Columbia Valley Pioneer, July 30, 2020

July 30, 2020 Vol.17/Issue 31

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 July 30, 2020

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020 Highlights of the @LiveColumbiaValley Instagram account, brought to you by the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office, a service of the RDEK.

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HIGHLIGHTS #ColumbiaValleyBC What are you up to this week? Pinto Mountain is a classic Columbia Valley hike, thanks to the dedication of the Summit Trail Makers Society. With any hike, advanced planning goes a long way with ensuring you have a good day. Come prepared (week days will be quieter). Tell a contact where you’re going and when you’re expected back. Pack lots of water, snacks and a great lunch. Take only photos and leave no trace. And during the pandemic, stay to your bubble, leaving lots of room between your group and others when you pass each other on the trail. Smell wildflowers, not each other.

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Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting The annual general meeting of the

Wilmer Waterworks Improvement District is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 at 7 p.m. at the Wilmer Community Hall (Conrad Kain Park).

All Wilmer residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Please note that due to COVID-19 protocols you must RSVP by email at wilmerwaterworks@gmail.com or phone Karen Reisle at 250-342-3501 if you plan to attend.

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@basinbusinessadvisors’ Nyree Marsh visited the Columbia Valley this week to meet with agriculture and food businesses. Basin Business Advisors Program Advisors have been working hard to help small businesses survive and thrive through the pandemic. Please reach out to them if you would like a free initial consultation. They’re here to help!

Can people still do business on the golf course? Of course they can! Just maintain physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and no high fives after birdies... All things Columbia Valley, Radium and Fairmont were discussed on the Riverside course at @fairmonthotspringsresort. And with so many golf options along the @cvgolftrail, there’s a lot of work getting teed up throughout the Columbia Valley.

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When you come to a fork ahead, take the path, er, river less travelled. Well, not always good advice on the Columbia River. But, in general, the Columbia River is a fantastic place to social distance. Just you, your navigator and crew, and a few bald eagles. If you don’t have your own watercraft, you can rent them from local outfitters, who will show you the way - through Fairmont, from Invermere to Radium, or the less travelled, Radium to Edgewater. Photos by Ryan Watmough

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July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS Akisqnuk First Nation chief resigns

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nation survival skills in late-August.

“I’m always available,” Joseph explained to the Pioneer. “It seems to be the culture, After two years of leading the Akisqwhether it’s Indigenous or non-Indigenous, nuk First Nation as chief, Alfred Joseph anto have to think that because I no longer nounced the decision to resign from his post have a title, or someone in the community effective immediately. does not have a title, that they cannot go His July 17 resignation took place roughand speak to them. I’m still open to having ly halfway through the four-year term that friends and people stopping in, discussing band members would have expected during things which is an attitude that I’m trying to the October 2017 election results. break.”

“I left out of frustration after working in Alfred added, “I’m trying to break down there for the two years that I was in,” Joseph the walls that create isolation from the outtold the Pioneer by phone. “I thought that side community members to be able to come we had made some progress and were doing and visit to treat our community members really good, but all of this went to hell, and as their friends and just stop in for visits. I I’ll say that I couldn’t see myself in there for assume they would do it in the outside comthe next two-years redoing the same thing we munities. If they have a friend in Edgewater, did over the last two years.” they’d go visit them in Edgewater. There’s At the age of 68, Joseph indicated there Akisqnuk First Nation Chief Alfred Joseph resigned effective immediately on July 17. very few and far between who feel comfortwere generational conflicts taking place in Photo by Pat Morrow able doing that. A lot of them feel the reserve the way that the roles and responsibilities of is off boundaries.” the chief and council were “swamped” with requests from council and chief were being handled at the Akisqnuk members of the community.

As a child, Joseph remembers hearing family memFirst Nation. Joseph indicated that focusing on the Ktubers talk about restricting visitors at the Akisqnuk First “It was a good two years and learning how things naxa language revitalization efforts and raising awareness have changed since the last time I was chief,” said Joseph. Nation but he wants to shift the culture. about the band’s culture interests him more than political “The people have changed. The way of thinking in the “A lot of the Indigenous people say that they have debates at this stage of his life. to live in two worlds, but the two worlds don’t have to younger generation has changed.”

“Chief and council has changed over the years to bebe— one doesn’t have to be poverty. I believe that there’s He cited the change has not been positive for the come almost what I would call a board of directors,” he community, and felt more emphasis by elected officials a richness in Aboriginal knowledge.” explained, noting the system had become bureaucratic needed to be focused on acting collectively as opposed to and citing generational differences. “It’s not a 24-7 re- through individualism. sponsibility (for others), which is what I had taken it as.

Maple Advance Funding “A couple of comments I’ve heard is that the older I did the best that I could do with bringing the Akisqnuk generation is not educated enough to deal with present Need a loan? We can help! point of view and making our presence with everything day issues, and to me that is a very disrespectful way to that I did (end) on a positive note. The amount of issues be looking at things because life experiences are the best that I’ve had to deal with in the last two-plus years have teachers and not classroom teachings,” said Joseph. been numerous with the Truth and Reconciliation (projThe Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) declined to ect).” comment on Joseph’s resignation via e-mail on July 22, In addition, the Columbia River Treaty discussions stating that “The KNC does not speak on behalf of Akiswhich were recently tabled by the Province of B.C. due to qnuk leadership or administration.” the confidential nature of cross-border negotiations and The Akisqnuk First Nation administration could details of the initial proposal in Canada and the U.S.A not be reached for a comment before the Pioneer went to framework cannot be made public according to a recent press. Councillors from Akisqnuk First Nation declined announcement from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and to comment as well.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

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This past week, July 20 through July 26 the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 105 calls for service.

The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to: On Wednesday, July 22 an individual reported that sometime between July 11 and July 15 someone stole a portable DVD player, a chronometer and a Galaxy tablet from his vehicle which was parked at his residence on Wilmer Pontoon Road in Athalmer.

On Wednesday, July 22 at about 10 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of two intoxicated males laying down on Kootenay Number 3 Road in Windermere. An officer attended the area and located the two males. The officer, who was concerned for the males’ safety, arrested both men for being intoxicated in a public place and held them in cells until they were sober.

On Wednesday, July 22 at about 11:30 p.m. Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of individuals drinking, screaming and driving golf carts on Lakeview Meadow Beach in Invermere. An officer conducted patrols of the area and located three males and two females travelling down Lake Hill Road in a golf cart.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and issued the driver a violation ticket for no insurance and had the golf cart towed off the roadway and released to the owner.

On Saturday, July 25 at 1:45 a.m. an officer was conducting patrols on Highway 93/95 in Radium Hot Springs when he observed a Buick Regal traveling on

the highway with no license plate. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke to the driver who admitted he did not have a driver’s license. During the conversation, the officer detected an odour of liquor on the driver’s breath. The driver complied with the breath demand and blew two “warns.”

The driver was also discovered to be a prohibited driver. The driver received a three day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition, his vehicle was impounded and he was served an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date in relation to driving while prohibited.

On Saturday, July 25 at about 6:20 p.m. an officer was conducting patrols near Radium Hot Springs when he observed a person he knew to be an unlicensed driver operating a red Dodge pickup on Highway 93/95.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and confirmed the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. During the conversation, the officer noted an odour of liquor coming from the driver’s breath. The driver complied with a breath demand and blew a “fail.” As a result, the driver received a 90-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

On Sunday, July 26 at about 8 p.m. police received a report of a possible impaired driver operating a white GMC Yukon on Westroc Mine Road in Windermere.

An officer located the vehicle traveling on Wood Lane East Road in Windermere and conducted a traffic stop.

While speaking to the driver, the officer detected an odour of liquor coming from the driver’s breath. The driver complied with a roadside breath demand and blew a “fail.” The driver, who was also discovered to be suspended from driving, was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition and an Appearance Notice to attend court at a later date for driving while suspended. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

Lake Windermere pulse check for July 30 Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors •Average Water Temperature: 20.8°C •Average Water Depth: 5.0m •Average Turbidity: 1.7 NTU •Average D.O.: 9.13 mg/L •Average pH: 7.8 Our citizen scientists of the week are Brooklyn and Gavin.

The sun was shining this morning with clear blue skies and nice calm waters for water sampling.

Average water temperature has now reached a beautiful 20.8°C and will continue to rise with this week’s warm air temperatures.

Thanks to a volunteer boater, Gavin, we were able to take an additional volunteer out with us today, Brooklyn, who is a university student from Calgary. Going forward if you have an interest in being a citizen scientist you can join us for creek sampling on Wednesday.

To join the Ambassadors on a Wednesday morning this summer, please contact Clare at 250-3416898 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!

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July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Indigenous housing project sparks land discourse

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A housing project to support Métis and First Nations individuals between the ages of 16 and 27 transition from the foster care system successfully into independent living for young adults with the added benefit of 24-7 support from Indigenous elders is in motion.

On Saturday, July 25, several socially distant Métis representatives from all over B.C. stood outside Kikekyelc: A Place of Belonging in Kamloops to hear Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services executive director Colleen Lucier make opening remarks and raise awareness about the condo development that’s currently being built in response to Indigenous youth who fell into homelessness, addictions, poverty and unemployment after aging out of the child welfare system.

The housing complex broke ground in July of 2019 and expects to open the doors for young adults and elders alike on Sept. 1, 2020.

“I always say this isn’t a success story,” Lucier told her Métis peers at the entrance of Kikekyelc. “We shouldn’t need a place like this to begin with.”

Amidst the Métis citizens and cultural garb featuring floral beadwork, fringe and tassel leather vests in a small group of approximately 15 delegates on a 30 Celsius degree afternoon on a concrete sidewalk, presidential nominee candidate Walter Mineault and his newly formed slate team for this fall’s Métis Nation of B.C. (MNBC) election viewed the property at 975 Singh Street from a distance.

Columbia Valley Métis Association president Debra Fisher, among the attendees, listened intently to a description about how the project came to life after two teens fell into dire living situations after aging out of foster care.

Lucier described the deliberate approach to incorporating First Nation and Métis culture that went visibly into the project.

There are First Nations patterns printed on the property’s BC Hydro box next to local plants growing in the gardens.

In addition to the subtle accents from the culture, there were several culturally

distinctive gathering places pointed out after being incorporated into the design of the condo to encourage cultural teachings and awareness to the Brocklehurst community in Kamloops who visit or reside on the property, starting with successful applicants this fall.

“Service providers haven’t always felt connected to the nation and I would have loved to have the nation’s support on this,” Lucier said, noting that it would have been preferable to tell the community that MNBC had been on-board and in support of the project as it evolved.

However, MNBC vice president Lissa Smith, standing among those in attendance, offered apologies that her peers from the current MNBC administration had not attended the previously held official opening ceremonies with Lucier and indicated that the MNBC leadership team was not aware of the official opening ceremonies when they were recently held.

MNBC president Clara Morin Dal Col was unavailable by phone and e-mail for comments about this initiative before the Pioneer went to press.

Fisher, recently drove 488 kilometres from Invermere to Kamloops with the intent of visiting Kikekyelc to view the property and to network with the Métis community.

After personally providing emergency care, respite care and foster care as a host family in the Columbia Valley for a total of 35 children, Fisher was solemn yet passionate about the housing project. She remains optimistic about seeing similar housing initiatives take shape for Métis citizens and First Nations people in B.C. in the future.

“I have talked about having something like this in the Kootenays for probably 20 years, and now that I’ve seen it, I believe it’s the absolute best solution for youth aging out of foster care,” Fisher told the Pioneer after hearing remarks for various dignitaries. “Their whole support system disappears after they graduate. It’s cruel... The issues about child and family are near and dear to my heart.”

To apply for an elder or a youth spot at the residence, please visit: https:// lmofcs.ca/kikekyelc/ to learn more.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

PERSPECTIVE The woodcarver, the wizard and the Home of a Thousand Faces

Historical Lens

By Amanda Nason advertising@columbiavalleypioneer.com Rolf Heer (April 7, 1954 – June 21, 2020) was known to the village of Radium Hot Springs as the woodcarver seen around as town and as a wizard and a friend to all.

He will be missed by many who knew him.

Heer moved to Radium Hot Springs in April of 1979 where his footprint in the village began. Heer built the Home of a Thousand Faces, a hand carved building, which he lived in until a fire destroyed it in November 2018.

A park in his memory is in the works by the Radium Chamber of Commerce. The park will be located on the same property where his home stood.

Many visitors from around the world have seen the Home of a Thousand Faces and his carving done with just one unique tool: a chainsaw. He was featured on a popular TV show “Weird Homes,” and his carvings were displayed and sold onsite.

Heer had a way of leaving his mark on you in one way or another, starting with the water lines he had throughout the home; you only needed to step the wrong way once to know you were in for a surprise at any moment.

If you read the comments from previous visitors on Trip Advisor you will see it was a experience you would never forget. “Come with an open mind” one said as they explained their experience and went on to describe him as an interesting kind of guy with incredible talent.

Heer’s home was full of charm and full of quirks. His home was a one of a kind tourist destination, possibly one you would never forget.

If you lived or stayed in Radium Hot Springs the memory of his loud parties and large fireworks display will either make you smile or sigh depending on where you lived or stayed in the village, but it was his way. After all everyone was welcome if you were up for a good time.

If you weren’t, this could be where the sign saying “open sometimes” came into play that hung outside his door.

Heer was very open about where he stood; just like the way he lived, when it came to his pain and suffering he chose when it would be enough and made the decision to use Medical Assistance in Dying when death was definite.

Whether you agree or disagree with the way he lived or died it was his way, and the village of Radium Hot Springs and past visitors will always remember the wizard woodcarver who lived in the Home of a Thousand Faces.

Rolf Heer’s Home of a Thousand Faces When Rolf Heer passed away eariler this month, he left the site of his Home of a Thousand Faces to the community to be turned into a public park.

Photo by Ryan Watmough (Circa 2017)

Member of Parliament newsletter Dear Editor: I was happy to open my mailbox last week to find a newsletter from our Member of Parliament. MPs are encouraged to keep in touch with their constituents. There is no cost to MP’s budgets to send us information, nor for you to send responses and concerns to your MP. I appreciate our MP’s interest in gas prices. I am sure he is aware that in May of 2019, B.C. Premier John Horgan directed the BC Utilities Commission to conduct an inquiry into gasoline and diesel prices in B.C..

This led to the NDP introducing Bill 42 – BC’s Fuel Transparency Act, in November 2019, requiring companies in the fuel industry in B.C. to report information and data on their activities. This will surely be helpful to MP Rob Morrison as he looks into the issue.

The newsletter says MP Morrison’s office in Cranbrook is on Baker Street. However, at the moment, there is a sign on the door directing callers to Suite C – 415 Industrial Road A, so to save time and energy, you could go directly there Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. if you want to ask for some help. This is due to a combination of renovations and a car crash into the building on Baker Street.

Unfortunately, there is still only one constituency office in this riding - it is in Cranbrook. I know there is enough money in the Kootenay – Columbia riding budget to staff two permanent offices that would then ensure that all of the constituents in the riding are well-served and the people of the West Kootenay have easier access to their MP. When someone becomes a Member of Parliament, her or his party leader will ask them for their priorities in taking on a role as a critic, the objective being for every MP to have a specialty area to work on. It is appropriate that Rob is the Critic for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, given his career was with law enforcement and policing. It did make me smile a little to see the Conservative Party prefers to call their Critics “Deputy Shadow Ministers”. In Conservative Speak, that would mean I was the “Deputy Shadow Minister” for National Parks when I was MP – kind of has a ring to it!

The newsletter also asks for input, which is great. However, on the list of Issues we are asked to rank in order of importance, I did not see the Climate Emergency or Transitioning to a Green Economy or Affordable Housing. I very much hope in the next newsletter, such choices are available.

Wayne Stetski Former local Member of Parliament

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

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July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

Area director runs for role with union of B.C. municipalities Dear Editor, My primary reason for running is to make sure that there is a strong rural voice at the provincial table. It is important to me that the Columbia Valley, the RDEK and South Eastern B.C. isn’t an afterthought when discussions are taking place and decisions are being made at the provincial level that could impact our lives. In the Columbia Valley and the RDEK we are unique in that we share borders with Alberta, Montana, and Idaho which adds complexities and opportunities that other parts of the province may not consider. Having lived in both rural and urban communities throughout B.C. I will bring a balanced perspective of both urban and rural to the UBCM table.

Prior to being elected in 2018 as RDEK Area F Director, I was the executive director for the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, a position that I left so that I could focus on representing the residents of Area F; being a director at large on the UBCM executive will expand my opportunities to represent the people of Area F and the rest of the RDEK. I have experience serving on national boards and committees; I was appointed to the BC Rural Advisory Council and am proud to have contributed to the development of the Rural Dividend Fund. I served on the BC Chamber Executive Society for five years and ascended to President. I also sat on the BC Chamber board for two years along with being on the Conference Board of Canada’s Employability Skills Committee.

UBCM 2020 will be held virtually September 22 – 24 and the elections will open at 10:30 a.m. on September 22 and close at noon on September 23. Candidates are being asked to create a video instead of the normal two-minute speech and the videos will be shown during the conference on September 23. Over the last 10 years I have nurtured relationships with people throughout B.C. that are in local government and I will use the technology available to me to reach out and ask that they support my bid to become a Director at Large for UBCM. Susan Clovechok Area F Director

Correction In the July 23 edition, the Pioneer reported that the first Angel Flights East Kootenay flight directly from the Columbia Valley to Kelowna left from Fairmont Hot Springs. This is incorrect: the flight in fact left from the Invermere Airport, located on Shuswap Indian Band land near the Highway 93 crossroads. Further clarification: the proper name of the local legion branch mentioned in the story is Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 Windermere District. Shuswap Indian Band Shuswap Language and Cultural Advisor Micheal Archie performed an official welcome, greeting, prayer, traditional dance and smudging of the plane before takeoff.

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June 2020 ~ Graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine. New York, USA Mark & Sherry Bowron of Cochrane, AB along with sisters, Channing & Devenee, nephew Bentley, niece Phaeton and your Grandfather Brian Bowron of Invermere, BC want to congratulate you on becoming a Doctor of Medicine.

We are very proud of you Karyssa and we know your Grandmother, Traudl Bowron is watching over you and beaming down with pride as well. Your passion and dedication will serve you well as you follow your chosen path. 2020 has been a very challenging year to be practicing medicine – Well done!

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

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made into memorial park Submitted by Tourism Radium and the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Eccentric woodcarver Rolf Heer has died from cancer at age 66, after celebrating over 40 years in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

“Our village is in mourning,” says Clara Reinhardt, mayor of the Village of Radium Hot Springs. “Rolf was more than a colourful figure in Radium, he was a legend in our community, and we will all feel this loss.”

Rolf was born on April 7, 1954 in Switzerland, and moved to Radium Hot Springs in April of 1979 where he quickly laid down roots in the community. Rolf built the House of a Thousand Faces, a hand carved building in Radium Hot Springs where he lived, made and sold his carvings, hosted parties, and toured guests. Rolf and his house were landmarks in Radium and the Columbia Valley, and have gained notoriety from visitors around the world.

After a fire completely destroyed Rolf ’s iconic House

of a Thousand Faces on November 22, 2018, Rolf started making plans for the landmark property to be transformed into a public park. Now that Rolf has died the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce will fundraise to complete this legacy project. A GoFundMe page has been set up to accept donations to support the creation of the park.

“The memorial park will be a fitting tribute to Rolf,” says Mike Gray, spokesperson for the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. “After the fire, Rolf wanted to turn his spot into a public area where people could gather and enjoy the beauty that brought him to Radium.”

Rolf was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, but continued to work and live his unique lifestyle until his final days.

To donate to the park, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/park-of-a-thousand-faces?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_ cf+share-flow-1

Radium council on tourism, alarms and parking

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com Tourism request At their meeting on Wednesday, July 22, Radium council endorsed a proposal by mayors of the province’s resort municipalities asking the province for infrastructure funding to support any community where tourism is the base of their economy.

False fire alarms After six false fire alarms came in from one property in a single day, Radium council considered what to do about false alarms. Mark Read, chief administrative officer, proposed escalating fees for repeated false alarms in a twelve-month period, with the third false alarm costing $250, the next jumping to $500 and the next going up to $1,000. The idea was tabled for further consideration.

Hall parking The meeting, which took place at the Radium Hot Springs Centre, left council discussing an issue with vehicles parking at the hall overnight. Previously representatives from a nearby residential development requested permission to use the hall parking lot for their residents and were denied. “I’ve been a hard no,” said mayor Clara Reinhardt, adding that she wants to “nip that in the bud” and post signs advising residents that overnight parking is not allowed.

Councillor Mike Gray, who owns the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery, said some people may park overnight when they attend events in order to ensure they have a safe ride home. While council discussed possibly making exceptions for event goers, they are looking into adding signs and ticketing violators.

Meeting requests Radium council is requesting appointments at the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities meeting to hear about construction, trails and health.

While Reinhardt has heard that roundabout construction at the intersection of Highway 93 and Highway 95 is on time and going well and said the traffic control is so smooth it’s “like watching choreography,” she would like an opportunity to ask ministry officials for an update on the project.

Council was interested in talked with provincial officials about the Columbia Valley Recreation Access Management Plan too. “That whole mess with the Deja View trails... was a travesty,” said Reinhardt. “I’d like to know how that happened.”

They also hoped to schedule a meeting with health officials to talk about the COVID-19 response.

“The Ministry of Health really has been remarkable,” Reinhardt said. “As much as they’ve been doing a great job, the impact in the various health regions has been very different.”

Splash park Radium council and the local Rotary club are submitting an application to the Columbia Valley Community Foundation for a new splash park in the community.

While work on the splash park has started, Reinhardt said there’s currently not a timeline for completion.

Citizens on Patrol Citizens helping police keep the community safe will soon be easier to identify, with Radium council approving a request for the residents to have hats that will identify them as Citizens on Patrol.

WELCOME BACK VISITORS Thank you for supporting our local businesses.

Let’s always remember to be safe, respectful and kind to each other.

Follow us on social media

#valleystrong

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

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

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

Columbia Basin Culture Tour – August 8 and 9 as Rusty Redstar and Dave Dando in South Slocan. The Slocan Valley features the beautiful ceramics of Robin DuPont and Christine Fortier and many talented Columbia Basin: Get a fresh perspecsculptors and painters, through Nakusp tive on the local arts and heritage scene! to Revelstoke.

The twelfth annual Columbia BaThese are just some of the fabulous sin Culture Tour is a fun weekend that venues and communities on the 2020 combines a road trip with a customized Columbia Basin Culture Tour; there are cultural experience like no other. Vis64 venues in total, with something to init artists’ studios, museums, art galleries terest everyone. Don’t forget to check out and heritage sites at your own pace. With your favorite artists from past years too – venues, exhibitions, artwork and perforthe images of their new works are incredimances changing every year, there is alble! Take a sneak peek of the Artist/Venue ways something new to experience.

Profile pages at www.cbculturetour.com, Visit the Rossland Museum & Diswith additional images on Facebook and covery Centre for some family friendly fun, learn about mining and social his- Artists including Robin Du- Instagram @cbculturetour. tory of the area. Also in Rossland is lo- Pont will be highlighted in culThis free, self-guided tour happens cal artist Tricia Rasku with TR By Hand. ture tour.

August 8 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Photo submitted Venues are implementing COVID-19 Visit Kootenay Gallery of Art and the Doukhobor Discovery Centre Museum protocols as per provincial guidelines. and Selkirk Weavers’ & Spinners Guild in Castlegar be- Grab a map, your Culture Tour Directory, and go! Look fore checking out Castlegar Sculpturewalk downtown on for directories at tourist info centres now or order one your way to visit the skilled artists in Robson and Glade. online.

In Nelson, Touchstones Museum and Kootenay Co-op For more information, visit the website at www.cbRadio will take visitors on tours of the facilities and many culturetour.com or call 1-250-505-5505, toll free 1-877artists are opening up their studios to show their newest 505-7355. The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is a project works. of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and The This year there are a number of new artists’ studios Columbia Basin Culture Tour is generously supported by including Reclaimed Wood Goods in Robson, as well funding from the Columbia Basin Trust.

Submitted by Columbia Basin Culture Tour

Author launches second mystery in series Submitted by Maureen Thorpe Sailing to Byzantium is a spellbinding journey through time and culture. Two time-travelling wise women from different centuries sail by Viking ship from 10th century Yorkshire to the ancient city of Byzantium to rescue six-year-old twins. Midwife and fledgling witch, Annie Thornton, and her cat Rosamund, reunite with Annie’s Aunt Meg, a hereditary witch last encountered in 15th century Hallamby, England in Tangle of Time, Maureen Thorpe’s first mystery in this series. Annie’s sweetheart from the deep past reappears to help the women face the challenges of an arduous journey, made more difficult by a sinister Viking queen determined to get her way. Combining vivid historical detail with the imaginative possibilities of magic realism, Sailing to Byzantium is a spellbinding journey through time and cultures seen through the astonished eyes of a contemporary woman who both loses and finds her inner power.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Maureen is planning a book launch via Zoom in early August, (details on Facebook events), a book signing at the Invermere Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market on August 15 and outside Invermere Public Library on August 19 from 4-6 p.m..

District of Invermere Presents Resource, Development & Advocacy

KEEP IN TOUCH! Parent Chat will be offered via Zoom Tuesday’s from 7:30-8:30 pm and Thursday’s from 2-3 pm. Topics can include activity ideas, child care information, parenting tips, developmental milestones, mental health support, potty training and anything in between. Please email Melanie at mferster@familydynamix.ca or call 250-341-8678 for the Zoom link.

SUMMER PLAYDATE AT THE PARK! (under 6 years old with parent participation)

• Healthy Snacks • Story time • Songs • Free Play • Arts & Crafts 9:30 – 11:30 am Tuesdays starting July 21 – Invermere Potholes Park Wednesdays starting July 22 – Edgewater Community Hall Park Thursdays starting July 23 – Canal Flats Civic Centre Park

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Questions? Call or text Melanie at 250-341-8678 or email mferster@familydynamix.ca

THE PIONEER Get your FREE copy every Thursday on newsstands near you!

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

Why We Keep Dreaming… coexists harmoniously with a spirit of community connection and a oneness with nature – an experience like no other.

Submitted by Tracy Connery As we move through crisis, our dreams of Rocky Mountain and lake living sustain us.

Despite the uncertainty, the mountains are our constant: we’ll keep dreaming about mountain living and life on the lake, because this too shall pass.

The mountains shall bring peace to the people.

No truer words.

We’ve all seen the sign on the highway as we leave Sinclair Canyon into Radium and gasped as the sheer drama and majesty of the Columbia Valley takes our breath away. If you make that drive regularly, you know it’s a scene that plays over and over — the view, the experience slightly different each time — and never gets old.

The view draws us in, welcoming us back, and we surrender willingly to that familiar sense of calm.

Tranquility. Peace.

We’re home.

As you make your way south through breathtaking Columbia Valley, with each scenic kilometre you experience an enhanced understanding of what life in the mountains can mean: A craggy and rugged shield from the chaos of the world beyond. A connection with nature unlike any that you’ve experienced before. A deeper sense of place.

Nowhere is this truer than on Columbia Lake.

Nestled between the Rockies and the Purcells, its waters are pristine and blissfully uncrowded. The azure waters of Columbia Valley’s warmest lake offer everything you imagine mountain and lake life to be.

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It’s the ultimate in Rocky Mountain leisure and paradise: time suspended, where you revel in family, the outdoors, serenity. With waters calm and crystal clear, it beckons swimmers, boaters, and paddlers.

On welcome breezy days, windsurfers and kite boarders delight.

The shores of the lake are alive and offer remarkable encounters with our wild neighbours – Osprey, Bald Eagles, the Great Blue Heron and the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.

Walk, hike, and bike — explore the endless trails and backcountry roads of both the Rockies and Purcells.

Unspoiled, glacier-fed mountain lakes and expansive alpine meadows of wildflowers; a new hidden gem every day, if you choose!

No matter your favourite pursuits, Columbia Lake is a safe and peaceful place where reflective solitude

It’s easy to get here: drive south from Windermere, past Fairmont Hot Springs. Turn left off the highway at Coy’s Par 3 Golf Course and arrive at Springwater Hill.

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A fresh take on lake and mountain life begins as you choose one of these lots to make your own. Your home-building adventure adds to the excitement of owning a piece of paradise.

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12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on operating in the new normal Advertising supported content by Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is bouncing back from the COVID-19 shutdown with its accommodations, restaurants, Resort RV Park, retail shops, hiking trails and golf courses now open to all.

With the recent provincial guidelines and orders, Fairmont’s hot springs pool is currently open for Lodge & RV Guests only. Chief Executive Officer Vivek Sharma provides insight into the new normal for the resort.

Alongside other businesses, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has been adapting to the new provincial health & safety guidelines and orders, but with so many lines of business – all with different requirements – the Resort has the added complication of following guidelines for multiple industries.

“It was hard coming up with how to implement the provincial health recommendations,” Sharma explained.

“We are not just a hotel, we are not just a golf course, we are not just a restaurant, we are not just an RV Resort.

We are all of those things but they’re one business... What works in an RV Resort may potentially not work at a golf course, and what works at the golf course may not work in the restaurants.”

With each department represented on Fairmont’s

Health and Safety Committee, Sharma’s team combined recommendations & guidelines from provincial and industry organizations and merged them into one policy.

“The guests have been extremely cooperative and they are appreciative of what we are doing,” he said. “It’s a completely new way of how they have visited us.”

Along with the health and well-being of staff and guests, the Resort is committed to keeping the valley safe.

“There’s a lot of traffic that goes through the various establishments and it’s imperative that we have the highest safety measures because it can immediately have an impact on the community otherwise” Operational changes have been made to the Resort such as relocating the check-in (front) desk, installing plexiglass barriers at guest facing interaction points, using directional signage and markers to support physical distancing, increasing cleaning and sanitization processes, having restaurant staff wear masks, and following other guidelines and protocols.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s public hot springs pool faces additional requirements: all of the lifeguards need to be re-certified.

“Provincial health requires new training done so that lifesaving can be done in the new COVID world,” he said.

In order to re-open the hot springs pool, the Resort

needed to re-classify the public pool to a commercial pool implementing the temporary restrictions of only being open to registered overnight guests of the lodge and RV Resort.

Currently operating Guest Access Time Slots of twohour periods with a capacity of 150 persons and a thorough disinfection between each group, Sharma noted the pool can barely accommodate the registered guests.

While locals have been disappointed by the closure, he said they’ve been understanding of the temporary restrictions. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is monitoring the health & safety regulations closely and they plan to open the hot springs pool to the local community and guests of the valley when permitted.

“More often than not people have been appreciative of the tough spot that we are in,” said Sharma Being shutdown for a month and a half and gradually reopening was “devastating” to the resort he said, and he passed his thanks along to the community for its ongoing support.

“We exist here because of the locals. They are our biggest advocates, they are ambassadors, and we can’t say enough of how grateful we are for the support we have from them, not just now but all the way through. These are challenging times for everybody and we just need to get through this thing together.”

Photos submitted

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July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

Economic development assessment: Business can rise this fall in the valley as local demographics shift due to COVID-19 Hirea Student

School Works Program applications available August 13. ourtrust.org/schoolworks

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

PERMISSIVE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR 2021 Application forms for organizations which might be eligible for a Permissive Tax Exemption are now available at the Municipal Office, 914 – 8th Avenue and on our website at www. invermere.net under “Important Links” on the home page.

A Permissive Tax Exemption is a means for Council to support organizations within the community which further council’s objectives of enhancing quality of life and delivery of services economically. A Permissive Tax Exemption is strictly at the discretion of the District of Invermere Council.

The application forms are for a tax exemption for 2021 property taxes as per regulations set out in the Community Charter.

To be eligible, nature of the organization must be: • • • • •

Not for profit organization Charitable or philanthropic organization An athletic or service club or association Care facility or licensed private hospital Partner of the municipality by agreement under s.225 of the Community Charter • Other local authority • Organization eligible under s.220 statutory exemption (e.g. public worship, senior home, hospital) Deadline for the receipt of applications: August 14, 2020 at 4:30 pm local time.

Please call our office at 250-342-9281 if you require any additional information.

Karen Coté, Director of Finance

Submitted by Ryan Watmough, Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Officer After health, the pandemic put the economy on the top of most people’s mind.

Businesses have had to change many aspects of their day-to-day operations. With travel restrictions and advisements in effect, some questioned if they would ever recover. And yet, at the end of July, at least a few businesses are ahead of last summer.

Businesses need as much mental breathing room and time as possible, and to understand that they may not need to catch up to their annual numbers by the end of August to meet the success of previous years. Without sustained vigilance, we may not get this opportunity, as it just takes one case to lead to an outbreak, to roll back consumer confidence and our re-start plan.

Floods, wildfires, border closures and now a global pandemic reveal the importance of scenario planning.

While many tourism and hospitality businesses expect to see the traditional fall off after August, they may want to Ryan Watmough, the Columbia Valley’s economic developconsider another scenario, with two new target markets – ment officer, offers an assessment of changing demographics Post-Secondary Students and Snowbirds – bolstering fall, and opportunities COVID-19 could bring to the valley.

Photo submitted our traditional shoulder season.

Back in the nest The first target market is post-secondary students. For the first time in more than 100 years, rural communities are not sending their best and brightest young adults off to school or war.

With most colleges and universities cancelling fall semester classes on campus (except for those that need to attend “labs” in person), the Columbia Valley may see a significant portion of ~4 cohorts of recent-high-schoolgrads-turned-post-secondary-students (64-90/year graduate David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS)) here for the summer and fall, staying at home to study, saving money, available to work and spending money!

Depending on what the fall school year looks like for DTSS and Open Doors (alternative school), they may offer post-secondary students help (study space, teacher support, etc.). The public libraries will also likely see more patrons, too. The College of the Rockies (COTR) does not plan to open in the fall for their full-time programs.

These post-secondary students will be learning remotely, will be studying with remote work groups and may have their exams proctored remotely. They may not need to spend three to four years and tens of thousands of dollars on a degree or diploma in a city.

For the post-secondary students, this is an opportunity to build and maintain connections with them and remain in the valley once they graduate (and especially for those 15 per cent of post-secondary students who are expected not enrol in the fall and work full-time).

And in the fall, they represent ~250 additional workers and ~250 additional consumers in the valley, who would have otherwise been working and spending their money on expenses in school cities. Think about having workers available in the evening. Think downtown “night life” (currently no dancing allowed). Think demand for evening coffee shops. Think about more people here for sports and recreation (volleyball, basketball leagues, hiking and biking groups). Think about a more balanced, and younger, demographic for the Columbia Valley.

Additionally, the Columbia Valley’s second-homeowner families’ post-secondary students may choose to spend their time here throughout the summer and fall, too. And finally, typically during periods of high unemployment, young adults use the time for adventure travel (gap year) and work seasonal jobs. It’s not unheard of to have a Ph.D. candidate or Masters student bump chairs at ski resorts or instruct mountain biking lessons to enable them to “live the dream” in the mountains.

Could this opportunity plug the brain-drain that small communities have historically found inevitable? Could we become a “college town”?

Can we integrate real work and career experience (paid or volunteer) in the mix of studies, play and part-time work? How do we (re-)introduce local apprenticeships and mentorships that will strengthen post-secondary students’ sense of community, opportunity and vision for a sustainable Columbia Valley? How do we help (re-)build a connection?

Continued on page 30 . . .

Summer Art Show - Part 2 July 21 to August 15

Featuring Kate Hale, Alice Hale, Amanda Maglis-Long, Paulina Takarski & Neal Weisenburg 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

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July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Canal Flats town hall addresses changes to fire department

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com A virtual town hall meeting held by the village of Canal Flats earlier this month sought to leave members of the Canal Flats fire department as well as the public at large assured about recent changes to the village’s fire department.

The meeting was held by Zoom, and live streamed on YouTube, on Thursday, July 16. It included Office of the B.C. Fire Commissioner fire services advisor Jack Blair, Canal Flats chief administrative officer Adrian Bergles, Canal Flats mayor Karl Sterzer, and Canal Flats deputy director of corporate services Sylvie Hoobanoff. The public was able to call in or ask questions digitally.

Bergles explained that the recent changes are a result of the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) playbook, and the new training standards it lays out.

“There is a place for every current member in the (Canal Flats fire) department... We don’t want to push anybody out,” said Bergles, adding the village needs to increase its training standards to match the playbook, and that many other Columbia Valley fire departments are already at these standards.

Blair outlined the NFPA playbook is designed to assist local fire departments meet certain training standards, and that it derives from an incident at a different B.C. community a few years ago in which a firefighter lost his life. “It’s all about safety,” said Blair. “It’s not meant to encumber anybody.”

Bergles added for explanation’s sake that all rank and file members of the Canal Flats fire department have been reassigned to the rank of recruit, regardless of tenure. “This is designed to reflect the level of training members have (with the new training standards)” said Berlges.

“It is not meant to disrespect people that have been there a long time.”

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Eat, Pray, Love at Viibrant Earth Former Calgary couple Dar Jmayoff and Facundo Mandalari have opened a dining establishment in Canal Flats that has local foodies’ mouths watering, tourists in awe, and residents driving from all over the Columbia Valley to experience the delightful culinary experience that is Viibrant Earth Café & Bistro.

Founded on the philosophy of “Heal all those that you feed”, Viibrant Earth is not your typical, run-of-the-mill café and bistro. Dar has been a teacher of holistic nutrition for 30 years, and has created menu programs for patients suffering from cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s and other auto-immune diseases. Facundo has been a business owner and contractor for over 20 years.

Together, they launched Viibrant Earth in October 2018 as the manifestation of their shared idealism and passion around the healing power of soulful food.

“The quality of ingredients and the love in our hearts transfers into everything we create at Viibrant,” says Dar. “Our guests are all very kind and they see the value in how we prepare their experience. It’s our souls meeting and greeting theirs.”

Maybe it’s the quiet village location, or the chic, retro-rustic interior décor, or the warm, inviting atmosphere — whatever the reason, when you walk into Viibrant Earth, you instantly get the sense that wholesome, delicious food is served there.

The Asian fusion and tapas-style bistro menu is inspired by their own love of ordering several dishes to share when they dine out, which they believe enhances the dining experience. Everything is made from scratch, by hand (even the dumplings) using local produce, farm fresh eggs and local meat when possible. Vegans, vegetarians and Celiacs will feel at home with numerous op-

tions to choose from (Dar is a vegetarian/former vegan herself ), including the sourdough cinnamon buns and healing bread.

“The idea is to do farm to plate, literally,” says Facundo. “And we wanted to raise the bar, from scents and tastes to sights and texture.”

The special touches are endless: edible flower- and mint-infused water; rose lavender and citrus-diffused air; cocktails made with fresh Viibrant-grown herbs and fresh fruit in beautiful antique and unique glasses; decadent food plating; and plants and crystals both in the kitchen and throughout the restaurant to promote a healing frequency. The charcuterie boards are a work of art with high quality meats cheeses and crackers.

Each morning, the coffee is prepared by Facundo as a science, based on atmospheric pressure, emotion and taste.

“First, love must be in your heart,” says Dar, “and then your mind will become inspired; you create from that space.”

Into the future, expect Viibrant Earth to offer retreats, local food production and programs, and holistic gardening and nutrition classes — all with the intent of promoting community participation, healing and connection to the Earth.

“It’s not just about eating food and having your experience in the moment,” Facundo says.

“It’s about building the future for a better mindbody-soul connection and contribution.”

Viibrant Earth is located at 4957 Burns Ave. in Canal Flats. Currently they’re open Thursdays through Sundays from 9am – 2pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am – 2pm and 6pm – 10pm. Visit www.viibrantearth.ca/ call 250409-5196 and find them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/viibrantearth/.

Questions came in during the meeting regarding training facilities and compensation for fire department volunteers.

Bergles responded that the village does not have an open training space, as many other fire departments do, that village staff are working hard try to figure out a solution, and that in the meantime some members have been invited up to Fairmont to use the Fairmont fire department’s open training space.

In terms of compensation, Bergles said “our fire department does operate on a smaller budget than others in the region,” but that the village is taking steps to address this as much as possible.

Another question came in at the end asking what volunteer positions the village needs filled on its fire department, and Bergles answered that the department needs volunteers in almost all positions.

“We do have a fire chief cued up. That announcement will be made very soon,” he said.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

THE LIBRARY IS OPEN! Ser

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The Invermere Public Library is open with reduced hours:

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Monday, Tuesday, 10 am - 5 pm Wednesday, Thursday, 10 am - 6 pm Friday, 10 am - 5 pm Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm Closed Sunday

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you're invited TO THE

COLUMBIA VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

B.C. records 81 more cases of COVID-19 in B.C. since Friday

By Tom Fletcher tfletcher@blackpress.ca B.C. recorded 36 more COVID-19 cases as of Saturday, 21 more as of Sunday and 24 as of Monday, July 27, reaching a total of 3,500 people infected since the pandemic began early this year.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said two more people have died in long-term care in the Vancouver Coastal health region, but there have been no new outbreaks in the B.C. health care system. Daily infections have been running in the double digits for the past two weeks as summer activities have picked up.

Henry reported a new outbreak at Fraser Valley Packing, a berry processing facility near Abbotsford.

“There are now 15 cases associated with that plant, and the investigation started late Thursday and over the

B.C. sets limits on number of guests, visitors in vacation rentals, houseboats

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12th, 2020 7PM In respecting COVID safety precautions, we are limiting in-person attendance and inviting everyone to join us virtually. Registration link available on our website: www.valleyfoundation.ca

By Katya Slepian katya.slepian@bpdigital.ca

info@valleyfoundation.ca | 250-342-2845

valleyfoundation.ca

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

N E W S PA P E R

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

weekend,” Henry said. “Fraser Health is working with the plant, doing ongoing testing of the workers at the plant, and doing an investigation to make sure that all of the safety precautions that need to be are in place.”

Henry reiterated her advice to keep gatherings small and follow restrictions in restaurants and other businesses to minimize the risk of passing on or picking up the novel coronavirus. She announced that the new order restricting vacation rental homes and houseboats to capacity plus five guests has been posted.

“Let’s use these summer days to bend our curve back down,” Henry said.

Health Minister Adrian Dix noted that the B.C. Day long weekend is approaching, and advised everyone to “play safe and stand apart” as they enjoy the summer weather.

B.C.’s top doctor has issued a provincial health order limiting the number of guests and visitors in shortterm vacation rental homes and houseboats.

Dr. Bonnie Henry said Monday (July 27) that the limit was being set at the capacity of the home or vessel, plus five visitors, to limit the spread of COVID-19. Cases have been on the rise in B.C., with daily numbers in the high 20s and low 30s, with 81

cases reported since Friday.

“This is to get at what we were seeing happen in various places around the province,” Henry said, citing “people having parties in their rental suites, or their house or on boats.”

She said it would be the responsibility of the rental owner to enforce the rules, as well as to collect contact information if case tracing is necessary. Attendees who do not belong to the same party must still have space to physically distance by two metres, according to the order.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BYLAWS 2995 – 2996 Bylaw Amendments – Windermere South The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by Michael Dubois to amend the OCP and zone designations of part of his property to accommodate existing RVs which currently encroach onto the Residentially zoned land, and to permit the owner to subdivide the RV Resort from the residential dwelling on the property. The subject property is located at 1735 Cardiff Avenue in Windermere South.

Bylaw No. 2995 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2929, 2019 - Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2020 (Windermere South / Dubois)” will amend the OCP designation of the subject property from from R-SF, Residential Low Density to CR, Commercial Recreation.

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• inspect the Bylaws and supporting information by requesting that an information package be emailed to you by contacting tvandewiel@rdek.bc.ca.

Information packages may be requested up until Friday, July 31, 2020 at 4:30 pm;

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If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws, you may prior to the hearing:

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

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A public hearing will be held via Zoom webinar conference: Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 7:00 pm

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Bylaw No. 2996 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 363, 2020 (Windermere South / Dubois)” will amend the subject property from R-1, Single Family Residential Zone to RES-1, Recreation Accommodation Zone.

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• mail or email written submissions to the addresses shown below before Friday, July 31, 2020 at 4:30 pm; St

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Please note that a question and answer period will not occur during the Zoom webinar conference. You must address any questions relating to the bylaws to the planning technician prior to the above date.

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

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You must pre-register in order to attend and provide verbal presentations or make comments at the hearing.

The deadline to register is Friday, July 31, 2020 at 4:30 pm. Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AMf3c_chRPejtsluoFmY0A

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• present verbal submissions at the public hearing.

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TO PRE-REGISTER visit the Meetings page on rdek.bc.ca and choose Public Hearings & Meetings

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

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

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Explore this spectacular RV Park and Vacation Home property in B.C.

Breathtaking views surround the Radium Valley Vacation Resort, a hidden gem located in Radium Hot Springs.

RVVR History The owners and operators, Wayne and Joyce Holmgren are in their youthful 70’s and discovered the property 21 years ago.

They saw a ‘diamond in the rough’. It was run down and financially unstable, but the potential for Radium’s best family friendly vacation spot was there. The Holmgren’s had many setbacks in the beginning. The purchase was barely complete when a fire ripped through the recreation centre, leaving it at a total loss. Joyce recalls that scary day, “it could have been worse, as the fire happened during one of the hot, dry days of summer”. Wayne and Joyce are forever grateful for the kindness and support felt by the community, as The Village of Radium, local businesses and residents helped with the recovery.

From the Ashes A 14,000 square foot recreation center was rebuilt, including an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, gym, racquetball court, lounges, games room, arcade. There’s also a kitchen and events area, which has hosted sold-out shows including a recent ‘Elvis” performance. The Holmgrens are working towards creating more community events like these, while ensuring Covid safety and physical distancing measures are in place.

Annual Upgrades Each year, RVVR upgrades the facilities. In 2016/2017 the Putt Hutt was built. This state of the art minigolf course has been a hit with guests of all ages. A dirt bike track was added shortly after. Other outdoor activities offered in the summer include beach volleyball, basketball, outdoor chess and a Sunday morning Pancake Breakfast. In an effort to improve campground air quality and fire safety in the region, campers can enjoy a propane firepit at their RV site, or enjoy The Patio, which provides outdoor fire pits, wood and and open-air, covered eating areas for group parties. These facilities are available to RVVR members and guests at no additional charge.

Picnics, Pools and Parties The most popular attractions are the outdoor pool and Snak Shak. This year both areas were renovated and expanded to provide extra space and welcomed upgrades. The Snak Shak includes service windows to both pool and courtside patrons.

An outdoor stage was built, featuring weekly live entertainment for guests. Who doesn’t enjoy tasty treats like pizza, hot dogs, poutines and ice cream while chilling in a cabana or enjoying a family picnic and live music?

Glamping and Vacation Homes in Radium In recent years, demand for seasonal RV sites has increased. Radium Valley Vacation Resort has 114 delux RV sites, which provide full-service, a covered cabana with BBQ, an adjoining deck, TV and Wifi. For campers looking for shorter visits, nightly rental and weekly memberships are also available. If camping isn’t your cup of tea, three bedroom bungalows are onsite for rent. Each home is newly renovated and includes full resort access.

We are Family When asked, would you do it again, both Wayne and Joyce answer without hesitation, yes! The Holmgrens are very proud of what has been 21 years in the making. The community here has become family. Laura Heide is one friendly and familiar face around the resort. She began her employment at the resort one month prior to their purchase. Richard Miller who was recently promoted from Maintenance Manager, to General Manager. Wayne says “Richard has been a loyal and dedicated employee...effective in modifying many aspects of the operation”. The Holmgren family isn’t afraid of hard work either. Their children and grandkids are also active members of the community, rolling up their sleeve whenever and wherever needed.

Radium Valley Vacation Resort is the best destination for multi-generational families seeking adventure in the Kootenays.

Visit www.radiumvalleyvacationresort.com to book your next holiday today.

RV Campground + Park Conveniently located 1km North of the Radium 4-way stop

250-347-9715 • www.radiumvalleyvacationresort.com

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

Country artist Brett Kissel and Calgarians led by philanthropist W. Brett Wilson collaborate to host a unique and free boat concert supporting the valley is no way to view the concert from shore. It will of course be weather permitting and everyone must follow all B.C. boating and social-disOn Sunday, August 2, Brett tancing laws, rules and regulations.

Kissel will be performing a free, soAll boats must be two meters away cially distanced, outdoor concert to from one another at all times and Lake Windermere. The concert will the RCMP will be assisting on the begin around 8 p.m. and can only water in monitoring social distancbe viewed by boat offshore near ing rules.

Baltac Road’s boat launch. This “The concert is Alberta’s gift to event will support the Columbia the valley and all costs are privately Valley COVID-19 Fund and everycovered to make this an entirely free one attending will be asked to make event. Our only ask is that everya contribution. one attending make a (meaningful “With COVID not allowing to them) donation to the Columbia many events to take place this sumValley COVID-19 Fund through mer, Brett Wilson and I wanted the www.ValleyFoundation.ca webto create a fun and family friendly site,” said Wilson. experience that we could give back Brett Kissel continues to be to a community we love and have Brett Wilson (left) and Brett Kissel pose in a packed hall. The next show will be at a packed lake. one of the nation’s leading country enjoyed over the past many sumPhoto submitted music creatives. Over the past few mers,” said Brett Kissel, Canadian years, Brett has received an armful country music artist.

“After hours of brainstorming, we determined a safe way for people to get out for of Canadian Country Music Association Awards, including two straight wins for Male an evening of fun would be in their own boats with those they feel safe being around. Artist of the Year and the coveted Fan’s Choice Award. He has also won Junos for So we have coined this event the #BrettBrettBaltacBoatConcert!” said W. Brett Wilson, Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year. Brett continues to top playlists on county music stations across Canada.

Calgary philanthropist and property owner in Windermere.

W. Brett Wilson is a well known philanthropist and business person with extensive This unique event will begin around 8 p.m. and run until a little after 10 p.m. with a surprise or two along the way. This concert will be broadcast to FM radios on holdings in the power, real estate, agriculture, sports and entertainment industries. And channel 88.8 for attendees to tune in via boat offshore the Baltac boat launch, as there he loves the valley.

Submitted by the #BrettBrettBaltacBoatConcert team

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

New valley tech startup creates fundraising and e-commerce platforms

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com A new tech startup, developed right here the Columbia Valley, is set to launch.

The startup, Fundables, is a fundraising and e-commerce platform geared to small businesses and nonprofits, and Columere Park resident Tracy Connery with the help of her husband, web and app developer, Philip Boyer have been working on it for more than year, before unveiling it this summer.

“We’d been making big strides, but things have accelerated since COVID-19 started,” Tracy told the Pioneer. “The platform is in beta, we’re launching with select clients.”

The idea for the platform came after contributing to many friends and family school fundraisers. It was early in development when the couple’s son attended provincial championships with the David Thompson Secondary School soccer team. “They qualified for provincials, and we realized, wow, we only have a couple of weeks to fundraise. We knew Fundables could have helped.” said Tracy. “Right now, fundraising in the valley is kind of scattered all over the place. Some of it is still paper- and form-based; it’s done by email, through Facebook; and others on larger platforms. We thought, hmmm, perhaps there could be a different way of doing this.”

In the years since then the couple have been diligently plodding away, turning their idea into reality. When the pandemic hit a few months ago the process sped up in part because the couple had a bit more time to devote to it, but also in part because after COVID-19, they saw a sudden need for simplified e-commerce.

“Initially I saw it as a place to sell event tickets, or products such as coffee or chocolate for fundraisers,” said Tracy. “But then we realized we could expand it into a proper e-commerce platform for small businesses.”

In one sense Fundables shares some similarities to big platforms such as Shopify, but there are many differences — differences that are likely to be critical to the type of small businesses the Columbia Valley is filled with.

“In some ways the big players are almost too robust. They are expensive and most of what you are paying for, you don’t actually need,” said Tracy. “So what we offer is essentially a smaller package. You get everything you need and nothing you don’t, and you can actually afford it.”

Fundables will operate on a two-tier system. There will be free version that will offer a limited catalogue and be restricted only to Interac transactions. There will be a per-transaction fee version that will be bigger and more full service, with all credit card options.

“It sounds cliche, but it really is building marketplaces by community,” said Tracy, adding people will be able to find fundraising efforts and events as well as find businesses by community.

“It’s a method of expanding the reach of organizations, local businesses, and small producers,” she said.

“The feedback we’ve gotten so far has been good, and there’s been a lot of ‘yes, this fills a gap.’”

Fundables will also offer free marketing resources and inexpensive consulting on e-commerce marketing to small businesses.

If you’d like to find out how Fundables might work for your business or to learn more, visit fundables.ca.

Tracy Connery.

Photo submitted

Advertising, Classifieds, News…

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The District of Invermere and Shuswap Indian Band are committed to making active transportation a more convenient, safe, attractive, and fun transportation choice for people of all ages and abilities. Both communities are working together to create a joint Active Transportation Network Plan. The Network Plan will enhance active transportation connections within and between the two communities. The intent of the District of Invermere and Shuswap Indian Band joint Active Transportation Network Plan is to build off the 2009 plan, which was only focused within Invermere boundaries, and expand it to evaluate and plan for the possible connection options over the Columbia River between the Shuswap Indian Band and the Invermere communities.

This project will provide the Shuswap Indian Band with an Active Transportation Network Plan with connectivity to the District of Invermere and will also allow the District of Invermere to update the 2009 Plan and integrate it with Shuswap Indian Band.

This survey will help to identify issues, opportunities, and community priorities such as better connections between the two communities, routes to schools or recreational facilities, connections between trails and on-street facilities, traffic safety, and building upon the City’s existing active transportation facilities.

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July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

Taste of the Yucatán in Invermere and Radium

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com The culinary offerings in the Columbia Valley are a little more diverse this summer, after a local couple opened up a food cart downtown serving up an authentic taste of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The cart belongs to Warren Redeker and Mercy Santiago-Redeker, and the food — burritos and tacos in fresh handmade-on-the-spot corn flour tortillas — make for one of the most delicious bites to be had in Invermere this summer. The couple import many of their spices and herbs, and even their corn flour, from the Yucatán, where Mercy was born and raised, where the pair met five years ago, and where they lived together for three years before relocating back to Invermere, Warren’s hometown.

Warren is a chef by training, and although he ran a passport photo and cyber cafe in the Yucatán while the couple lived there, his passion for food was constantly stimulated by the cooking all around him. Mention the Yucatán to most Canadian and thoughts quickly turn to the famous beach resorts of Cancun, but lesser-know Merida, the capital of Yucatán state, is equally beguiling, with Spanish colonial architecture, a heavy dose of Maya culture, and a humid, tropical climate.

Photo submitted The ‘White City’s’ Maya influence (Maya account for Warren Redeker makes tacos in town.

60 per cent of its nearly 1 million people) is especially apparent in the local cuisine, which uses many distinct ingredients and includes many tacos on a part-time basis. There results were encouraging enough that he decided to go unique Yucatán-specific dishes. Paradise, in other words, for a chef like Warren. the whole hog this summer.

“The food there is just excellent. So flavourful. There are tons of spices and sauces “I’m doing it full time,” he told the Pioneer. “A food cart is something I’ve always that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s very different than what we think of as Mexican wanted to do, but I never knew what kind of food I wanted to have in my cart. Now, food, which is mostly Tex-Mex, and is even different than the cuisine of other parts with my time in Mexico and the lack of good Mexican food here, it just makes sense.” of Mexico,” said Warren. “They’ve got their own salsas, salsa verdes, pico de gallo, hot The cart — which goes by the name I Love Yucatan Tacos — can be found at varisauce and you’re always adding cilantro, radish and other things.” ous locations around Invermere and Radium from Tuesday through Saturday. Typically Life was good, and certainly tasty, for the couple in Merida. Mercy is a lawyer, War- the cart is at Parkside Place on Tuesdays and Thursdays; outside the Bank of Montreal ren ran the photo studio and there were breakfasts of fresh tacos on Saturdays, plenty on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and at Radium’s Market on Main Friday eveof bread from a nearby home baker, street food everywhere, and an excellent Yucatán nings. Check the I Love Yucatan Tacos Facebook page for exact hours and locations, barbecue chicken place just down the road. Warren eagerly embraced his scrumptious and any other updates. new surrounding, doing his best to master the local fare, eventually getting to the point The menu includes beef and bean burritos, as well as pork, chicken and vegetarian that even his wife approved. tacos, as well as Warren’s own homemade guacamole, hot sauce and salsas. He is plan“Of course there are some Yucatán dishes I just can’t do, and Mercy misses those, ning on adding vegetarian burritos, fish tacos and shrimp tacos as soon as he can. but she really does love the tacos and burritos I make,” said Warren, with a laugh.

“The key thing is the handmade fresh corn tortillas,” said Warren. “It’s certainly The pair had met back in 2013 while Warren was on holiday from his job at an more time consuming, but it’s completely different than using pre-made tortillas and Edmonton steak house. They married in 2015. Merida was fantastic, but the couple even different that using wheat flour for handmade tortillas.” have been thinking of starting a family, and decided that Canada would be a great place Indeed, when the Pioneer stopped by the cart, a group of people stood watching, to raise any kids they might have, so they pulled up stakes and landed in Invermere in most of them salivating, while Warren’s hands practically flew as he whipped up the 2019, returning to the place where Warren had grown up and graduated from David corn tortillas and then hand pressed them on a sizzling grill.

Thompson Secondary School many moons prior. They both worked jobs unrelated to “If the sun is shining and I’ve got my mariachi music going, and I’m hand pressing their lawyer and chef professions last year, while Warren tested the waters by selling these tortillas, I can close my eyes and it’s like I’m back in the Yucatán,” he said.

New storage facility opens in Edgewater Business serves storage needs of entire north end of Columbia Valley

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com Those looking for somewhere to store their extra things in the north end of the Upper Columbia Valley will be delighted to hear about a new business based in Edgewater.

Stor-Edge has opened up in Edgewater and offers the perfect place for people from Radium, Edgewater, Spur Valley, Brisco, Spillimacheen or other parts other Columbia Valley to keep their their stuff.

“There’s no storage north of Invermere. The north end of the valley really needed a storage facility,” said owner Ken Smith, adding it’s been “a long process.”

Smith spent three years going through a rezoning process and then the past two summer with construction. But the wait was worth it, as the gleaming new storage units at Stor-Edge are now up and running. Don’t wait too long to get your spot: people have already been snatching them up.

“I’ve got a bunch rented out already, so I’m excited about how quickly word is

spreading. There’s inquiries every day,” said Smith.

Smith has been a Columbia Valley resident for 50 years, and in the past has run many different businesses in Radium and Canal Flats.

To find out more call 250-342-5414 or email kenismith@hotmail.com.

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

Stewardship solutions for the Columbia Valley

By Nicole Trigg Kootenay Conservation Program The Columbia Valley is a place of incredible biodiversity and ecological significance, and local residents, property owners and land managers can help keep it that way thanks to a convenient online resource call the Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit.

Many important habitats for plants and animals are found on or adjacent to private land. In the Kootenays, the richest habitat exists in valley bottoms, which is also where humans often choose to live. Although private land covers a small portion of the region’s total land base, the majority of species at risk occurrences in the Kootenays are on private land.

To encourage private land stewardship, the Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) developed the Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit, a useful resource of information on local organizations and programs that can answer questions that landowners may have.

Do you want to learn more about preventing human-wildlife conflict? Do you have bats roosting in your shed? Are you a farmer or ranch owner wanting a free environmental plan? Are you experiencing problems with invasive plants? Would you like to participate in wildlife surveys? Or make your property FireSmart?

The answers to these questions and more can be found at: www.kootenayconservation/toolkit. When you visit the website, you will see a colourful map of the Kootenays.

Click on the Columbia Valley — one of the 14 “Conservation Neighbourhoods” that make up the map. A grid of images will appear, and clicking on any of the images will bring you to the contact information page for that particular ‘stewardship solution’.

Grizzly sow and cubs grazing. Grizzlies are a species at risk. If you would like to help protect the Columbia Valley’s incredible biodiversity, visit the Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit at www.kootenayconservation/toolkit to learn about the resources available to local residents, property owners and land managers.

Photo by Stefan Himmer

Columbia Valley Wetlands.

The icons depicted will let you know if the solution you’ve selected relates to one or more of the following categories: Wildlife, Habitat, Monitoring, Farms & Ranches, and Funding. The grid of solutions can also be downloaded as a PDF, visible in the top left of the screen. The Columbia Valley’s 25+ solutions include the water monitoring and public education programs of the Lake Windermere Ambassadors and Columbia Lake Stewardship Society; planning and funding for farm stewardship through Farmland Advantage; and reporting sightings of Great Blue Herons, which are experiencing a decline in breeding activity.

“The beauty of Stewardship Solutions is that all of the local and regional contact information is in one place,” says KCP stewardship coordinator Marcy Mahr. “It’s like Google for land stewardship in the Kootenays but it’s better because it’s precise and localized so locals don’t have to search through countless Google results for what to do about enhancing habitat for wildlife, for example.”

In addition to entering www.kootenayconservation/toolkit into your search bar, the Stewardship Solutions Online Toolkit website can also be accessed through the websites for the Village of Radium Hot Springs (under Village Living>Local Wildlife) and the District of Invermere (under In the Community>Local Wildlife).

The Kootenay Conservation Program is a broad partnership of over 80 organizations from across the Kootenays that works to conserve landscapes in order to sustain naturally functioning ecosystems. Learn more at www.kootenayconservation.ca.

Photo by Rachel Darvill

Summer Saturdays with Lake Windermere Ambassadors Submitted by Lake Windermere Ambassadors Every Saturday throughout the summer, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors are set up in different locations around Lake Windermere with our outreach and education booth.

This is a great opportunity to come say hi and learn more about Lake Windermere and its tributaries by asking us any questions you may have.

We can provide information on green boating, Lake Windermere flora and fauna, public access, water quality sampling, environmental stewardship, our watershed and much more.

At our booths we also have t-shirts, hats and tote bags available by donation. Additionally, learn more about citizen science and sign up to be a volunteer with us for either lake or creek sampling. You’ll learn about the equipment we use by helping us collect the data and get a better understanding of what different parameters mean.

If you’re launching your boat this long weekend at Pete’s Marina, come stop by and pick up a Green Boaters bag filled with information about how to minimize your impact when boating on the lake. The bag contains information booklets on Lake Windermere, fish species, safe boating, green boating and more. Included as well are fun stickers and an oil absorbent pad for any accidental spills. This would also be your chance to participate in our trivia game “Dive Into Trivia” and be entered into a raffle prize to win items from local businesses.

If you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry; the raffle will be running all August long so check out our other dates below!

• • • • • Photo submitted

August 1 – Pete’s Marina (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

August 8 – Terra Vista (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

August 15 – Pete’s Marina (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

August 22 – Windermere Community Boat Docks (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

August 29 – Invermere Farmers and Artists Market (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

Residents work to create Canal Flats history book

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

such as Wasa and the Bull River, have their own history books, while Canal Flats does not.

The book will begin in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but the group is not yet sure A group of a few dedicated Canal Flats residents is hard at work creating a book to exactly at which date it will end, said Cartwright. “It won’t be right up to the present document the history of the village. day,” he said. “If did, then fiv e years or so after the book comes out, it would already be The group of about six or seven had been meeting regularly for more than a year missing key things. You can never keep up with it.” Possible ending dates the group has before the COVID-19 pandemic put those meetings, and the project itself, on hold a tossed around for the book include 1967, Canada’s centennial year, or the year 2000. few months ago. But the members plan to pick right back up where they left off once Another Canal Flats couple had previously collected historical documents, includthey can, and hopefully get the history book out, perhaps in another year or two if all ing roughly 1,500 photos, with the aim of making a book. Although that book never goes well. materialized, the photos made a great starting point for the group.

“We’re in the process of sorting through the massive amount of information that’s “It’s taken us quite a while just to sort through them, and get them into a kind of been collected, trying to makes sense of it all, and trying to make some decisions about rough order,” said Cartwright. what the book will look like, how we should do it,” group member Heather Koochin Canal Flats still has a few visible bits of old history around, including the remnants told the Pioneer. “There’s of one of the old locks on still so much work to do, the Baillie-Grohman Cabut it will nice to see the nal. project through. There’s a “The remains of it are lot of history in Canal Flats, still there, but you have to stretching back to the late know where to look,” said 1800s and early 1900s.”

Cartwright. “It’s kind of a “For all of us (in the shame, because that’s what group) it’s pretty interestthe town is named for, and a lot of people don’t know ing. Some of what we’re the history of it.” finding out, we knew.

Some of it we didn’t and it’s This is exactly the reanew to us. There are a lot of son the group wants to funny little stories,” group make the book: to help premember Colin Cartwright serve the history of Canal told the Pioneer.

Flats and to the help the Cartwright said the residents learn more about group was inspired in part A group of dedicated Canal Flats residents, some of them shown here, has been diligently working to create a Canal Flats the village’s interesting history book.

Photo by Ryan Watmough because other nearby areas, past.

Unwind in the great outdoors with Radius Retreat... or host your own socially-distanced event at the centre

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Submitted by Radius Retreat Looking for the perfect escape from the uncertainty and chaos in the world right now? Need an outdoor space where you can begin to slowly and safely begin to reconnect with this amazing community?

Radius Retreat has a new gathering area where community classes and small gatherings are happening all summer. There is a big open space as well as a stage built with community volunteers and businesses, a new open concept yurt, a firepit area and compositing toilets – all set in a magical forest setting, with the most incredible 360 degree view of the mountains surrounding it.

Currently there are various yoga and fitness classes, forest therapy, plant workshops, teen classes, wildlife presentations and safety sessions, full moon drumming, kids’ camps, and segway tours happening in August – so many opportunities for you to get outside and breathe the fresh air, and connect to nature and the community within it. Check the “Events” link at www.radiusretreat.com for more details.

Cu l t i v a t e d

by Team Radius, and coordinated by the newest team member Diane from Pleiades Spa, The Circle is a space to bring people together, reconnect, learn, retreat and explore with friends, community and nature. They are inviting all local artists, musicians, fitness experts, healers, outdoor enthusiasts, coaches - whatever your skill set – to

Water on

Socially-distanced events continue at yurt retreat.

Photos submitted come share your passion with the community. Host an event, teach the community a new skill, build something, take people on a nature tour, create art, cook food, share your love of the outdoors, or just shavasana all day long in the sun. Immerse yourself in the Radius philosophy of From Within… from within you, from within nature, and from within the community. You do what you love – and invite the people from the valley to join you!

Radius wants the space to be used and enjoyed, and are opening it up to everyone from the community to come share and allow people to reconnect – outside, in small groups and of course, in COVID-19 style! If you are looking to host a private retreat, or if you have a great idea for a community gathering, connect with Diane at gatherings@radiusretreat.com.

A ruptured water stem briefly left a few Radium homes without water services for a few hours last week.

On Friday, July 17 a vehicle drove over a water stem, which is a two-inch (five-centimetre) pipe coming off the main water line.

Village crews attended the scene and fixed the problem within a few hours.

“Because it was an emergency, and the stem was hard to find, we couldn’t take the time to isolate it. So we shut down water to four homes while we fixed it,” said Radium public works superintendent Bruce Zwiers. “It’s not really a big deal. That kind of thing happens all the time. It probably seemed like a big deal at the time, but it’s a pretty common event.”

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

CONCRETE

READY MIX CONCRETE

Columbia Concrete Inc.

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

20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining

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

Serving the Columbia Valley

250-688-3739 I N

Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

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

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

kekulibaycabinetry.com

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

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

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

A licensed, registered and bonded company

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

CARPET CLEANING

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

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

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

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

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098

LANDSCAPING

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

INSURANCE

Landscaping & Design 2016

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

• FireSmart• Equipment 62”x74” Brushcutter

Quality not quantity Sue Coy

Lloyd Wilder

250-341-5353 sdcoy@shaw.ca

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

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

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

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

HERE TO SERVE YOU LANDSCAPING

PHARMACIES

LAMBERT-KIPP

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

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

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188

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

Come in and browse our giftware

Your Compounding Pharmacy

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

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

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

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

SERVICES

SERVICES

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• 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

250-342-6612 SERVICES

Professional • Lawn Maintenance

East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations

Serving the Valley for over 20 years!

Available 24/7

Commercial

Resdential

Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

Everett Frater Enterprises

eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374

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

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

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

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

th

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

Kootenay Paving

Fully Insured & WCB Covered

FREE ESTIMATES

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

Call now for a free quote!

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

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

You name it!

I’ll take care of it!

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

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

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

Rigid Plumbing Ltd.

E: rigidplumbing@hotmail.ca P: 250-341-5179 Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

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

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE ON ALL WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES • WETT INSPECTIONS

EXPERIENCE

Keep your local businesses alive.

Get your tree services right here in Invermere!

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

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

Plumbing • Boiler Systems

Andy Charette

OVER

30 YEARS

• • • •

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

SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

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

North American Warranty All Makes and Models Tire Sales and Installation

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

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

Let’s celebrate Food Day Canada When I asked why this day was so important for her, Anita replied, ‘Food is the foundation of life and it seemed to me that it was time to honour our own. By eating as seasonally as possible from our own food sheds, we keep

By Lara McCormack our neighbors in business and preserve the ability to feed ourselves. And besides that, we really do need a mid-sumCalling all foodies – mer culinary party!’

Canada has a national food My market bistro, From Scratch – A Mountain Kitchcelebration called Food en has been the recipient of the Gold Plate Award for 2018 Day Canada! On July 31st and 2019 that resulted in being flown out to Ontario to and August 1st, buildings spend time with Anita and other Gold Plate restauranteurs. and locations across our Needless to say, the time was invigorating as we dug deep nation will be glowing the into different sectors of the food system while being surcolours of Canada in honour of all who create our food rounded by some of the best talented chefs in the country. systems; our farmers, fishers, chefs and all the home cooks!

It was a great honor to be acknowledged at a national level This day is a full-on celebration for Canadians to praise for the work we do to bring local food to the table for all to and be grateful for amazing culinary scene in our country. enjoy. We were to represent Canada in a Taste of Canada Restaurants across Canada are preparing regional foods Dinner Event at New York City’s James Beard House this and I am encouraging everyone to get out there and plan past May but with current world issues, we have postposed your own food party! Paddle to a distant shore to light a this opportunity to a later day. campfire… barbecue some fish… sweep off the deck for a The following recipe is from Anita’s cookbook Anita family supper… dig a roasting pit… build an oven… fire Stewart’s Canada: The Food/The Recipes/The Stories and is up the grill… and use only Canadian ingredients to create one of my favorite blueberry recipes. Use locally grown a feast or a simple dinner that honors our extraordinary or produced ingredients where you can and knowing that culinary history and points the way to the future, together. blueberries around here are hard to find, reach out to the It’s a day to also be thankful for the talent we have local farmer’s markets or local grocers to fill you up! in our country ranging from the skills of our chefs to the farmers and fishers across the nation. It’s an awareness that Butter Honey Blueberry Muffins is taking place from coast to coast whether it’s being enPrep time: 10 minutes. Baking time: 20-25 minutes. joyed in a restaurant or within your own kitchen with your Makes 12. friends and family!

Food Day Canada is initiated by Anita Stewart who is Ingredients: a culinary ambassador, the Food Laureate at University of ¼ cup butter, softened Guelph, and a member of the Order of Canada with many ½ cup granulated sugar other credentials that make her ‘the voice’ in the Canadian ¼ cup liquid honey – Beeland honey is a personal fafood industry. I met Anita during my first week of work vorite! at Book to Cooks in Vancouver where she was promoting 1 organic egg her book Flavours of Canada. Since this time, Anita has 1 ½ cups cake and pastry flour (or if you don’t have become the forefront of promoting Canadian food within any on hand, just pulse you all-purpose flour in the food our country and abroad. processor a few times)

From Scratch

2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ½ cup buttermilk (and if you don’t have that on hand…1/2 cup milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice and wait five minutes) 1 ½ cups blueberries Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C and prepare muffin tins, either line with muffin papers or wipe with a buttered towel.

2. Meanwhile in a large bowl, whip the butter, sugar and honey until well blended. Add the egg and beat until light in color.

3. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt.

4. Combine with the butter honey mixture, and add the flour and buttermilk alternating between the two until you have a well-blended batter. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter and spoon into the muffin tins. I use an ice cream scoop. It’s clean, easy and most important…all the muffins have equal amounts of batter.

5. Place in the preheated oven and lower the temperature to 375°F/190°C and bake for 20-30 minutes depending on your oven and the size of your muffins. They’re done when the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean (unless of course you’ve stabbed a blueberry)!

Enjoy your Food Day Canada and appreciate all the amazing food our country has to offer. At From Scratch - A Mountain Kitchen, we will be featuring local food on our menu that day. We will be celebrating!

Check out the website at www.fooddaycanada.ca for more info.

Lara McCormack is one of the owners of From Scratch – A Mountain Kitchen in Fairmont Hot Springs where one can savor great seasonal food, sip from a selection of BC wines and enjoy the views of our gorgeous valley landscape.

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

Your Local

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Professionals

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

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

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

WETT Certified

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

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

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS Rolf Heer April 7 1954 to July 21 2020 Photograph courtesy Marlene Chabot

With deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Rolf, Radium’s legendary Woodcarver, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

God broke the mold after Rolf was born to the late Albert and Anna Heer-Zimmerman, in Glarus, Switzerland. He was one of three children - a bright, creative, engaging and highly mischevious young boy and he was a handful for his straight-laced, conservative parents.

By the time he was in grade 5, they were so exasperated, they put him in an all-girls school, just to teach him a lesson. To their dismay, he loved it there - and until the day he died, some of the fondest memories of his childhood were in that classroom, knitting his own socks, sewing his own dresses, baking muffins, playing classical piano...and communing with the girls.

After completing high school in Switzerland, he got his Certificate in Forestry and emigrated to Canada at the age of 21, first landing in Montreal. From there he came to Radium and was employed by BC Forestry Services. Rolf loved it here and said it “smelled like Switzerland”, so he settled in and built his legacy - the “Home of a Thousand Faces”, which was famous worldwide and featured on TV’s “Weird Homes”.

He became known as “The wizard who guarded the crack in the mountain” (Sinclair Canyon) until his beloved home and all of his creations, burned to the ground in November of 2018. Rolf experienced the world and traveled to over 80 countries, making lifelong friends along the way. Up until recent years, he spent his winters quietly fishing for his dinner in Thailand.

Rolf touched many, many lives and was the most authentic human being anyone could meet. When you were face to face with him, you couldn’t help but look inside your own soul. There was no hiding from someone like Rolf - everything was on the table. He exhibited a rare honesty, a childlike wonder and a free and generous spirit like no other.

Rolf leaves to mourn his passing, his brother Albert (Boni) Heer (Thailand) (son Mark, daughter Sybille); his sister Esther Trueti-Heer (husband Martin, daughters Claudia, Sonja & Nicole, son Patrick (Switzerland); Uncle Bob Zimmerman (Radium), daughters Nicole and Denise; and his many friends and fans worldwide. He wanted to express his gratitude to Drs. Johnson and Manheimer, to very special nurses Lola and Vivian, and to Margaret, his devoted caregiver, without whom he would not have survived the past year . Thank you also to Columbia Gardens for their exemplary care in his last few months.

As per his wishes, Rolf has been cremated and will be interred at a later date in the memorial wall behind St.Joseph’s Catholic Church in Radium, where he joked that he had “bought a condo on the side of the hill so I can keep an eye on my place”.

He has donated his famous little corner of the planet to the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce , with plans to build what he wanted to call “Woodcarver Park” in his memory.

WOODCARVER’S POEM - unknown

I saw this piece of wood one day, By one final cut it was set free, When I picked it up it seemed to say My work of art for all to see.

“There’s something hiding inside of me, This piece of wood, which would just lay Remove some chips and you will see.”

And see its body soon decay.

I looked to see what I might find And soon an image came to mind.

My task was now to set it free What’s hidden in this piece of tree.

Was now transformed and given life With careful cuts of gouge and knife, By carving something from this tree It lives again because of me.

Phone: 250-341-6299 Email: amanda@columbiavalleypioneer.com Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com GARAGE SALES

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

Garage Sale: Various neighbors!

Saturday August 1st, 8 a.m. to noon, 1764 Fort Point Close, Invermere Various sizes of plastic gas cans, shovels, pick, sledge hammer, 3/4”- 50 ft+ hoses, electric hedge trimmer, metal/plastic file boxes, outfitter tent poles, metal workbench vice, sump pump, foam roles, lots of other stuff!

CHEERS to Telus Service Technician Sean M who went above and beyond his job description to help me set up my printer after replacing an old router for a new one...service was on his own time and we are forever grateful!

Jeers to the people on the beach last weekend that abused the bylaw officer.

Your swearing at him made everyone uncomfortable. He was professional and just walked away. It’s a real hard job and people like you make it worse.

Cheers to the beach patrol.

Garage Sale Edgewater Mini Storage and Antique Store 4845 Hammond Ave. Edgewater. Lots of stuff. Sat. and Sun. Aug 1st and 2nd, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free Coffee, COVID-19 Sanitizing and Distancing in place.

ANNOUNCEMENT Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere.

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

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

CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to all you shoppers that actually walk by the hand sanitizer in our grocery stores and don’t use it. AND don’t even follow the arrows on the floor giving us the chance to social distance. Please watch Dr. Bonnie Henry on T.V.; one family member enter the store.

Cheers to Private Connection and Darryl and crew for doing a superb job on window cleaning our home in Windermere!

Cheers to Doug Charlton from Bike It Forward for the great bikes he donated to Little Badgers. What a great program he is running! The kids will make good use of them!

Cheers to Kootenay National Park for having the foresight to build animal fencing and underpasses along a section of the highway through the park. When the Trans-Canada highway east of Golden is closed for major upgrading in the near future, and traffic is diverted to Kootenay Park, this might be the only part of the highway that escapes wildlife carnage due to the massive increase in traffic.

Big CHEERS to Sean at Telus for your exceptional customer service and truly caring about your clients and keeping us connected.

Cheers to a nice smile, I’ll mention it twice! Emily’s smile is AWESOME! Especially when one is feeling down after a long day! The “remembering” takes a couple of days...but then Emily nails it! My heartfelt Cheers to you Emily!

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

LOST AND FOUND Cheers to Home Hardware for your selection of staff and the authority you entrust to them.

Kyle. AJ. Haley ...Such super service... research on YouTube helping me with the garden tool; Haley for your efficient patient always smiling service at the till.

No wonder I appreciate and shop first at Home Hardware!

A THOUSAND CHEERS to the team at Main Street Fun and Games for going to incredible lengths to keep everyone safe who is in your store. You were already one of the best businesses around, and you’ve taken it to another level!

FOUND: Stand-up Paddle Board Paddle. Found at Lake Lillian on July 20, 2020. We believe it belonged to a pair of women who were there with their dog, Pippa. If you know them or this is you, please call 1-403-6304935 to identify.

LOST: White Hobie Cat sailboat is missing from July 18th, likely broke free of its mooring after wind storms at very sound end of lake. Please contact: chriswberry@me.com, 403-9758103.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED Urgently seeking housing Invermere teacher excellent credit rental history & references.

2 bedroom w/ storage late August 250 785 0052 jhebdentaylor@yahoo.com

HOUSE FOR RENT Windermere: furnished 1-bdrm home for rent September to May. N/S, pets considered, references required. $800/mo plus hydro. llccakamom@ hotmail.com.

CONDO FOR RENT Seasonal Rental. 1-bdrm Fully furnished Condo for-rent in Akiskinook. Unit#30. Rent includes WIFI/TV..

Your responsible for Utilities. Non smoking, No pets. $950/mo.

September 1st possession Until end of May. 1-403-829-9991.

HOUSE FOR SALE 2,400 sq. ft. home situated on .62 of an acre in Windermere.

4-bdrm, 3 bath, walkout basement, large outdoor living space. $448,000. 250-342-8334.

July 30, 2020

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

BUYING OR SELLING?

ROUTER SYSTEM PORTER-CABLE ROUTER on a 3 drawer hand made stand with ½” and ¼’ inch shank holders along with an excellent Jessem table and fine adjustment depth gauge. A very fine router system. $700. Call: 250-341-3540 H; 250-341-5635 C; Prapro@shaw. ca.

I specialize in rural, recreational, farm and ranch properties.

BARRY BROWN-JOHN

SERVICES

“Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Call or text

250-342-5245 b.brownjohn@gmail.com 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 ACREAGE FOR SALE 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.

Warn 8274 Electric 2 Way Winch, 8,000 lb capacity. Hand control, Mounting Bracket, hardly used. Full Drum of Cable, eye hook. $400.00. 778-526-5244 Invermere #.

Vari Kennel Ultra Dog Kennel.

36” long, 24” wide, 27” high.

New condition, $100.00. 778526-5244 Invermere #.

Older Evinrude 4 HP 2 Cycle c/w manual. Complete overhaul, New gas, leg oil, spark plugs.

Runs great! $390.00. 778-5265244 Invermere #.

Vintage Leather Horse Saddle Bags, 18” wide x 14 “ High $100.00. 778-526-5244 Invermere #.

FIREWOOD Split Pine. We deliver. Call 250342-5481. 127 Westside Rd.

CONDO FOR SALE

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Condo for sale (WPt). 2-bdrm/ den, f/f, top floor, mtn/lake views, walk to beach, price reduced $254,900, 403-968-9222.

2007 Chev DuraMax Diesel Cargo Van. 230,000kms. 2 sets excellent tires. Great toy hauler. $10,200.

Radium Hot Springs Condo for Sale. 2-bdrm, 2 bath. Ground level, corner unit, free hydro and propane. Underground parking, $158,000 O.B.O. Call 250-6881544.

SERVICES Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Please email classified ads to

LEASE OPPORTUNITY

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Fairmont Hot Springs 1,250 sq. ft.

Unit 3 Fairmont Village Mall CALL 250-341-7345 Or email: rhaynesmagellan@gmail.com

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!

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

Don’t Miss an Issue!

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

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

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.

N E W S PA P E R

Read us online:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

C O N T R A C T I N G LT D A DIVISION OF GREGSON HOLDINGS

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.

is currently looking to fill the following positions: • Grademan/Pipe Layers • Operators/Level 3 First Aid Flag Person Please apply 250-754-7260 • www.copcan.ca

Request for proposals

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

SERVICES

POWER PAVING -No job too smallFree Estimates Call (250) 421-1482

Columbia Valley Better at Home is looking for motivated

Self-employed Contract House Cleaners to provide light housekeeping for seniors.

Contact Family Dynamix for details 250-342-5566 or 250-342-1110 Resource, Development & Advocacy

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

WE ARE HIRING! Full-time, year-round position Sunchaser Vacation Villas is currently seeking a:

MAINTENANCE LABOURER The successful candidate should have a wide variety of basic electrical, plumbing, appliance repair, general building maintenance experience related to the care and upkeep of guest condos, resort buildings, recreation centre and mechanical rooms. This position requires standing, sitting, walking, lifting, reaching, learning, problem solving, and interacting with others throughout the workday.

The applicant must: • • • • •

be able to work weekends and statutory holidays; hold a valid BC Driver’s Licence; have a driving record in Good Standing; be able to lift up to 50 lbs.; be proactive, flexible, and able to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

• have the ability to follow direction and standards set by the Resort.

We offer competitive wages and a great working atmosphere, apply now! Please send your resume with a cover letter to: Email: jobs@sunchaservillas.ca Fax: Attention: Employment at 1-250-345-6166

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

HELP WANTED

SENIOR MARKETING CONSULTANT Award-winning media company Kamloops This Week has an immediate opening for a senior multimedia marketing consultant for our suite of print and digital products. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, highly organized and able to work in a fast-paced environment. The candidate will lead KTW to great success in this dynamic position and have a strong drive for networking. The candidate will also work creatively with a diverse team to provide the appropriate marketing opportunities and solutions for our clients.

Marketing and/or advertising background is an asset, but not required.

YOU HAVE: • Strong understanding of goal-oriented sales • Passion for digital marketing • Passion to be creative • Strong, genuine customer service skills • Building strategic marketing campaigns • Brand awareness • Ability to adapt to different types of clients • Passion to drive business and create long-term relationships WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU: • Competitive compensation based on previous experience • Company benefits • Professional print and digital training Interested applicants should send or email resume to: Ray Jolicoeur, Sales Manager Kamloops This Week 1365-B Dalhousie Drive Kamloops B.C. V2C 5P6 Kamloops This Week is part of ray@kamloopsthisweek.com the Aberdeen Publishing Group

Team Mineault-Smith forms election slate for MNBC’s upcoming election this fall

By Breanne Massey Local Journalism Initiative With the upcoming Métis Nation of B.C. (MNBC) election fast approaching, a slate of political candidates with shared beliefs in community governance, the importance of cultural values and traditions have joined forces to challenge the current provincial administration for Métis chartered communities.

Walter Mineault, who currently serves as MNBC’s regional director #7 for northeastern B.C. and the Associate Minister of Natural Resources from Dawson Creek, has recently formed Team Mineault-Smith in an effort to replace MNBC’s current president Clara Morin Dal Col in the provincial governance structure.

Lissa Smith, the current MNBC vice-president, will be joining Mineault to run as an incumbent for the election this fall.

“This team actually formed itself,” Mineault told the Pioneer. “Over the last couple of months, we’ve had some really good conversations and we want to see things change… This group of people is so diverse and so knowledgeable.”

This year’s MNBC general election will be held between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. pacific time on Thursday, Sept.

10 with mail-in ballots only.

The purpose of the election is to formally appoint an MNBC president, vice-president, regional youth chair, regional women’s representative, chair-person of Métis Women and seven regional directors throughout the

province.

Shaughn Davoren is campaigning for the Provincial Youth Chair Nominee role at MNBC. Patrick Hariott, who currently serves as the president of the Métis Nation of Greater Victoria’s chartered community, will be running for Region# 1 in Vancouver Island and Powell River.

Louis De Jaeger will be running for MNBC Region# 2 director in the Lower Mainland.

Dean Gladue intends to run for MNBC Region #3 director in the Thompson Okanagan. Gladue told the Pioneer that the group of people in this particular slate have grass-roots connections to their home communities, and hopes to see grass-roots return to the provincial governance structure going forward so that positive change for each community is noticeably visible through collaborative work and strong communication.

Columbia Valley Métis Association president Debra Fisher plans to run for MNBC Region# 4 director to represent the East and West Kootenay chartered communities.

However, there are currently no affiliations in this election slate team of hopeful MNBC candidates to represent Region# 5, 6 and 7 on behalf of northern B.C. Candidates from Team Mineault-Smith who are contesting existing incumbents during the 2020 MNBC election recently met at Riverside Park in Kamloops to film campaign advertisements and interviews with Kamloops film crews. The election is scheduled to take place on Sept. 10 with mail-in ballots.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Print and Digital Reporter/Photographer

L I V E ( A N D WORK ) W I TH PASSI ON !

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is looking for a full-time Print and Digital Reporter/Photographer for our news operation based in Invermere. We operate a daily news site columbiavalleypioneer.com, and a weekly print publication, as well as various speciality magazines produced on an annual basis.

The successful candidate works well in a team setting, but is self-motivated.

You will be responsible to write multiple news stories every week for print and on-line publication, take photographs to accompany stories, attend community events and lay out pages (all while respecting Social Distancing requirements).

Everything with Passion is one of our core values and we believe it makes us the ideal place to start or grow your career…or maybe just a great place to spend your summer.

If you are passionate about living a lifestyle rich in outdoor experiences and working with a company that offers perks such as complimentary skiing, golf and mineral hot pools, and competitive compensation and benefits, check us out at www.fairmonthotsprings.com We are currently hiring for the following positions: Golf Shop Agent Room Attendant Please visit our website to view all available positions

NOTICE

Qualifications • Journalism education: degree, diploma or certificate; or equivalent work experience.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

• Positive attitude, must be organized and able to work both independently and in a team setting.

• Experience in InDesign, Photoshop, and posting to social media.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to: rdoull@aberdeenpublishing.com

N E W S PA P E R

The company offers competitive benefit and pension plans. The position is based in our office at 1008, 8th Ave Invermere, B.C. Applications must be received by August 14 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

Due to the B.C. Day holiday, our office will be closed

Monday, August 3rd We will re-open for business at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 4th.

Advertising deadlines for the August 6th issue have changed to Thursday, July 30th at noon and the Classified deadline is Friday, July 31st at noon.

Phone: 250-341-6299 • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020

COVID-19 could bring retirees, recent grads and their spending power to the valley . . . ‘Economic assessment’ from 14 How do we engage these students in remote work, work from home, tech and “start-up” culture now? How do we help them have a good time - such a good time, where they can envision themselves getting an advanced education while staying in the Columbia Valley? Is COVID-19 the catalyst for a new generation of “homesteading”?

If we do it well, they might want to finish their studies remotely and stay here, which will increase our population. And they may be inclined to start up new, technology-focused businesses right here.

Preparing for Snowbirds to touch down The second target market is Snowbirds – you know, the ones you find all over the Columbia wetlands in the spring. No, not the ones with feathers! The Snowbirds that drive there, like to watch birds, are retired, enjoy the art of slow travel, golf a lot, and immerse themselves in their circle of friends and community.

Snowbirds spotted?

ment due to the pandemic), and the Snowbirds, we could see 1,000 – 2,000 more people living in the Columbia Valley this fall and winter (up from our 2016 Census population of 9,482).

How will we welcome them? What will they want to do – for work, for volunteering (voluntourism), for fun? How will we help them feel included and create a sense of belonging, while maintaining COVID protocols, and keep everyone safe?

What do they need to be successful? Broadband; public wifi; good accommodation; recreation and social opportunities; health and social services; good value with all products and services.

How will businesses help these groups spend money? With all economies contracting, both of these markets won’t be working full-time and are price sensitive. Perhaps, optimized goods and services (e.g. special seasonal passes); adjusted operating hours, online store; improved accessibility or delivery services can help increase your share of their wallet? Can your organization target both group, or do a great job of focusing on one? Have you looked into the revised wage subsidy programs that will be available through the fall, just as CERB winds down?

We don’t have all the answers yet. But we all use our time wisely in August, ask the right questions, and put the right plans in place for this possible scenario, we can ensure that our recent recovery success doesn’t end with the summer.

And what attracts these two demographic groups, will also benefit the growing population that work from home (WFH) and work from anywhere (WFA). With continuing technological innovation, workforce development and collaborative social services, living in the Columbia Valley will be more sustainable after this pandemic has past.

Ryan Watmough is the Columbia Valley’s community economic development officer. For more information, contact him at cvced@rdek.bc.ca

Photo submitted

If the current COVID case situation holds, many of Canada’s 300,000 Snowbirds won’t likely return to traditional warm weather states like Florida, Arizona, Texas or California this winter.

In Canada, Osoyoos has become the unofficial winter capital for Snowbirds. Osoyoos, in the southern-most tip of Okanagan Valley, has milder-than-most winters and a lot of short-term-accommodation that empty as kids go back to school.

Osoyoos’ destination marketing organization (DMO) helps market these underutilized hotel/motel accommodations in the summer through a Winter Accommodation list, which includes info on monthly rates, kitchens, pet-friendliness, housekeeping, pool, fitness centre, in-room phones, wifi, and laundry facilities.

The concept of creating and marketing a list like this of local accommodations is under discussion in the Columbia Valley. If local hotels/motels can significantly increase their occupancy through the traditionally slower fall and winter, we can preserve jobs and smooth out the Valley’s tourism season.

First, one would expect that our local Snowbirds will be more likely to stay in the Columbia Valley this winter. That will fill up their seasonal homes and our businesses.

Second, one could expect local families with retired parents and grandparents elsewhere to invite them here for extended visits. Should they need extra room, our many local hotels/motels can serve them well. Or, more likely they will find a short term rental property that is converted to a long term rental.

Third, one may see healthy and active Snowbirds from across Canada flocking to relatively warmer climes, with fewer faces and bigger spaces, like the Columbia Valley – the warm side of the Rockies. These folks could find a perfect fit at our local hotels/ motels, if they are effectively marketed to. With RVing growing in popularity, many of them will bring their own self-contained accommodation. And they could get here in time to watch their feathered friends head south.

Similar needs at each end of the age spectrum curve No one wants to experience the effects of a pandemic. But the Columbia Valley is a pretty good place to ride it out.

Combining the post-secondary students (and some other young people taking a year off to travel, as their demographic has been experiencing record high-unemploy-

Seniors carpet bowling at the Radium centre.

Photo submitted

July 30, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

FAITH God’s plan for us

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church The times we live in are like no other in recent history. It is easy, especially watching the news, to become fearful, to worry about what is going to happen next year, or the year after. Have faith and trust God; He knows. Last week I preached on Jeremiah 33:3, what we call God’s phone number. It says: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

God knows all things. It is up to us to trust Him, spend time in prayer, let Him encourage us, spend time in His Word, and let Him show us what His plan is for us.

Ephesians 2:4-10 says: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith He loved us. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his work-

manship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

God saves us by His grace when we believed. And we can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece.

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things planned for us long ago.”

What are those good things God has planned for you, for me, for us? Jeremiah 33:3 says: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

God has the answer. All we have to do is ask, spend time with Him, read the Bible and pray every day.

I am going to conclude with Paul’s prayer in Ephesians chapter three. “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”

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 service which starts at 10:30am Sundays.

Recorded services can be accessed by typing WVSM Invermere Anglican United Church.

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 4,400 copies far in circulation each week, th er your message is resonating with residents and visitors alike.

Comet aglow: Denise Hoffgaard took this stunning shot of Comet NEOWISE from the Fairmont Riverside golf course. “It was a night without a moon so there was not much light disturbance,” she said.

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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

July 30, 2020