Columbia Valley Pioneer, July 2, 2020

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Vol. 17/Issue 27

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

July 2, 2020

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July 2, 2020

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There have been more vendors each week at the Invermere Farmers and Artisans Market in downtown Invermere.

Radium’s Market on Main and the Fairmont Farmers Market have started up now too. Market managers throughout the Columbia Valley have been regularly meeting this spring to understand the COVID-19 guidelines and collaborate on communication. The result should be better traffic at all markets and improved sales for all vendors. Photos by Ryan Watmough

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The Top Down Little Car Rally took place on Tuesday, June 23. Drivers went from Invermere to Fairmont and then for a picnic at K2 Ranch. The event doubled as a fundraiser (and kilometre raiser) for the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley’s ‘Move it for Hospice’ Walk, Run, Hike, Golf, Kayak, Canoe, Swim or Bike-a-thon.

Photos by Dauna Ditson

July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS Deja View not closed to cyclists

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

As the battle over mountain bike trails in the Columbia Valley continues, confusion over the state of the popular Deja View trail arose last week. To clarify: although the Power Wagon and Stinking Badger trails in Dry Gulch have been totally shut to cyclists and are being reclaimed, and although signs posted at the trailhead of Deja View last week suggested that it was open to foot traffic only, Deja View is in fact still open to mountain bikers.

All the trails are unofficial and have been around for more than a decade. The move to close them has sowed division in the community: greeted with cheers from local environmentalists and, at least when it appeared as though Deja View was closed, by deep dismay from local mountain bikers. All three trails run somewhat parallel to the Old Coach Trail; Power Wagon and Stinking Badger along the high ground above it to the east, and Deja View to the west of it, along the edge of the ‘bench’ overlooking the Columbia River wetlands.

“At no point was biking prohibited from the Deja View trail. There was some erroneous signage installed about one and a half weeks ago that may have given the impression that mountain biking was not allowed. That was not the intention though, and those signs have since been removed,” said Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) spokesperson Tyler

Hooper.

Columbia Valley Cycling Society (CVCS) director Erik Vanderkruk was one of several local stakeholders to do a walk through with FLNRO officials and biologists on Power Wagon, and during this meeting they learned that Deja View was not closed to mountain biking.

“It was good to do the on-site with the FLNRO team.

We came away with a much better understanding of why that trail (Power Wagon/Stinking Badger) is being closed.

The closure totally makes sense, and as a society, we fully support it. They are trying to create a buffer between

“There was some erroneous signage... that may have given the impression that mountain biking was not allowed. That was not the intention though, and those signs since have since been removed.”

Tyler Hooper, FLNRO spokesperson Highway 93 and the Old Coach Trail,” said Vanderkruk.

“We also came away hopeful that, for Deja View, we can come up with a workable, responsible plan that will allow some recreation, but still protects the wildlife and environmental values of that area.”

Vanderkruk and fellow CVCS director Jordie Kirk clarified to the Pioneer that the society had no involvement

whatsoever in creating any of the three trails. Vanderkruk said it is quite likely that nobody ever actually lifted a shovel to construct the trails, and that they came into existence through a few cyclists riding on existing game trails over a number of years. He was quick to add the society does not condone this.

Hooper outlined that Power Wagon and Stinking Badger exist within the boundaries of the Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area, that the primary management objectives for the wildlife management area are habitat and wildlife values, not recreation, and that reclaiming these trails is meant to reduce human disturbance levels from all user groups.

“The Power Wagon/Stinking Badger area passes through critical and limited range and refuge area for the Radium-Stoddart bighorn sheep herd. This herd has experienced significant declines in recent years due to habitat loss, fragmentation and proximity to human infrastructure,” said Hooper. “The trails travel just below and parallel to Highway 93 through features that act as escape terrain for the herd. Concerns that human disturbance on the Power Wagon/Stinking Badger trails will spook the sheep towards the highway and result in mortality have led to deactivation efforts.”

This is not the first time the future of the three trails has been up for debate: rumours of their closure — once again particularly of Deja View — sparked a torrent of debate and letters to the editors some four or five years ago. The seemingly imminent closure of Deja View never Continued on page 10. . .

Childcare centre coming to Canal Flats

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com Forty new childcare spots will be available for children in Canal Flats as early as the start of the 2021/2022 school year.

“There’s certainly a need for childcare and a growing need,” said Adrian Bergles, chief administrative officer for the village of Canal Flats, adding that the upcoming spots mean that parents in the community will be able to find licensed care closer to home. “It supports young families that live in the village,” supports the school and means that families considering Canal Flats for their home would have one more reason to settle into the village, he said.

“This is an absolutely great day for the village of Canal Flats,” said mayor Karl Sterzer in a news release. “Licensed childcare is a proven major need in our community... The village has set an ambitious target to get our population back

up to 1,000 people and an amenity like this will only help us reach these goals.”

“Making sure parents have access to quality, affordable child care close to home is critical to helping families flourish and economies grow,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development (MCFD), in the same news release. “We are so proud to support the construction of this new child care facility in Canal Flats that will provide local children with a foundation for lifelong learning for many years to come.”

Eager parents can’t register their children yet, and there’s no timeline on that at the moment. But Bergles said the 40 new placements are about exactly what the village requires and he expects they should be enough to accommodate local families’ needs. The fully-licensed centre will take care of infants and toddlers and will provide after-school care. It will also be able to offer provincial child care subsidies to parents to help offset costs.

Continued on page 10. . .

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This past week, June 22 through June 28 the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 68 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On Monday, June 22 Columbia Valley RCMP received two reports of vandalism to vehicles that occurred on 10th Avenue in Invermere. One vehicle was parked on the street in the 1200 block of 10th Avenue and had scratch marks on the hood and both sides of the vehicle. A second vehicle was parked in the 1500 block of 10th Avenue and had two dents with footwear impressions on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Police are requesting anyone with video surveillance in this area view their footage to determine if any suspicious occurrences were captured on video.

On Monday, June 22 at 11:15 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park. The driver of a Volkswagen Jetta explained he swerved to avoid hitting a bear and struck a concrete barrier. The driver was uninjured but the vehicle had to be towed. The driver did not have a valid driver’s license and was issued a violation ticket for failing to produce a driver’s license.

On Tuesday, June 23 at 4 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP and East Kootenay Traffic Services attended a single vehicle collision on Westside Road involving a Jeep YJ. The jeep left the gravel road and collided with a tree.

The driver and lone occupant was extricated by the fire department and the male was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

On Wednesday, June 24 at about 12:45 p.m. emergency crews responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 93/95 near Windermere. The driver of a southbound GMC pickup towing a horse trailer lost control of her vehicle and rolled into the ditch. Fortunately, the trailer with four horses in it remained upright and the horses did not sustain any serious injuries. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital

to be assessed. The driver was issued violation tickets for misuse of license plates and no insurance. Columbia Valley RCMP would like to thank the veterinarians who attended to asses the horses as well as the local resident who transported the horses to their property following the collision. The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

On Thursday, June 25 at about 7 p.m. an officer stopped a GMC pickup on 13th Avenue in Invermere after noticing the insurance was expired. While speaking with the driver, the officer smelled an odour of liquor coming from the driver’s breath. The driver was on a Conditional Sentence Order with conditions not to consume alcohol. A roadside breath test confirmed the driver had alcohol in his body. The driver was arrested for breaching his Conditional Sentence Order and released on an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date.

On Saturday, June 27 at about 2 a.m. police were called to a rental unit in Fairmont Hot Springs for a dispute between two adult family members. Police attended and suggested the two intoxicated females stay in separate rooms for the evening. About an hour later police were called back to the unit after one female returned and allegedly threatened the other. Police returned and arrested a 30-year-old female and held her in cells until sober.

On Saturday, June 27 at about 6 p.m. an officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 93/95 in Windermere when he observed a Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a person he knew to be a suspended driver.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and confirmed the driver had a suspended driver’s license. The vehicle was discovered to have no insurance. The driver was issued violation tickets for no insurance, wrong number plate and no driver’s license. The driver was also issued an appearance notice to attend court at a later date and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

On Sunday, June 28 police received a report of mischief to the Invermere Community Centre on 4th Street.

A window had been broken sometime overnight and there was a rock found next to the broken window. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers.

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Windermere wants a bike path that circles the entire lake and joins our communities.

At this time, we see the Westside Legacy Trail connecting the entire west side of the lake. In the future, it will cross the Columbia River over Shuswap land to Radium. Windermere and the east side of the lake would literally be “out of the loop.” The residents of Windermere would like to change that.

At the Windermere community association’s annual general meeting, it was decided we would spearhead a project to start a path on the east side of the lake to one day join the Legacy Trail. To make it a project our small community can fund and manage, we are starting with a one kilometre path that unites south

and north Windermere.

We are working with the Ministry of Transportation as the path would be situated on the highway right-of-way. A path built to the standards that the Regional District of East Kootenay would be willing to take over and maintain must be constructed to the highest standards. This costs money: upwards of $250,000 per kilometre!

Anyone interested in supporting this project with time, equipment, skills or money, please contact Andrea Dunlop at andrea.dunlop08@gmail.com. We will host an outdoor community meeting to discuss and hear your suggestions when we have more information to share.

We are very excited about this project and hope we can count on our community for their support.

July 2, 2020

Fisher announces decision to run for MNBC regional director’s role

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Debra Fisher has recently announced a decision to run for the Region 4 director’s role in the upcoming provincial election for registered Métis citizens in the Kootenays.

The Métis Nation of B.C. (MNBC) announced March 17 that the provincial election had been approved by the Métis Nation Governing Assembly (MNGA) for Sept. 10.

“I think the very first thing that I would like to see happen is open, transparent governance changes because that’s not happening right now,” said Fisher.

“If we can’t do this at a provincial level, how are we going to do it at a federal level?”

MNBC’s fourth region includes the East and West Kootenay Métis chartered communities from the Columbia Valley Métis Association (CVMA) in Invermere, the Elk Valley Métis Association in Fernie, the Kootenay South Métis Society in Trail, the Nelson and Area Métis Columbia Valley Métis Association president Debra Fisher has recently anSociety, the Métis Nation and Columbia nounced her decision to run for the role of Region 4 director in the 2020 Métis River Society in Golden and the Rocky Nation of B.C. election this fall.

Mountain Métis Association in CranSubmitted photo brook.

Fisher has served as the CVMA chartered communi“It’s so important to vote,” said Fishty president in the Columbia Valley for six years. er. “It’s your chance to be heard and it’s what our Métis Previously, Fisher had served the Columbia River ancestors have waited a long time to be able to do. ExerMétis Association for citizens residing from Golden to cise your right, and vote. We have earned it under Section Canal Flats as president, vice president and director un35 of the Constitutional Act.” There are between 70,000 and 90,000 self-identified til the citizens in Golden and Invermere made the decision to form two groups due to safety concerns regarding Métis people living in B.C., according to the MNBC. MNBC is recognized by provincial and federal gov- gatherings that required winter driving conditions for many individuals to attend community events. ernments, as well as by the Métis National Council.

“I see a lot of good things happening with B.C., but According to the Metis National Council’s website, as a (community) president, I also see that a lot of things being Métis refers to a person who self-identifies as disare stalled,” said Fisher. tinct from other Indigenous people by having a combiIf elected, Fisher’s priorities will include: education, nation of ancestry from both European and Canadian employment and training programs, Michif language ancestry. This requires proof of historic Métis ancestry revitalization, mental health and wellness support, subwith community acceptance for each individual.

Voters will be required to have citizenship through stance abuse treatment programs, housing for young the MNBC registry that includes a current residential families as well as elders, and advocacy for a national citaddress so ballots can be distributed to registered MNBC izenship registry for Métis citizens.

However, it is essential to Fisher that the Shuswap citizens for the 2020 election.

Existing MNBC members have been encouraged to Indian Band (SIB) and the Akisqnuk First Nation (AFN) update their residential addresses if there have been any are participants in community discussions when changes recent changes with the MNBC registry representatives are being considered for Métis citizens of the community.

“We are so lucky, as Métis people, to have chosen for for their region, and it is recommended those citizens this to be our place of residence,” said Fisher. “The Ktuwho need to renew their membership do so before the naxa, Secwepmec and Sinixt people are an important part election takes place this fall so ballots can be distributed of the process and they need to be respected and consultby mail.

Fisher explained Métis citizens have only been legal- ed for anything that we’re doing. The nations need to ly recognized on a national level for approximately four be shown the respect that they deserve. I’m so fortunate that I have so many people that I know and call friends years in light of the Daniel’s Decision.

On Apr. 14, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada from both (SIB and AFN) nations and I’m very grateful unanimously ruled that more than 600,000 Métis and for that.”

She believes that the Columbia Valley will benefit non-status Indians earned the right to negotiate for having the same access, benefits and legal rights as those First from a collaborative approach to make change for IndigNations with status cards through federal government enous communities.

“I’m hoping to work closely with our Indigenous jurisdiction.

Today, there are approximately 140 registered Métis brothers and sisters,” said Fisher. “We did that in the past, and I want to do that again because I think that makes community members located in the Columbia Valley.

“But that (number) does not include self-identified us all stronger.”

To learn more about the MNBC election process, people, children under the age of 15 or people under proplease visit: https://www.mnbc.ca/2020election cessing (with the registry),” she said.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Doug Clovechok MLA Columbia River – Revelstoke 1-844-432-2300 • 1-888-COVID-19 Doug.Clovechok.MLA@leg.bc.ca

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENTS Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is considering amendments to the Zoning Bylaw.

BYLAW 459, 2020 Add a permitted use of Nano Brewery/Brew Pub to this specific property: 7537 Main Street West, Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 2606, District Lot 2580, Kootenay District

BYLAW 460, 2020 Shipping container placement restricted to Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial and Recreational Vehicle Park zones.

Portable Garage placement and condition.

A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaws No. 459 & 460 will be held: JULY 8, 2020 AT 7 PM RADIUM HOT SPRINGS CENTRE 4863 STANLEY STREET. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C. AND VIA ON-LINE MEETING Note: Social distancing rules will be in place at the Radium Hot Springs Centre All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaws may submit written presentations to the Village of Radium Hot Springs, PO Box 340, Radium Hot Springs, BC, V0A 1M0 or Fax: 250-347-9068 or email: arne.dohlen@radiumhotsprings.ca prior to the date and time of the hearing. Persons may also present written and/or verbal submissions at the public hearing.

Submissions will not be received after the public hearing has been adjourned. For on-line attendance, please pre-register to the email address above.

The full bylaws may be inspected on the Village Website: www.radiumhotsprings.ca. For further information, contact 250-347-6455.

Arne Dohlen Director of Planning & Development Services

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 2, 2020

PERSPECTIVE Extra-special ceremonies

Historical Lens

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com I had the honour of attending a few of the David Thompson Secondary School graduation ceremonies on behalf of the Pioneer and was surprised by how lovely they were. The road to the school was lined with photos of beaming grads, welcoming their peers to their individual ceremonies. One at a time the grads entered the school with their families and maybe a few chosen extra loved ones. They received their caps and gowns and entered the theatre room, where a small group of staff and portraits of the remainder of the school’s staff awaited their arrival.

Grads had private ceremonies, shared inside jokes and – in at least one instance – broke into dance.

School staff said they felt students were calmer than in past years where everyone is herded together into their gowns and through a mass a ceremony. They said they enjoyed the time connecting one on one with grads and their families as the students marked what may be the greatest accomplishment so far in their lives.

Yes there are losses for this graduating class and they didn’t get to be packed together with their peers as they closed out their final days as seniors, but principal Darren Danyluk said they’ve been making the best of the lemons they’ve been given and that he’s cherishing the final moments with his last crop of grads before he too moves on.

“As my last one, it’s quite spectacular, very special,” he said.

As an individual honouring of each of the graduates, the ceremonies were touching tributes that felt customized for each student.

There are only two things I remember clearly from my university convocation ceremony. First, it was so hot on stage that I saw a bead of sweat form and roll down the neck of the graduate who sat in front of me. Second, someone had the foresight to bring a book to stay entertained while waiting for their name to be called. That’s it.

Massive graduations can be rewarding, but the individuals tend to get lost amidst the crowd.

Over at DTSS, each student was singled out and celebrated for their accomplishments. I imagine their graduation memories will be all the sweeter for it.

Best of luck to the class of 2020 and kudos to everyone who was involved in planning the celebrations.

60 is the NEW 30 Have an opinion?

Email your letter to the editor to dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Coombe Park The Heath family lived in a home with a beautiful garden across from where J. A. Laird Elementary School now stands.

They called their home Coombe Park. Photo C1368 circa 1940 provided by the Windermere District Historical Society

Being a good ally Dear Editor, In light of the growing movement/revolution in the United States, as well as many other countries such as our own, it has made me think about and acknowledge the privilege and advantages I am given because of the colour of my skin. It has also made me realize I need to use the platforms I am given to help raise awareness for the voices of people who may not be given that same advantage.

When I was doing research to educate myself about the power of white privilege, I truly discovered how deeply rooted it is in society. Small things like “skin coloured” bandages and crayons that I wouldn’t have thought twice about before, now have me questioning who decided why one complexion is deemed superior to another.

I have also opened my eyes to my own bias and stereotypes, and am working toward understanding where they came from. Everybody has their own bias and stereotypes as well, but to become a good ally you have to be aware that they exist and challenge yourself to think differently. To pretend they do not exist is ignorance, but to learn and be willing to become

educated is the first step toward change.

It is time for a change, from putting an end to racism, both blatant and subtle, to having more representation of people of colour and minorities in the media and education systems. Change starts with the individual and what we can do individually is educate ourselves and stand up in the face of injustices and prejudice.

If you hear or see someone being racist, it is your job as an ally to say something and stand by the side of the victim. It is not your job to speak for people of colour or minorities, but it is your job as a person to respect and value people regardless of what they look like.

To learn more, these are some websites I have found very educational: • https://guidetoallyship.com/ • https://nnedv.org/latest_update/8-everydayways-to-fight-racism/ • https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/publications/speak-up/six-steps-to-speak-up Hannah Fullerton Invermere

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at 13 essential businesses in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader. This publication has been made possible, in part, by the Government of Canada and the support of our advertisers and is published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneer may be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

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July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

Finding balance on biking Dear Editor, As a trail biker and hiker who uses the trails in the Columbia Valley area extensively, I felt compelled to weigh in on the controversy surrounding the biking trails in the area. Users have made some very good points and I agree that: • biking is good exercise.

• biking is a great family activity and is inclusive of all age groups.

• I’d rather see kids biking than on electronic games all day.

• having biking trails close to population bases is preferred, so people don’t have to drive to the trail head.

• properly built and maintained biking trails are sustainable.

However, I believe that the establishment of trails must go through the proper channels and take into consideration the following: • land use should be authorized.

•

trails should be build to standard by those trained to do so.

• there should be a maintenance protocol in place, with a designated trail group responsible for maintenance (including dealing with invasive species).

• sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats must be avoided, which may mean an environmental study needs to be conducted by a qualified environmental professional to determine location suitability.

Let’s focus on properly built, authorized trails, realizing our landscape is finite.

We cannot have unlimited trails without negatively impacting the wildlife and ecosystems we all value. We need to work together to find a balance.

Tracy Flynn Fairmont Hot Springs

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Residents will remember too Dear Editor, Although I believe that many Albertans are considerate of this abnormal situation, I wish to respond to the letter printed in your June 11th issue “Albertans won’t forget valley hostility.”

As a resident who moved to this beautiful valley five years ago, I am astounded by the outlook presented in this letter.

This is an unprecedented time where an invisible enemy can wreak havoc and yet it seems there is no understanding from people who claim to love the local people, the mountains, the forests and all this valley has to offer. It seems that money takes precedence over the health of our local community. There is absolutely no doubt that Albertans have contributed greatly to the growth and expansion of this area.

Does this give them the right to perhaps introduce a lethal virus from a province whose growth of cases far outstrips what is present here?

In answer to your question, where is the love people, I have to ask the same of you. You keep speaking of HOME (in capital letters), and again, all the money you leave here in taxes, charities, local artisans, businesses and the trades as if you do not also benefit.

In reality, however, you are not residents and should you inadvertently introduce this pandemic to our small area, you have somewhere else to go. We do not; this is our actual home. Our front-line work-

ers, teachers, businesses, seniors, hospitals, and parents would be greatly affected by a rise in numbers of COVID-19.

You have not been asked to stay away forever, just a mere fraction of time in the greater scheme of things and yet you feel that your monetary contributions are so much more valuable than the health of the valley you claim to love.

Even now, the numbers are reaching a point where we are more comfortable welcoming you back.

To sensationalize your point by suggesting scenarios of turning away sick children or hungry teens seems somewhat cruel and unnecessary.

Is there a perception of “rich” Albertans? How can there not be, when your argument relies solely on money? How can there not be, when these residences you claim as HOME are second residences? This IS our home; we beg of you to consider that these are extraordinary times and pay more than lip service to the phrase of understanding our angst.

Consider that the “elephant never forgets” works both ways.

P.S. A note to those who feel the right to vandalize vehicles, damage property or leave very derogatory notes, the majority of our Albertan neighbours are our friends and actual neighbours and should be treated with the respect we expect from them.

Judy Fowler Regional District of East Kootenay

Clarification In its June 25 issue, in a story about swimming safety, the Pioneer reported that local resident Christine Shaw asked that Invermere council consider sectioning off about a third of the swimming area for floating docks and swimming only — no kayaks, paddleboards, or other floating devices — and that the current swimming area be extended further out into the water. A clarification is in order: Shaw asked that Invermere council consider sectioning off about a third of the swimming area for one floating dock (not all the floating docks) and swimming only. Apologies to Ms. Shaw!

Lake Windermere District Lions Club 17th Annual

CHARITY GOLF DAY MONDAY, JULY 6th, 2020 Copper Point Course TEE TIMES FROM 7 am - 4 pm “Come and play 18-holes of golf w/cart at the beautiful Copper Point Course, plus enjoy full use of the driving range for $65.

All proceeds from the day will be donated by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club & Copper Point Golf to the Invermere Food Bank” Harold Hazelaar, Event Coordinator

To book a ‘Charity Golf Day’ tee time call 250-341-3392 or 1-877-418-4653 Thank you for helping the Lions help the community!

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 2, 2020

THE LIBRARY IS OPEN!!

Ser vin g th e Co lumbia Va

Only open to browse shelves and checkout materials.

No seating/computer access.

Open regular hours.

lle y

Phone: 250-342-6416 or email: publiclibrary@invermere.net

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

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.

Full Service Open Mon.–Fri. Gas at 7 am – 6 pm Self-Serve Sun. 8 am – 6 pm Price with restricted access ● Propane/Diesel ● Convenience Store

to the convenience store.

Please bring your credit or debit cards as preferred methods of payment.

The bowling alley is now open by reservation only.

Call 250-342-2695.

THANK YOU!

We would also like to thank all of our customers for their support at this time.

Visit us on Highway 93/95 between Invermere and Windermere S ER OUR V O AV L 0F

3

OPEN DAILY AT NOON Hwy 93/95 & Blackforest Trail

School District 6 nominated Summit Youth Hub for award

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com A Columbia Valley organization dedicated to helping youth has been nominated by the local school district for a B.C Principals’ and Vice Principals’ Association (BCPVPA) Partnership Award Rocky Mountain School District 6 nominated the Summit Youth Hub for the award, citing the organization’s many programs and long history of helping out.

“The Summit Youth Hub plays an integral role in our community connecting youth and families. Kelsey Prichard (Summit Youth Hub director and program coordinator) and her team of youth care workers focus on building resiliency skills; they guide youth through emotional and self-regulation strategies, (and) teach problem-solving and communication skills, all of which align with the CORE Competencies of the B.C. Curriculum,” David Thompson Secondary School vice principal Lisa Tenta told the Pioneer. “The ultimate goal of the Summit Youth Hub is to support youth of the Columbia Valley to grow into healthy adults. The principals and vice principals of School District 6 are honoured to recognize the Summit Youth Hub for its outstanding community partnership.”

In nominating Summit Youth Hub, School District 6 pointed to initiatives such as the hub’s Food Insecurity Project; its encouraging of youth to volunteer at community events and fundraisers; and its collaboration with local schools to provide an eight-week mental wellness series.

Through the summer Food Insecurity Project classrooms at J.A. Laird Elementary School collected 100 pounds of snacks through a food drive, School District 6 parents donated several hundred pounds worth of fresh produce, and 115 lunch bags were packed and delivered to all communities throughout the valley.

The mental health and wellness series helped local Grade 4 to 7 students understand how to define mental health, recognize warning signs in themselves and friends, understand ways to maintain mental wellness and self-care practices, and understand how to access

relevant services at school and in the community. Part of the series included drop-in yoga sessions at lunchtime in local elementary and secondary schools, which saw more than 80 local students participate.

Expand Your Skills

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July 3rd-4th-5th Featuring some of the Columbia Valley’s best local music

Contact Amanda Nason for more information. Cell: 250-341-1111

For more information visit

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Our Training Fee Support program helps you gain the skills you need for the job you want. ourtrust.org/tfs

July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Artistic bears and wolf help keep social distancing

$20,000 CREDIT

N BU SELL OW LD IN IN G G2

LIMITED OFFER The new bear family and wolf, created by Black Star Studios, remind beach goers at Kinsmen Beach to social distance.

Photo by Steve Hubrecht

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Warmer temperatures are finally here, and with Invermere (and the rest of B.C.) continuing to reopen, many locals and visitors have been enjoying the sandy shores and refreshing dips to be had at Kinsmen Beach. But keep in mind that social distancing requirements are still in effect.

You’ll be even less likely to forget now that

the district of Invermere and Black Star Studios have collaborated to create an artistic reminder to stay two metres (six feet) from others.

The reminder takes the form of two large animal cutouts — one of a bear family, the other of a lone wolf — painted with beautiful mountain and beach themes, placed near the entrance to Kinsmen Beach.

Continued on page 22. . .

CALL FOR ARTISTS SUBMISSIONS Shuswap Indian Band and District of Invermere DEADLINE: July 15, 2020 CALL FOR ARTISTS DESCRIPTION: Shuswap Indian Band and District of Invermere are in the process of creating a Friendship Agreement to formalize their commitment to each other, their partnership, and community members and citizens of both communities.

Purpose of a Friendship Agreement: • Provide the framework upon which the partners, including their respective governments and community members, will collaborate with one another; • Strengthen the partners mutual intentions to pursue a lasting friendship based on mutual respect, honour and recognition; • Develop mutual protocols and activities that engage transparent communications, trust, inclusion, belonging and community betterment; • Collaborate on community economic and social development Shared Vision: As neighbouring communities, we commit to share our wisdom to build a better future for our children and generations to follow; two communities committed to building a friendship by trusting, celebrating and respecting one another, our ancestors and our environment.

This is a call for artists to submit their interest and artwork to accompany the written aspect of this Friendship Agreement.

For more information on the Shuswap Indian Band – District of Invermere partnership visit our websites www.shuswapband.net or www.invermere.net

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The Shuswap Indian Band and District of Invermere partnership Working Group will award a cash prize of $500 to the selected artist!

The selected art/image may or may not be replicated and/or displayed with the accompanying Friendship Agreement on a publicly displayed document, on District of Invermere or Shuswap Indian Band signs and online media (including websites and social media).

HOW TO APPLY ~ Artist requirements for the call: 1. Artists must submit an image for print media, this includes hand drawn or digitally created images and both colour and black and white submissions are welcome. The image should capture the spirit and intent of the Friendship Agreement and should illustrate connection between the communities.

2. Artists must own the copyright to their artwork submission. By submitting an application, the artist acknowledges that they created the artwork, are the rightful owner, and did not infringe on the rights of any third party in creating the artwork.

3. The winning artist may be invited to formally assign their copyright to the artwork to the Shuswap Indian Band and the District of Invermere, which assignment would provide the Shuswap Indian Band and the District of Invermere with all rights and copyright to use and reproduce the artwork. Such an assignment would occur only if the winning party was agreeable, and additional compensation (beyond the $500 cash prize) for the copyright assignment may be payable.

Entries must be submitted on or before July 15th, 2020.

Online Submissions via email to Sierra Stump: landclerk@shuswapband.ca or in-person at District of Invermere Office: 914 8 Ave, Invermere, BC Hard Copy Submissions can be received at the District of Invermere Office, 914-8th Avenue Invermere BC. Monday- Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

1496 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC Please Call for Appointment BaysofWindermere.com • 250-688-0512

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer . . . ‘Deja’ from page 3 came to pass, however, as mountain bikers and other recreational user groups continued biking, hiking and dog walking on Deja View and the other trails.

Hooper said that FLNRO did start discussions with stakeholders about unsanctioned trails in the wildlife management area four or five years ago, and at that time deactivation was proposed for Power Wagon and a partial restriction on Deja View. The issue sat for a few years, but the ministry recently starting moving forward with trail stewardship action aligning with forest fire fuels management and habitat enhancement work in the area.

“Following these investments (the fuels management and habitat enhancement) to enhance the values of the wildlife management area, this year is an appropriate time to address the unsanctioned trails in the area and continue to work towards the protection and enhancement of wildlife and habitat,” said Hooper.

The Radium bighorn sheep herd doesn’t use the Deja View area as much or in the same way as the Power Wagon and Stinking Badger area, but FLNRO does have concerns about grassland impacts for Deja View.

“The Deja View/Old Coach Trail area lies directly upslope of the Columbia Wetlands – an area considered a biodiversity hotspot. Several large mammal and bird species rely on this upslope bench-land habitat that overlooks the wetlands,” said Hooper. “The growing popularity of the Deja View trail has increased disturbance levels and has widened sections of the unsanctioned trail, cutting farther into its sensitive plant community and providing an additional vector for invasive plant introduction and establishment. Invasive plants displace native species and reduce forage quality for ungulates. Leafy spurge has been identified on site in proximity to unsanctioned trails. This species is very challenging to eradicate and heightens concerns for the introduction of other non-native plant species.”

Hooper said that a ministry plan has not yet been confirmed for the future of the Deja View trail.

“It’s a tough balancing act. As a society we get that.

We’re all about doing things responsibly,” said Vanderkruk.

“There seems to be an image out there of mountain bikers

July 2, 2020 that is based on a few bad apples. It is incorrect and unfortunately the whole (biking) community gets painted with the same brush. We would much sooner have sanctioned trails that are well-managed and enforced than unsanctioned and unmanaged mayhem.”

The ongoing debate about mountain bike trails around the Columbia Valley serves to highlight the need for quick action on the Columbia Valley Recreation Access Management Plan, according to Wildsight conservation director John Bergenske.

“It has taken way too long to get underway and moves ahead slowly,” Bergenske told the Pioneer. “The lack of a plan is frustrating. While recreationalists want more trails and are creating more access, wildlife and the natural environment continue to be the biggest losers. There is clear regulation that does not allow the building of recreational trails on Crown lands without a permit. Because of lack of provincial staffing and enforcement, this has generally gone misunderstood or simply ignored.

We all have an impact on the landscape when we venture out.”

Bergenske added everybody has a responsibility to minimize their footprint on the land, and acknowledge how their actions affect living things.

“The number of mountain bikes, as well as quads, dirt bikes, snowmachines, watercraft and 4x4s has grown immensely. All these forms of mechanized recreation have significant effects on the land, wildlife and other people in the valley. While the consequences of motorized recreation have been well documented, it is more recently that the impact of the growing number of mountain bikes has been recognized. Unfortunately, some riders don’t seem to recognize or simply don’t care about the impact of their trails on fragile landscapes and wildlife. People want to get out and recreate, and we need to have designated trails to enjoy, but not without an ecosystem-based plan. In the meantime, we are able to enjoy established roads and trails,” he said. “There are simply too many of us to think that trails and trail systems should be simply decided on by users. Everyone loses in the end if trail use decisions don’t include a values test that puts respect for all living things at the forefront.”

. . . ‘Childcare’ from page 3 The centre will focus on inclusivity, will offer specialty services to new parents and families of new Canadians, will celebrate local Indigenous culture, and will offer additional supports for children as needed.

Lining up childcare is “such a stresful thing for parents... it’s really nice to be part of positive development in the community.”

Adrian Bergles, Canal Flats CAO

The centre will be located near the Grainger Road and Burns Avenue intersection.

Construction is expected to begin in early August with the goal of opening the centre for the fall of 2021.

Bergles, who has children aged four and six, said lining up childcare is “such a stressful thing for parents” and that “it’s really nice to be a part of positive development in the community.”

Funding for the facility comes through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and MCFD. The grants – $970,000 from UBCM and $639,000 from MCFD – will cover construction and start-up costs.

Columbia Lake Holdings Ltd. is donating a quarter acres of land to the village for the centre.

The village is responsible for operating the centre for a minimum of 15 years.

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July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Ktunaxa language nears extinction

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter With a handful of living Ktunaxa speakers in the Akisqnuk First Nation, Martina Escutin has been making an effort to learn the critically endangered language of her ancestors and share her knowledge with the community through a social media platform on Instagram.

Escutin, formerly known as Martina Shovar, has been studying aspects of the Ktunaxa language with her family since childhood.

Now, as an adult, Escutin is focused on gaining proficiency in Ktunaxa to pass along her culture and language with others — including her immediate family.

“It’s really difficult for our elders to pass on traditional languages because they were punished for speaking it in residential schools,” Escutin explained, emphasizing that language learning has been put on hold in the community for a long time, while families cope with intergenerational trauma.

The 26-year-old is a member of the Ktunaxa Nation and she has mixed settler ancestry.

The Ktunaxa’s traditional territory, which includes some overlapping areas with other First Nations’ traditional territories, covers approximately 70,000 square kilometres within the Kootenay region of southeastern B.C., such as the Akisqnuk First Nation in the Columbia Valley, Aq’am near Cranbrook and Tobacco Plains near Creston.

In the United States of America, there are Ktunaxa communities in Montana, Idaho, and Washington, including the Yas Kanoski.

Since 2014, she has lived in Kelowna with her new husband and their daughter after completing a Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of B.C. (UBC) in Vancouver.

Escutin currently works for the Okanagan Nation Alliance in Kelowna’s child welfare program to combat social injustices with families.

During her studies at UBC, Escutin completed a course with Hawaiian professor Candace Kaleimamoowahinekapu Galla through the Institute of Critical Indigenous Studies (ICIS).

Galla taught Escutin a week-long course with an emphasis on cultural, historical, social and political language loss, language retention and revitalization projects for First Nations and Indigenous languages.

Course content from ICIS included information about how best to access heritage resources in endangered First Nation language revitalization efforts, while exploring how to acquire, develop, curate, preserve and honour First Nation languages and cultures.

“If you think of endangered languages, or just languages in general when you’re learning, sometimes it’s very frustrating, so when is it okay to teach a language,” asked Galla hypothetically.

“But when you look at endangered languages, the resources decrease significantly, whether it’s textbooks, language speakers or (historical) archives. I shared in the class, we don’t have to have all the knowledge right now. It’s part of the learning journey.

“In many situations, language learners are the teachers at the same time. Sometimes the teachers are just one step ahead of their students, but it’s a way of staying on top of their learning and ensuring there’s always more for students, and I think it’s also to showcase that whatever resources you have available, whether it’s one word, a greeting or a phrase — it’s the right place to start. You don’t have to wait until you have 200 words to start teaching. You can start wherever you are.”

Galla’s course helped Escutin foster the idea that fluency is not required to share language learnings with others, especially when a language is critically endangered like her community’s Ktunaxa language.

Escutin’s created the @Ktunaxa.learning.lady profile on Instagram about a year ago after attending Galla’s course, which ran in parallel with The United Nations Year of Indigenous Languages conference in 2019.

“We were exposed to language revitalization through different forms of arts (such as) puppetry and social media,” Escutin explained. “There was a girl from California who talked about using her social media platform to revitalize her language, and that’s where I got the inspiration to start my Instagram page.”

But the complexity of language learning and how different generations associate

Martina Escutin (formerly Martina Shovar) has set-up the @Ktunaxa.language.lady profile on Instagram to share the critically endangered Ktunaxa language with others to curb extinction of the Akisqnuk First Nation’s traditional language.

Submitted photo language to their own cultures can vary dramatically, which results in many differing ideologies and opinions about how best to pursue language reclamation when a community has substantially different experiences from a generational perspective.

“So maybe someone’s great-grandparents have gone through residential schooling and it impacted their kids,” Galla explained, “and maybe their grandparents also went to residential school, and maybe those parents are intergenerational survivors of a parent who hasn’t gone to residential school, so maybe they haven’t had the opportunity to learn the language. And now you have someone like Martina, four generations in, who wants to revitalize the language.

“They haven’t gone through the same experiences, and so they have different ideologies, and you can’t discredit how anyone feels. It becomes a complex situation within a community to determine how to move forward with language.”

Galla recommended the best approach for language reclamation and revitalization, in her opinion, is for community members from different generations to voice their opinions openly and have conversations about what language means to them as individuals. She explained that it’s important for participants to express opinions on a personal level to the community, or perhaps in smaller groups to their immediate families where there’s a safe environment for discourse.

“Not everyone will agree, but if this is something (Martina) is passionate about for her child or possibly for her grandchild in the future, these are the conversations that need to take place in the community,” Galla explained.

But the challenges of working for a community in the Okanagan, outside of her home nation, has limited the amount of time Escutin devotes to learning the traditional Ktunaxa language.

“Because I’m working for another nation, not my own, I’m not putting my time into learning my own language and culture, so I’m constantly feeling anxiety about this,” said Escutin, voicing concerns about work-life balance in 2020.

“On top of the 40 hour work week, I have a three year old daughter… but it’s really hard to study the language and teach her without the time. I’m hoping that will change when things settle down for me.

“I just want to create a little bit of easy content to be sure other language learners could benefit with it.”

Summer Art Show - Part 1 June 24 to July 18

Featuring Susan Fahrni, Sherry Mallach, Sharlene Scofield, Elizabeth Stuart, & Ed Flanagan P y n e lo g s g a l l e ry H o u r s a r e 11 -4, W e d n e s day t H r o u g H s at u r day · W W W.CO LU M B I AVA L L E YA R T S.CO M

This space provided by

The C

olumbia Valley

N E W S PA P E R

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 2, 2020

NOW OPEN “STOR-EDGE” Edgewater MINI STORAGE Boat & RV Parking

250-342-5414

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The valley’s graduating students were treated to individual ceremonies with their loved ones and cheered on by portraits of their peers and school staff. Paige Othen (bottom left) said “it’s definitely different than we thought it would be, but it’s still really great.”

Photos by Dauna Ditson

2 bdrm. + den, 2 bath, loft unit on the sunny side of the building and mountain views.

JOHN HAGELL 250-341-7356 • john@rockieswest.com www.johnhagell.ca

The Village is inviting proposals for the design, engineering, construction and installation of a centerpiece artistic or architectural feature, to be located within the Highway 93 / 95 roundabout.

The proposal deadline is August 7th, 2020.

The RFP document can be requested by emailing: Mark.Read@radiumhotsprings.ca

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WELCOME BACK VISITORS

HAPPY CANADA DAY! BE KIND, STAY WELL, SUPPORT LOCAL VALLEY STRONG, WE ARE

#valleystrong

July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

The class of 2020 takes over main street Grads lined main street in Invermere on Thursday, June 25 as their loved ones drove past honking and waving. Principal Darren Danyluck rode by on top of a fire truck videotaping the proceedings. Typically the grads march down the street while onlookers cheer, but this year’s pandemic concerns meant a new take on the old tradition. Photos by Dauna Ditson

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 2, 2020

Columbia Valley Signage Project

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In an effort to be inclusive of the community’s Kootenay culture, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has been evaluating how best to showcase historical translations on some of the signage being replaced throughout the Columbia Valley.

RDEK’s Columbia Valley community economic development officer (EDO) Ryan Watmough is in the process of reviewing the logistics of replacing some existing signage on highways and rest areas in the East Kootenay region with new signage that’s been enhanced to include traditional languages and cultures, as well as the addition of some new signage to raise awareness about culturally important places.

His goal, along with the board’s, would be to include content on the Columbia Valley Signage Project that appears in English, French, Ktunaxa and Secwepemc that clearly defines the RDEK’s presence to travellers who enter and exit the Columbia Valley while being culturally inclusive.

“We’re still looking for input from the community,” said Watmough.

There are currently service agreements pending with the Akisqnuk First Nation and the Shuswap Indian Band that would allow Indigenous communities to provide input about their nations language and culture directly, so that it can be funneled back to the

project team.

While the Columbia Valley Signage Project is still in the process of being defined, Watmough is optimistic about being inclusive and hopes nation’s will be willing to collect feedback from their communities about their traditional cultures and languages to highlight some of the significant landmarks to visitors in the Columbia Valley.

Some possibilities that have been identified for signage include featuring the Akisqnuk First Nation’s creation story at the Sagebrush Trail.

However, the community engagement model will be determined by each nation so that it allows Indigenous communities to participate in the feedback mechanism. He hopes to learn what opportunities or weaknesses exist for the Columbia Valley Signage Project through the engagement period.

In addition, there are ongoing discussions about economic development opportunities in the Columbia Valley.

From an economic perspective, Watmough and team will be hoping to learn more about the direction each participant wants to be known for, whether it’s food security and production, wood technology or supporting the information technology sector.

“We want to have a strategy that supports our existing businesses, and attracts business growth in areas that support our community,” said Watmough.

Ktunaxa poet performed virtually

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After thousands of years of live poetry readings for audiences, a Ktunaxa poet recently participated in a virtual poetry reading series.

Smokii Sumac, a transgender Indigenous person from the Columbia Valley who identifies as a two-spirit individual and uses the pronouns them or him, recently participated in the first episode of the Poetry London Online: Spring Mini Reading Series featuring Canadian performers.

“I got asked to do this opportunity and I was actually a bit nervous to be recorded online because performing in front of an audience, there’s a reaction, but when I’m looking at my phone, it’s a little bit different,” said Sumac.

“I was surprised how much I loved it, and tapping into that feeling of a performance. I don’t actually know who is going to watch it but I just tapped into what it feels like to have an audience.”

It took Sumac several attempts to successfully record

a performance solo, while safely maintaining provincial guidelines for social and physical distancing measures.

“When you’re in front of an audience, if you mess up, you just keep going,” Sumac said. “When it’s a video, it’s probably four or five takes to get it right.”

But the most important motivation behind Sumac’s desire to participate in poetry readings for Canadians is to help build a sense of community, while many individuals struggle silently with depression and anxiety in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have what we call an intersectional personality, so as a Ktunaxa person, and as a two spirit identity, my work is really personal and I really want to focus on lifting people up, and in the pandemic letting people know that they’re safe and I’m not the only one going through things,” said Sumac.

Over the last couple of months, Sumac has been teaching courses in Indigenous Studies at the College of the Rockies full-time and is currently working toward a PhD at Trent University.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Annual installation & removal of buoys – Columbia Lake The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is seeking expression of interest for annual installation (spring) and removal (fall) of eight (8) Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations Buoys (VORR) on Columbia Lake for a three year term. This posting is for a contractor to undertake the full scope of work as identified below and provide all necessary equipment, including a boat, required to undertake the work.

Submission of an EOI must be sent in by: 2:00 pm July 14, 2020 to Karen MacLeod, Planning Coordinator at kmacleod@rdek.bc.ca with the subject “Columbia Lake Buoys”.

ANNUAL SCOPE OF WORK (2020-2022): • Pick up/Drop off of the VORR buoys from the RDEK Windermere Office compound. The contractor shall be responsible for communicating with RDEK staff to coordinate the pick up / delivery of the buoys (spring and fall).

• Installation – Annual installation of the eight VORR buoys in the spring (July for 2020).

• Removal – Removal of the VORR buoys and securing a winter float on the mooring chain on an annual basis in the fall at the end of boating season.

ADDITIONAL 2020 SCOPE OF WORK SHALL INCLUDE: • Anchor Blocks – Transportation and installation of concrete anchor blocks (one per buoy), mooring chain and associated hardware. The anchor blocks shall be deposited on the bed of the lake at the GPS coordinates provided by the RDEK. More information including the specific information requested to be submitted with an EOI is available by emailing Karen MacLeod at kmacleod@rdek.bc.ca or on the RDEK website at: www.rdek.bc.ca/tenders

“Sometimes you have to hustle as a poet, and that’s all right with me, but I’m just finishing up some work and hopefully in July and August, I can present more,” Sumac said. “Right now, I’m focused on writing, but I do miss audiences. I miss the instant reaction.”

The poetry reading Sumac had featured on Poetry London Online covers topics such as love, being queer and transgender, adoption as well as Ktunaxa culture.

“The most important part of my audience is the queer community and the queer community of colour, so when I’ve been able to do poetry readings in my home community, I want to be open about this, so others can be too,” Sumac said, adding they didn’t know what being transgender meant as a teenager in a rural community.

“I tend to bring these things up and I feel strong in who I am… Others have inspired me to be open, and I hope to inspire a whole new generation to change the world.”

To watch Sumac’s performance, please visit part one, episode three on: https://poetrylondon.ca/

ATTENTION COLUMBIA VALLEY Please Do Not drop off used paint at the Windermere Fire Department.

All paint and aerosol paints in the Columbia Valley should be taken to: Rona Invermere (410 Borden Street) Home Hardware Invermere (9980 Arrow Road) The Invermere Fire Department (626 4 Street) Containers must be sealed in paint containers and clearly labeled. If paint cans are dried out and there is no liquid left, the cans can go in the garbage.

For more info visit: engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle thanks.

19 – 24 Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 | 250-489-2791 | 1-888-478-7335 | Fax: 250-489-3498 | info@rdek.bc.ca | www.rdek.bc.ca

July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE I N

CONCRETE

P U R S U I T

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

O F

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

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

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)

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

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

CONCRETE Our services

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

•

Excavation

•

Hauling

•

Landscaping

•

Basements

•

Water lines

Invermere and Golden, British Columbia

•

Gravel Screening

250-272-0468

•

Gravel Products

•

Site Prep

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

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

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

CO N T R AC T I N G

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

• • • •

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining Serving the Columbia Valley

250-688-3739

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

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

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

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

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

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

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

kekulibaycabinetry.com LANDSCAPING

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

• 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

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

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

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

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 2, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

SERVICES

East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations

Landscaping & Design 2016

• •TTrucking•• Excavating T Earthworks • •• Civil •

CARPET CLEANING

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

Business: 250-342-9692

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

Free Estimates

eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374

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

TILE AND GROUT CLEANING

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

Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

Lloyd Wilder

250-341-5353 sdcoy@shaw.ca

Scott Postlethwaite

Available 24/7

• FireSmart• Equipment 62”x74” Brushcutter

Quality not quantity Sue Coy

SERVICES

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

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

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

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

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

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

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

Plumbing • Boiler Systems

PHARMACY

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

Come in and browse our giftware

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

Andy Charette

Rigid Plumbing Ltd.

E: rigidplumbing@hotmail.ca P: 250-341-5179 Fully Insured & WCB Covered

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

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS FREE ESTIMATES • Pruning and Removal of ALL Trees and Shrubs • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

250-342-6612

You name it!

I’ll take care of it!

SERVICES

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

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

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

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

Call now for a free quote!

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

North American Warranty

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

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

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

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791 IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

Kootenay Paving

OVER

Keep your local businesses alive.

Get your tree services right here in Invermere!

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

There’s a reason they’re called “CLASSY”. Pioneer Classifieds…

invermereelectric@gmail.com

• • • •

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 N E W S PA P E R

Phone: 250-341-6299 • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

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

July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Provincial salmon restoration initiative

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The declining salmon population and ongoing issues with watershed management in B.C. have prompted the government to intervene with some capital for wildlife restoration projects to help stimulate the economy.

On June 15, the B.C. Salmon Restoration Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) announced $3 million funding through provincial and federal government bodies for several salmon restoration projects taking place over the next five years.

“Creating more sustainable fisheries is a priority for Canada and British Columbia,” said Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard in a recent press release.

“We’re taking decisive action now to protect and restore our wild fish stocks and their habitats across the province. The investments we’re making through the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund will move us closer to our shared goal of thriving, sustainable fish habitat and fisheries for today, and for generations to come.”

The BCSRIF will be accepting new applications for funding from July 15 to September 15, 2020.

“Helping B.C.’s wild salmon population recover is a monumental task, but the commitment and partnership among First Nations, scientists, governments, and people who care about these iconic fish is unwavering,” said Lana

Popham, Honourable B.C. Minister of Agriculture in a recent press release.

“These projects will help salmon get up-stream to reach their spawning grounds, provide us with new information about their habits and populations, and contribute to our on-going efforts to have healthy salmon populations in the Pacific.”

The Ministries of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard began collaborating with Popham through the BCSRIF to help make wild fisheries more resilient and sustainable over time.

The primary goal is to help B.C.’s fish and seafood sector by offering continuous employment to Canadians, while secondarily combating climate change in a versatile marketplace during the COVID-19 crisis through job creation and economic development.

But Shuswap Indian Band (SIB) Councillor Mark Thomas believes $3 million for salmon restoration projects is merely a drop in the bucket.

“Geared towards habitat, commercial, recreational, aquaculture and science research. All of which is good,” Thomas told the Pioneer. “Unfortunately, provincially, these are huge ticket items and $3 million is insufficient from my perspective.”

Thomas indicated there is a significant amount of work pending in order to see salmon return to the habitats in B.C., adding the Fraser Basin Council has no shortage of work to mitigate ongoing disasters where salm-

on populations exist in the Thompson Watershed area, stretching from Kamloops to Lytton with the North and South Thompson Rivers, the Nicola Valley, Bonaparte and Thompson Rivers.

“I do hope the province follows up on this fund with something more resourced because I do not feel as though much can be done to address (the ongoing) issues in any large way,” said Coun. Thomas, noting aquacultures, commercial fisheries and recreational fisheries play a role in the upcoming restoration projects.

However, it remains unclear whether the SIB will have a stake in the upcoming work based on provincial priorities.

“It is a start and I commend the government for initiating this fund. I do not know if it will assist us here, in the Columbia Valley, as there are huge issues where salmon still exist, like the Fraser system.”

He believes that further scientific research is required to understand the effects of declining salmon populations in B.C., as well as to learn more about environmental issues that contribute to the success of other species who thrive when salmon stocks are abundant.

“Commercial fisheries have a huge impact on the return of salmon to their natal grounds. This industry is also responsible for much of the diseases and pathogens associated with salmon,” Thomas explained. “These impacts on salmon are huge, and will impact restoration and perseverance of the species.”

HERE TO SERVE YOU Your Local Professionals

SERVICES

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

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

WETT Certified

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

Commercial

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

Resdential

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

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

SERVICES

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

Where to recycle?

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) 1-800-667-4321

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER

SERVICES Your Weekly Source for News and Events

N E W S PA P E R

Amanda Murray Sales Representative

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

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 2, 2020

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

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

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALE

CHEERS & JEERS

LOST AND FOUND

TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

Phase 1 of Estate/Moving Sale

Garage Sale Edgewater Mini Storage and Antique Store 4845 Hammond St. Edgewater Three storage units full of stuff.

Sat. July 4 and Sun. July 5th 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free coffee.

COVID-19 Social distancing in place.

Cheers to the District of Invermere employee who was digging up the old flowers/ weeds by Canterbury Inn on the morning of June 24th with his big machine. You were so efficient and fast. Great job, keep up the good work!

LOST: Prescription sunglasses at No Frills on June 16th in the afternoon. Pinky purple with EA on the temples. Needed badly.

Please call 778-523-4664 to arrange for return as I do not live in Invermere.

CHEERS & JEERS Cheers to the Invermere Public Library for putting a selection of books together for my little guy!

Jeers to the condition of the Invermere side of Westside Rd. going to Fairmont. It’s so bad I’m tempted to drive on the beautiful, paved Legacy Trail.

2-bdrm Townhouse Available August 1st Located in Blackforest Heights.

Backing onto green space.

Finished basement room with laundry.

Single car garage, no smoking, no pets. $1,200/mo + utilities and damage deposit.

Call 250-341-5602 for more information.

ELKHORN COUNTRY ESTATES Phases 1 and 2 sold out.

Selling Phase 3 now, only 3 lots left. 2.5-acre parcels.

Starting at $209,000 + GST. No building time commitment.

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

Jeers to communities that call themselves FireSmart but allow empty lots to grow wild with grass 3 feet tall and overgrown bush. Not very FireSmart!

Cheers to Mark the Bylaw Officer.

On Wednesday I spoke to him of my concerns about illegal parking. By Thursday afternoon he had taken care of it. Problem solved. That is great service!

July 4th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Invermere Storage, 109 Industrial Rd. #2, behind Invermere Glass.

A variety of items.

Come check us out!

Antiques and household items.

Social Distancing in place.

Two-family Garage Sale.

Saturday July 4th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

927 Copper Point Way.

NOTICE Please take notice that, as of June 30, 2020, Mountain Creek Technologies Ltd. will cease operations. Mountain Creek Technologies Ltd. can no longer incur business debts after this date. Any outstanding vendor invoices prior to that date may still be paid by cheque. Send to Mountain Creek Technologies Ltd., c/o PO Box 36, Crescent Valley, BC V0G 1H0. We would like to thank our clients for their past support and wish them well in the future. Please contact Columbia Valley Technologies Ltd. at 250-342-6008 for your IT support needs.

Cheers to the gentleman raking up all the sticks along Kinsmen beach (Thursday, June 25) to make it a more enjoyable environment for everyone. Much appreciated!

Jeers to the people keeping Mount Swansea road closed. I can sit down in a restaurant and have dinner, but I can’t drive up the road? What part of this makes sense? Open the gate or tell everyone the TRUE reason it’s closed.

S OBITUARY S MacDONALD, Marilyn May May 1, 1936 – June 21, 2020 Marilyn May (Patton) MacDonald passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at the age of 84 years. Marilyn is survived by her children, Randy, Kelly (Ann), and Penny (Terry); three grandchildren, Alexandra, Taylor and Karlee; and two great grandchildren, August and Abigail. She is also survived by her brother Ken (Marilyn) Patton, and her sister Evelyn (Larry) Dacyk. Marilyn was born in Fairview, AB. She raised her family in Calgary and worked at the Rockyview Hospital. Upon retirement she moved to the Fairmont Hot Springs area where she enjoyed spending time crafting, socializing, gardening and playing bridge. Marilyn loved life at the cabin and spent many happy years there. She recently moved to Okotoks to take up residence at The Heartland. The family is grateful for the care and attention she received while there. At Marilyn’s request, there will be no funeral. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Marilyn’s family through www.evanjstrong.com.

Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199

Jeers to the driver of the big blue boat that almost ran over me while I was kayaking last Thursday afternoon off of Fort Point. Pay attention before you kill somebody! Oh yes, an apology might have been a fitting gesture.

Cheers to Bobby Hall at the DOI. We see you go above and beyond always doing a fantastic job. We are huge tax payers in Invermere. You stand out of the crowd with your positivity and hard work ethics. Happy to pay taxes when we see someone like you on-board working so hard.

If you want to sell your home, it should be here!

Call Gerry *not intended to solicit those already working with an agent.

BUYING OR SELLING CALL 250-341-1202

gerrytaft.ca Rockies West Realty Independently owned and operated

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

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

Vehicle Storage and Storage Lockers Various Sizes Secure/Indoor/Heated Jim LeBourdais@gmail.com, 250-341-5845.

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.

Very nice 2-bdrm walkout basement suite of duplex in Edgewater, W/D, child or cat welcome, no dogs, no smokers. $1200/mo includes utilities.

250-688-7544.

Upper level suite with 2-bed, 2 bath living and kitchen for rent in Radium Valley Vacation Resort with walkout to deck, beautiful large backyard for enjoyment, $1350/mo, utilities included. Also ground level with 2-bed, 1 bath living and kitchen, $1100/mo utilities included. All furnished and ready to move in.

Call Zvonko at (416)722-4783 or (416)816-2318. Could be rented separately or one family.

ACREAGE FOR SALE

DUPLEX FOR RENT 2-bed, 1.5 bath upper duplex for rent July 1st. $1200/mo. including utilities. Suitable for two, no pets. Mark 250-3440959.

4.7 acres. Has its own gravelled access road from Kootenay #3 road already constructed. Drilled well, views, privacy. $219,000 plus GST. Phone Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-1268.

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.

TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE Three level townhouse in quiet Invermere development close to all amenities. 3-bdrm, 3 bathrooms, single garage and 2 vehicle driveway. Bright, open main floor and large rear deck have great mountain views and directly access attractive landscaped yard. $340,000. Call 250-341-3131.

CONDO FOR SALE

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE Lakefront Condo with Boat Slip, Downtown Invermere. Realtors welcome. www.forsalebyowner. ca Listing ID: 544326 780-2717658.

BARRY BROWN-JOHN Managing Broker “Rocky Mountain Land Man”

250-342-5245 b.brownjohn@gmail.com

Radium Hot Springs Condo for Sale. 2-bdrm, 2 bath. Ground level, corner unit, free hydro and propane. Underground parking, $165,000 O.B.O. Or rent for $1,100/mo. Call 250-688-1544.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

FIREWOOD

SERVICES

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

BOATS FOR SALE

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

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!

Sea Ray Sport 185(18.5’) A 2010 model in excellent condition with Merc 4.3l (190HP) and only 74 hrs.

Shorelander trailer. Skis , ropes, covers and accessories included.

Call or text John at 1-403-4716481 or email johncmiller29@ gmail.com.

SERVICES B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services: Renovations, Handyman Repairs, Small moves, Dump runs, House Checks, House Cleaning, Yard Maintenance, Eavestroughs, Tree removal.

250-688-2897.

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 Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

GENERAL HOME MAINTENANCE Decks, fences, finished carpentry.

Call Bernie 250-341-5900.

LESSONS/TRAINING

HELP WANTED

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

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

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.

WORK WANTED Just moved to valley. 30+ years experience in cabinet making and carpentry for hire. 1-403619-8715.

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

Cafe Allium 2.0 is looking for Kind and Competent dishwasher, Server, Bartender and Cook for Serving Small dishes, Cocktails, Craft beer and BC wines by the beach. Email cafeallium@gmail. com to apply.

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression.

Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Amanda or Lerissa at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

N E W S PA P E R

HELP WANTED

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

The District of Invermere invites tender submissions from qualified companies for: Sanitary and Storm Sewer Flushing Services This service is for a 5-year period from August 1st, 2020 to July 31st, 2025 for approximately 31 km of sanitary sewer mains and 6 km of storm sewer mains. Tender process and contract will be to Master Municipal Construction Document Standard.

Copies of the tender documents can be obtained at the municipal office (914 - 8th Avenue) after Monday June 22nd or on the District website www.invermere.net.

Sealed quotes, marked “Sanitary and Storm Flushing Services” can be delivered no later than 12:00 noon, local time, Monday, July 13th, 2020.

The District of Invermere reserves the right to waive formalities in any quote, or reject any or all quotes, or accept the quote deemed most favourable in the interest of the municipality.

The District of Invermere reserves the right to waive formalities in any quote, or reject any or all quotes, or accept the quote deemed most favourable in the interest of the municipality.

Contact Information: District of Invermere Kindry Luyendyk Interim Chief Administrative Officer Box 339 Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 Telephone: (250) 342-9281 Fax: (250) 342-2934 cao@invermere.net

PERMANENT FULL-TIME JOURNEYMAN MECHANIC GOLDEN ZONE Further position details can be found at: http://www.sd6.bc.ca/Careers/Pages/default.aspx If you are interested and qualified for this position, please submit a resume, with two references to: Human Resources, School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) e-mail: hr@sd6.bc.ca

Akiskinook Resort STRATA RESORT GROUNDSKEEPER POSITION SUMMARY – Akiskinook Resort is looking to fill seasonal groundskeeping positions. This is an outdoor hands-on role assisting with lawn maintenance and gardening, as well as care of the marina, beach, tennis courts, boatyard, recreation centre, and overall grounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES – You will be accountable for the overall maintenance of the common areas throughout the resort at a level consistent with the high standards expected of Akiskinook.

QUALIFICATIONS – The successful candidate must possess the following competencies and experience: • High attention to detail • Team player • Ability to run and maintain equipment • A love of the outdoors and a great work ethic Wage will be determined based on experience and qualifications. Resumes may be submitted to akisk01@telus.net or faxed to 250-342-0122.

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

NOTICES

TENDER Sanitary and Storm Sewer Flushing Services

SCHOOL DISTRIC T N O. 6 (ROCKY MOUN TAIN )

PART-TIME ADMINSTRATOR MaxWell Realty Invermere is looking for a part-time Administrator. The applicant should have experience using a computer and associated computer programs. The individual will be working with various different Real Estate programs and doing a variety of conveyancing work. Good communication skills are an asset. The individuals’ schedule would be based on a three-day work week. Training will be given to the new applicant.

Please drop your resumes off to the Invermere office at 1214 – 7 Avenue, Invermere or email to maxwellrealtyinvermere@gmail.com .

We look forward to meeting you!

Salary: Negotiable based on experience Closing Date: July 6, 2020

N E W S PA P E R

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POSTING Casual Employees The District of Invermere is seeking applications for our Casual on call Employee list for the 2020 season in the Public Works Department.

To be eligible you must possess a valid class 5 driver’s license.

Special consideration will be given to people with previous construction or municipal works experience including Environmental Operators Certification. An air brakes endorsement or a valid class 3 driver’s license would be an asset.

Under the supervision of the Public Works Foreman, the casual employee performs a variety of manual labour duties and equipment operations. Work involves the general maintenance of municipal infrastructures including roads and streets, storm drainage, water and sewer systems, parks, cemetery and buildings. The primary tasks considered for this posting involve buildings, parks, roads and utility maintenance and repair and must be willing to come in contact with live sewer.

Applicants must possess sound communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of WCB regulations would be an asset.

This position is within C.U.P.E. 2982 bargaining unit. A full job description is available for this position.

Applicants are invited to submit their resumes to: District of Invermere Kindry Luyendyk, Interim Chief Administrative Officer 914 – 8th Avenue Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342-2934 Email cao@invermere.net

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 2, 2020

Tree preservation in the urban forest

B

n i g h c n a r

Out

By Dave Meadows Pioneer Columnist Ideally, for an urban forest to work properly it must be cohesive in nature. It includes both native and non-native species crossing public and private property lines yet interconnected and functioning as an ecosystem. This ecosystem is valued and cared for through community stewardship to maintain its health and vitality.

It is important to realize that although urban forests consist of individual trees along streets and in backyards, it also includes stands of remnant forests interspersed among the surrounding lands. Vegetation in residential and commercial landscapes also contributes to the urban forest.

Currently the district of Invermere has thousands of trees that provide tremendous benefit and have high value that requires a cohesive plan for managing these assets.

Balancing these benefits with a property owner’s right to

develop and manage their property is also an ongoing challenge.

Last summer I received a request from an Edmonton-based property management firm on behalf of a non-resident landowner. Of the 14 or so relatively treeless lots available, the property owner selected a specific lot which included a particularly large, mature tree.

The diameter at breast height, measured four feet (48 inches). If one took a tape measure completely around the tree, the circumference was over twelve feet. This was a magnificent remnant forest specimen of interior Douglas fir!

I was puzzled as to why someone would select a lot with the largest tree, perhaps the largest in the area, then have the tree removed. The lack of understanding of how truly intertwined people and trees are within the urban forest is troublesome.

When considering the many documented benefits of trees, whether we are talking about the numerous species of birds, animals, and insects that inhabit trees, or storm water capture, shade, clean air and financial benefits, people are mostly short-sighted about how important their relationship with trees really is.

Despite their important role in helping communities adapt to climate change and urbanization, urban and remnant forests may themselves be vulnerable to people’s lack of obligation to preserve trees along with keeping in

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balance with FireSmart practices.

Take water conservation for example: some may argue there was no real incentive to conserve water even though local water governing agencies were advocating cautious advice and warnings that the resource is limited.

It wasn’t until flat-rate billing changed to water metering that most people began conserving use.

Perhaps providing incentives such as tax relief on properties where people retain and maintain large trees would attract more attention and bring about a change for tree preservation?

Invermere’s urban forest and patriotism on display.

Photo by Dauna Ditson

Tourism “on life support”

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Official Opposition B.C. Liberal Tourism Critics Doug Clovechok and Michelle Stilwell recently completed four digital town halls to learn more about the economic impacts of each region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The tourism industry is flat out on its back,” Clovechok concluded after the June 10 meeting. “It’s on life support… and it’s clear that there’s absolutely no (economic) plan for tourism to survive so far.”

Clovechok who is the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) also sits on the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. He has been advocating for B.C. Premier John Horgan to develop an economic recovery plan for the tourism sector and to include a tourism sector spokesperson on the Economic Recovery Task Force.

The Economic Recovery Task Force began meeting weekly on conference calls on Thursday, April 2 with Premier Horgan, Finance Minister Carole James, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness Michelle Mungall and businesses such as the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver Board of Trade, the B.C. Federation of Labour, non-profit sectors and First Nations.

“COVID-19 is not only a public-health challenge, but also an economic one. People and businesses urgently need support,” said Premier Horgan in a recent press release. “We will be there to protect people’s health and give immediate relief during the crisis. This task force will help us keep in close contact with community leaders to ensure the steps we are taking now are working and to plan for a long-term economic recovery after the crisis has passed.”

With nearly 70 participants from the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding raising alarm bells about their concerns for the tourism sector, Clovechok is adamant this issue demands more attention.

“We have to stress, it’s the single biggest impact the tourism industry has seen since the end of World War II,” said Clovechok.

Clovechok and Stilwell opted to run regional engagement sessions through B.C. to learn more about what small-and-large tourism operators need to promote “staycation travel” throughout their home province. Clovechok believes British Columbians need to feel safe, have some economic stability and some savings in order for the tourism sector to begin making a recovery in the long-term.

“There is a $2.5 billion GDP contribution from tourism to B.C.,” said Clovechok.

“That’s more than forestry, more than agriculture and more than mining. This premier is completely ignoring this (tourism) sector and the biggest insult is that he did not appoint anybody from tourism to sit on the board from tourism. It just boggles my mind.”

July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

Free programs for Invermere library reopens for summer kids at beach Watershed Wanderings Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are offering free summer camps for kids at James Chabot Beach.

Each themed lesson has activities and games that will teach kids about Lake Windermere, those that depend on the lake and the importance of water stewardship. Each event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is for children aged eight and up.

July 8 – Birds in our sky The Lake Windermere area is a very important bird habitat and has a large diversity of bird species. Kids will learn about the different species they’re likely to see around the lake, how to identify them and why they’re important.

July 17 – Aliens in the lake Kids will learn about what an invasive species is, how they impact their environments and what their introduction means for native species. This camp will be in collaboration with East Kootenay Invasive Species Council.

July 31 – Our watershed Water takes on a large journey before reaching Lake Windermere, most of it, relatively unseen. In this camp, kids will learn about where water comes from and the different obstacles it has to get through to get to the lake.

August 14 – Water: the trip before the tap When we turn on our taps, fresh clean water comes out, but where does it come from? Kids will learn about what the process is to get the freshwater from our water sources, the treatment it goes through and how it eventually gets to our homes.

August 28 – Life in a drop of water A water droplet may seem quite small, but there are tons of microscopic bacteria living in that tiny, little drop.

Kids will learn about what the different types of bacteria are and why they’re important to the health of the lake.

The Invermere Library is reopening!

In line with BC’s phase 3 plan, the library will be open to patrons as of June 22. Things won’t be quite back to normal, so please read on so you know what to expect. Only six patrons are allowed in the library at a time, and we are only open to browse shelves and checkout items. There will be no seating and no public computer access available. Contactless printing service is currently available. Please email the documents you want printed to publiclibrary@invermere.net and we will print them for you (in-library or curbside pickup).

If you are not feeling well, do not come to the library, and try to limit visits to one family member when possible. Our washrooms will not be open to the public.

We are continuing curbside pickup for the foreseeable future, as well as in-library checkouts.

We are open for our regular hours again, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

When you do come in, be sure to check out our new soundproof tech booth (pictured), which is not quite available for use, but is very cool!

SUMMER READING CLUB AT THE INVERMERE LIBRARY PICK UP A READING LOG STARTING JULY 2!

Explore the Universe with us this summer with 7 weeks of FREE take-home, Space mission kits from July 9-August 20!

To sign up, please fill out the registration on our website!

e Co lumbia Va

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Pop-Up Story Time We are also extremely excited to say Pop-up Story Time will go ahead this year every Thursday and Friday at 11 a.m. in July and August!

In light of social distancing, we will be taking a few

FREE Kids Summer Camps at James Chabot Beach Time: 9:00am-12:00pm For Children ages 8+ July 8th – Birds in our Sky July 17th – Aliens in the Lake July 31st – Our Watershed August 14th – Water: The Trip Before our Taps August 28th – Life in a Drop of Water To register email intern@lakeambassadors.ca

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Summer Reading Club Summer Reading Club will still go ahead but now has a FREE take-home kit with online content too. The theme this summer is “Explore our Universe” and as an avid space lover, I’m out of this world excited! To signup for the weekly take home kit, register on our website (you can sign-up for the whole summer or just a week or two). Kits will be available for pick up outside the library each Thursday morning beginning July 9.

There will be two ways to track your reading this summer. Head to the bcsrc.ca website, make an account and track your reading online each day to earn badges.

Or come pick up a paper reading log like usual. You must complete a paper log to win a Lego minifigure (while supplies last)!

If you would like the reading log without participating in the weekly take-home kits, they will be available for pickup from July 2 on. Programming is designed for kids finished kindergarten to grade 7. All Summer Reading Club details can be found on our website: invermere.bc.libraries.coop.

Ser

Due to COVID-19 we are adding in extra precautions to our summer camps to keep you, your kids and our leaders safe!

Some of these measures include, limiting camp size, diligently sanitizing, no sharing of equipment between kids during activities and having games that maintain a sixfoot distance.

For more information or to register email intern@ lakeambassadors.ca

Submitted by Blair McFarlane

precautions. There will be two sessions a week with the same books. Please only come to one session per week and bring your own blanket to sit on so that we can space out. If you or your child(ren) are not feeling well, do not attend Pop-up Story Time that week. Instead of craft time together, we will be sending everyone home with a little craft kit!

Pop-up Story Time is geared towards ages five and under but all are welcome! Events are weather permitting.

Our first Pop-up Story Time will be July 2 and 3 at Pothole Park at 11 a.m.. Check our website, Facebook or Instagram for dates and locations throughout the summer.

We are very excited to see our wonderful patrons again and we appreciate your patience and understanding with all the new protocols.

See you soon!

Track reading online & with a paper log You must fill a paper log to win a Lego minifigure (while supplies last) For kids finished Kindergarten-Grade 7 Head to our website for all the details!

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Columbia Valley

July 2, 2020

C VID-19 UPDATE

Resource, Development & Advocacy

Are you in need of a safe home?

Call the crisis line 1-800-200-3003 for help Women’s Information and Safe Homes (WISH)

Keeping busy with little ones to do these activities this week, cut them out and start a binder of activities that you can refer to when you need an idea. Enjoy!

Check out this week’s activity and wellness ideas: Hot day? A few buckets of water and some sponges should do the trick. Create a “Fill the Bucket” Race or play a sponge “Hot Potato Toss!”

This weekly article is brought to you by Family Dynamix’s Early Years Coordinator where I will be sharing activity ideas to make it easier for parents to keep their kids busy and active.

Wellness strategies will be shared and can benefit all family members. This continues to be a challenging time for both parents and children and having ways to relax and destress is important for our continued health. If you don’t have time

Everybody has a name

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

Everybody has a name.

Some are different,

1)

Some the same.

Some are short, Some are long.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

All are right.

None are wrong.

2) 3) 4) 5)

I like my name.

6)

It‛s special to me.

7)

It‛s exactly who, I want to be!

8)

Find something that makes you happy Find something to give someone else to make them smile Fine one thing you love to smell Find one thing you enjoy looking at Find something that’s your favourite colour Find something you are thankful for in nature Find something that you can use to make a gift for someone Find something that is useful for you

. . . ‘Artistic’ from page 9 District of Invermere events planner Cortney Pitts approached Black Star with the idea of creating something to help keep people apart at the beach this summer, and both parties are pleased with results.

“It’s just a fun way to say ‘keep your distance,’” Black Star co-owner Natalie Ruby told the Pioneer. “We wanted to keep it fun, to show that although you need to keep safe, being aware of COVID-19 doesn’t have to be scary all the time.”

“We wanted to put something to remind people about social distancing, and sometimes plain old signs can be a bit redundant, so we wanted something fun,” Invermere acting chief administrative officer Kindry Luyendyk told the Pioneer. “We may keep it up going forward, even after we don’t need to social distance, because it’s a pretty neat piece to have down there.”

Black Star Studios and the district of Invermere collaborated to creatively remind people at Kinsmen Beach to stay two metres (six feet) apart this summer.

Photo by Steve Hubrecht

July 2, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

FAITH Stories trees tell

By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly

Exactly 1,221 steps along a path, across two suspension bridges over the Kootenay River, on a hillside facing Mount Kindersley stands a Rocky Mountain Douglas fir more than twelve feet around. It leans slightly and then, reaching for the sky, rises head and shoulders above a forest of much younger trees. Its deeply furrowed bark is rough, weathered by centuries of frost, rain, and heat. Old man’s beard hangs in long strands from its branches. In the woodland silence I wonder… How long has this grandfather of the forest quietly watched over this valley? What memories are held within each ring? If this tree spoke what stories would he tell?

Surely he’d share his memories as seedling and then sapling surviving fires and floods; tales of Aboriginal

hunters, explorers, and settlers travelling through the valley bottom; the story of how a pack trail became a highway, the arrival of the first automobile, and the birth of a national park 100 years ago with thousands of guests stopping to visit. I strain to hear this aged fir’s voice but he remains silent.

If trees in the Bible spoke they’d have stories to tell.

Trees that stood when the world began would tell of the beauty of God’s creation; man and woman’s first breath; a snake’s voice; the eating of forbidden fruit; God’s questions; our first parents’ shame, excuses and departure from God’s garden barred forever from the Tree of Life.

A tree outside Jerusalem would speak of being chopped down and hewn into a cross; a man named Jesus being crucified; his death reconciling mankind with God; and of God’s garden being opened to all who believe. In the Bible’s last chapter the Tree of Life standing before God’s throne would announce the arrival of God’s kingdom; a new heaven and a new earth; no more death, mourning, crying or pain; and would promise eternal life, everlasting joy, and a glimpse of God’s face to all who will come.

Listen carefully for The Story that together these trees tell “for it is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes.”

Lake Windermere pulse check for June 23 Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors •Average Water Temperature: 14.8°C •Average Water Temperature: 17.7°C •Average Water Depth: 4.6m •Average Turbidity: 3.06 NTU •Average D.O.: 9.76 mg/L •Average pH: 7.6 Summer is officially here and we certainly enjoyed the warmer temperature this morning! The hot weather experienced this past week increased the water temperature of the lake from 14.8°C to 17.7°C. Average water depth has also increased from 3.4m last week to 4.6m this week. This is likely due to the precipitation as well as the warmer weather melting snow

in the mountains. Today we also collected samples that get sent to a lab in Kelowna to verify our results.

This is done once a month to ensure our equipment is accurate.

Unfortunately social distancing measures are still in place so volunteers are unable to join us in the boat, however we hope this changes in the near future!

To join the Ambassadors out on the lake on a Tuesday morning this summer, please contact Clare at (250) 341-6898 or intern@lakeambassadors.ca Thank you to the Columbia Valley Pioneer, District of Invermere, Regional District of East Kootenay, Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, LUSH Charity Pot, and the Columbia Valley Community Foundation for their support of our lake monitoring program!

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 Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 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.

The pandemic has impacted every business, including mobile vendors and food trucks. Paulina, her son, Gabriel, and the Hungry Rooster team will be staying close to home this summer – serving up their famous perogies between Radium (Fridays) and Canal Flats (Wednesdays).

Photo by Ryan Watmough

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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 2, 2020

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