapy groups capped at a maximum of three.

. . . ‘Radium’ from page 19 Lea self-published Edge of the Abyss this spring, and it promises to be a gripping read. The tale follows the story of four characters — a young married couple living for a time off-grid in an isolated mountain valley and two brothers desperately trying to elude law enforcement officials and the nefarious Vancouver drug underworld — as their fates collide in the remote and rugged backcountry.

Lea made a point of using a Columbia Valley company — Palliser Printing — to print Edge of the Abyss. “It’s a book set in southeastern B.C., so I really wanted to have it printed here,” he said, adding that he’s delighted with the results and that Palliser deserves due credit and more for its high level of professional service to producing the book. When Lea spoke to the Pioneer, 100 copies of the book had been printed and were being distributed. “It’s such a great feeling to actually see and hold the finished

Radium author Brent Lea has launched his first work of fiction, a mountain thriller titled ‘Edge of the Abyss.’

Photo submitted product. As you are writing, you look at the bookshelf, wondering if your book will ever get there, then all of a sudden, you’re placing a copy on the mantle, beside other treasured books. It really is an amazing thrill.”

Anybody interested in purchasing a copy should contact Lea at bookeota@gmail.com.